Search
Stephen H.'s Photo

Four MIT Degrees & Top MIT Teaching Award Recipient
Stephen H.

8 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Hourly Rate: $144
Response time: 58 minutes

About Stephen


Bio

I majored in physics and electrical engineering at MIT, graduating in the top 5%, and stayed on at MIT for the master's and doctoral programs in electrical engineering and computer science (EECS). I have over 15 years of university teaching and private tutoring experience, with students ranging from high school and college through mid-career adults going back to graduate and professional school. For my work as an instructor at MIT teaching physics, electrical engineering, and computer...

I majored in physics and electrical engineering at MIT, graduating in the top 5%, and stayed on at MIT for the master's and doctoral programs in electrical engineering and computer science (EECS). I have over 15 years of university teaching and private tutoring experience, with students ranging from high school and college through mid-career adults going back to graduate and professional school. For my work as an instructor at MIT teaching physics, electrical engineering, and computer science, I was the co-winner of the 2006 Goodwin Medal, MIT's top award for excellence in teaching, given to just 2 of 6,000 graduate students each year.

Many students rate me as one of the best teachers of any subject they've had. By understanding the student's learning style and goals, I customize my approach to optimize both efficiency and effectiveness. My sessions are highly engaging, and I strive to guide students to actively synthesize and organize knowledge, rather than allow them to listen passively. I focus on building a long-lasting, meaningful understanding of the subject that serves as a solid conceptual foundation for more advanced subjects later, rather than merely coaching students to perform well on exams in the short term. I provide coherent and complete explanations of highly complex or seemingly arbitrary material that motivate students to see both the "forest" as well as the "trees."

I am continually improving my own knowledge base and understanding of the learning process: I take online courses from the best professors in the world, absorbing both substantive knowledge as well as teaching techniques from the "other side of the blackboard."

In my "day job," I am a US patent prosecutor at a small firm that specializes in tech startups, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). I am a former interviewer for MIT undergraduate admissions, and can advise students on the college admissions process. I am also a mentor for startups at Cornell University, Harvard University, and MIT.


Education

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Physics and Electrical Engineering
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Masters
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
PhD

Policies


Schedule

Loading...

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat


Approved Subjects

AMC (Competition math)

AMC (Competition math)

I have a lot of experience tutoring math at all levels, including preparing for the AMC, AIME, and USA Mathematical Olympiad exams (I was #1 in the New Jersey Math League and qualified for the USAMO myself). I majored in physics and electrical engineering at MIT, graduating in the top 5%, and stayed on at MIT for the master's and doctoral programs in EECS. Many of my former students have indicated that I am one of the best instructors they've ever had at any level. For my work as an instructor at MIT, I was the co-winner of the 2006 Goodwin Medal, MIT's top award for excellence in teaching by a graduate student (given to 1 or 2 of 6,000 potential grad students).
Computer Science

Computer Science

I majored in physics and electrical engineering at MIT, graduating in the top 5%, and stayed on at MIT for the master's and doctoral program in Electrical Engineering & Computer Science (EECS). Many of my former students have indicated that I am one of the best instructors they've ever had at any level. For my work as an EECS instructor at MIT, I was the co-winner of the 2006 Goodwin Medal, MIT's top award for excellence in teaching by a graduate student (given to 1 or 2 of 6,000 potential grad students). I worked as a software engineer for several startups.
Discrete Math

Discrete Math

I earned an A+ in the MIT version of discrete math (top 5 of the 150 students in the class). I've successfully tutored several students at various universities in the subject. All indicated that I'm one of the best tutors or instructors in math or computer science they've ever had.
Electrical Engineering

Electrical Engineering

I majored in physics and electrical engineering at MIT, graduating in the top 5%, and stayed on at MIT for the master's and doctoral programs in the Department of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science. For my work as an electrical engineering instructor at MIT, teaching analog circuits, electronics, signal processing, and control theory, I was the co-winner of the 2006 Goodwin Medal, MIT's top award for excellence in teaching by a graduate student (given to 1 or 2 of 6,000 potential grad students).
Interview Prep

Interview Prep

I was a former interviewer for MIT admissions, and have coached students on college interview preparation. I have also coached students and working professionals on job interviews in various industries, including finance, business, engineering, law, and government.  I majored in physics and electrical engineering at MIT, graduating in the top 5%, and stayed on at MIT for the master's and doctoral programs in EECS. Many of my former students have indicated that I am one of the best instructors they've ever had at any level. For my work as an instructor at MIT, I was the co-winner of the 2006 Goodwin Medal, MIT's top award for excellence in teaching by a graduate student (given to 1 or 2 of 6,000 potential grad students).
MATLAB

