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Yale Math PhD: SAT prep, gifted-child math and physics
Andrei K.

5.0 (1,706 ratings)

5,083 hours tutoring

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About Andrei

Bio

Who I am:

NOT your run-of-the-mill tutor. Before a career on Wall Street, I was a professional, world-class mathematician. I have an MS and a PhD in mathematics from Yale University, and summa cum laude BS and MS in mathematics from the former USSR. A graduate of one of the Soviet Union's elite math-and-physics high schools, I was also a multiple Mathematics Olympiad winner.

What I can do for you:

(1) SAT/ACT and ISEE/SSAT test prep. Important as they may be, test-taking techniques...

Who I am:

NOT your run-of-the-mill tutor. Before a career on Wall Street, I was a professional, world-class mathematician. I have an MS and a PhD in mathematics from Yale University, and summa cum laude BS and MS in mathematics from the former USSR. A graduate of one of the Soviet Union's elite math-and-physics high schools, I was also a multiple Mathematics Olympiad winner.

What I can do for you:

(1) SAT/ACT and ISEE/SSAT test prep. Important as they may be, test-taking techniques only scratch the surface of what is possible. By emphasizing *mental arithmetic* and *understanding* over tricks, I will unlock your *true* potential, and take you to the heights you have never dreamed achievable.

(2) Gifted-child math. If the school math does not challenge you enough---whatever your age---I can help! In grades 1-3 I recommend Singapore Math (at, and above, the grade level), which I supplement with algebra (yes, the children ARE ready) and, in grade 3, with my adaptation of the Soviet textbook. Beast Academy series (currently in the making) is also a wonderful supplement. For higher grades, I use my adaptation of the standard Soviet textbooks, as well as textbooks created specifically for Moscow's elite high schools with emphasis on mathematics. I also throw *fun* stuff into the mix, from prior-years math competitions, such as Math Kangaroo, MathCounts, and AMC. (I suppose, aforementioned Beast Academy may qualify as fun, too.) In this program, students can be reasonably expected to ace the math section of the SAT by the end of 7th grade. (Several of my students did just that, scoring 800 on the SAT math long before they would enter high school).

(3) Gifted-child physics. To the bright middle- and high-school students not content with the cursory treatment of physics at school, I offer an in-depth conceptual journey supported by a collection of challenging physics problems which I have been adapting from various Soviet sources. The latter project is in progress, with its Newtonian Mechanics part es

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Education

Kiev University (USSR)
mathematics
Yale University
Masters
Yale University
PhD

Policies

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Approved Subjects

ACT Math

ACT Math

My system of preparation for the math portion of the ACT (and, more generally, for the standardized tests in mathematics) is somewhat unique and unconventional. In fact, it goes against the grain of *most* of what you have been taught in school... and likely even in a test-prep class, if you have taken one. Sound a bit unnerving? Perhaps. But consider this: those same math teachers who tell you what to do, had most certainly not scored well themselves when they were your age. What is more, chances are good that they cannot score that well now, either. That's because their ways are... well, unduly complicated. I should add that the proof is in the pudding. I had taught a number of my young students to achieve the perfect score on the math portion of the SAT long before they would reach high school. I had also tutored a number of high-school students to score either perfectly or near-perfectly on the math portions of the ACT and SAT. If you buy into my method, I can teach you how to do it, too.
Algebra 1

Algebra 1

Before completing my Ph.D. in Discrete Mathematics at Yale University, my specialization and master's thesis at Kiev University (U.S.S.R.) were in Algebra.
Algebra 2

Algebra 2

Before completing my Ph.D. in Discrete Mathematics at Yale University, my specialization and master's thesis at Kiev University (U.S.S.R.) were in Algebra.
Calculus

Calculus

Back in my previous, academic life, I taught Multivariable Calculus at Yale University, and Calculus 1 and Calculus 2 at University of Waterloo. Over the past few years, I tutored many high school and college students in calculus at all levels. Several of my younger high school students had achieved the score of 5 on the AP Calculus BC exam in 9th or 10th grade.
Computer Science

