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Admissions & Writing Specialist | MA in English | AP + SAT Expertise
Aric D.

5.0 (66 ratings)

150 hours tutoring

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About Aric

Bio

If you’re struggling with writing, reading, or test prep -- or just not getting the results your hard work deserves -- I can help.

Over the past eight years, I’ve worked with hundreds of students across the country to improve grades, boost test scores, and gain admission to top colleges like Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Notre Dame, UCLA, and Michigan. Whether we’re tackling a college essay, AP English, or SAT/ACT prep, I give students the tools to write with clarity, think critically, and...

If you’re struggling with writing, reading, or test prep -- or just not getting the results your hard work deserves -- I can help.

Over the past eight years, I’ve worked with hundreds of students across the country to improve grades, boost test scores, and gain admission to top colleges like Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Notre Dame, UCLA, and Michigan. Whether we’re tackling a college essay, AP English, or SAT/ACT prep, I give students the tools to write with clarity, think critically, and perform with confidence.

My students include high achievers aiming for 5s on their AP exams, as well as overwhelmed teens trying to finally “get” essay structure or raise their verbal score by 100+ points.

Before tutoring full-time, I taught English at one of the top all-boys prep schools in the country. Prior to that, I earned my Master’s degree in English from UCLA, graduated from college at just 19 years of age, and passed 11 AP exams; I know what it means to move quickly without sacrificing depth!

But this isn’t just about credentials -- my real job is helping students feel more confident and capable, whether they’re writing an essay, preparing for a test, or trying to figure out the secrets of what a college admissions officer actually wants to hear.

If you’re finally ready to “lock in” and make meaningful progress, I’d love to help. Book a session today; I won’t be long in reaching out!

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Education

The Ohio State Universirty
English
University of California, Los Angeles
Masters

Additional Languages

Spanish

Policies

Schedule

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Approved Subjects

ACT English

ACT English

With over eight years of experience teaching grammar, writing, and rhetoric at the high school and college levels, I help students master the ACT English section with confidence. I focus on the most heavily tested concepts -- punctuation, sentence structure, style, and clarity -- and teach students how to spot and fix common errors quickly. My students don’t just memorize rules; they learn how to apply them under timed pressure to boost their scores.
ACT Reading

ACT Reading

With over eight years of experience teaching advanced English at both the high school and college levels, I help students master the strategies and skills needed to excel on the ACT Reading section. My background in AP English and literary analysis enables me to teach students how to read critically, manage time effectively, and eliminate wrong answer choices with confidence. I provide tailored strategies that focus on comprehension, vocabulary-in-context, and evidence-based reasoning.
College Counseling

College Counseling

I help students craft unforgettable college applications that get noticed. With over five years of experience and 100+ students admitted to top schools (including Harvard, Yale, UCLA, and Notre Dame), I guide every step of the process, from school selection to final essay polish. My specialty is helping students tell their stories with clarity, confidence, and impact, so that admissions officers don’t just read their applications, they remember them. If you're aiming high, I’ll help you stand out.
Creative Writing

Creative Writing

I’ve taught creative writing at both UCLA and at a top-ranked prep school, guiding students through fiction, poetry, and personal narrative. Whether you're struggling to get started or looking to refine your voice, I help writers generate ideas, develop vivid prose, and structure their work with purpose.
English

English

I hold a Master’s degree in English from UCLA and have over eight years of experience teaching English at both the high school and college levels. At a top-ranked Chicago prep school, I’ve taught AP English Language, AP English Literature, Writing Foundations, and Creative Writing. My students consistently score above a “4” on AP exams, and I’ve received multiple teaching awards for my work at UCLA.
Essay Writing

Essay Writing

With a Master’s in English and over eight years of experience teaching academic writing, I help students master the full essay process -- from planning and thesis development to structure, analysis, and polish. I’ve taught essay writing at both the college and secondary levels, and I specialize in helping students clarify their thinking and express it with precision. Whether you're writing a literary analysis, persuasive argument, or research paper, I’ll give you the tools and feedback to write with confidence and purpose.
Fiction Writing

Fiction Writing

I’ve taught fiction writing in both high school and college settings, and I love helping young writers turn raw ideas into unforgettable stories. Whether it’s fantasy, coming-of-age, or something totally experimental, I guide students through character, structure, and voice with equal parts skill and encouragement.
Grammar

