From Lower ACT Scores to Life-Changing Scholarships: Entrepreneur Is Changing Students' Academic Futures

After transforming her ACT score from a 16 to a 32 and earning $1.5 million in scholarship offers, education entrepreneur Angelica Harris is now working to help students across the country achieve similar academic success through Top Tutors for Us, an education technology company focused on expanding access to culturally competent tutoring, personalized academic instruction, and college preparation.

Founded by Harris, Top Tutors for Us addresses disparities in educational resources and standardized test preparation, particularly among Black and Brown students. The company connects students with tutors from leading colleges and universities who provide individualized academic support while prioritizing cultural understanding, representation, and student confidence. Harris's mission was inspired by her own experience navigating the challenges of standardized testing.

After receiving a 16 on the ACT and seeing limited improvement through traditional test-preparation methods, she developed her own strategies to improve her performance. Her efforts resulted in a 32 on the ACT, $1.5 million in scholarship offers, and a full scholarship to Washington University in St. Louis, where she pursued degrees in finance and computer science.

Recognizing that many students face similar challenges accessing quality academic resources, Harris established Top Tutors for Us to create a more inclusive approach to academic achievement and college readiness.

"Every student deserves access to resources that help them succeed, regardless of their background," said Angelica Harris, Founder and CEO of Top Tutors for Us. "I created Top Tutors for Us because I understand what it feels like to have the potential to succeed but not necessarily have access to the right support. We want students to see what is possible when they are given the tools and encouragement they need."

Today, Top Tutors for Us has built a network of more than 500 tutors from leading colleges and universities, offering ACT/SAT preparation, individualized tutoring, and educational programs for families, schools, and community organizations nationwide.

According to company-reported results, students participating in Top Tutors for Us programs have achieved average score increases of more than seven points on the ACT and 250 points on the SAT. In a pilot program with New Orleans Public Schools, the company reported an average four-point increase in ACT composite scores following 16 hours of preparation.

Beyond improving standardized test scores, Top Tutors for Us is focused on strengthening college readiness, increasing access to scholarship opportunities, and helping students build the academic skills and confidence needed for long-term success.

Through its culturally competent tutoring model and partnerships with educational institutions and community organizations, Harris continues working to make quality academic support more accessible to students nationwide, particularly those from historically underserved communities.

About Top Tutors for Us

Top Tutors for Us is an education technology company working to close educational opportunity gaps and increase access to higher education for Black and Brown students. Founded by Angelica Harris, who improved her ACT score from 16 to 32 in less than seven months and subsequently earned more than $1.5 million in college scholarship offers, the company combines culturally responsive tutoring, mentorship, and innovative technology to transform standardized test preparation.

Through partnerships with schools, districts, and community organizations, Top Tutors for Us connects students with highly qualified tutors and mentors from leading universities, providing personalized ACT and SAT preparation, academic skill development, and college readiness support. To date, the company has served more than 5,000 students who have collectively earned over $50 million in scholarships.

For more information, visit www.toptutorsforus.com.