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UC Berkeley Grad Specializing in COLLEGE ADMISSIONS ESSAYS and SATs
Mel P.

4.9 (150 ratings)

617 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee
Hourly Rate: $125
Contact Mel
Mel P.'s Photo

UC Berkeley Grad Specializing in COLLEGE ADMISSIONS ESSAYS and SATs
UC Berkeley Grad Specializing in COLLEGE ADMISSIONS ESSAYS and SATs
Mel P.

4.9 (150 ratings)

617 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee
4.9 (150 ratings)

617 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

About Mel

Bio

Congratulations to my students who've been accepted to UC Berkeley, UCLA, UCSD, UCSB, USC, NYU, Syracuse, Notre Dame, Loyola Chicago, Villanova, Boston University, University of Utah, Cal Poly SLO, and more!

As the first person in my family to go to college, I completely understand how scary applying to your dream school can be. Once I received acceptances from ALL of the University of California schools (including UC Berkeley and UCLA), I made it my mission to help students get into their...

Congratulations to my students who've been accepted to UC Berkeley, UCLA, UCSD, UCSB, USC, NYU, Syracuse, Notre Dame, Loyola Chicago, Villanova, Boston University, University of Utah, Cal Poly SLO, and more!

As the first person in my family to go to college, I completely understand how scary applying to your dream school can be. Once I received acceptances from ALL of the University of California schools (including UC Berkeley and UCLA), I made it my mission to help students get into their dream colleges!

For the UCs, the PIQ essays are actually really important. It's one of the best ways to stand out amongst the crowd whether you have a 4.5 or 2.9 GPA. It's your opportunity to show who you are as a person and a soon-to-be contributing member of the UC community.

My job is to help you tell your story with your unique voice. When you've been told for 4 years to write academic essays, it can be difficult to introspect and see that certain experiences have shaped who you are today. I can help you with that!

Having over 10+ YEARS of private tutoring experience and working with some of the leading college admissions counseling companies, I've guided hundreds of students through their college admissions journey. I couple mindfulness techniques along with data I've accumulated over the past decade to help steer you in the right direction based on your unique needs and intended career path.

I enjoy working with students who are 1) open to feedback, 2) respectful of different cultures, genders, and sexualities 3) ready to make changes and learn. I do not tolerate hate speech and I do not write your essays for you due to academic integrity.

Feel free to contact me with any questions and I look forward to collaborating with you!

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Education

University of California, Berkeley
Global Media Management
University of California, Los Angeles
Graduate Coursework

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $125
  • Rate details: $125/hr for SAT/ACT test prep + College Admission Essay support *$25 surcharge for in-person travel*
  • Lesson cancellation: 12 hours notice required

  • Background check passed on 11/22/2020

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

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Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Approved Subjects

Corporate Training

Grammar, Proofreading

Elementary Education

Study Skills,

Study Skills

As a working professional, I use both web and print calendars to keep me up-to-date on on various tasks. I use Google Calendar, Sunrise, and various apps to track what I've completed and what other tasks I need to complete. I also help manage calendars for various directors and producers. As a graduate of UC Berkeley, not only did I have a full course load each semester, but I also worked part-time at the law library and actively participated in club organizations. I utilized my study skills by allocating time each Sunday to plan for the following week and to determine what priorities were of highest importance. Doing this allowed me to evenly distribute my time without stress. As a high school senior, I took 5 AP classes, managed the school newspaper and Future Business Leaders of America, and played piano competitively. I was able to create a cohesive schedule each week so I'd be able to attend to all of my activities.
Elementary Math, Grammar

English

SAT Reading,

SAT Reading

Helps raise students' scores by 200+ points solely on the Reading section. Teaches simple reading comprehension SAT strategies that make the SAT testing process more manageable.
SAT Writing,

SAT Writing

Many of my students have increased their SAT scores by 200+ points and have been accepted into prestigious universities such as UC Berkeley, UCLA, NYU, Syracuse, Notre Dame, Loyola, Cal Poly SLO, and more.
Writing,

