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Experienced Harvard Grad for Tutoring in Math, Biology, and Test Prep
Elissa T.

5.0 (349 ratings)

909 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee
Hourly Rate: $125
Contact Elissa
Response time: 1 hour

About Elissa

Bio

Experienced Harvard Grad for Tutoring in Math, Biology, and Test Prep

Hi, I’m Elissa! I started tutoring over a decade ago and am experienced in tutoring test prep, calculus, algebra, geometry, microbiology, ecology, and more (please scroll down to see a complete list of my subjects).

I graduated cum laude from Harvard College with a degree in Organismic and Evolutionary Biology (or Integrative Biology) and a minor in Energy and Environment. Highlights from my previous tutoring...

Experienced Harvard Grad for Tutoring in Math, Biology, and Test Prep

Hi, I’m Elissa! I started tutoring over a decade ago and am experienced in tutoring test prep, calculus, algebra, geometry, microbiology, ecology, and more (please scroll down to see a complete list of my subjects).

I graduated cum laude from Harvard College with a degree in Organismic and Evolutionary Biology (or Integrative Biology) and a minor in Energy and Environment. Highlights from my previous tutoring experience include being both a tutor and a tutor mentor (bringing new tutors up to speed) for the Harvard Academic Resource Center. The ARC approved me to tutor many classes, including “Introduction to Calculus,” “Chemistry, Molecular Biology, and Cellular Biology,” “Genetics, Genomics, and Evolution,” and “Animal Behavior.”

My aim is for my students to reach their academic goals within the time they have available. My aim is also to ensure that they have the intuition and confidence to continue to succeed long after our sessions. Having worked with ages three to thirty across varied subjects, I have tested many different resources and strategies, and I pull from this toolkit to create a tailored method for each student. I recommend setting aside a portion of the first session to discuss the student’s goals and timeline, strengths and weaknesses, and what study methods have worked well and poorly in the past. Whether we set that time aside or jump right into material, I always welcome feedback and immediately incorporate changes to my method.

If you have any questions or want to schedule our first session, please message me using the “Contact” button. Keep in mind that Wyzant’s Good Fit Guarantee will cover our first hour if you decide I am not the right tutor for you.

Let’s get you or your student across the finish line!

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Education

Harvard College
Organismic and Evolutionary Biology

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $125
  • Rate details: Rate may vary with factors like level (grade 6 vs. collegiate) and Wyzant's recommended rate. Cancelled lessons: billed at 50% for 12 to 3 hours’ notice, billed in full for less than 3 hours’ notice.
  • Lesson cancellation: 12 hours notice required

  • Background check passed on 3/13/2024

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

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Approved Subjects

ACT English

ACT English

I have worked with many students to improve their standardized testing, including during my time with the Harvard Academic Resource Center. Pulling strategies from across my ten years of tutoring and incorporating a wide variety of available resources, I work with my students to assess their needs and design and execute a study plan tailored to those needs. Whether your timeline is six months or six days, I will help you make the most of your studying!
ACT Math

ACT Math

I have worked with many students to improve their standardized testing, including during my time with the Harvard Academic Resource Center. Pulling strategies from across my ten years of tutoring and incorporating a wide variety of available resources, I work with my students to assess their needs and design and execute a study plan tailored to those needs. Whether your timeline is six months or six days, I will help you make the most of your studying!
ACT Reading

ACT Reading

I have worked with many students to improve their standardized testing, including during my time with the Harvard Academic Resource Center. Pulling strategies from across my ten years of tutoring and incorporating a wide variety of available resources, I work with my students to assess their needs and design and execute a study plan tailored to those needs. Whether your timeline is six months or six days, I will help you make the most of your studying!
ACT Science

ACT Science

I have worked with many students to improve their standardized testing, including during my time with the Harvard Academic Resource Center. Pulling strategies from across my ten years of tutoring and incorporating a wide variety of available resources, I work with my students to assess their needs and design and execute a study plan tailored to those needs. Past students have improved scores by five or more points (out of thirty-six possible points). Whether your timeline is six months or six days, I will help you make the most of your studying!
Algebra 1

Algebra 1

In over a decade of tutoring, including with the Harvard Academic Resource Center, I have helped many students improve their algebra skills, and my experience includes students across a wide age range. I also have experience tutoring many of the classes leading up to and following algebra, including prealgebra, geometry, trigonometry, precalculus, and calculus. This gives me the tools to identify and fill in gaps, even when they are from previous classes, and do so with an eye to building solid foundations for the higher levels of math to come. Many students find math becomes increasingly daunting, especially standing on shaky algebra foundations, but it doesn’t have to be. I want my students to find they can tackle algebra and beyond with confidence!
Algebra 2

