A GOOD WORD GOES A LONG WAY IN HELPING ANOTHER CHILD
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Excerpts of what students /parents are saying...
Meena, my son came home excited and energized about redesigning his college essays. He had such a great session with you. You are exactly what he needed to help with this important phase of this process, and we're very happy we found you. Thanks so much.
- Parents of Ardrey Kell High School
Our son was admitted to UNC two weeks ago. He is over the moon with excitement. So far, he has also been admitted to South Carolina, NC State, Ohio State and Clemson. He is also a finalist for the Lyceum Scholarship at Clemson. He’s excited for that as well, but he has been focused on Chapel Hill since he learned he was admitted. Thanks again for all of the help and guidance you gave him! He could not have done any of this without you.
- Parents of Ardrey Kell High School
I am happy to speak to anyone as a parent of a child who wouldn’t be where she is without all of your tutoring and your simple philosophy of fighting for kids no matter how much that causes you to walk in the trenches (I’ll never forget us sitting down with the School Head). You are honestly one of the most gifted, empathetic, brilliant, and talented people to work with children. Clearly, you were the only professional who believed in my daughter and helped her feel safe and comfortable enough to be the highly gifted child that she is, when others were telling her that she wasn’t. She is now graduating as an A+ student at a challenging boarding school and I can’t thank you enough for all that you’ve done for her.
- Parent of Charlotte Latin School
Don't know what you do, but whatever you're doing please keep doing. We have a completely new kid now!
- Parents of Community House Middle School
So glad we found you to help our daughter with Math 1 in her freshman year. We really appreciate you and will come back when she has to take the SAT.
- Parents of Charlotte Catholic High School
We've never seen our kid excited about writing! He's found something in you that really works for him. He told me he's learned more from you about writing than he has the last 4 years of high school. He said you've taught and explained things in a way that finally make sense. Thank you! We all appreciate it very much.
- Parents of a High School Senior
Meena, we can't thank you enough for all your efforts in preparing our son for SAT. So glad we found you! We are not even keeping track of what we have paid you because it is all so worth it.
- Parents of Providence High School
My time preparing for the ACT with Dr. Pakala could not have been better. She helped me get a composite score of 34 on my first attempt. She has all the knowledge about any question you could ask and answers in a way that helps you understand and remember long-term. Dr. Pakala creates a safe environment that encourages you to ask questions and admit when something is confusing. I couldn't have found someone more fitting to help me prepare!
Tyler McAndrews - Junior at Charlotte Latin School
I began SAT prep with Dr. Pakala in my senior year. I initially preferred in-person due to my medical issues that generally cause me to get distracted and lose focus in virtual mode. However, I quickly felt comfortable and shifted to Zoom sessions that saved me the driving. Dr. Pakala makes the virtual learning feel exactly the same as an in-person session. The meetings are completely tailored to your goals and are extremely interactive. I was able to stay focused the whole time and get through lots of practice-test corrections. Additionally, I was able to review my challenging concepts and ask questions unhesitatingly and Dr. Pakala always explained everything very patiently and in an easy-to-understand manner. Because of Dr. Pakala’s excellent teaching, my SAT score improved dramatically, which helped me get accepted into my Top 6 schools and receive over $100,000 in scholarships for academic excellence! To any student skeptical about virtual learning, I want to assure you that there is absolutely no difference whether you do in-person or virtual with Dr. Pakala. I guarantee, you will succeed either way.
Jenna Hampton - senior at Marvin Ridge High School
Meena is just truly outstanding all around from being super responsive to being flexible accommodating schedules. Most importantly, Meena just teaches in a way that produces remarkable results. Both of my daughters worked with her to improve their ACT scores and they were thrilled with the results. Strongly recommend and endorse Meena, she is awesome!
Marcelo and Daniela Fava – parents of a Senior, Charlotte Catholic High School
We are so grateful for Dr. Pakala’s extraordinary ability to adapt her teaching style to the needs of the student. Our son struggles with ADHD and anxiety, so we initially preferred a local tutor, but she gave up on him because it was too frustrating. With Dr. Pakala, though they were virtual Zoom sessions, she was very resourceful and reached him at his level, boosting his confidence and performance. The results were a remarkable 6 point increase in his ACT score in just a few months. Dr. Pakala is truly devoted and invested in the success of her students. We are thrilled with the results! Thank you, Dr. Pakala!
