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Upbeat & Effective Writing, English, and Test Prep Expert w/ CMU MFA
Brandy C.

5.0 (441 ratings)

1,803 hours tutoring

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About Brandy

Bio

I'm Brandy! I'm an award-winning writer with a master’s degree from Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) and a certificate from CMU’s Eberly Center for Teaching Excellence. I have taught college and high school for over 10 years, both in and out of the classroom. I am passionate about meeting students where they are in order to help them get where they want to go!

As a tutor, I go the extra mile to personalize my lessons to the needs of each student. I specialize in working with adult and teen...

I'm Brandy! I'm an award-winning writer with a master’s degree from Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) and a certificate from CMU’s Eberly Center for Teaching Excellence. I have taught college and high school for over 10 years, both in and out of the classroom. I am passionate about meeting students where they are in order to help them get where they want to go!

As a tutor, I go the extra mile to personalize my lessons to the needs of each student. I specialize in working with adult and teen students on their writing, critical thinking, reading comprehension, and GRE/ACT/SAT test preparation. I always treat students as individuals, identifying challenge areas and generating unique lesson plans to target learning goals together. I prioritize student buy-in, working hard to ensure that content is engaging. I believe in helping students find their own answers, and always try to translate specific tasks into generalizable skills.

While I believe learning is a lifelong process, I also understand that students usually come to tutoring looking for results. After working with me, SAT students have raised their scores over 150 points, while GRE students report score increases upwards of 15 points. I have helped students earn scores of 5 on their AP Lit & Lang tests, and raise essay scores into the "A" range. I have worked with students from middle schoolers to corporate executives, and I am proud that my students consistently report increased confidence after our time together.

In addition to ongoing lessons, I offer proofreading, editing, and notes as-needed for internship, college, and graduate school personal statements; academic essays; and creative work, including fiction, screenplays, and stage plays.

Above all, I want to help you thrive. I will always be timely and specific in my communication as we figure out together how to meet and exceed your goals. I can't wait to get started!

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Education

Loyola University Chicago
English, Theater
Carnegie Mellon University
Masters

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $155
  • Rate details: RESCHEDULING & CANCELLATION: ** Less than 24 hrs. notice = 50% of lesson price ** same day, no show, & end early = full lesson price ** // ** SCRIPT NOTES: INQUIRE FOR DETAILS **
  • Lesson cancellation: 24 hours notice required

  • Background check passed on 12/1/2020

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

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Approved Subjects

ACT English

ACT English

Ace your standardized tests! I earned a 170/170 on the GRE Verbal Reasoning and 5.5/6 on GRE Analytic Writing. I got there by applying dedicated study habits and effective testing strategies, as well as improving critical reading, grammar, vocabulary, and writing skills. Effective test-taking will improve scores, but the BEST way to optimize your score is to begin work early in order to build your core skills. The more prepared you are for the reading & writing portions of your standardized test, the more ready you will also be to take on these subjects in your next course of study. Start today! My qualifications: I have a BA in English/Theater from Loyola University and a Master's Degree in Dramatic Writing from Carnegie Mellon University. At CMU I taught college courses and earned a certificate of teaching excellence. I have tutored numerous GRE, ACT, and SAT students.
ACT Reading

ACT Reading

Ace your standardized tests! I earned a 170/170 on the GRE Verbal Reasoning and 5.5/6 on GRE Analytic Writing. I got there by applying dedicated study habits and effective testing strategies, as well as improving critical reading, grammar, vocabulary, and writing skills. Effective test-taking will improve scores, but the BEST way to optimize your score is to begin work early in order to build your core skills. The more prepared you are for the reading & writing portions of your standardized test, the more ready you will also be to take on these subjects in your next course of study. Start today! My qualifications: I have a BA in English/Theater from Loyola University and a Master's Degree in Dramatic Writing from Carnegie Mellon University. At CMU I taught college courses and earned a certificate of teaching excellence. I have tutored numerous GRE, ACT, and SAT students.
Creative Writing

Creative Writing

I have an MFA in Dramatic Writing from Carnegie Mellon University, where I also taught playwriting to undergraduate students. My stage plays have been performed across the US and published by Samuel French and Smith & Kraus; my writing has also won awards from the Kennedy Center, Sloan Foundation (Screenwriting), and others. I have taught screenwriting at Houston's High School for the Performing Arts and have been a teaching artist for numerous institutions including the NHSI Cherubs program and Houston's Main Street Theater.
English

