5+ Year College Access Professional; 2+ Year ACT Prep Instructor

Daniel M.

I hold a B.S. in Philosophy and Cognitive Studies (Highest Honors) from Vanderbilt University and completed graduate coursework in philosophy as a Guillaume Dupaix International Master's Scholar at the Université du Luxembourg. For the past several years, I have worked as an ACT Preparation Instructor and College Connection Mentor in Nashville, where I have advised over 1,900 Metro Nashville Public School students on college access, financial aid, and test preparation. I also hold multiple certifications in generative AI and educational technology through Coursera and Vanderbilt University, which I use to personalize instruction and build targeted practice materials for each student.
My ACT teaching experience spans both classroom and one-on-one settings, working primarily with high school juniors and seniors ranging from students just beginning their prep to those retesting to hit a specific score target. Every engagement starts with a full diagnostic session — a timed, scored practice test — so we know exactly where a student is losing points before we spend a single session on instruction. From there, I build a structured plan around their test date and goals, working section by section with a focus on the highest-leverage improvements first.
I specialize in working with students who need a real plan, not just more practice problems. My background in college access means I also understand how a student's ACT score connects to their broader path — which schools are realistic, which scores are competitive, and how to build a timeline that makes sense. I work with students from a wide range of starting points and am especially experienced supporting first-generation college students navigating this process for the first time.