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Successful Students
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ACI has been great in helping me improve my SAT score. After a few short weeks,
my scores have shot up nearly 300 points total.
The weekly practice tests allow us to get accustomed to the format and style of
the test, and daily vocabulary quizzes drill the words into our heads.
The teachers here all know what they are doing and play a huge role in our
improvement. All of the staff here are genuinely concerned about our education
and remain committed to ensuring our success.
Kevin Diau
Class of 2014, STANFORD |
When I first came to ACI after finishing summer school at Walnut, I had little
or no expectations for the SAT. My original plan was to take it once and be done
with it. However, after coming to ACI, I was made aware of the techniques that
are applicable to the SAT and, most importantly, that it was possible and even
likely that you could achieve a good score with the right amount of work. The
teachers at ACI are all very entertaining yet knowledgeable about what they
teach. They are able to introduce us to complex grammatical or mathematical
problems without making the subject seem difficult or uninteresting. After my
tenure at ACI, I gained an awareness of what my problem areas were and how to
fix them. As a result, I dramatically exceeded my own expectations. Thank you
ACI!
Eric Bai |
The SAT was definitely a challenge. It takes a great deal of concentration and
know-how to take a four-hour test and get every single question right. ACI's
practice tests, which were much harder than the real SAT, developed the mental
stamina and acuity needed to ace the SAT. The teachers were a big help, and
their varied teaching methods such as class games allowed me to learn the SAT
material in various ways. All the teachers were approachable and eager to help.
They paid great attention to areas of need; often times the writing Pam Rivera
would take twenty minutes to explain the grammar rule behind just one question.
Competition within the class was fierce. You often have students asking each
other how well they performed on each week's practice test, and the scores are
even posted publicly to give you that taste of competition. Definitely, ACI's
methods give you that thirst for competition when you prepare for the SAT.
However, the most memorable portion of the class was the self-confidence gained
as your scores increased week by week. True, the climb upward was painful and at
times frustrating, but in the end, the time invested in doing homework and
showing up for tutorial and taking practice exams was worth it.
I definitely recommend ACI institute to whoever is looking for SAT help. With
quality teachers, in-depth coverage of material, and fun employee staff barely
older than you are, ACI does deliver its promise of aiming ever higher.
Sean Lee |
Entering the doors of an unknown institution for the very first time in the
fourth grade, my life was introduced to ACI. At that time, I did not think that
ACI would have a striking impact on my life. However, now that I am matured, I
realized the mistake of my thought process. From learning what a gerund was to
listening to my SAT instructor lecture about mixture problems, I was able to
learn an impressive range of both mathematics and grammar.
Additionally, ACI’s
warm and positive learning environment allowed one to develop a special bond
with everyone including the staff, teachers, and the director. I really
appreciate and would like to thank ACI for giving me the opportunity to enhance
my academic record, giving me the audacity to apply to colleges that I believed
were outside my realm. Now I am heading to Cornell University with knowledge,
unique skills, and most importantly experience. My dream that was once
far-fetched has been fulfilled.
Vincent Tieu
Class of 2013, Cornell |
ACI: Where Dreams Come True
Desperately wanting to improve my SAT score, I reluctantly came to ACI the
summer before my senior year at Troy, believing that ACI would be just like any
other tutoring center – boring, ineffective, and chaotic. However, my experience
at ACI, from my first counseling session with Ms. Kimberly to my last SAT
lesson, was drastically different from what I expected. Unlike the counselors at
school, who are in charge of hundreds of students and may not have even known
who I was, Ms. Kimberly was able to tailor her advice specifically for me, based
on my grades, achievements, and goals.
Furthermore, the personal attention and
friendly environment at ACI encouraged me to maintain a positive attitude about
each SAT lesson. ACI provided me with detailed score analyses, in addition to
weekly practice SAT tests, to help me pinpoint my weaknesses and effectively
improve my score. Thanks to the experienced SAT teachers and current material, I
was able to improve my SAT score by a full 200 points, which encouraged me to
apply to the top-ranking universities in the United States. After being accepted
to several great schools, I am now able to fulfill my dream and attend MIT!
Tiffany Peng
Class of 2013, MIT |
I started attending ACI thinking that I would not learn anything new beyond the
SATs or SAT IIs, but eventually, I found myself using the skills I gained
outside the realm of standardized testing. Practice tests and timed essays
required the same skills as anything from high school, including history tests
and even writing a well-structured speech. Of course, these skills were not
easily acquired. They demanded unfailing focus in countless practice tests,
hours of homework, and results come about not only from the College Board, but
also in class: those tricky multiple choice tests don't seem so tricky, and
those essays looming over your head no longer stand in your way as a monumental
task.
