Brett G.
Exeter, NH
SAT MATH/READING/WRITING, MATH and TOEFL TUTOR
U of NH
LatinAbout Brett
I have 6 years of experience as a public and private school teacher and tutor of adolescents. I have also tutored adults in ESL and GDE preparation. I have tutored SAT prep, Latin, and an AP history exam prep, also. I am capable of tutoring any grade school students in any subjects through the 12 grade and adults: in math through pre-calculus, in
Policies
Cancellation
36 hours notice requiredGroup rates for tutoring (more than 1 student within the same class) will be subject to a group rate of $45/hr per student. Rates are negotiable.
Travel Radius
Travels within 40 miles of Exeter, NH 03833"Knows the Material Well!"
- Colleen, Exeter, NH on 5/4/12We have had Brett tutor our daughter for SAT prep in the Reading and Writing section. He is very professional and really knows his stuff!! My daughter is very comfortable working with him and really feels as though it's helping her understand how to do better on the SAT's. So far, so good!! I will post another review once the SAT's have been taken. I'm sure there will be a great improvement!!
Approved subjects are in bold.
Approved subjects
In most cases, tutors gain approval in a subject by passing a proficiency exam. For some subject areas, like music and art, tutors submit written requests to demonstrate their proficiency to potential students. If a tutor is interested but not yet approved in a subject, the subject will appear in non-bold font. Tutors need to be approved in a subject prior to beginning lessons.
ACT English
The ACT is a lot like the SAT. The same basic strategies apply to both test. I offer either a sectional or total ACT test prep that runs between 6 and 18 sessions. We meet for 2 hour sessions. My goals is to coach you in the test-taking skills that you need by reviewing the basics of the material and reiterating successful strategies for higher scoring.
ACT Math
ACT math prep is a matter of being a good test-taker and doing a thorough review of basics. This is where I can help. I review the basics of the math material and the fundamentals of the test so that on the day of the exam the test-taker is ready to get the best score of his or her life.
ACT Reading
ACT Reading is like SAT Reading, only more difficult. How? The questions are similar for each, but ACT Readings require a more subtle reading.
ACT Science
ACT Science is essentially a test of reading that is much like any SAT Reading section. It is a group of readings based on scientific information (such as experimental studies) and accompanying questions. This sort of test is particularly interesting for students who are science-lovers. Unlike many passages given in standardized tests, these passages are truly both informative and interesting.
Algebra 1
Many students need to develop the discipline to approach algebra problems in methodical ways. Sometimes students need background or explanation to see how the problems are solved.
Algebra 2
Many students need to develop the discipline to approach algebra problems in methodical ways. Sometimes students need background or explanation to see how the problems are solved.
American History
American history is in part about getting the dates, persons, and fact right. However, a study of history is also an awareness of the themes, trends, and patterns that are part of the big historical pictures. The proper student of history knows how to take notes, what is most important among the many facts, how to conduct scholarly research, and how to organize a critical analysis into thematic writing (essay and research paper.) Writing sound historical essays and historical research papers involve a set of skills and a conformity to set formats that can be taught and practiced. American history is simple one branch of historical study, but a unique one and today arguably the most important branch of historical study for any students in the English-speaking world.
ASVAB
I have taken the ASVABs and scored with the 98th and 99th in every section. I can help any student get closer to that if he/she will put in the work, also. ASVAB scores are the difference between choosing what you want and having your job chosen for you.
Biology
Mitosis, cell chemistry, habitat niche. If you need tips and tutoring on how to succeed in biology, call me. College biology was a challenge for me until I learned some basic tricks for success. I can teach you those and more.
