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Elite SAT R/W Tutor | Executive Function & ADHD Specialist
Ryan C.

5.0 (51 ratings)

149 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee
Hourly Rate: $99
Contact Ryan
Response time: 7 minutes

About Ryan

Bio

I’m Ryan Carvalho—an elite SAT Reading & Writing tutor and Executive Function / ADHD specialist with 12+ years of experience teaching and tutoring in high-performing Massachusetts districts, including Boston Latin, Brookline, and Newton. I work with motivated students who want real, measurable improvement—whether they’re building fundamentals or already scoring in the 600s–700s and aiming for top-percentile results.

My SAT R/W instruction is not generic “tips and tricks.” I use a...

I’m Ryan Carvalho—an elite SAT Reading & Writing tutor and Executive Function / ADHD specialist with 12+ years of experience teaching and tutoring in high-performing Massachusetts districts, including Boston Latin, Brookline, and Newton. I work with motivated students who want real, measurable improvement—whether they’re building fundamentals or already scoring in the 600s–700s and aiming for top-percentile results.

My SAT R/W instruction is not generic “tips and tricks.” I use a structured mastery system built around diagnostics, error-pattern analysis, and repeatable reasoning steps. Students learn how to approach passages, evidence questions, rhetorical skills, and grammar with clarity and consistency—so performance improves under real test pressure. Many students see strong score gains (often 120–250+ points over time), because we eliminate recurring mistakes and build test-ready habits that actually stick.

I also coach students in executive functioning: planning, organization, time management, task initiation, study routines, accountability, and follow-through. A large portion of my students have ADHD or related EF challenges, and I’m skilled at turning overwhelm into structure without shame or chaos. Families appreciate my calm, direct style and the fact that sessions produce clear next steps.

If you’re looking for a tutor who can raise SAT performance and strengthen the systems behind it, I’d be glad to help. Share your goals, your timeline, and any prior score reports, and I’ll build a clear plan forward.

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Education

Bridgewater State University
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Harvard University
Graduate Coursework
Boston College
Other
  • Licensed teacher

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $99
  • Rate details: Tutoring: Online $99/hr · In-person $150/hr Package rates may be available for ongoing students. Ask about options during consultation.
  • Lesson cancellation: 24 hours notice required

  • No background check

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

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Approved Subjects

ACT English

ACT English

I bring over 12 years of hands-on experience helping students dramatically improve SAT and ACT Reading and Writing scores through a highly structured, data-driven approach. Rather than teaching vague “tips,” I diagnose precise mistake patterns across grammar, rhetoric, and reading subtypes, then train students to master each skill to a measurable accuracy threshold. My instruction emphasizes logical sentence structure, parallelism, punctuation systems, and passage-level reasoning—the exact skills tested on modern standardized exams. I specialize in working with high-performing students as well as those with ADHD, executive-function challenges, or inconsistent academic foundations. Every lesson follows a mastery-based progression that moves from concept clarity to mixed-question application and timed execution. I also train students to recognize common test-writer traps and eliminate wrong answers efficiently under pressure. The result is not just higher scores, but durable academic skills that transfer to school writing, comprehension, and long-term success.
ADHD

ADHD

I have over 12 years of experience supporting students with ADHD across elementary, middle, and high school, both in classroom settings and one-on-one tutoring. My work focuses on helping students strengthen executive-function skills such as organization, task initiation, sustained attention, planning, and follow-through—skills that directly impact academic performance. I regularly work with students who struggle with focus, motivation, and consistency despite being capable learners, and I tailor instruction to their specific attention profiles. My approach is highly structured and practical, combining academic instruction with clear routines, accountability systems, and strategies that students can apply independently. I collaborate closely with families to align tutoring with IEPs, 504 plans, and school expectations, ensuring continuity rather than overlap. Parents value my calm, predictable style and my ability to help students build confidence while developing tools that lead to measurable, long-term progress.
ASVAB