Grammar

With a Master’s in English from UCLA and over eight years of teaching experience, I help students master the grammar skills they need to write clearly and confidently. I specialize in identifying and correcting common issues like run-ons, fragments, verb tense confusion, and punctuation errors. My approach is practical and direct -- I teach grammar in the context of writing so students not only understand the rules but know how to apply them in essays and exams.
GRE

GRE

With a Master’s in English and years of experience teaching advanced reading and academic writing, I help students excel on the GRE Verbal and Analytical Writing sections. I teach proven strategies for tackling complex texts, mastering vocabulary in context, and approaching each writing prompt with clarity and precision. My methods focus on efficiency, logic, and structure; my students boost their scores while developing real skills that wills serve them in all their future endeavors.
Literature

Literature

With a Master’s degree in English from UCLA and over eight years of teaching experience, I specialize in helping students who struggle to understand complex literature. I break down dense texts -- like Shakespeare, Faulkner, and Milton -- into clear, manageable ideas. My students gain the tools to write stronger essays, participate confidently in class, and perform better on quizzes, tests, and AP/college exams.
Personal Statements

Personal Statements

In my role as an English instructor at an elite all-boys prep school, I have assisted over 100 students with drafting compelling college application essays and personal statements, resulting in acceptances to institutions such as Harvard, Yale, Princeton, UCLA, Notre Dame, Hillsdale, and the University of Michigan.
Philosophy

Philosophy

With a Master’s in English and years of experience teaching close reading and argumentation, I help students tackle the challenges of philosophy with clarity and confidence. Whether you're reading Plato, Nietzsche, or Kant, I break down dense texts into understandable ideas and teach students how to engage critically with arguments. I emphasize logical thinking, textual analysis, and writing skills that translate directly to better essays and classroom performance.
Proofreading

Proofreading

I help students take their writing from good to exceptional by refining grammar, style, flow, and clarity—without losing their voice. With a Master’s in English and years of experience teaching writing at both the high school and college level, I know what strong, polished work looks like. Whether it's a college essay, research paper, or creative project, I provide sharp, thoughtful feedback that elevates every sentence. My goal is simple: to make your writing clean, confident, and impossible to ignore.
PSAT

PSAT

I help students build a rock-solid foundation for the PSAT, combining expert instruction in grammar, reading comprehension, and test strategy. With over eight years of experience teaching English and preparing students for standardized tests, I focus on practical techniques that improve accuracy, timing, and confidence. My approach gives students a competitive edge -- whether they're aiming for National Merit recognition or simply preparing early for the SAT, we’ll break down the test together and build skills that will pay off for years to come.
Reading

Reading

I work with students to strengthen their reading comprehension, build confidence, and develop strategies for understanding a wide range of texts. With a Master’s degree in English and several years of experience teaching reading and literature, I help students learn how to identify main ideas, interpret meaning, and stay engaged with what they’re reading. My approach is patient, supportive, and tailored to each student’s needs. Whether your child is behind or just wants extra guidance, I’m here to help them improve at their own pace.
SAT Reading

SAT Reading

With over eight years of experience teaching advanced English at both the high school and college levels, I help students master the strategies and skills needed to excel on the SAT Reading section. My background in AP English and literary analysis enables me to teach students how to read critically, manage time effectively, and eliminate wrong answer choices with confidence. I provide tailored strategies that focus on comprehension, vocabulary-in-context, and evidence-based reasoning.
SAT Writing

SAT Writing

I have over eight years of experience teaching grammar, rhetoric, and academic writing—skills at the heart of the SAT Writing & Language section. I help students quickly identify patterns in punctuation, sentence structure, transitions, and word choice, using strategies that improve both accuracy and speed. My sessions are practical, focused, and designed to eliminate confusion around grammar rules and style questions. Many of my students have raised their scores significantly and gained the confidence to tackle even the trickiest writing passages.
Spanish

Spanish

I hold a C1 certification in Spanish from the Instituto Cervantes, demonstrating advanced proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. As a high school Spanish instructor, I’ve designed and taught original curriculum for a course titled “Spanish Conversation and Culture,” helping students build fluency and cultural literacy. My tutoring focuses on conversational mastery, grammar, and real-world usage.
Spelling

