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Experienced Writing and Test Prep Tutor, 15+ Years
Natalie G.

4.9 (1,229 ratings)

5,547 hours tutoring

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About Natalie

Bio

For over 15 years, I have helped more than 6000 students in grades 1-12 understand their homework, excel in their classes, and comprehensively prepare for upcoming exams. I've also worked as a professional writer and editor since 2009. My tutoring specialties are writing, English grammar, basic to advanced math, and test preparation for the SSAT, ISEE, CogAT, SCAT, HSPT, MAP, CTP ERB, Digital SAT, and ACT exams. With my support, my students pinpoint struggle areas and conquer them so they can...

For over 15 years, I have helped more than 6000 students in grades 1-12 understand their homework, excel in their classes, and comprehensively prepare for upcoming exams. I've also worked as a professional writer and editor since 2009. My tutoring specialties are writing, English grammar, basic to advanced math, and test preparation for the SSAT, ISEE, CogAT, SCAT, HSPT, MAP, CTP ERB, Digital SAT, and ACT exams. With my support, my students pinpoint struggle areas and conquer them so they can achieve their goals in school and life. They make progress in their studies and score in the top percentiles on tests. One ACT student raised his math score from 27 to 34 after just 8 lessons, several of my SSAT students scored in the 98th percentile, and a CogAT student scored in the 99th percentile!

The key formula for successful learning is “practice makes perfect”: anyone can improve with enough hard work, dedication, and, of course, the right guidance. I don't just teach my students what they need to know: I show them how to build on the skills they already have and reach their true potential.

I know from my own experience how hard it is to learn any subject and how much harder it is to find the right teacher. Now I explain the same concepts I've mastered to countless students who need my help. I customize my online lessons to fit every student’s needs. That includes online resources, recommended homework, and enrichment learning.

Please contact me today to set up a first lesson!

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Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $139
  • Rate details: 1 hour mininum for lessons. 24-hr advance notice applies to cancellations, rescheduling, no-shows, & if student is 15+ minutes late. Cancellation fee equal to scheduled lesson.
  • Lesson cancellation: 24 hours notice required

  • Background check passed on 12/1/2021

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

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Approved Subjects

ACT English

ACT English

The ACT English section tests grammar usage, mechanics, and rhetoric. Students need to understand and recognize correct grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure to score well in this section. I have helped many students with ACT English, targeting concept knowledge and skill application as part of their test prep. They continue to study outside of lessons through a customized test prep routine.
ACT Math

ACT Math

I have tutored ACT Math prep for over 15 years. Students first go through a complete concept review based on their performance in practice material. Then we work on concept-specific practice questions to ensure that they avoid past mistakes and raise their scores. My most recent student went from a 27 to a 34 after just 8 lessons!
ACT Reading

ACT Reading

I have helped many high school students with ACT Reading prep. Since this section has four passages always set in four predetermined topic areas, I drill students through key question types and testing strategies to strengthen their reading comprehension, analytical skills, and time management. In addition to working through practice tests with me and on their own, they also complete practice homework outside of lessons. Students who committed to their study plans always raised their scores and felt confident about this section.
Algebra 1

Algebra 1

Algebra 1 is the level of math I’ve studied the longest and tutored the most. After our lessons, middle school and high school students have gained confidence in their math skills, mastered concepts, and improved their grades. I also have helped college and university students through their beginning algebra and introductory algebra courses so they could understand the material and be ready for upcoming exams. Adults have worked with me on algebra review for test prep. I focus on the essentials and the simplest methods to make algebra understandable and meaningful.
Algebra 2

Algebra 2

Algebra 2 is one of my most tutored subjects of all time! I have helped high school students, as well as college and university students, with all algebra 2 concepts, including quadratics, matrices, conic sections, binomial theorem, and series/sequences. I use mnemonics and other strategies to help them remember complex rules and patterns so they can easily solve related problems themselves and do well on their assignments.
College Counseling

College Counseling

Since I started working as a professional writer and editor back in 2009, I've helped many high school students polish their college application essays. Additionally, I've coached them through college application questions that require short but powerful responses. I work with your child within the guidelines of every application process so he/she can craft a personal, meaningful presentation of their skills and accomplishments to the college or university of their choice - and be accepted!
Common Core

