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Harvard Grad for Academic Tutoring and Test Prep
Paul W.

4.9 (538 ratings)

3,673 hours tutoring

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Hourly Rate: $99
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Response time: 2 hours

About Paul

Bio

Hi! I'm Paul. I have been tutoring and teaching since I was in high school. I am very patient and never judgmental; I see my role as working with students to reduce stress, not increase it. I work with learners of all ages, skill levels, and backgrounds. My clients have ranged from those looking to pass their GED to grad school students working on economics and econometrics. Having lived in several different countries, I particularly enjoy working with international students, since I have...

Hi! I'm Paul. I have been tutoring and teaching since I was in high school. I am very patient and never judgmental; I see my role as working with students to reduce stress, not increase it. I work with learners of all ages, skill levels, and backgrounds. My clients have ranged from those looking to pass their GED to grad school students working on economics and econometrics. Having lived in several different countries, I particularly enjoy working with international students, since I have been an international student myself when studying outside the U.S.

I formerly taught classes and individuals for SAT and GRE prep for Kaplan. This includes math, verbal, and analytical writing; in short, all sections of these exams. I have helped students prepare for the GED, ACT, SAT, GRE, and with coursework in economics, statistics, econometrics, math, English, writing, history, geography, Spanish, French, social studies, and more.

I help my students master not only the material they need to learn, but also their confidence in being able to do well in class and on tests. I have lots of experience in helping others learn how to manage their test anxiety, so they can perform at their best without nerves getting in their way.

I have degrees from Harvard, University of California at Berkeley, and Georgetown. I have achieved perfect scores on all sections of the SAT and GRE. But more than just being a good student and test-taker myself, I have learned to really listen to my clients' needs and present new information in a variety of ways until we find one together that clicks, and the student has that enlightening moment of reaching a new level of understanding.

Please note that I have a 24-hour cancellation policy, which means that you will still be billed if you cancel a session less than 24 hours in advance. (I instated this policy to be able to plan my schedule with reasonable certainty to serve the many students I work with.)

I look forward to meeting you and to helping you work successfully towards your goals!

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Education

Georgetown University
International Relations
Harvard University: Economics
Masters
University of California at Berkeley: Economics
Masters

Additional Languages

French
Spanish

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $99
  • Rate details: DISCOUNT: If we can meet near Beltline and Jupiter in Richardson, you can get the online rate. (If this works for you, please ask!)
  • Lesson cancellation: 24 hours notice required

  • Background check passed on 7/29/2016

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

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Approved Subjects

Algebra 1

Algebra 1

Algebra has always been one of my strongest subjects. From elementary through high school, I won several math competitions in algebra and geometry. In teaching algebra, I approach the subject from multiple perspectives, to see which one helps the student understand the material the best.
Algebra 2

Algebra 2

Algebra has always been one of my strongest subjects. From elementary through high school, I won several math competitions in various levels of algebra. In teaching algebra, I approach the subject from multiple perspectives, to see which one helps the student understand the material the best.
American History

American History

I did extremely well in all of my history classes in secondary school, including American History, because I realized something important (which I help my students see now): History is not about memorizing what happened. It's about seeing the important connections of how events and trends lead to other events and trends, on down the line and up to the present day. The other thing that helps in history classes is writing clearly and logically, which I do and which I can help students do too.
Econometrics

Econometrics

I have taken over 6 semesters of econometrics courses at the Ph.D. level. My grades were consistently in the range of A- to A. I frequently helped my classmates complete their homework and prepare for exams.
English

English

I have helped many students improve and refining their writing, which obviously applies to most disciplines, but tends to be emphasized most in English classes. I also bring a somewhat more scientific perspective to literature analysis, in that I work with students to consistently find clear textual evidence for the ideas they are presenting. (And yes, I just split an infinitive. It's okay; I promise!)
ESL/ESOL

ESL/ESOL

I have taught ESL off and on over the course of several years. I lived for two years in Taiwan as a full-time English teacher, but I have taught courses and helped students learn English in multiple countries where I have spent time, as well as working with immigrants here in the U.S., which I thoroughly enjoy.
European History

European History

Throughout high school and college, I had a keen interest in learning more about the world beyond the United States, and took a lot of courses on world history and various regional histories, including Europe. I like to help students see the big picture and put the material they are covering into a broader context to help make it more relevant and easier to understand and retain.
French

French

I have studied French for many years and now speak, read, and write it fluently. I lived in Paris for one year, and have worked in several Francophone countries over the years. I can help you make significant progress in your French studies, from the perspective of someone who has traveled the same path.
GED