English

Improve your personal statements and boost your critical reading skills! I specialize in helping students understand what makes their writing effective, using word choice and literary tools, as well as practice reading critical text. I LOVE working with students to improve individual writing samples, as well as developing longer-term relationships with students for enrichment, to help boos their abilities and their confidence! My qualifications: BA in English/Theater from Loyola University Master's Degree from Carnegie Mellon University Certificate of Teaching Excellence from Carnegie Mellon's Eberly Center Experience teaching writing at Carnegie Mellon
Essay Writing

Essay Writing

With my degrees in writing (English undergrad, Dramatic Writing grad), I have extensive experience writing essays at a high level of academic excellence. In my work coaching students on writing and proofing essays, I focus on providing meticulous notes to help students meet teacher expectations on individual assignments, while also providing an educational framework designed to improve their skills overall. I strive to encourage students to identify and play to their own strengths, while working with them to improve on critical essay-writing skills like critical thinking, logical throughline, and effective structure.
Fiction Writing

Fiction Writing

I have an MFA in Dramatic Writing from Carnegie Mellon University, where I studied creative nonfiction and fiction writing in crossover graduate-level courses at the University of Pittsburgh. I also studied fiction writing during my undergraduate degree at Loyola University, taking courses up to the highest level available. My creative writing has been published by Samuel French and Smith & Kraus; my writing has also won awards from the Kennedy Center, Sloan Foundation (Screenwriting), and others. I have taught writing at Houston's High School for the Performing Arts and coached numerous young writers to find their voice, focus their storytelling abilities, and enhance their fiction writing skills.
Film

Film

I am an award-winning screenwriter with experience writing spec scripts, TV pilots, and films. My feature script LOVE, GENOME won first place in the Sloan/CMU Screenplay Competition. I have also been a finalist for the Athena Lab and Final Draft Big Break. My degree from Carnegie Mellon School of Drama focused on writing for all performance mediums including film and television, and I now live in LA, giving me firsthand insight into the workings of the industry.
Grammar

Grammar

The ability to write effectively is fundamental to success for everyone from middle school to the professional world. Understanding grammar can feel like a huge barrier for students who only know about language in a more "intuitive" way, or for learners for whom English is not their first language. I strive to keep grammar fun and accessible by moving at the student's pace. I specialize in working with adults and advanced teen learners to identify challenge areas and create personalized and targeted strategies for improvement. My qualifications: BA in English from Loyola University Master's Degree from Carnegie Mellon University Certificate of Teaching Excellence from CMU's Eberly Center Award-winning, published, and produced playwright and screenwriter Experience teaching writing at Carnegie Mellon University, as well as numerous Wyzant students!
GRE

GRE

Ace your standardized tests! I earned a 170/170 on the GRE Verbal Reasoning and 5.5/6 on GRE Analytic Writing. I got there by applying dedicated study habits and effective testing strategies, as well as improving critical reading, grammar, vocabulary, and writing skills. Effective test-taking will improve scores, but the BEST way to optimize your score is to begin work early in order to build your core skills. The more prepared you are for the reading & writing portions of your standardized test, the more ready you will also be to take on these subjects in your next course of study. Start today! My qualifications: I have a BA in English/Theater from Loyola University and a Master's Degree in Dramatic Writing from Carnegie Mellon University. At CMU I taught college courses and earned a certificate of teaching excellence. I have tutored numerous GRE, ACT, and SAT students.
Literature

Literature

The ability to critically read literature is fundamental to success for everyone from middle school through advanced learners. I bring a broad knowledge of the literature taught in middle school, high school, and college to my lessons; I strive to support students in reading, enjoying, and critically interpreting texts. I specialize in working with adult and teen learners to identify challenge areas and create personalized and targeted strategies for improvement. Most importantly, I strive to find ways to interest my students in the work; I love to read myself, and I know that being genuinely engaged with the content is the best way for students to improve! My qualifications: BA in English from Loyola University Master's Degree from Carnegie Mellon University Certificate of Teaching Excellence from CMU's Eberly Center Experience teaching writing at Carnegie Mellon University, as well as numerous Wyzant students!
Personal Statements