Lynn K - parent of a Senior HS student
I first started working with Dr. Pakala during my junior year of high school. She helped me decide that the ACT would be a better fit for me over the SAT. After working with her, my score improved from a 29 to a 33! Not only did my score improve, but she also cared about teaching me the subject and making sure I understood it. Once I was done testing, we focused on college essays. I have always had trouble with writing, so she helped me become a better writer. I am so grateful for Dr. Pakala because she took the time to teach me and to relieve some of the stress going into college applications. I received multiple college acceptances and scholarships. I am thrilled to be attending my top choice school on a merit scholarship. Thank you for everything Dr. Pakala!
Elena Marconi - Senior at South Mecklenburg High School
Hi Meena,
GREAT NEWS! You are simply amazing, because K raised her composite score from 30 to 34! Look at these results!
33 to 36 in Reading! 30 to 36 in English! 28 to 33 in Science! 26 to 29 in Math. Thank you, Meena! K is over the moon and, of course, we are, too. Well done.
- Parent of Senior at Charlotte Latin School
Hello Dr. Pakala,
I got into every school I applied to and have committed to UNC Chapel Hill, which is my dream school! Thank you again for all your help, I couldn't have done it without you!
Angeline de la Grange - Senior at Ardrey Kell High School
I first saw Dr. Pakala in my junior year to help me with improving my SAT score and my score increased from 1380 to 1430! However, even before I took my last SAT test, Dr. Pakala thought the ACT would suit me better and she was absolutely right. After working with her, my ACT improved from a 28 to a 33 (1500 SAT equivalent). No one was happier for my score than Dr. Pakala because no one worked with me like Dr. Pakala. When the time came to begin college applications, I worked with her again and she completely changed my perspective on the college essays and how to write them. I got to talk and write about subjects that truly interest me. I never thought that I would enjoy a process commonly seen as difficult and stressful, but I was wrong. Everything paid off tremendously and I'm excited to be attending NC State's prestigious College of Engineering.
Simon Gneuss - Senior at Ardrey Kell High School
Meena is a great teacher, constantly challenging her students while meeting their individual needs. Her evaluation to choose ACT over SAT proved to be the right decision. In only one attempt my daughter’s ACT score went up by 6 points boosting her self esteem and getting her ready for college application season.
Nils von Dietman - Parent of Hannah, senior at Ardrey Kell High School
I was fortunate that Meena Pakala tutored my children for SAT and ACT prep. My kids have each improved over 200 points under Meena’s guidance! She works with each child individually to give them what they need to score their best. Would highly recommend her!
Liz Emmett - Parent of Jack and Ellie, Ardrey Kell High School
Dr. Pakala was such a joy to work with on my SAT/ACT preparation. She helped in deciding that the ACT might be a better test for me and provided the guidance that I needed to be successful. I felt that in every session she wanted me to leave with a deep understanding of the content. She gave attention to both my academic and motivational needs throughout the process. I loved that we worked together at a comfortable pace that was both challenging and at the same time securing my understanding. I felt that Dr. Pakala believed in me and was genuinely invested in my achievements. She answered late night emails and was flexible with her schedule in order to accommodate my availability. My scores far exceeded my expectations. I came to Dr. Pakala with a 1220 on my PSAT and was able to finish with a 34 on the ACT (1540 SAT equivalent). When I received my scores, the first person I wanted to tell was Dr. Pakala because I knew that she would share in my success unlike anyone else. What felt like a great feat to me, she truly made it more manageable, and even enjoyable. I know I can count on Dr. Pakala's advice and guidance with my college applications and beyond.
Libby Quattlebaum - Junior at Providence High School
I started working with Dr. Pakala freshman year of high school. She guided me through all my courses. During each session, time went by remarkably fast; she taught me easier and quicker methods to solving questions. I grew to enjoy my sessions more and more. I found out what makes Dr. Pakala special - she caters to each and every one of her students' needs by helping with whatever problem areas by getting down to our individual levels and tracking progress throughout.
Due to a medical situation, I wasn't able to attend school during my sophomore year as I had to move away from North Carolina temporarily. Dr. Pakala still stayed in touch during these challenging times, sending thoughtful messages that warmed my heart. She is more than a tutor; she has become a friend and family. After my return, starting junior year, I resumed working with Dr. Pakala to make up for lost classes and also prepare for SAT/ACT, thereby improving my grades as well as my test scores.
I am now proud to say that I will be attending the University of Texas at Austin! I also received admission into UNCC, NC State, Appalachian State University, and the University of Massachusetts-Amherst.
Thank you so much, Dr. Pakala, for all your encouragement, support and guidance!
