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Ivy League test prep tutor - SAT/ACT/GRE/SSAT/ISEE
Kathryn S.

4.9 (673 ratings)

2,834 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee
Hourly Rate: $200
Contact Kathryn
Response time: 29 minutes

About Kathryn

Bio

I am a Dartmouth College grad with my MBA from Boston University. In my more than 20 years of professional tutoring, I have helped students achieve outstanding results, beyond what they thought they were capable of. I've helped coach students to 300+ point improvements on the SAT, 5+ point improvements on the ACT and 25%+ improvements on the SSAT and ISEE. I also tutor math and writing for middle school and high school students.

I work with students of all ages in a variety of subjects and...

I am a Dartmouth College grad with my MBA from Boston University. In my more than 20 years of professional tutoring, I have helped students achieve outstanding results, beyond what they thought they were capable of. I've helped coach students to 300+ point improvements on the SAT, 5+ point improvements on the ACT and 25%+ improvements on the SSAT and ISEE. I also tutor math and writing for middle school and high school students.

I work with students of all ages in a variety of subjects and academic levels - from the student trying to break 1000 on the SAT to one trying to attain a perfect score, and from a student struggling in math to one trying to score a 5 on the AP exam. Where I differ from other tutors is that I not only work with students on best practices and test strategies, but I also pinpoint areas of strength and weakness specific to each individual child to personalize the tutoring experience. Many tutors focus solely on general strategies and lack the ability to customize tutoring.

In our tutoring sessions, I teach students how to tackle each section of the test and the content they need to know to excel. We also work on timing strategies. I do assign weekly homework so students practice the strategies they learn and feel comfortable using them on the test.

I have worked with hundreds of students over the years, and most see significant score increases (particularly if they complete weekly homework).

Please contact me about your student's goals and how we can work together to achieve them.

**Some college placements of my students include: Harvard, Dartmouth, Cornell, Rice, Notre Dame, Northeastern, Emory, Elon, Boston College, UNH, Trinity, and Babson.

**Private school placements include: Phillips Exeter, Winsor, Thayer Academy, Concord Academy, Lawrence Academy, and Cambridge School of Weston.

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Education

Dartmouth College
Government
Boston University - Questrom School of Business
MBA

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $200
  • Rate details: Contact me to get special rates for groups of 2-4 students at a time.
  • Lesson cancellation: 24 hours notice required

  • Background check passed on 11/6/2013

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

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Approved Subjects

ACT English

ACT English

I teach students the grammar issues they are tested on in the English section and provide them with a framework as to how to approach the questions. For the essay, we talk about the components of a good essay, how to argue a point, and how to provide the detailed, relevant examples to back up their point of view.
ACT Math

ACT Math

For ACT Math, I review with students the concepts they need to know for the test. We also discuss how to approach questions that they don't know how to do, using "backwards" strategies, learning how to make good estimations and eliminating answer choices.
ACT Reading

ACT Reading

ACT Reading is typically the section that students have the most difficulty with time-wise. I teach students a fast and efficient way to read passages and stay on track. I then teach them a method to attack the questions that is faster and more accurate than the way most students typically approach reading questions. I also frequently time students to make sure they are able to complete the section in the required amount of time.
ACT Science

ACT Science

Students often worry about the ACT Science section, but truth is, they don't need to study any science at all. I work with students on understanding that this section is basically reading comprehension using scientific experiments. The method I teach is similar to what I teach for the reading: quickly reading passages and understanding the main idea, and learning how to answer questions based solely on the information provided.
Algebra 1

Algebra 1

I have worked with middle school and high school students on algebra skills, including solving for a variable, working with multiple variables, factoring quadratics and more. My approach is to make sure students understand the fundamentals while providing them with a supportive atmosphere to facilitate learning.
Algebra 2

Algebra 2

I have worked with several students on advanced algebra concepts, both for classwork and for test prep. In particular, I have helped students with concepts such as matrices, functions and rational equations. I provide students with firm instruction, while also being supportive so that they can feel comfortable while making strides in learning.
Elementary Math

Elementary Math

I have worked with students from age 8 up through high school on elementary math skills, such as fractions, decimals, factors, multiples, and much more. I always make sure students have a firm grasp on the basics before moving on to more difficult concepts. I also make sure to explain math to students in a way that they understand the reasoning behind "why" we do certain things in math. This way they have an understanding beyond just plugging things into an equation.
English

