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TEST PREP & ESSAY SPECIALIST with a PhD
James W.

5.0 (1,382 ratings)

6,007 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee
Hourly Rate: $160
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Response time: 1 hour

About James

Bio

Having completed my PhD, I have succeeded at every level of academic achievement; with almost 20 years of teaching experience, I can help your child do the same.

My focus is on helping your student ace his or her life changing tests!

It's great to watch students succeed beyond their wildest dreams, and it's also wonderful to watch students experience the transformation of character and the growth of self-esteem that can accompany great academic achievement.

I specialize in high...

Having completed my PhD, I have succeeded at every level of academic achievement; with almost 20 years of teaching experience, I can help your child do the same.

My focus is on helping your student ace his or her life changing tests!

It's great to watch students succeed beyond their wildest dreams, and it's also wonderful to watch students experience the transformation of character and the growth of self-esteem that can accompany great academic achievement.

I specialize in high level test prep and essay writing – including college admissions essays. Whether preparing for the SAT, ACT, ISEE, SSAT, TOEFL, or HSPT, your student will be well on his or her way to a jump in their scores and a mastery of test taking strategies.

When it comes to essays – I help high school and college students learn ninja writing skills that will put them at the top of their class. I even specialize in helping students craft creative but on-point college admissions essays that knock it out of the park.

As an educator, my strengths are my creativity, experience, and kind-yet-direct guidance. I've been teaching, coaching, and tutoring for the last 20 years, so my students are able to relax knowing they are in good hands. I have a background in education and performance, and most recently, I earned a PhD in a transdisciplinary program exploring 'human and organizational change', so I am able to work with the student as a complex and unique individual rather than just trying to force them to learn like a machine.

Finally, I can help you no matter where you are in the world. I have extensive experience with online tutoring techniques and tools, so students not only get the most cutting-edge test prep strategies and tools, they also improve their tech-literacy, which gives them a competitive edge in their future academic and professional lives.

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Education

California Institute of Integral Studies, San Francisco, CA.
PhD
  • Licensed teacher

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $160
  • Rate details: Rate is sometimes on a sliding scale. First lesson is guaranteed by Wyzant - if you don't want to continue, then no charge.
  • Lesson cancellation: 24 hours notice required

  • Background check passed on 10/19/2024

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

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Approved Subjects

ACT English

ACT English

During the last 6 years of teaching at Top Prep companies in the Los Angeles Area, I specialized in the English portion of the ACT. I have helped students to raise their scores by 5 or 10 points in just a few short months of preparation. I am familiar with a wide variety of test prep strategies and have adapted my approach to students with a broad range of individual needs. Also, I have a PhD and so I have excellent reading and writing skills and have used those expertise to teach ACT, PSAT, ISEE, CAT, and SAT Test Prep at top test prep companies for the last six years.
ACT Math

ACT Math

I have helped students to raise their Math ACT scores by 5 or 10 points in just a few weeks. Working at Top Prep companies in the Los Angeles Area for the past 6 years, I focused on the math sections of the test, so I know various test prep strategies and have developed my own approach to help students excel and get into their top choice colleges, often with academic scholarships.
ACT Reading

ACT Reading

I have worked for Top Prep companies in the Los Angeles Area for the past 6 years. I have specialized in the Reading aspects of the test. I have helped students to raise their scores by 5 or 10 points in just a few short months of preparation. I am familiar with a wide variety of test prep strategies and have adapted my approach to students with a broad range of individual needs. Also, I have a PhD and so I have excellent reading and writing skills and have used those expertise to teach ACT, PSAT, ISEE, CAT, and SAT Test Prep at top test prep companies for the last six years.
ACT Science

ACT Science

During the last 6 years of teaching at Top Prep companies in the Los Angeles Area, I help students with every aspect of the ACT. I have helped students to raise their scores by 5 or 10 points in just a few short months of preparation. I am familiar with a wide variety of test prep strategies and have adapted my approach to students with a broad range of individual needs. Also, I have a PhD and so I have excellent reading and writing skills and have used those expertise to teach ACT, PSAT, ISEE, CAT, and SAT Test Prep at top test prep companies for the last six years.
Algebra 1