Common Core

Since its establishment in schools nationwide back in 2010, I have worked with Common Core standards and curriculum for mathematics and ELA (language arts) in grades 3-12. I also use Common Core-aligned resources and materials to help my students meet school standards and achieve academic success. I help them "connect the dots" between Common Core lessons and real life application. I offer test prep as well for all Common Core-based standardized tests. I specialize in MAP test prep and CTP (ERB) test prep for grades 3-12.
COOP/HSPT

COOP/HSPT

For over 15 years, I have helped students prepare for all sections of the HSPT and TACHS. I always start by assessing their concept knowledge, their approach to answering questions, and their testing skills. We then work only on relevant practice material to help them achieve high scores in all test sections. My students score in the top percentiles and get accepted to the schools of their choice.
Elementary (K-6th)

Elementary (K-6th)

Elementary school grade levels are a critical time in a child's education and skill development. I have helped students in all grades aim for strong numerical literacy and reading comprehension skills through regular practice and review. While I’ve worked with 3rd-6th graders on writing, reading, spelling, grammar, and vocabulary, I’ve tutored 3rd grade math, 4th grade math, 5th grade math, and 6th grade math the most. I work with my students on any new material they're learning with me and what they're learning in class; in this way, they can find the right answers themselves and strengthen their critical thinking skills. This results in the mastery of basic math and language arts concepts, creating a structured foundation for both subjects as students enter middle school. I am familiar with Common Core English and Common Core math standards and curriculum. I also specialize in MAP test prep and CTP (ERB) test prep.
Elementary Math

Elementary Math

For over 15 years, I have helped hundreds of children master addition, subtraction, division, multiplication tables, number operations, number theory, fractions, decimals, ratios, proportions, and percents. Applying these concepts to confidently solve basic, intermediate, and advanced word problems is another critical math skill that I teach. I try every method and “shortcut” until students really understand what they are learning and how to use this knowledge to help themselves outside of a classroom or test prep. Elementary math is the essential math that counts the most, so my aim is to make the process as simple, straightforward, and painless as possible. I use the best tools and resources to help students practice what they learn.
English

English

English is my first language. I have studied English grammar, vocabulary, and phonetics since childhood, and I've worked as a professional writer and editor since 2010. For 15+ years, I have helped students of all ages with all areas of English language arts (ELA). Under my tutelage, native students gain a better understanding of the English language and master English grammar while improving their reading comprehension, writing skills, and vocabulary knowledge. I also tutor intermediate and advanced ESL students in writing, reading comprehension, vocabulary, English grammar/punctuation, and conversational American English. We practice American English conversation, including colloquialisms and idioms, according to today's standards and norms.
Essay Writing

Essay Writing

I have been working as a professional writer and editor since 2009. For over 15 years, I have tutored countless students in essay writing and how to structure an essay to meet the expected academic standards. As part of my tutoring, we methodically work together on paragraph structure, transitions, body paragraphs, introductions, and conclusions, moving forward only when students are proficient. Editing is another part of the process that we focus on, especially self-editing, so they understand how to critique their own writing objectively and improve it to reach the final draft stage. I give feedback and advice for current assignments and projects. Students can also do practice outside of lessons to see regular improvement and make progress.
Grammar

Grammar

I have studied English grammar extensively. As a native speaker and writing coach, I understand the differences between colloquialism and grammatically correct English. While I have helped college and university students with the mechanics of their writing by proofreading their papers, I guide elementary school, middle school, and high school students through age-appropriate grammar practice and review, for personal learning or for test prep.
High School Placement Test

High School Placement Test

My HSPT tutoring includes complete test preparation for all sections: Verbal, Reading, Quantitative, Math, and Language Arts. The HSPT exam is one of the most rigorous high school placement tests, where students answer 298 questions in just 2 hours and 30 minutes. My students work on relevant practice material and learn effective strategies, as well as time management techniques, for maximum success on the HSPT. Lessons help them form a solid study plan and achievable goals for each section so they can reach their desired percentiles on actual testing day.
ISEE

ISEE

For over 15 years, I have helped hundreds of elementary school, middle school, and high school students with test prep for all sections of the Primary ISEE, Lower Level ISEE, Middle Level ISEE, and Upper Level ISEE. Whether students see me to target specific struggle areas or to fully prepare for each section, they make progress and increase their scores, consistently scoring in the top percentiles. Strategies, time management, and test-taking skills are the central focus of our ISEE preparation. For the Verbal Reasoning and Reading Comprehension sections, we work on extensive vocabulary review, sentence completion exercises, and reading practice. For the Quantitative Reasoning and Mathematics Achievement sections, we complete any necessary concept review and work through related practice questions together. I especially coach solving quantitative comparisons, a question type unique to the ISEE and other tests created by ETS. Additionally, I have helped students strengthen and improve their writing for the unscored ISEE essay section so their submissions highlight their voices, talents, and achievements.
Literature

