Sarang

Empowering Students to Excel: Personalized Tutoring Backed by a Degree in Materials Science Engineering, over 10 years of SAT/ACT private tutoring, and Expertise in Job Training for Technical Careers. My test prep students are typically high school or college aged, but I am able to start with PSAT and private high school entrance exams with middle schoolers.

My tutoring style:

As a tutor, I strive to meet each student where they are and guide them toward their fullest potential. My approach combines practical strategies, a genuine passion for learning, and a personalized touch that ensures no two sessions are the same. I believe in empowering students not only to succeed academically but also to build the confidence and skills they need for life beyond the classroom. Whether tackling test prep or academic subjects, my goal is to create an environment where students feel supported, motivated, and capable of achieving their highest goals.

I employ data-driven methods to identify strengths and weaknesses, ensuring every session is targeted and efficient. I emphasize strategies like time management, question triage, and pattern recognition, helping students maximize their performance on test day. For example, one student improved their SAT score by over 300 points after learning to approach challenging questions systematically and manage test-day anxiety effectively.

I also integrate unique confidence-building techniques, such as mindfulness exercises and positive reinforcement, to help students overcome test anxiety and perform at their best. Whether I’m working with first-time test-takers, students retaking an exam to boost their scores, or those aiming for elite schools, my goal is to equip them with the skills and mindset they need to succeed. Each student leaves our sessions with not only improved scores but also a sense of empowerment and readiness for the future.

When parents invest in a test prep package, they’re not just getting expert tutoring—they’re gaining a dedicated mentor and advisor who is deeply committed to their child’s success. Beyond mastering test strategies and content, I take on a mentorship role, guiding students through the broader context of achieving their goals. This includes personalized college consulting, career advising, and helping students align their academic efforts with their long-term aspirations.

I work with students to identify their target schools or career paths and help them understand how their test scores fit into the bigger picture. Together, we develop a roadmap that incorporates not only test prep but also broader skills like goal-setting, time management, and self-advocacy. Whether it’s exploring college majors, discussing career options, or crafting a plan to meet ambitious academic targets, I provide the tools, insights, and encouragement to help students see the bigger picture and stay motivated.

This comprehensive approach ensures that students aren’t just prepared for their next test—they’re prepared for the next chapter of their lives. It’s my goal to empower them with the confidence, knowledge, and clarity they need to take control of their futures and reach their full potential.

Success story:

When Mary approached me for SAT tutoring, she was a high school junior with a clear goal of getting into her dream college. However, she was struggling with time management during the test and had difficulty with the Reading and Writing sections. Her initial SAT practice test scores were in the mid-1200s. To address her challenges, I designed a personalized study plan that focused on building her test-taking strategies, improving reading comprehension, and honing her writing skills. Maryam thought that her low scores had to do with her reading/writing abilities, but I was able to shift this mental block in focusing on learning "how to take tests." We practiced various SAT reading passages and worked on techniques to quickly identify key information. For the Writing section, I provided feedback on her essays to enhance her grammar, organization, and argumentation. Through consistent effort and dedication, Maryam made great progress! Her scores improved gradually, and after several weeks of tutoring, she achieved an impressive score in the mid-1500s. This significant milestone boosted her confidence and motivated her to strive for even higher scores. In the end, Maryam's hard work paid off, and she secured admission to her dream school and landed a partial scholarship. Beyond academic achievements, Maryam showed a change in her time management skills, critical thinking abilities, and self-confidence.

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Alex, a high school senior, sought my help to improve his ACT Math score. He was aiming for a competitive scholarship and needed to raise his Math score significantly. Despite the low math score, he loved robotics and wanted to pursue a career in tech. However, he had a lot of test anxiety, particularly in timed Math sections, and had an initial ACT Math score in the low 20s. To address his test anxiety, I started with relaxation techniques and encouraged him to take timed practice tests in a simulated exam environment. We identified his weak areas in Math and focused on tackling specific question types. I provided him with various problem-solving approaches and shortcuts to save time during the exam. Working through the problems together we were able to use shortcuts to avoid "reinventing the wheel" to solve a challenging problem. One memorable anecdote from our sessions was when Alex initially solved a complex problem using the techniques I taught him. His confidence and excitement reminded me of why I love tutoring. Over time, Alex's hard work and determination led to remarkable improvements in his ACT Math score. He eventually scored in the mid-30s, which secured his admission into the University of Michigan College of Engineering to study what he loves.

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Hobbies and interests:

When I am not tutoring, you can find me in the garden experimenting with new sustainable and agroecological methods, going on a motorcycle ride, and playing my many instruments- such as dobro, guitar, tanpura, and harmonica.