by Claire Russell – Founder, Russell Tutoring
When Caroline wanted to help her daughter Anna reach for top schools, she came to RTC. We had already helped her hardworking daughter Julia achieve significant merit aid to her top school, Fordham University. Anna was equally diligent, and first, we worked with her to achieve on the ACT.
After Anna reached her score goals, the family returned to RTC so that Anna could write an exceptional college application essay. That process eventually led Anna to Johns Hopkins University’s Class of 2026, where she is a member of the track team. Mom Caroline told us, “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.”
That piece of mind is invaluable, and we hear it all the time. People think that tests don’t matter in a partly test-optional environment, but when schools are inundated with applications from test-optional students who are reaching, a competitive SAT or ACT score makes a qualified student stand out.
We worked with another younger sibling this past year, and he excitedly achieved a 5-point increase to a 35 on his ACT – a near-perfect score. His mom Julie regularly texts me updates about Casey, who ended up with tough but enviable decision between Harvard and Stanford. Of course, his ACT score was a key part of that achievement.
That’s why MIT was only the first of many schools to announce they were bringing back the tests. Because schools have been inundated with applications beyond the capacities of their admissions departments, admissions officers are exhausted. Before the pandemic made universal test-optional admissions a reality, the initial sorting process for applicants was fairly straightforward.
Without the great equalizer of test scores, admissions officers have to dig more deeply into a torrent of applications, a time-consuming process. To the colleges, it’s an easy calculus to bring the SAT and ACT requirement back. The tests are here to stay, so let’s face that reality head-on with sane, sensible test prep that teaches college readiness and helps students learn how to take a calm, focused test before they may have to take certification exams as adults.
A great test score and an impactful essay can make all the difference in standing out in college admissions – that essay gets you noticed, because it tells a college how you are unique. I heard from another mom, Christine, last winter, who had returned to us for college application essay tutoring after we helped her daughter Grace to a 9-point increase on her ACT.
Christine said, “Your expertise has been a major factor in Grace’s college application success. She’s been accepted to 8 schools so far….Grace has been awarded substantial merit aid to every school with the exception of Pitt and Penn State. Two schools commented on her essay; College of Wooster’s Dean of Admissions praised Grace for a thoughtful, well-written and unique essay, and quoted part of the essay right on the acceptance letter. Ohio Wesleyan’s Admissions Officer also commented, praising her effective expression of introspection, discovery, and resolve. I recommend your company to anyone that asks. Working with you all was the best decision of 2021!”
What amazed me most about Christine’s words was that admissions officers had specifically commented to Grace about how unique and wonderful her essay was, even quoting it. Wow! Grace’s RTC Writing tutor helped her get to that finished product, gently coaxing her toward discovering her voice and message. The essay Grace crafted, about how she discovered her self-expression through makeup and hair despite the strictures of competitive ice skating, was unique, beautiful, and revelatory.
When an admissions officer looks at two students with similar GPAs, test scores, transcripts, and extracurriculars, the deciding factor is the college essay. An exceptional college essay makes all the difference, and the summer before senior year is the perfect time to get the Common Application Essay done. RTC has wonderful writing tutors who can help students craft a unique essay that reflects their authentic voice. We can help with any stage of the writing process, from idea generation to editing a nearly finished draft. Our tutors are experts at the Common App Essay, and they can customize tutoring to work on supplemental essays as well. If you’d like to learn more, please reach out to us!
Smart families invest in their child’s college application, because it pays off in every way you can imagine. We’re here to help, because your child’s future matters to us.®
