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Olya T.

Accomplished Writing and College Essay Tutor

Accomplished Writing and College Essay Tutor

$200/hour

5.0 (700 ratings)

  • 1,464 hours tutoring

  • Upper West Side New York, NY 10024

About Olya

Bio

I am a professional writer of commentary and literary essays. I have worked as a columnist and essayist for Newsday, The Philadelphia Inquirer, and other publications, including NPR, and have had my blog posts picked up by various online and academic outlets. My writing is also featured on a nonprofit website and in an international European forum.

I am multilingual and I taught essay-writing, literature, and ESL at UNC. I have taught upper-level writing classes and writing workshops at...

I am a professional writer of commentary and literary essays. I have worked as a columnist and essayist for Newsday, The Philadelphia Inquirer, and other publications, including NPR, and have had my blog posts picked up by various online and academic outlets. My writing is also featured on a nonprofit website and in an international European forum.

I am multilingual and I taught essay-writing, literature, and ESL at UNC. I have taught upper-level writing classes and writing workshops at other universities. I am also a judge of a literary contest, sponsored by a nonprofit. In addition to my record of achievement in writing and in teaching language and literature, I also have a strong background in international affairs, and I aced the qualifying exam for the Foreign Service.)

I enjoy helping others improve their written and oral language skills and am gentle and encouraging of all student efforts. I offer a very high level of skill when it comes to language skills and writing. As an experienced writer, teacher, and editor, I can help you produce polished writing in your own voice that you will be proud to submit. I can help you achieve on standardized tests and in your English class. I have worked with elementary students, middle schoolers, high school students, college students, graduate students, and adult professionals.

I specialize in writing (both introductory and advanced), including essays, college essays, personal statements, research papers; academic papers, theses, business writing, creative writing, and literary writing.

I can help you fine-tune your writing for applications to selective colleges; the common app; master's and doctoral programs; law schools, business schools, and medical schools; and internship, fellowship, and scholarship programs. I can help you craft compelling and original college essays and personal statements that will make you stand out. (After all, it is the college essay that often makes all the difference in admissions.) My students have gained admission to their first choice colleges, such as Amherst, Barnard, Boston College, Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Duke, Fordham, Georgetown, NYU, Oxford, Princeton, Rice, St. Andrew's (Scotland), Tufts, U-Chicago, UNC, U-Penn, USC, Williams College, and Yale. My students always tell me they get nice comments on their essays. My medical school, dental school, law school, and business school applicants often tell me that their personal statements were cited in their interviews.

I also advise my students about college prep and college admissions, and I help them with their applications, their college essays and personal statements, the additional essays on the applications, and I make such each application is polished and highlights the student in the best possible way. (I can also help you significantly raise your score on standardized tests (see below.).

As part of my focus on college prep, I also tutor high-achieving students for the ACT and SAT, and I focus not only on strategies but teach the underlying concepts the students are being tested on. I can also help you do well on the English language grammar and usage portion, the Reading portion, and the Essay portion of these tests. If you are aiming for a high score, I can help you raise your score significantly.

I also prepare college students for the GRE and medical students for the CARS portion of the MCATs.

I tutor ESL to professionals who want to improve their language skills for the workplace, and I help students who are aiming for a high TOEFL score to get into selective colleges.

I can also help your child prepare for the ISEE, the SSAT, the Hunter College High School admissions test, and for the NYS ELA tests at all grade levels. I have a track record of results. I can also help provide support for your child's English advanced placement class or for your child's middle school English class.

In teaching writing, I stress clarity, organization, and support as a basis for all good writing. I include lessons on style and grammar when applicable. I relate these methods to all forms of writing and to all the disciplines. My goal is to help students develop the ability to think and write analytically, no matter what the topic and to enable them, through writing, to take part in a larger dialogue about the world.

My students show concrete improvement in their analytical skills and an improved ability to present a unified and tightly structured argument. Improvement is also reflected in their understanding of the writing process and in their own evaluations of their work. My students also report an enhanced interest in and a renewed excitement about the field of writing.

I am also a member of the New York Learning Specialists Group.