Algebra 1

I have extensive experience with teaching Algebra I material over the last 5 years. I have helped students bring up their Algebra grades from C's to A's. I have also been able to prepare students to take elite private high school entrance or transfer exams that require high level mastery of Algebra subjects. Finally, I have been teaching all levels of high school math, up to and including the highest scores on the math portion of the SAT. I have 15+ years of teaching experience and 5+ years of teaching SAT and ACT math skills, which include Algebra I & II, Geometry, and some Trigonometry.
American History

American History

I received a PhD in a transdisciplinary social sciences degree which required a wide berth of knowledge in the humanities generally, including a lot of American History as the context for which our research took place. I also took and passed the AP American History test back in High School and continue to read widely at a PhD level in American culture and history.
Career Development

Career Development

I have wide understanding of how people choose, develop, or transition between careers. As a trainer and coach for the Anthony Robbins Companies (one of the most respected corporate training and coaching companies in the world) I helped people of all ages envision and then enact their ideal work lives. In addition, my exposure to a wide variety of work transition skills (which I acquired while working as a professional actor) led me to mastery of the tools in the career development classic "What Color is Your Parachute". In addition, I have a rare skill set related to using social media and the internet to optimize a job search process.
CBEST

CBEST

I took and passed the CBEST back in 2002. In addition I have tutored various SAT subjects which more than qualifies me to handle the material on the CBEST exam. Also, I have PhD in from an interdisciplinary social sciences program which gives me a high level of understanding of a very broad span of general knowledge.
College Counseling

College Counseling

I have a PhD, so I can guide you through success at every level of your Academic Journey. Also, I have 15 years experience teaching at the Undergraduate, Graduate, and PhD level. Finally, I have been coaching students through their admissions test, admissions essays, and admissions interviews for almost a decade - both at major college prep organizations and privately.
Elementary Math

Elementary Math

I have extensive experience with teaching elementary students math over the last 3 years. I have helped students move grades from D's to A's and have also prepared many grade school students for elite middle school entrance exams that require high level elementary math mastery.
English

English

Most of my academic and professional career has been steeped in the study and performance of dramatic texts. I have also been passionate about the analysis and understanding of language and literature from the time I was young. I completed AP Literature and AP Language classes, and scored a 710 the reading section of the SAT, and a 750 on the writing section. Additionally, I graduated from the Honors Program at my undergraduate institution, which heavily emphasized critical written responses to our interdisciplinary studies. I would be thrilled to help you sharpen your reading comprehension skills, as well as your use and understanding of the English language.
Geometry

Geometry

I have been teaching all levels of high school math, up to and including the highest scores on the math portion of the SAT. I have 15+ years of teaching experience and 5+ years of teaching SAT and ACT math skills, which include Algebra I & II, Geometry, and some Trigonometry.
Grammar

Grammar

Having completed a PhD, I have done a lot of reading and writing in my life. Editing graduate level papers has allowed me to cultivate exceptionally high levels of skill with laws of grammar, usage, and mechanics. I also have been teaching the 'writing' portion of SAT for the past five years - which is based almost entirely on grammar skills: the ability to spot errors and make sentence or paragraph corrections.
ISEE

ISEE

I am an ISEE test prep expert. At certain times of the year, up to 85% of my students are preparing for the ISEE - so I have a level of experience with this test that is very hard to find. I use world class technology to aid the process: practice tests with fantastic diagnostic tools, online vocabulary and math games, cutting edge whiteboard apps for working out math problems together, etc. I have been teaching ISEE test prep at top Los Angeles and New York City based Test Prep companies for over 10 years. My students have had strong results and always improve dramatically within 10 to 20 hours of training. Also, I have a PhD and so I have reading and writing skills at the highest levels and have used those expertise to teach ACT, PSAT, ISEE, CAT, and SAT Test Prep at top test prep companies for the last six years.
Literature

