All of
Tom’s current tutoring subjects are listed at the left. You
can read more about
Tom’s qualifications in specific subjects below.
ACT English
The ACT English section tests your understanding of grammar and punctuation rules - many of the same rules that are tested in the SAT Writing section. The difference is that on the ACT, you have to answer these questions in the context of five reading passages, rather than as individual sentences. As a result, you have to apply a different set of techniques than are necessary on the SAT Writing questions. Not to worry - these techniques can be easily learned and mastered. It's common for students whom I tutor for the ACT to have their highest scores in the English section.
ACT Math
The ACT Math section covers a wider variety of math concepts than are tested in the SAT Math section. However, the way the questions are asked tends to be a bit more straightforward on the ACT (fewer "trick questions"). Some students taking more advanced math classes can actually do poorly on ACT Math questions because it's been so long since they studied the arithmetic, algebra, and geometry that comprise most of the test questions. I'll help you refresh your memory on those concepts that you learned at one time but haven't used in a while. The other hurdle students face is not knowing how to translate the words in the question to a mathematical equation or problem-solving technique. We'll work on that together as well, and I'll show you how to do all the common types of questions that you might see on your test.
ACT Reading
The ACT Reading section is perhaps the section that is most similar to the corresponding section of the SAT. However, the ACT Reading doesn't have the Sentence Completion (vocabulary) questions that are found in the SAT Reading section. Since you won't be able to pick up easy points just for knowing vocabulary words, you're going to have to earn all your points by answering questions about four long reading passages. The key is not how fast you read; it's how effectively you read with the goal of being able to answer 10 questions about each passage. I'll help you with some techniques for doing just that.
ACT Science
One of the biggest differences between the ACT and the SAT is that there is a Science Reasoning section on the ACT. The SAT has no comparable section. Even if you aren't particularly strong in science, or haven't taken that many science classes, you can still achieve a very good score in the ACT Science section. The key is understanding the most important aspects of the hypotheses, experiments, and/or results that are described in each reading passage, just well enough so that you can answer five to seven questions about them. There are specific types of passages in the Science Reasoning section, and specific techniques that work best for each type of passage. I'll show you techniques for mastering all the types of ACT Science questions.
ASVAB
I have helped students qualify for the military specialties they wanted in the Navy, Air Force, and Marines by getting sufficiently high ASVAB scores. Most students that I've worked with on the ASVAB needed the most help in the two math sections. The Arithmetic Reasoning section is all math word problems. The challenge here is in accurately translating the scenario described in the problem to a mathematical equation that you then solve. The Mathematics Knowledge section tests your knowledge of principles and techniques from algebra and geometry. If you haven't done this kind of math in a while, it's easy to get rusty and forget how to solve these problems. Since you're not allowed to use a calculator on the ASVAB, the numbers used in these math problems are usually relatively small and easy to work with. Therefore, once a student understands these techniques and how to apply them, they usually achieve significant score improvement in both the math sections. If you need some help with any of the other ASVAB sections also, I'll be glad to work with you on those as well.
Bible Studies
I have been reading and studying the Bible since a very young age. I taught a children's Sunday school class at church for six years. Since kids like to ask "Why?" a lot, I had to make sure that I understood each week's lesson and Bible passage very well, and that I was able to not only tell the story but explain the principles contained in it, and give examples of real-life applications of those principles. I would be glad to work with anyone interested in studying the Bible, whether you are doing so as part of an academic class or purely for personal enrichment.
Business
I have managed a team of people for over a decade, dealing with all aspects of business and management including budgeting, evaluating employee performance, coaching and providing feedback to employees, as well as providing leadership and motivation. I have expanded my knowledge and kept current on developments in business and management by reading, on average, at least one business book each month. I would be glad to work with anyone needing assistance in any subject related to business or management.
C
I have a Bachelor's Degree and Master's Degree in Computer Science, and C was the programming language I used for most of my coursework. Since graduating, I have used C and its derivative languages C++ and C# for nearly two decades as a professional software developer. I have also conducted many reviews of code written by other developers, so I know the difference between well-written code and poorly-written code. If you want to learn C programming, want to understand some of the subtle rules for properly writing code, or need help with a program that doesn't work quite right, I can help.
