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Super cool tutor who is super good at test prep. Loves superlatives.
Steven W.

5.0 (14 ratings)

25 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee
Hourly Rate: $100
Contact Steven
Response time: 56 minutes

About Steven

Bio

There are a LOT of tutors on here, and they all seem super smart. In fact, they are!

I am also smart, but I took a different path than most of the tutors here. I struggled through school. I'd lose attention in class, forget to hand in homework, and was very uncomfortable asking questions (lest the teachers find out how little I've paid attention!)

It turns out, classroom teaching is… not great. You take a smart kid, bore them to death, and then quiz them; they do badly, of course, and then...

There are a LOT of tutors on here, and they all seem super smart. In fact, they are!

I am also smart, but I took a different path than most of the tutors here. I struggled through school. I'd lose attention in class, forget to hand in homework, and was very uncomfortable asking questions (lest the teachers find out how little I've paid attention!)

It turns out, classroom teaching is… not great. You take a smart kid, bore them to death, and then quiz them; they do badly, of course, and then you repeat this cycle for years. Students fail to develop strong foundations. Instead, they develop a deep loathing for education. It's tragic!

And in case you're wondering, I AM qualified to be a tutor! I have a Bachelor's degree in Math. And Physics. And Religion. And a Masters in Pure Mathematics. And I'm getting my PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience (literally studying learning, attention, and memory). Also, I do neural engineering research.

Not convinced? Well, I got perfect scores on both the SAT Math and the GRE math, which is basically the SAT for grad school. (I missed one question on the GRE English, and I'm still not over it.)

I’ve been working professionally as a tutor for about 10 years, and have worked with hundreds of students. It’s mostly been SAT, SHSAT and APs, but I also teach other middle-school/high-school/college classes - check out my “subjects” for what I cover. I've gotten many students into Ivy Leagues and Specialized High Schools - so test prep has become my so-called "specialty".

Just a heads-up: I’m a “long-term tutor”! I tend to work with students over the course of weeks or months. I'm not some "rando" math tutor who will do your Calc take-home final for you. (There are other tutors for that!) I build relationships with students, and make sure they grow intellectually… It's a whole process, but a fun process - promise!

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Education

Hunter College
Physics, Mathematics, Religion
Hunter College
Masters
C.U.N.Y Graduate Center
PhD

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $100
  • Rate details: Discounts are available for students who purchase lesson packages.
  • Lesson cancellation: 24 hours notice required

  • Background check passed on 6/20/2017

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

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Approved Subjects

Accuplacer

Accuplacer

I help students prepare for the Accuplacer by first figuring out where they are getting stuck. Most students do not need to relearn everything. They usually have a few gaps in algebra, arithmetic, grammar, reading, or writing that are holding them back from placing where they want. I focus on the skills that actually show up on the test, realistic practice questions, and common mistakes students can learn to avoid. My goal is to make the test feel less overwhelming and help the student walk in feeling prepared and confident.
ACT English

ACT English

ACT English looks like a grammar test, but it's really a pattern test, punctuation, concision, and clear structure that all follow a small set of rules once you see them. My background is heavy on writing and close reading, and I scored a 169 on the GRE Verbal, so I can explain why an answer is right instead of just telling you that it is. Once you can name the pattern, this section starts to feel almost mechanical.
ACT Math

ACT Math

I specialize in test prep, including the ACT! I've taught it for many years, and know the key differences between this test and the SAT - including the different strategies to tackle it.
ACT Reading

ACT Reading

ACT Reading is a timing and evidence game more than a comprehension test. The answers are right there, the real challenge is getting to them quickly and not talking yourself out of the right one. I read dense, argument heavy material for a living and scored a 169 on the GRE Verbal, and I'll give you a way of attacking passages that keeps you fast and grounded in the text.
ACT Science

ACT Science

Here's the secret about ACT Science: it's barely about science. It's really about reading graphs, tables, and experiments quickly and accurately, which is exactly what I do every day as a researcher with a physics background. You don't need to memorize content, you need a reliable system for finding the answer in the data, and that's what I teach. Most students are relieved to hear this is one of the most coachable sections on the whole test.
ADHD

