About
Hello students and parents! My name is Maureen, and I have been preparing students for standardized tests and admission essays since 2011. Over the last 9 years, I have prepared around 100 students - of all different nationalities, backgrounds, personality type, and learning style - for the SAT, ACT, ISEE, and SSAT, and I am delighted to say that for the overwhelming majority of these students, my comprehensive tuition results in vastly improved exam scores, often by 150+ points. Indeed, two of my most recent tutees improved their SAT scores by 220 points (for a 1500 total) and 330 points (for a 1510 total). These marked improvements are possible because I am a content and strategy expert who walks each of my students through all sections of the exam with energy, creativity, and clarity. Though entrance exams can seem daunting, the truth is that they are beatable, so if you want to achieve an edge in private school and/or college admissions by earning your very best test results, I am here to help.
I'm also well versed in assisting students with admissions essays as well academic tutoring for a wide array of subjects across many grade levels, so if your student is falling behind or just needs an extra boost, I'm happy to discuss how my skills may align with your needs.
I love to learn and I love to teach! Tutoring for standardized tests, and in particular preparing students for the SAT, is very rewarding since I'm able to help students beat what they first consider an insurmountable obstacle. Because standardized test scores are an important factor in college and/or private school admissions, bolstering scores aides students in being more competitive for programs that truly shape their future. As a bonus, I'm always happy to get to know both the students and their families.
Highlights
Payment methods
Photos and videos
Reviews
Derek H.
Lynne L.
Richard F.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
The typical process for working with a new student begins with a discussion about the student's needs, with both the parent and the student (if old enough). For entrance exams, I will ask the student to take a diagnostic test, if they haven't done so already, so that I can assess where particular weaknesses lie and develop targeted tuition accordingly. Next, I cover content and strategy and will administer homework and practice sections to mark progress and ensure results.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I hold both a BSc and MSc in Neuroscience, and I have been tutoring in a professional capacity for over 16 years. I've specialized in instructing standardized test prep for over 9 years and have worked with scores of students over that time.
How did you get started teaching?
I got started in standardized test preparation when I answered an ad in 'the Daily Bruin' - the school newspaper for UCLA. Upon moving back to Boston, I was hired by a tutoring company as a test prep tutor and developed independent clientele by word-of-mouth.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with students of all ages (4th grade through high-school seniors) who hail from different backgrounds and who have different learning styles and personalities. While the majority of my students have been US based, I've also worked with students based in the middle east, the UK, and south America. I've also tutored and prepared students who have IEPs and learning difficulties like ADHD and ADD.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
I would advise any student/parent looking to hire an SAT/standardized test prep instructor to speak with the tutor to get a sense of personality and style and to discuss expectations - both on the side of the tutor and the student. I'd also advise the student/parent to ensure the tutor has been successful in preparing other students for said exams so that they know their investment is worth while.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Students should consider what the tutor will expect of them in terms of accountability. Facilitation of learning and achievement is the role of the tutor, but the act of learning and achieving is the responsibility of the student. This means the student should have a firm grasp of what kind of committment from their end is needed to achieve the results they desire. Students should also think through whether they feel they need targeted tuition in a specific concept or problem type or whether they would best benefit from comprehensive preparation.