English

I have worked with students from grade school to high school on English - both reading and writing. For reading, I teach effective ways to read and tackle comprehension questions. For writing, I work with students on how they can effectively make an argument and develop an essay that is both engaging and easy to understand. I have 18 years of professional experience as a writer (in addition to my tutoring experience), and am able to coach students on ways to write in an effective and concise manner, while still adding their personal "voice" to a paper.
Geometry

Geometry

I have tutored several students academically in geometry. I am able to work with them on proofs, theorems, and both plane and coordinate geometry. I teach students about both the general concepts and diligence to the details in a fun and supportive environment.
GRE

GRE

I am a current MBA student at Boston University and took the GRE in Nov. 2016. I used the tips I teach my students on the test and scored a 333/340 (including a perfect score in math) and a 5 on the analytical writing.
ISEE

ISEE

The ISEE is a test for admission to private schools. There are three levels (Lower, Middle and Upper), and each exam tests reading, verbal, writing and math skills. I have been tutoring students in the ISEE for nearly 11 years and have helped them achieve excellent results to include with their school applications.
Proofreading

Proofreading

Outside of tutoring, I am a professional business writer. I have an eagle eye when it comes to spelling and grammar. I am also familiar with AP Style and The Chicago Manual of Style.
PSAT

PSAT

For PSAT prep, I help students understand exactly what will be on the test, and I work with them on strategies for each section of the test. I am able to work with students, whether they are just taking the PSAT as a "test run" for the SAT or whether they are taking it in hopes of winning a National Merit scholarship.
Reading

Reading

I have worked with students from grade school through high school on better, more effective ways to read, and the best ways to approach reading comprehension questions. I talk with students about how to determine main idea and author's purpose and tone. We also discuss how to handle detail and inference questions. I am an avid reader myself and love to nurture an appreciation for reading in my students.
SAT Math

SAT Math

Need help on the new Digital SAT? I have helped students increase their SAT scores by more than 100 points (often much more!), improving the strength of their college applications for more competitive schools. I am uniquely qualified in that I have done a thorough analysis of the new Digital SAT and know the in's and out's of the test, how it differs from previous versions of the test, and all the concepts that are tested. I work with students on both test-taking strategy and a review of the content they need to know to excel. For strategy, we work on overall approach, timing, and the best methods to solve problems or answer questions. For content, we focus in on the critical concepts and equations that students need to know to succeed. I have had hundreds of students over the years and a track record of outstanding student results. Please contact me to see the difference 25 years of experience in test prep tutoring can make for your child's success.
SAT Reading

SAT Reading

Need help on the new Digital SAT? I have helped students increase their SAT scores by more than 100 points (often much more!), improving the strength of their college applications for more competitive schools. I am uniquely qualified in that I have done a thorough analysis of the new Digital SAT and know the in's and out's of the test, how it differs from previous versions of the test, and all the concepts that are tested. I work with students on both test-taking strategy and a review of the content they need to know to excel. For strategy, we work on overall approach, timing, and the best methods to solve problems or answer questions. For content, we focus in on the critical concepts and equations that students need to know to succeed. I have had hundreds of students over the years and a track record of outstanding student results. Please contact me to see the difference 25 years of experience in test prep tutoring can make for your child's success.
SAT Writing

SAT Writing

Need help on the new Digital SAT? I have helped students increase their SAT scores by more than 100 points (often much more!), improving the strength of their college applications for more competitive schools. I am uniquely qualified in that I have done a thorough analysis of the new Digital SAT and know the in's and out's of the test, how it differs from previous versions of the test, and all the concepts that are tested. I work with students on both test-taking strategy and a review of the content they need to know to excel. For strategy, we work on overall approach, timing, and the best methods to solve problems or answer questions. For content, we focus in on the critical concepts and equations that students need to know to succeed. I have had hundreds of students over the years and a track record of outstanding student results. Please contact me to see the difference 25 years of experience in test prep tutoring can make for your child's success.
SSAT

SSAT

In my more than 20 years of tutoring for the SSAT, I have helped my students get into private schools including Phillips Exeter, Phillips Andover, Milton Academy, Windsor, Dexter-Southfield, Belmont Hill, Cambridge School of Weston, Lawrence Academy, and more. I have taught hundreds of students for the SSAT, with most achieving significant percentile increases on the test, helping them secure admission to more competitive schools. In addition to tutoring students one-on-one, I taught an SSAT class for 20 students for several years. I help students with both strategy and understanding the important concepts they will need to know for the test.
Trigonometry

