Alum Helps UAlbany Students Reach Their Goals

Every year the University at Albany sends more than 200 graduates on to some of the nation's top law and medical schools. Getting there requires more than a degree. Doing well on the GMAT, LSAT or GRE exams that are required for entrance is also important but preparing for those can be a challenge for already busy students. At UAlbany students have the advantage of taking a test prep class that is offered right on campus by an experienced teacher who also happens to be a UAlbany alumnus.

George DeLuca graduated from UAlbany in 1976 with a major in Political Science and a minor in English. After UAlbany, he went on to law school, but for the last 20 years DeLuca has been running a busy test prep business -- helping students from high school to college-age learn the secrets to improving their scores. "It's not a cram course. I give them a familiarity with the test, pointing them in the right direction showing them the types of questions they can expect, and giving strategies and approaches to answer those questions. Where appropriate, key math and grammar rules are reviewed and I help them learn to manage the time aspects of the test."

About two years ago DeLuca approached UAlbany's Alumni Association to offer test prep courses for students preparing for the GRE, GMAT, and LSAT exams. He considered it a perfect opportunity. He loved coming to Albany and this way he could also make a tangible contribution to his alma mater by offering his expertise. The course has been promoted by emails and flyers and gets anywhere from 12-30 students in each course. Typically about half the students are looking to get into law school and the other half into an MBA program.

That was true for Nichole LaTorre, a junior Chinese major/Japanese minor who wants to study at Fudan University next year in Shanghai and eventually put her language skills together with a business degree. "I really wanted the math review," she said. "The class was perfect for that."

Kevin Daly '05 found the class to be a wonderful learning experience. "The information was communicated in a way that was easy to understand, your questions got answered and we didn't move on until everyone understood the material." Daly got a position with Northwestern Mutual after graduation, but took the GMAT in the spring because he knows the value of a master's degree. "You can earn a higher salary and the longer you wait to go back the harder it can be."

"Taking this class forces you to study in a way that you wouldn't do on your own." said Taran Thrower '05. Senior Georgios Karayainnis agrees and adds: "Because of the course, I did better on the test than I even expected."

For more information on the Test Prep Course for fall 2005 >>

Related Links:
Alumni Association
School of Business