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Ivy League Engineering Student tutoring Calc, SAT Math & Physics
Derek I.

5.0 (17 ratings)

24 hours tutoring

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Hourly Rate: $67
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About Derek

Bio

Hi, I'm Derek!

I'm a Mechanical Engineering student at the Ivy League University of Pennsylvania. I specialize in robotics, electric vehicles, and aerospace engineering. I currently work in Penn’s Prototyping Lab, where I help students and researchers design and build mechanical components using 3D printers and laser cutters. Outside the lab, I serve as the lead braking system engineer for Penn Electric Racing, our Formula SAE team that builds an electric racecar from scratch and competes...

Hi, I'm Derek!

I'm a Mechanical Engineering student at the Ivy League University of Pennsylvania. I specialize in robotics, electric vehicles, and aerospace engineering. I currently work in Penn’s Prototyping Lab, where I help students and researchers design and build mechanical components using 3D printers and laser cutters. Outside the lab, I serve as the lead braking system engineer for Penn Electric Racing, our Formula SAE team that builds an electric racecar from scratch and competes internationally in design, performance, and innovation. I’ve also interned at a robotics research lab, designing soft continuum robots powered by pneumatics to navigate tight, complex environments.

I bring that same hands-on, analytical mindset to tutoring. I’ve worked with around 15–20 middle and high school students across SAT Math, Algebra 1 & 2, Geometry, Precalculus, Calculus, and both Intro and AP Physics. I scored a 750 on the SAT Math section (96th–98th percentile) and went on to attend my dream school, the Ivy League University of Pennsylvania, which admits just under 6% of applicants. These last two summers, I served as an advisor and math tutor at the nonprofit Delaware College Scholars, a college-access program for high-achieving, under-resourced students across Delaware that provides academic prep, college guidance, and mentoring throughout high school. I also tutor freelance, helping students improve their confidence and performance—one student even raised their standardized math score by nearly 80% after two hardworking months of my tutoring. My approach emphasizes clarity, intuition, and confidence-building. I break complex ideas down to first principles and guide students to develop lasting problem-solving skills they can apply well beyond the classroom.

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Education

University of Pennsylvania: School of Engineering and Applied Mechanics
BSE Mech E

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Approved Subjects

ACT Math

ACT Math

I specialize in ACT Math preparation, leveraging my extensive background in advanced mathematics and tutoring experience to help students master critical test-taking strategies. With a strong track record of guiding high school students through complex algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and precalculus concepts, I focus on building their confidence and accuracy. My structured, personalized approach equips students to significantly improve their ACT Math scores by making challenging problems more intuitive and manageable.
Algebra 1

Algebra 1

As a Mechanical Engineering student at an Ivy League university, I have a deep and practical understanding of algebra, which serves as the foundation for much of my technical coursework and engineering problem-solving. I’ve worked extensively with linear equations, inequalities, systems of equations, and quadratic functions, both in academic settings and in real-world applications like robotics and racecar design. My tutoring style focuses on breaking problems down to their fundamental algebraic relationships, helping students see patterns, develop intuition, and solve efficiently. Each session is tailored to build the student’s confidence, reinforce core skills, and prepare them for success in future math courses.
Algebra 2

Algebra 2

As an Ivy League Mechanical Engineering student, I’ve built a strong foundation in Algebra 2 through both rigorous coursework and its real-world applications in engineering design and analysis. I’ve worked extensively with quadratic equations, exponential and logarithmic functions, polynomials, and systems of equations—skills I continue to apply in fields like robotics and racecar engineering. My tutoring approach emphasizes breaking down complex problems into fundamental principles and guiding students to recognize patterns and solve with confidence. Each session is customized to strengthen problem-solving skills, deepen understanding, and prepare students for higher-level math.
Calculus

Calculus

I specialize in Calculus tutoring, drawing from my mechanical engineering major, where I draw from both theoretical and applied calculus concepts. My experience includes guiding students through topics such as limits, derivatives, and integrals while simplifying complex theories into accessible explanations. By emphasizing conceptual understanding alongside problem-solving techniques, I help students confidently navigate challenging calculus material and achieve substantial academic improvements.
Geometry

Geometry

As an Ivy League Mechanical Engineering student, I bring a strong understanding of geometry rooted in both academic study and hands-on engineering work. I’ve worked extensively with topics such as angles, triangles, circles, coordinate geometry, and proofs—concepts I regularly apply in 3D modeling design, robotics, and mechanical analysis. My tutoring style focuses on breaking down geometric problems into visual, logical steps that make the material easier to grasp and apply. I tailor each session to help students build spatial reasoning, improve accuracy, and gain confidence in solving geometry problems.
Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

I’m a Mechanical Engineering student at the University of Pennsylvania with extensive hands-on and research experience. I serve as the lead developer for the braking system on my university’s electric race car team and have conducted research in soft continuum robotics, focusing on mechanical design and actuation. My coursework includes CAD (3D mechanical design), machine manufacturing, FEA, DFM, thermodynamics, dynamics, and product market analysis. I’m passionate about helping students break down complex engineering concepts by connecting theory to real-world applications.
Physics

Physics

As a student with a strong background in Physics, I bring both academic depth and hands-on experience to my tutoring approach. I’ve worked extensively with topics like Newtonian mechanics, energy systems, rotational dynamics, and electromagnetism. Through my work as a racecar brake system engineer and in my robotics research, I apply these concepts to real-world applications. My tutoring style emphasizes breaking complex problems down to their fundamental equations, which helps students deepen their intuitive understanding of the subject. Whether you're preparing for exams or building a deeper foundation, I tailor each session to your learning goals.
Prealgebra

Prealgebra

As an Ivy League Mechanical Engineering student, I specialize in pre-algebra prep for middle school and early high school students who are building their foundational math skills. I focus on helping students strengthen their understanding of key concepts like number sense, fractions, ratios, and basic equations—essential tools for success in algebra and beyond. My tutoring approach emphasizes patience, clarity, and step-by-step problem breakdowns to ensure students gain lasting confidence and fluency. I tailor sessions to each student’s pace and learning style, making math approachable and intuitive from the start.
Precalculus

Precalculus

I offer comprehensive precalculus tutoring that bridges the gap between algebra and calculus, with a focus on functions, trigonometry, complex numbers, and analytical geometry. My goal is to strengthen students' foundational skills while introducing them to the logical thinking and problem-solving strategies needed for higher-level math. Through clear explanations, guided practice, and a supportive environment, I help students build the confidence and precision required to excel. Whether you're reviewing for class or preparing for future courses, I tailor each session to meet your specific needs.
SAT Math

SAT Math

As an Ivy League mechanical engineering student with a strong foundation in mathematics, I bring both academic excellence and test-specific insight to my SAT Math tutoring. I’ve worked extensively with topics like algebra, geometry, data analysis, and advanced math, all of which appear across both SAT Math sections. Drawing from my engineering background, I help students break problems down to their core mathematical principles and equations, making even the trickiest questions more manageable. My tutoring approach is strategic and student-centered, focusing on building confidence, speed, and accuracy through clear explanations and targeted practice.
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Hourly Rate: $67
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