About Me

My love of teaching comes from a lifelong love of learning. As a summa cum laude graduate of Northwestern University, and a journalist with articles published in The Atlantic, Popular Science and the San Francisco Examiner before my 21st birthday, I have experienced professional success at an early age and am committed to helping other students reach their full potential in the same way I did: by tapping into their natural intellectual curiosity and drive to make the college application process a rewarding journey of self-discovery. I specialize in college prep, particularly in essay-writing and SAT prep. I have written for publications all over the United States and in South Africa, and been commissioned to write plays or a major Chicago theatre. I love teaching as much as doing, and have edited the work of writers from ages 4 to 40, worked at theatre and storytelling summer camps and taught playwriting at the college level. As one of the top 1% of scorers in the country on the SAT, PSAT and AP tests, I firmly believe that high test scores come from regular practice, and an understanding of the test's formula. As an SAT tutor, I will administer monthly practice SAT tests and help your child raise her score by methodically working through the kinds of questions and tricks that regularly appear on the test. Writing a good college essay is a blend of art and formula. Once you master the formula, you can express yourself in an authentic manner while also appealing to college admissions officials. I aim to teach your child the formula so that there is no barrier between her natural strengths as an applicant and the admissions official looking over her essay. I hold myself to a high standard. For that reason, I will often ask for feedback, and I would never bill for a lesson in which the student or parent isn't satisfied with my tutoring. I am available to work evenings from 6 pm onward, and weekends all day. I'm available to work all months of the year, and I am happy to travel to your home, or can set up appointments at a caf, library or other public space. Bottom line: Nothing gives me greater satisfaction than helping bright people communicate the best parts of themselves through writing, and through learning the tricks of the SAT trade. I'm happy to figure out effective strategies for your child that will maximize her potential without making her feel like a Common App-submitting machine. I look forward to hearing from you!

Education & Certifications

Q&A with Susie

Tutoring Subjects