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Ivy League, Columbia University Graduate for College Admissions
Alex B.

5.0 (15 ratings)

35 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee
Hourly Rate: $65
Contact Alex
Response time: 26 minutes

About Alex

Bio

Hi there! I'm Alex. Throughout my academic career at Columbia University and Cornell University (I spent my 1st year at Cornell's College of Arts and Sciences), I have developed an extensive background in political science, music, and tutored over 100 hours in English and History. In addition, having navigated first-year college admissions and transfer admissions in competitive preparatory schools and colleges, I would be more than happy to help you create the strongest application possible...

Hi there! I'm Alex. Throughout my academic career at Columbia University and Cornell University (I spent my 1st year at Cornell's College of Arts and Sciences), I have developed an extensive background in political science, music, and tutored over 100 hours in English and History. In addition, having navigated first-year college admissions and transfer admissions in competitive preparatory schools and colleges, I would be more than happy to help you create the strongest application possible on your path to your dream college! I find crafting personal statements for first-year college admissions and the "Why Transfer" essay for transfer admissions especially compelling. Lastly, I fundamentally believe that the college you spend your first year at does not need to be where you graduate.

As for music, I can play anything from blues to jazz to your latest Hot 100 hit, so please give me a shout for guitar lessons! I've played shows at notable venues in New York City such as at Mercury Lounge (Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Chris Martin, and Radiohead have played the venue among others) and the Delancey, and received a $5,000 award for independent research into the politics of jazz music from the Eric H. Holder Initiative for Civil and Political Rights at Columbia University. I've conducted research in the History department at Columbia University and in the Political Science department at Stanford University. Currently I am conducting "Honors Research" in Columbia's Music department, focusing on ethnomusicology and examining the music theory behind musical innovations of jazz of the 1940s. Most terms I have excelled, achieving over a 4.0 GPA in multiple terms throughout college.

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Education

B.A. Columbia University '25
Political Science, Columbia College

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $65
  • Rate details: Free 15-minute consult for college admissions advising. Happy to tutor multiple students for $50 per student. I.e. a session of 2 would be $100 ($50 for each student).
  • Lesson cancellation: 8 hours notice required

  • Background check passed on 12/30/2024

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

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Approved Subjects

College Counseling

College Counseling

1. I have been admitted to every school I applied to (Cornell as a first year student, and then Columbia as a transfer) and have been studying the college admissions process since I was about 17 digging into Common App requirements and trends at top schools. 2. Worked as an Ambassador for the College of Arts and Sciences Cornell where I learned what Cornell or similar schools "look for" when attracting prospective applicants. 3. Proximity to the process. Because I have gone through the college admissions process twice in 3 years I understand the most "up to date" nature of the process. I studied how I could make myself as strong an applicant as possible and have been informally giving advice for years about how to improve one's chances. Now I consistently have college admissions counseling appointments on Wyzant.
General Music

General Music

I have 2 years of Jazz theory coursework in high school. 8+ years of study of guitar and general music in addition to digital music, theory, and history of Western music coursework at Cornell and Columbia. In addition, I received a 5,000 dollar stipend from the Eric H. Holder Initiative to study how blues and jazz have been forces for political change.
Guitar

Guitar

I have performed with a Sony Music Publishing signed artist and artists who have shared the stage with John Mayer, Eric Clapton, and The Rolling Stones. 10 years of guitar experience. Played professional shows in New York including at Mercury Lounge and the Delancey. 3+ year of music theory experience with valuable insight in the music business having had an internship at Red Light Management (represents Lionel Richie, Dave Matthews, Victoria Justice and more).
Music Theory

Music Theory

In addition to studying jazz theory for 2 years in high school I have taken courses involving music theory, music production, ear training, and the necessary skills to understand "what" you are hearing and "how" you can implement it into your own songs. I took one semester of music at Cornell and received an "A+". At Columbia I conduct "Honors Research" where I received an "A" and in all other courses I received an A+ (2 semesters worth).
Writing

Writing

Writing has been a fundamental constant in my studies throughout college. I typically write dozens of pages of turned-in material every semester for my courses in political science, political philosophy, law, and business/international affairs. I am conducting Honors Research at Columbia as apart of a larger work on ethnomusicology, jazz, and politics. I am especially proud of earning an "A" in my first ever primarily graduate-only course at Columbia in the politics of classical Ancient Greece and Rome. In addition, I have tutored in writing primarily on other tutoring platforms for over 100 hours.
Alex B.'s Photo

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Response time: 26 minutes

Ratings and Reviews

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5.0 (15 ratings)
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Reviews

Incredible College App. Tutor/Mentor

Alex is hands-down the best tutor I could have asked for! From the start, Alex provided invaluable guidance on my college essays and applications, helping me articulate my thoughts clearly and showcase my strengths in the best possible way. Alex’s ability to break down the overwhelming college application process into manageable steps made everything feel so much easier. The insight and advice I received were unmatched, from brainstorming essay ideas to fine-tuning the final drafts. I applied to Ivy League schools, several private colleges, and the entire UC system—an intense and competitive process—but with Alex’s help, I felt confident and prepared every step of the way. Alex went above and beyond by helping me research all the colleges I was interested in, ensuring I truly understood what made each school unique and helping me tailor my applications to reflect that understanding. This personalized support made such a difference and helped me put my best foot forward. One of the things I appreciated most was Alex’s ability to make every session feel approachable and even enjoyable. College applications can be incredibly stressful, but Alex’s cool and friendly personality made the process so much easier to navigate. Each session left me feeling more informed, prepared, and motivated to take on the next challenge. I can’t imagine going through this journey without Alex’s incredible support, wisdom, and encouragement. If you’re applying to colleges—whether Ivy Leagues, UCs, or private institutions—I can’t recommend Alex enough. Truly a game-changer who makes all the difference!

Paulina, 14 lessons with Alex

Musical, Intuitive, and adaptable guitar tutor

Alexander is helping my 16-year-old daughter get to the next level of guitar playing and song composition by teaching her ear training and improvisation. Although he is classically trained and can engage in formal musical instruction, he has adapted to my daughter’s preferred style of a lesson, which is to listen to any song (she likes) and analyze, and learn to play the chords and melody. He teaches her the chord patterns and progressions that are the basis for many different songs in a fun, engaging interactive manner. Alexander has clearly put in the work to get to the level musician he is and is extremely understanding and instinctual. He has also been punctual and professional about coming in person.

Natasha, 1 lesson with Alex
Hourly Rate: $65
Response time: 26 minutes
Contact Alex