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Columbia Alum & Harvard PhD Student | SAT/ACT + Elite Admissions Coach
Zara A.

5.0 (59 ratings)

186 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee
Hourly Rate: $175
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About Zara

Bio

I’m a Columbia University alumnus (Columbia College ’18) and current Harvard University doctoral student on a full scholarship, with 10 years of tutoring and admissions experience. I specialize in SAT/ACT preparation, college and graduate-school applications, essays, and admissions interviews.
My students come to me for rigorous, highly personalized guidance—not generic worksheets or formulaic essay editing. For SAT/ACT prep, I identify exactly where points are being lost and teach the...

I’m a Columbia University alumnus (Columbia College ’18) and current Harvard University doctoral student on a full scholarship, with 10 years of tutoring and admissions experience. I specialize in SAT/ACT preparation, college and graduate-school applications, essays, and admissions interviews.
My students come to me for rigorous, highly personalized guidance—not generic worksheets or formulaic essay editing. For SAT/ACT prep, I identify exactly where points are being lost and teach the underlying reasoning, strategies, and recurring problem types needed to improve efficiently. For strong SAT Math students, I regularly work toward the 760–800 range.
For college and graduate admissions, I help applicants build a coherent, memorable application from the ground up: strategy, school selection, Common App and supplemental essays, personal statements, statements of purpose, CVs, and interview preparation. My focus is not simply polishing sentences; it is helping students understand what makes them distinctive and communicate it persuasively.
I also prepare students for high-stakes admissions interviews through realistic practice, detailed feedback, and work on communicating confidently without sounding rehearsed.
Having studied at Columbia and now pursuing my doctorate at Harvard, I understand highly selective academic environments firsthand. I combine that perspective with a decade of teaching experience and a direct, analytical approach tailored to each student.
If you’re aiming for a major score improvement or a highly competitive college or graduate program, I’d be glad to help you build a focused strategy and execute it well.

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Education

Columbia University
Physics, Music, Philosophy

Additional Languages

German

Policies

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Approved Subjects

ACT Math

ACT Math

I scored a 35 on the Math section of the ACT. I was admitted to and attended an Ivy-League school and received over $250,000 in scholarships. I have years of experience tutoring both the ACT and SAT. I work closely with each student and personalize notes and homework for each of my students according to her/his knowledge gaps and nuanced learning patterns. I work hard to help my students achieve their target score and guide them with a strategy to get there. On top of all this, I genuinely love teaching 1:1 and explaining the fundamentals behind the question, so that the student truly understands how to solve problems independently. :)
Geometry

Geometry

I love geometry! I have been teaching geometry 1:1 for a few years and enjoyed every second. Geometry is fun when you understand the fundamentals and therefore can apply principles as you solve problems.
Grammar

Grammar

I am an English grammar nerd. I love breaking down all of the rules and teaching my students how to navigate writing and speaking with perfect grammar. I help middle, high school, and college students as well as professionals seeking to crisp up their business communication.
GRE

GRE

I graduated cum laude from an Ivy-League school with a GPA of 3.9/4.0. I have experience tutoring Quantitative and Verbal sections of the GRE. I will personalize your sessions to focus on your weak areas and create a strategy for homework, quizzes, and tests that get you up to speed to achieve your target score.
Music Production

Music Production

I use Logic Pro X. I build beats, create studio-quality harmonies and melodies, and edit recordings (including vocal recordings) to a professional degree. I also use external resources (mics, audio interface, midi instruments) in my music and can teach how to use those as well.
Music Theory

Music Theory

B.A. in Music from Columbia University. Studied intensively with the world’s leading composers (Georg F. Haas, Philippe Leroux). Completed rigorous training in music theory and composition at Columbia.
Physics

Physics

AP Physics 5, minor in physics at Columbia
SAT Math

SAT Math

I scored a 790 on the Math section of the SAT. I was admitted to and attended an Ivy-League school and received over $250,000 in scholarships. I have years of experience tutoring both the SAT and ACT. I work closely with each student and personalize notes and homework for each of my students according to her/his knowledge gaps and nuanced learning patterns. I work hard to help my students achieve their target score and guide them with a strategy to get there. On top of all this, I genuinely love teaching 1:1 and explaining the fundamentals behind the question, so that the student truly understands how to solve problems independently. :)
Writing

Writing

I am an experienced writer and have written a plethora of essays in different subject areas (literature, research, history, personal statements). I graduated from Columbia University in 2018 and have tutored in writing for a few years. Allow me to help you craft a stellar paper. :)
ACT English
Algebra 1
Algebra 2
English
ESL/ESOL
Prealgebra
Study Skills
TOEFL
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Ratings and Reviews

Rating

5.0 (59 ratings)
5 star
(58)
4 star
(1)
3 star
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2 star
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1 star
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Reviews

Outstanding Tutor

Zara is the best! First, she connects to my daughter, Jana, which is extremely important. Additionally, she is professional, thorough and very knowledgeable. I would absolutely recommend her to anyone who is seeking structured instruction. Jana leaves each session with an accomplished feeling of having a better understanding of the material that is covered.

Cindy, 23 lessons with Zara

Incredible tutor

Zara helped me with my writing and grammar, she was absolutely great to work with! She is very patient, organized and thorough. After a few sessions with her I felt very confident with my writing! I highly recommend her as a tutor and I look forward to possibly working with her again in the future!

Sara, 7 lessons with Zara

Zara A.

Zara is a very a knowledgeable tutor. She is clear and concise. Is patient and is clear in her instructions and she is well organized. I highly recommend Zara as a tutor - there is no better tutor. Thank you for all of your input and assistance. A+ for Zara A.

Marisol, 3 lessons with Zara

A true gem

Zara has made an immediate connection to my daughter, which we are so grateful for. We are planning to ask Zara to for tutoring support for the entire school year!

Manika, 5 lessons with Zara

Master editor

Zara helped with the edification of my daughters essay for language art course. She worked with her to ensure it was structured correctly, the thesis statement was clearly stated, and the end product did not lose it original meaning. I have used this service for many years, and she is one of the best tutors we have worked with thus far. You Rock!!!

Doris , 2 lessons with Zara

Knowledgeable, Detailed and Thorough

Zara was great! She puts the time in to explain things, help you understand them, patient, and encouraging. She is easy to communicate and professional. I will definitely ask for her assistance if needed.

Zachery, 1 lesson with Zara
Hourly Rate: $175
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