ADHD

I have worked with many students who struggle with attention, motivation, organization, and follow through. My background in cognitive neuroscience helps me understand ADHD in a practical way, but my tutoring style is simple, patient, and student friendly. I help students break assignments into smaller steps, build realistic study routines, stay focused during sessions, and learn strategies they can actually use outside of tutoring. My goal is to make school feel less overwhelming and help students become more confident and independent.
Algebra 1

Algebra 1

I've been working with students for Algebra I for 5+ years, and I know how the test has transformed from the Regents to Common Core curriculum. I am able to build up students skills so that they ace Algebra I and do well in future math courses as well!
Algebra 2

Algebra 2

I received a Master's Degree in Pure Mathematics, and I've been tutoring college-level mathematics for around 7 years
Biology

Biology

My graduate work is in cognitive neuroscience, so biology at the systems and cellular level is genuinely my world, and I earned A+ grades in Neuroscience, Cognitive Neuroscience, and Neuroanatomy. I'm comfortable anywhere from intro bio up through AP and into the college level. I'm especially good at making the heavy memorization parts hang together for a reason, because biology makes far more sense once you understand the story behind the facts.
Calculus

Calculus

I've tutored high school and college Calculus for more than 10 years, and I have a Master's in Pure Mathematics. A lot of Calculus frustration actually comes from a few hidden weak spots, usually algebra, functions, trig, limits, or not having a clear picture of what a derivative or integral is really asking. I'm good at finding those gaps quickly and turning messy problems into a process the student can actually repeat on their own.
College Counseling

College Counseling

I help students make the college application process feel more organized and less stressful. My main focus is helping students choose strong essay topics, develop personal statements, revise supplemental essays, and present their experiences in a clear and genuine way. I also help with application planning, school research, deadlines, and building a balanced college list based on the student’s goals and academic profile. My goal is to be honest, practical, and encouraging so students end up with applications that feel polished while still sounding like themselves.
Common Core

Common Core

I have tutored many students in Common Core material. I have read in-depth about the changes between common core and regents, and I understand the way that students must think to succeed on the Common Core. I've taught common core at every level, particularly in Math, but also in English as well.
Computer Science

Computer Science

I help students learn computer science in a way that feels clear and manageable. I work with beginners on programming fundamentals, Python, JavaScript, problem solving, debugging, and understanding how code actually works instead of just copying examples. I also help students with school assignments, projects, and test preparation by breaking problems into smaller steps and teaching them how to think through the logic. My goal is to help students become more independent, confident, and comfortable writing code on their own.
COOP/HSPT

COOP/HSPT

The COOP and HSPT can be stressful because students have to move quickly through a lot of different question types. My sessions focus on the main skills tested on these exams, including reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, arithmetic, algebra, and word problems. A big part of the work is helping students recognize patterns, avoid careless mistakes, and learn when to move on instead of getting stuck. I try to make the prep feel organized and manageable so students build both stronger skills and more confidence before test day.
Discrete Math

Discrete Math

Discrete math is a different kind of math than most students are used to because it is more about reasoning than memorizing formulas. My sessions cover topics like logic, sets, functions, relations, counting, probability, graph theory, recursion, and proof writing. I focus on helping students understand the structure of a problem, write clearer proofs, and recognize the patterns behind common homework and exam questions. The goal is for students to feel less intimidated by abstract ideas and more comfortable explaining their reasoning step by step.
Elementary Math

Elementary Math

Early math is where confidence is made or broken, and I take that personally, because I was a kid who struggled and almost gave up on it. I have a Master's in Pure Mathematics, but the real skill at this level is patience and meeting a kid exactly where they are. One parent wrote that their son, who had always struggled with math, was visibly more confident after a single hour, and that's the kind of turnaround I aim for.
Elementary Science

Elementary Science

At the elementary level, science should be about curiosity, not vocabulary lists, and with a physics and research background I love making it tangible and hands on. My reviews mention how well I connect with younger students, which is honestly half the battle at this age. The goal is for kids to leave thinking science is something they get to do, not just memorize.
GED

