Zoe McMahon
+160 in Math
“I’m consistently scoring in the 700s with my highest at a 740. Beyond the numbers, Peace of Pi instilled confidence in me.“
Read MoreMy name is Zoe McMahon and I’m a senior at Pompano Beach High School. When I first approached SAT prep, I realized I wasn’t retaining what I had studied with online courses like Khan Academy. Despite excelling in math, I struggled with remembering geometry and algebra concepts from middle school. My first SAT showed me my efforts weren’t working, and left me feeling lost in my study methods. That’s when I heard about Peace of Pi Learning from my friend Chloe and her mom.
Initially, I was hesitant, and worried about feeling embarrassed or not participating enough. It was like that for me during virtual school and I was scared it would be the same thing all over again. But the classroom environment, smaller and with other students at a similar level, made such a difference. The personalized attention and emphasis on repetition and mastering concepts truly stood out. It wasn’t like any online class I’d experienced during COVID. It was engaging, comfortable, and encouraged participation without fear of judgment.
What really stuck out to me the most about Peace of Pi was their commitment to every student’s success. The program made sure I wasn’t only taking practice tests, but also understanding where I went wrong and learning from those mistakes. It was all about making it stick, and knowing when and where to apply your knowledge. All the resources, video solutions, and organized homework made learning accessible and effective.
Reflecting on the program, I’d advise future students that commitment is key. The workload can be heavy. But a determined approach is exactly what you need to achieve success. Managing the workload is different between the school and summer program. During school, I spread the work across days due to other things that got in the way like homework or clubs. But during summer, I focused on math exclusively, making me more focused and allowing me to dedicate more time.
For me, the second round of prep was actually more challenging. I aimed to improve from a higher score, and the higher you get the harder it is to improve on the SAT. But the gradual progression helped bridge gaps, and made me feel capable of tackling more complex problems.
This program changed everything for me. After my first session, I went from a 580 to a 690, an already insane 110-point increase. And now, after another round in the program,, I’m consistently scoring in the 700s, with my highest score at a 740!
But beyond the numbers, Peace of Pi Learning instilled confidence in me. Small victories in practice tests boosted my motivation and made me believe in my potential. It’s not just about the SAT, it’s also about the work ethic that’s going to serve me well beyond this test. The tutors didn’t just teach, they inspired and encouraged growth. The program’s organization, commitment to understanding student needs, and the way they challenge and motivate us sets them apart.
This improvement made my math classes easier and secured my full Bright Futures scholarship. It boosted my confidence in applying to colleges I would’ve never even thought I had a shot at before, and reduced a lot of stress during my senior year. As I await college decisions, the confidence gained from my SAT score has eased a significant burden, leaving me better prepared for whatever comes next.”
Any teacher can show you how to get the answers right, but Peace of Pi knew the key was truly understanding and applying knowledge. Thank you, Peace of Pi Learning, for believing in me and helping me unlock my potential. It’s been an incredible journey!