Tutoring Subjects

Science and Math:

Pre-Med Requirements -General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physics, Biology, & Calculus: I'm very familiar with the Pre-med requirements at NYU, Columbia, and Hunter. Problem solving ability is particularly important in these subjects, so we'll spend most of our time working through problems. I'll guide you through exercises, so you can solve problems and further develop your critical thinking skills. Each session is customized to fit your needs; we'll go over your current homework and practice tests, and generate study materials like notes and flash cards when needed. I've dealt with a lot of exasperated pre-med students so I know how to keep your spirits up.

Statistics: I tutor first semester statistics class as well as higher level statistics classes. I'm familiar with statistics software packages such as SPSS (PASW), Stata, and also more basic programs like Minitab and the Excel Analysis Tool Pack. I'll explain the concepts and what methods to apply to the different types of problems. We can use both condensed notes and flashcards to help explain and remember concepts.

Higher-Level Math Classes: Linear Algebra, Discrete Mathematics, Number Theory, Mathematical Logic, Set Theory, Multi-Variable Calculus. I particularly enjoy the challenge of helping someone with a proof-based class. We will focus on understanding the definitions and problem-solving strategies emphasized in your class. I have a number of innovative techniques to help you develop the high level of problem solving required for these subjects. (If you're taking an upper level math class that you don't see listed above, let me know; I might be able to help you with it.)

High School Math and Science: The math and science AP and Regents can be intimidating to many high school students. The SAT can be frightening. My relaxed style and enthusiasm for the subject material help students stay focused and build self-confidence. We'll go over practice tests, identify strengths and weaknesses, and master important skills. When students begin to understand difficult concepts, they can relax and believe in themselves.

Tutoring for the Tests

LSAT: I took the LSAT in June 2009 scored in the 99th percentile with a 176. I teach from the Powerscore series of LSAT books. I've also developed additional materials including weekly review sheets and flash cards. All my students also purchase the workbook "The Next 10 Actual Official LSAT Tests." During the first session we will begin learning about the Logical Reasoning section. At the end of our session I'll assign questions and work for the upcoming week. In subsequent sessions, we'll review homework and move on to new material. I have a specialized approach for each section, and we'll focus on questions you have trouble with.

GRE: If you become my GRE student, I'll ask you to take a full practice test before we begin tutoring, because it is important to be able to measure your progress, and also to help you build the stamina you'll need to take this four-hour test without getting exhausted.

The math section is where my students tend to need the most help. I'll identify your strengths and weaknesses from your first practice test, and create a personalized schedule to maximize the amount of time you have to study for the exam. Unlike classroom-based GRE programs like Kaplan, which teach all students the exact same material, I'll help you pinpoint which skills will help you boost your scores the most, and we'll focus on those during out tutoring sessions.

Although my specialty is math tutoring, I'm right at home helping people with the analytical writing section, since I was an English major and a philosophy minor in college. Luckily, the makers of the GRE have published all the possible writing topics on their website. As homework between tutoring sessions, I'll ask you to write an essay according to one of the topics listed. When we meet up, we'll go over the essay together, and talk about how it might be improved.

Studying for the verbal section is mostly a matter of memorizing vocabulary words, which you'll have to do on your own, but I'll help you organize this task by helping you make paper flash cards, electronic flash cards for your smartphone, and even audio files you can use to drill yourself on the words you need to know.

GMAT: I always ask my GMAT students to take a full sample GMAT test before we begin tutoring, for a number of reasons: to create a benchmark for measuing your progress, to pinpoint strebgths and weaknesses, and also to help build the stamina for your actual test date.

The Quantitative Section is my personal specialty. I'll help you review (or learn) the math concepts you need, and supply you with drills and exercises to reinforce what you've reviewed. I also have a number or logic exercises and drills to help you approach the Data Sufficiency questions.

The Integrative Reasoning Section hasn't been around for long, but I've reviewed all of the examples published by the Graduate Management Admission Council, which administers the GMAT. I'll introduce a few concepts in logic that can be helpful for this section (as well as the quantitative section), and show you how to apply them by going through some of the problems together.

If you're having trouble with the Verbal Section, we can discuss strategies and tactics for approaching the Critical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension questions, and review common grammar and style mistakes for the Sentence Correction questions.

To prepare for the Analytical Writing Assessment, I'll have you write practice essays on your own time using one of the many sample topics publish on the Graduate Management Admission Council website. Then, using the skills i learned as and English major and a philosophy minor in college, I'll show you how you can improve your writing as we go over the essay together.