C#
I have a Bachelor's Degree and Master's Degree in Computer Science, and C was the programming language I used for most of my coursework. Since graduating I have used C and its derivative languages C++ and C# for nearly two decades as a professional software developer. Additionally, I have used the Microsoft .NET Framework since version 1.0 came out with the first release of Visual Studio .NET in 2002, first with Visual Basic .NET and then with C#. If you want to learn C# programming and the .NET Framework, want to understand some of the subtle rules for properly writing code, or need help with a program that doesn't work quite right, I can help.
C++
I have a Bachelor's Degree and Master's Degree in Computer Science, and C was the programming language I used for most of my undergraduate and graduate coursework. Since graduating I have used C and its derivative languages C++ and C# for nearly two decades as a professional software developer. If you want to learn C++ programming, want to understand some of the subtle rules for properly writing code, or need help with a program that doesn't work quite right, I can help.
CBEST
So you want to be a teacher in California. Congratulations! To achieve this goal, you're going to have to take and pass the CBEST (California Basic Educational Skills Test).
I've helped students achieve passing scores in all three CBEST test sections: Reading, Math, and Writing. Most of the students I've tutored for the CBEST made several attempts to study on their own and pass the test, unsuccessfully, before seeking tutoring. No matter how much you have struggled in the past, I can help you. I have techniques that I will share with you for approaching each of the different types of questions in the Reading and Math sections. I'll help you write stronger essays that will achieve higher scores in the Writing section. If you have your score report from a previous unsuccessful attempt at the CBEST, we'll work specifically on the areas where your scores were low, including addressing any feedback you received on essays that were below passing level.
Let's work together on this with a systematic approach and get you to passing scores in all sections, so you can move on to the next step in your goal of becoming a teacher!
Computer Programming
I have a Bachelor's Degree and Master's Degree in Computer Science, and have worked for nearly two decades in the computer software industry. During this time I have learned and used a number of different programming languages. As a manager of software developers I have trained and mentored quite a few new developers. I have also conducted numerous code reviews, so I know the difference between well-written code and poorly-written code. If you are just starting out in computer programming, or you are trying to learn a new programming language, or you want another set of eyes to look at your code to make sure it does what it is supposed to, please get in touch. I would be glad to work with you.
Computer Science
I have a Bachelor's Degree and Master's Degree in Computer Science, and have worked for nearly two decades in the computer software industry. During this time I have learned and used a number of different programming languages. I also have a strong background in other fundamental aspects of Computer Science such as data structures, algorithms, operating systems, and databases.
In addition to college-level Computer Science courses, I have also tutored a number of high school students in AP Computer Science. I can help you understand every concept that is tested on the AP exam, including the Java programming language, common algorithms, and the GridWorld case study. I'll give you lots of test-taking tips for the AP exam, and I have practice test questions that you can do to ensure that you're ready for the real test. I look forward to the opportunity to help you do your best in AP Computer Science.
COOP/HSPT
If you're going to be taking either the COOP (Cooperative Entrance Examination) or the HSPT (High School Placement Test), I can help you prepare for your test so that you're ready to get your best possible score to maximize your chances of being accepted to your first choice of school. I have experience helping students prepare to take other entrance examinations including the SAT, ACT, GRE, and GMAT. As I tutor students for these types of standardized tests, I have them take practice tests between tutoring sessions. When we meet for tutoring we review their work on the practice tests and I show them how to answer any questions they got wrong or were not certain about. Then they take another practice test and their score invariably goes up from one practice test to the next. The students whom I have tutored this way have consistently improved in both the percentage of questions they answer correctly and their overall confidence level going into their actual test. Enhanced knowledge plus enhanced confidence equals superior performance on the actual test. I would be glad to work with you and help you be as prepared as possible for your test.
GRE
I have helped students achieve outstanding score improvement on the GRE. Students who scored in the bottom 25% percentile ranking before seeking tutoring have improved their performance into the top 25% after working with me. Whether you've had difficulty with Math, Verbal, or both, I will show you specific techniques that will help you reliably get many more questions correct. If you need to boost your essay scores, I'll work with you on that too. No matter how much you may have struggled in the past, you can master the GRE, and I will be glad to show you how.