Algebra 2

In over a decade of tutoring, including with the Harvard Academic Resource Center, I have helped many students improve their algebra skills, and my experience includes students across a wide age range. I also have experience tutoring many of the classes leading up to and following algebra, including prealgebra, geometry, trigonometry, precalculus, and calculus. This gives me the tools to identify and fill in gaps, even when they are from previous classes, and do so with an eye to building solid foundations for the higher levels of math to come. Many students find math becomes increasingly daunting, especially standing on shaky algebra foundations, but it doesn’t have to be. I want my students to find they can tackle algebra and beyond with confidence!
Biology

Biology

As a tutor for the Harvard Academic Resource Center (ARC), I helped many students improve in their life science classes, and my tutoring experience of over a decade includes students of all ages. The ARC approved me to tutor multiple biology subjects, including genetics and genomics, cellular and microbiology, organismic and evolutionary biology, chemistry, and environmental science. I also graduated with a degree in Integrative Biology (also called Organismic and Evolutionary Biology) and a minor in Energy and Environment. I love biology, and I want my students to find that they love it too!
Calculus

Calculus

As a tutor for the Harvard Academic Resource Center (ARC), I helped many students understand calculus, and my experience of over a decade includes students across a wide age range. The ARC approved me to tutor multiple calculus classes, including “Introduction to Functions and Calculus”, “Introduction to Calculus,” and “Integration, Series, and Differential Equations.” I also have experience tutoring many of the classes leading up to calculus, including precalculus, algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. This combined experience gives me the tools to identify and fill in gaps, even when they are from previous classes. Many students find calculus daunting, especially standing on shaky precalculus foundations, but it doesn’t have to be. My goal is for my students to find they can tackle calculus with confidence!
Ecology

Ecology

As a tutor for the Harvard Academic Resource Center (ARC), I helped many students improve their understanding of ecology and environmental science across various life science classes, and my tutoring experience of over a decade includes students of all ages. The ARC approved me to tutor classes, including “Foundations of Biological Diversity,” “Global Change Biology,” and “Confronting Climate Change.” I have also tutored various high school ecology and environmental science classes. I graduated with a degree in Integrative Biology with a minor in Energy and Environment. I think ecology is awesome, and I want my students to find that they love it too!
Elementary Math

Elementary Math

In over a decade of tutoring, I have worked with many students across wide ranging ability levels to build or strengthen their understanding of basic mathematics and their skill with its application. Whether my student is three or seventy-three, I pull strategies from throughout my career and incorporate a wide variety of available resources to make the subject engaging and intuitive. For many, math becomes a daunting subject, but it doesn’t have to be. I am passionate about students discovering the joy in their own problem-solving abilities, and I want my students to find that, with the right tools, they can tackle any math problem with confidence!
Elementary Science

Elementary Science

In over a decade of tutoring, I have worked with many students across wide ranging ability levels to build or strengthen their understanding of basic science concepts. I believe having a foundational understanding of what our universe is made of and how it works (from planets to cells, and from food webs to weather patterns) not only opens the door to vast areas of learning, but also gives students powerful tools for shaping their own world. Learning how to ask big questions and how to discover the answers for yourself leads to endless possibilities that everyone should have access to. I love science, and I want my students to find that they love it too!
Environmental Science

Environmental Science

As a tutor for the Harvard Academic Resource Center (ARC), I helped many students improve their understanding of ecology and environmental science across various life science classes, and my tutoring experience of over a decade includes students of all ages. The ARC approved me to tutor classes, including “Foundations of Biological Diversity,” “Global Change Biology,” and “Confronting Climate Change.” I have also tutored various high school ecology and environmental science classes. I graduated with a degree in Integrative Biology with a minor in Energy and Environment. I think environmental science is awesome, and I want my students to find that they love it too!
GED

GED

Pulling strategies from across my ten years of tutoring and incorporating a wide variety of available resources, I work with my students to assess their needs and design and execute a study plan tailored to those needs. Whether your timeline is six months or six days, I will help you make the most of your studying!
Genetics

