99th Percentile USYD Dentistry student | Tutor with 4+ Years Experience | MMI and Interview Help Available

Find out more about Jasmin

• When did you develop an interest in your chosen field and in private tutoring?

  I’ve always been really interested in refining strategies for the UCAT because of how important the exam is for students pursuing medicine or dentistry. I enjoy breaking down difficult concepts and finding more effective ways to approach the test. My interest in private tutoring developed once I started university, as I found it to be an incredibly fulfilling role. I enjoy helping students build confidence and seeing their hard work translate into real improvement.

• Tell us more about the subject you teach, the topics you like to discuss with students (and possibly those you like a little less).

  I primarily teach UCAT preparation, which I enjoy because it combines problem-solving, strategy, and mindset. I especially like teaching students how to approach questions efficiently, improve their pattern recognition, and develop techniques that suit their individual strengths. I also enjoy helping students manage exam pressure and build confidence over time. One of the more challenging aspects is that UCAT can sometimes feel overwhelming or repetitive for students, so I try to keep lessons engaging and focused on steady progress rather than just drilling questions endlessly.

• Did you have any role models; a teacher that inspired you?

  One teacher who really inspired me was my English Language tutor. He was very personable and approachable, which made lessons feel much more comfortable and engaging. Because of the casual and supportive environment he created, it was much easier to take on feedback, improve, and genuinely enjoy learning. That experience shaped the way I approach tutoring myself — I want students to feel comfortable asking questions and confident in their ability to improve.

• What do you think are the qualities required to be a good tutor?

  I think a good tutor needs to be adaptable, encouraging, and able to understand what each student needs on an individual level. Every student learns differently, so being able to adjust teaching methods and communication styles is really important. I also think patience and creating a supportive environment are key to helping students feel motivated and confident.

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to your subject or your days at school.

  When I was preparing for the UCAT myself, I spent about three months studying intensely for the exam. Through that experience, I realised how easy it is to waste time on ineffective study methods or become overwhelmed by the pressure of preparation. That’s why, as a tutor, I focus on helping students study in a way that is both productive and manageable, so they can improve efficiently without burning themselves out.

• What were the difficulties or challenges you faced or are still facing in your subject?

  One challenge with the UCAT is that it can sometimes feel difficult to improve “innate ability,” especially in areas involving speed and reasoning. Because of this, my teaching approach focuses on refining and strengthening the skills students already have, rather than forcing unrealistic methods onto them. I believe students improve the most when they learn strategies that complement their natural way of thinking.

• Do you have a particular passion? Is it teaching in general or an element of the subject or something completely different?

  Teaching is definitely one of my passions because I enjoy helping students grow in confidence and achieve their goals. Outside of teaching, I also love creative and hands-on activities, which is one of the reasons dentistry has always appealed to me. In my spare time I enjoy crocheting, sculpting, and bouldering. I find all of them rewarding in different ways because they involve creativity, focus, and problem-solving.

• What makes you a Superprof (besides answering these interview questions)?

  I have a strong track record of helping students improve their marks and confidence, supported by positive reviews and feedback from past students. I put a lot of effort into preparing comprehensive resources and personalised notes for each student, and I always aim to make lessons structured, supportive, and tailored to their individual needs.