Meet the co-founders
Our Co-Founders, accomplished researchers, academics, and entrepreneurs, are committed to prioritising your needs. Our mission is to offer first-class tutoring services at affordable prices, tailored to meet your US admission requirements with excellence.
Matthew Rudy Meangru, PhD - New York, NY
PhD Mathematics Education, University of East Anglia, 2024
MA Mathematics Education, Teachers College at Columbia University, 2017
Matthew, an Ivy League graduate from Teachers College at Columbia University with a Master’s in Mathematics Education and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from New York University, boasts nine years of experience tutoring students for US admission examinations, including the Digital SAT, ACT, GRE, and GMAT. He has successfully coached students admitted to prestigious universities such as MIT, Baruch College (part of the City University of New York), Arizona State University, and Stanford University.
Partnering with Lee Casey, Matthew co-founded firstprep to assist students globally in gaining admission to US universities and colleges. With a diverse educational background in both the United States and the United Kingdom, Matthew pursued a PhD in Mathematics Education in the UK to expand his knowledge. Along this academic journey, he honed his skills as an independent learner and successful researcher.
Noteworthy for his excellent academic performance and admissions guidance, Matthew also dedicates his spare time to charity runs supporting cancer research and exploring various European countries to immerse himself in diverse cultures and cuisines. With a strong belief in ensuring students find joy in their academic pursuits, Matthew continuously strives to help them exceed their goals. Matthew eagerly anticipates working with you to bring your academic aspirations to fruition.
Lee Casey, PhD - Cambridge, UK
PhD Psychology, University of East Anglia, 2024
MSc Cognitive Neuroscience, University of East Anglia, 2019
Lee is a cognitive scientist with a passion for understanding motivation and decision-making. Prior to heading up operations for firstprep and contributing to our college consulting service, Lee attained a first-class undergraduate degree in Psychology and a Masters in Cognitive Neuroscience, and a PhD in Psychology, from the University of East Anglia, UK.
Lee has also completed internships at Cambridge Cognition, a world leading cognitive assessment company, as well as placements at University College London and the Karolinska Institut, Sweden. He also has experience attaining competitively awarded scholarships for both his Masters and PhD.
Lee has experience in both industry and academia, as he now works for a private cyber security company in London and regularly guest lectures on topics relating to both psychology and cyber security behaviours. For example, he recently delivered a talk on the neuroeconomics of cyber behaviours at The New School, New York, on their Cyber Security and International Affairs Fall Module. He also works as an Associate Tutor for the University of East Anglia.