MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS 

Academic Writing and Study Skills

Whether a student needs guidance with literary analysis, history research papers, short story writing, science lab reports, or college admission essays, I design our sessions around the principle that “clear expression is about clear thought.”  Fundamental skills of reflection, analysis, inquiry, and evidence are emphasized. 

In our conversations, I’ll ask students questions to help clarify meaning and offer concrete suggestions about intention, organization, and revision.  At each step, I guide them through the writing process.

Where necessary I’ll address study skill issues, such as organizing big projects into smaller, manageable chunks or applying mapping and diagramming strategies. It’s all about listening to students and finding solutions that meet their specific needs.

College Applications and Essays

I work closely with students as they navigate the uneasy task of composing college admission essays. I take them into the heart of the writing process: including personal reflection questions, brainstorming topics, concept development, editing for organization and clarity, and most importantly, giving voice to a student’s aspirations. 

The best essays reveal the fundamental  principles of good prose — clarity, logic, and candor.

Test Preparation

My approach moves beyond mere test-taking tricks to core academic reasoning skills that produce self-assured students and higher test scores.  No two test prep plans are alike because no two test-takers are alike.

I begin by getting to know my students’ goals, interests, strengths and shortcomings, and then learn what might be keeping them from succeeding-- whether it be content, study methods, test-taking anxiety, or test strategies. From there, we move on to tackle the test.

> SAT and ACT  Critical Reading and Essay Sections
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> Advanced Placement (AP) Test in English, History, and Government & Politics 

> The International Baccalaureate (IB) in Literature and History