Writing

Great knowledge and experience with literature, high school English, college English, essay research and formatting. Guide students to strengthen various historical, academic creative, and college admissions essays.
ACT English, Grammar, Proofreading

Homeschool

Algebra 1,

Algebra 1

Having privately tutored for over 10 years, I can still say Algebra 1 is one of my favorite subjects to teach! It makes me so happy when my students understand seemingly difficult concepts. This subject is extremely important to understand because most advanced mathematics is based on Algebra.
Prealgebra,

Prealgebra

Prealgebra is one of my favorite subjects to teach! It's the foundation for more advance mathematics. I breakdown math concepts using both traditional and non-traditional methods depending on how each student learns best.
SAT Math,

SAT Math

Many of my students have increased their SAT scores by 200+ points and have been accepted into prestigious universities such as UC Berkeley, UCLA, NYU, Syracuse, Notre Dame, Loyola, Cal Poly SLO, and more.
SAT Reading,

SAT Reading

Helps raise students' scores by 200+ points solely on the Reading section. Teaches simple reading comprehension SAT strategies that make the SAT testing process more manageable.
Study Skills,

Study Skills

As a working professional, I use both web and print calendars to keep me up-to-date on on various tasks. I use Google Calendar, Sunrise, and various apps to track what I've completed and what other tasks I need to complete. I also help manage calendars for various directors and producers. As a graduate of UC Berkeley, not only did I have a full course load each semester, but I also worked part-time at the law library and actively participated in club organizations. I utilized my study skills by allocating time each Sunday to plan for the following week and to determine what priorities were of highest importance. Doing this allowed me to evenly distribute my time without stress. As a high school senior, I took 5 AP classes, managed the school newspaper and Future Business Leaders of America, and played piano competitively. I was able to create a cohesive schedule each week so I'd be able to attend to all of my activities.
Writing,

Writing

Great knowledge and experience with literature, high school English, college English, essay research and formatting. Guide students to strengthen various historical, academic creative, and college admissions essays.
Algebra 2, Geometry

Math

Algebra 1,

Algebra 1

Having privately tutored for over 10 years, I can still say Algebra 1 is one of my favorite subjects to teach! It makes me so happy when my students understand seemingly difficult concepts. This subject is extremely important to understand because most advanced mathematics is based on Algebra.
Prealgebra,

Prealgebra

Prealgebra is one of my favorite subjects to teach! It's the foundation for more advance mathematics. I breakdown math concepts using both traditional and non-traditional methods depending on how each student learns best.
SAT Math,

SAT Math

Many of my students have increased their SAT scores by 200+ points and have been accepted into prestigious universities such as UC Berkeley, UCLA, NYU, Syracuse, Notre Dame, Loyola, Cal Poly SLO, and more.
Algebra 2, Geometry

Most Popular

Algebra 1,

Algebra 1

Having privately tutored for over 10 years, I can still say Algebra 1 is one of my favorite subjects to teach! It makes me so happy when my students understand seemingly difficult concepts. This subject is extremely important to understand because most advanced mathematics is based on Algebra.
Prealgebra,

Prealgebra

Prealgebra is one of my favorite subjects to teach! It's the foundation for more advance mathematics. I breakdown math concepts using both traditional and non-traditional methods depending on how each student learns best.
Study Skills,

Study Skills

As a working professional, I use both web and print calendars to keep me up-to-date on on various tasks. I use Google Calendar, Sunrise, and various apps to track what I've completed and what other tasks I need to complete. I also help manage calendars for various directors and producers. As a graduate of UC Berkeley, not only did I have a full course load each semester, but I also worked part-time at the law library and actively participated in club organizations. I utilized my study skills by allocating time each Sunday to plan for the following week and to determine what priorities were of highest importance. Doing this allowed me to evenly distribute my time without stress. As a high school senior, I took 5 AP classes, managed the school newspaper and Future Business Leaders of America, and played piano competitively. I was able to create a cohesive schedule each week so I'd be able to attend to all of my activities.
Writing,

