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Ivy League test prep tutor - SAT/ACT/GRE/SSAT/ISEE
Kathryn S.

4.9 (657 ratings)

2,743 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee
Hourly Rate: $200
Contact Kathryn
Response time: 37 minutes
Kathryn S.'s Photo

Ivy League test prep tutor - SAT/ACT/GRE/SSAT/ISEE
Ivy League test prep tutor - SAT/ACT/GRE/SSAT/ISEE
Kathryn S.

4.9 (657 ratings)

2,743 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee
4.9 (657 ratings)

2,743 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

About Kathryn

Bio

I am a Dartmouth College grad and current MBA student with nearly 20 years of professional tutoring experience and outstanding student results. I've helped coach students to 300+ point improvements on the SAT, 5+ point improvements on the ACT and 25%+ improvements on the SSAT and ISEE. I have particular expertise with standardized tests such as the SAT, ACT, GRE, SSAT and ISEE. I also tutor math and writing for middle school and high school students.

I am able to work with students in a...

I am a Dartmouth College grad and current MBA student with nearly 20 years of professional tutoring experience and outstanding student results. I've helped coach students to 300+ point improvements on the SAT, 5+ point improvements on the ACT and 25%+ improvements on the SSAT and ISEE. I have particular expertise with standardized tests such as the SAT, ACT, GRE, SSAT and ISEE. I also tutor math and writing for middle school and high school students.

I am able to work with students in a variety of subjects, ages, and academic levels - from the student trying to break 1000 on the SAT to one trying to attain a perfect score, and from a student struggling in math class to one trying to score a 5 on the AP exam. The key is that while I work with students on general strategies, I am also able to pinpoint areas of strength and weakness specific to each individual child and work on improvement.

I was trained by and spent 5 years working for one of the major test prep companies. While working for that company, I earned a "Tutor of the Year" award and I was one of the most in-demand tutors for my excellent student results. Specifically, one of my students earned a perfect score on the SAT and I've helped coach several other students to perfect section scores.

Test success is based on knowing both strategy and content. I teach students strategies for how to tackle each section of the test and the content they'll need to know in order to excel. I also work with students on timing strategies so they neither run out of time nor rush during a section. I do assign weekly homework, as it is critical for students to practice the strategies they learn and feel comfortable with them so they will use them during the test.

Of the hundreds of students I have worked with over the years, most see score increases following tutoring (nearly all students if they are motivated to do well and practice the specific test strategies).

I have several references available. I would be happy to talk to you more about your student's goals and h

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Education

Dartmouth College
undergrad
Boston University - Questrom School of Business
Enrolled

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $200
  • Rate details: Contact me to get special rates for groups of 2-4 students at a time.
  • Lesson cancellation: 24 hours notice required

  • Background check passed on 11/6/2013

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

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Approved Subjects

Business

GRE

GRE

I am a current MBA student at Boston University and took the GRE in Nov. 2016. I used the tips I teach my students on the test and scored a 333/340 (including a perfect score in math) and a 5 on the analytical writing.

Corporate Training

Proofreading,

Proofreading

Outside of tutoring, I am a professional business writer. I have an eagle eye when it comes to spelling and grammar. I am also familiar with AP Style and The Chicago Manual of Style.
Grammar

Elementary Education

Elementary Math,

Elementary Math

I have worked with students from age 8 up through high school on elementary math skills, such as fractions, decimals, factors, multiples, and much more. I always make sure students have a firm grasp on the basics before moving on to more difficult concepts. I also make sure to explain math to students in a way that they understand the reasoning behind "why" we do certain things in math. This way they have an understanding beyond just plugging things into an equation.
Reading,

Reading

I have worked with students from grade school through high school on better, more effective ways to read, and the best ways to approach reading comprehension questions. I talk with students about how to determine main idea and author's purpose and tone. We also discuss how to handle detail and inference questions. I am an avid reader myself and love to nurture an appreciation for reading in my students.
Vocabulary,

Vocabulary

I work with students on increasing their vocabulary knowledge through flashcards (and teach them how to make the right kind of flashcard). I also teach students how to decipher meanings of words through word roots, word context, foreign language knowledge, and more.
Grammar

