SAT: 860 to 1400

Student praise report!

*Nate and I have been working together on a weekly basis since he was in middle school. As a student on the autistic spectrum with Aspergers, getting to know him online was especially difficult. Often his responses to me would be one word answers, if any.

Over the years, I've gotten to know Nate through many school/life struggles. Nate has also gotten to know and trust me as a mentor who's also been on a long journey to discover and feel confident in oneself in a world filled with people who looked/acted very differently.

About a year ago, Nate started junior year, and we took a first practice SAT test, where his cumulative score resulted at 860 (out of 1600). We rolled up our sleeves, sprinkling in breaks and other exercises between practice tests. Fast forward, we've taken a total of 10 practice tests. With consistent, hard work, he increased his score about 50 points each time until he leveled out at the 1200s, which he got on his last official SAT.

The story doesn't end here: Nate focused the last month zoning into his weakest areas at a pace and method we identified worked for him.

Today I'm elated to share that Nate received news that he received a 1400 out of 1600, which is a game/life changer and places him in the running for top schools. But more than this, I'm proud of Nate because...

1. Over the years, Nate blossomed into a student who can gracefully communicate what he thinks and feels in various spaces.

2. Nate developed his own motivation and grit to work on improving consistently over time.

3. Recently Nate expressed that his career aspiration is to be a mental health practitioner and advocate, mitigating stigmas around and petitioning additional resources for students with learning differences.

Congratulations, Nate, for all your patience/hard work! It's my deepest joy to see individuals grow into their fullest potential. Thank you, Nate, for a once in a lifetime opportunity.

*Pseudonym; story shared with student's permission