Student Spotlight

We would like to congratulate this month’s Star Student, Brittany of Oceanside High School in Oceanside, NY,on her amazing PERFECT 2400 on the March SAT! Brittany attributes her success to diligent SAT practice and four hours of online tutoring. Brittany's tutor, Caroline Griswold, commends her hard work and says, "One of the things that made her successful was that she was excellent at analyzing what kinds of questions she was getting wrong and why, so that she could avoid those mistakes in the future!"

Please read on to hear more about Brittany’s favorite study tips and how she celebrated her perfect score.

Q: What is the best study tip you have learned?

A: The best study tip I have learned is that you cannot cram for a test like the SAT! You must start early and spend a few hours each week if you want to see the results you want.

Q: What advice would you like to give to other students preparing for the SAT or ACT?

A: First of all, do not be discouraged if you do not do as well as you had wanted your first time. There's nothing wrong with taking the SAT or ACT a second or even a third time. I wouldn't have gotten a 2400 if I hadn't retaken the SAT. Also, try to start preparing as early as possible. I started preparing for the SAT in October of my junior year, so I was done by March. Many people I know who started preparing later are stressed that they will have to take these tests during their senior year when they would rather be doing other things such as working on college applications. Finally, try taking both the SAT and ACT if you can. I tried both, and even though I did similarly on the SAT and ACT on my first try, I personally liked the SAT better and then focused my efforts on that test instead.

Q: What did you find most helpful about your sessions with your tutor, Caroline?

A: Caroline gave me a lot of good tips on how to perfect my essay and how to answer the most difficult vocabulary and math questions. She helped me realize why some answers I had picked were incorrect so I wouldn't make the same mistakes in the future. I definitely walked into my second SAT much more confident because I knew I could tackle the hardest questions on the test.

Q: What has been your favorite thing about tutoring with Applerouth?

A: I love how convenient Applerouth tutoring was. I was able to video chat with my tutor, Caroline, from my room at home instead of having to get out of the house and go somewhere. I also used both the "Get Your ACT Together: The Fabulous Guide to the ACT" and "Ready, SAT, Go! The Fabulous Guide to the SAT" prep books, and they were extremely helpful.

Q: How did you celebrate your perfect score?

A: I went out for a lobster dinner with my father the night I received the great news!

I would just like to thank Caroline and everyone at Applerouth once again for helping me achieve this great accomplishment! I could not have done it without your help.