Award-Winning Tutors from Cornell University

I am a student at Cornell University, expecting to receive my Bachelor of Science in December 2020. I am studying biological sciences with a minor in applied economics, and plan to enter a career in medicine. However, I have a love for learning in all subjects. I have extensive experience as a math tutor both in high school and college, and am eager to help more students in math and science. As a tutor, I hope to be able to make my students appreciate the value of what they are learning and enjoy solving problems independently.

I am a rising sophomore at Cornell University, majoring in computer science and minoring in math. I am passionate about computer science and mathematics, and I'm particularly interested in machine learning. Additionally, I enjoy learning about history. Currently, I'm self-learning computer architecture and Portuguese. I tutor computer science (Python and Java), History, Algebra through Calculus, and high school English.

Hi! I'm Emily, a bioengineering graduate and former engineering teaching assistant. I specialize in ACT/PSAT prep and enjoy helping students improve both their scores and confidence. One of my favorite parts of tutoring is seeing the "aha" moment when a concept finally clicks. I focus on creating a supportive environment, breaking challenging concepts into manageable steps, and helping students become more independent learners.

I love learning and look forward to helping students feel more confident, prepared, and successful in school. I recently moved back to the Pittsburgh area to begin a private sector career after seven years as a diplomat, working overseas and in Washington DC. I am working as a tutor to share my passion for writing, languages (English and French), history, government, and politics with students. I enhance tutoring sessions with real-world examples and scenarios to make history, politics, social studies, and language arts come alive off the textbook page.

I am Chemistry & Chemical Biology graduate of Cornell University, Magna Cum Laude, very experienced with chemistry and standardized test taking tutoring. Teaching and learning are passions of mine, and I really enjoy helping students exceed their expectations, improving intellectually and paving the way for their futures.My teaching style is a long-term approach to mastery. I believe it is critical to first master fundamentals before building on these concepts to solve more complex problems – the ones on your exam. The best approach for this is regularly scheduled sessions a period of time before an exam, so that come exam time students have had to the opportunity to understand the basics and tackle the most challenging questions that will show up on the exam. I emphasize a problem solving approach, and believe extracting and retaining all information from test questions and practice exams is critical to test performance. I encourage students to take exams under test conditions, and will guide students through challenging problems.Critical to my teaching philosophy is developing test-taking strategy – gaining an in-depth knowledge of questions that will be given on the test, and how to solve them most efficiently. For GRE Math, this involves first reviewing all subject material that could appear on the exam to make sure the basics are mastered, and then moving through exam problems of increasing complexity. For the GRE Verbal section, this involves learning the finite question types for this section, and using the clues each of these formats provides to solve problems. For those who have difficulty navigating longer passages, I encourage zoning in on key turning points, indicated by action words, which many exam questions come from. I also encourage reading Op-Ed articles daily to build reading skills. For those who have trouble with vocabulary questions, I also encourage zoning in on key turning points, learning the nuances of each vocabulary word, memorizing the lists of frequently appearing words on the GRE and learning new words from practice exams. For Chemistry, this involves reviewing practice exams and trying to gauge exam style once the basics have been fully mastered.My strongest tutoring subjects are General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, GRE Math and GRE Verbal. For three semesters at Cornell, I tutored Organic Chemistry with the Learning Strategies Center. Here, I guided students through problems sets and practice exams, with a particular focus on improving critical reasoning, time management and test-taking strategy skills generally applicable to all academics. I have tutored university level General Chemistry, AP, IB and high school math & chemistry privately.When I took the GRE in August 2014, I scored on the 94th Percentile for both the Quantitative (167) and Verbal Reasoning (164) components. These scores are in the range to attend the nation’s most selective graduate schools. At Cornell, I scored an “A” in all of my general chemistry and organic chemistry courses, including a graduate level organic synthesis course. My professional experiences are strongly researched oriented, and I have worked in 3 organic chemistry labs at Cornell, The Scripps Research Institute and Stockholm University. During my summer internship at Scripps, I was supervised by Phil Baran, winner of the 2013 MacArthur “Genius” Award.Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, Italian language and culture, basketball, hiking and reading. I have visited 23 different countries, lived for 9 months in Sweden, and some of my favorite works of literature are the essays of Massachusetts natives Emerson and Thoreau. The picture in my profile was taken on top of the Duomo in Milan, Italy.Teaching is one of my favorite activities, and I cherish the opportunities to help students succeed. I am happy to help with any and all General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, High School Math, GRE Math and GRE Verbal tutoring!

