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Top Yale Grad, Admissions & College Essay Mentor
Jonathan K.

6,719 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Hourly Rate: $450
Response time: 16 minutes

About Jonathan


Bio

HELPING YOU SHOWCASE YOUR STRENGTHS
I tutor in many subjects, but my chief focus is assisting students with their university applications, particularly their admissions essays. Drawing on ideas from leading experts, I’ve developed a unique, strategic approach to help applicants choose exactly the right topic for every essay, organize their ideas into compelling narratives, and revise and polish their writing until it shines.

THOUGHTFUL EXPERTISE & HIGH EXPECTATIONS
I’m patient, and I...

HELPING YOU SHOWCASE YOUR STRENGTHS
I tutor in many subjects, but my chief focus is assisting students with their university applications, particularly their admissions essays. Drawing on ideas from leading experts, I’ve developed a unique, strategic approach to help applicants choose exactly the right topic for every essay, organize their ideas into compelling narratives, and revise and polish their writing until it shines.

THOUGHTFUL EXPERTISE & HIGH EXPECTATIONS
I’m patient, and I listen closely to my students so I can provide exactly the right guidance at the right time. I bring my full efforts to every session, and I strive to support every student in producing their very best work.

RESULTS
I work with people from all backgrounds; some are straight-‘A’ students, while others have experienced difficulties academically. I help them all. As you’ll see from my ratings and testimonials, my students look back on the essays they produce with real satisfaction. Each year, applicants I mentor earn admission to top-tier universities; around half gain admission into their first choice of school. I’ve had multiple mentees *matriculate* at each of the 15 most selective schools in the country, and more than three dozen of my mentees have matriculated at Ivy League institutions.

EXPERIENCE
- 8 years as full-time freelance admissions mentor & essay coach
- 30+ years as writing tutor & teacher at leading schools
- Sutton Trust Writing Mentor, Fulbright Commission
- Course Instructor, Harvard Graduate School of Education
- Teacher Consultant, National Writing Project
- Special Distinction, National Speech & Debate Association
- Mentored 3 National Medal Winners, Scholastic Art & Writing Awards

EDUCATION
- Bachelor of Arts, Yale, Phi Beta Kappa (top 5%)
- Master of Education, Tufts, concentration in English
- Certificate in Creative Writing, UC Berkeley
- Presidential Scholar, 1987


Education

Yale University; summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa
Archaeology, with distinction
Tufts University; Education with a concentration in English
MEd
University of California at Berkeley; Certificate in Creative Writing
Graduate Coursework
  • Licensed teacher

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $450
  • Rate details: Rate guaranteed up to 1 August for current clients. Cancellations with less than 24h notice charged full rate. Discounts available for social workers, nurses, teachers.
  • Lesson cancellation: 24 hours notice required
  • Background check passed on 10/25/2016

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

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Approved Subjects

American History

American History

I studied history at Yale, earning top honors, and I’ve taught US history for most of my career of 30+ years. I completed 80 hours of specialized training from the College Board leaders who designed the new APUSH Exam, to support students in LEQ and DBQ essays. My AP History tutees have all earned '4's and '5's on their exams. Assessment Course Instructor, Harvard Graduate School of Education. Master of Education, Tufts. Presidential Scholar.
Art History

Art History

A true lover of art, I studied art history at Yale before switching to archaeology, earning top honors. I’ve created and taught original art history units for the courses I've taught over the last 30 years on medieval, Renaissance, and modern European history. I've also prepared dozens of students for various AP exams, and my AP Art History Exam tutees have all earned '4's and '5's. Assessment Course Instructor, Harvard Graduate School of Education. Master of Education, Tufts. Presidential Scholar.
Career Development

Career Development

A winning speech coach and college admissions mentor, I've also served as Head of Human Resources for two organizations, reviewing thousands of resumes and interviewing dozens of applicants. My goal is to help you get your foot in the door and nail interviews for the jobs you want the most. I’ll streamline your resume to make your strengths and experience shine. And when it comes to interviewing, I’ve developed a unique approach that helps you (a) identify key topics for interview questions and answers, (b) develop and rehearse highly effective answers, and (c) give a mock interview, where I’ll give you feedback to add polish your performance. You’ll be heading into your next interview full of confidence!
College Counseling

College Counseling

A writing mentor for 30 years, I've worked chiefly with college applicants since 2013. Drawing on ideas from leading experts, I’ve developed a unique, strategic approach to help you choose exactly the right topic for every essay, organize your ideas into a compelling narrative, and revise and polish your writing until it shines. Each year, applicants I mentor earn admission to top-tier universities; around half gain admission to their first choice of school. Essay Mentor for Fulbright Commission, 2015-2020. Teacher-Consultant, National Writing Project. Top honors from Yale; MEd from Tufts. Certificate in Creative Writing, UC Berkeley.
Creative Writing