Literature

I graduated with a minor in English as an undergraduate - where I read world literature (European, American, Caribbean, Russian, African, and more) extensively. I also have a undergrad and graduate degree in theater - so have been steeped in dramatic literature of all kinds. Finally, I have been an avid reader of great literature all my life. For example, in the last two years I have finished War and Peace, the entire bible, and The Brothers Karamazov. I am now working on the modern masterpiece Infinite Jest. Next up is Don Quixote. This kind of reading schedule has been common since I graduate college 15 years ago.
Phonics

Phonics

In addition to being a PhD level reader, I also have extensive training and experience as a stage actor which means that I have incredibly specialized tools for dealing with the spoken word and the sounds of speech. Finally, since I began life with dyslexia and various speech impediments that required focused attention, I have a special understanding of what exactly it takes to overcome any challenge in learning phonics.
Proofreading

Proofreading

I have written at a PhD level and am currently working on a book that has already been accepted for publication. While in my PhD program - fellow students were constantly reading and editing each other's papers - looking for errors in grammar, usage, mechanics, and APA / MLA formatting. In addition, I worked as a teaching assistant in PhD level courses, which involved reading and grading graduate level papers. Finally, I have taught writing skills in various contexts for a decade - and I've worked with students matriculating at Ivy League schools.
PSAT

PSAT

I have worked for several top test prep companies for almost 4 years. I am highly qualified to help students preparing for the PSAT, especially in critical reading, writing (grammar), and essay preparation. I have helped students qualify for National Merit Scholarships and achieve at the highest level. Also, I have a PhD and so I have excellent reading and writing skills and have used those expertise to teach ACT, PSAT, ISEE, CAT, and SAT Test Prep at top test prep companies for the last six years.
Public Speaking

Public Speaking

Much of my skill set comes from the speech and vocal skills I gained in my 7 years of professional actor training at the undergraduate and graduate levels. With my understanding of story structure, rhetoric and argument, and literary devices, I can help you to develop and deliver a speech with confidence that will capture your listeners and leave a lasting impression. One of my particular areas of expertise is solo performance. I have spent several years honing a performance of a two hour monologue. As such, I understand how give a speech a dramatic and compelling shape, but also how to command a space, speak with integrity and authenticity, and step into vulnerability with a joyful heart. If you want to cultivate true presence, I'd be thrilled to assist in your journey to become a more embodied public speaker that no one will be able to take their eyes (and ears) off of.
Reading

Reading

I have taught reading a just about every level. I have taught grade school students reading basic reading comprehension skills to prepare for the ISEE entrance exam, I have taught high school students critical reading skills for the SAT as a teacher at top LA based SAT prep companies, and I have taught at the PhD level - helping students comprehend some of the the most complex and difficult philosophical and scientific materials in existence. Finally, with an English minor and two degrees in theater - I have great ability to help students read and understand poems, short stories, novels, and plays.
SAT Math

SAT Math

I have worked for Top Prep companies in the Los Angeles Area for the past 6 years. I have focused on the math aspects of the test. I have helped students to raise their scores by 5 or 10 points in just a few short months of preparation. I am familiar with a wide variety of test prep strategies and have adapted my approach to students with a broad range of individual needs.
SAT Reading

SAT Reading

I have worked for Top SAT prep companies in the Los Angeles Area for the past 5 years. I help people with all sections of the test, but specialize in the Reading aspects - often helping students to raise their scores by 300 to 400 points in just a few short months of prep. I am familiar with a wide variety of prep strategies and have adapted to students with a broad range of scores and individual needs. Also, I have a PhD and so I have excellent reading and writing skills and have used those expertise to teach ACT, PSAT, ISEE, CAT, and SAT Test Prep at top test prep companies for the last six years.
SAT Writing

SAT Writing

I have worked for Top SAT prep companies in the Los Angeles Area for the past 5 years. I specialized in the verbal portion of the test - writing and reading - often helping students to raise their scores by 300 to 400 points in just a few short months of prep. I am familiar with a wide variety of prep strategies and have adapted to students with a broad range of scores and individual needs. Also, I have a PhD and so I have excellent reading and writing skills and have used those expertise to teach ACT, PSAT, ISEE, CAT, and SAT Test Prep at top test prep companies for the last six years.
Social Studies