MATLAB

I taught several undergraduate- and graduate-level MATLAB-based engineering courses at MIT, where I created tutorials that guide students to become comfortable with MATLAB. I was also also a heavy user of MATLAB to conduct my graduate research work at MIT.
MCAT

MCAT

I majored in physics and electrical engineering at MIT, graduating in the top 5%, and stayed on at MIT for the master's and doctoral program in EECS. I've successfully tutored several students at various universities to prepare for physics and physical sciences aspects of the MCAT. All indicated that I'm one of the best tutors or instructors in the physical sciences they've ever had.
Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

I took several mechanical engineering courses at MIT, including classical mechanics, fluid mechanics, biomechanics, thermodynamics, systems dynamics, and control theory. My master's and doctoral research at MIT was in the field of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS); thus incorporating electrical and mechanical systems.
Physics

Physics

I majored in physics and electrical engineering at MIT, graduating in the top 5%, and stayed on at MIT for the master's and doctoral program in EECS. I received A+ grades in Quantum Physics, Statistical Physics, and Special Relativity. I was also a semifinalist in the US Physics Olympiad, and I train students for that competition. Many of my former students have indicated that I am one of the best instructors they've ever had at any level. For my work as an instructor at MIT, I was the co-winner of the 2006 Goodwin Medal, MIT's top award for excellence in teaching by a graduate student (given to 1 or 2 of 6,000 potential grad students).
Quantum Physics

Quantum Physics

I majored in physics and electrical engineering at MIT, graduating in the top 5%, and stayed on at MIT for the master's and doctoral program in EECS. I received A+ grades in Quantum Physics, Statistical Physics, and Special Relativity. I was also a semifinalist in the US Physics Olympiad and a finalist in the National Chemistry Olympiad; I train students for these competitions. Many of my former students have indicated that I am one of the best instructors they've ever had at any level. For my work as an instructor at MIT, I was the co-winner of the 2006 Goodwin Medal, MIT's top award for excellence in teaching by a graduate student (given to 1 or 2 of 6,000 potential grad students).
Thermodynamics

Thermodynamics

I majored in physics and electrical engineering at MIT, graduating in the top 5%, and stayed on at MIT for the master's and doctoral program in EECS. I received A+ grades in Quantum Physics, Statistical Physics (including Thermodynamics), and Special Relativity. I was also a semifinalist in the US Physics Olympiad and a finalist in the National Chemistry Olympiad; I train students for these competitions. Many of my former students have indicated that I am one of the best instructors they've ever had at any level. For my work as an instructor at MIT, I was the co-winner of the 2006 Goodwin Medal, MIT's top award for excellence in teaching by a graduate student (given to 1 or 2 of 6,000 potential grad students).
ACT Math
ACT Science
American History
Astronomy
Calculus
Chemistry
Computer Programming
Differential Equations
European History
GMAT
Government & Politics
GRE
Law
Linear Algebra
LSAT
Macroeconomics
Microeconomics
Music Theory
Philosophy
Physical Science
Political Science
Precalculus
Probability
SAT Math
Statistics
World History
Stephen H.'s Photo

Questions? Contact Stephen before you book.

Still have questions?

Contact Stephen
Response time: 58 minutes

Ratings and Reviews


Rating

5.0 (7 ratings)
5 star
(7)
4 star
(0)
3 star
(0)
2 star
(0)
1 star
(0)

Reviews

Amazing teacher

I've been studying Physics with Stephen for the past few years. Stephen has an incredible command of Physics, Math, and Engineering, among other fields -- a true polymath. Stephen is a great teacher and makes challenging concepts intuitive. I would recommend Stephen to anyone.

Rowan, 1 lesson with Stephen

Amazing Tutor

I worked with Stephen for several years during high school and he is an amazing tutor. We worked through “The Art and Craft of Problem Solving,” by Paul Zeitz, “University Physics,” and then onto statistics. He also introduced me and prepared me for the F=ma physics contest. He helped with my college applications and his approach was extremely insightful. I learned a lot about the writing and editing process he uses day to day as a patent lawyer. He was always extremely prepared and professional, and his breadth of knowledge is incredible. I found that when I was learning something new, Stephen was not only the most efficient way to understand it, but he would be able to connect it to a bunch of other fields. Stephen can explain difficult concepts in a variety of ways and is excellent at building your understanding. Stephen helps his students develop an approach to problem solving that will be applicable to everything else they encounter. I genuinely looked forward to every single meeting, and our meetings and conversations were extremely impactful. Stephen cares about the success and learning of all of his students, and I would recommend Stephen in a heartbeat to anyone looking to improve their physics, math, or problem solving skills.