As a passionate tutor currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics and Computer Science at Cornell University, I have over 2 years of experience in guiding students through subjects such as Algebra, AP Calculus AB, and various history courses. As a former AIME qualifier, I am well equipped with teaching the fundamentals of math.My teaching philosophy centers on creating a supportive learning environment where students feel empowered to ask questions and explore concepts deeply. I believe that every student has unique strengths, and I strive to tailor my approach to meet their individual needs, fostering both understanding and confidence in their abilities. When I'm not tutoring, I enjoy exploring new technologies and engaging in historical research, which further enriches my teaching practice. I am dedicated to helping my students achieve academic success and develop a lifelong love for learning.

I graduated with a B.A from Cornell University and majored in biology (premed) with a concentration in genetics. I am currently a 3rd year medical student at DUCOM and am passionate about biology, biochemistry and English. I understand the struggle of memorising small details and struggling to understand the big picture conceptually. I look forward to working with students struggling with stem courses

As a passionate educator with a Doctorate in Biomedical Engineering from Cornell University, I am committed to helping students excel in subjects such as algebra, chemistry, and biology. My tutoring experience includes working with middle and high school students, where I focus on understanding each student's unique learning style and tailoring lessons to address their specific needs. I believe in fostering a supportive learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and exploring complex concepts. My enthusiasm for organic chemistry and biology stems from my academic journey, during which I conducted research in these fields, igniting my desire to share this knowledge with others. I aim to inspire curiosity and confidence in my students, guiding them to achieve their academic goals through personalized instruction and engaging problem-solving techniques.

I am a great teacher with over 8 years teaching experience teaching children from Grades K through 12. I received my B.S. in Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y. and a certificate in Special Education from the Hudson County Schools of Technology in North Bergen, New Jersey. I worked as a tutor for the State Tutoring Program in Arizona from 2013 to 2016. From the academic year of 2016 to 2017, I worked as a Substitute Teacher with Kelly Educational Services teaching Mathematics and English to elementary kids at the Roosevelt School district in Phoenix, Arizona.

I just completed my undergraduate degree in mathematics at Cornell University, with a minor in computer science. I will be pursuing a Master of Science in computer science at Cornell for the next two years. Teaching has always been a passion of mine, as has mathematics - and I am always eager to share this excitement with others.

I am a rising junior attending Cornell University. I am a psychology major on the pre medical track. Over the summers, I tutor students between the ages of kindergarten through 5th grade and created engaging games to help them actively learn. At Cornell, I serve as Math TA for Algebra.My main goal in these tutoring sessions is to create a safe learning environment to encourage growth and success. I want every student to feel comfortable enough to ask questions when they are confused.I want to help you learn and excel in your classes! In my spare time, I enjoy reading, cycling, playing volleyball, and watching Netflix.

I graduated from Cornell University studying Biology and choosing to specialize in Neurobiology and Behavior. I have an extensive background in math and science. I was pre- med during my four years and I am currently working part time while finishing my final year of medical school. Right after graduating, I participated in City Year, an AMERICORPS education focused non-profit that partners with schools needing the most assistance. I led the 9th Grade academy where my job was to design tailored math and science curricula for 6-8 high risk academic students in 5 different classes. I provided attendance and behavior sessions for another group of students and I served as the Math Coordinator for my team. Since then, I have been working with Varsity tutors and offering academic assistance to other students in my school. Although medical school and tutoring occupy most of my time, I enjoy watching and playing basketball and soccer (futbol). I am a big fan of hip hop and the arts, as well. I have seen that the biggest challenge that prevents students from succeeding is a lack of self confidence. My mother is a part-time business owner, who couldn't operate a computer on her own until this year. When I was young, she simply decided that she was 'bad at technology' and it stuck. Eventually, my sister and I sat her down and gave her instructions on how to access the internet. The next day, we taught her how to use Microsoft word. We made sure that she focused on each skill alone and ignored everything else that seemed confusing. Two weeks later, she got the hang of it. I tutor by presenting the subject matter in a similar way while frequently setting attainable goals so that students will realize how easy it is for them to master subjects on their own. It is the same method I use to learn all of the challenging material I encounter every day. I look forward to meeting you and helping you build the confidence and skills necessary to succeed.

