Struggling with vocabulary and test-taking strategies, Daniel faced an uphill battle to get into his dream school. But with a rigorous study plan and relentless dedication, he didn’t just meet his goals—he shattered them, achieving top SAT and ACT scores that changed his future forever. You won’t believe the transformation from an 1100 SAT to a 1420 SAT score and a 33 ACT score!
Daniel’s Goals
Daniel, a dedicated student with big dreams, had to improve his test scores to get into his first-choice college. Starting with an initial SAT score of 1100, Daniel had to overcome vocabulary and test-taking strategy obstacles, all while targetting a score of 1360-1420.
Reading and Vocabulary Challenges
Daniel’s parents spoke English as a second language, making his struggle with vocabulary significant. His family’s Ukrainian background added complexity, as there were few shared linguistic roots with English. To address this, we implemented a comprehensive vocabulary-building strategy. I assigned Daniel a range of articles to read and podcasts to listen to weekly, having him make a note of and look up every unfamiliar word. This diligent practice expanded his vocabulary and enhanced his ability to understand context clues and derive meanings from the text.
Mastering the SAT and ACT Test-Taking Strategies
Despite strong initial math skills, Daniel’s SAT math score did not reflect his abilities. We focused on honing his SAT test-taking strategies. Daniel’s hard work and commitment led to remarkable improvements. From an initial score of 1100, he raised his score to 1260 within two months. By his third SAT attempt four months later, Daniel achieved a 680 in English and a 740 in math, culminating in a total score of 1420—right at the upper end of his target range.
Daniel’s journey, however, didn’t end there. Not satisfied with his SAT success, he challenged himself further by preparing for the ACT. With focused study and preparation, Daniel increased his ACT score from an initial 28 to an impressive 33 in just six weeks, surpassing the average target score for his dream university.
Daniel’s Results and Future
Today, Daniel is in his sophomore year as an engineering student at his first-choice university. His outstanding test scores secured his admission, earning him a substantial financial aid package. Daniel and his mom have since recommended several other students to me for SAT and ACT prep, reflecting their satisfaction with the tutoring experience.
You Can Do This Too!
Daniel’s journey from struggling with language barriers and test-taking techniques to excelling in the SAT and ACT is a testament to what determination and effective tutoring can achieve. His story should inspire other students facing similar challenges, demonstrating they can surpass their goals with the right support and a strong work ethic.
Free SAT/ACT consultation
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