Social Studies

I have a PhD from a transdisciplinary social sciences degree program that required and also instilled a wide variety of knowledge in various social sciences disciplines. My professional experience as a stage actor has exposed me to a vast amount of social and culture knowledge as necessary research for each character and play. Finally, my passion for contextualization of knowledge in a social framework helps my students to think in an integrative fashion.
SSAT

SSAT

I am an SSAT test prep expert. At certain times of the year, a large portion of my students are preparing for the SSAT - so I have a level of experience with this test that is very hard to find. I use world class technology to aid the process: practice tests with fantastic diagnostic tools, online vocabulary and math games, cutting edge whiteboard apps for working out math problems together, etc. I have been teaching for SSAT test prep at top Los Angeles Test Prep companies for more than 10 years and my students have had strong results, always improve dramatically within 10 to 20 hours of training. I have helped many students prepare for the SSAT over the past three years. Most students raise their scores by 30% or more within a few short months of working with me. Most of my SSAT students are relieved when I clearly break down the test structure and give them simple practical strategies for optimizing their score no matter what.
Study Skills

Study Skills

While I got my PhD in transformative studies, I studied accelerated learning techniques in detail. In addition, I worked for success coach Tony Robbins for two years, and not only completed his one year 'Mastery University' training program, but I also worked for him as a corporate trainer, teaching success skills in fortune 500 companies. Finally, as an SAT tutor, I gave students ivy league college level study skills as applied to SAT test prep.
Theater

Theater

As a recent graduate of American Conservatory Theater's MFA program- consistently ranked as a top acting program nationally and globally-who also holds a BFA in Acting, I am extremely qualified to teach anything related to theatre and dramatic performance. I have been leading classes, workshops, one-on-one coaching sessions and master classes for nearly a decade, working with students of all ages and experience levels. I am a proud member of Actor's Equity Association and have been working consistently as a professional actor for several years. I would love to help you prep for an upcoming audition, learn and/or sharpen a dialect, better comprehend a dramatic text, or provide consistent coaching to help you elevate your craft beyond where your instincts alone can take you. I am trained in acting for the stage, camera, musical theatre performance, and also have experience in dramatic writing.
Vocabulary

Vocabulary

Because of the unique panoply of my life experiences - including decades of working in live theatre, a comprehensive study of English and world literature (including having read the entire Shakespearean cannon), a penchant for listening to and recording a staggering array of college level audio text books, and having completed a PhD level study in a transdiciplinary social sciences degree program - I have acquired a vast vocabulary arsenal. It would be a plum pleasing privilege and a pleasure to share my lifelong etymological and linguistic fascinations with whomever might be in need of verbal edification.
Writing

Writing

Having completed a PhD, I have been coaching and editing writing at EVERY level of academic writing. I help people at every stage - from conceptualization and research - to final editing and formatting. In addition, I taught writing skills to students preparing for the SAT and ACT for the past seven years, so my understanding of grammar, mechanics, usage, diction, and essay organization are excellent. I have also helped many students with all college and grad school application essays. Finally, I have been writing creatively (Poetry, Plays, Films, and Short Stories) for 15 years, so I am good at mixing academic precision with a readable and emotionally persuasive style.
ASVAB
Elementary Science
GED
Geography
Government & Politics
GRE
Spelling
TOEFL
World History
James W.'s Photo

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Response time: 1 hour

Ratings and Reviews

Rating

5.0 (1,382 ratings)
5 star
(1,372)
4 star
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3 star
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Reviews

Highly Recommend!

My daughter worked with James for about a month prior to taking the ACT. He helped her prioritize the areas where she could make the most impact with her scores. She scored a 34 overall and a perfect 35 on math. James also helped her with her essay writing skills. She scored an 11 out of 12 on her essay. Needless to say, James was the right fit for our daughter and we would highly recommend him for ACT tutoring.