Writing

Great knowledge and experience with literature, high school English, college English, essay research and formatting. Guide students to strengthen various historical, academic creative, and college admissions essays.
Algebra 2, Geometry

Other

Study Skills

Study Skills

As a working professional, I use both web and print calendars to keep me up-to-date on on various tasks. I use Google Calendar, Sunrise, and various apps to track what I've completed and what other tasks I need to complete. I also help manage calendars for various directors and producers. As a graduate of UC Berkeley, not only did I have a full course load each semester, but I also worked part-time at the law library and actively participated in club organizations. I utilized my study skills by allocating time each Sunday to plan for the following week and to determine what priorities were of highest importance. Doing this allowed me to evenly distribute my time without stress. As a high school senior, I took 5 AP classes, managed the school newspaper and Future Business Leaders of America, and played piano competitively. I was able to create a cohesive schedule each week so I'd be able to attend to all of my activities.

Special Needs

Study Skills

Study Skills

As a working professional, I use both web and print calendars to keep me up-to-date on on various tasks. I use Google Calendar, Sunrise, and various apps to track what I've completed and what other tasks I need to complete. I also help manage calendars for various directors and producers. As a graduate of UC Berkeley, not only did I have a full course load each semester, but I also worked part-time at the law library and actively participated in club organizations. I utilized my study skills by allocating time each Sunday to plan for the following week and to determine what priorities were of highest importance. Doing this allowed me to evenly distribute my time without stress. As a high school senior, I took 5 AP classes, managed the school newspaper and Future Business Leaders of America, and played piano competitively. I was able to create a cohesive schedule each week so I'd be able to attend to all of my activities.

Summer

Algebra 1,

Algebra 1

Having privately tutored for over 10 years, I can still say Algebra 1 is one of my favorite subjects to teach! It makes me so happy when my students understand seemingly difficult concepts. This subject is extremely important to understand because most advanced mathematics is based on Algebra.
SAT Math,

SAT Math

Many of my students have increased their SAT scores by 200+ points and have been accepted into prestigious universities such as UC Berkeley, UCLA, NYU, Syracuse, Notre Dame, Loyola, Cal Poly SLO, and more.
Study Skills,

Study Skills

As a working professional, I use both web and print calendars to keep me up-to-date on on various tasks. I use Google Calendar, Sunrise, and various apps to track what I've completed and what other tasks I need to complete. I also help manage calendars for various directors and producers. As a graduate of UC Berkeley, not only did I have a full course load each semester, but I also worked part-time at the law library and actively participated in club organizations. I utilized my study skills by allocating time each Sunday to plan for the following week and to determine what priorities were of highest importance. Doing this allowed me to evenly distribute my time without stress. As a high school senior, I took 5 AP classes, managed the school newspaper and Future Business Leaders of America, and played piano competitively. I was able to create a cohesive schedule each week so I'd be able to attend to all of my activities.
Writing,

Writing

Great knowledge and experience with literature, high school English, college English, essay research and formatting. Guide students to strengthen various historical, academic creative, and college admissions essays.
Algebra 2, Geometry

Test Preparation

SAT Math,

SAT Math

Many of my students have increased their SAT scores by 200+ points and have been accepted into prestigious universities such as UC Berkeley, UCLA, NYU, Syracuse, Notre Dame, Loyola, Cal Poly SLO, and more.
SAT Reading,

SAT Reading

Helps raise students' scores by 200+ points solely on the Reading section. Teaches simple reading comprehension SAT strategies that make the SAT testing process more manageable.
SAT Writing,

SAT Writing

Many of my students have increased their SAT scores by 200+ points and have been accepted into prestigious universities such as UC Berkeley, UCLA, NYU, Syracuse, Notre Dame, Loyola, Cal Poly SLO, and more.
ACT English

Ratings and Reviews

Rating

4.9 (150 ratings)
5 star
(144)
4 star
(2)
3 star
(0)
2 star
(2)
1 star
(2)

Reviews

The SAT Whisperer

Mel has the ability to observe and focus on the study habits of our child and adjust her strategies accordingly. A great tutor with patience, diligence, promptness, thoroughness and trustworthiness above and beyond any duty or contract. She is a real teacher, a real tutor, a real guider for the student seeking to discover what they are capable of doing in the quest for college applications.

