Julia & Anna:
Two Sisters, Two Unique Test Prep Journeys
Customizing Test Prep for Individual Needs
Are your children completely different in how they approach tests? Do you want to ensure their tutoring experience is tailored to their unique strengths and challenges?
Julia and Anna, two sisters with distinct learning styles, both worked with RTC on ACT preparation. While their approaches and obstacles differed, each achieved incredible success through personalized tutoring and a strategic mindset.
Julia’s Journey: Overcoming Test Nerves for a Perfect Section Score
Identifying Test-Day Challenges
Julia began ACT prep in the spring of her junior year, aiming for a five-point score increase. Early on, it became clear that English was her strongest subject, and she regularly scored between 32-34 in practice. However, when she took a mid-program progress test, her English score dropped to 27 due to test-day nerves.
Mindfulness & Relaxation Techniques
To overcome this, Julia’s remaining test prep focused on calm, focused test-taking:
She identified her favorite relaxation strategy and practiced it daily.
She worked on controlling test anxiety, particularly in the first section.
She committed to focused, confident performance on test day.
Achieving a Perfect Section Score
Julia’s dedication paid off. On her official ACT, she:
Scored a perfect 36 in English
Raised her Superscore Composite by 6 points (equivalent to a 190-point SAT increase)
Julia’s success secured her a merit aid scholarship at Fordham University, where she is thriving.
Anna’s Journey: Adapting Test Prep to Health & Uncertainty
A Different Approach to ACT Prep
The following year, Julia’s younger sister, Anna, began her ACT prep. Unlike Julia, she:
Started early, prepping in the summer before junior year.
Completed entirely virtual tutoring, instead of in-person lessons.
Was a natural test-taker but needed to master advanced math content.
Overcoming Test-Day Challenges
Anna faced unique obstacles, including:
Learning math concepts she hadn’t yet covered in school.
Managing migraines, which could interfere with Test Day.
Navigating COVID test cancellations, forcing her to stay prepared despite uncertainty.
Her tutor designed a plan to keep her progress steady while ensuring she had strategies in place if she had a migraine on Test Day.
Crushing the ACT on the First Attempt
On test day, Anna applied everything she had learned:
She trusted her instincts instead of second-guessing answers.
She used relaxation techniques to stay calm and focused.
She achieved a perfect 36 in Reading and met her overall score goal on the first try!
Because of her early success, Anna spent her junior year focused on school, not test prep stress—allowing her to refine her college applications with confidence.
More Than Just Test Scores: A Family’s Investment in Success
Both Julia and Anna achieved perfect section scores on the ACT, an accomplishment that stands out to college admissions offices. Their success was built on:
Diligence and commitment to test prep.
Personalized tutoring plans that addressed their individual needs.
Strategic investments in both test prep and RTC’s customized college application essay support.
Anna’s college admissions process was seamless—she was recruited to run track for Johns Hopkins University.
Her mother Caroline reflects on the impact of their work with RTC:
"When Hopkins started looking at Anna for track, the process was so smooth. Thanks to her work with you, Anna’s application checked every single box."
For any parent navigating the college admissions journey, that peace of mind is invaluable.
Your Path to Success Starts Here. Now.
Choose Your Focus – Test prep, academic support, strategic reading & writing, college essays, or performance coaching.
Let’s discuss your needs and create a plan together.
Success is closer than you think—let’s take the first step together!