English

ACT English,

ACT English

I teach students the grammar issues they are tested on in the English section and provide them with a framework as to how to approach the questions. For the essay, we talk about the components of a good essay, how to argue a point, and how to provide the detailed, relevant examples to back up their point of view.
ACT Reading,

ACT Reading

ACT Reading is typically the section that students have the most difficulty with time-wise. I teach students a fast and efficient way to read passages and stay on track. I then teach them a method to attack the questions that is faster and more accurate than the way most students typically approach reading questions. I also frequently time students to make sure they are able to complete the section in the required amount of time.
English,

English

I have worked with students from grade school to high school on English - both reading and writing. For reading, I teach effective ways to read and tackle comprehension questions. For writing, I work with students on how they can effectively make an argument and develop an essay that is both engaging and easy to understand. I have 18 years of professional experience as a writer (in addition to my tutoring experience), and am able to coach students on ways to write in an effective and concise manner, while still adding their personal "voice" to a paper.
Proofreading,

Proofreading

Outside of tutoring, I am a professional business writer. I have an eagle eye when it comes to spelling and grammar. I am also familiar with AP Style and The Chicago Manual of Style.
Reading,

Reading

I have worked with students from grade school through high school on better, more effective ways to read, and the best ways to approach reading comprehension questions. I talk with students about how to determine main idea and author's purpose and tone. We also discuss how to handle detail and inference questions. I am an avid reader myself and love to nurture an appreciation for reading in my students.
SAT Reading,

SAT Reading

For SAT Reading, I teach students a reliable method to tackle sentence completions. I also teach them a method for reading comprehension -- how to read passages and how to handle the questions without confusing themselves.
SAT Writing,

SAT Writing

The multiple-choice section in the SAT Writing tests a short list of grammatical issues. I review those issues with students and teach them how to spot the issues in questions. For the essay, we discuss what goes into a good essay, what students can do to make the readers' jobs easier, and small changes students can make to turn a "good" essay into an excellent one.
Vocabulary,

Vocabulary

I work with students on increasing their vocabulary knowledge through flashcards (and teach them how to make the right kind of flashcard). I also teach students how to decipher meanings of words through word roots, word context, foreign language knowledge, and more.
Writing,

Writing

I am able to help students with essay writing, in terms of developing a thesis, organizing information and providing reasoning and examples for points. I have detailed knowledge of SAT / ACT / SSAT / ISEE essay prompts, but can also help students develop essays for school. I also provide support for college application essays, helping students determine appropriate topics to write about and working with them on polishing essays.
Grammar

Homeschool

Algebra 1,

Algebra 1

I have worked with middle school and high school students on algebra skills, including solving for a variable, working with multiple variables, factoring quadratics and more. My approach is to make sure students understand the fundamentals while providing them with a supportive atmosphere to facilitate learning.
Algebra 2,

Algebra 2

I have worked with several students on advanced algebra concepts, both for classwork and for test prep. In particular, I have helped students with concepts such as matrices, functions and rational equations. I provide students with firm instruction, while also being supportive so that they can feel comfortable while making strides in learning.
English,

English

I have worked with students from grade school to high school on English - both reading and writing. For reading, I teach effective ways to read and tackle comprehension questions. For writing, I work with students on how they can effectively make an argument and develop an essay that is both engaging and easy to understand. I have 18 years of professional experience as a writer (in addition to my tutoring experience), and am able to coach students on ways to write in an effective and concise manner, while still adding their personal "voice" to a paper.
Geometry,

Geometry

I have tutored several students academically in geometry. I am able to work with them on proofs, theorems, and both plane and coordinate geometry. I teach students about both the general concepts and diligence to the details in a fun and supportive environment.
Reading,

Reading

I have worked with students from grade school through high school on better, more effective ways to read, and the best ways to approach reading comprehension questions. I talk with students about how to determine main idea and author's purpose and tone. We also discuss how to handle detail and inference questions. I am an avid reader myself and love to nurture an appreciation for reading in my students.
SAT Math,

SAT Math

I have helped students increase their SAT math scores by more than 100 points through a targeted focus on both test-taking strategy and review of content tested. I teach students that SAT Math is not like classroom math. While classroom math rewards students for doing problems the "right" way, for SAT Math, it's not about how you get there, just that you get the right answer. While we review the important concepts for the test, I teach students more about how to tackle problems they don't know by using alternate strategies. I also teach them about doing problems in a faster way even if they were getting them right in the first place so that they have time for harder questions.
SAT Reading,

