Targeted ISEE Test Preparation To Boost Your Score

Francis earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Maryland. He started his tutoring journey when a friend's brother sought his help for SAT preparation, impressed by Francis's perfect score in the math section. Since then, Francis has continued to enjoy and actively engage in tutoring.

Francis's passion for tutoring originates from his own educational experiences. As a student, he wished for teachers to explain concepts in a simple way, using more visual aids, similar to how one would explain a concept to a 5-year-old. Now, as a tutor, he strives to offer this kind of accessible learning experience to students who may be struggling in the classroom. He specializes in tutoring for the ACT, SAT, SSAT, ISEE, and AP.

Sebastian's tutoring philosophy is grounded in the belief that everyone is capable of success. He tailors his approach to the students' pace, employing straightforward language to enhance understanding. Sebastian identifies the root of the problem, breaks down complex concepts, and empowers students through consistent positive reinforcement. He aims to uplift students when they’re feeling overwhelmed and create an environment where questions are encouraged, curiosity is celebrated, and every interaction is an opportunity for mutual growth. 

One of Sebastian’s greatest strengths as a tutor is his ability to relate challenging concepts to the real world. This provides students with a greater sense of agency in their learning and fosters a stronger connection to the material. 

In his free time, Francis enjoys powerlifting, hanging out with friends, watching sports, specifically the NFL and NBA, and watching Netflix. He is also classically trained in piano and cello.

Bria is a distinguished alumna of the University of California, Berkeley, earning both a  Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees. While at UC Berkeley, she served as a mentor and application guide for students within TAMID.

Bria intimately understands the stress and uncertainty of the college application process. As an only child, she lacked a role model to turn to for advice, ultimately navigating the process without the guidance she now provides. This personal experience fuels her passion to be that guiding light for others.

As a coach, Bria excels at being supportive and giving constructive feedback. When editing resumes or essays, she always tries to do what she calls a compliment sandwich – start with a compliment, add what needs to be changed/fixed, and then end with another compliment. Bria knows criticism can sometimes come off as harsh or offensive, even if it is not meant to be, so she found this is a good way to get the message across and have students feel good about themselves and their writing.

When working with students who are hitting a learning block,  Bria uses positive reinforcement and encouragement to remind them of their end goal and that all their hard work will pay off. She is always optimistic, outgoing, kind, compassionate, and empathetic.

Outside of counseling Bria is a travel agent as a side hustle because she is passionate about travel and helping others travel, too. She’s been fortunate enough to visit 26 countries so far! When she’s not working or traveling, she loves to cook and bake, hike and be in nature, spend time with friends, watch TV, paint, and do puzzles.

James completed his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government from the University of Iowa before also completing his Master’s degree in Journalism from the same institution. After working as a national and international news reporter for several years, he transitioned to full-time teaching, motivated by his passion for helping students achieve their academic goals. James has 21 years of teaching experience, including his current role as a Journalism and American Government Teacher at Chicago Public Schools. He also regularly conducts tutoring sessions and has tutored over 500 students.

For James, tutoring is a means to share his knowledge and help others succeed. He finds great satisfaction in witnessing the "lightbulb" moments students experience. He specializes in ACT and SAT tutoring, as well as US history, world history, American government, American literature, writing, journalism, and economics.

James' extensive teaching experience, deep subject knowledge, and empathy for today's youth distinguish him as a tutor. He is approachable, friendly, and entirely student-focused. He tailors his tutoring to each student's needs and emphasizes successful outcomes, often making uninteresting material engaging by drawing parallels with the real world and subject matter.

James excels at supporting students through learning blocks, drawing on their existing knowledge, and gently guiding them with strategic prompts, suggested skills, and relevant information to help them overcome the block or work around it.

In his free time, James enjoys gardening.