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We’ve worked with students just like you and helped them improve their TOEFL scores for job applications, professional certifications, and education programs. Elana had lived and worked in English speaking countries for many years, and had even taught in English, but was being asked to submit a TOEFL score for her professional certification. She had very accented English, and while she spoke fluently, her accent and talking speed was interfering with her score, and because she didn’t know the ins and outs of the test, she would get flustered during some of the sections.
Listening was Elana’s strongest section, followed by Reading. Her comprehension and accuracy were quite high, though her speed on the Reading sections needed work. Writing proved to be a bit difficult for Elana, as her technical writing was not very strong, though she had great ideas. Speaking was the biggest challenge for Elana, as the timer made her feel flustered, and she would often rush her answers and have tons of time left over that she could have used more effectively.
Elana wasn’t sure where to go with her preparation. Even though she took multiple practice tests, she didn’t have much luck with solo preparation because she needed strategic feedback about her performance in order to improve. She practiced her speaking responses and her essays, but without someone to evaluate them, she wasn’t sure whether she was making progress. Elana felt sheepish asking her friends and family for help, and was feeling stuck.
During our first session, we took a look through the practice tests she had done on her own (there were quite a few!) and looked for themes. Listening accuracy was high and timing was solid. Reading accuracy was high, but timing needed improvement. Writing needed organization and structural help, and a few technical pointers. And Speaking was the area where the most improvement could be made.
We began with a deep dive on the Speaking section: we broke down the different question types and categories, we did warm up practice exercises, we strategized how to make use of the preparation time, and we PRACTICED a ton of speaking responses live, with feedback. Elana built up such comfort with the section that she was even able to evaluate her own responses and come up with score estimates that matched my own for her! In addition, we developed a personalized strategy to improve her timing on the Reading section, which gave Elana a confidence boost because she felt more in control of her performance on the section.
By the time we finished our work together, Elana surpassed the minimum score requirement for her certification and was able to apply for a promotion at work based on that certification! We couldn’t be more thrilled for her!
TOEFL preparation doesn’t have to be something you dread!
When you work with a JEM expert, you’re working with someone who has over 10 years of experience in teaching people how to achieve their test goals, and not only that, but also in making it a little bit fun!
Content: Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing -- the TOEFL covers a lot of ground, and it can feel like a lot if you’re trying to cram the details!
Strategy: how to approach each question type so that your skills can shine through!
Timing: sometimes the clock ticking down gets under your skin and you just can’t focus -- but we can help desensitize the timing pressure so you’re good to go!
Organization: preparation and materials can be overwhelming -- we help you understand what to focus on.
Confidence: even the strongest students can suffer from a lack of confidence, but when you work with a test prep expert, you have someone who knows you and your strengths cheering you on and giving you tangible tips to stay on an upward trajectory!
Motivation: how to break through those slumps where you’d rather do anything besides test prep!
Each hour is a power-packed session with a test prep expert. Our experts have over 10 years of experience helping students in exactly your position, and that experience means you’ll have the best help available to achieve your goals.
“My experience with Joa helped me improve my skills to be prepared for the SAT which I took on Saturday. We had our sessions online since I live in Caracas, Venezuela. I felt very confident during the whole test since she prepared for ALL of the SAT sections. I even decided to continue my TOEFL preparation with Joa. She is an excellent tutor and I highly recommend her.”
“I live in Chicago and I took some lessons for the TOEFL test with Joa. Joa helped me to build a strategy to improve my TOEFL score. She understood quickly my weak point, applied her teaching method and helped me to decrease my nervousness. It is very efficient. Joa is a wonderful tutor!”
“I had a great experience preparing for the TOEFL exam with Joa. When taking a standardized test it's very important to know the exam very well and have a strategy for each section. The day of the exam I felt I was really in control and knew exactly what to do in each part. Thanks to Joa I was able to exceed my target score and without suffering the practice process at all.”
When you work with JEM Achievement experts for 12 or more hours, you’ll receive an Admissions Strategy Session, valued at $275 but yours for free. An Admissions Strategy Session is a full hour of time with one of our Admissions Specialists to review your applicant profile and plan a timeline for your application process. We’ll help you feel empowered and in control of your applications, setting you up for success!
We can’t wait to meet you and get started on achieving your goals!
We (Joa and Emily) met while working for Big Test Prep companies and knew there was a better, more personalized way to provide digital test prep and admissions consulting services. Thus, JEM Achievement was born: tailored and flexible support available online, no matter where you are. JEM empowers students in pursuit of advanced education through curated courses, private tutoring, and strategic coaching. We strive to have a hand in developing future leaders within their communities, instilling a solid set of values to be carried forward.
We have worked with hundreds of GMAT, GRE, and graduate admissions students over the course of our 10+ year careers in private education and know how stressful test preparation can be. With jobs, families, and life, we realize that test prep courses are difficult to add into the mix, but we also know that they are an extremely important piece of the admissions puzzle. We also realize that you don’t always know if you’re paired up with an instructor who is a good fit for you.
Both of us have compatible styles with sometimes different perspectives and strengths, which is why we make such a great team! When you work with one of us, you can be sure that you’re still getting the other because we are in constant communication behind the scenes, strategizing ways to bring out the best in your abilities. We have worked with students from all over the world from a variety of backgrounds and with a range of goals. You can be sure with us that you’ll receive honest advice and work with people who care about you as an individual. We know what achievement can do for self-confidence, and we want you to find success!
© 2021 JEM Achievement, LLC