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Duke Honors Grad for English, Writing, Speaking & College Applications
Rayner J.

5.0 (42 ratings)

114 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee
Hourly Rate: $135
Contact Rayner
Response time: 14 minutes
Rayner J.'s Photo

Duke Honors Grad for English, Writing, Speaking & College Applications
Duke Honors Grad for English, Writing, Speaking & College Applications
Rayner J.

5.0 (42 ratings)

114 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee
5.0 (42 ratings)

114 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

About Rayner

Bio

𝗛𝗦 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀: Yale, Georgetown, JHU, Northwestern, Penn, Brown, Emory, CMU, UMass Amherst, JMU, GMU, UT Austin, UW, NYU, etc.

I'm a Duke Honors graduate with a B.A. in Cultural Anthropology and Political Science and training in neuroscience from Stanford. Having received the full benefits of a liberal arts education, I can help you get a competitive edge in public speaking, essay writing (academic essays and personal statements), college admissions, and career navigation while...

𝗛𝗦 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀: Yale, Georgetown, JHU, Northwestern, Penn, Brown, Emory, CMU, UMass Amherst, JMU, GMU, UT Austin, UW, NYU, etc.

I'm a Duke Honors graduate with a B.A. in Cultural Anthropology and Political Science and training in neuroscience from Stanford. Having received the full benefits of a liberal arts education, I can help you get a competitive edge in public speaking, essay writing (academic essays and personal statements), college admissions, and career navigation while enjoying the process and growing as a person.

I exist to empower people, help them communicate their ideas, and find their place in the world. My students have received offers from Stanford, Harvard, Princeton, UChicago, Duke, Dartmouth, Berkeley, and MIT. They have noted how I help them be themselves and succeed rather than striving for someone else's notion of "success" at their own long-term expense. I am also a Certified Integral Coach®, which means I am trained to embody emotional intelligence and work with you in a present, ethical, and empowering way.

I also tutor in English and public speaking. Whether English is a non-primary language or you want to excel in your English and literature classes, I can help. The Director of Undergraduate Studies in the Duke English Department called my work "an academic achievement," and distinguished professors in other departments have recognized my insight and writing abilities. I was also the president of the #1 and largest high school speech and debate team in the U.S. I hope I will shape your tutoring experience to be one where you can reach your goals, find your place in the world, and honor your humanity and inherent value.

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Education

Duke University
Cultural Anthropology

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $135
  • Rate details: Please note that rates vary by subject and that these are general rates. Last-minute cancellations or no-shows will incur a cancellation fee up to the total cost of the scheduled session. Thank you!
  • Lesson cancellation: 24 hours notice required

  • Background check passed on 1/5/2024

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

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Approved Subjects

Business

Career Development,

Career Development

I am a certified Integral Coach® and Duke Alumni Career Coach specializing in helping people discover their purpose and find careers that fit their unique interests and capacities. I'm also part of the writing team at Teal HQ, helping you master your job search. Using a range of career development skills and whole-person technologies, I help my students become One Self, living in full alignment in and beyond their careers.
Marketing,

Marketing

I'm a content marketing manager with a skill stack spanning SEO, copywriting, brand, visual, editorial, UX, and partnerships. I have helped startups 4x their annual revenue and broken lead generation records for previous companies through high-quality editorial, positioning, writing, and management. I can support you in developing content strategies that help you stand out. I also have some experience in email marketing, marketing automation, and analytics. Let me know if I can help!
Public Speaking

Public Speaking

Public speaking is in my DNA. My speaking career took off when I placed 4th in California State as a freshman behind three national finalists, won the CA State Championship, and became president of the US's #1 high school speech and debate team. Since then, I have gone on to work as a remote speech coach, record professional voiceovers, give seminars at places like Duke, Harvard, and NYU (where senior PR veterans gave me a rare 5-star rating), and speak on panels, podcasts, and at national conferences. I would be delighted to support you with your public speaking and presentation goals.