Genetics

As a tutor for the Harvard Academic Resource Center (ARC), I helped many students improve their understanding of genetics across various life science classes, and my tutoring experience of over a decade includes students of all ages. The ARC approved me to tutor multiple genetics classes, including introductory "Genetics, Genomics, and Evolution" and mid-level "Genetics and Genomics." I was also approved to tutor relevant classes ranging from "Chemistry, Molecular Biology, and Cell Biology" to "Evolutionary Biology" and "Geobiology and the History of Life." I can help with genetics questions from the chemical processes that govern DNA to the statistics of inheritance to the implication of epigenetics on animal behavior. I think genetics is awesome, and I want my students to find that they love it too!
Geometry

Geometry

In over a decade of tutoring, including with the Harvard Academic Resource Center, I have helped many students improve their geometry skills, and my experience includes students from a wide range of ages. I also have experience tutoring many of the classes leading up to and following geometry, including algebra, trigonometry, and calculus. This gives me the tools to identify and fill in gaps, even when they are from previous classes, and do so with an eye to building solid foundations for the higher levels of math to come. Many students find math becomes increasingly daunting, especially standing on shaky foundations, but it doesn’t have to be. I want my students to find they can tackle geometry and beyond with confidence!
High School Placement Test

High School Placement Test

I have spent a decade tutoring and have worked with many students to prepare for their standardized tests at many different grade levels. I am passionate about helping students break through the barriers that these entrance exams can present to achieving their dreams. Pulling strategies from across my experience and incorporating a wide variety of available resources, I work with my students to assess their needs and design and execute a study plan tailored to those needs. Study plans often begin with probing for students' strong and weak areas, using tools like practice exams and past academic performance. The bulk of a plan often involves simultaneously building intuition, skill, and confidence with the subject matter, while learning to better employ strategies specific to the format of the HSPT. The final stage often involves intensive mock exams to optimize technique and fortify the student for the stresses of test day. That said, each student is unique and ultimately needs a unique study plan. Whether they have six months or six days left, I help students make the most of their studying!
ISEE

ISEE

I have spent a decade tutoring and have worked with many students to prepare for standardized tests at many different grade levels. I am passionate about helping students break through the barrier that the Independent School Entrance Exam can present to achieving their dreams. My past ISEE students have included applicants from across the country and abroad. Pulling strategies from across my experience and incorporating a wide variety of available resources, I work with my students to assess their needs and design and execute a study plan tailored to those needs. Study plans often begin with probing for students' strong and weak areas, using tools like practice exams and past academic performance. Each of the four scored sections (verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, reading comprehension, and mathematics achievement) and the essay all require their own skills and strategies. The bulk of a plan often involves simultaneously building intuition, skill, and confidence with the subject matter, while learning to better employ strategies specific to the ISEE format. The final stage often involves intensive mock exams to optimize technique and fortify the student for the stresses of test day. That said, each student is unique and ultimately needs a unique study plan. I always welcome feedback and adapt my methods quickly when needed. I make an effort to stay up to date on any changes to the exam and I am following the merger of ERB (ISEE administrators) and EMA (SSAT administrators) closely. Whether my students have six months or six days, I help them make the most of their study time!
Microbiology

Microbiology

As a tutor for the Harvard Academic Resource Center (ARC), I helped many students improve their understanding of microbiology across various life science classes, and my tutoring experience of over a decade includes students of all ages. The ARC approved me to tutor multiple microbiology classes, including “Chemistry, Molecular Biology, and Cell Biology,” "Genetics and Genomics" and “Human Nutritional Biochemistry and Metabolism.” I was also approved to tutor relevant classes ranging from "Foundations of Biological Diversity" to "Foundations and Frontiers of Modern Chemistry.” I can help with microbiology questions from the ins and outs of protein synthesis and transport to the mechanisms of gene regulation. I think microbiology is awesome, and I want my students to find that they love it too!
Prealgebra

Prealgebra

In over a decade of tutoring, including with the Harvard Academic Resource Center, I have helped many students improve their prealgebra skills, and my experience includes students across a wide age range. I also have experience tutoring many of the classes leading up to and following prealgebra, including elementary math, algebra, geometry, and precalculus. This lets me see and fill critical gaps in foundational prealgebra knowledge with an eye to their importance for continued success in math and other STEM fields. Many students find math becomes increasingly daunting, especially when they are forced to build on shaky foundations, but it doesn’t have to be. I want my students to find they can tackle algebra and beyond with confidence!
Precalculus