Creative Writing

A writing teacher and tutor for over 30 years, I've worked chiefly with college applicants since 2013; I also help students with academic and creative writing. I'm a kind and patient mentor who holds high expectations --- of myself and my mentees. Each year, applicants I mentor earn admission to top-tier universities; around half gain admission to their first choice of school. Three of my mentees have won National Medals from the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. Essay Mentor, Fulbright Commission, 2015-2020. Teacher-Consultant, National Writing Project. Top honors from Yale; MEd from Tufts. Certificate in Creative Writing, UC Berkeley.
Debate

Debate

My 10+ years of coaching experience includes 7 years of teaching speech & debate as a formal subject. My NSDA specialties are Lincoln Douglas debate (I debated LD all four years of high school) and Original Oratory. Debaters of mine have become league champions and competed in elim rounds at leading tournaments like Harvard. I served 6 years as league chair and was awarded the Degree of Special Distinction.
English

English

At Yale and Tufts, I studied literature under Mark Wollaeger, Thomas Greene, Kevin Dunn, and the poet Henri Cole. A writing teacher and tutor for 30 years, I've worked chiefly with university applicants since 2013, supporting them in crafting admissions essays. I'm a kind and patient mentor who holds high expectations --- of myself as well as my mentees. Three of my mentees have won National Medals from the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. Essay Mentor, Fulbright Commission, 2015-2020. Teacher-Consultant, National Writing Project. Top honors from Yale; MEd from Tufts, concentration in English. Certificate in Creative Writing, UC Berkeley.
Essay Writing

Essay Writing

A writing teacher and mentor for 30 years, I've worked chiefly with college applicants since 2013. Drawing on ideas from leading experts, I’ve developed a unique, strategic approach to help you choose exactly the right topic for every essay, organize your ideas into a compelling narrative, and revise and polish your writing until it shines. Each year, applicants I mentor earn admission to top-tier universities; around half gain admission to their first choice of school. Essay Mentor, Fulbright Commission, 2015-2020. Teacher-Consultant, National Writing Project. Top honors from Yale; MEd from Tufts. Certificate in Creative Writing, UC Berkeley.
European History

European History

I studied history at Yale, earning top honors, and I’ve taught history for most of my career of 30+ years, much of it European history. I completed 80 hours of specialized training from the College Board leaders who designed the new AP Exams, to support students in preparing for the LEQ and DBQ essays. My history tutees have all earned '4's and '5's on their exams. Additionally, I've lived in Europe for over two decades. Assessment Course Instructor, Harvard Graduate School of Education. Master of Education, Tufts. Presidential Scholar.
Interview Prep

Interview Prep

A winning speech coach and college admissions mentor, I've also served as Head of Human Resources for two organizations, reviewing thousands of resumes and interviewing dozens of applicants. With my custom approach, you’ll (a) identify key topics for interview questions and answers, (b) develop and rehearse highly effective answers, and (c) engage in a mock interview, where I’ll give you the feedback you need to polish your performance. You’ll be heading into your next interview full of confidence!
Literature

Literature

At Yale and Tufts, I studied literature under Mark Wollaeger, Thomas Greene, Kevin Dunn, and the poet Henri Cole. An avid reader and lover of literature, I’ve taught English at leading schools in the US and UK. I'm a kind and patient mentor who holds high expectations --- of myself as well as my mentees. Teacher-Consultant, National Writing Project. Top honors from Yale; MEd from Tufts, concentration in English. Certificate in Creative Writing, UC Berkeley.
Personal Statements

Personal Statements

A writing mentor for 30 years, I've worked chiefly with university applicants since 2013. Drawing on ideas from leading experts, I’ve developed a unique, strategic approach to help you select exactly the right experiences and ideas for your personal statement, organize your ideas into a compelling narrative, and revise and polish your writing until it shines. Each year, applicants I mentor earn admission to top-tier universities; around half gain admission to their first choice of school. Essay Mentor for Fulbright Commission, 2015-2020. Teacher-Consultant, National Writing Project. Top honors from Yale; MEd from Tufts. Certificate in Creative Writing, UC Berkeley.
Proofreading

Proofreading

A writing teacher and tutor for 30 years, I've worked chiefly with college applicants since 2013; I also help students with professional, academic, and creative writing. I'm a kind and patient mentor who holds high expectations --- of myself and my mentees. Three of my mentees have won National Medals from the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. Essay Mentor, Fulbright Commission, 2015-2020. Teacher-Consultant, National Writing Project. Top honors from Yale; MEd from Tufts, concentration in English. Certificate in Creative Writing, UC Berkeley.
Public Speaking

