Sol R.
Private tutor in Portland, OR
Education
B.A. Chemistry, Kenyon College (GPA 4.0), 2013 High School: Oregon Episcopal School -- GRE 170 quant, 169 verbal, 6.0 writing -- SAT 2390 -- Began college at the age of 14
Experience
ABOUT ME: I'm a computational chemist in the Portland area, who tutors because I love to watch students go from hating science to loving it. I wouldn't be a scientist if not for my mentors, and I want to inspire students like I was inspired. I tutor at the high school and college level. ABOUT MY APPROACH: I divide my tutoring services into two categories: Test prep and Subject learning. For test prep, the primary goal is increasing test scores. Research has shown that the best tactic for this goal involves a curriculum based primarily in practice tests, with extensive focus on test-taking strategies (how to handle anxiety, when to guess, etc), so this is the approach I take. I have a proven track record, with 200 point SAT score improvements being par for the course, and 99th percentile results have been more likely than not in my GRE students. For subject learning, the primary goal is encouraging a deep understanding of the material. The focus is on building broadly applicable problem-solving skills, and encouraging the student to dive deeply into the subject. My goal is to help the student learn how to learn, as much as it is to learn the given subject. Grade increases of several letters (often, "C" to "A") are common, but this is seen as a bonus side-effect to the joy of learning, rather than the end goal. In both cases, my approach is highly customized to the individual. We all learn differently, and my primary strength is assessing which teaching styles an individual student will respond to, then customizing my lessons to that style. One thread that is consistent across my tutoring is recognizing "big picture patterns," and how to use these patterns to efficiently solve diverse problems. ABOUT MY EXPERIENCE: I first fell in love with teaching when I was an undergraduate, TA'ing an organic chemistry class. The challenge of clarifying concepts to people who had very diverse perspectives was incredibly satisfying. Since returning to Portland, I have tutored at the high school and college level, in a variety of quantitative subjects.
Availability
Any day at any time
Can Meet
Up to 30 minutes away for no additional charge
Hobbies
I love the outdoors. I love reading science and tech news. I love ice cream. I believe that building a social relationship with the student (e.g., ice cream after tutoring) can have a hugely positive impact on the learning process. Research supports this idea. In a similar vein, I believe that humor is key to keep students engaged, especially with younger students.
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