I am a rising junior in Cornell University in the College of Engineering. Currently, I am studying Computer Science and Education with the goal of becoming a high school teacher for Mathematics and Computer Science. I have educated others in a wide variety of age groups and settings from public schools to private tutoring to summer camps. With the rise of computer science and programming I have firsthand experience on what the future of someone pursuing that field is like and how to prepare and stay motivated in that field. In my time aiding students I saw that motivation and having a goal is the most important part of learning the subject and becoming a better student to help accomplish the set goal.

I was a straight A student in high school, graduate Cum Laude from Stony Brook University, and went on to attend Cornell University for my MBA. Currently I'm a start-up consultant. I've always enjoyed teaching, however, that's why I like tutoring. I've a teaching assistant many times over, both in undergrad and grad school. I've also been a private tutor since high school. My goal is help you achieve, if not exceed your own. I believe in using a student's background and interests to help them understand concepts they may not grasp upon first review. I'm always available as a resource online when there in person. I really do enjoy tutoring, and I can't wait to be yours.

I am currently an undergraduate student at Cornell University studying Biological sciences. At school, I am involved in research regarding Veterinary Oncology to uncover more about treating lymphoma in dogs. I have also worked with MedLife, a medical brigade organization, to bring medical care and education to Lima, Peru. Outside of classes, I dance as a member of a Korean hip-hop dance group. Currently during the summer I am working as a clinic instructor for a learning center geared towards individuals with learning disabilities. I have a strong interest in working with children, and young adults, having tutored since middle school and spent a year as a teaching assistant for elementary reading and math.I have excelled in many standardized tests, including PSAT, SAT, SAT II, and AP tests, and I am happy to offer tutoring regarding both subject matter and test-taking strategies. I am also able to assist in test prep for the ISEE, HSPT, and SSAT tests. I especially have an interest in teaching subjects in math and science, including Biology, Psychology, Chemistry, and Physics. I also love helping students with essays and helping students structure their writing to convey their ideas in the best way possible. As an undergraduate college student, I am also happy to help high school students develop their personal statements and offer advice about the college application process.As an immigrant from South Korea, I received a lot of tutoring and extra classes to get my English skills up to the level of my peers. As such, I am a strong believer in passing on not only what I have learned, but also the dedication that others had when teaching me. When I teach, I dissect harder problems into simpler ones and emphasize learning the principles behind the problems. This way, I emphasize the essential concepts instead of encouraging the student to simply memorize facts. I believe that all students should have the same opportunities that I was given, and I am here to help them develop the tools that they can use to succeed!

My name is Charlotte, and I'm a junior at Cornell University. I'm studying global development and am passionate about education and literacy. I've worked as a children's library clerk, a writer for the USC Gould School of Law, and an editor for the Cornell Lyson Center for Civic Agriculture and Food Systems. I believe fostering confidence in students and encouraging them to find their passions is key to succeeding academically.

Hello! I am a recent chemistry graduate from Cornell University. I have always loved teaching and believe that one-on-one guidance can be a strong aid not just for school, but really for any life activity. I have experience tutoring elementary, middle, and high school students but am willing to teach at any level. My specialties lie in the sciences and with my strong research background I am not a stranger to navigating and explaining what seems like daunting concepts.Going beyond the technical details of each subject, I believe that strong foundational study skills can assist the student in all their subjects. While I am sure my methods arent perfect, I hope to narrow down on the perfect study and tutoring styles to match each student.

Having trouble with or worried about physical science courses or mathematics? I can show you how to solve problems in ways that will increase your understanding AND will increase your ability to complete them successfully for homework and tests. I am certified to teach physics at the high school level. I taught high school physics for 17 years before going on to further graduate study. I also have experience teaching mathematics at the community college level. I can help you with chemistry, physics, statistics and/or calculus for high school, Advanced Placement or introductory college level. I can also help with standardized testing such as ACT, SAT or GRE.