Rati Rallapalli - Senior at Ardrey Kell High School
I started seeing Dr. Pakala in my junior year to get help in improving my ACT score. The sessions were very helpful and my scores improved a lot in every test section. My composite score went up by 4 points. If I was confused or stuck, Dr. Pakala made sure that I truly understood the concepts and made it easy to find the correct answer. Dr. Pakala also helped me with my college applications, about which I was clueless in the beginning, since I was the first one in my family to go to college in the US. She helped brainstorm ideas for the essay prompts and brought out my authentic self in all my essays. I am very thankful for the help and guidance I received from Dr. Pakala for my ACT prep as well as with my college applications. She answered my texts, even late night, if I ever had a question. Dr. Pakala truly cared for my success and supported me throughout the process. I was accepted into multiple colleges that I applied to and I have decided to attend UNC Chapel Hill this fall.
Sarah Gneuss - Senior at Ardrey Kell High School
I worked with Dr. Pakala my junior and senior year. Before I started working with her, I did not have the scores I needed to get into the schools I wanted to. I did not believe in my ability to distinguish myself from others. However, she did. As soon as we started, Dr. Pakala made me realize that if I worked hard and I listened to what she had to teach me, I was going to succeed and have a great choice at schools. Under her influence and with her help, I managed to go from a 1060 SAT to a 1310 SAT in less than a year. Dr. Pakala then helped me get my Common App and college essays done and did a formidable job getting everything out of my brain and putting it down on paper. When college decisions came out, I had been admitted to 9 of the 10 schools I had applied to, several offering merit scholarships! I was admitted to Virginia Tech, North Carolina State, The University of Wisconsin, Michigan State, The University of South Carolina, Appalachian state, The University of Miami, The University of Minnesota, and the University of Arizona. All these schools accepting me were a testament to the ability of Dr. Pakala, to not only make me learn, but to enjoy learning and to show colleges what I am capable of. What made Dr. Pakala different from all other teachers and people I have worked with is that she believed in me, she knew I could get into any school I wanted to. I am certain that if she had not helped me during the two most critical years of my high school career, I would not be where I am today. I will be proudly attending the University of South Carolina on a scholarship.
Ulrik Mazarguil - Senior at Ardrey Kell High School
We hired Meena to help our daughter improve her ACT score. We could not be more pleased how Meena pushed her academically and helped build her confidence to reach her full potential. Our daughter had a goal in mind and through Meena’s “magic” and our daughter’s hard work, her score went up a full 4 points. Even more impressive was her English score that went from a 29 to an unbelievable 35! We would highly recommend Meena to help your child improve their ACT or SAT scores. Meena is a true find. Book her now - you won’t be disappointed.
Joelle Cohn - Parent of a Junior at Ardrey Kell High School
Hi Meena, just wanted to let you know that my daughter is really learning a lot from you and she said that you have an uncanny way of unlocking her brain. So thank you for all that you are doing to help her with SAT prep. Much appreciated.
- Parent of a Junior at Charlotte Catholic High School
We are very pleased with our son's final SAT score. I knew he had great potential but just wasn't applying himself. Slowly I am seeing some maturity. Thanks for working with him. You really had a way of getting him to understand.
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- Parent of a Marvin Ridge HS Senior
Meena Pakala is fantastic! My son (now freshman in college) used Meena for ACT prep and college applications, and daughter (now junior at AK) is working with Meena in anticipation of February ACT. Meena is brilliant and students love her!
- Parent of Ardrey Kell High School
We used Meena Pakala and were extremely pleased with the results. Both SAT and ACT scores improved a lot! She responds quickly to requests through her website and is very flexible with the scheduling. One of the best you can find!
- Parent of a Junior at Marvin Ridge High School
Highly recommend Meena Pakala for SAT/ACT prep. She is very thorough and makes sure the student understands the material before moving on.
- Parent of a Senior at Carmel Christian School
We appreciate all the support and guidance Dr. Pakala gave our son. She developed an effective strategy and then gave him the tools that prepared him for the ACT. The result, after just a few sessions, was an overall three point increase in his composite score.
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With thanks - Parent of an Ardrey Kell Senior
I started SAT and ACT prep with Dr. Pakala in September of my senior year. Though I have a high GPA, I lacked confidence in standardized testing. By tutoring with Dr. Pakala, I was able to develop the skills I needed to succeed. She worked with me in all sections of the test and helped me strengthen further my already strong scores. I am thrilled that I was able to raise my ACT score by 3 points and I am now accepted to my #1 choice school! I am thankful to Dr. Pakala for providing me with guidance on my college applications as well as researching college options that would work for me. Overall, I don’t think I would have enough confidence within myself or with testing if it wasn’t for tutoring with Dr. Pakala.
