

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sebastian Gonzalez.
Hi Sebastian, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started my tutoring business, Prep Academy Tutoring, during my senior year of high school as I saw many classmates and sports teammates struggling with their standardized testing. Over time, this passion project developed from helping people at my local high school to those in various other high schools in Florida, to helping students across the country achieve their testing goals.
The past four years have been a journey as I have learned to scale a small operation into a few team members, with many lessons along the way. My passion for tutoring and business management has created an environment where I am always looking for the best way to improve user experience and optimize the strategy of the business.
And while we’ve grown, the mission hasn’t changed—we’re here to meet students where they are, build their confidence, and give them the tools to succeed.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. One of the biggest challenges has been balancing entrepreneurship with being a full-time student. Running a business while managing classes, friendships, and planning for my own career has forced me to grow up quickly and learn how to prioritize what really matters. At times, it can feel like a juggling act—especially when everyone else around you has more predictable schedules.
Another challenge is that when you’re a business owner, you’re essentially ‘on’ 24/7. It’s amazing because I get to pour myself fully into something I’m passionate about, but it also means it can be hard to disconnect. Finding that balance—between building Prep Academy, staying present with friends and family, and keeping an eye on my long-term goals—has been one of the toughest but most rewarding parts of the journey.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Prep Academy is a tutoring company focused on helping students succeed on the SAT, ACT, and in their academic subjects. We specialize in personalized, student-centered prep—offering one-on-one sessions and even an AI-powered platform that helps students track progress, practice smarter, and build confidence.
What sets us apart is how relatable our tutors are. Many of us are recent graduates who understand firsthand the pressure of testing and the college admissions process. That allows us to connect with students on a deeper level—we’re not just teaching material, we’re guiding them through the same challenges we’ve faced ourselves. Parents often tell us their kids feel less intimidated and more motivated because they can see themselves in us.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud that Prep Academy has become known for both results and relationships. We’ve helped students raise their scores, yes—but just as importantly, we’ve built a reputation for creating a supportive environment where students feel encouraged and capable.
For readers, the big takeaway is this: Prep Academy isn’t about a cookie-cutter approach. We meet each student where they are, give them tools that fit their goals, and provide the encouragement to help them succeed—not just on a test, but in building skills and confidence that last beyond the classroom.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Something surprising to people who know my work/brand is that I am still currently in university, and how young I am. On the other end of the spectrum, people who know me are surprised at the scale of how many students I have been able to help in so many geographical areas of the country.
Pricing:
- Sessions start as low as $16/hour, then range to $31/hour, and $56/hour
- My AI Platform allows students to take simulation Digital SATs/ACTs for a fraction of the cost of normal sessions and allow them to have access to a 24/7 tutor at a fraction of the cost.
- The AI Platform has a monthly and lifetime access subscription that allows students in any grade level to benefit from the program from a pricing standpoint.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://prepacademytutoring.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/prepacademytutoring/
- Other: https://prepacademytutoring.myvega.ai/