Hello!My name is Jared and I am passionate about the life sciences and enjoy working with students to help them achieve their goals! I am from Rockland County, New York, and currently work as a Private Tutor and Research Assistant in Ithaca. This January, I graduated from Cornell University with a B.S. in Biological Sciences. I have tutored private clients since 2011 and have experience tutoring students in Biology, Chemistry and Math. I also enjoy helping students prepare for standardized exams for undergraduate and graduate school admission. In addition to my private tutoring activities, I was also a TA to an introductory science course at Cornell. In this position, I lectured weekly to a section of 15 undergraduate students and learned how to engage students in course material. In my free time, I enjoy cooking new recipes, competitive swimming, and tennis. Please feel free to reach out; I look forward to discussing how I can best help your student!

I am a current medical student in NYC.I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Biological Sciences from Cornell University.After tutoring at the college level for over four years, I have truly come to appreciate seeing my students excel in math and biology courses that they once thought were challenging and insurmountable. I believe that performing well in math and science is about learning how to study the right way for the specific subjects. I understand that each individual should use tools specific to their learning style. I am passionate about making my students see that they are capable of doing well in their classes. I look forward to instilling self-confidence in their coursework.In my free time, I enjoy exploring my local city, traveling and practicing yoga.

I recently graduated from Cornell University in May 2014. I received my Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering with a concentration in Business. Math and Science have always fascinated me because of their applications to the technology we use in everyday life. As a tutor, these are my favorite subjects to work with because they involve definite answers that are firmly rooted in logic. My mission in helping students with these subjects is to show them how to break down complex problems into simple steps. This methodology will enable them to not only succeed in courses and on standardized tests, but also to develop an analytical mindset that will benefit them for the rest of their lives. Outside of my academic life, I enjoy weight lifting, soccer, playing guitar, and reading fiction.

I am a professional web developer with 15+ years experience with back-end development (Java, PHP, C#, .Net, REST API), database design/development (SQL, MYSQL, SQL Server) as well as front end development (CSS, HTML, XML, JavaScript, JQuery). I double majored in English and Computer Science and have an M.A. in English literature where I taught freshman writing seminars and assisted students in writing academic papers. I currently teach Introductory classes in HTML/CSS, JavaScript, WordPress, Mobile Design and Programming concepts with TechGirlz and adapted the TechGirlz Intro to SQL/Database curriculum for an adult curriculum.

My name is Nikhil. I am a junior at Cornell University, where I am majoring in applied economics.

As a recent graduate from Cornell University with a degree in biological sciences and someone who plans to attend medical school in the future, my passion and appreciation for the sciences and medicine is something I consider integral to my identity. My favorite subjects to tutor are biology and chemistry as those are the subjects in which I have past teaching experience in the classroom setting. In particular, my teaching style focuses on rephrasing and remodeling initially daunting concepts and information into bite-sized and digestible bits of information that any student can comprehend. I firmly believe that a lot of what slows students down in the learning process is their preconceived notions of course material. My passion for helping students stems from my experiences as an undergraduate where I can remember on countless occasions feeling lost in the material with little direction on how to approach the curriculum. I can think back to the many times I would have benefitted from having someone who could have guided me through stretches of daunting coursework which led me to become a tutor myself. As a teaching assistant, I discovered my passion for helping students manage their way through courses that many considered to be very difficult. Seeing how they reacted to my assistance reminded me why I applied for the position in the first place and motivates me to help students learn more every single day.

I am a junior at Cornell University where I am working toward a Bachelor of Arts in Physics. In the past, I have worked at Kumon as a math and reading tutor. I am most passionate about teaching Math, Physics, and Spanish. I try to bring that passion to each tutoring session so that the lessons are both interesting and enriching. My ultimate goal is simple: when a student is able to explain a topic or even teach it back to me, I am confident that they have truly mastered the material.