ASVAB

I provide targeted ASVAB preparation focused on arithmetic reasoning, general science, electronics information, mechanical concepts, and verbal comprehension. My approach emphasizes fast problem recognition, elimination strategies, and test-specific reasoning rather than rote memorization. When I personally took the ASVAB years ago—before I was tutoring full-time and without intensive preparation—I scored a 92, placing me well above the national average. Since then, my diagnostic and instructional skills have significantly advanced through years of structured tutoring, error-pattern analysis, and exam-specific coaching. I understand how the ASVAB is designed to test reasoning efficiency under time pressure, and I train students to maximize scores with disciplined strategy and clarity. Sessions are tailored to military-bound students who need results, not theory. The goal is qualification, confidence, and access to the widest possible range of military career options.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

I have over 12 years of experience supporting students on the autism spectrum in both school-based and one-on-one settings, including work in Massachusetts’ top-ranked districts such as Boston Latin, Brookline, and Newton. I specialize in helping autistic learners build academic skills alongside executive-function abilities such as flexibility, organization, task initiation, and self-regulation. My background includes working with students who require highly structured, predictable instruction in reading, writing, comprehension, and study skills. I use evidence-based, ABA-informed strategies to reinforce learning, reduce overwhelm, and promote independence, while keeping sessions practical and academically focused. I regularly collaborate with families and school teams to align tutoring with IEP goals and classroom expectations without duplicating ineffective past interventions. Parents value my calm, structured approach and my ability to help students make measurable progress while building confidence, independence, and functional skills that carry over into daily life.
Bodybuilding

Bodybuilding

I’m a seasoned Bodybuilding coach with 17+ years of experience, including competing in multiple sports such as basketball, baseball, football, boxing, and mixed martial arts. Since I started bodybuilding at 18, I’ve achieved impressive results, including reaching 235lbs at 7% body fat, with photos to prove it. I’ve also competed in the Junior Olympics and know firsthand the dedication it takes to transform your body. My approach combines proven strength training, nutrition, and recovery methods tailored to each individual’s goals, helping clients achieve peak performance and results.
Essay Writing

Essay Writing

I have over 12 years of experience teaching and tutoring essay writing for middle school, high school, and college students across a wide range of academic levels. I specialize in helping students develop clear structure, strong thesis statements, logical organization, and effective evidence-based writing. My approach focuses on breaking the writing process into manageable steps, including outlining, drafting, revising, and editing, so students understand not just what to write but how to think through their ideas. I regularly support students who struggle with organization, clarity, or confidence in writing, including those with executive-function or learning challenges. Sessions emphasize clear expectations, concrete models, and actionable feedback rather than vague corrections. Parents value my ability to help students produce stronger, more confident writing while also building skills they can transfer to future assignments across subjects.
Executive Functioning

Executive Functioning

I am an experienced educator and academic coach with over 12 years of experience supporting middle school, high school, and college students with executive functioning skills. I specialize in helping students strengthen organization, planning, task initiation, time management, sustained attention, and follow-through—skills that are essential for academic success but often underdeveloped in high-achieving or neurodiverse learners. My background includes extensive work with students with ADHD, executive dysfunction, and learning differences, both in school settings and through one-on-one coaching. I design personalized systems that help students manage assignments, break down complex tasks, prepare for exams, and build consistent study habits, while also improving self-monitoring and accountability. Rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach, I focus on identifying each student’s specific executive function challenges and teaching practical, transferable strategies they can apply across subjects. Parents and students consistently report improved independence, reduced academic stress, and measurable improvements in performance as a result of this structured, skills-based coaching approach.
Grammar

Grammar

With over 12 years of experience, I specialize in grammar tutoring for students of all levels, including SAT prep, academic writing, and special education support. My expertise lies in breaking down complex grammar rules into clear, easy-to-apply concepts so students can improve sentence structure, punctuation, and clarity in their writing. I’ve helped students master parallelism, conciseness, subject-verb agreement, modifiers, and more—key areas for SAT success and strong academic writing. My background in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and psychology also allows me to tailor lessons for students with ADHD, autism, and executive function challenges. Whether you're preparing for a standardized test, strengthening writing skills, or refining professional communication, I'll help you gain confidence and mastery in grammar.
High School Placement Test