Read more

Education

City University of New York, Brooklyn College
English
Indiana University - Bloomington, IN
Masters

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $200
  • Rate details: $200-250 College Apps; $150 for MS or HS English; $150-200 College English; $150-250 ACT/SAT/ISEE/GRE; $150-200 GMAT/TOEFL; $150-200 ESL $150-300 Writing
  • Lesson cancellation: 24 hours notice required

  • Background check passed on 2/8/2017

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

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Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Subjects

Art

Art History

Business

GMAT

Corporate Training

ESL/ESOL,

ESL/ESOL

I taught intensive English as a Second Language classes at the University of North Carolina. I taught grammar, reading, writing, conversation at all levels (from introductory to advanced), and TOEFL prep. In addition, I also taught English to groups of adult professionals and individuals. I also specialize in speaking skills and accent reduction. I now teach ESL to students and adults professionals who already have a good command of the English language and who aspire to near-native fluency.
Grammar,

Grammar

Have taught writing, including grammar, on the college level. Am a writer. Worked as an editor. Have perfect grammar. Am very patient explaining English grammar and usage.
Proofreading,

Proofreading

I have taught writing and advanced writing at the college level. I have also worked as a writer and as a skilled editor of deadline prose. I can quickly edit and proofread your writing to get into shape.
GMAT

Elementary Education

Common Core,

Common Core

I have worked on the state common core exams with several students at different grade levels. We emphasized reading comprehension, and we answered essay questions by referring to the text. I am happy to say all of my students did well on these exams. They serve as good prep for future testing.
Grammar,

Grammar

Have taught writing, including grammar, on the college level. Am a writer. Worked as an editor. Have perfect grammar. Am very patient explaining English grammar and usage.
Reading,

Reading

Perhaps the best way to master reading is to become a "reader." I ask students to read aloud. I then ask questions about what they read, to ensure comprehension, and I go over new vocabulary words.
Study Skills,

Study Skills

I taught writing, English, and literature on the college level. I also have helped many high school and college students do well in their high school or college classes by scheduling regular study sessions, where I emphasize planning, regular note-taking/review, and ensuring comprehension. In writing-intensive classes, I also emphasize the writing process and show students how to sequentially put together a paper. My students consistently report increased confidence and higher grades.
Spelling, Vocabulary

English

ACT English,

ACT English

I work with students attending demanding schools and applying to very selective colleges. My students report an average 10 point increase in their English score. I can not only teach strategies to help you move quickly through the test, but I can teach the concepts this part of the test is based on. These are grammar & usage, punctuation, sentence structure, strategy, organization, and style.
ACT Reading,

ACT Reading

I work with students attending demanding schools and applying to very selective colleges. I can not only teach strategies to help you move quickly through the test, but I can teach the concepts this part of the test is based on. I help you dramatically increase your score. The questions include identifying the main idea, drawing conclusions, making inferences, understanding the logic of organization, or explaining words from the context. I can significantly improve your comprehension and vocabulary.
English,

English

I have taught writing, literature, and advanced writing classes on the college level. I can teach you to read critically and write well, no matter what your school level and no matter what your topic. I also help improve your comprehension, and I can help you master analytical writing. I teach organization, paragraphing, sentence structure or syntax, word choice. I am very patient explaining English grammar, usage, and essay structure. I can help you understand figurative language, such as image, metaphor, and personification in literature, and I can help you see how it relates to a literary work. I can help you master the art of clear, concise and thoughtful writing.
ESL/ESOL,

ESL/ESOL

I taught intensive English as a Second Language classes at the University of North Carolina. I taught grammar, reading, writing, conversation at all levels (from introductory to advanced), and TOEFL prep. In addition, I also taught English to groups of adult professionals and individuals. I also specialize in speaking skills and accent reduction. I now teach ESL to students and adults professionals who already have a good command of the English language and who aspire to near-native fluency.
Grammar,

Grammar

Have taught writing, including grammar, on the college level. Am a writer. Worked as an editor. Have perfect grammar. Am very patient explaining English grammar and usage.
Literature,

Literature

I have a degree in English, and a Master's in Comparative Literature. I taught writing and literature on the college level. Have helped undergraduates, graduate students, and faculty with academic writing, ranging from papers or essays, to theses, to published articles and books.
Proofreading,