GED

I have helped many students prepare for sections of the GED. I love working with students who feel like "the system" has let them down in some way, but who are nevertheless still working on their education. I am always patient and explore different ways of explaining concepts to find the one that makes the most sense to the student.
Geometry

Geometry

Geometry has long been a strong subject for me. From elementary through high school, I won several math competitions in geometry. In teaching geometry, I approach the subject from multiple perspectives, to see which one helps the student understand the material the best. Some students really respond to visual representations of the material, while others have an easier time with formulas and algebraic expressions. I am comfortable presenting the material either way, according to what works best for the student.
Government & Politics

Government & Politics

My major in undergrad was officially titled International Politics, but throughout high school and college, I have taken many courses on U.S. government and political history, as well as courses on comparative government and political science theory more generally, with an international perspective.
Grammar

Grammar

I am an unabashed grammar nerd! (I actually read books on the finer points of English grammar and usage.) But I think one of my real strengths is having studied several other languages. This has, somewhat counterintuitively, made the rules of grammar in my first language clearer, by seeing how they are reflected in other languages, but also how they differ.
GRE

GRE

I have taught GRE classes and done one-on-one tutoring for Kaplan. I can help you master all the material the test covers as well as giving you strategies for managing your time during the exam to maximize your score. I can also help you with strategies for managing any test-taking anxiety you have, so it does not get in your way.
Macroeconomics

Macroeconomics

I have a Master's in economics and have completed all my Ph.D. coursework in economics as well. Needless to say, after many years of focusing on the subject and studying it in depth, I can help guide you in your studies of economics, be it at the high-school level or in your own Ph.D. coursework.
Microeconomics

Microeconomics

I have a Master's in economics and have completed all my Ph.D. coursework in economics as well. Needless to say, after many years of focusing on the subject and studying it in depth, I can help guide you in your studies of economics, be it at the high-school level or in your own Ph.D. coursework.
Precalculus

Precalculus

I love working with math students as you move out of basic algebra and geometry and into more advanced material. Sometimes it can make your head spin, but I'm here to keep you from getting too dizzy. I work with you to get comfortable with the material, so you feel less stress and anxiety.
Probability

Probability

Probability and Statistics are interwoven subjects, and I have taken many semesters of this coursework at the graduate level. My way of explaining probability tends more towards the intuitive and less towards the mathematical, although I can cover the math too. So I can help you understand what the concepts mean, how they appear in applied contexts, and how you can use them in your own current schoolwork and future profession. This can complement the material you have covered in class, where the discussion often centers on how to calculate things without a lot of attention on when or why you would ever want to do so.
Proofreading

Proofreading

Proofreading is just one of those things I have always been innately good at. I am a huge grammar nerd and wordsmith. I will help you correct any errors that may be hiding in your writing. I can also discuss with you how to clarify your message in your writing, if that is desired. I have helped many students with high-stakes writing, such as applications to college and medical school.
PSAT

PSAT

I have helped many students improve their PSAT scores, which can help qualify for National Merit scholarships, and is a good "dress rehearsal" for taking the SAT for college applications.
SAT Math

SAT Math

I have taught SAT prep classes for Kaplan. I have scored 800 on the SAT Math section. I can walk you through all the material on this section step-by-step as well as give you strategies for managing the time to finish the section. I can also help you manage any test-taking anxiety so it does not get in your way.
SAT Reading

SAT Reading

I have taught SAT prep classes for Kaplan. I have scored 800 on the SAT Reading section. Reading on the SAT can feel a bit subjective at times, but I can show you the ways to see through the questions to know what the test makers are looking for. I can walk you through all the material on this section step-by-step as well as give you strategies for managing the time to finish the section. I can also help you manage any test-taking anxiety so it does not get in your way.
SAT Writing

SAT Writing

I have taught SAT prep classes for Kaplan. I have scored 800 on the SAT Writing section. While this section can feel subjective, I can show the template for the essay that will get you a high score and review all the grammar rules the multiple choice sections cover. I will also give you strategies for managing the time to finish the section. I can also help you manage any test-taking anxiety so it does not get in your way.
Spanish

Spanish

I have studied Spanish for many years and now speak, read, and write it fluently. I have lived and worked in several Spanish-speaking countries and for two years at the Inter-American Development Bank, a bilingual institution where meetings were routinely conducted in Spanish. I am familiar with many different accents from across the Spanish-speaking world. I can help you learn Spanish, from the perspective of someone who has been there myself.
STATA