Amy, 6 lessons with James

James, (Kind, Prodigy, Caring and AMAZING HUMAN BEING.)

James is an excellent teacher, and puts a lot of effort into every lesson, making sure every second is used to its fullest extent. James, thank you for all the attention and care that you have given our son. We can’t put into words the gratitude we express for your work towards our son's journey and the pivotal role you played in his life. Our son looks forward to his homework and each zoom session each week. Your passion and drive for these kids speak volumes. You will forever hold a special place in our family's hearts! We truly appreciate you! Thank you for being in the trenches with us as we guide our children forward through this world. Thank you for being a role model and an inspiration in our son's life. Our son speaks highly of you and mentioned you being his, "HERO!" Our son felt a great connection with you, the magic is, "YOU!" Thank you we are so happy and we will always keep in touch. Can't wait to work with you soon. You have a gift, thank you making a difference in the world. Thank you for your honest feedback always, means a lot. May God always bless you!

FMA, 10 lessons with James

Wonderful Tutor!

My daughter prepared with James for the lower school ISEE test a few years ago and got into her top choice schools. We came back this year to prepare for the upper school ISEE. James is a highly effective tutor for standardized test prep. He has a high yield approach and covers material in a clear and structured way. Our daughter's math skills were weaker, and her Math score improved 4 points! James is top-notch and his tutoring yields strong results for the ISEE.

Kendra, 77 lessons with James

5 Star Review

We are so grateful for all the support Mr. James has given our daughter during her ISEE preparation. When she took her first mock test in mid-August, her scores were: Verbal 7, Reading 7, Quantitative 6, and Math 5. After working with Mr. James for two months, she just took the official ISEE and received 9s in Verbal, Reading, and Quantitative, and an 8 in Math. James's teaching is clear, structured, and incredibly effective. He knows exactly how to explain concepts in a way that builds confidence and helps students improve quickly. Most importantly, he made the learning process positive and manageable during a stressful season. We truly appreciate his patience, professionalism, and guidance. Highly recommended to any family preparing for the ISEE.

Yan, 18 lessons with James

Passionate Tutor For Grad School Essay

James was very passionate about helping me craft my story and was over the top with all of his feedback and helping me find the right way to start my grad school essay. He made sure there were no spelling or grammar errors and was very personable during the whole experience! Which is what I want to touch on the most - he is super easy to get along with and makes the sessions very enjoyable and interesting alongside helping you out.

David, 3 lessons with James

Highly Recommend

James was very helpful and flexible with our urgent request to complete essays for college transfer for my son. He provided great ideas and recommendations on the content for every type of essays. My son enjoyed working with him and learned a lot as well.

Sujatha, 5 lessons with James

HIghly Recommend

We can't thank James enough for the fantatsic job he did helping our daughter, Sabine, prepare for the upper level ISEE—especially with only a month to study! He knew exactly how to structure her preparation, focusing on the most important concepts while also teaching her smart test-taking strategies. He challenged her in a way that kept her motivated and confident, and it truly paid off—she improved by a point in every category! We highly recommend James to any family looking for a knowledgeable, supportive, and effective tutor.

Gabrielle, 18 lessons with James

Very Helpful College Essay Tutor

James is a very professional writer and tutor. He made a lot valid editing to make the essay more understandable. The line in the story is clear, connecting from the beginning to the end that makes reader very comfortable. He always made available even during his busy traveling time. I really appreciate the full effort he put in. Highly recommended!

sherry, 5 lessons with James

helpful

My child is relatively weak in English, but with James's help, he achieved 9 on the English vobal and reading sections of the ISEE. James is a highly efficient teacher who recommended some study resources and taught valuable strategies during the lessons. It was an excellent tutoring experience.

Lina, 6 lessons with James

Patient and helpful

In just a few sessions, my daughter is improving significantly with her SAT confidence! While she has not taken the test yet, she is definitely feeling more preapred!

Maria, 8 lessons with James
Hourly Rate: $160
Response time: 1 hour
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