Proofreading

I have taught writing and advanced writing at the college level. I have also worked as a writer and as a skilled editor of deadline prose. I can quickly edit and proofread your writing to get into shape.
Reading,

Reading

Perhaps the best way to master reading is to become a "reader." I ask students to read aloud. I then ask questions about what they read, to ensure comprehension, and I go over new vocabulary words.
SAT Reading,

SAT Reading

I work with students attending demanding schools who want to apply to selective colleges. I not only teach study strategies to help you move quickly through the test and explain the answers, but I also teach the concepts you need to master for the SAT. All my students report a significant and dramatic increase in their score. I can improve your comprehension and vocabulary. I have perfect grammar. I am very patient explaining complex topics in a clear and simple way.
SAT Writing,

SAT Writing

I work with students who are high achieving and are applying for selective colleges. I taught writing and advanced writing on the college level and worked as an essayist, an editor, and a student mentor. I can help you do well (and raise your score) on the new SAT, by not only teaching strategies but by helping you master the concepts behind them. In addition to the reading test, the new SAT includes a writing and language test and an optional essay. (I can clearly explain the conventions of writing and language and its usage that you will be tested on, and I can show you how to structure your essay.)
TOEFL,

TOEFL

I taught TOEFL classes at a university training institute. I now help students who already have basic fluency and need to pass the test at a high level (100+) in order to get into selective colleges or graduate schools. I can not only prepare you for the test format, but also teach you much about the English language. I can help you increase your score by showing you how to most efficiently get through the reading, speaking, listening and writing portions of the test. I always develop an individualized plan for you to address your needs and meet your specific goals.
Writing,

Writing

I taught writing on the college level. I initially taught introductory composition essays. My academic focus of interest was the essay. I helped establish a writing program at a college together with the editor of the Best Essays series of books that come out every year. I went on to become a commentary writer, editor, and essayist, teaching the occasional advanced nonfiction writing class, and am now also working on a book.
Spelling, Vocabulary

History

Art History

Homeschool

English,

English

I have taught writing, literature, and advanced writing classes on the college level. I can teach you to read critically and write well, no matter what your school level and no matter what your topic. I also help improve your comprehension, and I can help you master analytical writing. I teach organization, paragraphing, sentence structure or syntax, word choice. I am very patient explaining English grammar, usage, and essay structure. I can help you understand figurative language, such as image, metaphor, and personification in literature, and I can help you see how it relates to a literary work. I can help you master the art of clear, concise and thoughtful writing.
ESL/ESOL,

ESL/ESOL

I taught intensive English as a Second Language classes at the University of North Carolina. I taught grammar, reading, writing, conversation at all levels (from introductory to advanced), and TOEFL prep. In addition, I also taught English to groups of adult professionals and individuals. I also specialize in speaking skills and accent reduction. I now teach ESL to students and adults professionals who already have a good command of the English language and who aspire to near-native fluency.
Reading,

Reading

Perhaps the best way to master reading is to become a "reader." I ask students to read aloud. I then ask questions about what they read, to ensure comprehension, and I go over new vocabulary words.
SAT Reading,

SAT Reading

I work with students attending demanding schools who want to apply to selective colleges. I not only teach study strategies to help you move quickly through the test and explain the answers, but I also teach the concepts you need to master for the SAT. All my students report a significant and dramatic increase in their score. I can improve your comprehension and vocabulary. I have perfect grammar. I am very patient explaining complex topics in a clear and simple way.
Study Skills,

Study Skills

I taught writing, English, and literature on the college level. I also have helped many high school and college students do well in their high school or college classes by scheduling regular study sessions, where I emphasize planning, regular note-taking/review, and ensuring comprehension. In writing-intensive classes, I also emphasize the writing process and show students how to sequentially put together a paper. My students consistently report increased confidence and higher grades.
Writing,

Writing

I taught writing on the college level. I initially taught introductory composition essays. My academic focus of interest was the essay. I helped establish a writing program at a college together with the editor of the Best Essays series of books that come out every year. I went on to become a commentary writer, editor, and essayist, teaching the occasional advanced nonfiction writing class, and am now also working on a book.
Spelling

