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5 Stars - All sections of ACT, SAT, PSAT, SSAT, & ISEE & Alg1 and Geom
Laura B.

5.0 (276 ratings)

987 hours tutoring

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Hourly rate: $180

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About Laura

Bio

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. B

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Education

University of Colorado - Boulder
International Relations
Georgetown University Law Center
J.D.
George Washington University
Graduate Coursework

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $180
  • Rate details: One hour minimum. Discount for small group tutoring for same test and test date. Contact me for details.
  • Lesson cancellation: 24 hours notice required

  • Background check passed on 5/2/2017

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

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Approved Subjects

ISEE

ISEE

I've tutored many students for entrance to top private secondary and boarding schools. ISEE and SSAT are very similar tests with a few important differences. Only the ISEE Math section has a "quantitative comparison" section with a two column format that is confusing to students. I teach students a systematic approach that can help them avoid traps and find the right answer quickly. The ISEE tests vocabulary in a sentence completion question format. Students work with me to learn to identify the "clues" hidden in these sentences that point to the correct answer. Preparation for the SSAT or ISEE is quite important, especially in math, where high scoring students will have typically have finished Algebra and be taking Geometry in school at the time of the test. Since both the SSAT and ISEE have a lot of Algebra and Geometry questions, students who are only part way through Algebra at the time of testing are at a disadvantage and will need additional private instruction in order to do well on either of these tests.
SAT Reading

SAT Reading

For over 20 years across multiple SAT format changes (including the new digital SAT) with a national test prep company and as a private tutor, I've been helping students improve their SAT scores. I've tutored SAT students to top 1% scores or to improvements of 100-300+ points. I provide a free 30 minute intake interview (with a parent or student) to assess for mutual fit. Then, I individualize the first lesson based on a close analysis of prior PSAT or SAT scores, grouping errors to demonstrate techniques or reteach skills. If a student is unsure about SAT v. ACT, we discuss. We settle on a test, dates, and prep timeline. After that, each SAT lesson is individually tailored based on the core set of math formulas and concepts as well as conventions of English punctuation, grammar and writing organization. We review skills, practice strategies, and cycle through timed section practice to gain speed, test pace, and minimize anxiety. I’m happy to work with students on a full prep or prep for one side only (math or verbal). Some of my students come to me after studying solo or with another tutor or company, and they just need a few more hours of help. I have a mix of neurotypical and neurodivergent students, so I'm always ready with multiple explanations and a supportive positive approach. Reach out and let's plot a path to success!
ACT English
ACT Math
ACT Reading
ACT Science
Algebra 1
Algebra 2
Geometry
PSAT
SAT Math
SAT Writing
SSAT
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Ratings and Reviews

Rating

5.0 (276 ratings)
5 star
(272)
4 star
(3)
3 star
(0)
2 star
(1)
1 star
(0)

Reviews

Great tutor!

Laura was incredibly knowledgeable about the subject area. She is very intelligent, and really connected with my son. We look forward to working with her more.

Lesley, 81 lessons with Laura

ISEE prep

Laura and my son hit it off immediately! She is exceptionally skilled at what she does, and I highly recommend her for ISEE prep. In just one hour, she was able to teach my son multiple strategies and techniques that really made a difference. He enjoyed working with her and felt confident after their session. I only wish we could continue with her, but we’ve decided to move forward with an in-person ISEE teacher for ongoing support.

Asmut, 1 lesson with Laura

Fantastic ISEE Tutor

Laura is a gem and we are so lucky to have found her. She is kind, patient, astute, unflappable, and incredibly knowledgeable. My son has learned a great deal from her in a short time. Laura explains things in ways that he not only understands, but also finds easy to retain. He looks forward to every tutoring session which is a gift in itself. Her expertise and insight has also been incredibly helpful in guiding me to better support his learning. Do not hesitate to reach out to her if you're looking for a tutor.

Jennifer, 7 lessons with Laura

Enjoyable experience with Laura

I am delighted to share my heartfelt appreciation for the incredible tutoring provided by Laura. As a parent, finding the right tutor for my son was paramount, and I can confidently say that we struck gold with Laura. From the moment my son started his sessions with Laura, it was clear that we had found a tutor who possesses not only remarkable experience but also an unwavering patience that sets her apart. Laura creates a learning environment that encourages my son's curiosity and nurtures his eagerness to learn. Laura has ability to connect with him on a personal level is truly commendable. The individualized attention Laura provides, coupled with her expert guidance, has transformed my son's approach to learning. I want to express my deepest gratitude to Laura for being an exceptional educator and mentor. Her passion for teaching and her ability to make learning an enjoyable experience have undoubtedly left an indelible mark on my son's SAT learning journey.

Julia, 9 lessons with Laura

Knowledgeable and excellent tutor

"I am thrilled to have found such an excellent tutor for my son! Laura has been working with my son for a few weeks , and I have seen a marked improvement in his work. Laura is patient, knowledgeable, and engaging, and my son enjoys his sessions with her tremendously. She has a talent for explaining difficult concepts in a way that is easy for my son to understand, and he always takes the time to make sure my son has a solid grasp of the material before moving on. I appreciate that Laura is always well-prepared and organized, and that she communicates regularly with me to keep me updated on my son's progress. I highly recommend Laura to anyone looking for a top-notch tutor.

Marcus, 22 lessons with Laura

Thoughtful, careful, organized.

SAT English and Math! She is meticulous, engaging, and demanding. She advised on preparation and how to best approach practice. Laura has good positive energy but is focused on results.

Rachel, 2 lessons with Laura

Fantastic test prep tutor

Laura is doing a fantastic job tutoring my son for ACT testing. She is kind, patient, and presents the information in a clear, understandable manner. We are both very happy we found her.

Eden, 17 lessons with Laura

Friendly and very knowledgeable tutor.

Laura is helping my daughter efficiently strategize on how to answer the SSAT questions correctly. It is a huge help to have this practice and guidance. She has been very accomodating.

Amy, 5 lessons with Laura

Highly intelligent exam Strategist

Laura has done a fantastic job of diagnosing where my daughter needs to focus in order to optimize her time and increase her SAT Score. I would highly recommend Laura to help your son or daughter increase their exam scores.

Nikki, 15 lessons with Laura

Laura builds confidence and skills!

My daughter loves working with Laura. She describes Laura as patient and encouraging. She has said - "she doesn't make me feel like I'm stupid." Very simply put, but I think this is critical to building my daughter's confidence in her abilities, which has always been a struggle for her. We are so pleased with Laura and highly recommend her.

Diane, 25 lessons with Laura