About
Having been an instructor for the MCAT for over 1 year, I have tutored 35 undergraduate students 1-on-1 for over 800 hours in Physics, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Statistics, and Organic Chemistry. With my background in these subjects, I tutor high school students for AP/High School Chemistry, AP/High School Biology, AP/High School Physics, AP Statistics, etc.
My ultimate goal is for the student to learn how to learn more effectively and reach higher scores! With evidence-based methods, my students acquire study strategies and test-taking skills for difficult classes.
My Story
When I was preparing for Organic Chemistry II at BYU, I remember feeling frustrated over how many hours I was putting into studying without seeing results! Everything changed when I started using study and test-taking strategies. When I took the ACS Organic Chemistry National Exam, I scored a 93% or a +99th percentile. I will help high school students learn how to learn more effectively––not just how to study hard but to study smart.
LinkedIn Profile:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexanderdorius/
High School AP Scores
AP Chemistry Exam Score: 5
AP Calculus AB Exam Score: 5
AP Biology Exam Score: 3
College-level Courses and Grades:
General Chemistry I: A
General Chemistry II: A
Organic Chemistry I: A-
Organic Chemistry II: A
Biochemistry: A-
Physiological Biology: A
Molecular Biology: A
Physics I: A-
Physics II: A
Statistics: A
Average AAMC 1-4 MCAT Practice Exam Scores:
96th percentile: 518.5 (131/127/131/130)
My favorite moment is when something "clicks" for a student. This means my students' success is my number one goal––I will make every effort to provide the right tools for my students.
I love the dynamic nature of listening to students' needs and then addressing those needs with a study or test-taking strategy that jumps students' scores. Ultimately, I want students to step away with something new they feel will propel them in their studying and help them love learning!
Lastly, I enjoy working with high-school-aged students because this is when students have the greatest potential to fall in love with learning! My students know I care about them and that I want them to succeed.
Reviews
Drew
Tatiana P.
Grace L.
Natalie S.
Jared A.
Madison H.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Before setting an appointment with the parent(s), I ask for information on the subject(s), student's weaknesses/strengths, current grade, student's study methods, class syllabi, address of meeting place, level of tutor control, and other important information/requests. We will communicate this information through email ([email protected]).
Please understand that communication will be done through messaging, email, or phone calls with the parent. If the student wishes to contact me directly through message, email, or phone call, I will ensure that the parent(s) is included in the conversation as well (i.e., the phone call with a parent nearby). A parent/responsible adult over 18 must be home while tutoring is in progress.
After receiving the information, I will send a quote with the expected pay rate and any travel expenses (if in-person). In this email, I will share a sign-up sheet link with the parent(s) for when they would like to schedule the first meeting. After the first visit, we will determine the visit frequency.
On the first visit, we will discuss study strategies for their classes and talk through how they can improve. I will set goals for the student on how to improve with evidence-based methods. Test-taking strategies will come on later visits unless requested. If the parent asks to review the content of the meeting, we will cover those subjects as needed. The parent(s) may also sit in on the first meeting if desired.
If the parent(s) wishes to leave the direction of tutoring up to me, I will create a clear study plan and goals on a spreadsheet (i.e., Google Sheets) to track the student's progress. If the parent(s) wishes to be more involved in the direction of the student, the parent(s) and I can discuss the study plan, goals, and track the student's progress together. I expect the parent to make time for the first 10 minutes during the first meeting to communicate their expectations.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
For more than a year, I have tutored 35 students 1-on-1 for 800+ hours for Physics, Chemistry, Statistics, Biology, Psychology, Reading Comprehension & Analysis, and Sociology in preparation for the MCAT. My emphasis on study strategies and test-taking skills has helped many of these students excel; scoring as high as the 98th percentile on the MCAT.
In addition to my previous experience tutoring, I graduated from Brigham Young University with a bachelor's degree in Business Management; I took all the pre-requisite classes for medical school. Having performed Laboratory Research on the Influenza virus, I understand how to explain difficult concepts and procedures in simple terms to others.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Most tutors charge anywhere from $20 to $100 an hour. My services are considered on the moderate-premium end because of my level of experience tutoring students, emphasis on study strategies and test-taking skills, and devotion to the well-being and success of my students. The study strategies and skillsets I will bring students will change the way they approach learning and ultimately maximize outcomes in college and careers.
1-on-1, In-person Tutoring: $30/hour
*Travel Time: $20/hour
*I am willing to drive up to 40 miles to your home or local library (or up to 1 hour drive time)
In-person Tutoring at the BYU Library or Provo City Library: $28/hour
1-on-1, Virtual Tutoring: $28/hour
Discounted price to reduce travel time
Group Tutoring will be +$5/hour per each additional student participating in the lesson.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
When looking for a teacher or tutor, I recommend being thorough in your assessment. Many present themselves well, but ultimately, finding a good tutor is like finding a good friend.
You need to put yourself out there and be willing to accept that not every person is a good fit. But that is okay! Keep searching for someone who fills the needs of the student. In the end, the tutor wants what is best for the student and should be okay that it just may not work out.
Aside from the competence of explaining topics, I think trust is extremely important as well. Does the student trust the tutor to do a good job? Are they invested in their personal success? When I had a tutor for Algebra, I remember trusting that the tutor had my best interest in mind and took the time to really listen to me.
Lastly, the market for tutoring is you get what you pay for. Good reviews are a good way to assess a tutor. If you are extra thorough, you can always ask for one of the reviewer's contact information to ask the reviewer for their assessment of the tutor. If you would like this, feel free to let me know, and I will ask if the previous student is okay with you contacting them. We can keep going through the list until someone is able to.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
"Needs" is a broad term. Needs might mean subject review, test-taking strategies, or how to better pay attention in class. Ultimately, I think identifying the roots of challenges and how to help the student address those challenges will ultimately lead to lasting success. Some challenges may be out of my scope of experience, but I will always advocate for taking a direction or refer you to one of my colleagues who may more adequately address these needs.
However, I am confident we can help your student come to love learning, get better at studying, and fine-tune their test-taking strategies. It is incredible how the mind and attitude can change with time and encouragement.