Career Development
As a career developer, I specializing in helping students to find private schools, universities, or college where to apply, and guiding students throughout the admission's process. My experience as both a teacher and tutor who has worked with a variety of students (grades 1-12) and in a variety of capacities (Latin AP tutor, chemistry tutor, SAT and SSAT prep tutor) has provided a broad perspective by which to match a students' abilities with the available opportunities at various academic and colleges. I have had experience for nearly a decade as a teacher and tutor in private and public school. My own personal experience as a student at private and public academies and universities has given me broad exposure to the academic world and its opportunities for scholarships, financial aid, and specialized programs of study. As a student, I have attended a variety of private and public colleges, small and large: Kenyon College, Temple U., St. Anselms, U. of Pennsylvania, UNH. I attended a private boarding school for 4 years (Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter, NH) and have taught public and private school grades 7-12 in Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and NH. I played varsity sports from grade 9 through college. (Water Polo, Swimming) I know the American educational systems, its strengths, weaknesses, and scholastic opportunities. As a career developer, my mission is to match the individual student with their opportunities and strengths to help a student make the best, balanced choice from whatever opportunities are available. Opportunities are competitive but career development is non-competitive sport where the student is always the winner. My job as a career developer is to help a individual student succeed through registering appropriate skills, values, and interests that a student reveals and matching them with the available opportunities (academic, scholastic, athletic, artistic, extra-curricular, employment, financial aid). My job as a career developer is to be a private facilitator who will help a student (and parent's) plan goals and strategies for a successful, directed future. SAT, SSAT, and test tutoring is also available as part of the preparation. I work with students from 7 grade through last year of college.
Classics
I possess a bachelors degree in Classics from UNH.
College Counseling
Counseling for college involves setting achievable and realistic goals based on previous accomplishment and future hopes. Interests, core values, grades, and scores are part of the formula that goes into making the best decision about which college to attend. As a counselor, I meet with college-bound students to discuss career interests and goals, set targets, and evaluate choices until the best decision is made. A self-direct student choice is a mature one and critical to future success in college and in life.
Elementary Math
Elementary math covers arithmetic, ratios, fractions, percentages, and basic word problems. Usually elementary math refers to math learned from grade 1 to grade 8.
English
I am available to tutor students in secondary school English, Grades 9-12, or Freshman College English. Tutoring at this level involves proofreading, assistance in development of essay skills, skills in developing thematic essays, how to use critical secondary sources in developing thesis essays, how to write and keep effective journals of various sorts (personal/experiential and literary/critical journals), development of vocabulary for college-level humanities and English classes. Strategies for format and development of creative writing techniques are another area for exploration and skill development in this sort of tutoring.
ESL/ESOL
I possess a Teaching English as a Foreign Language Certificate from the Boston Language Institute in Boston, Massachusetts. I also possess a BA degree in Latin from the U. of New Hampshire. English is an odd language because of its irregular spellings, its odd grammatical usages, its many idioms, and its large vocabulary. Learning English as a second language means developing listening, speaking, writing, and reading skills, as well as getting a grasp of basic grammar. I prefer to use the "communicative method" as the means are imparting knowledge and letting the student or students guide the material and direction of the lessons. Learning English should be enjoyable as well as educational.
European History
A review of European is useful in the preparation for AP European History exam. Success on any of the AP history exams reveals to colleges that a student is serious about scholastics and therefore helps in the college admissions process. In very rare cases, high scores on various AP exams even allow for by-passing more elementary college classes or provide some college credit.
GED
GED. It's the test that you may simply need to pass in order to take the next career step. The preparation is straightforward, but require discipline and persistence. I am a certified-GED tutor who is experienced working with adults that have once struggled finding time with their schedules but are now ready to put forth the discipline to prepare for and succeed in this test.
Geometry
Geometry is a necessary field of math knowledge for anyone who intends to do engineering, and it's a good training. Geometry is one of the main focuses of the SAT test, also. Practicing different types of problems is the key to improvement.
GRE
I have scored in the 90th percentile on the GRE.
Greek
When I say Greek, I mean "Classical Greek," the Greek of Homer, Euripides, and Herodotus. I have studied Classical Greek at UNH, Kenyon College, the U. of Pennsylvania. A mastery requires a firm memory of the many grammatical forms and substantial review of forms and vocabulary in its context. Initial reading is a struggle but is conquerable. If you need introductory Greek assistance or intermediate to get you going in this difficult but rewarding study, I can help. I have experience helping others with their studies in ancient Greek, as well as experience tutoring AP Latin which requires similar skills. Literary languages require a good memory, intense vocabulary study in context, and an knowledge and grasp of a complex of grammatical forms and their usage in context.
ISEE
I am a tutor for both SSAT and SAT as well as a career counselor for students aspiring to enter private schools or looking for the right college. The ISEE is very similar to the SSAT. Within 8 weeks, a thorough preparation can be made to help a diligent student achieve the sort of distinguished score on this exam that will lead to a promising admission to a private school of choice. If you are interested in increasing percentile ranks and broadening choices for talent-based scholarships, contact me.
