When I started Milestone College Consulting, I noted that I am committed to presenting a transparent and detailed account of my students’ progress, including metrics such as course duration, attendance, assignment completion, and score trajectories, be they positive or negative. This is something that I have not done yet, so without further ado, here are their anonymous progress reports!
Student T
School and grade level: 10th grader in a gifted class in one of Taiwan’s top high schools
Course content: SAT Reading/Writing, with an emphasis on Reading
Course duration: 1-hour, weekly lessons from December 21, 2023 – present (15 weeks)
Attendance: 5 absences (including my 2-week hiatus)
Assignment completion: 3 unfinished assignments
Score trajectory: Positive. More than 30-point improvement (500 untimed to 530 timed) on the SAT Reading/Writing in one week. (Previous course content does not include scores, as we were initially focused on building a more solid vocabulary foundation.)
Student C
School and grade level: 10th grader at a private school in the United States
Course content: SAT Reading/Writing, with an emphasis on Writing
Course duration: 1.5-hour, weekly lessons from January 19, 2024 – present (11 weeks)
Attendance: 4 absences (including my 2-week hiatus)
Assignment completion: 3 unfinished assignments
Score trajectory: Positive. Before the course, she had a PSAT English Score of 460. SAT EBRW (2016 version) Writing score improved from 160 to 220 in one lesson. A week later, her SAT EBRW (2016 version) Writing score went up to 260.
Strategy adjustment: The student will now focus on poetry analysis and vocabulary to enhance her SAT Reading/Writing score. “Reflection questions” on vocabulary problems that the student answered correctly will be assigned.
Student M
School and grade level: 7th grader at an English-speaking international school in Taiwan
Course content: TOEFL, with an emphasis on Speaking
Course duration: 1.5-hour, weekly lessons from September 12, 2023 – present (29 weeks)
Attendance: Perfect attendance, with a substitute instructor taking over during my 2-week hiatus
Assignment completion: 4 unfinished assignments
Score trajectory: Positive. Official TOEFL Speaking score of 20 (out of 30) on December 2, 2023. 16 weeks later, on March 23, 2024, the student’s Speaking score improved to 26. His Writing score decreased by 2 points, however. All other scores on the TOEFL remained the same. Emphasis will now be placed on Reading and Writing.
Strategy adjustment: “Reflection questions” on vocabulary problems that the student answered correctly will be assigned. The student is assigned writing imitation tasks: Pick various, grammatically complex sentences that contain unfamiliar vocabulary words. Type these sentences. Then, write your own sentences whose grammatical structure and vocabulary should mirror those of the original sentences.
For example, the student should complete a series of sentences similar to the following:
Original sentence: “The pressure to plea-bargain and thereby ‘convict yourself’ in exchange for some kind of leniency is not an accidental by-product of the mandatory-sentencing regime.” (The New Jim Crow p. 111)
Your own sentence: “The pressure to conform to others at a run-down public school and thereby become a ‘bad kid’ in exchange for some kind of freedom is not an accidental by-product of our current education system.”
Conclusion
In summarizing these diverse journeys, it’s clear that progress in test preparation and college application assistance is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. Each student, with their unique backgrounds, challenges, and aspirations, requires a tailored approach that respects their individuality while pushing them towards their academic goals. At Milestone Admissions, we pride ourselves on this personalized approach, ensuring that whether a student is grappling with the nuances of SAT Reading/Writing or aiming to elevate their TOEFL scores, they receive the guidance and support tailored to their specific needs.
These case studies underscore the importance of adaptability, consistent effort, and the strategic adjustment of study methods to address weaknesses and build on strengths. They also highlight our commitment to transparency and accountability in showcasing real, measurable progress, irrespective of the starting point.
As we move forward, we continue to refine our methods, drawing on both the successes and the learning experiences from each student’s journey. Our mission remains steadfast: to empower our students not just in achieving outstanding test scores but in fostering the confidence and skills necessary for success beyond the classroom.
For prospective students and parents considering joining the Milestone College Consulting community, these progress reports offer a glimpse into the transformative educational journey that awaits. Whether you’re aiming to improve your test scores, seeking comprehensive college application guidance, or both, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Let’s embark on this journey together, aiming for success, growth, and the realization of your academic dreams.
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