Public Speaking

I coach public speaking for businesspeople as well as for competition. I employ Garr Reynolds's strategies in helping mentees prepare to deliver speeches free of notes and slides. My experience includes 7 years of teaching speech & debate as a formal subject. My NSDA specialties are Lincoln Douglas debate and Original Oratory. Students of mine have become league champions and competed in elim rounds at leading tournaments like Harvard. I served 6 years as league chair and was awarded the Degree of Special Distinction.
SAT Reading

SAT Reading

A writing teacher and tutor for 30 years, I've worked chiefly with university applicants since 2013. In addition to supporting them in crafting outstanding admissions essays, I've created a unique approach to help them tackle the reading and writing components of the SAT, with an emphasis on thorough practice and learning from mistakes. I'm a kind and patient mentor who holds high expectations --- of myself as well as my mentees. Three of my mentees have won National Medals from the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. Essay Mentor, Fulbright Commission, 2015-2020. Teacher-Consultant, National Writing Project. Top honors from Yale; MEd from Tufts, concentration in English. Certificate in Creative Writing, UC Berkeley.
SAT Writing

SAT Writing

A writing teacher and tutor for 30 years, I've worked chiefly with university applicants since 2013. In addition to supporting them in crafting outstanding admissions essays, I've created a unique approach to help them tackle the reading and writing components of the SAT, with an emphasis on thorough practice and learning from mistakes. I'm a kind and patient mentor who holds high expectations --- of myself as well as my mentees. Three of my mentees have won National Medals from the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. Essay Mentor, Fulbright Commission, 2015-2020. Teacher-Consultant, National Writing Project. Top honors from Yale; MEd from Tufts, concentration in English. Certificate in Creative Writing, UC Berkeley.
Social Studies

Social Studies

I studied history, art history, archaeology, and psychology at Yale and Tufts, earning top honors. Since then, I’ve primarily taught history for most of my career of 30+ years. Assessment Course Instructor, Harvard Graduate School of Education. Master of Education, Tufts. Presidential Scholar.
United States History

United States History

I studied history at Yale, earning top honors, and I’ve taught US history for most of my career of 30+ years. I completed 80 hours of specialized training from the College Board leaders who designed the new APUSH Exam, to support students in LEQ and DBQ essays. My AP History tutees have all earned '4's and '5's on their exams. Assessment Course Instructor, Harvard Graduate School of Education. Master of Education, Tufts. Presidential Scholar.
Writing

Writing

A writing teacher and tutor for 30 years, I've worked chiefly with college applicants since 2013; I also help students with academic and creative writing. I'm a kind and patient mentor who holds high expectations --- of myself and my mentees. Each year, applicants I mentor earn admission to top-tier universities; around half gain admission to their first choice of school. Three of my mentees have won National Medals from the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. Essay Mentor, Fulbright Commission, 2015-2020. Teacher-Consultant, National Writing Project. Top honors from Yale; MEd from Tufts. Certificate in Creative Writing, UC Berkeley.

Examples of Expertise


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

Jonathan K.'s Photo

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Response time: 16 minutes

Ratings and Reviews


Rating

5.0 (2,578 ratings)
5 star
(2,571)
4 star
(4)
3 star
(3)
2 star
(0)
1 star
(0)

Reviews

The Best Essay Tutor I Could Have Asked for

Jon was amazing from the first time I met with him. From day one, he brought enthusiasm, passion, and a genuine care for both me and my work that made all the difference in my writing process. The way he guided me throughout the entire writing process was exceptional—from initial brainstorming sessions all the way through to final edits, he was supportive and insightful at every stage. His organizational skills were top-notch, and I always felt confident about the structure and flow of our lessons. Each session built naturally on the last, creating a clear progression that helped me develop my essays systematically. What really set Jon apart, though, were his thoughtful suggestions and the different modes of thinking he introduced me to. He didn't just help me fix surface-level issues; he taught me how to approach writing in new ways that were so helpful. I couldn't have asked for a better tutor, and I'm so grateful for the getting to work with him. I got into my top-choice school, and Jon's mentorship was such a great help.

Nick, 46 lessons with Jonathan

Review for Jonathan K.

My son worked with Jonathan for his college essay prep. He was patient, articulate and knowledgeable. His experience in this arena helped my son get accepted into Cornell. We’re very grateful and can’t recommend him enough. Worth the money

Melissa, 5 lessons with Jonathan

Exceptional College Counseling Tutor!

We are grateful to have found Jonathan for our daughter, Alice. He played a key role in advancing her writing skills as she prepared college admission essays that highlighted her strengths and experiences. Alice has been accepted to a prominent university here in Texas, and we are thrilled as she begins her pre-med studies. Thank you, Jonathan, for being such an exceptional coach.