SAT Reading

For SAT Reading, I teach students a reliable method to tackle sentence completions. I also teach them a method for reading comprehension -- how to read passages and how to handle the questions without confusing themselves.
Writing,

Writing

I am able to help students with essay writing, in terms of developing a thesis, organizing information and providing reasoning and examples for points. I have detailed knowledge of SAT / ACT / SSAT / ISEE essay prompts, but can also help students develop essays for school. I also provide support for college application essays, helping students determine appropriate topics to write about and working with them on polishing essays.
Prealgebra, Precalculus

Math

ACT Math,

ACT Math

For ACT Math, I review with students the concepts they need to know for the test. We also discuss how to approach questions that they don't know how to do, using "backwards" strategies, learning how to make good estimations and eliminating answer choices.
Algebra 1,

Algebra 1

I have worked with middle school and high school students on algebra skills, including solving for a variable, working with multiple variables, factoring quadratics and more. My approach is to make sure students understand the fundamentals while providing them with a supportive atmosphere to facilitate learning.
Algebra 2,

Algebra 2

I have worked with several students on advanced algebra concepts, both for classwork and for test prep. In particular, I have helped students with concepts such as matrices, functions and rational equations. I provide students with firm instruction, while also being supportive so that they can feel comfortable while making strides in learning.
Geometry,

Geometry

I have tutored several students academically in geometry. I am able to work with them on proofs, theorems, and both plane and coordinate geometry. I teach students about both the general concepts and diligence to the details in a fun and supportive environment.
SAT Math,

SAT Math

I have helped students increase their SAT math scores by more than 100 points through a targeted focus on both test-taking strategy and review of content tested. I teach students that SAT Math is not like classroom math. While classroom math rewards students for doing problems the "right" way, for SAT Math, it's not about how you get there, just that you get the right answer. While we review the important concepts for the test, I teach students more about how to tackle problems they don't know by using alternate strategies. I also teach them about doing problems in a faster way even if they were getting them right in the first place so that they have time for harder questions.
Trigonometry,

Trigonometry

I work with students on understanding trigonometric concepts for both math and physics classes. I also work with students on trigonometry for standardized tests, such as the ACT and SAT 2. My focus is on overall understanding and knowing how to apply concepts rather than on simply memorizing equations.
Prealgebra, Precalculus, Probability

Most Popular

Algebra 1,

Algebra 1

I have worked with middle school and high school students on algebra skills, including solving for a variable, working with multiple variables, factoring quadratics and more. My approach is to make sure students understand the fundamentals while providing them with a supportive atmosphere to facilitate learning.
Algebra 2,

Algebra 2

I have worked with several students on advanced algebra concepts, both for classwork and for test prep. In particular, I have helped students with concepts such as matrices, functions and rational equations. I provide students with firm instruction, while also being supportive so that they can feel comfortable while making strides in learning.
English,

English

I have worked with students from grade school to high school on English - both reading and writing. For reading, I teach effective ways to read and tackle comprehension questions. For writing, I work with students on how they can effectively make an argument and develop an essay that is both engaging and easy to understand. I have 18 years of professional experience as a writer (in addition to my tutoring experience), and am able to coach students on ways to write in an effective and concise manner, while still adding their personal "voice" to a paper.
Geometry,

Geometry

I have tutored several students academically in geometry. I am able to work with them on proofs, theorems, and both plane and coordinate geometry. I teach students about both the general concepts and diligence to the details in a fun and supportive environment.
Reading,

Reading

I have worked with students from grade school through high school on better, more effective ways to read, and the best ways to approach reading comprehension questions. I talk with students about how to determine main idea and author's purpose and tone. We also discuss how to handle detail and inference questions. I am an avid reader myself and love to nurture an appreciation for reading in my students.
Writing,

Writing

I am able to help students with essay writing, in terms of developing a thesis, organizing information and providing reasoning and examples for points. I have detailed knowledge of SAT / ACT / SSAT / ISEE essay prompts, but can also help students develop essays for school. I also provide support for college application essays, helping students determine appropriate topics to write about and working with them on polishing essays.
Prealgebra, Precalculus

Science

ACT Science

ACT Science

Students often worry about the ACT Science section, but truth is, they don't need to study any science at all. I work with students on understanding that this section is basically reading comprehension using scientific experiments. The method I teach is similar to what I teach for the reading: quickly reading passages and understanding the main idea, and learning how to answer questions based solely on the information provided.

