At A+ Tutoring, we’re inspired by the hard work and dedication of each student, and this month, we’re excited to shine a spotlight on Zoe L., a junior at Germantown Friends School. Zoe’s story is a powerful reminder that success doesn’t happen by chance – it’s the result of focus, strategy, and a willingness to put in the work. Her experience with A+ Tutoring demonstrates just how transformative it can be to have the right tools and guidance during the test prep process, as Zoe was able to boost her ACT score by a solid 3 points! We recently caught up with Zoe and her tutors, Laura Dandridge and Christine Sweger, to hear all about her journey and how she made that score soar.
The Beginning of Zoe’s ACT Journey: A Step Toward Success
Zoe’s journey with A+ Tutoring started when she attended a presentation on standardized test preparation hosted by her school’s college counseling team. “I found the presentation really interesting and decided to look into getting some extra help for the ACT,” Zoe recalls. Though she was already a strong student, Zoe knew that her test-taking strategies and time management needed refining to achieve her best score. Enter A+ Tutoring, offering the structure and personalized guidance Zoe needed to navigate the ACT’s challenges and unlock her full potential.
Tackling Time Constraints and Test Anxiety
For Zoe, one of the biggest hurdles in her ACT prep was managing the pressure of time, particularly during the math section. “It was tough to finish all 60 math questions in 60 minutes,” Zoe admits. Additionally, recalling math concepts from previous years posed a challenge. “Some of the topics were tricky to remember, especially since they pop up often in the ACT,” she says.
Her math tutor, Laura Dandridge, worked closely with Zoe to break down these barriers. “Zoe had a solid foundation in math,” Laura says, “but most of our work focused on time management strategies and building confidence under time constraints. We practiced with timed tests and worked on techniques like the two-pass approach, which helped her move through the questions more efficiently.” These sessions were key to Zoe’s success – not only helping her finish on time but also making sure she didn’t rush through questions and miss opportunities to demonstrate her skills.
Zoe’s test anxiety, especially around managing time during the reading section, was another area of focus. “Zoe initially struggled with finishing the reading section on time,” says Christine Sweger, Zoe’s verbal tutor. “Zoe would lose more points towards the end of a section, especially Reading, most likely due to spending too much time on one passage. Zoe and I worked on test-taking strategies that would make her a more efficient test-taker. Since Zoe is an excellent reader, we focused on strategies like process of elimination,” Christine explains. With consistent practice, Zoe became faster and more confident, helping her conquer her anxiety.
Consistency and Smart Strategies: The Key to Zoe’s Success
What set Zoe apart in her preparation was her commitment to regular practice and her willingness to refine her approach. “I made it a habit to take practice tests in a quiet space,” she shares. “Doing one or two at a time helped me simulate the test environment and really feel prepared when the test day came.”
This disciplined, focused approach allowed Zoe to continuously identify areas of improvement and work through them with her tutors. “Zoe was proactive,” says Christine. “She wasn’t afraid to pinpoint her weaknesses and put in the effort to address them. Her attitude was always constructive, and that played a big part in her progress.”
One of their major areas of focus was the ACT English section, where Christine helped Zoe develop a critical strategy for tackling the “Omit” answer choice, which appears frequently. “Christine taught me that the shortest answer is often the best,” Zoe says. “I kept that in mind when taking the actual test, and it made a huge difference in my score.”
Meanwhile, Laura’s math instruction focused on understanding the questions better. “When we reviewed her practice tests, Zoe’s mistakes often had to do with the wording or interpretation of the questions, rather than the actual content knowledge.” By helping Zoe interpret questions, she was able to improve.
Zoe’s Advice to Future Test-Takers
For students just beginning their test prep journey, Zoe offers some valuable advice: “Organization and persistence are key! It’s important to stay consistent with your studying and not get discouraged.” Her approach to the ACT is a perfect example of how a structured routine and proactive mindset can make all the difference. Her advice also aligns perfectly with A+ Tutoring’s philosophy: with the right guidance and support, every student has the opportunity to reach their goals and overcome any challenges in their path.
Looking Toward the Future
Zoe’s story doesn’t end with the ACT. With her eye on the future, she’s exploring her college options and plans to major in Environmental Studies. “Even though I’m not sure exactly where I’ll go, I’m really excited about studying Environmental Studies,” Zoe says. “I’d love to get involved in environmental policy down the road.” Zoe’s aspirations are a testament to her drive to create positive change in the world, and we’re confident that the same dedication she showed in preparing for the ACT will propel her to success in whatever she chooses to pursue next.
Final Thoughts: Zoe’s Path to Success
Zoe L.’s journey with A+ Tutoring is a shining example of how hard work, the right guidance, and a positive mindset can lead to success. Her dedication to the process, coupled with the expertise of her tutors, enabled her to tackle the ACT’s challenges and emerge victorious. We can’t wait to see where her journey takes her next – but one thing is for sure: the future is bright for Zoe L.
At A+ Test Prep and Tutoring, our practices are based on the latest developments in educational theory and research. We have an excellent team of tutors who can help you with standardized testing, executive functioning, or achievement in any other school subject. If you want to find out more about our services, contact us here.
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