Student Spotlight: Meet Cole

Cole Mallinger

Freshman at the University of California, Berkeley

Graduated from:

Polytechnic School in Pasadena

(Class of 2024)

Worked with Vault Prep from:

June 2022-February 2023

First Official Score: 31   Final Superscore: 34

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My Vault Prep experience started during the summer of my sophomore year. Although I joined Vault Prep to prepare for the ACT standardized test, the online sessions helped me grow as an overall learner. Through their extensive strategy-based program, Vault Prep taught me strategies in English, mathematics, and reading that prepared me for the ACT and allowed me to study and absorb information more effectively and efficiently.

I was accepted to the University of Oregon, the University of Indiana, the University of Wisconsin, the University of California, Santa Barbara, and the University of California, Berkeley. Ultimately, I chose UC Berkeley because of its size, location, academic rigor, and work-life balance. I’ve joined a business consulting club focusing on the entertainment industry as well as a fraternity. Despite the challenging academic environment, Berkeley has provided me with extensive opportunities and a great balance between academics and social activities.

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“While the college process may feel long and complicated, my advice to people experiencing this challenge is to continue trying your best with the thought that you will end up at the school meant for you.”