Summer

Algebra 1,

Algebra 1

I have worked with middle school and high school students on algebra skills, including solving for a variable, working with multiple variables, factoring quadratics and more. My approach is to make sure students understand the fundamentals while providing them with a supportive atmosphere to facilitate learning.
Algebra 2,

Algebra 2

I have worked with several students on advanced algebra concepts, both for classwork and for test prep. In particular, I have helped students with concepts such as matrices, functions and rational equations. I provide students with firm instruction, while also being supportive so that they can feel comfortable while making strides in learning.
Geometry,

Geometry

I have tutored several students academically in geometry. I am able to work with them on proofs, theorems, and both plane and coordinate geometry. I teach students about both the general concepts and diligence to the details in a fun and supportive environment.
Reading,

Reading

I have worked with students from grade school through high school on better, more effective ways to read, and the best ways to approach reading comprehension questions. I talk with students about how to determine main idea and author's purpose and tone. We also discuss how to handle detail and inference questions. I am an avid reader myself and love to nurture an appreciation for reading in my students.
SAT Math,

SAT Math

I have helped students increase their SAT math scores by more than 100 points through a targeted focus on both test-taking strategy and review of content tested. I teach students that SAT Math is not like classroom math. While classroom math rewards students for doing problems the "right" way, for SAT Math, it's not about how you get there, just that you get the right answer. While we review the important concepts for the test, I teach students more about how to tackle problems they don't know by using alternate strategies. I also teach them about doing problems in a faster way even if they were getting them right in the first place so that they have time for harder questions.
Writing

Writing

I am able to help students with essay writing, in terms of developing a thesis, organizing information and providing reasoning and examples for points. I have detailed knowledge of SAT / ACT / SSAT / ISEE essay prompts, but can also help students develop essays for school. I also provide support for college application essays, helping students determine appropriate topics to write about and working with them on polishing essays.

Test Preparation

ACT English,

ACT English

I teach students the grammar issues they are tested on in the English section and provide them with a framework as to how to approach the questions. For the essay, we talk about the components of a good essay, how to argue a point, and how to provide the detailed, relevant examples to back up their point of view.
ACT Math,

ACT Math

For ACT Math, I review with students the concepts they need to know for the test. We also discuss how to approach questions that they don't know how to do, using "backwards" strategies, learning how to make good estimations and eliminating answer choices.
ACT Reading,

ACT Reading

ACT Reading is typically the section that students have the most difficulty with time-wise. I teach students a fast and efficient way to read passages and stay on track. I then teach them a method to attack the questions that is faster and more accurate than the way most students typically approach reading questions. I also frequently time students to make sure they are able to complete the section in the required amount of time.
ACT Science,

ACT Science

Students often worry about the ACT Science section, but truth is, they don't need to study any science at all. I work with students on understanding that this section is basically reading comprehension using scientific experiments. The method I teach is similar to what I teach for the reading: quickly reading passages and understanding the main idea, and learning how to answer questions based solely on the information provided.
GRE,

GRE

I am a current MBA student at Boston University and took the GRE in Nov. 2016. I used the tips I teach my students on the test and scored a 333/340 (including a perfect score in math) and a 5 on the analytical writing.
ISEE,

ISEE

The ISEE is a test for admission to private schools. There are three levels (Lower, Middle and Upper), and each exam tests reading, verbal, writing and math skills. I have been tutoring students in the ISEE for nearly 11 years and have helped them achieve excellent results to include with their school applications.
PSAT,

PSAT

For PSAT prep, I help students understand exactly what will be on the test, and I work with them on strategies for each section of the test. I am able to work with students, whether they are just taking the PSAT as a "test run" for the SAT or whether they are taking it in hopes of winning a National Merit scholarship.
SAT Math,

