“Many girls who struggle with the SAT simply lack confidence,
organization and guidance,” says Johnson. “Early SAT preparation provides
students the opportunity to become familiar with the test environment as
well as the types of questions asked.” In fact, there is evidence that as a
version of the SAT gets older, the number of perfect scores increase. “Thus,
contrary to College Board’s assertions, it is most definitely possible to
effectively prep for the exam,” says Johnson. “As coaches become more
intimately acquainted with the types of questions historically given, it
makes sense that they can better prepare their students.”
Johnson is the owner and director of Mathtopian Preparation, Inc., a
California-based tutoring and prep center created to give all students an
equal chance to excel in the academic area of their choice.
“We offer highly customized and personalized attention and are especially
interested in mentoring young women to become leaders in the 21st Century,”
says Johnson. To achieve that goal, Mathtopian Preparation pairs tomorrow’s
female scientists, engineers, and mathematicians with female mentors. “For
our female students, having female teachers to educate and mentor them as
role models is extremely empowering.”
Tutors Unlock the Door to Higher Achievement Mathematics can be a barrier
to access to higher education and limit a student’s career options” notes
Mathtopian Preparation tutor Jessica Gregson. Gregson received a full
academic scholarship to study physics at Carnegie Mellon University and
while there, she completed an internship in high-energy physics. She is
committed to helping students “attack the SAT so that they can move on to
better things in life – like science.”
So when to start prepping? As early as possible! Mathtopian Preparation,
Inc. tutor Jennifer Ceci offers some tips. “As you can imagine, the junior
year is so full of testing and challenging courses, that there really is no
time for students to study for the tests. At the very least, we recommend
that they take a serious prep course the summer before their junior year.”
Ceci is a graduate of the University of Texas in Austin and current
classroom teacher with a passion for robotics.
“If I had my way, students would begin even earlier – the summer before
their sophomore year,” advises Johnson. Then by the time they sit for the
actual exam in the spring of their junior year, they are mentally prepared
and not afraid of the test.” Johnson herself earned a Bachelor of Science
degree in Mathematics from Spelman College and a Master of Arts in Education
from the University of Michigan.
About Mathtopian Preparation, Inc.
Mathtopian Preparation, Inc. provides
one-to-one tutoring and test preparation as well as small group instruction
for the ISEE, SAT and ACT. Owner and Director Marlisa Johnson created
Mathtopian Preparation in 2004 with a goal of helping students develop the
fundamental academic and organizational skills as well as the
self-discipline needed to be high achievers.
Marlisa Johnson
Mathtopian Preparation, Inc.
310-826-8400
www.mathtopianprep.com