Personal Statements

In my nearly 15 years as a freelance creative, professional writer, and writing coach, I have developed a deep and thorough understanding of what institutions are looking for when it comes to personal statements. I have supported numerous students in developing unique and compelling statements, which have helped my students get into college, law school, medical schools and fellowships, graduate schools (including NYU and Oxford University), and competitive internships at the Naval Research Enterprise Internship Program and the White House. Students frequently report high levels of satisfaction with my assistance on their personal essays, including one memorable medical student whose advisor described their essay as "the best he'd ever read" before being admitted into his first-choice residency.
Proofreading

Proofreading

Effective writing is fundamental to success for everyone from school to the professional world. I specialize in working with adults and teen learners to identify challenge areas and create personalized and targeted strategies for improvement. As a proofreader I offer both simultaneous and asynchronous notes processes, and can adapt to your needs on a particular project; I can edit your documents or coach you in becoming a better editor yourself! I specialize in personal statements for college and advanced degree applications. My qualifications: BA in English from Loyola University Master's Degree from Carnegie Mellon University Certificate of Teaching Excellence from CMU's Eberly Center Award-winning, published, and produced playwright and screenwriter Familiar with MLA, APA, CMOS, and other common style guides Experience teaching writing at Carnegie Mellon University and Houston's HSPVA
Reading

Reading

The ability to critically read text of all types -- from literature, to nonfiction, to emails -- is fundamental to success for everyone from middle school to the professional world. I specialize in working with adults and advanced teen learners to identify challenge areas and create personalized and targeted strategies for improvement. Most importantly, I strive to find ways to interest my students in the work; being genuinely engaged with the content is the BEST and most PROVEN way for students to get and stay focused on reading, and to improve over time! My qualifications: BA in English from Loyola University Master's Degree from Carnegie Mellon University Certificate of Teaching Excellence from CMU's Eberly Center Experience teaching writing at Carnegie Mellon University, as well as numerous Wyzant students!
SAT Reading

SAT Reading

Ace your standardized tests! I earned a 170/170 on the GRE Verbal Reasoning and 5.5/6 on GRE Analytic Writing. I got there by applying dedicated study habits and effective testing strategies, as well as improving critical reading, grammar, vocabulary, and writing skills. Effective test-taking will improve scores, but the BEST way to optimize your score is to begin work early in order to build your core skills. The more prepared you are for the reading & writing portions of your standardized test, the more ready you will also be to take on these subjects in your next course of study. Start today! My qualifications: I have a BA in English/Theater from Loyola University and a Master's Degree in Dramatic Writing from Carnegie Mellon University. At CMU I taught college courses and earned a certificate of teaching excellence. I have tutored numerous GRE, ACT, and SAT students.
SAT Writing

SAT Writing

Ace your standardized tests! I earned a 170/170 on the GRE Verbal Reasoning and 5.5/6 on GRE Analytic Writing. I got there by applying dedicated study habits and effective testing strategies, as well as improving critical reading, grammar, vocabulary, and writing skills. Effective test-taking will improve scores, but the BEST way to optimize your score is to begin work early in order to build your core skills. The more prepared you are for the reading & writing portions of your standardized test, the more ready you will also be to take on these subjects in your next course of study. Start today! My qualifications: I have a BA in English/Theater from Loyola University and a Master's Degree in Dramatic Writing from Carnegie Mellon University. At CMU I taught college courses and earned a certificate of teaching excellence. I have tutored numerous GRE, ACT, and SAT students.
Study Skills

Study Skills

As a young learner I struggled with organization and study habits. I had to develop my own systems to stay on top of my work and focus on topics I was less interested in. Now I have a Master's Degree from Carnegie Mellon University. I graduated Magna Cum Laude from Undergrad and summa Cum Laude from CMU. I have taught and tutored students from elementary through the college level, and earned a Certificate of Teaching Excellence from Carnegie Mellon's Eberly Center.
Theater

Theater

My Master's of Fine Arts from Carnegie Mellon University encompasses an expertise in writing for stage, screen, and audio formats, as well as proficiency in theatre history. I have worked as an artist in the theater industry for 10 years at companies including Northlight Theatre Chicago, Chicago Fringe Festival, The Alley Theatre Houston, and many others. I have also taught theatre to students of all ages with the following institutions: Main Street Theatre Houston, National High School Institute "Cherubs" Program, American Theatre Company "Bridge" Program, and Carnegie Mellon University.
Vocabulary

