Featured Test Prep Student: Omar Altimany

Last updated Apr 15, 2021

SUBSCRIBE

Seventeen-year-old Omar Altimany has an active schedule. He currently works on the yearbook staff, participates in diversity clubs, and is involved in winter track and field at his high school, Germantown Academy, while also interning at a state senator’s office. Although this impressive extracurricular life would be plenty to keep most high school students on their toes, Omar has also dedicated significant time and effort to his academics in the past year.

While he’s never had trouble with regular school-subject testing, Omar realized when he was taking a practice PSAT that he couldn’t focus on the questions at hand. His mind was preoccupied, focusing on how critical the actual test would be in determining his future. Omar recognized that his overwhelming standardized test anxiety was holding him back from getting the scores he knew he could achieve.

“With standardized testing, you can’t study the specific information like you can on a test in school. I get really nervous during standardized testing. I start to zone out and freak out, so I realized that I needed someone to help me with that,” Omar explained.

Omar and his parents knew that some coaching and guidance would be beneficial for him. They had heard about A+ Test Prep and Tutoring through a friend, and so they decided to enroll Omar in the A+ Ultimate Test Prep Program.

“I met with Dan from A+, and I knew once I stepped foot in there that this was the right place for me. I had tutors who were helping me out whenever I needed them,” Omar shared.

Download the free ACT Test Prep Tip Sheet here for 30 tips to help you suceed on the ACT

Omar spent five months this year prepping for the ACT with his main tutor, Melissa Nash, and also with Jonathan Kustina for math and science and Beth Bantley on the verbal sections.

“Omar was a very hard-working student. We met for two-hour sessions—half verbal, half math/science—and we always ran out of time before we ran out of interest,” Nash said. “Time was a problem for Omar on the ACT, especially on reading and science. This had a negative effect on Omar’s performance. We practiced using the Testing Timers ACT watch to address the time issue. I also provided some exercises he could work on to control his anxiety. Recognizing these things seemed to be helpful for him.”

With the help of his tutors, Omar’s scores and confidence improved each time he took an ACT test. Taking the ACT test a total of five times between February and October 2016, Omar raised his overall score from a 22 to a 29.

Omar enjoyed the accountability the Ultimate Test Prep Program provided. “So often when someone goes to a tutor, they get thrown a book. I don’t really like that method—however, A+ tutors work one-on-one with you to understand what’s going to work best for your needs,” he said.

His mom, Nina, was thrilled with Omar’s results. “I spoke about A+ at our school’s board meeting. I said to them, my son went up seven points. Your kids can benefit from this program too.”

Omar’s hard work has paid off. Now that he is happy with his ACT score, he’s looking forward to the next step: college. He hopes to study political science or law, two areas that have always fascinated him.

Congratulations on your commendable score, Omar, and best of luck to you as you pursue your interests!

0 Comments

What They're Saying

    EXCELLENT  
  48 reviews on
 
 
         
   Angela Jay 
 2024-02-15
 
 
   Best Decision Ever!

A+ Tutoring proved to be a transformative experience for me, surpassing all my expectations. Without hesitation, I wholeheartedly recommend A+ Tutoring to any parent or guardian seeking academic improvement and aiming to unlock their child’s full potential.

Prior to selecting A+, I carefully researched and evaluated other services. My goals were twofold: to prepare my son for the standardized testing required for preparatory school and college applications, and to enhance his time management skills and study habits.

Mr. John’s personalized approach resonated with my son’s personality and specific learning needs. Despite my son’s demanding sports schedule, Mr. John was incredibly flexible and accommodating. The sessions were comprehensive, combining instruction, engaging conversations, and homework assignments to reinforce existing concepts and introduce new ones in advanced math, English, and science.

The tangible outcomes were apparent: not only did my son’s grades improve by at least one grade level, but he also secured early admission to prep school! Moreover, I observed a significant boost in his confidence and overall demeanor.

I am deeply grateful to Mr. John, Ms. Dorothea, and Mr. Dan for their exceptional dedication and support. They truly went above and beyond to ensure that we felt fully supported throughout the process. Their contributions have made a profound impact on my son’s academic journey, maximizing the value of my investment.
  
 
 
       
   Kenneth Greenspan 
 2023-11-28
 
 
   Extremely professional and thorough
  
 
 
       
   Leah Reinhard Peshek 
 2023-11-15
 
 
   I just wanted to thank A+ for helping my son achieve his goals. He worked with 2 instructors Andrew and Barbara for both the SAT and AP exams. Whatever they did it was magic! Not only did he get the results he wanted- he surpassed them. It was hands-off for me, he scheduled and communicated with his instructors on his own, which taught him responsibility and accountability. Yet, their lesson follow-up emails kept me in the loop. I can’t recommend them any more highly. If you decide to use them you won’t be disappointed, you will see a student who is better prepared for their studies as well as any tests they choose to take- they even seem more mature and confident. A+ I’m giving you an A+ Thank you so much, Leah Reinhard.
  
 
 
       
   Rebekka Hartwell 
 2023-10-28
 
 
   We had a great experience with A+ Test Prep and Tutoring. I appreciated that the tutor tailored the sessions around our daughter's needs and worked with her strengths. I can definitely recommend this program to anyone needing some extra support.
  
 
 
       
   Rhiannon Kelly 
 2023-08-31
 
 
   My son needed assistance preparing for an exam. We reached out to A+ test prep and they were wonderful. They were able to schedule him for tutoring without an delays. Their knowledge, assistance and guidance speaks volumes. A+ exceeded all outlets expectations. Thank you
  
 
 
       
   Andrea Emmons 
 2023-07-06
 
 
   The tutors were terrific, very thoughtful and really understood my child's needs in terms of studying. The hours worked well with our schedule and the homework assigned was super helpful!
  
 
 
       
   V Penz 
 2023-06-22
 
 
   A+ Test Prep provided superior tutoring custom-tailored to meet my son’s specific needs and learning style. His SAT score increased by 160 points with 12 hours of tutoring!!! That put him well-within range for all of the schools to which he is applying. A+ truly listened to make sure they exceeded our expectations starting with matching our son with Rob. He is an experienced tutor who set goals and developed a specialized plan. Rob taught clear, structured, organized lessons, helped my son plan his practice and homework, and taught test stress-management and relaxation techniques. These lessons also helped fill-in gaps from the pandemic.  The writing, reading and math lessons and strategies  Rob taught gave Dylan a strong foundation of critical-thinking skills which will serve him well in college, the work-force, and beyond.  A+ staff, including Rob, gave prompt, detailed and insightful feedback after each session. You will get ENORMOUS value for your financial investment with A+.  I investigated 6 other tutoring companies and am confident A+ was the best for tailoring their tutoring to a program that best fit my son’s learning style!!
  
 
 
       
   Megan Gasper 
 2023-05-26
 
 
   This tutoring program literally changed my daughters test scores by 1000 points, and they were so helpful, and communicative with me the entire time. I really recommend them for every student, whether they are trying to make their test scores better, or make their scores above excellent
  
 
 
       
   Zarah Adams 
 2023-05-04
 
 
   We chose A+ for Preparation to help our daughter prepare for college entrance exams. May daughter had Pam for the verbal portion of the exam. Pam was amazing! She asked about extra-curricular activities and demonstrated genuine interest in my daughter's role as a student in and outside of the classroom. Pam also noted how important these activities are to colleges. John was the tutor for math and science. He helped my daughter feel comfortable and confident in her skills. My daughter's ACT composite score went up 5 points! I would highly recommend A+ for Test Preparation!
  
 
 
  
 
  Load more