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Experienced Tutor with PhD specializing in STEM and Test Prep Skills
Michael S.

4.8 (132 ratings)

891 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee
Hourly Rate: $60
Contact Michael
Response time: 6 hours
Michael S.'s Photo
Michael S.'s Photo Michael S.'s Photo

Experienced Tutor with PhD specializing in STEM and Test Prep Skills
Experienced Tutor with PhD specializing in STEM and Test Prep Skills
Michael S.

4.8 (132 ratings)

891 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee
4.8 (132 ratings)

891 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

About Michael

Bio

I am an experienced and successful tutor with a Ph.D. in physics, M.Sc. in physics and B.Sc. in physics and mathematics.

I have a passion for helping others achieve their potential in their studies. As an undergraduate, I tutored at the local community college and led Supplemental Instruction courses in physics and mathematics at the University of Utah. I have taught community college courses in mathematics and have been tutoring privately since 2012. I am driven by the "light bulb" moment...

I am an experienced and successful tutor with a Ph.D. in physics, M.Sc. in physics and B.Sc. in physics and mathematics.

I have a passion for helping others achieve their potential in their studies. As an undergraduate, I tutored at the local community college and led Supplemental Instruction courses in physics and mathematics at the University of Utah. I have taught community college courses in mathematics and have been tutoring privately since 2012. I am driven by the "light bulb" moment when a student finally understands the solution to a problem and the progression apparent as a student gains confidence in their knowledge and skills.

My philosophy of tutoring is to provide general problem solving techniques geared towards the particular subject combined with review, as necessary, of the subject fundamentals. Through leading questions, I try to direct the student to their own realization of the answer as well as a deeper understanding of the subject, where it came from and how it might be used in the future. I try to use analogies to put the subject into a context that is more approachable by the student. I have found this combination to provide better understanding and retention when it comes to quizzes and tests than rote memorization.

I am constantly monitoring the performance of the student with the material and making changes as necessary. I think it is vital to engage in a conversation while teaching rather than just talking at my students as it helps to keep them active and involved.

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Education

University of Utah
BSc Mathematics, BSc Physics
University of Texas, Arlington
Masters
University of Texas, Arlington
PhD

Policies

  • Tutor’s lessons: In-person
  • Hourly Rate: $60
  • Rate details: Group rates open to negotiation.
  • Travel policy: Within 15 miles of Columbus, OH 43221
  • Lesson cancellation: 12 hours notice required

  • Background check passed on 6/5/2017

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

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Approved Subjects

Business

GRE

GRE

Having attained a PhD in Physics, I have successfully taken and passed the general GRE as well as the Physics and Mathematics subject tests. Having extensive experience in teaching methods of standardized tests, I have the ability to pass on strategies to use to optimize the score on the test.

Elementary Education

Elementary Science

Elementary Science

I have experience teaching basic conceptual underpinnings of physics, chemistry, biology and earth sciences as covered in the usual middle school curriculum.

English

ACT Reading,

ACT Reading

The key to the reading section of the ACT is optimizing reading speed vs. comprehension. I begin by reviewing various methods to attempt to increase reading speed combined with strategies on how to approach answering the questions when using these methods.
SAT Reading,

SAT Reading

Reading comprehension is a critical skill for the modern world. The ability to use context to learn new vocabulary is one of the strengths of the English language. Having achieved a 1310/1600 on the SAT back in the 80s, I have shown the ability to successfully take this part of the test and have hence developed the skills to pass on the necessary strategies to others.
SAT Writing

SAT Writing

The ability to write well is a critical skill for the modern world. The ability to properly use grammar and punctuation is necessary to concisely pass on ideas. Having achieved a 1310/1600 on the SAT back in the 80s, I have shown the ability to successfully take this part of the test and have hence developed the skills to pass on the necessary strategies to others.

Homeschool

Algebra 1,

Algebra 1

Having attained a BSc in Mathematics and having taught community college courses as well as community college tutoring, I have a firm grasp of the fundamentals of mathematics and am able to pass on this understanding to my students.
Algebra 2,

Algebra 2

I have attained a BSc in Mathematics and am fluent in the methods required to understand and use the material taught in the Algebra 2 curriculum. In addition I have taught Algebra classes at the community college level.
Calculus,

Calculus

I have attained a PhD in Physics, and calculus is a fundamental tool used in that discipline. I am fluent in everything from differential to integral calculus as well as differential equations in multiple variables.
Chemistry,

Chemistry

My love of physical sciences placed me on the path of becoming a Physicist. Along the way, I have taken courses in inorganic chemistry and have the experience to help students achieve their potential in the subject.
Geometry,

Geometry

Having attained a BSc in Mathematics and having taught community college courses as well as community college tutoring, I have a firm grasp of the fundamentals of mathematics and am able to pass on this understanding to my students. Geometry is an important fundamental element of mathematics, feeding in to trigonometry and calculs.
Physics,

Physics

I have attained a PhD in physics and have led undergraduate sessions; I have a firm grasp of the fundamentals of physics as well as a broader view of how these ideas can be applied in a research setting.
Prealgebra,

