Barrie John: Park Ridge tutor

Certified Tutor

I am a certified English/ESL teacher and a published writer. I have been employed as an SAT/ACT/GMAT tutor for more than six years, so I know all about the tests, their format, the types of questions to expect, and the short cuts and strategies to do well.

Like most good teachers, I get results. One student of mine went from an 330 Reading score to a 550 Reading score. He not only scored above average, but also got his coveted college scholarship. Another student went from failing English to earning a B.

Unlike most teachers, I'm a published writer and an expert at spotting grammatical mistakes, a key part of standardized tests. I was a copy editor for many years, editing stories for accuracy and grammar. I continue to write for a local newspaper.

My own curriculum, taken from a variety of test preparation books, teaches students to actively read and know what to expect on reading passages. I will show your child not only what areas to focus on in regular or double passages, but also how to manage his/her time effectively in a timed test, how to make correct inferences, and how to determine the main point, which several questions revolve around.

My curriculum, which includes tips and strategies, focuses only on what appears on the exam. I will not waste your time/ money with material your child already knows. Writing sections test similar areas and follow certain patterns, and once students recognize the types of errors, their scores will go up dramatically.

Writing

I have tutored numerous students on college application essays as well as high school subject essays. I do not write the essay for your child; rather, I give him or her the tools to write a successful and meaningful essay.

Regarding the SAT and ACT essays, I have a specific formula that will allow a student to maximize his or her score and still have enough time to revise. I will teach you time-saving test-taking methods and how to write concise and effective responses to exam questions.

I grew up in Ireland and have resided in Bucks County, Pa., for 17 years.

I have the knowledge and the time to tutor your child, and I want your child to succeed in life. Why not choose me?