Language

ESL/ESOL,

ESL/ESOL

I taught intensive English as a Second Language classes at the University of North Carolina. I taught grammar, reading, writing, conversation at all levels (from introductory to advanced), and TOEFL prep. In addition, I also taught English to groups of adult professionals and individuals. I also specialize in speaking skills and accent reduction. I now teach ESL to students and adults professionals who already have a good command of the English language and who aspire to near-native fluency.
TOEFL

TOEFL

I taught TOEFL classes at a university training institute. I now help students who already have basic fluency and need to pass the test at a high level (100+) in order to get into selective colleges or graduate schools. I can not only prepare you for the test format, but also teach you much about the English language. I can help you increase your score by showing you how to most efficiently get through the reading, speaking, listening and writing portions of the test. I always develop an individualized plan for you to address your needs and meet your specific goals.

Most Popular

English,

English

I have taught writing, literature, and advanced writing classes on the college level. I can teach you to read critically and write well, no matter what your school level and no matter what your topic. I also help improve your comprehension, and I can help you master analytical writing. I teach organization, paragraphing, sentence structure or syntax, word choice. I am very patient explaining English grammar, usage, and essay structure. I can help you understand figurative language, such as image, metaphor, and personification in literature, and I can help you see how it relates to a literary work. I can help you master the art of clear, concise and thoughtful writing.
ESL/ESOL,

ESL/ESOL

I taught intensive English as a Second Language classes at the University of North Carolina. I taught grammar, reading, writing, conversation at all levels (from introductory to advanced), and TOEFL prep. In addition, I also taught English to groups of adult professionals and individuals. I also specialize in speaking skills and accent reduction. I now teach ESL to students and adults professionals who already have a good command of the English language and who aspire to near-native fluency.
Reading,

Reading

Perhaps the best way to master reading is to become a "reader." I ask students to read aloud. I then ask questions about what they read, to ensure comprehension, and I go over new vocabulary words.
Study Skills,

Study Skills

I taught writing, English, and literature on the college level. I also have helped many high school and college students do well in their high school or college classes by scheduling regular study sessions, where I emphasize planning, regular note-taking/review, and ensuring comprehension. In writing-intensive classes, I also emphasize the writing process and show students how to sequentially put together a paper. My students consistently report increased confidence and higher grades.
Writing

Writing

I taught writing on the college level. I initially taught introductory composition essays. My academic focus of interest was the essay. I helped establish a writing program at a college together with the editor of the Best Essays series of books that come out every year. I went on to become a commentary writer, editor, and essayist, teaching the occasional advanced nonfiction writing class, and am now also working on a book.

Other

College Counseling,

College Counseling

I have helped numerous high-achieving students craft and fine-tune successful college applications to very selective colleges and grad schools. I have helped these students with their college essays/personal statements for the common app; for master's and doctoral programs; for law schools and medical schools; and for internship, fellowship, and scholarship programs. I helped them create compelling and original college essays and personal statements that made them stand out. (After all, it is the essay that often makes all the difference in admissions.) I am very knowledgeable about the format of the applications to selective colleges and I have shown students how to successfully direct their responses to the questions on them. I am pleased to say that the students I have worked with got back to me and reported outstanding results in getting into the college programs they were applying to. I have an outstanding admissions rate: most of my students get into their early decision colleges or into their "reach" colleges. My graduate students report excellent results. My medical students have been granted numerous interviews on the basis of their essays. PLEASE NOTE: An ideal time to work on the Common App essay is during the summer when you are not burdened by school work. I only have a few spots left for summer essay writing, so if you are interested, please let me know.
ESL/ESOL,

ESL/ESOL

I taught intensive English as a Second Language classes at the University of North Carolina. I taught grammar, reading, writing, conversation at all levels (from introductory to advanced), and TOEFL prep. In addition, I also taught English to groups of adult professionals and individuals. I also specialize in speaking skills and accent reduction. I now teach ESL to students and adults professionals who already have a good command of the English language and who aspire to near-native fluency.
Study Skills

Study Skills

I taught writing, English, and literature on the college level. I also have helped many high school and college students do well in their high school or college classes by scheduling regular study sessions, where I emphasize planning, regular note-taking/review, and ensuring comprehension. In writing-intensive classes, I also emphasize the writing process and show students how to sequentially put together a paper. My students consistently report increased confidence and higher grades.