GED

The GED covers a lot of ground, and I'm comfortable across all of it, with the math and reasoning sections sitting right in my strengths. I've spent years working with adult learners who are juggling work and life, and there's genuinely no judgment in how I teach. We start exactly where you are and build from there, so a big intimidating test turns into a series of manageable steps.
Geometry

Geometry

I have a Master's in Pure Mathematics and a perfect 800 on the SAT Math, which leans heavily on geometry. Geometry rewards a specific way of thinking, reasoning step by step and seeing the shapes behind the numbers, and that's the part most classes rush past. I focus on the proof logic and spatial intuition so it stops feeling like memorizing a list of rules.
GMAT

GMAT

On the quant side the GMAT is right in my wheelhouse. I have a Master's in Pure Mathematics and scored a perfect 170 on the GRE Quant, and the data sufficiency logic this test loves is exactly the kind of reasoning I teach. Most of the difficulty here isn't the math itself, it's seeing what a question is really asking, so that's where I focus along with timing and process.
GRE

GRE

I've prepared many graduate students for this test and helped them achieve top percentile scores. The first (and only) time I took it, I got a perfect score on the math (170/170), a near perfect score in the English (169/170), and a near perfect score in the writing (5.5/6)
High School Placement Test

High School Placement Test

The High School Placement Test can feel overwhelming because it moves quickly and covers several skills at once. My sessions focus on reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, arithmetic, algebra, word problems, and test pacing. Students learn how to recognize common question patterns, avoid careless mistakes, and stay calm when a problem looks unfamiliar. The goal is to make the test feel more predictable and give students a clear plan going into exam day.
ISEE

ISEE

ISEE prep works best when students learn the content and the strategy behind the test. I work on verbal reasoning, reading comprehension, quantitative reasoning, math achievement, and essay planning, depending on what the student needs most. A typical session might include reviewing missed problems, practicing timing, building vocabulary, or breaking down tricky math questions step by step. My goal is to help students feel prepared, calm, and familiar with the test before they walk into the real exam.
LSAT

LSAT

The LSAT is a logic test in disguise, and logic is where I live. I studied Philosophy, earned an A in graduate Logic and Philosophy of Science, and I actively tutor students through full LSAT prep. I break Logical Reasoning into the handful of argument structures the test reuses over and over, so it stops feeling like a brand new puzzle every time. I'll be honest that this score takes steady, methodical work, and that's exactly how I run it.
Neuroscience

Neuroscience

Neuroscience can be hard because it combines biology, psychology, chemistry, statistics, and sometimes a lot of unfamiliar vocabulary. I am a PhD student in cognitive neuroscience, and I work with students on topics like neurons, brain regions, synapses, neurotransmitters, sensory systems, attention, memory, and research methods. I try to make the material feel less like memorization by connecting each concept to what the brain is actually doing. A lot of my sessions focus on helping students organize the big picture first, then work through the details in a way that makes sense.
Philosophy

Philosophy

Philosophy was one of my undergraduate focuses, and I've kept at it ever since. I earned top grades in everything from Intro to Philosophy to Moral Philosophy, plus an A in graduate Logic and Philosophy of Science, and my neuroscience work runs straight into philosophy of mind. I'm comfortable with dense texts and tricky arguments and good at making them approachable, whether you're writing a paper or just trying to follow what an author is really claiming.
Physics

Physics

Physics was my undergraduate focus at Hunter, and I still work in a physics heavy corner of neuroscience, modeling how neural circuits behave. I teach it the way I wish it had been taught to me, concept first and what is actually happening here, and only then the equations. That approach tends to turn a student who swears they're not a physics person into someone who suddenly gets it.
Praxis

Praxis

Praxis prep is usually a mix of content review, test strategy, and confidence building. My sessions focus on the core skills tested on the exam, including algebra, arithmetic, reading comprehension, grammar, and clear written responses. Students often know more than they think, but lose points because of pacing, wording, or small gaps in foundational skills. I work on making the test feel more familiar so the student knows what to expect and has a practical plan for improving their score.
Prealgebra

Prealgebra

On my own GRE, I scored a 170 on Quant and a 169 on Verbal, which was 99th percentile. I also have a Master's in Pure Mathematics, and at the prealgebra level the real skill is patience and building solid foundations, especially for kids who've already decided they're bad at math. One parent told me their son was noticeably more confident after a single hour, which is exactly what I'm going for.
Precalculus

