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TEST PREP & ESSAY SPECIALIST with a PhD
James W.

5.0 (1,198 ratings)

4,711 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee
Hourly Rate: $150
Contact James
Response time: 5 minutes
James W.'s Photo
James W.'s Photo James W.'s Photo

TEST PREP & ESSAY SPECIALIST with a PhD
TEST PREP & ESSAY SPECIALIST with a PhD
James W.

5.0 (1,198 ratings)

4,711 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee
5.0 (1,198 ratings)

4,711 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

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

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $150
  • 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 10/5/2016

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

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Approved Subjects

Art

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.

Business

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.

Corporate Training

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.
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.

English

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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Homeschool

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.
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.

Math

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.
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.

Most Popular

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.

Other

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.

Science

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.

Summer

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.
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.

Test Preparation

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Ratings and Reviews

Rating

5.0 (1,198 ratings)
5 star
(1,188)
4 star
(10)
3 star
(0)
2 star
(0)
1 star
(0)

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

Amazing SAT tutor

Dr. James is the best. He teaches his students how to solve the problems they struggle with and helps them learn to spot what the question is asking. If your student needs help with SAT prep please reach out to Dr. James.

Dawn, 7 lessons with James

Very knowledgeable

Helped my son in a big way to improve his confidence in Reading/Writing. James prepared a unique specific plan for my son to prep himself fir his upcoming SAT. I would definitely recommend James to other students.

Shailesh, 12 lessons with James

Excellent writing teacher

The essay writing course was outstanding! The teaching was professional, and the personalized, constructive feedback significantly improved my son’s writing skills.

Hyun Gi, 4 lessons with James

Highly skilled, knowledgable and patient writing mentor

James is an excellent writer! He not only provides feedback on what I was writing, but coached me throughout on how to improve my writing skills for the future. He took the time to truly understand my point of view and unique situation so we could write my assignment with a personal yet professional voice. I feel more confident as a writer coming out of my sessions with James and am truly satisfied with the work we did together.

Liilu, 3 lessons with James

Excellent input and feedback

Wonderfully attentive to individual needs and extremely insightful. Provided a detailed summary and followed up afterward. I would highly recommend to anyone looking for guidance and coaching.

Julie, 2 lessons with James

Great short debate practice session

I noticed that feedbacks and instructions for my son in his last minute practice session before WSC TOC at Yale with Mr. James are different from his school’s coaches, because Mr. James shows all the things that he need to change or improve in detailed and give him examples and idea. He as the 3rd speaker of the team is very happy, because the team won all 3 rounds debate in WSC TOC. Thank you Mr. James for the short practice and all the feedbacks, because I’m sure it has a big impact in his debate skill.

Lydia, 1 lesson with James

great tutor for SSAT and ISEE prep

Great tutor for SSAT and ISEE preparation with a lot of recommendations for practical tools for increasing reading comprehension and building vocabulary. I highly recommend James.

Snejina, 30 lessons with James

ACT tutoring

James is an excellent English ACT/SAT tutor. He gave good advises and action plans and follow-up to ensure the progress. My daughter improved English (reading and writing) by 100 points in three months. We are very satisfied.

Cathy, 21 lessons with James

Result!

If you’re looking to get a result, look no further! James will get you a result. Our son started with James at the end of August. His SSAT practice score on day 1 was 18 percentile. We finished with James first week of December and his score went up to 90 percentile. He had lessons with James about twice a week. I’m so impressed with the improvement in the scores. Don’t get me wrong our son works hard on it too but you definitely get what you pay for with James. Worth every penny! If you look for a tutor give James a try and you won’t regret it

Pakanya, 46 lessons with James
Hourly Rate: $150
Response time: 5 minutes
Contact James