Gabriella Francisci - Senior at Marvin Ridge High School
I would like to strongly recommend Meena Pakala to all parents looking to prepare their juniors or seniors for SAT/ACT tests. She tutored our daughter for the ACT test which helped to improve her score by 4 points! Receiving tutoring from Meena helped our family feel assured that our daughter was prepared to take the test as well as reduced the pressure of test taking.
Princess Cullum - Parent of a Senior at Ardrey Kell High School
I want to recommend Meena Pakala to all my Allyson Park neighbors for SAT/ACT prep. She lives right in our neighborhood and I called on Meena to start last minute sessions for my daughter for her SAT. She was very accommodating and was able to fit in as many sessions as we needed to get her prepared. The results were well worth it and I would highly recommend her. I know she has other areas of expertise so check out her website..
Fran McDermott - Parent of a Senior at Ardrey Kell High School
My daughter is a very good student who was struggling with taking the SAT. We are thankful to have found Dr. Meena Pakala. Her teaching style and techniques helped my daughter immensely. She helped with strategies and explained things clearly. My daughter’s SAT score improved by 110 points with just 2 months of help! We were amazed! To see how excited my daughter was, was priceless!! Dr. Pakala also provides wonderful feedback during the tutoring process so you will know how your child is progressing. We love and highly recommend her!!​
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Lisa S. - Parent of Ardrey Kell High School
I reached out to Dr. Pakala just 2 weeks before the Aug 25 test asking for help in raising my SAT score before I submitted my college applications. I was extremely pleased with the results! My overall score was a 1460 (110 points up from my last test)! I got a 790 on math and a 670 on reading and I couldn't be happier about it. I never thought my scores would go up this much and I couldn't be prouder of myself. Thank you so much for your help! I really appreciate all the extra time that you put in to help me achieve this score.
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Kristen Lavelle - Senior at Marvin Ridge High School
Meena is an outstanding SAT and ACT prep tutor. She invests extra time and energy really getting to know her students including their strengths, their opportunities for improvement, and what motivates them. She builds a customized plan and strategy to help each student succeed. Meena goes the extra mile to ensure each student is prepared and has the confidence they need. Meena did an excellent job keeping me as the parent informed throughout the process. We worked together as a team. I can't thank Meena enough for all her dedication to my son. With her help, he improved his SAT scores by 200 points which not only got him acceptance to his first choice college but he also received a merit scholarship.
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Aven Williams - Parent of a Senior at Providence High School
Dear Meena, we want you to know that our son got 96 in the final exam and it helped bump his grade in Honors Chemistry from 'B' to 'A'. We feel lucky that we found you. Your dedicated tutoring helped establish our son's solid understanding and confidence. He wants to pass on the good news to you and say "Thank you"! We will come to you in the future when needed.
- Parents of a rising Junior at Ardrey Kell High School
We can’t thank Meena Pakala enough for all she has done to help our son succeed on his ACT exam. Her personalized approach helped him to identify and build on his strengths, as well as improve on some weaknesses. We are thrilled that working with Meena over the summer and part of his junior year has helped him improve his composite ACT score by 5 points! The section scores went from 19 to 30 (English), 24 to 32 (Math), and 25 to 32 (Science). Now that our son is preparing his admissions applications, we are thankful he has the confidence of strong test scores to support his application.
- Parent of a rising Senior at Providence High School
Our son’s junior year was a struggle for him academically. At the beginning of the second semester, it was evident that he needed some extra help in Math 3 Honors. After some careful research, we found and met with Meena Pakala. Meena’s background and credentials were impressive, however, the thing that impressed us the most about her was her genuine care for our son. She was fully invested in his learning and went above and beyond all our expectations. She treated him as if she were tutoring her own son and he felt that. As a result, our son actually enjoyed meeting with her and looked forward to his sessions. By the end of the school year, she had helped him take his grade from a 70 to an 89! In addition, she worked with him on ACT prep, allowing him to add 3 points to his composite score.
Meena was such a blessing to our family and so much more than just a tutor. We are truly grateful for her and confident to recommend her in the highest regard.
Tim and Jackie Ledwein
Parents of Ardrey Kell High School
Meena Pakala tutored my son in his junior year for Honors Biology taking his grade from C to A- and also coached him for ACT prep where his composite score improved by 4 points. His Science score went from 26 to 34 which got him priority housing in college where he is pursuing a pre-Vet program. Dr. Pakala is not only highly qualified in the subject material, but also has a love of teaching that is unmatched. She truly pours her heart and soul into helping students succeed, not just in their class work, but more importantly, helps them to master the fundamentals of the work and build confidence which is serving my son well even in college. He made A's in Biology and Chemistry.
- Parent of Charlotte Latin School