Literature

As a former book critic for an online-based newspaper, I am familiar with a wide range of books (fiction and nonfiction), especially famous classic literature. I can help students analyze text correctly so they can discuss the content, structure and language usage and form meaningful interpretations for essay responses, college essays, essay preparation for standardized tests, research papers, and book reviews. I also offer support for the AP English Literature and Composition course as well as test prep for the same AP English Literature and Composition exam.
Prealgebra

Prealgebra

Prealgebra is usually learned as part of 7th grade math, 8th grade math, or 9th grade math. An introduction to the fundamental concepts of algebra, it sets the stage for higher level math with signed numbers, order of operations, graphing, and solving equations. After studying these concepts for years, I have tutored countless middle school, high school, and college students in prealgebra, and I’ve also helped adults relearn it for test prep and for work. I use “tried and true” methods as well as helpful shortcuts to ensure students truly understand the math they are learning and its practical application in real life situations.
Precalculus

Precalculus

I’ve tutored many students in core precalculus concepts like functions, graphing functions, trigonometry, and an introduction to calculus. I also walk students through a complete algebra review if they need to refresh their knowledge or have difficult concepts re-explained. For those preparing for calculus, I show them its connection to precalculus and why it is so critical for them to really understand and remember these concepts. I've also helped with advanced math (precalculus with trigonometry).
Proofreading

Proofreading

For over 15 years, I have professionally edited numerous graduate and undergraduate research papers, college essays, college application essays, high school and middle school essays, personal statements, cover letters, resumes, short stories, and scripts. While proofreading is correcting grammar and punctuation mistakes, revision is analyzing content for relevance and text for fluency and clarity (sentence structure, paragraph organization and development). Together, they form the complete editing process, which I teach and demonstrate to students so they can self-edit as part of their own writing process. My constructive criticism always includes detailed feedback and support to help them learn from their writing and improve it. I also offer editing and proofreading services: I have great turnaround and can generally complete edits within a 24-48 hour period (30-minute minimum for all editing projects).
Reading

Reading

Critical reading and reading comprehension stem from critical thinking skills. I first use reputable online tools (aligned to the Common Core curriculum) to help me assess student reading levels and see which key concept areas they are struggling with. For test preparation itself, I show students the most straightforward strategies to quickly and confidently find the answers in a passage or text. I also work with them to break down complex material into manageable pieces so they can better understand what they are reading. Students who apply the reading strategies they learn become successful, confident test takers, reaching their score goals for reading sections. I also help with CTP ERB and MAP Reading preparation.
SAT Math

SAT Math

I have helped countless high school students with test prep for the SAT math sections since 2015. The new Digital SAT Math (dSAT) is computer-adaptive, calculator-friendly - and just as rigorous with more concepts and the pressure to reach that high score ceiling. Students work with me through practice sets and practice tests so they can learn how to dissect problems in a quick, practical way and find the right answers. Their time management and test-taking skills improve through regular test prep as they master how to navigate both sections. I then drill students through practice material so they are prepared for the test format and can aim for that perfect score of 800. One of my SAT students raised his SAT Math score by 100 points after just 5 lessons!
SAT Reading

SAT Reading

I've helped students conquer the SAT Reading and SAT Writing/Language sections since 2015. In the now combined, computer-adaptive Digital SAT Reading and Writing section, students now have to tackle reading comprehension and writing skills/mechanics simultaneously. I help them dissect the paragraphs given to quickly and efficiently answer the questions using good strategies and time-saving techniques. We go through practice tests and practice questions so they are fully prepared for dSAT testing day.
SAT Writing

SAT Writing

I've helped students conquer the SAT Reading and SAT Writing/Language sections since 2015. In the now combined, computer-adaptive Digital SAT Reading and Writing section, students now have to tackle reading comprehension and writing skills/mechanics simultaneously. I help them dissect the paragraphs given to quickly and efficiently answer the questions using good strategies and time-saving techniques. We go through practice tests and practice questions so they are fully prepared for dSAT testing day.
SHSAT (NY HS admissions)