Corporate Training

Career Development,

Career Development

I am a certified Integral Coach® and Duke Alumni Career Coach specializing in helping people discover their purpose and find careers that fit their unique interests and capacities. I'm also part of the writing team at Teal HQ, helping you master your job search. Using a range of career development skills and whole-person technologies, I help my students become One Self, living in full alignment in and beyond their careers.
Public Speaking,

Public Speaking

Public speaking is in my DNA. My speaking career took off when I placed 4th in California State as a freshman behind three national finalists, won the CA State Championship, and became president of the US's #1 high school speech and debate team. Since then, I have gone on to work as a remote speech coach, record professional voiceovers, give seminars at places like Duke, Harvard, and NYU (where senior PR veterans gave me a rare 5-star rating), and speak on panels, podcasts, and at national conferences. I would be delighted to support you with your public speaking and presentation goals.
Proofreading

Elementary Education

Reading

Reading

Reading a text is like reading the room—it takes time and practice to understand what's being said in any situation. Recognized by esteemed English and Cultural Anthropology professors and a 4x NYT Bestselling Author for my reading comprehension abilities and situational awareness, I would be glad to help you make sense of any text you need. I've read everything from the Tao Te Ching to James Joyce's Ulysses and will join you in understanding texts deeply and clearly.

English

English,

English

I don't take fluency in English for granted. As someone who went from having English as a second language to "most improved" in AP English to receiving academic honors from the Director of Undergraduate Studies in the Duke English Department, I know what it's like to struggle—and succeed!—in this subject. My writing has been recognized by 7x bestselling author Marianne Williamson, among other esteemed writers and thinkers, and my students have received admission to Stanford, Harvard, and MIT. I would be happy to support you in your reading and writing journey.
Public Speaking,

Public Speaking

Public speaking is in my DNA. My speaking career took off when I placed 4th in California State as a freshman behind three national finalists, won the CA State Championship, and became president of the US's #1 high school speech and debate team. Since then, I have gone on to work as a remote speech coach, record professional voiceovers, give seminars at places like Duke, Harvard, and NYU (where senior PR veterans gave me a rare 5-star rating), and speak on panels, podcasts, and at national conferences. I would be delighted to support you with your public speaking and presentation goals.
Reading,

Reading

Reading a text is like reading the room—it takes time and practice to understand what's being said in any situation. Recognized by esteemed English and Cultural Anthropology professors and a 4x NYT Bestselling Author for my reading comprehension abilities and situational awareness, I would be glad to help you make sense of any text you need. I've read everything from the Tao Te Ching to James Joyce's Ulysses and will join you in understanding texts deeply and clearly.
Writing,

Writing

I help people write compelling essays. Writing is a fine art, and the best writing engages all of who we are. I've worked as a managing editor for business publications and have been recognized by 7x bestselling author Marianne Williamson in various media outlets, including The Intercept, for my writing. Ask me anything—I will gladly help you craft an essay that makes a dent in the universe.
Proofreading

History

Anthropology,

Anthropology

With a BA in Cultural Anthropology, I help students learn the art of anthropology. With field experience on three continents and distinction awards from top professors at Duke University, cultural analysis and ethnography are my forte. My scholarship has appeared in CNN, WSJ, and FT and been featured in multiple outlets by a 7x bestselling author.
Bible Studies,

Bible Studies

I came through the Judeo-Christian tradition and have a strong command of Biblical text and interpretation. As a Chapel Scholar at Duke University, I was encouraged to pursue seminary and have considered earning a Master's in Divinity or Theological Studies or a Ph.D. in Religion and Philosophy. I am also an Integral Coach® to pastors in the Lutheran tradition and Disciples of Christ and have an active clientele that has found outstanding results through my robust understanding of Biblical scripture. I look forward to supporting you with your studies and how they can deepen your wisdom and knowledge.
Religion

Religion

I am a certified Integral Coach® who has used my knowledge of the world's religions to help many people from diverse religious and spiritual backgrounds reach their goals. I study more well-known religions, such as Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and Taoism, and have also investigated alternative spiritualities as well. I have been published in professional psychospiritual magazines, was a Duke Chapel Scholar, and have been invited to speak at the Harvard Divinity School. I would be glad to help you in your study of religious and spiritual texts and the wisdom they can reveal about the nature of reality and the human condition.