ISEE
If you're planning to take the ISEE (Independent School Entrance Examination), I can help you prepare so that you're ready to get your best possible score. I have experience helping students studying for other entrance examinations including the SAT, ACT, GRE, and GMAT. When we are working together preparing for a test, I can show you how to get a correct answer on all the types of questions you will encounter on the ISEE. More importantly, I can explain (in simple, straightforward terms) the principles that are being tested in each question, so you will understand why the correct answer is correct. You will then be able to apply those principles on the questions that you will see on the actual test.
Java
I have a Bachelor's degree and Master's degree in Computer Science. I have used Java for several years as a professional software developer. I have also developed and taught a course in Java programming, with emphasis on the Java programming concepts that are essential for the AP Computer Science course and exam. I have tutored a number of students for AP Computer Science using Java, helping them with both programming projects and preparation for the AP exam. I'll give you lots of test-taking tips for the AP exam, and I have practice test questions that you can do to ensure that you're ready for the real test.
Microsoft Access
I have over 15 years experience using Microsoft Access professionally, writing queries, creating custom forms and macros, and writing VB code within Access databases. I can help you get the most out of Microsoft Access.
Microsoft Project
I have used Microsoft Project in a professional project management capacity for well over a decade. It was certainly not the easiest software to learn when I first started using it. Through attending training classes, reading books, and, most of all, using it for over the last 10 years, I learned the software and can now use it at a very high level of expertise. If you're reading this because you need to use Microsoft Project and have to come up to speed on it in a shorter period of time, I can help you advance through the learning curve and learn to use the essentials quickly.
Public Speaking
Almost 10 years ago, the management team at our company received training on public speaking and presentation skills. Each of us was videotaped making several different kinds of presentations, then we watched the video tape alongside a professional trainer and received feedback on how to improve our skills. This training has been immensely helpful in the years since then. As part of an organization that I volunteer with, I have the opportunity to speak in front of about 200 people at a time, and I actually look forward to it because I know my material and I have the skills to present with confidence. I would be glad to work with anyone who is interested in some tutoring/coaching in public speaking.
SAT Math
The number of different math concepts that are tested in the SAT Math section is rather limited. It's just that there are virtually unlimited ways that the test can ask you questions about those finite number of concepts. Some students taking more advanced math classes can actually do poorly on SAT Math questions because it's been so long since they studied the arithmetic, algebra, and geometry that comprise the test questions. If that's the case for you, I'll help you refresh your memory on those concepts that you learned at one time but haven't used in a while. The other hurdle students face is not knowing how to translate the words in the question to a mathematical equation or problem-solving technique. We'll work on that together as well and I'll show you how to do all the common types of questions that you might see on your test.
I can also help you if you are taking the SAT II Subject Test in Math, Level 1 or Level 2. Questions on these tests are similar in style to the regular SAT Math questions, but they also include more advanced topics in math.
SAT Reading
The easiest place to boost your score in the SAT Reading section is the Sentence Completion questions. With the strategies I will teach you for answering these questions, combined with time that you'll put in on your own learning the vocabulary words that commonly appear on the SAT, you can achieve some serious score improvement. I also have strategies I'll teach you for the Passage-Based Reading questions - techniques for answering the questions correctly whether or not you are a fast reader. It's not about reading quickly; it's about reading effectively with the right goal in mind.
SAT Writing
Many people think that getting a high SAT Writing score is all about writing a perfect essay. In reality, the essay contributes less than one-third of your SAT Writing score. More than two-thirds of the score comes from the multiple-choice grammar questions. The good news is that there are a relatively small number of grammar rules that the SAT tests you on. Once you've mastered these rules, sentences that violate the rules will jump out at you. It's common for students I work with to achieve significant improvement in their SAT Writing scores after just a few sessions with me. There is a gold mine of easy points in the SAT Writing section, but you have to know how to find them. Let me show you how. I'll certainly help you write better essays also, as that is a skill that will continue to benefit you long after you're done with the SAT.
Visual Basic
I have been programming with Visual Basic since version 1.0 came out in 1991, all the way through the current .NET versions of Visual Basic. Over the years I have designed, written, tested, and debugged dozens of VB programs. If you are looking for tutoring in Visual Basic, whether you want to learn the language or need help with a program that just doesn't quite do what it's supposed to, I can help you.