From student to SAT mentor: Marifat Jamal's journey to SAT

Marifat Jamal, a young and well-known SAT tutor in Uzbekistan, has transformed her personal journey with the SAT into a pioneering educational path, helping Uzbek students pursue international education through her self-founded SAT academy. Known for her remarkable SAT score of 1590, Marifat’s story highlights both the dedication required for high achievement and the obstacles she overcame to build a reputable SAT prep program in a competitive field.

Reflecting on her early days in an interview with Kun.uz, Marifat recalls beginning SAT self-study in 2019 with the aim of studying abroad. Her initial scores gradually improved from 1420 to 1500 and finally to an impressive 1590, a journey she attributes to persistent self-study and a drive to help others achieve similar results. This success motivated her to establish an SAT academy in Uzbekistan, aimed at preparing students for international university admissions, particularly in the United States and Canada.

During the interview, Marifat emphasized the importance of the SAT for Uzbek students aspiring to study abroad. Explaining the exam’s role in admissions, she noted that many top universities, including Ivy League schools, greatly value SAT scores in their evaluations. “There are three kinds of policies,” she explains, detailing the "test-optional," "test-required," and "test-blind" policies that universities may adopt. For Uzbek students, especially those from public or government schools, Marifat believes a strong SAT score can be pivotal, strengthening their applications by validating academic readiness.

Starting her own SAT academy, however, came with significant challenges. With limited resources, she initially borrowed funds to organize a master class, expecting a larger turnout. “Only about 40 people came in the first shift, and around 30 in the next,” she recalls, but she remained committed, using this early experience to raise awareness about the SAT among students. Her efforts eventually led to broader public interest, laying the foundation for a successful educational venture.

Marifat also addresses societal challenges, noting the gender-based bias she encountered as a female entrepreneur in a male-dominated field. “You’re just a girl, why do you have to earn that much?” was a common refrain from critics who questioned her ambition. Facing this kind of criticism, Marifat found motivation in defying stereotypes and building her career.

As for study strategies, Marifat advises her students to avoid common mistakes in the math and reading sections of the SAT. She recommends resources such as College Panda and Philadelphia SAT books, stressing “consistent practice” and learning from mistakes as key components of effective preparation.