Spelling

Spelling isn’t just memorization -- it’s a doorway into how language works. With a Master’s in English and a deep love of etymology, I help students learn the roots, patterns, and logic behind English spelling so it actually makes sense. From Greek and Latin roots to common suffixes and silent letters, I teach students to spot the “why” behind tricky words -- and retain them more easily as a result. If your child struggles with spelling or just wants to grow their vocabulary, I’ll help them become more confident and curious about the language they use every day.
Study Skills

Study Skills

I help students develop the tools they need to take control of their learning -- whether that means managing time, staying organized, or studying more effectively for tests and assignments. I know what it’s like to struggle with focus and follow-through; I once did too! But by developing the right habits, I went from disorganized and overwhelmed to entering a PhD-track graduate program at just 20 years old. Now, I teach students the same systems, strategies, and mindset shifts that helped me make that leap, allowing them to succeed with less stress and more clarity.
Vocabulary

Vocabulary

With a Master’s in English and over eight years of classroom and tutoring experience, I help students master vocabulary for academic writing, standardized tests, and confident communication. I teach practical strategies -- like root analysis, context decoding, and precision usage -- that go far beyond memorization. Whether you're preparing for the SAT, ACT, GRE, or simply want to elevate your reading and writing, I’ll help you expand your word power with intention and clarity. My students leave with stronger language skills and a deeper understanding of how words work.
Writing

Writing

With over 8 years of experience teaching writing at elite institutions like UCLA and a top Chicago prep school, I’ve helped hundreds of students transform their writing from average to exceptional. I specialize in structure, clarity, thesis development, and voice -- key ingredients for strong academic and application essays. Whether your child is struggling with basic organization or aiming for top scores in AP Lang or college admissions, I provide clear, expert strategies tailored to their goals. Many of my students have gone on to earn acceptances from Harvard, Princeton, and other top-tier universities.
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Ratings and Reviews

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5.0 (66 ratings)
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Reviews

fantastic teacher!

Aric is an outstanding teacher. My daughter Aima has taken two lessons with him, during which Aric successfully identified the fundamental reason why she had been struggling to improve her writing. In subsequent tutoring sessions, he employed targeted methods to help Aima systematically address these issues step by step. This makes me confident that with continued guidance from Aric, Aima will achieve substantial improvement in both her writing and reading skills over time.

Li, 26 lessons with Aric

Best English we have ever had!

We feel so lucky to have found Aric for our 9th grader son’s English lessons. He is very professional and knowledgeable, incredibly patient and encouraging. He is also very flexible and responsive! Over the summer, he helped our son improve his writing, and now he’s been guiding him through PSAT prep and ongoing writing work. Each session with Aric is always well-prepared, organized, and efficient. He has a wonderful way of keeping things goal-oriented while still making our son feel supported and motivated. After every lesson, he takes the time to send us detailed notes—highlighting strengths and pointing out areas to keep improving—which has been so helpful. Truly, Aric is the best English teacher we’ve ever had, and we look forward to continuing to work with him long term! We would highly recommend him to anyone who needs help with English!

lisa, 13 lessons with Aric

Highly recommended!

Aric is an exceptionally attentive teacher. After each lesson, I receive detailed feedback about the class, which helps me stay informed about my children's progress. Both of my children, Aima and Matt, have benefited greatly from his guidance. I can see them improving consistently. Thanks!

Li, 26 lessons with Aric

Great teacher !

Aric is extremely knowledgeable in the subject and always takes the time to explain concepts in a way that makes them clear and manageable. What stands out most is his patience and the genuine care he shows for my son’s progress. He goes beyond just covering material—he provides relevant strategies and feedback which helped with confidence in class. It’s rare to find a tutor who is both an expert and so invested in a student’s success.

Remy, 5 lessons with Aric

Exceptional teacher!

Aric is an exceptional teacher. My son Matt took his ACT lesson today, and after the session Matt shared how much he benefited from it. Aric guided him to revisit the passages to analyze each answer, which helped Matt gain a deeper understanding of the reasoning behind every question. Thank you, Aric!

Li, 26 lessons with Aric