Latin
I offer prep for ACT, Latin GRE, and various general reviews, explanations, and organizational techniques for studying Latin. Some students like to review assignment to reinforce their certitude when learning this difficult language.
Literature
Literature classes usually demand a student to think about the big themes and develop them in essays. Hopefully, literature classes also develop some appreciation for reading and the great works of literature. Sometimes, the move from graded readers in middle school to novels is secondary school and college is dramatic. How do we appreciate literature and get the most from a class? As a tutor, my goal is develop student-centered strategies to better appreciate and benefit from what is going on within a given literature class at school so as to improve grades, skills, and general appreciation.
Microsoft Excel
Excel is the perfect practical spreadsheet for recording numerical data, charting it, graphing it. It's fast to learn and easy to use. I have worked with Excel spreadsheets as a student and administrative assistant for 6 years. If you want to learn the basics of Excel and go beyond, contact me for tutoring that will assist you in being an Excel wizard.
NCLEX
NCLXE tests are health care-related certification tests, focusing on nursing skills. HESI, Kaplan, and Saunders all provide review books. However, a personal coach, a plan for study, and an agenda are what translate to passing the test with success. I am a certified EMT-Basic in the state of NH. I have passed both the practical and the written exam for this status with a score of 87 on the written exam. I am currently in the process of passing the National Registry for an Emergency Medical Technician, Basic. I also have past experience working at an emergency room and as a medical technician at a busy public beach. My personal experience as a test-preparation coach for other standardized national exams (SSAT, SAT, ACT, GRE, EMT-B, ASVAB) gives me special insight into the psychology and content of individual professional exams and how best to prepare for success in them.
Praxis
The PRAXIS is an exam for those wanting to become teachers. I have taken the exam and scored in 97th and 99th percentile on the sections, and I have more than two years of experience as a full-time teacher. I have tutored the ACT and the SAT and SSAT, also. The math on the PRAXIS is easier than the SAT or ACT, and the reading and grammar sections are similar to the ACT.
Prealgebra
Pre-algebra is basic math: ratio, percentages, fractions, basic geometry, basic word problems. Sometimes, a little guidance is all that is necessary to help a student develop the grasp, get the basic down pat, and set the stage for future math success in school.
Precalculus
Most colleges require a year of calculus. Getting the fundamentals of pre-calculus down is critical. Preparing for calculus involves a lot of solving for polynomials, logarithms, graphing of linear and polynomial functions, and working with irrational numbers. Practice is the key.
Proofreading
Proofreading is sometimes necessary when you are in a hurry to make deadlines and you need an extra set of eyes. I am well-schooled in the MLA standards of written, American English. I can help native or foreign-born college or graduate-level students achieve the register of language and appropriate grammar for undergraduate-level and graduate-level work. If you need proofreading, do no hesitate to contact me. Compensation is by the hour and rates are negotiable.
Religion
Religion is the study of cult, ritual, community, and theological systems of belief. The study of religion necessarily concentrates on the Abrahamic, monotheistic religions of Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. Nonetheless, Hinduism is another complex religious system worthy of examination. No study of religion is complete without some examination of cult, shamanism, ancestor-worship, and animism. Buddhist is sometimes considered as religion, although it is mainly a philosophic system. As a tutor of religion, I help by asking the questions that add perspective and by exploring the universalities within all religions. My background is as a student of Classical Greek and Classical Latin myth and history. This background has provided me with a valuable humanistic perspective on the phenomenon of religion within particular communities, ethnic groups, and societies. The development of cult or religion within any society is also a psychological process for both an individual person and that individual's social group. The development of religion is also a sociological process that can be examined historically and from the perspective of the social dynamics of a particular societal unit. In fact, the study of religion may be viewed through many philosophical lenses. As a compliment to my background of a student of the world's humanistic traditions, I am also a certified tutor of Teaching English as a Second Language. The study of religion is an exploration, and I will help you the student to do that exploring by asking the right questions to bring you to a clearer understanding of the importance of religion within its context.