Computer Science

My PhD Adviser at Yale University had a joint appointment at the Mathematics and the Computer Science departments. Consequently, I spent a significant amount of time studying algorithms, computational complexity, and other areas of interest to Computer Science. I am also fluent in several programming languages, such as Perl, PhP, and Java. Finally, one of my first students at WyzAnt was working towards his Master's Degree in Computer Science, needing help with his Algorithms class.
Differential Equations

Differential Equations

While working towards my Bachelor and Master degrees in Mathematics, I took---and aced---an in-depth three-semester course in Differential Equations (including both Ordinary and Partial DEs). Later on in my academic career, I taught some of it at the college level in my calculus class.
Discrete Math

Discrete Math

My PhD theses---as well as postgraduate research---were in the area of Discrete Mathematics.
Geometry

Geometry

Did you know that our Founding Fathers were almost universally educated in geometry? In their private letters to friends, they would make references to Euclid's the Elements the same way we would talk today about Google, or iPhone, or Twitter. (Except being able to talk about these modern realities is not a sign of a solid education :) Until a few hundred years ago algebra gave modern mathematics ability to record information concisely---in formulas---geometry had done so---pictorially---for over two millennia. A sidebar: When I taught at University of Waterloo, I organized a minicourse in Projective and Conformal Geometries.
GRE

GRE

My system of preparation for the GRE places the main emphasis on mental math. While the benefits are many---including improved speed and the reduction in errors---the main point is to teach the students how to *look* for (and, therefore, to *see*) short, most efficient solutions.
ISEE

ISEE

Over the years, I have successfully prepared for the Math portions of the ISEE (and the SSAT) a number of students applying to (and getting into) highly selective private schools (at any grade level). My system of preparation for these standardized tests in mathematics is somewhat unique and unconventional. In fact, it goes against the grain of *most* of what you have been taught in school... and likely even in a test-prep class, if you have taken one. Sound a bit unnerving? Perhaps. But consider this: those same math teachers who tell you what to do, had most likely not scored well themselves when they were your age. What's more, chances are good that they cannot score that well now, either. That's because their ways are... well, unduly complicated. What is a better approach? First of all, I will teach you how to solve 95% of all questions *mentally*, without writing a thing. Why bother, you may ask. Several reasons. One, it will teach you---anew---what you once knew but have since forgotten: the mathematical imagination. Its importance is hard to overemphasize. If you can imagine what is going to happen when you do this or that, say to a math expression at hand, you are going to solve the problem that much faster! Two, doing math mentally teaches you to *look*---typically for a shorter way to solve the problem---and eventually to *see* such a short solution. A typical SSAT problem can be solved---mentally---in under 10 seconds (that is, once you've slowly read it). There are other [inter-related] benefits in mental math: improved short-term memory, reduction in the number of 'silly mistakes,' increased accuracy and speed, etc. Next, since you are not writing, you cannot 'show your work.' But to take it further, I will not let you 'show your work' even in articulating your solution orally, either to me or to yourself. Why not? Because 'showing your work' prevents you from short-circuiting the steps that at some point in the past should have become trivial. For example, years ago, when
Linear Algebra

Linear Algebra

Per my PhD program requirements, I taught a course in Linear Algebra at Yale University. Over the past few years, I helped a number of college-level students with their Linear Algebra classes.
Physics

Physics

Starting in the Summer of 2013 twice a week, and continuing during the school year weekly, I have been running a physics class for exceptionally gifted students. Progressing slowly, we go more in-depth than a typical AP Physics course would. Our target is to study elementary physics in proper breadth and depth, over three-year period. The problems we consider mostly come from old Moscow physics competitions and other classical Soviet sources, which I have been adopting for this purpose.
Precalculus

