One-On-One Virtual Biology Tutoring Services Centered On Student Success

Sarah completed her Bachelor of Arts in Language and Cultural Studies and Plant Biology at Sarah Lawrence College. She boasts five years of professional teaching experience but began her  tutoring journey early in her high school career, fueled by the gratifying experience of witnessing students grasp challenging material.

Sarah's enthusiasm for tutoring stems from her belief that any subject can be enjoyable when presented in an appealing way to students. She is proficient in a diverse range of subjects, including K–6 math, all levels of biology (including AP), reading, writing, English Language Arts (ELA), ESL, AP Language and Literature, creative writing, and SAT reading and writing.

At the core of Sarah's tutoring philosophy is the empowerment of students through consistent encouragement. She believes students have been programmed to fear failure instead of embracing it as a part of the learning process. So, she takes a unique approach by celebrating mistakes, considering them stepping stones for growth rather than obstacles. Sarah's adaptability in the face of these stepping stones shines in her lessons, where she breaks down complex problems into manageable pieces for better understanding. Beyond being informative, Sarah’s lessons are also highly engaging; she connects academic concepts with students' interests to keep them motivated.

Sarah is adept at guiding students towards becoming confident and independent learners. Instead of simply providing them with answers, she equips students with the tools and information necessary to independently solve problems, fostering a sense of self-assurance. 

Besides tutoring, Sarah is deeply interested in plant biology. She even worked as a research assistant at the New York Botanical Garden on an algae-based project! She also enjoys reading, creative writing, and spending time with her cat, named President. When he misbehaves, she likes to pretend to be a member of the Secret Service—Mister President, don't climb on the fence!

Alexa earned her BA from Brown University and has assisted over 1600 students who have been accepted into institutions such as Stanford University, Georgetown University, UCLA, and UC Berkeley. She has served as a University of Southern California college adviser at Wilson High School in Long Beach, CA, for two years. In this role, she has assisted and mentored students on the college application process, including completing college applications, financial aid applications, scholarship applications, resumes, and more.

Alexa's personal journey through the college admissions process was not without its challenges. She relied on a strong support system of family, friends, and educators, but often found the available resources to be disjointed or out of date. This experience ignited her passion for creating greater access to the nitty-gritty details of the admissions process. Her goal is to empower students with the knowledge and confidence they need to navigate this important milestone in their lives.

Alexa's coaching style is characterized by openness and encouragement. She fosters self-motivation in students, viewing her presence as a reminder of their commitment to their aspirations. While she encourages autonomy, Alexa is not hesitant to address any shortcomings in meeting deadlines, fostering open communication to optimize the quality of work produced together. Her flexible approach accommodates students of varying confidence levels and familiarity with the application process.

Central to Alexa's methodology is her goal-oriented approach, emphasizing the significance of the larger academic journey and the rewards of perseverance. She effectively motivates students by highlighting the unique opportunities awaiting them. She encourages exploration through resources like "A Day in the Life of a College Student" to deepen their engagement with the process. Alexa prioritizes understanding and building upon each student's strengths and knowledge, creating a supportive and enriching environment. While she infuses her interactions with warmth and humor, she remains serious and direct when needed. Building meaningful connections with students is fundamental to her approach, ensuring a personalized and effective college application experience.

Outside of academia, Alexa finds joy in nature, whether it's reading outdoors or feeling the grass beneath her feet. She cherishes time spent with loved ones, engaging in board games, or sharing meals together. She has also recently discovered a new love for old arcade games, especially Galaga!

Valeria earned a Bachelor’s degree from Emory University, where she served for three years as a Writing Center Tutor. She has also served as a Certified English Language Learner tutor and Matriculate College Advising Fellow. Additionally, she has worked as an Executive Assistant and College Prep Coordinator at Freedom University for two years, an organization dedicated to providing college prep classes, college and scholarship application assistance, and leadership development for undocumented students in Georgia.

As a first-generation student, Valeria intimately understands individuals' challenges when navigating higher education with limited support. Her passion for coaching is deeply rooted in her experiences and further fueled by her diverse admissions counseling roles. Working with students from varied backgrounds, she is inspired by their unwavering determination to pursue education despite facing adversity. 

Valeria’s teaching style is kind but firm, allowing students to have grace with themselves while encouraging them to take steps to achieve their goals—a responsibility that is ultimately up to them. She ensures each student's wants and dreams are centered in every conversation. For example, a student may want to be a doctor; ensuring they know each step to take in the college admissions journey is one step closer to achieving their dream. Valeria is open-minded and willing to talk through every decision, big or small. She is excellent at recasting ideas back to the applicant in a clear, concise manner, and she is a thoughtful listener and deep thinker who takes time to absorb and understand how to strengthen a candidate’s ideas.

When she isn’t coaching, Valeria enjoys writing, jogging, journaling (physically + digitally), playing Animal Crossing, and board games.