Precalculus

As a tutor for the Harvard Academic Resource Center (ARC), I helped many students improve their precalculus skills, and my experience of over a decade includes students across a wide age range. The ARC approved me to tutor multiple calculus and precalculus classes, including “Introduction to Functions and Calculus” (a joint precalculus and calculus class), “Introduction to Calculus,” and “Integration, Series, and Differential Equations.” I also have experience tutoring many of the classes leading up to precalculus, such as algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. This combined experience gives me the tools to identify and fill in gaps, even when they are from previous classes, and do so with an eye to building solid foundations for the higher levels of math to come. Many students find calculus daunting, especially standing on shaky precalculus understanding, but it doesn’t have to be. My goal is for my students to find they can tackle precalculus and beyond with confidence!
PSAT

PSAT

I have worked with many students to improve their standardized testing, including during my time with the Harvard Academic Resource Center. Pulling strategies from across my ten years of tutoring and incorporating a wide variety of available resources, I work with my students to assess their needs and design and execute a study plan tailored to those needs. Whether your timeline is six months or six days, I will help you make the most of your studying!
SAT Math

SAT Math

I have worked with many students to improve their standardized testing, including during my time with the Harvard Academic Resource Center. Pulling strategies from across my ten years of tutoring and incorporating a wide variety of available resources, I work with my students to assess their needs and design and execute a study plan tailored to those needs. Whether your timeline is six months or six days, I will help you make the most of your studying!
SAT Reading

SAT Reading

I have worked with many students to improve their standardized testing, including during my time with the Harvard Academic Resource Center. Pulling strategies from across my ten years of tutoring and incorporating a wide variety of available resources, I work with my students to assess their needs and design and execute a study plan tailored to those needs. Whether your timeline is six months or six days, I will help you make the most of your studying!
SAT Writing

SAT Writing

I have worked with many students to improve their standardized testing, including during my time with the Harvard Academic Resource Center. Pulling strategies from across my ten years of tutoring and incorporating a wide variety of available resources, I work with my students to assess their needs and design and execute a study plan tailored to those needs. Whether your timeline is six months or six days, I will help you make the most of your studying!
SHSAT (NY HS admissions)

SHSAT (NY HS admissions)

I have been tutoring for over a decade and have worked with many students to prepare for their standardized tests at many different grade levels. I am passionate about helping students break through the barrier that the Special High Schools Admissions Test can present to achieving their dreams. Applying to high school in New York can feel as daunting as applying to colleges, but it doesn’t have to! Pulling strategies from across my experience and incorporating a wide variety of available resources, I work with my students to assess their needs and design and execute a study plan tailored to those needs. Study plans often begin with probing for students' strong and weak areas, using tools like practice exams and past academic performance. The bulk of a plan often involves simultaneously building intuition, skill, and confidence with the subject matter, while learning to better employ strategies specific to the format of the SHSAT. The final stage often involves intensive mock exams to optimize technique and fortify the student for the stresses of test day. That said, each student is unique and ultimately needs a unique study plan. I always welcome feedback and adapt my methods quickly when needed. I also do my best to stay up to date on any changes - like this fall's move to a digital format - in order to give my students the best strategies for their test day. Whether they have six months or six days left, I help students make the most of their studying!
SSAT

SSAT

I have spent over a decade tutoring and have worked with many students to prepare for standardized tests at many different grade levels. I am passionate about helping students break through the barrier that the Secondary School Admissions Test can present to achieving their dreams. Pulling strategies from across my experience and incorporating a wide variety of available resources, I work with my students to assess their needs and design and execute a study plan tailored to those needs. Study plans often begin with probing for students' strong and weak areas, using tools like practice exams and past academic performance. Each of the three scored subjects (two sections of math, one of reading, and one of verbal) and the essay require their own skills and strategies. The bulk of a plan often involves simultaneously building intuition, skill, and confidence with the subject matter, while learning to better employ strategies specific to the SSAT format (for example, understanding the -0.25 penalty on wrong answers and how it affects guessing). The final stage often involves intensive mock exams to optimize technique and fortify the student for the stresses of test day. That said, each student is unique and ultimately needs a unique study plan. I always welcome feedback and adapt my methods quickly when needed. I make an effort to stay up to date on any changes to the exam and I am following the merger of EMA (SSAT administrators) and ERB (ISEE administrators) closely. Whether my students have six months or six days, I help them make the most of their study time!
Trigonometry