STATA

During my grad school studies in economics, STATA was our go-to program for statistical and econometric analysis. So I have spent years working with STATA, both for my academic work and in my professional work as an economist with the World Bank and other organizations.
Statistics

Statistics

I have taken many semesters of statistics coursework at the graduate level. My way of explaining statistics tends more towards the intuitive and less towards the mathematical, although I can cover that too. So working with me can help you understand what the concepts mean; how they appear in actual data analysis; and you can use them in your own current schoolwork and future profession. This can complement the material you have covered in class, where the discussion often centers on how to calculate things.
World History

World History

When I was in high school, I won an award for being the top history student in my class of over 500 students. I took several more world history classes in college and did quite well in them. But more than just helping my students memorize facts, I strive to help them think about their history coursework in a more integrated fashion, and work on building up the reading comprehension and writing skills that are necessary to succeed in this subject.
Writing

Writing

I have worked with many students in high school and college to improve and refine their writing for course assignments, as well as college and great school applications. Good writing need not be fancy; it just needs to be a clear and precise communication. This clarity and precision of expression and of organization is what I help students achieve in their own writing.
Prealgebra
Reading
Social Studies
Spelling
TOEFL
Vocabulary

Examples of Expertise

Paul has provided examples of their subject expertise by answering 14 questions submitted by students on Wyzant’s Ask an Expert.

See all of Paul ’s answers ›
Paul W.'s Photo

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Ratings and Reviews

Rating

4.9 (538 ratings)
5 star
(515)
4 star
(12)
3 star
(1)
2 star
(2)
1 star
(8)

Reviews

Super cool teacher!

Paul was super humble and knowledgeable about English and also the college admissions process. Would definitely recommend if you need help on college essays/the SAT!

Hyun , 5 lessons with Paul

Very knowledgeable and patient

He is very well versed with STATA and guided me through the steps I needed to complete some tasks I was getting stuck with. English is not my first language, but he was very patient and explained everything that I needed help with.

Hesed, 1 lesson with Paul

Great tutor

Paul has been helping my son with SAT Reading. He targets my son's opportunity areas, with exercises, to address them. Hopeful that it will payoff in the next SAT test.

Jeannie, 4 lessons with Paul

Knowledgeable and patient!

As a mother of one of the students Paul teaches, I can tell you Paul always listens to me (whether it helps or not, IDK! - but he does listen:) which reassures me because this is the last course my ADHD son has to take to graduate!); Paul is always patient and flexible with my son in a variety of ways; and I feel he is on my son's side. My son is coming into a college stats course with very little background and many competing priorities and Paul is making it happen for my son. Paul is a really Good Guy to have on your side. Paul is there for you! Thanks Paul!!

Genna, 49 lessons with Paul

Algebra 2

Paul has helped our son better understand Algebra 2. He has helped our son bring his test scores up and explains things so well no matter how difficult the formulas or problems might be. Highly recommend him.

Stephanie, 4 lessons with Paul

Excellent, very knowledgeable on subject matter

We reviewed a few Econ problems, had an awesome experience. He made sure that he wasn't wasting my time, had me send over the work so he could prepare notes before the session started. Thank you!

Ben, 1 lesson with Paul

Econometrics 2 - great help

Paul helped me in a class with a difficult professor. He did a much better job explaining concepts than the professor. I really appreciate his responsiveness and availability when I needed him to help with problem sets and exam preparation. He is well worth the money.

Jack, 7 lessons with Paul

Great Tutor!

Paul was very good at helping my son with his writing and was very approachable and easy to talk to. He is a great tutor for anyone as he is very open with his ideas and doesn’t make it a one-sided conversation. The one thing I would ask for some improvement is about concision. At one point in the lesson, he talked a lot about how artificial suspense wasn’t something we should do, and then ended with saying that the writing piece in question didn’t have this. I appreciate the level of depth he went into on this topic, but I feel that this feedback could have been given. With that being said; he is a great tutor overall and I would highly recommend to anyone who needs help with their writing.

QING, 1 lesson with Paul

Expert and really good!

Paul did an amazing job noticing small discrepancies in my work and thoroughly working everything and examining it all to make sure I had a solid assignment by the end of the session. Really thankful for our session!

Logan, 1 lesson with Paul

Truly awesome!!

Paul was instrumental in helping me make high level stats topics more clear!! I would absolutely recommend him!!! He quickly responded to messages and was a pleasure to work with!

Derek, 1 lesson with Paul
Hourly Rate: $99
Response time: 2 hours
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