SAT Math

I have helped students increase their SAT math scores by more than 100 points through a targeted focus on both test-taking strategy and review of content tested. I teach students that SAT Math is not like classroom math. While classroom math rewards students for doing problems the "right" way, for SAT Math, it's not about how you get there, just that you get the right answer. While we review the important concepts for the test, I teach students more about how to tackle problems they don't know by using alternate strategies. I also teach them about doing problems in a faster way even if they were getting them right in the first place so that they have time for harder questions.
SAT Reading,

SAT Reading

For SAT Reading, I teach students a reliable method to tackle sentence completions. I also teach them a method for reading comprehension -- how to read passages and how to handle the questions without confusing themselves.
SAT Writing,

SAT Writing

The multiple-choice section in the SAT Writing tests a short list of grammatical issues. I review those issues with students and teach them how to spot the issues in questions. For the essay, we discuss what goes into a good essay, what students can do to make the readers' jobs easier, and small changes students can make to turn a "good" essay into an excellent one.
SSAT

SSAT

In my close to 20 years of tutoring for the SSAT, I have helped my students get into private schools including Phillips Exeter, Phillips Andover, Milton Academy, Windsor, Dexter-Southfield, Belmont Hill, Cambridge School of Weston, Lawrence Academy, and more. In addition to tutoring students one-on-one, I have also taught an SSAT class for 20 students each fall since 2011. I help students with both strategy and understanding the important concepts they will need to know for the test.

Ratings and Reviews

Rating

4.9 (657 ratings)
5 star
(614)
4 star
(38)
3 star
(1)
2 star
(0)
1 star
(4)

Reviews

Fantastic, calm, all business tutor

Kathy has worked with our son for about 6 months prepping for the ACT. She has been fantastic in helping him work on specific areas and to improve across the board. Her calm all-business approach matched very well with our son and his goals. He just found out that he got a perfect score on the ACT which was the result of hard work and a focused game plan. We highly recommend Kathy.

Ted, 9 lessons with Kathryn

Knowledgeable and patient

Kathryn has helped prepare for all sections of the SAT. She explains everything thoroughly and has really helpful tips. We definitely recommend Kathryn to anyone that needs test prep or tutoring!

Christina, 6 lessons with Kathryn

Excellent

Patient, thorough, workable advice and suggestions, real demonstrated experience. She's prepared, knows the SSAT well and offers concrete approaches to practicing for the SSAT.

Carol, 7 lessons with Kathryn

Outstanding Tutor

Kathy is the perfect combination of teacher and coach, which makes her an excellent tutor for standardized exams. She worked with my son on ACT prep, and I am quite sure that his scores reflect her help. Kathy really looked at my son and was able to zero in on what he knew, what he didn’t, why he made mistakes and how to avoid them. She knows the test inside and out and also gave my son strategies for test day. On top of it, she is patient, friendly, flexible and really lovely to interact with. If there’s a better tutor out there, I’d be surprised.

Diane, 15 lessons with Kathryn

Helpful and very patient tutor

Kathryn was very helpful with SAT Prep. She was very patient and helped our son with the reading and writing section of the SAT. She gave him strategies that helped him improve his scores on the practice exam. We highly recommend Kathryn. She was terrific. Thank you, Kathryn.

David, 3 lessons with Kathryn

Great tips

She taught my son different approaches to answering certain questions to help him get to the right answers. I think she made a lot of progress in a very short amount of time.

Sean, 1 lesson with Kathryn

Patient and devoted tutor

My daughter has seen Kathryn twice and really likes working with her. She is extremely patient, calm and clear in her communication and helps my daughter break down material she needs to understand for SSATs. I warmly recommend her.

Erica, 6 lessons with Kathryn

Great SAT Tutor!

She was very helpful with SAT Prep and my daughter will be meeting with her on a weekly basis. She is helping my daughter focus on what she struggles with and it's a huge help! We are very pleased with Kathryn!

Leah, 8 lessons with Kathryn

Great Tutor

Kathryn was very knowledgable and was realistic. She was very accommodating and helpful. I will continue to use her to help me study for the GRE. She can work well with anyone.

Arielle, 4 lessons with Kathryn

Very patient and informative tutor!

Kathryn is very kind and patient and encouraging. She manages to keep my 13 yr. old son interested and engaged for an hour an a half. He felt much better about things after their session.

Molly, 7 lessons with Kathryn
Hourly Rate: $200
Response time: 37 minutes
Contact Kathryn