SAT Math
SAT math prep involves a review of fundamental concepts, a practical review of problem types, and the learning of a few short cuts. I offer a structured program to review, drill, and discover new problem-solving methods during a 9 to 12 week span prior to taking an SAT exam. Tutoring would meet either once or twice per week for a minimum of 2 hours per week and a maximum of 6 hour per week. Math scores are predicted to improve between 50 and 150 points with 10 weeks of practice.
SAT Reading
SAT reading involves learning how to tackle types of articles and questions. Strategies are developed to do this during a 9 to 12 week period prior to taking an SAT test. Private tutoring session are for a minimum of 2 hours and maximum of 6 hours per week. During these sessions, we will practice and review reading strategies and hand-on techniques for approaching various types of questions that will be on the SAT reading sections.
SAT Writing
SAT writing is very coach-able. Most concepts of succeeding in SAT writing can be covered in 6-8 sessions or less before taking an exam. The goal is to raise the score. We begin with an assessment test for SAT writing skills. Tutoring session will be for a minimum of 2 hours per week and maximum of 6 hours per week. During sessions we will review fundamental grammatical rules, introduce problem-solving tactics, and practice them. Scores may rise between 50 to 150 points from previous tests. If you scores are already very high, these tutoring sessions will keep you warmed up for when it counts.
SSAT
SSAT prep is not unlike a simplified version of SAT prep. The test is shorter and simpler. It involves reading, math, and some writing. Doing well on this test is critical to admission to private grade schools. As a student I was admitted to Deerfield Academy and Phillips Exeter Academy. I attended Phillips Exeter for 4 years, and went on to be admitted by an elite, private college. I know what it takes to get into private schools, and I know how to prepare any student to succeed in both getting into the school and flourishing at it.
Statistics
Statistics is the often important for the critical analysis of any given set of numerical data - be it economic or scientific. Statistics is usually a simple matter of applying the formula correctly to various sets of data.
Study Skills
Study skills are basic and fundamental to success in grade school classes, and yet are usually overlooked in nearly every class. The keys to successful study and grades are prioritizing, organization, and using one's own sense of student awareness. A student in any given class needs to know these basics: 1) what the teacher thinks is important to do, know, and say; 2) what are the important learning objectives of a given class are?; 3) how to develop a decent working relationship with a teacher. Organization involves: 1) preparation for the class, 2) post-class follow-up on notes and assignments, 3) record keeping of all tests, quizzes, and assignments. In some classes, organization alone will not overcome the challenge a new or difficult assignments or homework problems. Different classes may require different sorts of study strategies. Considerations for different classes may involve 1)time of day when studying is most effective, 2) the fastest way to effective complete assignments, 3) and recognizing when doing the basics in preparation is not enough to succeed in the class. My job as a study skills tutor is to analyze the student's weakness, make suggestions, and help implement the solution to see a successful conclusion.
Swimming
I completed WSI twice (1984, 2004); I have experience as a competitive swimmer (1972-present); CPR/AED (active, 2011); a lifeguard (active, 2011); and a swim coach (2004-2006).
TOEFL
TOEFL is required of any foreign-born student to gain admission into a top US University. You, the student, need to be able to speak like a native and communicate like a doctor with your college professors. Preparation for the test can be best be done over a 16-week period. I can help you approach that 120 score on the iBT that you most want to attain. Tutoring will review and prep for all 4 sections, and will prepare you for either the written or computer-based test. Tutor to student communication options include in-person or online live via Skype or IMac.
Trigonometry
Trigonometry is a subject than is based on a particular circle. Most trig problems are based on several simple identities that require memorization.
Vocabulary
Vocabulary is often a critical part of all standard tests of verbal intelligence. A wide or educated vocabulary is often taken as a mark of intelligence, also. By building a base of fundamental vocabulary knowledge and understand English words better, you can set your word power growing for years to come and ace future verbal exams. If building your English vocabulary is one of your educational goals, contact me.
Writing
Writing skills require following some basic rules of format, practice, and the exposure to good models. While there is no absolute standard for writing style, knowing and practicing the basic rules, knowing basic grammar, and following a basic format is critical. Specialized practice in essay writing skills is critical for college success and any student who applies himself/herself can be trained to do this. Writing training is useful in SAT success and success in the classroom.
Other Exeter, NH Tutors
Brett G.
Exeter, NH
SAT MATH/READING/WRITING, MATH and TOEFL TUTOR