Anonymous, 6 lessons with Mel
Tutor responded:

Scott, I sincerely appreciate the time you took to write this glowing testimonial. Thank you for trusting me and letting me guide Joy with her academic career. I hope she's enjoying UCLA!

It was such a blessing to have Mel P as my son's tutor

It was such a blessing to have Mel P as my son's tutor. After two lessons, he was able to raise his reading and writing section by a 00 points. Our family is very grateful for Mel's guidance and would recommend her to anyone. Thanks Mel.

Michelle, 2 lessons with Mel

Mel is such an amazing college writing tutor!

Mel is such an amazing college writing tutor! Because of her lessons in helping me write both my common app essay and UC personal insight questions, she was a huge help in getting me accepted into top tier universities such as UCLA, UC Berkeley, UC San Diego, UC Santa Barbara, UC Davis, and UC Riverside! I highly recommend her as a tutor as she is very efficient and has an amazing personality. I can’t thank her enough!

Liz, 10 lessons with Mel

Excellent support, step by step process

She's provided me excellent suggestions for our first meeting, then we worked on the little details together during the second meeting. She's a good listener, and will guide you into writing powerfu essays based on your personal experience and characteristics.

Carson, 4 lessons with Mel

Bright and patient tutorv

After many cancellations of the SAT my daughter had an SAT “hang-over”. We decided to get her a tutor and found Mel. She gave our daughter back her confidence and quickly recognized her strengths and weaknesses and worked from there. She’s taking the SAT’s this Saturday and is very confident! Thank you Mel!

Lori, 11 lessons with Mel
Tutor responded:

Thank you, Lori! Ally is such a dedicated and positive student. Shifting her perspective to a growth mindset has truly allowed her to flourish. Please keep me posted on her June scores and let me know if she needs support with her college admissions essays. Have a wonderful summer!

Excellent Tutor

My son thought Mel did a great job focusing on what he needed to focus on for the SAT. He was very happy with the session and wants to continue tutoring with her.

Susan, 15 lessons with Mel
Tutor responded:

Thank you, Susan! Thomas really took the strategies to heart and his progress showed throughout our sessions. Keep me posted on his June scores and let me know if he needs support with his college admissions essays!

First lesson

Mel is very professional. Her follow up is stellar. My daugther was amazed at how she was able to explain things so simple for her to understand. Her soft style really works to help the student feel at ease and develop confidence.

Beatriz, 4 lessons with Mel
Tutor responded:

Thank you for your kind words, Beatriz! Let me know if Isabella needs academic support this upcoming school year!

Best tutor! Extremely knowledgeable and patient!

Lindsay is really doing well with Mel. She’s extremely knowledgeable & patient. Mel Is preparing Lindsay for the SAT better than anyone else has. She is also very likable. Lindsay always looks forward to working with her. Thank you so much! :)

Jennifer, 25 lessons with Mel
Tutor responded:

Thanks so much for your kind and wonderful words, Jennifer! Lindsay is such a smart and hardworking student, and it brings me so much joy watching her grow more confident in herself and her academics!

Excellent teacher

Mel P. really helps our son’s high school English. She is very professional and found our son’s problems very well. She has great personality as well. My son is very picky, but he enjoys studying with her.

Yoshiteru, 12 lessons with Mel
Tutor responded:

Thank you, Yoshi! I can see James' reading comprehension and writing skills increase as we continue working together. I appreciate his diligence and willingness to learn!

Great SAT Prep

Mel is fabulous. In just two prep sessions my daughter scores on pre test have raised by over 200 points. Today is her final session before the SAT tomorrow but I’m confident she will make her target score with the strategies Mel has taught her. My daughter feels much more confident and prepared since working with Mel and is ready for tomorrow’s test. I’ll update when I receive her scores. Thank you so much, Mel!

Jennifer, 3 lessons with Mel
Hourly Rate: $125
Contact Mel