Precalculus

Precalc is really the on ramp to calculus, and I teach it that way, as the toolkit you'll lean on next year rather than a pile of separate topics. I have a Master's in Pure Mathematics and a perfect 800 SAT Math, so I can keep the algebra, trig, and functions solid while showing where each piece is headed. Most of the trouble students hit later in calculus traces back to a precalc gap, so I hunt those down and close them now.
Probability

Probability

Probability feels slippery until someone shows it to you the right way. I have a Master's in Pure Mathematics and a Statistics background, and I earned A's in graduate Advanced Probability Theory, so I can take it as far as you need to go. I teach it through real scenarios and simple pictures first and bring in the formulas after, so the answers make sense instead of feeling like magic.
PSAT

PSAT

The PSAT is basically the SAT a little earlier, same content and the same style of traps, so I prep it with one eye on the SAT it's predicting. I scored a perfect 800 on the SAT Math, and I treat the PSAT as a low stakes way to find weak spots while there's still plenty of time to fix them. If National Merit is realistic for your student, we'll aim for it honestly.
Python

Python

I use Python constantly in my research, building models, running machine learning algorithms, and analyzing data across two neuroscience labs, so I teach it the way it's actually used instead of as a pile of disconnected syntax drills. We work on real problems from day one, because that's what makes it stick. Whether you're starting from zero or trying to get comfortable with data and scientific computing, I can meet you there.
Regents

Regents

I have tutored students personally in the Regents for both Physics and Algebra II/Trig. In preparing for the Regents, I focus only the things that will be on the exam, and assign lots of drills for homework. I take real Regents questions from the tests they post online and have students go through 30-40 of these questions in weak areas. I also spend time on topics that is proportional to the occurrence of the topic on the exam, so that we can maximize the benefit of the session with the little time we have. I also design long-term curriculum plans for students when possible to show them how "on-track" we are.
SAT Math

SAT Math

I have been tutoring students in SAT Math for several years, and have ALWAYS produced positive score increases. I teach SAT content, and can cover all topics from the ground up, but I also teach the mindset that's required to ace the test. The SAT is a beatable test, and I promise that you will do better on it than you thought possible. And I'm not just coaching from the sidelines, I scored a perfect 800 on the SAT Math myself.
SAT Reading

SAT Reading

I have tutored dozens of students to +750 scores in SAT reading and grammar sections. I created SAT reading curriculum for an after-school SAT Prep program, and personally scored in the 99th percentile on the reading portion of the test. I have a unique approach to teaching the section, and have experience working with both slow readers and students struggling with comprehension. I focus on question mechanics as opposed to straightforward reading in order to generate answers, and then work on comparing from there. This unique strategy has been singularly and significantly helpful for my students, and I hope it can help future SAT students!
SAT Writing

SAT Writing

The SAT writing section runs on a small, learnable set of rules, grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and concision, so I treat it as pattern recognition rather than something you either get or don't. My background is writing and reading heavy, and I scored a 169 on the GRE Verbal with a 5.5 on the writing, so I can make the rules feel obvious. Once you can name the pattern, the right answer usually jumps right out.
SHSAT (NY HS admissions)

SHSAT (NY HS admissions)

I've tutored hundreds of students for the SHSAT and helped many of them get into their dream schools, including Stuy, Brooklyn Tech, and Staten Island Tech. I specialize in the Math side but also teach English if students want to work with a single tutor on both sides of the test. I assign a lot of homework for the SHSAT, and aim to get them performing at a level that is far above what is required for the SHSAT - the goal is to overprepare so that we can be sure they get into their dream schools!
SSAT

SSAT

I work with families on selective admissions tests all the time, including the SSAT, ISEE, and SHSAT, and they have a lot in common once you know what each one is really testing. On the math side I bring a perfect 800 SAT Math and a Master's in Pure Mathematics, and on the verbal side a humanities background and a 169 GRE Verbal. Just as important at this age, I'm good at keeping younger students calm and engaged, which matters a lot on test day.
Statistics