Special Needs

Study Skills

Study Skills

I taught writing, English, and literature on the college level. I also have helped many high school and college students do well in their high school or college classes by scheduling regular study sessions, where I emphasize planning, regular note-taking/review, and ensuring comprehension. In writing-intensive classes, I also emphasize the writing process and show students how to sequentially put together a paper. My students consistently report increased confidence and higher grades.

Summer

ESL/ESOL,

ESL/ESOL

I taught intensive English as a Second Language classes at the University of North Carolina. I taught grammar, reading, writing, conversation at all levels (from introductory to advanced), and TOEFL prep. In addition, I also taught English to groups of adult professionals and individuals. I also specialize in speaking skills and accent reduction. I now teach ESL to students and adults professionals who already have a good command of the English language and who aspire to near-native fluency.
Reading,

Reading

Perhaps the best way to master reading is to become a "reader." I ask students to read aloud. I then ask questions about what they read, to ensure comprehension, and I go over new vocabulary words.
Study Skills,

Study Skills

I taught writing, English, and literature on the college level. I also have helped many high school and college students do well in their high school or college classes by scheduling regular study sessions, where I emphasize planning, regular note-taking/review, and ensuring comprehension. In writing-intensive classes, I also emphasize the writing process and show students how to sequentially put together a paper. My students consistently report increased confidence and higher grades.
Writing,

Writing

I taught writing on the college level. I initially taught introductory composition essays. My academic focus of interest was the essay. I helped establish a writing program at a college together with the editor of the Best Essays series of books that come out every year. I went on to become a commentary writer, editor, and essayist, teaching the occasional advanced nonfiction writing class, and am now also working on a book.
GED

Test Preparation

ACT English,

ACT English

I work with students attending demanding schools and applying to very selective colleges. My students report an average 10 point increase in their English score. I can not only teach strategies to help you move quickly through the test, but I can teach the concepts this part of the test is based on. These are grammar & usage, punctuation, sentence structure, strategy, organization, and style.
ACT Reading,

ACT Reading

I work with students attending demanding schools and applying to very selective colleges. I can not only teach strategies to help you move quickly through the test, but I can teach the concepts this part of the test is based on. I help you dramatically increase your score. The questions include identifying the main idea, drawing conclusions, making inferences, understanding the logic of organization, or explaining words from the context. I can significantly improve your comprehension and vocabulary.
College Counseling,

College Counseling

I have helped numerous high-achieving students craft and fine-tune successful college applications to very selective colleges and grad schools. I have helped these students with their college essays/personal statements for the common app; for master's and doctoral programs; for law schools and medical schools; and for internship, fellowship, and scholarship programs. I helped them create compelling and original college essays and personal statements that made them stand out. (After all, it is the essay that often makes all the difference in admissions.) I am very knowledgeable about the format of the applications to selective colleges and I have shown students how to successfully direct their responses to the questions on them. I am pleased to say that the students I have worked with got back to me and reported outstanding results in getting into the college programs they were applying to. I have an outstanding admissions rate: most of my students get into their early decision colleges or into their "reach" colleges. My graduate students report excellent results. My medical students have been granted numerous interviews on the basis of their essays. PLEASE NOTE: An ideal time to work on the Common App essay is during the summer when you are not burdened by school work. I only have a few spots left for summer essay writing, so if you are interested, please let me know.
Common Core,

Common Core

I have worked on the state common core exams with several students at different grade levels. We emphasized reading comprehension, and we answered essay questions by referring to the text. I am happy to say all of my students did well on these exams. They serve as good prep for future testing.
ISEE,

ISEE

I tutored for the ISEE, including the writing portion, and I am pleased to report my 4th Grade student and 7th Grade student got into the private schools of their choice.
SAT Reading,

