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Harvard PhD Student | Expert SAT, ACT, & GRE Tutor
Peter A.

5.0 (276 ratings)

967 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee
Hourly Rate: $500
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About Peter

Bio

I'm currently finishing my PhD in psychology at Harvard, where I study the ways in which our thoughts shape our health. You can read about my research in my advisor's latest book, The Mindful Body, as well as in several media outlets such as The Harvard Gazette, Scientific American, and Psychology Today.

I scored in the 99th percentile on all the tests I teach, and, perhaps more important, have many years of experience helping students prepare for these exams. Though standardized tests...

I'm currently finishing my PhD in psychology at Harvard, where I study the ways in which our thoughts shape our health. You can read about my research in my advisor's latest book, The Mindful Body, as well as in several media outlets such as The Harvard Gazette, Scientific American, and Psychology Today.

I scored in the 99th percentile on all the tests I teach, and, perhaps more important, have many years of experience helping students prepare for these exams. Though standardized tests aren't easy, they are predictable. Over the years I've developed my own set of proprietary lesson materials that complement the material I use from other sources and have worked out a process that has helped every student I've ever worked with increase their score. I exclusively focus on test prep for the SAT, ACT, and GRE. My favorite analogy is to liken being a tutor to being a personal trainer. My job is to provide you with expertise, coaching, and structure to help you reach your goals. All three are essential.

Prior to coming to Harvard, I spent seven years as a full-time tutor in New York City, working with students at some of the most competitive college preparatory schools in the country. Test taking has always been one of my strengths, particularly standardized tests. I know how important these tests are, and how big of an impact they can have on admissions decisions. That's why I like doing this - the ability to have an impact. Your success is important to me.

I also have extensive classroom teaching experience at Harvard, where I will be teaching again this year. In the 2023-2024 academic year, I was recognized for teaching excellence and served as the psychology department's pedagogy fellow, training new graduate students in the department on how to teach effectively.

All my students receive support throughout their entire test prep process: structured lessons, free lesson and homework material; regular practice tests; and detailed summaries after each lesson to ensure you are making progress.

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Education

University of California, Berkeley
Psychology
Harvard University
PhD

Policies

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Approved Subjects

ACT English

ACT English

I scored a 36 on the ACT English Test because I knew what to expect on test day. In addition to a comprehensive review of the relevant grammar rules, I teach students specific strategies for dealing with questions in the two areas tested - Usage/Mechanics and Rhetorical Skills - as well as how to anticipate and identify the kinds of errors they are likely see on Test Day. While few schools explicitly teach grammar concepts, they are very easy to learn. With a bit of practice you too can ace the ACT English test.
ACT Math

ACT Math

I scored a 36 on the ACT Math Test because I knew exactly what to expect on test day. Many students struggle on the ACT Math section, not because they lack the particular skills being tested, but because they have trouble understanding what the questions are asking them to do and managing their time effectively. In addition to a comprehensive review of all the math concepts tested on the ACT, I teach students how to understand the test maker's logic, and how to approach every question systematically. You don't need to be a genius to get a high score.
ACT Reading

ACT Reading

I scored a 36 on the ACT Reading Test by learning how to anticipate what the test maker would ask about each passage. I help students learn how to read actively, and provide concrete strategies for correctly identifying the main ideas and key details that are likely to come up in the questions. Active reading is essential to doing well, and the good news is anyone can learn how to be an active reader!
ACT Science

ACT Science

I scored a 35 on the ACT Science Test by learning how to manage my time effectively. While it is easy to assume you have to be a science enthusiast to do well on this portion of the test, that's actually not true. It is more of a reading comprehension and time management test than anything else. I teach students how to sift through data and scientific jargon to find what they need to score points, and to do so quickly so they are able to get through all of the passages in the allotted time.
GRE

GRE

I scored 170 on Quantitative Reasoning and 169 on Verbal Reasoning by learning how to think like the test maker. While there an infinite number of ways to test any given concept, the number of concepts tested on the GRE is finite. By learning what the test maker expects you to know for each concept, you'll put yourself in an excellent position to do your best on test day. My job is to make that process as effective and efficient as possible.
PSAT

PSAT

The PSAT and Pre-ACT are great ways to prepare for SAT and ACT respectively. I like to say that these tests aren't easy, but they are predictable. The earlier students begin to train themselves about what to expect, the better they will do on test day. Moreover, the stronger students are in the core knowledge areas tested on the SAT and ACT, the better they are likely to do in school in general. It's never too early to begin the process.
SAT Math

