
Sean
Certified Tutor
I graduated magna cum laude from Cornell University with a BS in engineering physics, and a math minor. I have been tutoring for more than 6 years. For 2.5 years, I taught math to Cornell Engineering undergraduates, and I looked forward to it every week! On Varsity Tutors, I tutor up to college level mathematics and physics, test prep (including AP courses, and SAT reading/writing). Explaining difficult math and science concepts in plain English is my forte. I love teaching and will be glad to help anyone become an independent learner.
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Undergraduate Degree: Cornell University - Bachelor of Science, Engineering Physics
- SAT Composite (1600 scale): 1540
- SAT Math: 770
- SAT Verbal: 730
- SAT Writing: 750
Mathematical Physics, Teaching (duh), Camping, Origami, Poetry, Latin
- ACT Prep
- ACT English
- ACT Math
- ACT Reading
- ACT Science
- ACT Writing
- Algebra
- Algebra 2
- Algebra 3/4
- AP Physics 1
- AP Physics 2
- AP Physics C: Mechanics
- Calculus
- Calculus 2
- Calculus 3
- College Algebra
- College Physics
- Differential Equations
- Geometry
- Graduate Test Prep
- GRE
- GRE Analytical Writing
- GRE Quantitative
- GRE Verbal
- High School Physics
- HSPT Prep
- HSPT Language Skills
- HSPT Math
- HSPT Quantitative
- HSPT Reading
- HSPT Verbal
- ISEE Prep
- ISEE- Upper Level
- Languages
- Latin
- Latin 1
- Latin 2
- Latin 3
- Math
- Middle School Math
- Multivariable Calculus
- Physics
- Pre-Algebra
- Pre-Calculus
- SAT Prep
- SAT Math
- SAT Mathematics
- SAT Reading
- SAT Subject Test in Latin
- SAT Subject Test in Mathematics Level 2
- SAT Subject Test in Physics
- SAT Subject Tests Prep
- SAT Writing and Language
- Science
- SSAT Prep
- SSAT- Upper Level
- Test Prep
- Trigonometry
What is your teaching philosophy?
Teach students to teach themselves, and to love the act of learning itself.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
With new students, I always get to know their interests and strengths. That way, I can explain things in a way that will either motivate them through an interest, or in a way that will be easiest for them.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
I like to give students a reason to learn- and school isn't one of them. I always feel accomplished when I have helped one of my students start to love learning, because then they will really shine.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
I like to show them how much they know. No student is stupid; they just need someone to support them and sometimes explain things in a different way.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
Until my students understand, I always explain things in various ways and in simple English that is easy to understand. Because I have mastered the material, I tend to attack difficult concepts in very easy to grasp ways, and in ways that most teachers would never have thought of.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
I like to check in on my students' understanding by asking them to explain concepts back to me.