SHSAT (NY HS admissions)

For over 15 years, I have helped students prepare for the SHSAT. The Math and ELA sections are rigorous and challenging, so we review good test-taking strategies for each section while going through official practice material and practice questions. Then we focus on any necessary concept review and discuss time management techniques that will help them make the most of the 3-hour time limit. Thanks to a committed study plan, my students score in the top percentiles and get accepted to the schools of their choice.
Spelling

Spelling

I had spelling, as well as phonics, for 6 years as a subject throughout elementary school. I was also taught how to use reference books like the dictionary, thesaurus, and encyclopedia for research while writing. I have used spelling puzzles, games, exercises, and oral exams with students so they can better remember their spelling lists. Since vocabulary is directly connected to spelling, I usually help them with both of these skill areas at the same time.
SSAT

SSAT

For over 15 years, I’ve helped students prepare for all sections of the Elementary Level SSAT, Middle Level SSAT, and Upper Level SSAT. I offer prep for all the test sections: Verbal, Reading, and Quantitative. With my guidance, students master analogies, build their vocabulary knowledge, sharpen their reading skills, and learn how to quickly solve math problems. We focus on strategies, time management, and any necessary concept review. I also guide them through the SSAT essay/short story section so their writing really shines and sets them apart from other applicants. Whether students invest months of time in their test prep or spend a few lessons with me to improve their test performance, they raise their scores and become better test takers. One of my most successful students raised his overall score by 86 points after only 6 lessons, and 2 other students scored in the 98th percentile for highly competitive schools!
STAAR

STAAR

I have been tutoring elementary school, middle school, and high school students in math and language arts for over 15 years. During that time, I've also had the opportunity to help them target the skill areas they need to strengthen and improve in order to score high on the STAAR, IOWA and SBAC tests. I offer test prep for all grade levels and test sections. I also provide tutoring for gifted child testing, including the SCAT, CogAT, MAP, CTP (ERB), and OLSAT. Elementary school and middle school students have worked with me on related practice material and practice questions for math, logic, grammar, spelling, analogies, and reading. One of my CogAT students saw me for half a year for CogAT practice and review (5th grade level); he mastered the question types in each section and scored in the 99th percentile on the actual test. I've helped other CogAT students (different grade levels) score in the top percentiles as well. I also offer customized tutoring for the Elementary, Intermediate and Advanced SCAT tests. I understand the format, content and structure of the test, as well as the question types. I've helped so many elementary and middle school students reach their score goals and qualify for the advanced programs they want. The CTP by ERB and the MAP are both rigorous exams with multiple question types and concept areas; I get my students prepared through complete concept review, practice, and study recommendations.
Study Skills

Study Skills

Test preparation is a combination of concept review and test-taking strategies. I help my students not just get to the right answer, but also understand how they got to the right answer and what makes it correct. They also learn how to methodically approach questions and answers and develop the right study skills in the process. A good amount of lesson time is spent on mastering strategies and building good time management skills. Together, we develop a customized study plan that helps every student form solid, effective study habits for their test preparation.
Trigonometry

Trigonometry

I have tutored many students in trigonometry, advanced math (precalculus with trigonometry), and Math 3. Since it relates to precalculus and calculus, students need to be able to recognize trigonometric identities and quickly formulate them for use in equations, graphs, proofs, and functions. I even have tips and tricks for memorizing the unit circle, converting radians and degrees, and finding special triangle measures. I aim for students to feel secure when dealing with these advanced concepts and confident in using them to solve problems.
Vocabulary

Vocabulary

Words are the bricks of any language, so a rich vocabulary builds a strong foundation for word usage in writing, speech, and self-expression. Reading and writing practice are also helpful tools for encountering and remembering the same vocabulary, as regular usage incorporates the words into daily language. I have tutored elementary school, middle school, and high school students in regular vocabulary study and word knowledge for test preparation. My lesson plan for vocabulary includes the practice of new words through different exercises, including but not limited to analogies, synonyms, antonyms, and sentence usage. I also help my students invest in good vocabulary workbooks, flashcards, apps and programs for maximum review and memorization.
Writing

Writing

Writing is my passion! I have over 15 years of extensive experience as a published scriptwriter, copywriter, blogger, and reviewer. Having worked as a professional writer and editor since 2009, I offer insightful writing help combined with critical thinking techniques and complete knowledge of English grammar. Since 2010, I've worked with elementary school students on building strong sentences and paragraphs, and I've guided middle school and high school students through the academic paper writing process, including essay writing. For college and university students, I provide regular critiques and feedback to help them strengthen their writing skills. When students work with me, they become better and stronger writers. They practice brainstorming, outlining, drafting, and self-editing skills. We also focus on writing mechanics, where I guide them through correct grammar usage, sentence structure, punctuation, word usage, and transitions. I walk students through the writing process, one step at a step, and correct or clarify any missteps as needed. I also offer writing test prep for several standardized tests, including the ISEE essay and SSAT essay/story, and I assist with college application essays.

