Subjects

Math

I have been tutoring math for 5 years now, specifically to athletes at U.C. Berkeley. My specialties are Calculus, Pre-calculus, Algebra, Geometry, and Statistics.  My approach to math tutoring is one of trial and error. I believe that learning is a process of failing smarter. The more one does math, the better he or she becomes in the subject. Math knowledge builds from the ground up, and identifying then working on the weaknesses in the overall knowledge base creates confidence in the student to attack all problems. 

English/Writing

Building a proficient paper requires structure and thorough analysis. Throughout my education, I have found an algorithm for such a paper that sets a student up to clearly express his or her own ideas and proofs. I emphasize the thesis statement, the formation of the outline, and the use of strong evidence found within the work or class. 

I  emphasize grammar and sentence structure, the building blocks of success.  I have extensively studied the proper grammar usage, and fill in the gaps of knowledge not taught in school.  

Sciences

An understanding of sciences such as Chemistry and Biology begins with structural basics. One must learn how to study sciences- utilize diagrams and pictures as well as words and ideas- in order to grasp the complex concepts. I approach sciences holistically- providing helpful study habits and guides as well as a thorough knowledge of the material to supplement knowledge. 

AP Classes

AP Test Prep is often filling in knowledge that a teacher chose to leave out of the class itself, but is necessary for the success on the AP Exam.  I assess the breadth of the student's readiness for the test, then specifically cover the areas of difficulty. I received a score of 5 on AP Literature, AP Language, AP Environmental Science, AP Psychology, AP Calculus, AP US History, AP Chemistry, and AP Biology. I received a 4 on AP Spanish. 

Test Prep

SAT/ACTs

Cracking the test prep code is a simple, yet time consuming, algorithm. These tests simply provides information to colleges about how well one can study for a test. There is no 'trick' to receiving a high score except logging the hours of studying, and learning how to study your own weaknesses. 

My tutoring style is simple. Based on baseline scores assessed in the first few sessions and talking through with the student about his or her own testing insecurities, I quickly put together a learning profile that will best optimize the success of the individual. There are a multitude of factors (vocabulary, testing fatigue, problem solving, math knowledge, reading speed, etc) that cause a deficiency in SAT/ACT score, and once identified, these can be alleviated on the individual basis. 

I have come up with a computer program that plots the weighted factors behind an ideal and then measures how close one is to the ideal; each successive practice test can be thus measured in the categories of one's own learning gap.

The metrics are simply a tool to evaluate where one needs to put in the most work. Nothing beats hours of practice problems when dealing with Standardized Testing. There are about 800 different types of math problems the College Board uses, and the more the student can become familiarized with all the problems, the higher his or her score will rise.  

SSAT/ISEE

Upper Level ISEE and SSAT is slightly different from other standardized tests because  a student is going to face problems that he or she should not necessarily have learned yet. This test is made to assess where a student would fall based on their level of learning. A student can improve their scores dramatically due to learning the material before the test day. 

College Prep

College Essays

Colleges look for certain individuals to fill their campuses. The essay is a way to market oneself to college, and allow ones best self to shine through. I help set a student up to portray their best attributes, and ease their way through the college process.  

Recruitment

I help students email coaches, set up visits, and place themselves in a great position to been seen and considered by sports coaches.