Trigonometry

I work with students on understanding trigonometric concepts for both math and physics classes. I also work with students on trigonometry for standardized tests, such as the ACT and SAT 2. My focus is on overall understanding and knowing how to apply concepts rather than on simply memorizing equations.
Vocabulary

Vocabulary

I work with students on increasing their vocabulary knowledge through flashcards (and teach them how to make the right kind of flashcard). I also teach students how to decipher meanings of words through word roots, word context, foreign language knowledge, and more.
Writing

Writing

I am able to help students with essay writing, in terms of developing a thesis, organizing information and providing reasoning and examples for points. I have detailed knowledge of SAT / ACT / SSAT / ISEE essay prompts, but can also help students develop essays for school. I also provide support for college application essays, helping students determine appropriate topics to write about and working with them on polishing essays.
Grammar
Prealgebra
Precalculus
Probability
Kathryn S.'s Photo

Questions? Contact Kathryn before you book.

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Response time: 29 minutes

Ratings and Reviews

Rating

4.9 (673 ratings)
5 star
(630)
4 star
(38)
3 star
(1)
2 star
(0)
1 star
(4)

Reviews

Fantastic, calm, all business tutor

Kathy has worked with our son for about 6 months prepping for the ACT. She has been fantastic in helping him work on specific areas and to improve across the board. Her calm all-business approach matched very well with our son and his goals. He just found out that he got a perfect score on the ACT which was the result of hard work and a focused game plan. We highly recommend Kathy.

Ted, 9 lessons with Kathryn

Fantastic tutor

Kathy really understands how to approach the test and knows how to teach kids new skills. We have seen a significant increase in scores with just 2 tutoring sessions. We’ll be continuing with Kathy; she’s a lovely person and my child enjoys being tutored by her.

Karen, 10 lessons with Kathryn

Knowledgeable and patient

Kathryn has helped prepare for all sections of the SAT. She explains everything thoroughly and has really helpful tips. We definitely recommend Kathryn to anyone that needs test prep or tutoring!

Christina, 6 lessons with Kathryn

Excellent

Patient, thorough, workable advice and suggestions, real demonstrated experience. She's prepared, knows the SSAT well and offers concrete approaches to practicing for the SSAT.

Carol, 7 lessons with Kathryn

Outstanding Tutor

Kathy is the perfect combination of teacher and coach, which makes her an excellent tutor for standardized exams. She worked with my son on ACT prep, and I am quite sure that his scores reflect her help. Kathy really looked at my son and was able to zero in on what he knew, what he didn’t, why he made mistakes and how to avoid them. She knows the test inside and out and also gave my son strategies for test day. On top of it, she is patient, friendly, flexible and really lovely to interact with. If there’s a better tutor out there, I’d be surprised.

Diane, 15 lessons with Kathryn

Helpful and very patient tutor

Kathryn was very helpful with SAT Prep. She was very patient and helped our son with the reading and writing section of the SAT. She gave him strategies that helped him improve his scores on the practice exam. We highly recommend Kathryn. She was terrific. Thank you, Kathryn.

David, 3 lessons with Kathryn

Great tips

She taught my son different approaches to answering certain questions to help him get to the right answers. I think she made a lot of progress in a very short amount of time.

Sean, 1 lesson with Kathryn

Patient and devoted tutor

My daughter has seen Kathryn twice and really likes working with her. She is extremely patient, calm and clear in her communication and helps my daughter break down material she needs to understand for SSATs. I warmly recommend her.

Erica, 6 lessons with Kathryn

Great SAT Tutor!

She was very helpful with SAT Prep and my daughter will be meeting with her on a weekly basis. She is helping my daughter focus on what she struggles with and it's a huge help! We are very pleased with Kathryn!

Leah, 8 lessons with Kathryn

Great Tutor

Kathryn was very knowledgable and was realistic. She was very accommodating and helpful. I will continue to use her to help me study for the GRE. She can work well with anyone.

Arielle, 4 lessons with Kathryn
Hourly Rate: $200
Response time: 29 minutes
Contact Kathryn