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TEST PREP & ESSAY SPECIALIST with a PhD
James W.

5.0 (1,362 ratings)

5,785 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee
Hourly Rate: $200
Contact James
Response time: 46 minutes

About James

Bio

Having completed my PhD, I have succeeded at every level of academic achievement; with almost 20 years of teaching experience, I can help your child do the same.

My focus is on helping your student ace his or her life changing tests!

It's great to watch students succeed beyond their wildest dreams, and it's also wonderful to watch students experience the transformation of character and the growth of self-esteem that can accompany great academic achievement.

I specialize in high...

Having completed my PhD, I have succeeded at every level of academic achievement; with almost 20 years of teaching experience, I can help your child do the same.

My focus is on helping your student ace his or her life changing tests!

It's great to watch students succeed beyond their wildest dreams, and it's also wonderful to watch students experience the transformation of character and the growth of self-esteem that can accompany great academic achievement.

I specialize in high level test prep and essay writing – including college admissions essays. Whether preparing for the SAT, ACT, ISEE, SSAT, TOEFL, or HSPT, your student will be well on his or her way to a jump in their scores and a mastery of test taking strategies.

When it comes to essays – I help high school and college students learn ninja writing skills that will put them at the top of their class. I even specialize in helping students craft creative but on-point college admissions essays that knock it out of the park.

As an educator, my strengths are my creativity, experience, and kind-yet-direct guidance. I've been teaching, coaching, and tutoring for the last 20 years, so my students are able to relax knowing they are in good hands. I have a background in education and performance, and most recently, I earned a PhD in a transdisciplinary program exploring 'human and organizational change', so I am able to work with the student as a complex and unique individual rather than just trying to force them to learn like a machine.

Finally, I can help you no matter where you are in the world. I have extensive experience with online tutoring techniques and tools, so students not only get the most cutting-edge test prep strategies and tools, they also improve their tech-literacy, which gives them a competitive edge in their future academic and professional lives.

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Education

California Institute of Integral Studies, San Francisco, CA.
PhD
  • Licensed teacher

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $200
  • Rate details: Rate is sometimes on a sliding scale. First lesson is guaranteed by Wyzant - if you don't want to continue, then no charge.
  • Lesson cancellation: 24 hours notice required

  • Background check passed on 10/19/2024

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

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Approved Subjects

ACT English

ACT English

During the last 6 years of teaching at Top Prep companies in the Los Angeles Area, I specialized in the English portion of the ACT. I have helped students to raise their scores by 5 or 10 points in just a few short months of preparation. I am familiar with a wide variety of test prep strategies and have adapted my approach to students with a broad range of individual needs. Also, I have a PhD and so I have excellent reading and writing skills and have used those expertise to teach ACT, PSAT, ISEE, CAT, and SAT Test Prep at top test prep companies for the last six years.
ACT Math

ACT Math

I have helped students to raise their Math ACT scores by 5 or 10 points in just a few weeks. Working at Top Prep companies in the Los Angeles Area for the past 6 years, I focused on the math sections of the test, so I know various test prep strategies and have developed my own approach to help students excel and get into their top choice colleges, often with academic scholarships.
ACT Reading

ACT Reading

I have worked for Top Prep companies in the Los Angeles Area for the past 6 years. I have specialized in the Reading aspects of the test. I have helped students to raise their scores by 5 or 10 points in just a few short months of preparation. I am familiar with a wide variety of test prep strategies and have adapted my approach to students with a broad range of individual needs. Also, I have a PhD and so I have excellent reading and writing skills and have used those expertise to teach ACT, PSAT, ISEE, CAT, and SAT Test Prep at top test prep companies for the last six years.
ACT Science

ACT Science

During the last 6 years of teaching at Top Prep companies in the Los Angeles Area, I help students with every aspect of the ACT. I have helped students to raise their scores by 5 or 10 points in just a few short months of preparation. I am familiar with a wide variety of test prep strategies and have adapted my approach to students with a broad range of individual needs. Also, I have a PhD and so I have excellent reading and writing skills and have used those expertise to teach ACT, PSAT, ISEE, CAT, and SAT Test Prep at top test prep companies for the last six years.
College Counseling

College Counseling

I have a PhD, so I can guide you through success at every level of your Academic Journey. Also, I have 15 years experience teaching at the Undergraduate, Graduate, and PhD level. Finally, I have been coaching students through their admissions test, admissions essays, and admissions interviews for almost a decade - both at major college prep organizations and privately.
ISEE

