Jack: Overcoming Learning Differences to Achieve College Dreams

Facing the Challenge

Jack is one of the most remarkable students we’ve ever worked with. When we assessed him, he performed better on the ACT than the SAT, but his starting score was very low: 14 out of 36 (equivalent to 800 on the SAT). Jack, a student with learning differences, had struggled with standardized tests and lacked confidence. His mother, Christy, was unsure if he could reach the 21 ACT score required for his target schools, West Chester University and Temple University.

However, Christy assured us that Jack was incredibly hardworking, and his IEP reflected the same. His teachers praised his determination and diligence, even when faced with challenging material. That was all we needed to know—Jack had the drive, and we knew we could help him.

A Personalized Plan for Success

Miss Claire designed a customized tutoring program tailored to Jack’s specific learning needs. Week after week, Jack worked with his tutor, gradually mastering the material. His progress was impressive, and after completing his first full test prep program, he took his first official ACT and scored a 20—an incredible six-point increase!

While this was a major achievement, Jack still had his sights set on reaching a 21 to meet the admissions requirements for his target schools. Miss Claire and Christy had a discussion, and Miss Claire believed Jack could push even further with some targeted work. Jack, ever dedicated, recommitted to the process.

Pushing Past Expectations

When his original tutor moved out of the area, a new, hand-selected tutor stepped in to continue Jack’s progress. Together, they focused on:

• Strengthening his weaker areas while maximizing his strengths

• Developing test-taking strategies that played to his abilities

• Practicing discipline and focus to ensure his best performance on Test Day

Jack’s tutor left him with one final message: If he took a careful, thoughtful test, he had everything he needed to reach his goal.

Breaking Barriers and Achieving More

When Jack’s final scores arrived, the celebration was overwhelming! Christy emailed us immediately—she and Jack were jumping up and down with joy!

Not only had Jack reached his goal, but he had surpassed it, scoring a 23 on the ACT (equivalent to 1140 on the SAT). The student who once feared standardized tests had conquered the ACT.

His mother summed it up best:
"You definitely had such a huge impact on Jack’s performance. Jack now has proved to himself that commitment, hard work, and most importantly believing in himself really does pay off."

Jack’s journey is a testament to resilience, dedication, and the power of personalized support. He’s now a highly successful student at West Chester University, and an officer in his fraternity. We couldn’t be prouder of him and can’t wait to see all that he accomplishes in the future!