Vocabulary

The ability to communicate effectively is fundamental to success for everyone from middle school to the professional world. A broad vocabulary is a central part of this, but can be a particular challenge for students with delayed reading, or where English is not their first language. I specialize in working with adults and advanced teen learners to identify challenge areas and create personalized and targeted strategies for improvement. Most importantly, I strive to interest my students in the work; being genuinely engaged with the content is the best way for students to improve! My qualifications: BA in English from Loyola University Master's Degree from Carnegie Mellon University Certificate of Teaching Excellence from CMU's Eberly Center Award-winning, published, and produced playwright and screenwriter Experience teaching writing at Carnegie Mellon University, as well as numerous Wyzant students!
Writing

Writing

The ability to write effectively is fundamental to success for everyone from school to the professional world. I specialize in working with adults and teen learners to identify challenge areas and create personalized and targeted strategies for improvement. Most importantly, I strive to interest my students in the work; being genuinely engaged with the content is the best way for students to improve! I am delighted to work with students long term for general enrichment, to support tutoring in tandem with students' schoolwork, and to offer one-time sessions to improve specific pieces of writing. I am particularly adept with personal statements for college and advanced degree applications. My qualifications: BA in English from Loyola University Master's Degree from Carnegie Mellon University Certificate of Teaching Excellence from CMU's Eberly Center Award-winning, published, and produced playwright and screenwriter Experience teaching writing at Carnegie Mellon University, as well as numerous Wyzant students!

Examples of Expertise

Brandy has provided examples of their subject expertise by answering 4 questions submitted by students on Wyzant’s Ask an Expert.

See all of Brandy ’s answers ›
Brandy C.'s Photo

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Ratings and Reviews

Rating

5.0 (441 ratings)
5 star
(436)
4 star
(4)
3 star
(0)
2 star
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1 star
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Reviews

Great high school writing coach

Brandy C has been such a great help with my son's high school writing projects, essays, assignments, and personal creative writing projects. My son enjoys their time and finds his writing improving with a personal coach to help him think through word choice, structuring an essay, and precise language. I think everyone needs a writing coach, and Brandy is a great one!

Nancy, 101 lessons with Brandy

The perfect balance of personalized support and thoughtful challenge.

Working with Brandy has been such a gift for my son. She quickly understood his learning style and provided the affirmation and encouragement he needed beyond his usual network. Her insights helped him approach his college essay and test prep with clarity and confidence, and she consistently struck the perfect balance between guidance and challenge. My son truly enjoyed their sessions, and I deeply appreciate the time and care she invested in getting to know him. Brandy has been a wonderful champion for his growth, and we’d happily turn to her again for future projects.

Melissa, 5 lessons with Brandy

Great for brainstorming personal statement ideas

She was great for brainstorming and helping me draft an outline in just one session. She asks great questions that prompt you to really think about yourself and the experiences that affected you.

Martina, 1 lesson with Brandy

Excellent tutor

My son took several English lessons over the summer. Brandy is an excellent tutor. With every PSAT question or article studied, she works continuously toward finding the mistakes/flaws in the student's understanding and correcting them. She then guides the student to deepen the analysis of the text. Brandy keeps the student engaged and focused for the entire lesson. My son wishes to continue having Brandy as his tutor during the coming school year (he will be in the 9th grade).

Cristina, 10 lessons with Brandy

best teacher ever!

My daughter and I can’t believe our luck to have found Brandy. She is wonderful in every respect: enthusiastic, patient, results oriented, bright and very knowledgeable.

Samarcande, 14 lessons with Brandy

best teacher ever!

My daughter and I can’t believe our luck to have found Brandy. She is wonderful in every respect: enthusiastic, patient, results oriented, bright and very knowledgeable.

Samarcande, 14 lessons with Brandy

best teacher ever!

My daughter and I can’t believe our luck to have found Brandy. She is wonderful in every respect: enthusiastic, patient, results oriented, bright and very knowledgeable.

Samarcande, 14 lessons with Brandy

best teacher ever!

My daughter and I can’t believe our luck to have found Brandy. She is wonderful in every respect: enthusiastic, patient, results oriented, bright and very knowledgeable.

Samarcande, 14 lessons with Brandy

best teacher ever!

My daughter and I can’t believe our luck to have found Brandy. She is wonderful in every respect: enthusiastic, patient, results oriented, bright and very knowledgeable.

Samarcande, 14 lessons with Brandy

best teacher ever!

My daughter and I can’t believe our luck to have found Brandy. She is wonderful in every respect: enthusiastic, patient, results oriented, bright and very knowledgeable.

Samarcande, 14 lessons with Brandy