Prealgebra

I have extensive experience in mathematical subjects, and prealgebra is a bedrock subject to understand more advanced levels of math.
Precalculus,

Precalculus

Combining the elements of trigonometry with algebra is the heart of precalculus, learning all of the basic principles that will be explored further in the full calculus course. Having a BSc in Mathematics, I have mastered all of these courses and have the ability to lead others to understanding them.
SAT Math,

SAT Math

Having achieved ~700 on the math section of the SAT, I am eminently qualified to provide pointers in how to approach the math section of the exam. I know ways to maximize time spent to try to achieve the target score.
SAT Reading

SAT Reading

Reading comprehension is a critical skill for the modern world. The ability to use context to learn new vocabulary is one of the strengths of the English language. Having achieved a 1310/1600 on the SAT back in the 80s, I have shown the ability to successfully take this part of the test and have hence developed the skills to pass on the necessary strategies to others.

Math

ACT Math,

ACT Math

Having achieved a 36 composite on my ACT, I am eminently qualified to provide pointers in how to approach the math section of the exam. I know ways to maximize time spent to try to achieve the target score.
Algebra 1,

Algebra 1

Having attained a BSc in Mathematics and having taught community college courses as well as community college tutoring, I have a firm grasp of the fundamentals of mathematics and am able to pass on this understanding to my students.
Algebra 2,

Algebra 2

I have attained a BSc in Mathematics and am fluent in the methods required to understand and use the material taught in the Algebra 2 curriculum. In addition I have taught Algebra classes at the community college level.
Calculus,

Calculus

I have attained a PhD in Physics, and calculus is a fundamental tool used in that discipline. I am fluent in everything from differential to integral calculus as well as differential equations in multiple variables.
Geometry,

Geometry

Having attained a BSc in Mathematics and having taught community college courses as well as community college tutoring, I have a firm grasp of the fundamentals of mathematics and am able to pass on this understanding to my students. Geometry is an important fundamental element of mathematics, feeding in to trigonometry and calculs.
Physics,

Physics

I have attained a PhD in physics and have led undergraduate sessions; I have a firm grasp of the fundamentals of physics as well as a broader view of how these ideas can be applied in a research setting.
Prealgebra,

Prealgebra

I have extensive experience in mathematical subjects, and prealgebra is a bedrock subject to understand more advanced levels of math.
Precalculus,

Precalculus

Combining the elements of trigonometry with algebra is the heart of precalculus, learning all of the basic principles that will be explored further in the full calculus course. Having a BSc in Mathematics, I have mastered all of these courses and have the ability to lead others to understanding them.
SAT Math,

SAT Math

Having achieved ~700 on the math section of the SAT, I am eminently qualified to provide pointers in how to approach the math section of the exam. I know ways to maximize time spent to try to achieve the target score.
Trigonometry

Trigonometry

Having attained a BSc in Mathematics and having taught community college courses as well as community college tutoring, I have a firm grasp of the fundamentals of mathematics and am able to pass on this understanding to my students. Trigonometry is an important fundamental element of mathematics, combining elements of geometry and algebra and feeding into calculus.

Most Popular

Algebra 1,

Algebra 1

Having attained a BSc in Mathematics and having taught community college courses as well as community college tutoring, I have a firm grasp of the fundamentals of mathematics and am able to pass on this understanding to my students.
Algebra 2,

Algebra 2

I have attained a BSc in Mathematics and am fluent in the methods required to understand and use the material taught in the Algebra 2 curriculum. In addition I have taught Algebra classes at the community college level.
Calculus,

Calculus

I have attained a PhD in Physics, and calculus is a fundamental tool used in that discipline. I am fluent in everything from differential to integral calculus as well as differential equations in multiple variables.
Chemistry,

Chemistry

My love of physical sciences placed me on the path of becoming a Physicist. Along the way, I have taken courses in inorganic chemistry and have the experience to help students achieve their potential in the subject.
Geometry,

Geometry

Having attained a BSc in Mathematics and having taught community college courses as well as community college tutoring, I have a firm grasp of the fundamentals of mathematics and am able to pass on this understanding to my students. Geometry is an important fundamental element of mathematics, feeding in to trigonometry and calculs.
Physics,

Physics

I have attained a PhD in physics and have led undergraduate sessions; I have a firm grasp of the fundamentals of physics as well as a broader view of how these ideas can be applied in a research setting.
Prealgebra,

Prealgebra

I have extensive experience in mathematical subjects, and prealgebra is a bedrock subject to understand more advanced levels of math.
Precalculus

Precalculus

Combining the elements of trigonometry with algebra is the heart of precalculus, learning all of the basic principles that will be explored further in the full calculus course. Having a BSc in Mathematics, I have mastered all of these courses and have the ability to lead others to understanding them.

