I love that "light bulb moment” when a student understands a new concept, feels more confident and recognizes that goals are in reach. That’s what has kept me tutoring for over 20 years, and it’s the experience I strive to create for my students!
I was a National Merit Finalist in high school. Seven years later, I had my own “light bulb moment” after a Princeton Review prep course. After brushing off my rusty math and formal logic skills, my GRE scores rose to the 99th percentile. ...
I love that "light bulb moment” when a student understands a new concept, feels more confident and recognizes that goals are in reach. That’s what has kept me tutoring for over 20 years, and it’s the experience I strive to create for my students!
I was a National Merit Finalist in high school. Seven years later, I had my own “light bulb moment” after a Princeton Review prep course. After brushing off my rusty math and formal logic skills, my GRE scores rose to the 99th percentile. Inspired by my own great test prep experience, I began to teach SAT, ACT, PSAT, and GRE with Princeton Review. While teaching test prep classes, I sampled several different career and graduate pathways. I worked for a public policy institute in DC and thought about getting a graduate degree - and started teaching more GRE and GMAT classes. I worked at the State Department on humanitarian assistance and UN peacekeeping issues and thought about law or medical school - and started teaching LSAT and MCAT classes. Just as I started coursework for a graduate degree in public health, I was offered a chance to move to the Balkans to help start a new international organization working on human rights and medico-legal issues. After several years overseas, I returned to the US and completed a law degree. Since then I’ve worked in the Senate, in a big law firm and on various short-term international missions or projects, all while tutoring privately part-time and raising two kids.
I have taught hundreds and hundreds of students over the years in various formats: large commercial classes of 20+ students, small groups and one-on-one private tutoring. I have worked with students ranging from grade school to older adults returning to grad school to embark on second careers. As the parent of a child with learning disabilities in a family with a history of learning disabilities, I am familiar with a wide variety of diagnoses that may affect learning. I can review psycho-educational assessments and adjust my tutoring approach. But, more importantly, I understand that all students can learn. And, all students -- even those without a formal assessment or diagnosis -- bring their own mix of strengths and weaknesses to the learning process. So, I am always prepared to present material clearly and patiently, using a variety of methods until that “light bulb moment” happens.
As both a tutor and a parent of kids in middle and high school, I am knowledgeable about what math concepts students learn in which grades. I am familiar with the curriculum and testing approaches in magnet and comprehensive programs in MCPS. I can review math that hasn't been used in a long time or quickly teach concepts that a student hasn't yet learned in school but which are crucial for admissions tests. I often introduce fun ways to remember formulas or faster ways to make calculations.
Writing for legal or international audiences has sharpened my organization, grammar, punctuation and word choice. At the same time, with so much tutoring experience on the SAT and ACT writing sections, I know that just a quick review of limited concepts in these areas will increase test scores. I also teach specific essay techniques useful to score improvement on the SAT or ACT essay, and I provide detailed feedback on student practice essays.
I invite you to get in touch and discuss what kind of preparation fits your needs. I can provide and analyze a diagnostic exam, design full preparation on all parts of an exam or just one section, or help you create a self-study plan with only occasional tutor support. We can tutor at your house or at a library or other public place near you. My goal is to throw some light on the process and teach you what is necessary to do well!
