Why we cap our cohort size at Acera Prep

Part 1: We work only with students aiming for the top — that takes deep work

At Acera Prep, we don’t do cookie-cutter editing or surface-level “feedback.” We help students apply to the most competitive universities in the world — and that kind of ambition demands something different.

Every student we work with gets:

• A narrative strategy mapped out as we write
• A clear Signature Strength that runs through all written materials
• A dedicated Ivy League–educated mentor guiding the process
• Four rounds of strategic review on every piece of content — including Common App essays, supplements, activities lists, and optional materials

Part 2: Our Cohort Cap Is How We Deliver Real Value

We’ve deliberately designed Acera Prep as a low-volume, high-investment program. That’s what makes this model work.

We’ve seen other firms take on hundreds of students with minimal review. The result? Generic stories, over-polished writing, and zero strategic cohesion.

We chose a different path. We believe students can only write something memorable when they’re being mentored by someone who knows their full arc — not just their most recent draft and the previous advisor’s fragmented notes.

Part 3: What This Means for You

If you’re applying to Harvard, Stanford, MIT, or other ultra-selective universities, you need more than polish. You need a narrative — a strategy — and a partner to help shape it with you.

By working with Acera Prep, you’re getting:

• A trusted, consistent mentor who gets to know your voice and your goals
• Clear structure and deep reviews — not just edits, but real strategic collaboration
• A team that isn’t chasing volume — because we don’t need to

We’re not here to scale. We’re here to shape extraordinary applications. And that only happens when we can give every student the time and focus they deserve.

Want to apply for our next cohort?

Spots are limited. We work with a small group of highly motivated students each year. If you’re aiming for the top and ready to do serious work, we’d love to meet you.