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Award-Winning Cornell Graduate Specializing in SAT Prep
Sam S.

5.0 (69 ratings)

214 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee
Hourly Rate: $150
Contact Sam
Response time: 13 hours

About Sam

Bio

I graduated Cornell University magna cum laude with degrees in Applied Mathematics and Philosophy, and I have been preparing students for their SATs for nearly a decade. If "good enough" just isn't good enough, let's chat about how we can work together to meet your goals.

Throughout my time at Cornell, I worked with students constantly, serving as a teaching assistant for more than half of my semesters while tutoring 10-15 hours every week. Though the tests have changed a great deal since...

I graduated Cornell University magna cum laude with degrees in Applied Mathematics and Philosophy, and I have been preparing students for their SATs for nearly a decade. If "good enough" just isn't good enough, let's chat about how we can work together to meet your goals.

Throughout my time at Cornell, I worked with students constantly, serving as a teaching assistant for more than half of my semesters while tutoring 10-15 hours every week. Though the tests have changed a great deal since I've begun (I started quite a bit before the digital SAT was even announced!), the fundamentals and my approach to students remain the same. A personalized approach to every student and an uncompromising commitment to getting it right every time has led to consistently pulling families far beyond their goal scores.

My passion is and always will be working one-on-one with students. For a couple of years, I built a tutoring firm employing several specialists to reach as many students as possible. Before long, though, I decided rededicate 100% of my time to working with students and families.

My students have gone on to attend elite schools such as Cornell, Harvard, NYU, and Princeton (among others). Many have secured prestigious merit scholarships. Please reach out to schedule a free no-pressure consultation where we can discuss tutoring styles and your specific needs.

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Education

Cornell University
Operations Research, Philosophy

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $150
  • Rate details: Please note: being more than 15 minutes late to a lesson will result in the lesson being cancelled and a cancellation fee being assessed.
  • Lesson cancellation: 24 hours notice required

  • Background check passed on 2/5/2025

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

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Approved Subjects

Algebra 1

Algebra 1

I'm a third year Engineering student at Cornell. I'm majoring in Applied Mathematics and have full scores on the AP Calculus BC and SAT Math 2 exams. I've been tutoring Algebra I and II for years, and have seen fantastic results with my students!
Algebra 2

Algebra 2

I'm a third year Engineering student at Cornell. I'm majoring in Applied Mathematics and have full scores on the AP Calculus BC and SAT Math 2 exams.
Calculus

Calculus

5 on AP Calculus Exam, graduate from Cornell Engineering.
Chemistry

Chemistry

When I was in high school, Chemistry was one of my favorite subjects! I really enjoyed the consistent and elegant set of rules used to describe the world around us. I have continued that love for Chemistry at Cornell by taking Honors Chemistry classes and tutoring students in high school. I received a 5 on the AP Chemistry exam and an 800 on the SAT Chemistry Subject Test.
Discrete Math

Discrete Math

As part of both my philosophy and engineering education, I have a strong background in Discrete Math. A significant focus of Operations Research is discrete optimization -- optimizing problems that cannot have fractional answers, such as plane tickets or hiring decisions. In order to solve these kinds of problems, I have taken several courses centered on Discrete Math.
Geometry

Geometry

Third year engineering student at Cornell, Dean's List
Logic

Logic

I am a third year student at Cornell studying Philosophy. In particular, I have taken extensive coursework in Decision Theory, Discrete Math, Ethics, and Epistemology. I am currently working on a thesis centered in Philosophy of Mind.
Physics

Physics

Engineering graduate from Cornell University, 5 on AP Physics C Mechanics, 5 on AP Physics C E&M
PSAT

PSAT

I'm a National Merit Finalist, and have a 1590 on the SAT. I have over 3 years of tutoring experience, and have seen many of my students go on to have fantastic results on test day.
SAT Math

SAT Math

My SAT score earned me a National Merit Finalist Scholarship, and I have been preparing students for the SAT for nearly a decade since. Through custom-tailored programs for every student and a relentless focus on details, I've helped hundreds of students crush their score goals.
SAT Reading

SAT Reading

My SAT score earned me a National Merit Finalist Scholarship, and I have been preparing students for the SAT for nearly a decade since. Through custom-tailored programs for every student and a relentless focus on details, I've helped hundreds of students crush their score goals.
SAT Writing

SAT Writing

My SAT score earned me a National Merit Finalist Scholarship, and I have been preparing students for the SAT for nearly a decade since. Through custom-tailored programs for every student and a relentless focus on details, I've helped hundreds of students crush their score goals.
SHSAT (NY HS admissions)

SHSAT (NY HS admissions)

I have been helping students prepare for standardized tests for over 5 years. I graduated Cornell with honors in Philosophy + Applied Mathematics and leverage this background to prepare students for both STEM and language tests. My students have gone on to achieve 1570+ SAT scores, full marks on AP exams, and admissions to top schools.
Writing

Writing

I studied both engineering and philosophy at Cornell University, giving me considerable exposure to both technical and nontechnical writing. I have over 5 years of experience tutoring a wide variety of students, from providing ESL support to preparing students for the SAT. Students choose me for my flexibility, patience, and experience -- give it a shot today!
English
Grammar
Philosophy
Psychology

Examples of Expertise

Sam has provided examples of their subject expertise by answering 3 questions submitted by students on Wyzant’s Ask an Expert.

See all of Sam ’s answers ›
Sam S.'s Photo

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Response time: 13 hours

Ratings and Reviews

Rating

5.0 (69 ratings)
5 star
(67)
4 star
(1)
3 star
(1)
2 star
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1 star
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Reviews

knowledgable, flexible, and patient.

Sam is a great tutor, very patient. He showed me how to properly break down large word problems into workable solutions and always gave me a nudge in the right direction when I was off track. I learned a lot with him. He's Flexible with scheduling and a great communicator too. I highly recommend this knowledgeable and patient tutor. He is able to explain complex concepts in an easy to understand manner, making it easy for all students to grasp the material.

Charles, 21 lessons with Sam

Experienced and strategic tutor

Sam taught me numerous strategies for the SAT reading section (which is usually the hardest section for most people), and it has significantly boosted my SAT reading score. Before I came to Sam I was a test taker that really struggled with the reading section of the SAT, not only did I score low on the section, I had trouble comprehending what I was reading. After 2 classes, my comprehension skills significantly increased and I was able to answer the questions more confidently. Later on in about the 3rd lesson, he began teaching me the strategies he used when he took the SAT. Since I learned those strategies my SAT reading score has been above 720 consistently, which is a place I did not ever expect to be. Throughout more classes I expect my reading scores to improve more, with the help of Sam.

Avnish, 6 lessons with Sam

WOW Great Tutor

Extremely kind and patiently takes the time to explain even the very basic elements that go into the solution. I have not taken a math course in years, and Sam has been extremely helpful on non-judgemental re-explaining even basic algebra rules I had forgotten over the years. Great tutor, do not hesitate!!!!

Ayman, 2 lessons with Sam
Hourly Rate: $150
Response time: 13 hours
Contact Sam