Statistics

Statistics isn't just something I studied, it's something I use every day in my graduate research. I have a Master's in Pure Mathematics and earned A+ grades in graduate level Statistics and Advanced Probability, so I'm comfortable anywhere from an intro class to AP Stats to the messy real world version with software. The part students find hardest usually isn't the calculation, it's knowing which test to use and what the result actually means, and that's where I spend the most time.
Study Skills

Study Skills

This is the one I care about most, because it's my own story. I struggled through school until I rebuilt how I learn from scratch, and I now study learning and memory formally as part of my neuroscience work, including a year long project I designed on how meditation affects focus in kids. So this isn't generic advice, it's grounded in how the brain actually works. I'll help you find the specific habits that fit you instead of a one size fits all checklist.
Trigonometry

Trigonometry

Trig runs through everything I do, especially physics, from waves to vectors, so I teach it as something intuitive instead of a stack of identities to memorize. I have a Master's in Pure Mathematics and years of tutoring it at the high school and college level. Once the unit circle actually clicks, most of the rest falls into place, and that's usually the moment I'm working toward.
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Ratings and Reviews

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5.0 (14 ratings)
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Reviews

Very impressed with the 1st visit

I feel we are very lucky to have found Steve. He was very attentive with my daughter and interested in learning more about her academics, strengths and weaknesses. My daughter felt very confident about his knowledge and the way he has to teach the concepts. I've been on and off with many other tutors for short periods of time and I was looking forward to find one that could stay for longer and be reliable. Thank you, Steve.

Annelisse, 1 lesson with Steven

creative and insightful tutor

I have confidence that Steven has a special ability to see what a student needs fundamentally to learn intellectually, emotionally and psychologically.

Bonnie, 2 lessons with Steven

great tutor, very patient, thorough explanations!

Had a great session with Steven. He’s very detailed and thorough. We went in detail with my mistakes to talk through what went wrong and identify strategies to prevent those mistakes going forward. He’s a very personable person and enjoyed working with him. Highly recommend!

Rachel, 1 lesson with Steven

A gem!

I'm so happy we found Steven. My son met with him to review for the SHSAT and immedialtely connected with him. He's very pleasant, knowledgable and thorough. He provided material, easy to follow instuctions, feedback and guidance in helping to prep for the test. My son thought he was "really smart and cool" and I guess for a 13yr old boy that's the key to a great tutor. Overall, a great experience with Steven.

Helen, 1 lesson with Steven

Wonderful teacher!

Steven, is a great teacher. He really knows his material , understands his students well and works hard to bring out the best in them. He ensures his classes are very interesting for the kids .

Julie , 1 lesson with Steven

Calculus

Very knowledgeable and excellent tutor . Very flexible with timing and class duration . His classes have been highly recommended and I look forward to working with him again.

Denis , 1 lesson with Steven

Experienced and very personable

Steven is a wonderful tutor that is great at making the necessary connection with his students that enables them to learn. Within just one session he was able to gauge my daughters needs and learning style. The fact that he was also able to make a meaningful connection really helped her feel comfortable enough to actually speak up when she didn't understand something. He is very patient and is also upbeat. I would highly recommend Steven!

Cassandra, 1 lesson with Steven

Knowledgeable,patient,good listener

Steve is preparing me for my LCSW exam. He is very patient, knowledgeable and a good listener. He helped me go through questions practice and for me to learn how to pick the right answer and knowing why not to pick the others.

Cruz, 1 lesson with Steven

More confident after just an hour!

My son's first lesson with Steven was great! He seems to be finally picking up some math concepts that he's been struggling with for ages. I'm very impressed with how well Steven was able to convey these ideas to my son; he's always struggled with math, so for this rapid of progress to happen in just an hour is something I'm very happy about. I think a lot of this came from the fact that he was so personable. In the past, my son has felt uncomfortable with his tutors, so he wasn't really able to communicate his confusion fully and wouldn't be fully engaged. Steven, however, put in the extra effort to keep my son engaged and comfortable, which I really appreciate. If you're looking for a tutor, I would highly recommend Steven. I have booked him at least two more time, and I plan to continue to work with him in the future!

Dylan, 2 lessons with Steven
Hourly Rate: $100
Response time: 56 minutes
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