'Twas the night before the last SAT of the year.

Dear MJTP Families,

First, I want to say thank you for your patience. I know it has been a little while since my last newsletter. The past few weeks have been full—traveling over the Thanksgiving holiday, meeting with students for extra sessions, and balancing my school responsibilities. I appreciate your understanding during this busy stretch.

I hope you all had a restful and meaningful Thanksgiving break, and that you were able to spend quality time with family and friends. Moments like those matter, especially during a demanding academic season.

The Eve of the Final SAT of the Year

Tonight marks the eve of the December 6th SAT, the last SAT of both the year and the season. I want to express my gratitude and admiration for all of you who have put in such steady, determined effort throughout the fall. Preparing for this exam is no small undertaking, and the commitment I’ve seen from students and families speaks volumes.

While I hope many of you achieve the goals you’ve been striving toward, I also want to remind you of something important:

Outcomes don’t define us—effort does.

The SAT is not the end-all be-all. Yes, scores can open doors in the college process, but over the years, I’ve learned that what truly predicts success is the consistent effort, the willingness to improve, and the discipline you bring to your preparation. Those qualities will follow you far beyond test day—into college, careers, relationships, and every meaningful endeavor you pursue.

Be proud of the work you’ve put in.

College Essay Highlights

I’ve enjoyed reading and revising many of your college essays this fall. A few of my students generously gave me permission to share a brief snippet from their work. I’ve included them below—examples of thoughtful writing that were simply a joy to read, and a reminder of how creative and insightful this process can be.

Emory University has a strong commitment to building community. Tell us about a community you have been part of where your participation helped to change or shape the community for the better.

My school's orchestra outreach program was initially small and overlooked. In 10th grade, I was elected for Outreach Chair. My most significant challenge in the role was convincing peers to participate. Many lacked confidence. I drew on my own experiences overcoming performance anxiety to motivate my fellow musicians. Slowly, outreach participation grew.

Our program's dedication led to invitations for charity banquets, city events, and the grand opening of a Dunkin' Donuts! These gigs proved that classical music continues to thrive outside concert halls. Furthermore, it fostered participation from less advanced players in the orchestras. During my two years as outreach coordinator, we gained roughly 30 members and built a noticeable community presence.

Now, as Orchestra President, I have passed program leadership along to a member who was once reluctant to perform due to stage fright. It feels rewarding to help create an outreach community that cherishes each other's talents.

Please tell us why you want to attend UMass Amherst? (100 words)

The Red Sox, Patriots, Bruins, and Celtics. Massachusetts, a state of champions. Since I was a kid, I’ve enjoyed watching, playing, and analyzing sports. I’ve witnessed shocking wins and heartbreaking losses in some of the greatest sports venues. Yet, my passion goes beyond the field, stretching to an interest in the business side of sports. 

The Isenberg School of Management has it all: internships, networking opportunities, and hands-on exposure to sports management. An undergraduate business degree in management from Isenberg is one step closer to my ultimate goal: working with top-tier athletes and shaping the future of elite sports organizations.

Thank you to all who have trusted me with your stories. It’s an honor to be part of your application journeys.

Final Notes Before Tomorrow’s SAT

As I’ve stressed in every session:

• Get good rest tonight. You’ve earned it.
• Get some exercise tomorrow morning. Even a brisk walk or light jog before the test is genuinely like a cheat code—it wakes up the brain, boosts focus, and prevents that groggy, slow cognitive start that can really hinder performance.
• Don’t roll out of bed and go straight to the test. Give yourself time to fully wake up—mind and body.

You have all put in so much work. Let tomorrow simply be the moment where you show what you’ve already built.

I look forward to hearing how each of you does, and I’m wishing everyone a safe, joyful holiday season as it approaches.

Warmly,
Mr. John