Duke Graduate & Yenching Scholar | College Admissions, Writing & Math

Ace A.

Hi, I’m Ace – a cum laude Duke University graduate, merit scholarship recipient, and 4x Dean’s List honoree. I studied International Relations, Ethics & Leadership, and Public Policy at Duke Kunshan University and Duke University, where I was honored to be chosen as my class’s Commencement Speaker out of 500 peers — a recognition of both my writing and public speaking skills.

I’m now pursuing my master’s at the Yenching Academy of Peking University, one of the most selective graduate programs in the world with a 2.7% acceptance rate, where I’m building on my thesis in AI ethics and policy. But while these numbers sound impressive, what matters to me is that I know the process, the struggles, and the self-doubt — and I’ve found ways through them. I believe anyone, with the right guidance and mindset, can achieve beyond what they thought possible.

I’ve tutored for over 10 years, from helping classmates with homework to mentoring students through college essays and admissions, including students who went on to top 15 schools like Columbia, Northwestern, Michigan, Boston University, and NYU. I also teach math (through Calculus AB), English, writing, and SAT prep (790 SAT Math), and I’ve worked with learners from elementary school to professionals across the world.

Outside academics, I’m an actor, filmmaker, musician, singer, and multi-instrumentalist — creativity is my outlet, and I love helping students discover their own voices, whether through writing, problem-solving, or the arts.

For me, tutoring is about more than grades. It’s about showing students that challenges can be transformed into strengths — and that they already have what it takes to succeed.