SAT Reading

I work with students attending demanding schools who want to apply to selective colleges. I not only teach study strategies to help you move quickly through the test and explain the answers, but I also teach the concepts you need to master for the SAT. All my students report a significant and dramatic increase in their score. I can improve your comprehension and vocabulary. I have perfect grammar. I am very patient explaining complex topics in a clear and simple way.
SAT Writing,

SAT Writing

I work with students who are high achieving and are applying for selective colleges. I taught writing and advanced writing on the college level and worked as an essayist, an editor, and a student mentor. I can help you do well (and raise your score) on the new SAT, by not only teaching strategies but by helping you master the concepts behind them. In addition to the reading test, the new SAT includes a writing and language test and an optional essay. (I can clearly explain the conventions of writing and language and its usage that you will be tested on, and I can show you how to structure your essay.)
TOEFL,

TOEFL

I taught TOEFL classes at a university training institute. I now help students who already have basic fluency and need to pass the test at a high level (100+) in order to get into selective colleges or graduate schools. I can not only prepare you for the test format, but also teach you much about the English language. I can help you increase your score by showing you how to most efficiently get through the reading, speaking, listening and writing portions of the test. I always develop an individualized plan for you to address your needs and meet your specific goals.
GED, GMAT, PSAT, SSAT

Ratings and Reviews

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5.0 (700 ratings)
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Reviews

Show reviews that mention

All reviews patient highly recommend helpful knowledgeable experienced

Featured review

Extremely knowledgeable & experienced writer

Olya, is a fabulous editor and writer. She is experienced, accommodating, and caring. She is well worth her rate. I highly recommend Olya for help with writing!

Emilia, 13 lessons with Olya

Great Grammar and Vocabulary tutor

I’ve been working with Olya for about 4 weeks. We’ve been working in the grammar and reading section for the SAT. I went from getting 3 questions correct to only getting 3 questions wrong. I’ve seen an immense improvement in my skills and feel much more confident taking my next SAT.

Jayleen, 6 lessons with Olya

First lesson went very well

Olya was great in brainstorming ideas, assessing my son’s writing and recommending changes to his essays. She helped him see certain topics from different perspectives and express himself better. He felt he accomplished a lot in these first 2 hours and would love to continue working with her.

Neemat, 13 lessons with Olya

Quick to respond

I worked with Olya over the summer and fall seasons of 2018 in order to write essays for the college transfer process. She helped me craft a personal story and show colleges both my drive and my capability. Olya is always quick to respond to emails and updates at any time of day. With Olya's help, I was able to gain admission into The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Mike, 10 lessons with Olya

Olya is the BEST!

Olya is very knowledgeable and professional. Since she has already read and knows the literature that is assigned in schools, she knows the right questions to ask students to make them think in depth and improve their essays. She is the BEST for sure when it comes to helping my son improve his writing!

Ray, 42 lessons with Olya

Knowledgeable and pleasant!

Olya was great to work with. I just finished a children's book and had a few complex sentences of character dialogue that I was unsure how to correctly punctuate. Olya responded quickly to my request and was able to schedule me into her day. Olya went over each sentence with me and asked me pertinent questions, to punctuate the sentence correctly. Olya also has a good sense of finesse and gave me good advice on revising a sentence on the back cover of my book. Sweet!

Gina, 1 lesson with Olya

Great Mentor and Teacher

Olya has been a great mentor and great writing teacher. I am happy to say I got into my first choice college, which is NYU!

May, 6 lessons with Olya

Highly recommended!

Olya really helped me with my applications. Hopefully we can finish the other questions in our next class. She is the best!

Vicky, 12 lessons with Olya

Thorough and Creative Tutor

Olya was precise with her wording and reconstructed sentences in a way they not only made sense grammatically but were easy to read. Olya took my thoughts and fleshed them out to highlight my accomplishments.

Rochel, 1 lesson with Olya

Extremely patient and knowledgeable

Olya is great at taking my ideas and organizing them into coherent paragraphs in my essay. She is great at always going back to the question and staying on topic

Danielle, 10 lessons with Olya
Contact Olya

Response time: 23 minutes

$200/hour

Olya T.

$200/hour

  • No subscriptions or upfront payments

  • Only pay for the time you need

  • Find the right fit, or your first hour is free

Contact Olya

Response time: 23 minutes