As a passionate educator with a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Virginia, I am excited to bring my extensive experience to support students in their academic journeys. I have over 5 years of teaching and tutoring experience, specializing in Biology and English, as well as test preparation for the SAT and GRE. My approach to tutoring focuses on creating engaging, meaningful connections to the content, utilizing fun strategies such as mnemonics and relatable examples to make learning enjoyable. Having taught both in the U.S. and abroad, I've learned to adapt my methods to meet students where they are, fostering a supportive environment that encourages curiosity and growth. I believe that when students see the relevance of what they are learning, they become more invested in their education, leading to lasting success. I look forward to inspiring students to discover their potential and develop their skills in a dynamic and enjoyable way.

My teaching style broadly consists of two kinds: a method used for language-learning and a method used for history. Both are relatively straightforward. For language study I follow the usual method of most classicists, focus on syntax and clause structure--in particular I find that understanding the clause structure of any language, ancient or modern, analytic or synthetic, is crucial in intuitively understanding the meaning of a sentence. In history I try to help students understand the "historical method" as easily as possible through exposure to historical sources and understanding of their uses--I also frequently approach history from a so-called "bottom-up" or microhistorical approach, which I've found in teaching Roman Republican history can be very useful for students in understanding how a society functioned, which is crucial for their understanding of causality of events. These methods of approaching teaching in these particular subjects served me well during high school and now as I approach the end of my undergraduate education, and while I cannot of course guarantee particular results for any student, I've found that in my experiences volunteer teaching and elsewhere that my method has been generally well-received.

I'm passionate about helping students build confidence in mathematics and to help students see math as something fun, cool, exciting (not anxiety-inducing or fearful). Math is beautiful and elegant, and I hope to help students take that away from my tutoring sessions, little by little. I have helped communicate this message through my diverse teaching and tutoring experiences working with students from Title 1 High Schools and underrepresented backgrounds.

I have always loved to teach students! As a certified special education and general education teacher, with a Master of Arts in Teaching, I have been able to work in public schools to address the differentiated needs of elementary education students. Working one on one in tutoring sessions enables me to hone in on particular needs of my students, at different grades and levels. Sometimes, content or format modifications are required. Other times, delivery of instruction or positive reinforcement pertaining to confidence and motivation is needed. Input from family members and students is helpful to the learning process. Ultimately, the joy of current learning and motivation to learn in the future is of essence.

I graduated Cornell University magna cum laude with degrees in History and Philosophy. After graduation, I consulted for two years and helped build Hawaii's new Health Insurance Marketplace. I also created an educational current events newsletter. I then joined a start up in NYC where I mentored and coached two analysts. I was most drawn to the teaching side of these experiences and find that the skills translate well to tutoring when complemented with my passion for history, English, writing, philosophy, and persuasive argumentation. In the tradition of philosophy, I feel tutoring is most effective using a Socratic dialogue approach, asking the right questions to guide the student to understanding. During my free time, I enjoy traveling, calisthenics, soccer, guitar and live music, reading history and science fiction, and keeping in touch with friends. I plan on attending law school in the near future.

From the track to the classroom, the boardroom to the community, I have always been driven by one thing: the pursuit of potential. As an athlete, I know the power of discipline, resilience, and pushing past limits. As an entrepreneur, I embrace creativity, calculated risks, and the thrill of turning ideas into impact. As a teacher and mentor, I find purpose in guiding others to discover their strengths and chart their own paths to success. And as a lifelong learner, I never stop asking questions, seeking growth, and challenging myself to be better than I was yesterday. I believe that true success isn't measured just by personal achievements but by the lives we touch along the way. Whether I'm coaching an athlete, inspiring a student, advising a startup, or simply offering a word of encouragement, my mission is to help others unlock their potential and create meaningful change. In everything I do, I bring energy, passion, and an unshakable belief that everyone has the ability to achieve greatness. The challenge? Helping them see it for themselves. That's where I come in.

My personal goals for every moment of teaching are the growth of the student and the teacher. As one learns, as does the other. I will ensure that we will both learn and grow with each session.I first began tutoring in high school through Science National Honor Society and learned there that I love teaching others and began tutoring outside of school. Now here I'm in university and eager to teach while I'm learning.

I am a recent graduate of Williams College, where I studied political science with sidelines in history and English. Next fall, I am headed to Ithaca to study at Cornell Law School. I have experience tutoring in all subjects for high school standardized tests and in writing and history at higher levels, and am excited to pass on the benefits of my study as a tutor for the LSAT. I look forward to working with you!