Precalculus

Over the past few years, I have been tutoring precalculus to students who would like to improve their grades through better understanding of the material, as well as to younger, exceptionally gifted students not content with cursory treatment of mathematics at school. To the latter, I offer a course adopted from old Russian textbooks for schools specializing in mathematics, supplementing it with topic-specific collections of AHSME/AMC 10/AMC 12/AIME problems.
SAT Math

SAT Math

My system of preparation for the SAT/ACT math is "unique" (not really; it just imitates the way professional mathematicians approach math problems). First of all, slow down! "But I need to do it fast on the test," you may protest. True, but you need to learn how to *solve* problems first, *before* you can do it fast. The first time I looked at an SAT test, I did it (perfectly) in just over half the time--but I had never trained for speed. It may sound counter-intuitive, but speed comes naturally to those who (1) are good at solving problems and (2) have a complete command of the subject matter. The good news is that the subject matter to master for the SAT math is very VERY limited. It can be explained to a thoughtful 7th grader. I had done that with my 12-year old son, who went on to score 790 on the SAT Math in May of 2012 (in 7th grade) and 800 in October 2012 (in 8th grade). I can do this with you, too. How can I teach you to *master* the SAT math? By asking you to 'throw out the clock' and take your time; to write your complete solutions in a quad-graphed journal; to cover up the multiple-choice answers, unless the problem cannot be solved without seeing them. This approach to problem solving will immediately flash out the areas in need of additional attention. This is the most efficient way--perhaps the only way--to truly master the subject matter, and to end up *dominating* the test. It is only when you have mastered the SAT problem solving *without* the clock--and you will, sooner than you may think--can we begin worrying about speed. But guess what: at that point, it will scarce be necessary.
SSAT

SSAT

My system of preparation for the math portion of the SSAT (and, more generally, for the standardized tests in mathematics) is somewhat unique and unconventional. In fact, it goes against the grain of *most* of what you have been taught in school... and likely even in a test-prep class, if you have taken one. Sound a bit unnerving? Perhaps. But consider this: those same math teachers who tell you what to do, had most likely not scored well themselves when they were your age. What's more, chances are good that they cannot score that well now, either. That's because their ways are... well, unduly complicated. What is a better approach? First of all, I will teach you how to solve 95% of all questions *mentally*, without writing a thing. Why bother, you may ask. Several reasons. One, it will teach you---anew---what you once knew but have since forgotten: the mathematical imagination. Its importance is hard to overemphasize. If you can imagine what is going to happen when you do this or that, say to a math expression at hand, you are going to solve the problem that much faster! Two, doing math mentally teaches you to *look*---typically for a shorter way to solve the problem---and eventually to *see* such a short solution. A typical SSAT problem can be solved---mentally---in under 10 seconds (that is, once you've slowly read it). There are other [inter-related] benefits in mental math: improved short-term memory, reduction in the number of 'silly mistakes,' increased accuracy and speed, etc. Next, since you are not writing, you cannot 'show your work.' But to take it further, I will not let you 'show your work' even in articulating your solution orally, either to me or to yourself. Why not? Because 'showing your work' prevents you from short-circuiting the steps that at some point in the past should have become trivial. For example, years ago, when you were learning how to read, you had to first learn how to recognize the shapes of individual letters, and the sounds that each of them made. But si
Statistics

Statistics

Over the years, I've tutored AP Statistics to a number of high-school students who would proceed to score 5s on the AP exam, some without taking the actual class at school. I have also helped a number of college students taking Statistics as part of their pre-med or MBA program. Finally, I have helped several business professionals who needed to brush up on once-learned but long-forgotten Statistics for their jobs. (Once a StatArb trader on Wall Street myself, is how it all began :)
ACT English
ACT Reading
Elementary Math
Elementary Science
Prealgebra
Probability
SAT Reading
SAT Writing
Trigonometry

Examples of Expertise

Andrei has provided examples of their subject expertise by answering 9 questions submitted by students on Wyzant’s Ask an Expert.

