The One Percent Prep Team
We are a group of passionate and dedicated tutors who know exactly what it takes to be competitive in the college process
Our Leadership Team
Ashkan Vafai
Co-Founder
Ashkan is a former management consultant and Columbia University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience and Economics-Philosophy. His teaching experience began as a tutor in the Columbia Philosophy Department, helping fellow students break down complex texts, extract key concepts, and enhance both their writing and analytical capabilities.
Ashkan also has multiple years of research experience at a computational neuroscience lab and is well versed in helping students understand complex subjects in the sciences. His deep background across both quantitative sciences and the humanities means he is particularly well-equipped to prepare students for standardized tests such as the SAT and ACT. His tutoring philosophy centers on helping students cultivate a genuine interest in the subjects they are studying.
Outside of academia, Ashkan loves to design clothing, run in Central Park, and cook for his friends.
Kyle Creech
Co-Founder
Kyle is a Fulbright Scholar and Columbia University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science-Mathematics and Psychology. He has 10 years of tutoring experience working with 50+ students on test prep, college counseling and mathematics.
Kyle began peer tutoring in high school, where he received a perfect 800 score on the SAT Math. At Columbia university, he worked as a peer tutor for single and multivariable Calculus and as a teaching assistant for Calculus III and Linear Algebra. He also worked as an online college admissions counselor, advising high schoolers on their college applications. After graduating, Kyle received a Fulbright Fellowship to teach English in Thailand. Since then, he has continued to tutor students online in mathematics and standardized test prep for the last 5 years.
In his free time, Kyle enjoys coaching wrestling, playing chess, traveling and reading.
Brandon is a Summa Cum Laude graduate of Columbia University with a bachelor's degree in Anthropology. He combines his experience in B2B sales and entrepreneurship with a decade of experience in college prep, helping students navigate the complex college admissions landscape.
His educational career began during his time at Columbia, where he developed a systematic approach to breaking down complex academic material and building compelling narratives. Over the past 10 years, he has established himself as a college application strategist, leveraging his entrepreneurial background and sales expertise to help students stand out in the competitive admissions process.
As a college admissions consultant, Brandon brings unique insights from founding and scaling multiple ventures, including a successful DTC brand and contributing to AI startup fundraising. His experience in strategic business development and consultative selling allows him to help students develop distinctive application strategies and craft compelling personal narratives that resonate with admissions committees.
Outside of education and business, Brandon is an active volunteer with the Christopher Reeves Foundation, where he assists with fundraising and awareness campaigns for spinal cord injury research. He maintains a strong commitment to both entrepreneurship and giving back to the community.
Brandon Marco
Partner Relations
OUR VALUES
We believe college prep should be clear and accessible
for everyone
Transparency
We bring transparency to the opaque college admission process. By offering straight-forward test prep and honest college essay guidance, we help students understand where they can improve and how to get into their desired college.
Accessibility
All of our services are conducted via Zoom, making top tier college prep available wherever you are. No need to drive to test prep centers or live in major cities to receive college prep services from those who know it best.
Simplicity
Getting into a good college doesn’t have to be complicated. That’s why we focus on simplifying the college admissions process by focusing on what matters most: great standardized test scores and a standout applicant profile.
Personalization
We believe in catering to the individual student. That’s why we don’t ever take a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, we identify each student’s strengths, weaknesses and goals to craft a unique study plan.