Harry, 86 lessons with Jonathan

Best College Essay Advisor Ever

Jonathan is an exceptionally experienced college essay coach and was truly a lifesaver for our family. My daughter was struggling with her college essays, and we found Jonathan at the last minute—just two weeks before the deadlines. He quickly worked his schedule around ours and provided clear, step-by-step guidance throughout the entire process. From brainstorming ideas to developing strategies for each application, Jonathan’s approach was both thoughtful and strategic. His guidance was also incredibly encouraging, and he helped my daughter present her authentic voice with clarity and confidence. We are deeply grateful for Jonathan’s support and highly recommend him to any family navigating the college application process.

Emily, 20 lessons with Jonathan

Supportive and Motivating Tutor for Master's Applications

I had the honor to work with Jonathan throughout both my master's applications -- for my MA and MSc. He not only helped me get into top schools, but also supported me throughout the entire process. His kindness, motivation, and instruction allowed me to write incredible personal statements and answer a variety of questions that the universities wanted. Moreover, Jonathan was incredibly flexible and was always an email away when I needed instruction or even to meet on a video call. I am grateful for the expertise and advice I was given, especially during such a tough and rigorous process as Master's applications. As I want to work on PhD applications in the future, I will most definitely return to Jonathan and his incredible support.

Anastasia, 45 lessons with Jonathan
Tutor responded:

This student attended Columbia for her MA and is attending the London School of Economics for her MSc.

5 Stars - He helped me get into 3 PhD programs!!!

I worked with Jon over 8 weeks while I was applying to PhD programs. I came to him very stressed out and confused as deadlines approached. But Jon helped me organize my writing process, and walked me through brainstorming, rough drafts, first drafts, all the way to final products! He also helped me work efficiently by showing me how to reuse material whenever possible - which was invaluable since I was applying to over a dozen places. With his help, I garnered admissions offers from PhD programs at: -UC Irvine -Texas A&M -University of Georgia -Purdue Would highly recommend him; his help is worth it!

William, 51 lessons with Jonathan

Great Writing Mentor and Support System

Jonathan was a great help when I was applying to law schools and needed help crafting many essays. These essays were often responses to unfamiliar prompts and sought answers in styles and formats, the ins and outs of which few people are knowledgeable. Jonathan proved to be a master at identifying what each school was looking for and guiding my writing to create the most fitting papers: utilizing everything I had to offer and tailoring it to each school's specific needs. Jonathan is a tremendous writer, coach, and mentor, but also an advocate: someone who invests himself in supporting whatever you're trying to accomplish, and is someone I'm grateful to have had my side when things seemed difficult.

Bob, 32 lessons with Jonathan
Tutor responded:

This student is now studying at a T14 law school (one of the top-ranked 14 law schools in the country).

Best Tutor

His feedback is thorough and of the highest quality---from organizing arguments, and making every paragraph as coherent and concise as possible, to ensuring that each individual sentence is as clear, readable and effective as it can be. Just as importantly, Jon will work on your schedule. If you have a tight deadline, Jon always makes himself available to ensure that you can submit your work on time. We couldn't be happier with our choice!

Paul, 5 lessons with Jonathan

Amazing SOP Advisor

I had Jon for several sessions. He was awesome, and he was helping me with everything that I need. I was amazing that we finished before the deadline of the school. I recommend him a LOT.

Mari, 10 lessons with Jonathan

Jonathan has been an incredible English writing teacher.

I am very happy to write this review for my child’s tutor, Jonathan. He has been an incredible English writing teacher. He has helped my child improve persuasive and argument writing. From our very first session, it was clear that he is not only knowledgeable but also genuinely passionate about teaching, making the learning process both enjoyable and effective. What we appreciated most was his patient and supportive approach which helped my child develop his writing style and confidence. I highly recommend him to anyone seeking to enhance their English abilities. He is an exceptional teacher who truly cares about his students’ progress. During the college application period, he discussed with my child about a variety of colleges to apply to; he suggested that my child do deep and extensive research for each college. My child followed his suggestion to spend quite some time studying each college and programs my child was interested in. Then my child made selections and he always respects my child’s choices. I appreciated his patience, especially during times when my child struggled to express his thoughts. Instead of pushing my child, he kept the meetings short and scheduled follow-ups until my child felt ready. I am deeply grateful for his persistent encouragement while my child went through the application season. During the process, my child understood himself more and wrote genuine essays to reflect his experiences and feelings.

Eric, 85 lessons with Jonathan
Hourly Rate: $450
Response time: 16 minutes
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