See all of Andrei ’s answers ›
Andrei K.'s Photo

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Ratings and Reviews

Rating

5.0 (1,706 ratings)
5 star
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3 star
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Reviews

Phenomenal tutor!

Andrei tutored my daughter for SAT Math, and for the SAT Math 2 subject test. His online classes were amazing and she grasped the subject matter quickly. Andrei also gave her great tips on working faster and more efficiently. This helped tremendously on the exams. Andrei tutored her for three months for the SAT Math, she took the exam once and scored a 780 on the math. He then tutored her for a month for the SAT 2 math, she scored an 800 on that exam. We are very grateful to Andrei, for helping her achieve this. I would recommend Andrei very highly, his patience and dedication is outstanding! Thanks Andrei!

Krupa, 120 lessons with Andrei

Out of the box tutor

Andrei takes a different approach than most tutors we have worked with. The idea is to build problem solving ability, slowly, but surely. His style works for my daughter because he makes her think, and she tells me she’s thinking about these ideas outside of the lesson. It is an investment in the long term.

Summer, 12 lessons with Andrei

Projective Geometry

Andrei was very patient and thorough. My son had a better understanding of the material after the lesson. He also sent additional information for my son to review, which was very helpful.

Elaine, 1 lesson with Andrei

Excellent teacher

Andrei had excellent communication, and was easy to schedule lesson and was responsive. I appreciated Andrei working with my daughter, he assessed is her level at the first lesson, this was very useful in order to know how to proceed. Andrei is professional, kind and matter a fact, which is great. Highly recommended.

Marsha, 1 lesson with Andrei

Excellent Math teacher!

My son is having SAT Math prep classes with Andrei K. He is improving and motivated. Andrei K. Is a great math tutor! We are very happy and strong recommend him to anyone looking for higher grades.

Agnes, 16 lessons with Andrei

Skilled TUTOR

Andrei K. Is a skilled tutor and my son respects him as a great mathematician. His strategy and approach are ambitious but it's working!!!! He made my son believe he is capable of active high scores! We recommend Andrei K. to anyone who is aiming for their best performance in standard tests and is looking for an efficient and professional tutor.

Agnes, 16 lessons with Andrei

Skilled TUTOR

Andrei K. Is a skilled tutor and my son respects him as a great mathematician. His strategy and approach are ambitious but it's working!!!! He made my son believe he is capable of active high scores! We recommend Andrei K. to anyone who is aiming for their best performance in standard tests and is looking for an efficient and professional tutor.

Agnes, 16 lessons with Andrei

Knowledgeable teacher.

Teaching style is intense and that is not going to work for my son.

Pranati, 1 lesson with Andrei

Incredible person, and a professor.

I value honesty and creativity. Myself, I went to some great schools and some horrible ones, for sure, I can spot good, great, and not so great teacher. Andrei approaches math as a puzzle, a fun one, and it's not a type that would scratch the surface. Most professors these days just cover the topic so briefly, for lack of passion, lack of time or lack of knowledge. Andrei goes in dept, and very much appreciates math and the beauty of it. Since my Harvard classes, I did not see this level of expertise. My daughter comes out of the class full of energy and looks enriched not exhausted. Learning should be fun, should be engaging and should be most of all curious why, and why journey. As a contrarian, I agree with everything that Andrei shared beyond math with my daughter. Some might find it offensive, I find it factual and truthful. The world needs more Andrei’s. Thank you.

George, 21 lessons with Andrei

Excellent Math Teacher

So grateful for exceptional lessons with Andrei! My daughter has been working with Andrei for the past 5 months. She has shown an improvement in her critical thinking ability! Lessons with Andrei enabled her to identify the most efficient way to solve ACT/SAT Math problems mentally, without pencil and paper. She has also learned to derive Pre-Calculus formulas without memorizing them. She has been scoring consistently on top of her class since she started her lessons with Andrei. Highly recommend Andrei if you are looking to excel in Math or improve your problem solving abilities!

Elena, 56 lessons with Andrei
Hourly Rate: $160
Response time: 5 hours
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