Ivy League Expert Math Tutor. 99th percentile SAT, 10 years experience. High school, AP and College levels.

Find out more about Owen

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

  I developed a strong interest in mathematics and problem-solving while attending Brooklyn Technical High School, particularly while preparing for the SAT, where I scored in the 99th percentile. Shortly after, I began tutoring and realized I enjoyed breaking down complex concepts and helping students build confidence. What started as a side pursuit has evolved into a rewarding career over the past 10 years.

• 2) 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 SAT Prep, mathematics, science, and reading/verbal reasoning. While math is a major focus for many students, science—specifically chemistry and biology—is my favorite subject to teach because it explains the world we live in as humans.
  
  In mathematics, I enjoy topics involving patterns and logical reasoning, such as algebra, functions, and calculus. In science, I specialize in breaking down complex concepts like chemical reactions, forces, and biological systems into intuitive ideas. Regarding test prep, I focus on strategies to make exams more predictable. I particularly emphasize multi-step word problems, as mastering these often leads to the most significant score improvements.

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

  Yes, my 10th-grade chemistry teacher, Dr. Parlo, had a profound impact on me. She maintained high academic standards while keeping the classroom engaging and enjoyable. She demonstrated that you can challenge students while keeping them genuinely interested, a balance I strive to bring to my own tutoring sessions. This involves the teacher getting in the students' shoes. As a tutor you must break down topics thoroughly and try to understand points of confusion for a student seeing the material for the first time.

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

  Clarity, patience, and adaptability. A good tutor needs to explain concepts in multiple ways depending on the student, quickly identify gaps, and adjust the pace. This is something I have developed over the last 10 years of experience. Each student is different and adjusting your teaching style is crucial. Equally important is building trust: students perform better when they feel supported and not judged. I make sure my students enjoy our sessions even if we are covering difficult material.

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

  Test anxiety is something which strikes many students at all levels for their most important exams. One of my students started SAT prep in the low 800s and initially struggled tremendously with confidence. Instead of rushing into content, we focused on strategy and consistency. Over time, they ended up improving by several hundred points, scoring a 1330 and getting into one of their top-choice schools. That experience reinforced how important structure and the right approach are over just a student's starting point alone.

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

  Here's a story. I remember one of my first days of 10th grade, my Algebra 2 teacher put me on the spot in front of the class for a question and it became clear in front of the whole class I forgot how to multiply a fraction! It was embarrassing, but it was just a gap in my foundation.
  
  That stuck with me. Students often have small gaps like that, so I focus on finding and fixing them with patience. With the right approach, those weaknesses can turn into strengths. I worked through mine and still scored in the top 1% on the SAT.

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

  I’m most passionate about the results—seeing students improve and gain confidence. I enjoy both the teaching process and the strategy behind standardized tests, especially helping students turn something overwhelming into something manageable.

• 8) What makes you a Superprof (besides answering this interview questions :-P)?

  Over 10 years, I’ve worked with 200+ students (well over 10,000+ hours!) and developed a system that consistently produces strong improvements. I combine content mastery with test strategy and take a coaching approach. I enjoy working with both students and parents to make sure there’s a clear plan.