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Ivy League Tutor | Specializes in Test Prep Skills & Math
Derek C.

5.0 (50 ratings)

112 hours tutoring

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About Derek

Bio

Hi! I'm Derek, an Applied Mathematics student at Brown University.

I tutor SAT/PSAT Math and Reading & Writing, high school math through Precalculus, AP and college calculus, introductory Java, and college application strategy.

I was accepted to Brown, Duke, University of Chicago, Columbia, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, and University of Florida, where I received a full-ride scholarship. I also received likely letters from Yale and Harvard as well as working closely with a student...

Hi! I'm Derek, an Applied Mathematics student at Brown University.

I tutor SAT/PSAT Math and Reading & Writing, high school math through Precalculus, AP and college calculus, introductory Java, and college application strategy.

I was accepted to Brown, Duke, University of Chicago, Columbia, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, and University of Florida, where I received a full-ride scholarship. I also received likely letters from Yale and Harvard as well as working closely with a student who received a full-ride to Princeton.

My academic background includes:

- 1520 on the SAT: 770 Math & 750 Reading & Writing
- 1470 on the PSAT/NMSQT, including a perfect score on the math and recognition as a National Merit Finalist
- All A’s throughout the calculus sequence (Calculus I, II, and III)
- Java certification and Completion of Brown’s introductory computer science sequence

I’m also the founder of Elevate Your Aptitude, a nonprofit organization focused on SAT/PSAT preparation and college readiness. Through it, I've tutor students across a wide range of skill levels, taught SAT exam concepts to larger groups, and spent hundreds of hours studying and tutoring these tests. Students I've worked with have improved their SAT score by about 150 points on average.

As a tutor, I am known for being patient, clear, and highly reasoning-focused. My tutoring style is active and student-centered: Rather than simply giving students answers, I guide them through the thought process behind each problem so they can learn how to approach similar questions independently.

With all that said, I'd be happy to help!

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Education

Brown University
Applied Mathematics

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Approved Subjects

Algebra 1

Algebra 1

I scored a 770 on the SAT Math section and a perfect score on the PSAT Math. I'm an Applied Mathematics student at Brown University with several years of tutoring experience through the nonprofit I founded: Elevate Your Aptitude. I’ve taught dozens of high school students in Algebra, Algebra II, Geometry, SAT Math, and advanced problem-solving skills. I specialize in breaking down difficult Algebra concepts clearly and helping students build long-term confidence in their ability.
Algebra 2

Algebra 2

I scored a 770 on the SAT Math section and a perfect score on the PSAT Math. I'm an Applied Mathematics student at Brown University with several years of tutoring experience through the nonprofit I founded: Elevate Your Aptitude. I’ve taught dozens of high school students in Algebra, Algebra II, Geometry, SAT Math, and advanced problem-solving skills. I specialize in breaking down difficult Algebra II concepts clearly and helping students build long-term confidence in their ability.
Calculus

Calculus

I have taken AP Calculus AB as well as finishing my computational Calculus education at Brown in my freshman year (up to Calculus III), so I'm well adjusted to both AP-style questions as well as college-level rigor. I am skillful in simplifying complex concepts into more easily digestible bits.
College Counseling

College Counseling

I am qualified to guide students through the college admissions process because I have personally navigated highly selective admissions, earning acceptance to Brown University, Duke, University of Chicago, Columbia, University of Florida with a full ride, and more. As the founder of a nonprofit focused on college readiness and SAT/PSAT preparation I have helped students strengthen their academic profiles, test-taking skills, and confidence. My experience combines admissions knowledge with practical tutoring and mentorship. I have worked closely with students for years, and I am especially proud to have been a part in helping a student receive admission to Princeton on a full ride scholarship. I hope to be of some help!
Geometry

Geometry

I help students build a strong, intuitive understanding of high school Geometry, whether they need class support, preparation for an exam, or an accelerated review of the curriculum. As an Applied Mathematics student at Brown University, I emphasize understanding why geometric relationships work rather than memorizing disconnected formulas. I recently helped two students cover the Geometry curriculum on an intensive one-month timeline, using carefully selected practice materials and regular progress updates for the parent. My goal is to make proofs and multi-step problems feel systematic while helping students become confident solving unfamiliar problems independently.
Precalculus

Precalculus

I got a 5 on the AP Precalculus AP exam. I believe Precalculus is best understood, and explained by, people who fully understand the depths of computational Calculus. In freshly finishing the Calculus sequence in college, I now have a strong grasp on how Precalculus concepts work and where they come from. I would love to make these seemingly random concepts more understandable!
PSAT

