Private Math Tutor
About
I am a Caltech graduate possessing a double major BS in Computation/Neural Systems and Business. I’ve done work in software development, machine learning, and education facilitated by my extensive math background, both academic and strictly competitive.
I returned to the US from Hong Kong as a high school sophomore and completed a four-year science and engineering program in three years. I was the only person in the school’s history to do so. I took multivariable and vector calculus in addition to 12 AP exams during that time (2 sophomore year, 8 junior year, 2 senior year). The following are the exams and my scores (the maximum is 5):
AP Calculus BC (5/5) – this exam has a separate score for the easier AB level, hence the two numbers
AP Statistics (5)
AP Physics: Electricity and Magnetism (5), AP Physics: Mechanics (5)
AP Chemistry (5), AP Biology (5)
AP Computer Science (4), AP Environmental Science (4)
AP English: Language (4), AP Chinese (4)
AP Macroeconomics (4), AP Microeconomics (5)
Additionally, I have scored 2250/2400 on the old SAT (700 Reading, 750 Writing, 800 Math) and perfect 800’s on both the Level 2 Math and Chemistry SAT Subject tests.
Outside of academia, I also have the following notable competitive math experience:
Ø 2012 President of Mu Alpha Theta
By popular vote, I was elected president of my high school’s chapter of this national math honor society. I managed weekly competitive activities and promoted excellence in the subject.
Ø 2012 Captain of School Team on the MSG Varsity TV competition ‘The Challenge’
I was chosen by school faculty to lead my team on my first competitive TV experience covering various subjects. Unsurprisingly, I was in charge of answering math questions.
Ø 2012 World Math Day Silver Medal (2nd place in the USA – over 100,000 competitors)
World Math Day is a worldwide annual online math competition where millions of participants compete to see who is the fastest at calculations.
Ø 2011 President of MHS Math League
I led my school’s math league at multiple state-level competitions.
Ø 2011 World Math Day Bronze Medal (3rd place in the USA – over 100,000 competitors)
Ø 2010 South East Asian Mathematics Competition – 3rd Place Individual
This was an international math competition where over 200 hand-picked competitors from 30+ countries in Asia took part. I placed 3rd overall in the individual rounds.
Ø 2009 UK Intermediate Mathematical Challenge – Best in School + Olympiad Member
As the best performer in my school district in the HK equivalent of the AMC, I was chosen to compete in a junior math Olympiad, where I was introduced to proof-based questions.
If you would like to learn more about me, feel free to reach me at [email protected]
You can also find me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulomcosta/
Thanks for reading!
Very simply, that I get to use my exceptional expertise in my favorite subject to help others.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
First things first, I assess the student's ability and interest to identify strengths and weaknesses. Then, I check with the parents to see if there is already suitable material to work with. If not, I make recommendations for the parents and/or gather materials myself. I then systematically work through the materials with the student.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have extremely quantitative background as evidenced by my double major BS from Caltech, routinely considered to be the world's best research institution. Furthermore, I have competed in many math competitions at the international level and placed consistently. Finally, I have most recently been working with young students in a school environment and also have a long history of private tutoring, so I know what it takes to be a teacher.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
My current rate is $60 per hour of teaching, plus a little extra if there is significant travel on my behalf involved. Based on my ability, research, and client feedback, this rate is very reasonable.
How did you get started teaching?
Though I've been tutoring students one-on-one since high school, my first major teaching experience was at an alternative education program in Texas. There I worked with a group of kids in the 9-13 age range, focusing on various math topics dependent on what each kid specifically needed help with.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with students ranging from exceptionally bright and enthusiastic to those with learning disabilities. Though I prefer working with the former as the experience is typically more productive and enjoyable, I will not discriminate against anyone who can benefit all the same from my services.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Most recently I've been tutoring a smart young girl in competitive math. After just three sessions, she went from a 2/5 on the competition exam to a 5/5. I figured I was helping, but the result vastly exceeded my expectations!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
I would recommend that they have a specific goal in mind, and that they know exactly what concepts they want to master as it will make the sessions a lot more productive.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What do I like about math?
What are my goals in this subject (academic/competitive)?
Why do I want to be tutored?