Meet Teresa, a former Mathnasium student with an inspiring journey from math anxiety to a thriving career in Software Engineering. Like many high school students, Teresa faced challenges with math, particularly when preparing for the ACT. However, with the support of Mathnasium’s ACT Math program, she not only boosted her score but also unlocked a newfound math confidence.
Finding the Right Support: How Teresa Discovered Mathnasium
In high school, Teresa had a complicated relationship with math. Her grandfather, a math teacher, had helped her see the beauty in mathematics, but she couldn’t help but feel a sense of dread and anxiety about the subject. "It was the one class I could never just get a straight 'A' in," she recalls. When her first ACT attempt resulted in a math score of 23, just below the 24 required by her dream school, the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE), Teresa knew she needed to make a change. She turned to Mathnasium hoping they could help her eliminate the anxiety around math and improve her scores.
Finding Confidence Through Mathnasium
Enrolling in Mathnasium’s ACT Math program was a game-changer for Teresa. "Mathnasium's workbook and ACT coursework took away that dread and anxiety. I felt engaged and enabled to problem-solve as a student. I was able to see the beauty of the subject of mathematics again," she says. The center struck a perfect balance between encouraging independent thinking and providing support when needed. With instructors moving around the room, Teresa could work through problems on her own while knowing help was always available.
How Mathnasium Helped Teresa Surpass Her ACT Goals
Teresa's goal was simple: raise her math score from 23 to at least 24 to meet MSOE’s admission requirements. But with Mathnasium’s guidance, she achieved far more. By the end of her ACT prep, Teresa's math score soared by an incredible 7 points, from 23 to 30. Not only did Teresa surpass the requirement for admittance at MSOE, she gained a whole lot of confidence in her math skills that would stick with her beyond college.
Using Mathnasium Skills to Tackle New Challenges
The impact of Mathnasium extended far beyond test prep. Once at MSOE, Teresa faced new challenges, not only as a Software Engineering major but also as a woman entering a male-dominated field. "I had a lot of anxiety, with thoughts like 'Am I good enough? Am I smart enough to be here?'" she admits. Yet the critical thinking and problem-solving skills she honed at Mathnasium helped her push through those doubts. She thought about her experience preparing for the ACT and remembered that difficult things don't always come easily, but persistence pays off.
From Student to Data Engineer
Teresa thrived at MSOE, leading two student organizations, including serving as President of the Society of Software Engineers, and securing two internships. Her passion for data was sparked by classes like Probability & Statistics and Introduction to Database Systems, ultimately guiding her career path. Today, Teresa works as a full-time Data Engineer at a company specializing in multi-family real estate development and operations.
Words of Advice for Future Mathnasium Students
Reflecting on her experience, Teresa wholeheartedly recommends Mathnasium’s ACT program. "Mathnasium's ACT coursework is very much worth the investment and, in my experience, had proven results," she says. For any high school student struggling with math or aiming to boost their ACT scores, Teresa’s advice is simple: embrace the support available to you and stay persistent.
The Power of Persistence and Support
Teresa’s journey, from grappling with math anxiety to excelling in Software Engineering, is a testament to the power of persistence and the right support system. Mathnasium didn’t just help her raise her ACT score; it reignited her confidence in math and set her on a path to career success. Her story is a powerful reminder that with dedication and the right guidance, students can achieve more than they ever thought possible.
Interested in boosting your ACT Math score and unlocking your potential? Discover how Mathnasium can support your journey today!
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