David

I have been a tutor since 2012, specializing in ELA and social studies. Since 2019, I've also specialized in AP courses and College Admission Essays. I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Creative Writing, where I minored in Journalism, History, and Political Science. Additionally, I possess two Master of Arts degrees in Creative Writing, one focusing on Education and the other on Speculative Fiction.

My tutoring style:

I am enthusiastic and student-centered about the topics I teach. As someone with high-functioning autism, I understand the need to adapt to each student, recognizing that every individual has a unique approach to achieving success. I enjoy getting to know my students and asking them open-ended questions to ensure we share a common understanding and stay focused on the topic. My goal is for students to leave each session with the knowledge they sought when they arrived and to learn something new before they go. The success of each student means everything to me.

Success story:

In the summer and fall of 2024, I worked with twin sisters on their college track. They had very different approaches to the colleges they wanted to attend in the fall of 2025. I met with them from August to December to help with their college and supplemental essays. One of the sisters received a partial scholarship to Suffolk University, which she committed to, while the other was accepted to Northwestern University, where she also received a partial scholarship. Both were accepted into their top three schools (with Northwestern being the number one choice). This made my day, as both sisters sent me videos of them reading their acceptance emails and sharing their excitement about getting into their chosen schools. One sister will be studying business, and the other psychology.

Another student from the summer and fall of 2024 aspired to go to UT Austin, and she was determined to ensure that happened. I helped her develop three other schools, safety schools and even backups, just in case. We worked together on supplemental essays, as she had already completed her admissions essay. Ultimately, she got into UT Austin and her safety schools, and committed to her top school.

I have helped seven to ten private students per year over the past five years, mainly in California. I've also helped some through word-of-mouth that went to other schools like UT Austin, UC Davis, Sacramento State, Boston University, and others. I have helped with the Common App, the admissions essay, supplementals, and ensuring that the college application process is smooth by setting realistic goals, planning, organizing, and keeping my students on point.