Alex, 1 lesson with Stephen

Brilliant guy who thinks strategically AND empathetically about your educational development

Stephen’s had a profoundly positive effect on our two teenage boys. They worked with him from early high school through the pandemic and into college. From the moment they started working with Stephen, it was clear that he was not just a tutor, but a mentor who understood their unique academic needs and challenges. He thinks deeply, strategically and empathetically about his students. He certainly did with our boys. At the same time, he personally sets a powerful example of what happens when you commit yourself to making the most of your intellectual gifts. Just to have the opportunity to interact with someone as accomplished as Stephen has its own significant value for our boys. The fact that he interacts so genuinely and, as I’ve said, empathetically with his students makes him and even rarer figure. Both of our boys are naturally bright, and Stephen provided not only a reliable resource for support during stumbling blocks but also a source of intellectual challenge beyond what my wife and I could offer. When our boys faced challenging concepts or difficult assignments, he was patient and encouraging, guiding them through until they grasped the material confidently. When they felt good about their academics, he found compelling enrichment activities. As the SATs and college applications approached, Stephen's expertise became even more crucial. He meticulously prepared them for these critical exams and the daunting application process. Thanks to his guidance, both of our sons excelled on their SATs and found spots at great schools. We are immensely grateful to have such an outstanding tutor who genuinely cares about our boys' success and well-being. We continue to rely on Stephen as they navigate their college years, confident in his ability to support and inspire them. If you're seeking a tutor who will challenge, support, and inspire your children to reach their full potential, Stephen is truly an exceptional find.

John, 1 lesson with Stephen

Phenomenal math and science tutor, incredibly helpful with college applications

In high school I worked with Stephen for 2 years over zoom while I did the International Baccalaureate and received amazing support in Physics, Computer Science, Math, and with my college applications. Stephens vast amount of knowledge in math and physics proved immeasurably helpful and his tutoring style created the best stem learning environment I have been in. I highly recommend Stephen to anyone needing help with math, physics, or other areas he is experienced in.

Josh, 1 lesson with Stephen

Knowledgeable and caring tutor who is best at what he does

Stephen taught my daughter advanced high school calculus for more than two years and I wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone reading this. He is competent, to the point and judges the students' strengths perfectly to offer adequate help to help them find their way - in other words, he teaches how to fish rather than feeding a fish. In addition to his help with calculus, Stephen also guided my daughter for her SAT with perfect suggestions for study materials and helped her touch a score of 1500 that provided a tremendous boost for her college admission. When my daughter won a state award for an experiment she conducted in biological sciences, Stephen reached out to his acquaintances in that area of expertise to provide inputs to my daughter even if it was beyond what he was hired for. I cannot provide a better example of how he genuinely cares for his students' academics and well-being in all areas. We feel lucky to have known him. In addition to being an expert teacher, Stephen is also responsive, thoroughly professional and respectful of the time he charges for. Do yourself a favor and get in touch with him.

Raghuveer, 1 lesson with Stephen

Let the Expert Guide the Process

I have been blessed to work with Stephen for over 2 years and consider myself lucky to have the contact. He is always prepared, always on time, and always brings a genuine desire to contribute to our session. Our work has primarily focused on a small segment of undergraduate math (e.g. elementary differential equations, linear algebra, and discrete math). While his guidance outside of a traditional academic program (for those in the workforce) has been invaluable, he is also a wealth of knowledge for resource recommendations on topics that one is pursuing. If one is actively preparing for graduate-level training, wants to think through the outcome of a graduate degree with someone who has extensive experience in this domain, or is looking for advice on how to structure one's independent studies, I undoubtedly recommend Stephen's guidance. It has been a privilege to develop a working relationship with Stephen and I look forward to continued collaboration in the future.

Riley, 1 lesson with Stephen

Very knowledgeable teacher

Stephen H. has been an exceptional tutor, guiding me through the books "University Physics", "Introduction to Classical Mechanics", and "an introduction to mechanics" with patience and intelligence in the past year. He has a deep understanding of the subject and is always well-prepared with a vast array of textbooks, resources, and practice problems. His ability to explain complex concepts in a clear and concise manner has significantly improved my comprehension and confidence in physics. Stephen is very helpful in preparing me for AP exams and physics contests such as Physics Bowl and F=MA. I highly recommend Stephen for anyone seeking a dedicated and resourceful tutor in math and physics related subjects.

Robin, 1 lesson with Stephen
Hourly Rate: $144
Response time: 58 minutes
Contact Stephen