Franklin Yard Q+A: Ashley Viola

Ashley Viola, a student at The Agnes Irwin School in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, sits down for a Q+A with Bill Rubin, her tutor at Franklin Yard.

Can you tell us about your ACT score improvement?

Yes, on the ACT, compared to where I started, I improved my composite score by 7 points.

What helped you make such a big jump?

The Zoom calls really helped me. Giving myself homework and practicing on my own, but also working with a tutor was really helpful. I got to see what it was like taking it on my own with no help, but then getting feedback really helped me improve.

Why did you choose the ACT over the SAT?

I took both - the ACT once and the SAT twice before deciding. I liked the ACT better because it gave me a little more room to mess up if needed. It had more questions where I could use the test to take the test, and that's what I preferred.

How did superscoring help your strategy?

It helped me focus on my weaker areas more effectively. Once I got the reading score down, that really helped bring my overall score up. Then I could focus on the other sections I struggled with and needed to raise. That really helped me.

How did you improve your reading score so significantly?

Reading comprehension is something I've focused on my whole life. But you showing me specific ways to read the passage - like skimming it first, then answering questions, starting with general ones before specific ones - that approach to each passage really helped.

What would you tell students who don't do well their first time?

Don't let it get you down - I bombed mine. I did not do very good. It's new and different from any test I'd taken before. I've taken PSATs and state standardized tests, but this was really different. It's a bunch of random types of math, English, and grammar mixed together. The first time can definitely be overwhelming, especially with college in the back of your mind. I suggest taking it multiple times and getting the practice in. You'll get more familiar with how the questions are worded and how it all works.

Any tips for test day itself?

They're often early mornings, so I like to get my stuff together the night before. That way I can wake up and just get to the test place. Definitely get there early because sometimes there are lines. Getting there early helps reduce anxiety so you only have to worry about the test itself. Preparing everything the day before is really helpful.

Was managing stress a problem for you?

A little bit, but it went down each time I took it. Especially once I got my reading score solidified, I only had to worry about two sections instead of the entire test.

How did you deal with test fatigue?

Fatigue was definitely an issue, but taking it multiple times was like building up endurance. Also, once reading was done, when I took that section, my brain could kind of go on autopilot. I didn't have to worry about it as much because of superscoring. It gave my brain a bit of a break while still staying engaged.

What about the science section being at the end?

Science is tricky because it's at the end, so you're already tired. You've gone through three other sections and you're thinking, this is the last one. And sometimes it can throw a few curve balls at you as well.

When should students start test prep?

Definitely start early if you can. I was completely done by April, so end of junior year I could focus on just school. Now I don't have to worry about it anymore. I started end of sophomore year, around May. Starting over the summer is really great - just as early as you can.

How does it feel to be done before senior year?

It's amazing. I'm really glad I started as early as I did.

What are your college plans?

I want to study psychology. My dream school is Brown, which is very unlikely, but I thought, why not give it a shot? So I'm applying to Brown and then early decision two to Richmond.

Was the test prep process worthwhile?

Yes, absolutely. Even though the path upward wasn't always smooth and there were struggles at times, staying with it and keeping a positive attitude paid off. I ended up with a score that put me in a great position.