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English Tutor Specializing in Test Prep and Essay Writing
Mark C.

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Hourly Rate: $50
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About Mark

Bio

I'm Mark! I'm a Boston College graduate who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English. I fell in love with literature after my first year's prerequisite courses, and I actually switched majors in order to pursue its study. And it was wonderful -- I spent hours with my professors dissecting the rules of grammar, the evolution of the language, the many ways that rhetoric could be used to strengthen, bolster, weaken. When I graduated college, I knew I wanted to instill that same love in...

I'm Mark! I'm a Boston College graduate who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English. I fell in love with literature after my first year's prerequisite courses, and I actually switched majors in order to pursue its study. And it was wonderful -- I spent hours with my professors dissecting the rules of grammar, the evolution of the language, the many ways that rhetoric could be used to strengthen, bolster, weaken. When I graduated college, I knew I wanted to instill that same love in writing and reading into others.

Since then, I've worked over a decade with students across the Bay Area as a private tutor at various organizations. I started off with the AP English courses and essay writing fundamentals. Since then, I've expanded my repertoire to include SAT/ACT test prep, the Common Core, and college essay writing.

For test prep, I like to get right to the core of the issue -- how can we improve our score? For some students, their reading is more than strong enough, and this improvement has required a structured review of grammar instead. Others have struggled with specific question types or strategies, such as rhetorical purpose or discerning between two closely worded answers. Regardless of which it is, we'll find the root of the issue and immediately get to work through systematic practice. My students, on average, improve their scores by 50-200 points over the course of their time with me.

I have extensive experience with reviewing personal statements for college admissions. My approach focuses on building a clear, honest picture of each students' achievements, aims, and history. My aim is to present a student with their best qualities forward, in a way that addresses exactly what each admissions committee wants to see.

And of course, if your student needs help with English coursework such as AP courses or essays, I would be more than enthusiastic to help them improve.

Please contact me if you'd like to get started! I'm excited to see what we can do together.

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Education

Boston College
English

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Approved Subjects

English

English

With 10 years of experience tutoring English in the Bay Area, I'm well aware of the challenges that students tend to experience. I've taught students from elementary all the way up to high school, ranging from topics such as elementary essay writing (persuasive, informative, argumentative) all the way up to AP Literature and senior-level schoolwork.
Literature

Literature

I have nearly a decade of professional teaching experience in English and test preparation, including teaching AP Literature and helping students make substantial improvements in their performance. I have taught reading skills across the full range of Common Core standards, including literary analysis, close reading, textual evidence, inference, theme, characterization, and authorial purpose. I specialize in helping students who struggle with English coursework develop stronger reading comprehension, analytical thinking, and evidence-based writing skills. My approach emphasizes individualized instruction that builds confidence, strengthens critical reading skills, and equips students to analyze complex texts more independently.
Proofreading

Proofreading

I have nearly a decade of professional teaching experience in English, essay writing, and test preparation, including work with established tutoring companies and as a head teacher. I help students proofread and refine their writing for grammar, punctuation, spelling, sentence structure, clarity, and style while preserving their individual voice and intended meaning. My experience includes academic essays, analytical writing, and college application essays, with an emphasis on identifying recurring errors and helping students understand how to correct them. I tailor my feedback to each student's needs, aiming not only to improve the current draft but also to develop stronger, more independent writers.
SAT Reading

SAT Reading

I've been working with students on test prep for the last ten years. I'm knowledgeable about every aspect of the standardized test prep experience, whether this is for the SAT or ACT.
Writing

Writing

With nearly a decade of professional experience teaching English, writing, and test preparation—including serving as a head teacher—I have helped students improve their grades, strengthen their writing, and advance beyond their school's expected curriculum pace. I work with students on everything from brainstorming and organizing ideas to crafting compelling thesis statements, developing persuasive arguments, analyzing literature, and polishing final drafts. My approach combines individualized instruction, encouraging feedback, and practical strategies that help students build confidence, see tangible progress, and develop a genuine appreciation for expressing their ideas through writing.
ACT English
ESL/ESOL
Grammar
SAT Writing
Vocabulary
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Hourly Rate: $50
Contact Mark