ACI, however it may seem like a boot camp, is extremely caring. Keep in mind
that it is their task to whip you into academic shape, but also keep in mind
that you are not alone. Every student at ACI has, at one point, admitted that he
or she needs help. This collective humility among the students creates a
wonderful learning environment – one where students are unafraid to ask
questions of instructors and of each other. Classes are small, and instructors
are, therefore, more aware of the individual needs of the student, offering
personalized attention, if needed. The most important things I walked away with
from ACI were not just good SAT scores, but the patience and strategies to
tackle any assignment.
Kevin Chow
Class of 2010, HARVARD |
The first time I took the PSAT test, the score I received was mediocre. I knew
then that the SAT would be even harder and that I must prepare myself. My
friends recommended ACI. They warned me that it would be tough, but that I
wouldn’t regret my choice. The instructors and counselors helped me set a goal
of 700 while I was only in the range of mid 500s. After following their summer
program, I was able achieve a score beyond my expectations on the SAT Test, with
a verbal of 770 and perfect 800 on math. My gratitude goes to ACI for all their
up-to-date materials and weekly model tests in preparing me for the real SAT.
Lastly, thanks for making my dream of attending Stanford a reality!
Vicky Sun
Class of 2010, STANFORD |
Dear ACI, I just want to say how much I appreciate your being there for me
through all my challenges in high school and the SAT’s. I truly believe that my
time at ACI Institute was a crucial factor in my admittance to Harvard. ACI’s
classes have had a profound impact on the student I am today. In fact, I can
confidently say that I would not be the student I am today without ACI. Your
classes, and caring instructors, helped me master the study skills that I am
using today in college. Thanks ACI for giving me the confidence to succeed in a
very competitive world.
Christine Tsai
Class of 2010, HARVARD |
“Perfect 2400”
I began attending ACI in second grade; even in elementary school ACI provided me
with the skills I needed to excel in the classroom. The instructors and the
secretaries instilled in me a sense of confidence and a sense of determination
to set and reach formidable goals. My parents especially adored ACI because of
its personal attention; the director, Diane Sartor, kept in close contact with
them whenever I began to lose focus, ensuring that I continually worked hard. It
was no surprise that when it came time for SAT prep, ACI was at the top of our
list.
After my first diagnostic score of 1800, I knew I had a long road ahead of me if
I wanted to break 2100. The instructors at ACI simplified each section of the
SAT and taught me a few key techniques for achieving my goal. The course was
rigorous and the tests difficult, but in the end I knew I had made the right
choice in attending ACI. Thanks to ACI, I far surpassed my goal and achieved a
perfect 2400 on the SAT Reasoning Test. I recommend ACI Institute to everyone,
because unlike other institutions, ACI never fails to deliver the top scores it
promises.
Krystal Mak
Diamond Bar High School, Class of 2009 |
ACI has taught me that one’s success does not depend on whether one is more
gifted or privileged. Knowledge is acquired, and test-taking, in particular, is
a type of skill that can be and must be learned. ACI’s programs allow students
to acquire the knowledge and the familiarity with the systematic process of
learning necessary to reach any goal. I remember when school used to be a chore
because I felt terrible about math, despised homework, and dreaded test-taking.
All of it frustrated me to no end.
That changed when I began to attend ACI in middle school. I gradually discovered
that, having undergone ACI’s nurturing yet rigorous program, my schoolwork was
no longer challenging. I found that I often knew the material before my regular
classes went over it; I knew shortcuts; I had mnemonic devices and the vague
sense of “Hey, I’ve done this before!” that gave me the confidence I lacked.
I steadily ascended to the top of my class and remained competitive throughout
my high school career. After taking ACI’s SAT prep courses, my SAT score shot up
to a 2370. I scored 800 in both the Math and Verbal sections and 770 in Writing.
Based on my performance, I was accepted to New York University with a full
tuition scholarship.
ACI helped me to realize my true potential by empowering me with the skills I
needed to excel in school and beyond—I don’t think I can ever thank ACI enough
for all that it has done and will continue to do for me.
Szuwei Co
Class of 2011, NYU |
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ACI Programs
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