Science

ACT Science,

ACT Science

Having spent 20 years as an active scientist and having achieved a 36 on the ACT, I am eminently qualified to teach the methods behind interpreting scientific articles which is at the heart of this section.
Chemistry,

Chemistry

My love of physical sciences placed me on the path of becoming a Physicist. Along the way, I have taken courses in inorganic chemistry and have the experience to help students achieve their potential in the subject.
Physical Science,

Physical Science

My love of physical sciences placed me on the path of becoming a Physicist. Having worked for twenty years as a practicing scientist, I have knowledge of all of the basics taught in the physical sciences curriculum. As a tutor of math and physics, I have a demonstrated ability to pass on knowledge and help students to achieve their desired goals.
Physics

Physics

I have attained a PhD in physics and have led undergraduate sessions; I have a firm grasp of the fundamentals of physics as well as a broader view of how these ideas can be applied in a research setting.

Summer

Algebra 1,

Algebra 1

Having attained a BSc in Mathematics and having taught community college courses as well as community college tutoring, I have a firm grasp of the fundamentals of mathematics and am able to pass on this understanding to my students.
Algebra 2,

Algebra 2

I have attained a BSc in Mathematics and am fluent in the methods required to understand and use the material taught in the Algebra 2 curriculum. In addition I have taught Algebra classes at the community college level.
Calculus,

Calculus

I have attained a PhD in Physics, and calculus is a fundamental tool used in that discipline. I am fluent in everything from differential to integral calculus as well as differential equations in multiple variables.
Chemistry,

Chemistry

My love of physical sciences placed me on the path of becoming a Physicist. Along the way, I have taken courses in inorganic chemistry and have the experience to help students achieve their potential in the subject.
Geometry,

Geometry

Having attained a BSc in Mathematics and having taught community college courses as well as community college tutoring, I have a firm grasp of the fundamentals of mathematics and am able to pass on this understanding to my students. Geometry is an important fundamental element of mathematics, feeding in to trigonometry and calculs.
Physics,

Physics

I have attained a PhD in physics and have led undergraduate sessions; I have a firm grasp of the fundamentals of physics as well as a broader view of how these ideas can be applied in a research setting.
SAT Math

SAT Math

Having achieved ~700 on the math section of the SAT, I am eminently qualified to provide pointers in how to approach the math section of the exam. I know ways to maximize time spent to try to achieve the target score.

Test Preparation

ACT Math,

ACT Math

Having achieved a 36 composite on my ACT, I am eminently qualified to provide pointers in how to approach the math section of the exam. I know ways to maximize time spent to try to achieve the target score.
ACT Reading,

ACT Reading

The key to the reading section of the ACT is optimizing reading speed vs. comprehension. I begin by reviewing various methods to attempt to increase reading speed combined with strategies on how to approach answering the questions when using these methods.
ACT Science,

ACT Science

Having spent 20 years as an active scientist and having achieved a 36 on the ACT, I am eminently qualified to teach the methods behind interpreting scientific articles which is at the heart of this section.
GRE,

GRE

Having attained a PhD in Physics, I have successfully taken and passed the general GRE as well as the Physics and Mathematics subject tests. Having extensive experience in teaching methods of standardized tests, I have the ability to pass on strategies to use to optimize the score on the test.
SAT Math,

SAT Math

Having achieved ~700 on the math section of the SAT, I am eminently qualified to provide pointers in how to approach the math section of the exam. I know ways to maximize time spent to try to achieve the target score.
SAT Reading,

SAT Reading

Reading comprehension is a critical skill for the modern world. The ability to use context to learn new vocabulary is one of the strengths of the English language. Having achieved a 1310/1600 on the SAT back in the 80s, I have shown the ability to successfully take this part of the test and have hence developed the skills to pass on the necessary strategies to others.
SAT Writing

SAT Writing

The ability to write well is a critical skill for the modern world. The ability to properly use grammar and punctuation is necessary to concisely pass on ideas. Having achieved a 1310/1600 on the SAT back in the 80s, I have shown the ability to successfully take this part of the test and have hence developed the skills to pass on the necessary strategies to others.

Examples of Expertise

Michael has provided examples of their subject expertise by answering 1 question submitted by students on Wyzant’s Ask an Expert.

See all of Michael ’s answers ›

Ratings and Reviews

Rating

4.8 (132 ratings)
5 star
(110)
4 star
(18)
3 star
(2)
2 star
(1)
1 star
(1)

Reviews

Very informative and patient.

Michael was able to give me advice and feedback regarding a current assignment and guidance regarding a future assignment. He explained things in a way that I was able to grasp and understand it much better.

Daniel, 1 lesson with Michael

great tutor

Has a thorough understanding of physics and is effective at communicating in an understandable way to someone who does not have that same level of understanding.

Sawyer, 6 lessons with Michael

Had me doing the work myself

I learn by doing. He had me doing my test corrections so I will be able to do them myself next time. Great session this time

Theresa, 2 lessons with Michael

Excellent Tutor

Mike has helped my son improve his grades in both geometry and physical science. Within 2 weeks, we've seen tremendous improvement in his class quiz and test scores. My son's interaction with his teacher also improved due to the confidence he gained from the tutoring. Mike's 1:1 sessions really helped. He is the best for high school students.

Senthil, 88 lessons with Michael

Great tutor!

Very nice, and patience tutor.I enjoyed working with Michael. I look forward to working with him again in the future.

Hazel, 1 lesson with Michael
Hourly Rate: $60
Response time: 6 hours
Contact Michael