ISEE

I am an ISEE test prep expert. At certain times of the year, up to 85% of my students are preparing for the ISEE - so I have a level of experience with this test that is very hard to find. I use world class technology to aid the process: practice tests with fantastic diagnostic tools, online vocabulary and math games, cutting edge whiteboard apps for working out math problems together, etc. I have been teaching ISEE test prep at top Los Angeles and New York City based Test Prep companies for over 10 years. My students have had strong results and always improve dramatically within 10 to 20 hours of training. Also, I have a PhD and so I have reading and writing skills at the highest levels and have used those expertise to teach ACT, PSAT, ISEE, CAT, and SAT Test Prep at top test prep companies for the last six years.
Proofreading

Proofreading

I have written at a PhD level and am currently working on a book that has already been accepted for publication. While in my PhD program - fellow students were constantly reading and editing each other's papers - looking for errors in grammar, usage, mechanics, and APA / MLA formatting. In addition, I worked as a teaching assistant in PhD level courses, which involved reading and grading graduate level papers. Finally, I have taught writing skills in various contexts for a decade - and I've worked with students matriculating at Ivy League schools.
PSAT

PSAT

I have worked for several top test prep companies for almost 4 years. I am highly qualified to help students preparing for the PSAT, especially in critical reading, writing (grammar), and essay preparation. I have helped students qualify for National Merit Scholarships and achieve at the highest level. Also, I have a PhD and so I have excellent reading and writing skills and have used those expertise to teach ACT, PSAT, ISEE, CAT, and SAT Test Prep at top test prep companies for the last six years.
Public Speaking

Public Speaking

Much of my skill set comes from the speech and vocal skills I gained in my 7 years of professional actor training at the undergraduate and graduate levels. With my understanding of story structure, rhetoric and argument, and literary devices, I can help you to develop and deliver a speech with confidence that will capture your listeners and leave a lasting impression. One of my particular areas of expertise is solo performance. I have spent several years honing a performance of a two hour monologue. As such, I understand how give a speech a dramatic and compelling shape, but also how to command a space, speak with integrity and authenticity, and step into vulnerability with a joyful heart. If you want to cultivate true presence, I'd be thrilled to assist in your journey to become a more embodied public speaker that no one will be able to take their eyes (and ears) off of.
SAT Math

SAT Math

I have worked for Top Prep companies in the Los Angeles Area for the past 6 years. I have focused on the math aspects of the test. I have helped students to raise their scores by 5 or 10 points in just a few short months of preparation. I am familiar with a wide variety of test prep strategies and have adapted my approach to students with a broad range of individual needs.
SAT Reading

SAT Reading

I have worked for Top SAT prep companies in the Los Angeles Area for the past 5 years. I help people with all sections of the test, but specialize in the Reading aspects - often helping students to raise their scores by 300 to 400 points in just a few short months of prep. I am familiar with a wide variety of prep strategies and have adapted to students with a broad range of scores and individual needs. Also, I have a PhD and so I have excellent reading and writing skills and have used those expertise to teach ACT, PSAT, ISEE, CAT, and SAT Test Prep at top test prep companies for the last six years.
SAT Writing

SAT Writing

I have worked for Top SAT prep companies in the Los Angeles Area for the past 5 years. I specialized in the verbal portion of the test - writing and reading - often helping students to raise their scores by 300 to 400 points in just a few short months of prep. I am familiar with a wide variety of prep strategies and have adapted to students with a broad range of scores and individual needs. Also, I have a PhD and so I have excellent reading and writing skills and have used those expertise to teach ACT, PSAT, ISEE, CAT, and SAT Test Prep at top test prep companies for the last six years.
SSAT

SSAT

I am an SSAT test prep expert. At certain times of the year, a large portion of my students are preparing for the SSAT - so I have a level of experience with this test that is very hard to find. I use world class technology to aid the process: practice tests with fantastic diagnostic tools, online vocabulary and math games, cutting edge whiteboard apps for working out math problems together, etc. I have been teaching for SSAT test prep at top Los Angeles Test Prep companies for more than 10 years and my students have had strong results, always improve dramatically within 10 to 20 hours of training. I have helped many students prepare for the SSAT over the past three years. Most students raise their scores by 30% or more within a few short months of working with me. Most of my SSAT students are relieved when I clearly break down the test structure and give them simple practical strategies for optimizing their score no matter what.
Theater