PSAT

I specialize in SAT and PSAT preparation: I scored a 1470/1520 on the PSAT/NMSQT, became a National Merit Semifinalist and later a National Merit Finalist, and scored a 1520/1600 on the SAT with a 750 in Reading & Writing and a 770 in Math. I also founded Elevate Your Aptitude, a nonprofit focused on helping students build college readiness skills, including SAT/PSAT preparation. Through that work and my experience tutoring with my school’s National Honor Society, I’ve helped students approach academic challenges with more confidence. I currently attend Brown University, and I bring both strong academic qualifications and a patient, encouraging teaching style to my tutoring.
SAT Math

SAT Math

I earned a perfect PSAT Math score, scored 770 on SAT Math, and became a National Merit Finalist. I also founded Elevate Your Aptitude, a nonprofit where I teach SAT and PSAT concepts to high school students. Students I’ve worked with have improved their overall SAT scores by about 150 points on average. For digital SAT Math, I start with a diagnostic to find the skills costing a student points. Then I build targeted practice around those gaps, teach the reasoning behind each method, and show when Desmos is useful. My goal is for students to approach unfamiliar questions independently, with a clear plan for what to practice between lessons.
SAT Reading

SAT Reading

I specialize in SAT and PSAT preparation: I scored a 1470/1520 on the PSAT/NMSQT, became a National Merit Semifinalist and later a National Merit Finalist, and scored a 1520/1600 on the SAT with a 750 in Reading & Writing and a 770 in Math. I also founded Elevate Your Aptitude, a nonprofit focused on helping students build college readiness skills, including SAT/PSAT preparation. Through that work and my experience tutoring with my school’s National Honor Society, I’ve helped students approach academic challenges with more confidence. I currently attend Brown University, and I bring both strong academic qualifications and a patient, encouraging teaching style to my tutoring.
Prealgebra
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Ratings and Reviews

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5.0 (50 ratings)
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Reviews

A tutor who delivers real results!

Derek is an absolute elite-tier tutor, and hiring him for my daughter’s Algebra 2 prep was the best decision we made! He proactively introduced the entire Algebra 2 curriculum to her this summer. Because of his excellent teaching, she has grasped the concepts phenomenally well. Even though the school year hasn’t officially started yet, she is already successfully flying through the textbook practice tests and other advanced study apps completely on her own. Derek has a rare gift for taking intimidating mathematical concepts and breaking them down into crystal-clear, digestible steps. He has given my daughter a massive head start, completely removing the usual stress that comes with this course. She is entering the school year full of confidence and ahead of the curve. Derek is professional, encouraging, and deeply invested in his students success.

Wande, 25 lessons with Derek

Outstanding Math Tutor

Derek has been an excellent resource for my daughter as she navigates AP Calculus. She was initially overwhelmed by challenging topics like euler's method, but Derek has helped her understand them completely. He has a great ability to explain complex math in a straightforward, clear way. He is patient and professional, and my daughter now feels much more confident about the course. I highly recommend him to any parent looking for a calculus tutor.

Ash, 5 lessons with Derek

Extremely Smart and Patient Tutor

Derek worked with my younger brother really well. He was able to identify key gaps that needed to be addressed and gave a route to handle them efficiently. He really is a great guy and is very organized and communicative. Couldn't ask for a better tutor!

Cyrus, 5 lessons with Derek

Highly effective tutor with outstanding results

Derek has done a fantastic job teaching Geometry to my son. I set a tight timeline, asking him to cover the material in just one month, and he absolutely delivered. He is incredibly thorough and makes sure his students genuinely understand the concepts rather than just memorizing them. He also utilizes excellent textbooks and materials that support learning perfectly. Beyond his teaching skills, Derek’s communication with parents is outstanding. He keeps me consistently updated on my son's progress. We are so grateful for his dedication and highly recommend him to anyone looking for a top-tier math tutor!

Hima Bindu, 17 lessons with Derek

Outstanding Geometry Tutor!

Derek was highly knowledgeable, patient, and informative. My daughter really enjoyed being introduced to new geometry concepts. Though she had previously self-taught some of the material, Derek brought fantastic strategies to reinforce and bolster that existing knowledge whenever she struggled. He also assigned homework. Great session overall!

Wande, 25 lessons with Derek

Outstanding Geometry Tutor!

Derek was highly knowledgeable, patient, and informative. My daughter really enjoyed being introduced to new geometry concepts. Though she had previously self-taught some of the material, Derek brought fantastic strategies to reinforce and bolster that existing knowledge whenever she struggled. He also assigned homework. Great session overall!

Wande, 25 lessons with Derek