High School Placement Test

I have extensive experience preparing students for High School Placement Tests, including SSAT-style and independent school entrance exams. My background in SAT Reading & Writing, grammar, and test strategy allows me to effectively support students preparing for placement exams that assess critical reading, writing, vocabulary, and reasoning skills at a slightly earlier level. I focus on teaching students how to approach questions strategically, manage time effectively, and avoid common test traps, rather than relying on memorization alone. Many of the skills required for placement exams—such as understanding passage structure, grammar rules, and logical elimination—closely mirror higher-level standardized tests, which allows students to build both confidence and long-term test readiness. My approach is structured, diagnostic, and student-specific. I identify gaps quickly, reinforce foundational skills, and help students develop strong test-taking habits that translate across exams. Students and parents consistently report improved accuracy, confidence, and performance as a result of this targeted preparation.
Interview Prep

Interview Prep

I provide structured, results-focused interview preparation for high school, college, and graduate-level students, including academic programs, competitive schools, and enrichment opportunities. My approach emphasizes clear communication, confidence-building, and strategic response framing so students can articulate their strengths effectively under pressure. I help students prepare for common and advanced interview questions, practice concise yet compelling answers, and improve delivery, tone, and body language. Drawing on years of experience working closely with students and families, I tailor interview coaching to each student’s goals, personality, and application context to ensure authentic and polished performance.
Psychology

Psychology

I’m a seasoned Psychology tutor with 12+ years of experience in teaching, executive coaching, and applied behavioral analysis. I graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.S. in Psychology, minoring in Biology and Cognitive Neuroscience. My expertise spans ABA, cognitive psychology, neurobiology, and human behavior, making me uniquely equipped to support high school, AP, and college-level learners across a wide range of topics—from classical conditioning to brain-based learning. I break down complex theories into practical, digestible frameworks tailored to your learning style. Whether you're prepping for a psych final, writing a research paper, or reviewing for the AP exam, I teach psychology the way it should be taught: clearly, critically, and connected to real life. ✅ 12+ Years Teaching & Behavioral Analysis ✅ Magna Cum Laude Graduate – Psych, Bio, Neuro ✅ Expert in Learning, Memory, Development, ABA ✅ Great for AP, College, or Graduate-Level Support ✅ Personalized Methods for Deep Understanding I don’t just help students memorize facts—I help them think like a psychologist.
Reading

Reading

I’m a dedicated Reading tutor with over 11 years of experience helping students unlock their full potential. My approach is personalized, focusing on building comprehension, fluency, and a genuine love for reading. With a background in psychology, I understand how students process information, allowing me to use tailored strategies that foster confidence and long-term growth. I’m passionate about guiding students to become independent, thoughtful readers and thinkers.
SAT Math

SAT Math

I am an SAT Math specialist with 12 years of experience teaching in some of Massachusetts’ top-ranked school districts, including Boston, Brookline, and Newton. I use a highly structured, psychology-based approach to build mastery quickly and eliminate blind spots. My students regularly see 150–250+ point increases through targeted skill development and mistake-pattern correction. I provide expert instruction for all SAT Math domains, from algebra and functions to advanced problem solving.
SAT Reading

SAT Reading

With over 12 years of experience in SAT Reading & Writing preparation, I specialize in teaching students the thinking systems required for high-level performance, not just surface-level practice. My approach integrates advanced test strategy, cognitive psychology, and executive function training so students learn how to analyze passages, apply grammar rules, and answer evidence-based questions with clarity and repeatable logic. I regularly work with top 5% students (700+ range) who want to refine accuracy, eliminate subtle trap errors, and push toward elite scores, as well as motivated students aiming for major score gains in a shorter time frame. By identifying recurring error patterns—misreading, overthinking, pacing breakdowns, and distractor traps—students I work with often see 150–250+ point improvements over the course of preparation. Sessions are structured, efficient, and data-driven, using official SAT material, targeted drills, and personalized pacing frameworks. Families value my ability to support both high-performing students and those who need stronger foundational structure, while building durable skills students can apply independently on test day.
Special Needs