Theater

As a recent graduate of American Conservatory Theater's MFA program- consistently ranked as a top acting program nationally and globally-who also holds a BFA in Acting, I am extremely qualified to teach anything related to theatre and dramatic performance. I have been leading classes, workshops, one-on-one coaching sessions and master classes for nearly a decade, working with students of all ages and experience levels. I am a proud member of Actor's Equity Association and have been working consistently as a professional actor for several years. I would love to help you prep for an upcoming audition, learn and/or sharpen a dialect, better comprehend a dramatic text, or provide consistent coaching to help you elevate your craft beyond where your instincts alone can take you. I am trained in acting for the stage, camera, musical theatre performance, and also have experience in dramatic writing.
Writing

Writing

Having completed a PhD, I have been coaching and editing writing at EVERY level of academic writing. I help people at every stage - from conceptualization and research - to final editing and formatting. In addition, I taught writing skills to students preparing for the SAT and ACT for the past seven years, so my understanding of grammar, mechanics, usage, diction, and essay organization are excellent. I have also helped many students with all college and grad school application essays. Finally, I have been writing creatively (Poetry, Plays, Films, and Short Stories) for 15 years, so I am good at mixing academic precision with a readable and emotionally persuasive style.
James W.'s Photo

Questions? Contact James before you book.

Still have questions?

Contact James
Response time: 46 minutes

Ratings and Reviews

Rating

5.0 (1,362 ratings)
5 star
(1,352)
4 star
(10)
3 star
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2 star
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1 star
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Reviews

Highly Recommend!

My daughter worked with James for about a month prior to taking the ACT. He helped her prioritize the areas where she could make the most impact with her scores. She scored a 34 overall and a perfect 35 on math. James also helped her with her essay writing skills. She scored an 11 out of 12 on her essay. Needless to say, James was the right fit for our daughter and we would highly recommend him for ACT tutoring.

Amy, 6 lessons with James

Passionate Tutor For Grad School Essay

James was very passionate about helping me craft my story and was over the top with all of his feedback and helping me find the right way to start my grad school essay. He made sure there were no spelling or grammar errors and was very personable during the whole experience! Which is what I want to touch on the most - he is super easy to get along with and makes the sessions very enjoyable and interesting alongside helping you out.

David, 3 lessons with James

Highly Recommend

James was very helpful and flexible with our urgent request to complete essays for college transfer for my son. He provided great ideas and recommendations on the content for every type of essays. My son enjoyed working with him and learned a lot as well.

Sujatha, 5 lessons with James

HIghly Recommend

We can't thank James enough for the fantatsic job he did helping our daughter, Sabine, prepare for the upper level ISEE—especially with only a month to study! He knew exactly how to structure her preparation, focusing on the most important concepts while also teaching her smart test-taking strategies. He challenged her in a way that kept her motivated and confident, and it truly paid off—she improved by a point in every category! We highly recommend James to any family looking for a knowledgeable, supportive, and effective tutor.

Gabrielle, 18 lessons with James

Very Helpful College Essay Tutor

James is a very professional writer and tutor. He made a lot valid editing to make the essay more understandable. The line in the story is clear, connecting from the beginning to the end that makes reader very comfortable. He always made available even during his busy traveling time. I really appreciate the full effort he put in. Highly recommended!

sherry, 5 lessons with James

helpful

My child is relatively weak in English, but with James's help, he achieved 9 on the English vobal and reading sections of the ISEE. James is a highly efficient teacher who recommended some study resources and taught valuable strategies during the lessons. It was an excellent tutoring experience.

Lina, 6 lessons with James

Patient and helpful

In just a few sessions, my daughter is improving significantly with her SAT confidence! While she has not taken the test yet, she is definitely feeling more preapred!

Maria, 8 lessons with James

Insightful

James is really great a meeting me where I’m at and flexing based on my unique request, such as using the classics as a way to learn about human nature and leadership. Every session has been great and I’m enjoying the learning process!

Ashley, 9 lessons with James

Patient and helpful

In just a few sessions, my daughter is improving significantly with her SAT confidence! While she has not taken the test yet, she is definitely feeling more preapred

Maria, 8 lessons with James

Thorough and concise

James helps my son with fundamentals of grammar and language and has helped him feel more confident in his understanding. He’s filling in gaps left by his classes.

Randi, 10 lessons with James
Hourly Rate: $200
Response time: 46 minutes
Contact James