Homeschool

English,

English

I don't take fluency in English for granted. As someone who went from having English as a second language to "most improved" in AP English to receiving academic honors from the Director of Undergraduate Studies in the Duke English Department, I know what it's like to struggle—and succeed!—in this subject. My writing has been recognized by 7x bestselling author Marianne Williamson, among other esteemed writers and thinkers, and my students have received admission to Stanford, Harvard, and MIT. I would be happy to support you in your reading and writing journey.
Reading,

Reading

Reading a text is like reading the room—it takes time and practice to understand what's being said in any situation. Recognized by esteemed English and Cultural Anthropology professors and a 4x NYT Bestselling Author for my reading comprehension abilities and situational awareness, I would be glad to help you make sense of any text you need. I've read everything from the Tao Te Ching to James Joyce's Ulysses and will join you in understanding texts deeply and clearly.
Writing

Writing

I help people write compelling essays. Writing is a fine art, and the best writing engages all of who we are. I've worked as a managing editor for business publications and have been recognized by 7x bestselling author Marianne Williamson in various media outlets, including The Intercept, for my writing. Ask me anything—I will gladly help you craft an essay that makes a dent in the universe.

Most Popular

English,

English

I don't take fluency in English for granted. As someone who went from having English as a second language to "most improved" in AP English to receiving academic honors from the Director of Undergraduate Studies in the Duke English Department, I know what it's like to struggle—and succeed!—in this subject. My writing has been recognized by 7x bestselling author Marianne Williamson, among other esteemed writers and thinkers, and my students have received admission to Stanford, Harvard, and MIT. I would be happy to support you in your reading and writing journey.
Reading,

Reading

Reading a text is like reading the room—it takes time and practice to understand what's being said in any situation. Recognized by esteemed English and Cultural Anthropology professors and a 4x NYT Bestselling Author for my reading comprehension abilities and situational awareness, I would be glad to help you make sense of any text you need. I've read everything from the Tao Te Ching to James Joyce's Ulysses and will join you in understanding texts deeply and clearly.
Writing

Writing

I help people write compelling essays. Writing is a fine art, and the best writing engages all of who we are. I've worked as a managing editor for business publications and have been recognized by 7x bestselling author Marianne Williamson in various media outlets, including The Intercept, for my writing. Ask me anything—I will gladly help you craft an essay that makes a dent in the universe.

Other

Bible Studies,

Bible Studies

I came through the Judeo-Christian tradition and have a strong command of Biblical text and interpretation. As a Chapel Scholar at Duke University, I was encouraged to pursue seminary and have considered earning a Master's in Divinity or Theological Studies or a Ph.D. in Religion and Philosophy. I am also an Integral Coach® to pastors in the Lutheran tradition and Disciples of Christ and have an active clientele that has found outstanding results through my robust understanding of Biblical scripture. I look forward to supporting you with your studies and how they can deepen your wisdom and knowledge.
College Counseling,

College Counseling

I am a Duke Honors graduate with several years of experience working with high school students. I specialize in building strong personal statements and applications and can also select courses, extracurriculars, and colleges for the right student. My students have gained admission to Stanford, Harvard, Princeton, UChicago, Duke, Dartmouth, Berkeley, and MIT—but most importantly, they have also reported experiencing power and confidence and an ability to reveal their true selves.
Marketing,

Marketing

I'm a content marketing manager with a skill stack spanning SEO, copywriting, brand, visual, editorial, UX, and partnerships. I have helped startups 4x their annual revenue and broken lead generation records for previous companies through high-quality editorial, positioning, writing, and management. I can support you in developing content strategies that help you stand out. I also have some experience in email marketing, marketing automation, and analytics. Let me know if I can help!
Religion

Religion

I am a certified Integral Coach® who has used my knowledge of the world's religions to help many people from diverse religious and spiritual backgrounds reach their goals. I study more well-known religions, such as Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and Taoism, and have also investigated alternative spiritualities as well. I have been published in professional psychospiritual magazines, was a Duke Chapel Scholar, and have been invited to speak at the Harvard Divinity School. I would be glad to help you in your study of religious and spiritual texts and the wisdom they can reveal about the nature of reality and the human condition.