Special Needs

I have over 12 years of experience supporting students with special education needs across public school classrooms, one-on-one tutoring, and individualized academic support settings. My work includes supporting students with learning disabilities, ADHD, autism, and executive-function challenges who require structured, explicit instruction to succeed academically. I specialize in adapting reading, writing, and study-skills instruction to meet diverse learning profiles while maintaining high expectations and clear goals. My approach is highly structured, predictable, and skill-based, helping students improve focus, organization, task completion, and academic confidence. I regularly collaborate with families and school teams to align tutoring with IEPs and classroom expectations while avoiding approaches that have not worked in the past. Parents value my calm, patient style and my ability to break complex academic and behavioral demands into manageable steps that lead to measurable progress over time.
Statistics

Statistics

I have extensive experience tutoring statistics at multiple levels, helping students grasp core concepts like probability, hypothesis testing, regression, and data interpretation. My approach combines clear explanations with practical examples, enabling students to confidently apply statistical methods. I am skilled at breaking down complex topics such as confidence intervals, sampling methods, and error types. Whether working with beginners or advanced learners, I focus on building a strong foundation and critical thinking skills for real-world applications.
Vocabulary

Vocabulary

With over 12 years of experience in education and cognitive learning strategies, I specialize in helping students expand their vocabulary efficiently using: ✅ Memory & Retention Techniques – Reinforcing words through context, association, and active recall. ✅ Multisensory Learning – Using reading, writing, and discussion to solidify word mastery. ✅ Customized Word Lists – Based on grade level, standardized test prep (SAT, ACT, GRE), or academic goals. ✅ Reinforcement Strategies – Helping students build vocabulary as a habit using ABA principles. Let’s make vocabulary engaging, structured, and easy to retain for long-term success!
World History

World History

With a background in history, psychology, and education, I make world history come alive by focusing on: ✅ Big-Picture Thinking – Connecting historical events to modern-day relevance. ✅ Critical Analysis & Discussion – Teaching students how to think historically, not just memorize facts. ✅ Engaging Storytelling & Primary Sources – Bringing history to life through real accounts and narratives. ✅ Custom Study Plans – Whether for class support, AP exams, or personal interest, I tailor lessons to fit each student's learning style. Let’s make history interactive, thought-provoking, and engaging so you retain it for life!

Examples of Expertise

Ryan has provided examples of their subject expertise by answering 19 questions submitted by students on Wyzant’s Ask an Expert.

See all of Ryan ’s answers ›
Ryan C.'s Photo

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Response time: 7 minutes

Ratings and Reviews

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5.0 (51 ratings)
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Reviews

The best SAT English tutor

Ryan is the best SAT English tutor my son has worked with. We tried several teachers before, but Ryan stands out with his structured, strategic approach and the way he explains everything. His lessons are organized, focused, and actually move the score. My son feels confident and motivated, and we truly see the difference. Highly recommend!

Maria, 22 lessons with Ryan

Outstanding tutor. Five stars, every time.

Ryan has been working with our 14-year-old son, who is autistic and legally blind, for 14 lessons, and the experience has been excellent. He is patient, focused, and deeply committed to our son’s progress. Just as important, he connects well with him, keeps him motivated, and meets him where he is. Ryan helps our son understand how SAT questions are structured rather than just drilling answers. He teaches practical strategies our son can use and equips us as parents with tools to reinforce the work between sessions. The result is growing confidence and real skill development. We are starting SAT prep early since our son is in 9th grade, and Ryan has done a great job laying the groundwork for long-term success. We are confident this will translate into meaningful improvement when our son takes the SAT. Highly recommend. Professional, thoughtful, and effective.

Brian, 17 lessons with Ryan

Well prepared tutor

We are just starting tutoring with Ryan (my daughter is in 8th grade, prepping for the SSAT). Ryan has been super well-prepared and professional. He puts a lot of time in between sessions, which we really appreciate.

Leon, 1 lesson with Ryan

Exactly what we’ve been looking for!

Ryan is thorough, knowledgeable and personable. He navigates the concerns and goals of me, as the parent, while being relatable and effective with my daughter. Our first lesson gave us so much hope for a different outcome this school year! We will continue work with Ryan and put my daughter on track for success with habits that stick. Thank you Ryan!

Terri, 20 lessons with Ryan

Remains focused on success

Ryan has been very patient in working with our autistic junior with his SAT prep. We are confident of his methods and like his demeanor in working with our son.

Brak, 12 lessons with Ryan
Hourly Rate: $99
Response time: 7 minutes
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