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Tutoring FAQs

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Why should we trust you?​

Because it's incredibly difficult to retake an AP course or exam.

AP is different from almost all of the major exams and classes.  First, the exam comes with a course that your child has to do well in if they wish to maintain a high GPA.  By definition, these courses ask a lot of students.  For many students, that is a tough transition.  Second, your child gets one chance to take The Exam.  It can't be easily retaken like the SAT and ACT.

So it's crucial to have support that optimizes for the best outcomes.  From my perspective, that type of support has two components:

1. Extensive knowledge of the content, the course, and the exam.

Your child needs to have a detailed understanding of hundreds of years of history.  That means your child's tutor needs to have an even more detailed understanding of history.  I have a bachelor's degree in History.  I taught US and World History for nine years before I became a tutor.  Since then, I've specialized tutoring AP World History and AP US History.  Because I focus on these two courses, I know them inside out.

2. A science-based, holistic approach to learning.

Unfortunately, tutoring is a largely unregulated industry.  And that means snake-oil salesmen abound.  People make wild claims about the efficacy of programs and strategies that were proven ineffective before your child was born.  These theories aren't just wrong, they're actively harmful.  They hinder your child's progress towards their goals and erode their confidence.

Luckily, how people learn is known and understood.  I help students free themselves from limiting beliefs brought on by edu-myths and misconceptions.  I do that by relying on scientific consensus and tracking new research.  And if you're ever curious about why I'm doing what I'm doing, I will explain it and cite my sources.  Or I'll do it differently.

I'm also a little old-school.  In that, I don't just believe that education is for academics.  Certainly, it is important that your child gets top grades and a high score on their exam.  But the earliest advocates of public education in the United States, like Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, wrote passionately about the need for a educated citizenry to preserve democracy.  My goal is to not just help your child succeed at one exam, but to have the skills and knowledge required to live a healthy, fruitful, and engaged life.

Why should we invest in one-to-one tutoring instead of going with a big test prep company?

This is a great question, and an important one to ask.  After all, you want what's best for your child.  There's no doubt that big name companies put together attractive packages for their customers.  I mean, who can argue with getting a full refund back if your child doesn't get a 5 on the exam?


Here's the thing.  Ultimately, you don't want your money back.  You want your child to do well on this exam.  An exam that they can only take once.  Here are some reasons why a big company may not be the best option.


First, test prep companies place significant restrictions on their tutors.  They typically require that a tutor uses their materials, which may or may not be the best fist for your child.  They also vary widely in quality.  Test prep is not immune from the proliferation of AI slop questions that are filled with errors, factual and grammatical.


I'm not limited to anybody's prescribed program.  I develop many of my own materials, and use resources from only the highest quality books and websites.  This means that I can give your child the support they deserve.


Second, test prep companies have a lot of demand for part of the year, and a lack of demand for the rest of it.  So they rapidly hire people part-time to fill in the gaps.  They may not be able to guarantee that you'll work with the same tutor for each session.  That means the tutor can't get to know your child and may not be an expert in the content.  They may not have any training in education.  The result?  They fall back on a prescriptive set of exercises that may not match your child's needs.


In contrast, I can guarantee that I will be the only person who works with your child.  I get to know each student who works with me, and I work hard to build strong relationships with each student.  Your child is not a number or interchangeable with another child, and I won't treat them like they are.  I handle all aspects of the business, from scheduling to selecting materials.  If you have any concerns, you'll know that you have one, single point of contact.  You can call, text, or email at any time.


These relationships are so important to me that I welcome any prospective client to set up a free, no obligation consultation call.  You can pick out a time here!​

Everything sounds good, but we hated online school.  Why would this be different?

Well, that makes two of us!


I also hated online school.  Half the class didn't show up, I lectured to tiny black squares, and basically nobody learned anything.  


We all had to get through a tough period, but thankfully the pandemic has ended and we can move on.  Online tutoring is not like online school.


First, it's highly interactive.  There are no prerecorded videos, canned lessons, or frantically pulled together lessons.  As a tutor, I have the opportunity to get to know students better than I ever did in the classroom.  I listen carefully to your child, so I can understand their needs, concerns, and goals.  I respond, in real-time, with tailored advice, drills, and review to help your child get the most out of every session.


Second, online tutoring opens up options for busy families.  Online tutoring opens up more possibilities.  You can look for a tutor who has expertise in a specific exam, or character traits you want your child to see.  You don't have to accept a handful of in person options if they're not right for you.  Furthermore, tutoring online eliminates significant hassle.  You don't need the burden of trying to wedge two more drives into your schedule.


I don't want you to take my word for it.  Instead, you can look at my reviews, which consistently highlight high quality instruction that is "fun" and "supportive."  Plus, I offer a no questions asked guarantee.  If you are not happy with the last lesson your child takes, you get your money back.​

What are your terms and conditions?

Do you have experience helping neurodiverse students?

Yes!  All students are welcome! I have extensive training and experience working with students with 504 plans, IEPs, and diverse learning needs.  I have formal training in accessible learning design and educational psychology.  I have seen first-hand how additional support can help students thrive in their AP class.​

What times are available?

From August through November, I tutor Monday through Wednesday.  From November to mid-May, I tutor Sunday through Thursday.  Please contact me directly for availability during June and July.


Year-round, my earliest availability is at 1:00 PM Eastern/10:00 AM Pacific.  My last spot is at 9:10 PM Eastern/6:10 PM Pacific.  ​

Don't see your question?  You can schedule a free consultation at any time.  Click here for availability.

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