Trigonometry

In over a decade of tutoring, including with the Harvard Academic Resource Center, I have helped many students improve their trigonometry skills, and my experience includes students across a wide age range. I also have experience tutoring many of the classes leading up to and following trigonometry, including algebra, geometry, and calculus. This gives me the tools to identify and fill in gaps, even when they are from previous classes, and do so with an eye to building solid foundations for the higher levels of math to come. Many students find math becomes increasingly daunting, especially standing on shaky foundations, but it doesn’t have to be. I want my students to find they can tackle trigonometry and beyond with confidence!
Zoology

Zoology

As a tutor for the Harvard Academic Resource Center, I was approved to tutor classes including "Animal Behavior," "Biology and Diversity of Birds," "Fundamentals of Marine Biology," "Why We Animals Sing," and "Foundations of Biological Diversity," as well as other relevant life science classes from environmental science to molecular biology. I approach zoology from the context of the wider biological world, which I believe helps me (and my students) make sense of the classification, distribution, physiology, behavior, etc. of animals in a more synergistic and intuitive way. I have helped many students improve their understanding and their grades, and my tutoring experience of over a decade includes students of all ages. I love zoology, and I want my students to find that they love it too!
Study Skills
Writing

Examples of Expertise

Elissa has provided examples of their subject expertise by answering 4 questions submitted by students on Wyzant’s Ask an Expert.

See all of Elissa ’s answers ›
Elissa T.'s Photo

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Response time: 1 hour

Ratings and Reviews

Rating

5.0 (349 ratings)
5 star
(346)
4 star
(3)
3 star
(0)
2 star
(0)
1 star
(0)

Reviews

SUPER prepared, helpful, and easy-to-understand

Elissa was SOOOO helpful in our tutoring session. She thoroughly reviewed the material beforehand and explained concepts in such an easy-to-understand way. Elissa even went out of her way to read ~50 pages of lecture notes to help prepare for our session. She's quick to explain concepts and doesn't waste your time with fluff. She's by far the best tutor I've worked with on this platform; I genuinely can't recommend her enough. On top of that, she took additional time after the session to independently re-review some of the harder questions and provided additional feedback! Thanks so much Elissa :))

Rana, 1 lesson with Elissa

Wonderful Tutor

Elyssa is knowledgeable, caring, and passionate. She connected instantly with our child and he happily learned a lot from her. Elyssa created a friendly and inciting atmosphere, while maintaining the focus on work and achievement. A wonderful balance. We strongly and enthusiastically recommend Elyssa as a mater tutor!

Dan, 6 lessons with Elissa

Great teacher

Great teacher. Thorough and precise. Well prepared. Responds promptly. Thank you! Looking forward to the next meeting! Would recommend for SHSAT tutoring

Anna, 3 lessons with Elissa

Very helpful tutor!

She was very helpful in teaching the concepts in a way that I could understand. I struggled with a lot of the concepts but her explanations made a lot of sense.

Macy, 2 lessons with Elissa

Very helpful tutor!

She was very helpful in teaching the concepts in a way that I could understand. I struggled with a lot of the concepts but her explanations made a lot of sense.

Macy, 2 lessons with Elissa

Very experienced and picked up where i was at

I appreciate Elissa’s patience and knowledge. Very happy with the tutoring received. Very knowledgable, able to explain via visual and in explanation. Thank you!

Phil, 2 lessons with Elissa

My daughter loves Elissa!

Elissa is wonderful and my daughter really liked her from the very first lesson and was willing to wait until Elissa's schedule cleared to work with her again. They spent multiple sessions each week preparing for the SAT. We feel very lucky to have found Elissa and might even work with her again on just Math material in general for Senior Year.

Lena, 7 lessons with Elissa

Elissa was great!

My child has tried several different tutors and has a difficult time learning virtually. However Elissa was great to work with and we will absolutely be booking with her again. Thank you!

Courtney , 3 lessons with Elissa

Very knowledgeable and personable tutor

Elissa was very helpful tutoring my daughter for Algebra 1. He had an exam and wanted to make sure she was prepared. She said that Elissa was very helpful and she is waiting to get the exam results back but said she felt confident she did good.

Jerry, 1 lesson with Elissa

Great and thorough tutor

Elissa has been great working with my son. He is feeling more confident in his math skills and doing much better at homework and quizzes. Looking forward to more sessions.

Jill, 28 lessons with Elissa
Hourly Rate: $125
Response time: 1 hour
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