I am an Environmental Engineering graduate of Cornell University. I love math and have plenty of tutoring experience. I adapt very well to each students learning styles.

I'm a Cornell University alumnus with a BA in Philosophy and Mathematics. My minor was Linguistics. Currently, I'm finishing an MSc in Logic from the University of Amsterdam. I tutor math, chemistry, logic, philosophy, English, Latin, and ACT prep. During my senior year, I was an undergraduate course assistant for Calculus I at Cornell, grading homework and conducting weekly homework study groups. I also taught courses on the philosophy of physics, mnemonics, and category theory to middle school students for a program called Splash. While living in Amsterdam, I was the TA for an introductory cognitive science course that included propositional logic and formal language theory. I took pride in giving highly detailed responses to students' questions, providing concrete examples and analogies to more familiar topics. My teaching philosophy is one of kindness, optimism, and patience. Also, I like to make my lessons as entertaining as possible, which is not difficult because I can be a goof even when it's not intentional. I can break complex topics down to their atoms. I never skip steps or assume that something is understood without confirmation. I try to see everything from your perspective. Most importantly, I work hard. I will go the extra mile to help you. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy writing stories and music. I spend about 2 hours every day exercising, and I love being outdoors!

I'm passionate about helping students who feel like they struggle fundamentally with a subject to deeper understand how to progress and learn in a way that suits them best. I've worked with many students with ADHD in both K-12 and college level courses and I love being able to teach them subjects in a way they understand.

Hello! My name is Ammaar and I am a sophomore at Cornell University studying Information Science and Computational Biology.As a former high school student eager to make my application the strongest and genuine as possible, I fell in love with the college application process. I have written and edited countless personal statements to college supplemental questions. Along with my interest in college applications, I also gathered various helpful strategies and techniques applicable in many situations on standardized exams--and understandable for any type of student!For all of my students I have a strong approach:- Confirming WHAT specifically you are struggling with- Examining WHY you are struggling with it- Establishing and Testing different methods and tips helpful specifically to you- Nailing down the topics you feel weak on

I graduated from Cornell University in May 2011 with a B.A. in Mathematics. I am currently a Mathematics Ph.D. student at the City University of New York Graduate Center. I have been teaching and tutoring since middle school, where I started helping my friends with their homework. I tutored privately throughout high school, teaching subjects such as algebra, geometry, calculus, biology, and physics. At Cornell, I was a tutor in the Math Support Center, a walk-in tutoring service for all areas of math. In addition, I was a calculus course assistant, running problem-solving sessions. During the summer of 2011 I taught a five-week SAT Math prep course to rising high school juniors.I usually mold my teaching methods to fit the needs of my students. I believe the key to tutoring is to help the student have an "Aha!" moment, when a previously misunderstood concept suddenly makes sense. Such moments give students a real sense of confidence in themselves and agency in their learning, as their hard work has paid off. Because of this, when teaching I aim to get my students to come to conclusions themselves, instead of giving them the answers.My main academic interest is mathematics, specifically algebra and algebraic geometry. I also have a passion for learning about physics and history (mainly European history). In my spare time I like reading, listening to music, jogging, and exploring New York City.

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.

I graduated from Cornell University with a double major in Math and Physics. I am a prospective Math PhD student with research interests in geometry and mathematical physics. I have 1 year experience as a teaching assistant in mechanics and multivariable calculus. I have had multiple tutoring experiences beginning in high school with honors physics and now including calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, E&M, and quantum mechanics.I hope to help students develop both the tools to become independent learners and the confidence to face difficult problems head-on. I will work hard to ensure that students learn efficient study habits, develop proper problem-solving techniques, and gain an intuition for the mathematical and physical ideas they will encounter.I believe the best way to learn is by doing problems, and the best way to understand is by iteratively building on simple ideas. My tutoring approach will follow similarly to how I approached my undergraduate and graduate level courses. We will solve many problems and more importantly identify and classify the central ideas unique to each problem. We will make an honest effort to see how each new idea we learn fits in context with preceding ideas we have u