SAT Math

I scored a 800 on the SAT Math section because I knew exactly what to expect on test day. Many students struggle on this portion of the test, not because they lack the particular skills being tested, but because they have trouble understanding what the questions are asking them to do. In addition to a comprehensive review of all the math concepts tested on the SAT, I teach students how to understand the test maker's logic, and how to approach every question systematically.
SAT Reading

SAT Reading

I scored a 780 on the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing portion of the SAT by learning how to anticipate what the test makers will ask about in each passage. I help students learn how to read actively, and provide concrete strategies for correctly identifying the main ideas and key details that will come up in the questions.
SAT Writing

SAT Writing

I scored a 780 on the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing portion of the SAT by learning how to anticipate what the test makers would ask about in each passage. I also provide a comprehensive review of all the grammar rules tested on the SAT.
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Ratings and Reviews

Rating

5.0 (276 ratings)
5 star
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Reviews

Extremely helpful tutor

He helped me vastly improve the reading comprehension portion of the SAT, and provided me with different and useful strategies to do well on the reading section. Not only did he improve my reading abilities, but also the grammar and math sections. He is a very patient tutor who accommodates your learning style and reflects his teaching methods to the way you think and understand information. He is an extremely helpful and patient tutor who immensely helped develop my techniques and strength in the sections of the SAT. I would recommend him to anyone, no matter his/her score, because he will help you improve immensely and fosters a compatible learning environment to maximize understanding and focus.

Rashmi, 25 lessons with Peter

Peter is a great teacher. He helps students maximize their potential!

Today, Peter taught my daughter nuances of the English grammar that are heavily tested on SATs. He structured the lesson to balance conceptual explanations with numerous practice problems. He offered many helpful hints to better prepare for the test and provided follow-up homework for continuous improvement.

Elena, 7 lessons with Peter

An excellent tutor for the SAT

When I came to Peter, I had a 960 on my PSAT. After working with him, I was able to increase my score by 500 points (and I know that I can increase it by 600 when we finish). If this doesn't convince you, then this will: Peter utilizes multiple tools to help your child/ your self learn the different techniques and general format of the SAT. For instance, he will give you/your child packets which specialize in particular subjects to help hone a specific skill. Peter will have you practice khan academy six or seven days a week; however, don't worry, it's manageable and time efficient. And he will assign you / your child a PSAT every two to three weeks to make sure you / your child are improving. The same applies to the essay if you / your child have decided to take it. Peter also teaches in a way that is not stressful nor overwhelming. If you are looking for a tutor for the SAT, then I implore you to choose Peter if not well who knows what might happen.

Rio, 74 lessons with Peter

Great Teacher!

Peter was very thorough with review and lessons. He was patient and enjoyable to work with. Good luck to Peter who is going to Harvard in the Fall!

Jonathan, 5 lessons with Peter

Great tutor

Well organized-Keeps my daughter calm. I would recommend Peter to anyone in need of a tutor. He communicates well and has a strong knowledge base of the materials for the standardized testing.

Jennifer, 5 lessons with Peter

Excellent

We had a great consultation with Peter last week. Peter was on time, very well prepared, and had a great understanding of what it takes to get kids to focus and get their homework done. Very well prepared and great with the students!

Elizabeth, 1 lesson with Peter

Knowledgeable tutor, well prepared

Even though I did not have many classes with him, I could recognize that Peter is really worthy and has an entire plan sketched out for you to prepare for the GRE. He would explain the concepts patiently and in detail. I ended up increasing my Math score by 5 points.

Aman, 2 lessons with Peter

Math Prep for SAT

Peter is very knowledgeable and helpful! He was thorough in his understanding as to what we hope to achieve through the tutoring process. Peter is helping us tackle an otherwise nerve-racking process. We would highly recommend him. He is also knowledgeable about all required studies for the SAT.

Hilary, 10 lessons with Peter

Great Tutor

Peter came prepared to our session and helped me work through my specific problem areas. His homework was responsive to our session and I feel confident the the can help me reach my goal.

Naomi, 7 lessons with Peter

Engaging and Knowledgeable

Very patient when explaining answer choices and concepts. Very organized as well! Set a wonderful structure as to how and what I should study (I need structure). Definitely recommend!

Toni, 2 lessons with Peter
Hourly Rate: $500
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