Science

Anthropology

Anthropology

With a BA in Cultural Anthropology, I help students learn the art of anthropology. With field experience on three continents and distinction awards from top professors at Duke University, cultural analysis and ethnography are my forte. My scholarship has appeared in CNN, WSJ, and FT and been featured in multiple outlets by a 7x bestselling author.

Summer

Reading,

Reading

Reading a text is like reading the room—it takes time and practice to understand what's being said in any situation. Recognized by esteemed English and Cultural Anthropology professors and a 4x NYT Bestselling Author for my reading comprehension abilities and situational awareness, I would be glad to help you make sense of any text you need. I've read everything from the Tao Te Ching to James Joyce's Ulysses and will join you in understanding texts deeply and clearly.
Writing

Writing

I help people write compelling essays. Writing is a fine art, and the best writing engages all of who we are. I've worked as a managing editor for business publications and have been recognized by 7x bestselling author Marianne Williamson in various media outlets, including The Intercept, for my writing. Ask me anything—I will gladly help you craft an essay that makes a dent in the universe.

Test Preparation

Career Development,

Career Development

I am a certified Integral Coach® and Duke Alumni Career Coach specializing in helping people discover their purpose and find careers that fit their unique interests and capacities. I'm also part of the writing team at Teal HQ, helping you master your job search. Using a range of career development skills and whole-person technologies, I help my students become One Self, living in full alignment in and beyond their careers.
College Counseling

College Counseling

I am a Duke Honors graduate with several years of experience working with high school students. I specialize in building strong personal statements and applications and can also select courses, extracurriculars, and colleges for the right student. My students have gained admission to Stanford, Harvard, Princeton, UChicago, Duke, Dartmouth, Berkeley, and MIT—but most importantly, they have also reported experiencing power and confidence and an ability to reveal their true selves.

Ratings and Reviews

Rating

5.0 (42 ratings)
5 star
(42)
4 star
(0)
3 star
(0)
2 star
(0)
1 star
(0)

Reviews

Amazing and Efficient Essay Writer

When I first met Rayner, I was in a college essay crisis. I was completely lost on how to fix my common application essay, and deadlines were approaching in less than two weeks. Over my lessons with Rayner, he was able to quickly catch onto what message I was attempting to deliver within my essays. Then, he masterfully revised, edited, and helped me portray my message clearly yet beautifully, resulting in a truly wonderful essay. Through this common app essay, I was accepted to Johns Hopkins and UPenn, with my admissions officers even complimenting my essays. Rayner truly is a wizard, and I highly recommend him as a tutor.

JaeJun, 3 lessons with Rayner
Tutor responded:

I couldn't be happier for you, JJ. You have an amazing story and I know you'll do amazing things!

Very helpful and inspiring

I had an alumni interview prep with Rayner. It is super helpful for me to learn about the process of/how to prepare for my alumni interview. Beyond that, I learned a lot more about Duke and it is wonderful to talk with Rayner as an individual.

Yuchen, 1 lesson with Rayner
Tutor responded:

Super excited for you, Yuchen!

Knowledgable and Understanding Tutor!

Rayner gave me useful insight on how I could improve my personal statement, he was clear in his explanations, and considerate of all aspects of my application. He assisted me in understanding the centralized theme of my application and ways in which I can further emphasize it.

Ariana, 3 lessons with Rayner

Confident and engaging tutor.

Rayner is always extremely engaged and very cooperative. Bringing in thoughtful ideas and always trying to provide as much knowledge as he can to the table. Every question I had he always answered to the best of his ability and when coming to the work he always gave great advice. I always look forward to working with Rayner as he is always trying to help in any way he can!

Charles, 18 lessons with Rayner

Great lesson

Great review! Provided feedback on improvement and content flow. Strengthen the content and make the message of the essay more prominent

Renjish, 2 lessons with Rayner
Hourly Rate: $135
Response time: 14 minutes
Contact Rayner