Elite AP Science & ACT Prep | Columbia Univ. Graduate Researcher

Ty S.

I am a graduate researcher at Columbia University in the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology. I earned my Bachelor of Science with distinction from UC Berkeley with a 3.8 STEM GPA. My tutoring approach is rooted in the same rigor I apply to my research, focusing on conceptual mastery and the specific architecture of standardized testing. My personal academic metrics include perfect 5s on the AP Biology and AP Environmental Science exams, alongside a 35 composite score on the ACT. These benchmarks inform my ability to guide students through the demands of high-stakes testing and advanced science curricula.

Through extensive one-on-one work with high school students, I have developed a diagnostic, structured methodology. I prioritize identifying fundamental knowledge gaps early to build a chronological study plan that aligns current performance with target goals. My experience ranges from mastering biological systems for Regents and AP exams to refining college admissions essays for top-tier university applications. I treat every session as a professional consultation, ensuring students develop the high-fidelity thinking required for university-level success. By operating independently, I provide a high-level academic strategy tailored specifically to the individual.

I am currently accepting students for intensive spring preparation and summer coaching. In-person availability continues through mid-July, at which point I transition to a remote format to accommodate my biological field research deployment to the Brazilian Amazon. This background in active fieldwork provides unique insights for students interested in STEM careers, emphasizing the practical application of our coursework. I am committed to a professional, metric-driven environment that ensures every hour is an efficient investment in a student’s academic future.