I graduated from Vassar College with a B.A. in Philosophy, a field in which I'm now doing graduate work. I'm available as a tutor for English and History/Social Studies up through the high school level including coursework, Regents exams, and AP tests. I also tutor students in preparation for standardized tests including the SAT, ACT, SSAT, and PSAT. I am also experienced as a tutor or conversation partner for ESL learners and others working on improving their English language skills. I've tutored both small groups and individuals for four years, working with students across a range of ages from elementary through high school. Because of students' differing needs and interests, I always make a point of finding the approach that works with each person. I focus on first understanding why a student is having difficulty, rather than just drilling them. Sometimes this is a matter of the student's learning style, in which case I adapt my teaching style to that and help them develop studying habits suited to their way of learning. Sometimes it's a matter of having trouble with a particular concept, in which case I'll work with the student to rethink and re-articulate the problem in terms that will make more sense to them. In my free time, when I'm not reading or writing, I like to go running, practice the piano, and see my friends.