Graham

Tutoring Experience

I have previously tutored students in Spanish, Math and Biology at a high school level.The peers and younger students who I helped consistently saw improvements in their test scores and ultimately their course grades.

I also worked with one student on college admissions: together, we worked through practice standardized test material and strategy (primarily ACT), discussed college application timelines and goals, and considered the pros and cons of different schools.I also worked with the student to develop their essays and find topics about which they could truly write with passion.Throughout high school, I had also provided advice and assistance with coursework.I’m proud to say that this student graduated high school with a 4.00 GPA and will attend Yale University after taking a gap year.

Tutoring Approach

Tuition Approach & Philosophy

I am a firm believer in the importance of understanding the concepts which undergird a subject.To that end, I try to get my students to think for themselves—generally, I avoid simply giving answers, and instead I aim for the student to arrive at the correct answer on their own, and to understand why that is the correct answer.This was the philosophy which I adhered to throughout high school, and it has led to a greater retention of what I learn and I’ve also noticed an improved ability to apply my knowledge to new problems compared to peers who instead “studied for the test.”

Still, I recognize that any student I’m working with is probably aiming to succeed by the conventional metrics.In the case of coursework (math, biology) tutoring, I’ll generally ask the student to share their assignments with me.Together, we can work through the problems so that, should a similar problem appear on a future assignment or an exam, the student is prepared and able to flexibly apply what they learned in their homework.

For the ACT and SAT, I generally like to work through practice exams.This might mean going over a test together, or it could take the form of reviewing a test which the student has taken on their own time.We’ll focus on missed questions in order to understand why an answer was wrong, and how to approach the question successfully.Standardized exams are often quite formulaic and have recurring types of questions, making it possible to effectively prepare.

College admissions counselling and essay advising depend on where in the process a student is.Do they have colleges to which they’d like to apply picked out already, or do they need help with this phase?Do they have an essay topic yet?Do they have university-specific essays or questions to respond to?I am happy to help regardless of the phase.In any case, my goal is to help produce a strong essay which was clearly written by the applicant, and which illuminates their passion.

Regardless of what subject I’m tutoring, I always aim to create a relaxed, low-stress environment.This is where students do their best work, and school, college applications, and exams create enough pressure as it is.I’m here to improve admission chances and academic performance, and that should be an enjoyable process.Learning should be fun!