Examples of Expertise

Natalie has provided examples of their subject expertise by answering 1 question submitted by students on Wyzant’s Ask an Expert.

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Ratings and Reviews

Rating

4.9 (1,229 ratings)
5 star
(1,130)
4 star
(76)
3 star
(15)
2 star
(3)
1 star
(5)

Reviews

Thoughtful, Generous, and Helpful

Natalie G. is a thoughtful, generous, and helpful tutor. She does an assessment for her planning of support. The content instruction offers a clear understanding to achieve measurable goals. In addition, she provides resources for continued learning and study. Extremely satisfied with this fantastic tutor for my middle schooler.

Tonya, 5 lessons with Natalie

Effective tutor

Natalie did a great job tutoring our 4th grade son. She helped him focus on reading and writing test prep, and she knows a lot about how to succeed in those areas. I appreciated her calm and patient teaching style, her suggestions about what to work on, and her recommendations about additional resources to challenge him and help him improve. Very helpful.

Natasha, 30 lessons with Natalie

Expert in CoGAT

Natalie helped my daughter prepare for the CoGAT test. She has a clear mastery of the subject material and, as a result, gives clear and actionable tutelage well-suited for a 3rd Grader. Natalie would go through example questions with my daughter across the 9 sections and focus more on the process by which she got to an answer that the answer itself. This was ideal for us. I am confident that my daughter performed to her potential on this tricky test given Natalie's expert support. I can't recommend her enough.

Scott, 7 lessons with Natalie

Focused and extremely effective tutor

Natalie is one of the best tutors you can engage for SSAT preparation. She is very knowledgeable and exceptionally organized, curating and sharing appropriate resources, and monitoring and communicating progress every step of the way. Her professionalism and commitment to her students' success resulted not only in great SSAT scores, but a toolkit of long-term strategies for studying, test taking, reading, problem solving, and more.

Svetla, 30 lessons with Natalie

Knowledgeable

Natalie knows the test we’re preparing for very well which is helpful. She has her own practice materials geared to the test. She gave great feedback.

Vanessa, 6 lessons with Natalie

Knowledgeable and patient

My daughter enjoyed her first two classes with Natalie. She is patient and was able to help my daughter (who has dyslexia), respecting her pace. She also recommended some resources to study in between her tutoring lessons. We know our daughter is in excellent hands for her ISEE test preparation!

Florencia, 14 lessons with Natalie

Organized

Natalie helped my daughter get familiarize with format for CoGat test. She is very knowledgeable and helped her understand how to approach the exam. I feel her level of confidence has improved since she had her lessons with Natalie.

Sabreena, 3 lessons with Natalie

Great teacher

Natallie makes math fun and enjoyable. She is helping my kid to learn math in a fun and engaging way. She suggested many great books and tools to with kids.

Bushrat, 9 lessons with Natalie

Knowledgable and patient tutor.

Natalie has been a phenomenal tutor for our daughter during her ISEE test preparation. Not only is she incredibly knowledgeable and effective in her teaching methods, but her responsiveness and communication are outstanding. Natalie consistently kept us updated on the progress and provided clear guidance on next steps and areas of focus. Her ability to engage and motivate our daughter, combined with her commitment to keeping us informed, made the entire process smooth and reassuring. We are immensely grateful for her dedication and highly recommend Natalie to any parent in search of a responsive, attentive, and skilled tutor.

Stella, 59 lessons with Natalie

Excellent Tutor

Natalie worked with my daughter all summer to prepare her for seventh grade. She was a wonderfully prepared tutor with extensive lesson plans and appropriate amount of homework given in between their sessions. She is very diligent and professional. My daughter feels confident entering the seventh grade and enjoyed her time working with Natalie. I would highly recommend this tutor.

Wendy, 21 lessons with Natalie