Tina: From “Bad Test-Taker” to a Full-Ride Scholarship
Overcoming the Label of “Bad Test-Taker”
Does your student believe they are a poor test-taker because others have convinced them that standardized testing is their greatest weakness?
When Tina started ACT prep, she was deeply worried about her future. Coming from a low-income family led by a widowed mother, she knew that college options, Pell Grants, and merit aid were critical to her success.
Despite being bubbly, engaging, and eager to learn, Tina lacked confidence and believed she wasn’t capable of high scores. An adult role model had told her she was a “bad test-taker” who would never achieve on the ACT, and her starting ACT score of 19.5 (1030 SAT equivalent) seemed to confirm it.
Miss Claire, however, challenged that narrative, asking Tina to be open to the idea that she could become a great test-taker. With that mindset shift, they got to work.
Mastering Mindful Test-Taking
Building Confidence & Skills
In their first sessions, Miss Claire:
Focused on building Tina’s confidence as a test-taker.
Introduced mindful test-taking techniques to help her stay calm under pressure.
Encouraged Tina to work with a performance coach to explore strategies further.
The Power of Performance Coaching in Test Prep
With her performance coach, Tina discovered techniques that transformed her approach:
Breathing exercises kept her calm and focused.
Visualization techniques helped her feel in control of the test.
Learning the science behind performance coaching helped her embrace these strategies, just as top-performing athletes do.
As Tina’s confidence grew, she realized that test-taking was an opportunity to harness her potential—not a roadblock.
Achieving a 7.5-Point ACT Score Increase
By using her newfound skills and strategies, Tina approached the ACT with renewed determination.
On the eve of her final ACT, Tina told Miss Claire through happy tears,
“Miss Claire, I’m a good test-taker now!”
On Test Day, she achieved:
27 Composite ACT Score (1280 SAT equivalent)
7.5-point increase on the ACT (equivalent to a 250-point SAT jump)
A score that made her competitive for every college on her list
Beyond the ACT: Skills for Life
Tina’s test prep experience shaped her beyond the classroom. She shares:
"Because of ACT prep, I learned three essential skills: asking questions, identifying solutions, and presenting the best solution. I used to think my questions were ‘dumb,’ but now I understand that asking for clarity is a strength. I also became more confident in explaining my answers—something I struggled with before. These skills were once my weaknesses, but now they are my strengths. I use them every day in high school and know I’ll use them in college and beyond."
With her ACT behind her, Tina returned to RTC for a 6-week summer Mindfulness for Wellness program to explore how these techniques could improve her daily life. She found herself:
Sleeping better and feeling healthier
Less distracted and more focused
More confident in handling life’s challenges
As a runner, Tina’s coach introduced her to yin yoga, a practice that complemented her training. It quickly became her favorite mindfulness tool, allowing her to reset and feel renewed.
Earning a Full Scholarship to Villanova University
During her senior year, Tina was accepted to multiple top universities. Then, the life-changing news came—Tina was awarded Villanova University’s Presidential Scholarship, an honor given to just 25 students nationwide. The award covers her entire undergraduate education.
Her mother, Diana, reflects on this incredible achievement:
"Words cannot describe how proud I am of Tina. I know her dad is looking down on her with the biggest smile on his face saying, ‘That’s my girl!’"
Tina shares her own reflection on her journey:
"I wish I could go back and give my junior-year self a hug and tell her it’s going to be alright, that you’ll find your place."
Tina has found her place—and the self-confidence to shape her own future.
A Parent’s Perspective: The RTC Difference
Tina’s mom, Diana, encourages other parents to consider RTC for their students:
"Words cannot express how thankful I am to RTC for helping Tina build her confidence and showing her that nothing is impossible. If your child needs help, RTC will guide them. You will see an incredible improvement—not just in scores, but in their mindset. I highly recommend RTC."
At RTC, we believe test prep is about more than just a score. Your child’s future matters to us.®
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