act/sat/AP test prep | Academic tutoring| essays
We teach and reinforce skills and habits that increase success and reduce stress!
I’m always learning! Gaining new insights from college admissions officers at the Washington International Education Conference.
Meet Valerie
ACT/SAT Verbal Tutoring|College Advising|College Essays & Supplements
I'm proud to say I'm one of only two tutors to have been personally trained by expert tutor and acclaimed author Erica Meltzer of The Critical Reader ACT/SAT Books. (Read her interview of me here.) Like Erica, I developed a much deeper understanding of English grammar through the back door of studying French language and literature - among other languages - at NYU and during my MBA semester of applied economics in Paris.
But I credit my skill and talent as a tutor, college essay coach, and college advisor to a unique combination of educational, job, parenting, and life experiences: analyzing businesses models in management consulting, managing editorial projects in book publishing and ed tech — even years of classical piano, pop guitar, and tennis practice.
Beyond my training and track record, here’s what I think truly sets me apart from other tutors/advisors: 1) my analytical nature and evidence-based approaches to the process 2) my editorial and marketing experience to help students craft compelling college applications; and 3) my rapport with teens (not always the easiest crowd)!
And as a mother who shepherded her own kids through the college process — one accepted REA Yale and the other accepted to Harvard and Yale — I understand the anxiety students and parents feel about the opaque and the Hunger Games feeling of college process. I will do my best to help you and your teen navigate this process calmly. Some past projects and positions include:
Brainscape: Curriculum Designer & Managing Editor, adaptive digital test prep materials, AP U.S. History and AP U.S. Government & Politics (available in iTunes).
Harper Collins Publishers & Penguin Books: fiction and non-fiction multimedia content producer, editor, and project manager.
The McNamee Publishing & Media Group, management consultant, media sector.
Norwalk Youth Symphony: Executive Board, VP Curriculum Development, Organized college admissions panel and summer music program fairs.
Meet Vickie
All levels HS math, ACT/SAT/AP math prep, ACT Verbal & Science
During my 20+ years as a tutor, I've worked with students of all ages, from young children to mature adults. My goal is to support you as you build your confidence, while I explain even the most complex concepts in accessible ways. I tutor all sections of the SAT and ACT.
Math has been a focus of mine since high school. I then majored in math at the University of Notre Dame before getting my Master's Degree in Mathematics from Fairfield University. My mathematics education makes me qualified, but it's my deep understanding of concepts and my ability to relate to people that gets my students to stick with me for years. I believe that everyone is capable of learning math; yet, I know that each student is unique and I carefully consider that as we work together. I specialize in helping students build confidence and skills to manage common issues like math anxiety and technical errors.
For ACT/SAT Verbal preparation, I have trained under Valerie in the Erica Meltzer method. I firmly believe in the merits of Meltzer’s system, which offers proven strategies and accessible step-by-step procedures for every type of question you will encounter. We have seen students use Meltzer’s books, with our support, to make immense improvements in their scores on Reading and Grammar sections on these tests.
Working with me will not only help you improve your grades and test scores, but will also help you understand more and struggle less. Together we can work on overcoming your challenges and helping you to perform at your highest possible level!
Meet Nadrina
College Essays and Supplements
I graduated from Yale in 2019 with a BA in modern Middle Eastern history. Throughout my four years at Yale, I taught K-12 literacy, middle school math, and English as a volunteer to a wide array of students — from kindergarteners struggling to learn to read to visiting scholars at Yale learning English as a second language.
Upon graduation, I joined Benenson Strategy Group (BSG), a top strategic research consultancy whose clients include world leaders (e.g. President Obama), corporations (e.g. Google, McDonalds, Bank of America), and not-for-profits (e.g. ACLU,Pew Charitable Trusts). At BSG, I helped clients craft winning messages to resonate with their target audiences. During my time at BSG, I volunteered at a local suicide prevention hotline, an experience that inspired me to transition to more people-centered work.
My favorite part of helping students develop college essays and supplements is getting to know them — their interests, personalities, aspirations. As a college essay writing coach, I love helping students to think through their backgrounds and experiences in order to showcase their strengths and distinctive qualities in their applications.
“No matter what type of student you are, applying to college is a daunting process that Valerie makes easier in every way. She is the “real deal.” I know this because my son, a rising sophomore at Yale, was fortunate to work with her as he prepped for the verbal portions of the SAT and needed objective feedback on his college essays. Valerie helped him improve significantly on both. His SAT verbal score rose from a 720 to an 800. She helped him hone his essays’ main ideas and express his thoughts more succinctly, persuasively, and grammatically! Any student would be fortunate to have Valerie in their corner. She is inexhaustibly patient, crystalline clear, and deeply knowledgeable.”
Having bold college dreams is exciting!
But underestimating your need for targeted, experienced support can lead to disappointing results.
We'll help you succeed.
-
Accurate Analysis
The reason we can help you get fantastic results is because we'll thoroughly (and quickly) evaluate your academic strengths, blind spots, grades, goals, and interests. Good ACT/SAT diagnostics are KEY to effective and efficient test prep.
-
Customized Strategy
Based on our preliminary analysis, we'll know exactly what you need to work on to make significant improvements as quickly as possible. We'll create a personalized tutoring plan adapted to your unique needs.
-
Personalized Plan
Every student has a personal starting point, individual knowledge strengths and gaps, a distinct learning style, and particular college goals—yet, so many test prep companies provide one-size-fits-all services. We don’t. Our tutoring sessions and college essay guidance are structured to get measurable results that truly fit you.
-
Efficient, Targeted Preparation
We have deep experience teaching all kinds of kids with varying learning styles and knowledge gaps. The adolescent brain has patterns and pitfalls that we know how to navigate and unlock. We use the most current test-prep materials and understand how to motivate, instill confidence, and coach young adults toward their goals with an approach that feels relaxed, yet structured.
-
Time To Celebrate
When our clients get their acceptance letters and scholarship awards, we couldn't be more thrilled! One of the most rewarding parts of our work is getting upbeat letters from parents who feel happily relieved about their child's increased test scores, grades, and confidence.
“He received a full score in the grammar section with only 1 wrong! He is very happy with this result! He is very appreciative of your thorough explanations and would like to continue to work with you on the college essay/application process.”
