Michael has a Bachelor’s degree from NYU, where he was extensively involved in the admissions process. At NYU Tisch, he served as an Admissions Reader in the Dramatic Writing department, formulating detailed recommendations on whether candidates' writing was up to par with the program's standards and whether or not they should be admitted. Michael also served as an Administrator for both the Student Affairs/Graduate Admissions department and the Department of Design for Stage and Film and as an Assistant to the Chair at the Clive Davis Institute. In these roles, he played a critical administrative role in scheduling interviews and organizing applications, including checking for requirements and liaising between applicants and the department to ensure applicants turned in all forms, essays, and portfolio materials.
Moreover, Michael had the opportunity to coach college applicants through the Tisch Summer High School program, where he guided students through the department's admissions process and provided support and guidance on personal growth and potential shifts in interests.
With over 14 years of consecutive experience studying and working within higher education, Michael has developed a deep passion for coaching college applicants. He finds great excitement in the college application process, recognizing it as a transformative and pivotal moment in a student's life. He understands the mix of independence, rich learning opportunities, and daunting challenges that come with this stage. Having witnessed this moment from various perspectives, he is driven to help students find their unique voice in the application process. Michael believes our voice is a powerful tool that remains within our control, even when other factors seem uncertain. Guiding students to access and channel their voices into compelling college applications brings him immense fulfillment.
Working in admissions has taught Michael valuable lessons about the diversity of student bodies and the importance of recognizing each student's unique qualities. He appreciates that even when candidates possess similar qualifications, their combinations of strengths and weaknesses create distinctive profiles. This understanding fuels Michael's belief that every student deserves a fair chance, and he sees it as his responsibility to help students articulate why they deserve admission through their powerful voices.
As a coach, Michael's greatest strengths lie in his ability to help students access their voices and express themselves effectively through well-written college admissions essays. He also assists students in identifying their strengths by engaging in conversations about their interests and encouraging them to pursue those passions in their academic studies and extracurricular activities. Additionally, he helps students find excitement in exploring various college options, guiding them away from fixations on what they "ought" to do and instead encouraging them to embrace their individuality.
Kindness and good-heartedness are integral qualities he brings to his coaching. Michael believes the college admissions process is not solely about achieving admission to a preferred school but also about self-discovery and personal growth. He considers it an honor to assist applicants during this transformative journey and aims to make it an exciting experience for them, with his enthusiasm and positive energy shining through.
When he’s not coaching, Michael indulges in his passion for writing, honed through his education at NYU Tisch School of the Arts. He enjoys developing new story ideas and working on various writing projects. Additionally, he finds pleasure in watching movies and attending live music performances.
Harley has a Bachelor's degree in Economics from Yale University and a Master's degree in Education from the University of Nevada-Las Vegas. Harley has also served on Yale's admissions team as an Admissions Counselor, reviewing and evaluating applications to determine which applicants should be offered admission to the college or university. This involved reviewing various materials, including transcripts, test scores, essays, activity lists, and letters of recommendation, and assessing each applicant's academic and personal qualifications. Additionally, Harley conducted interviews with applicants and provided feedback and advice to help them improve their applications. Overall, Harley's role was to help the college or university identify the most qualified and promising applicants and to make admission offers to the students who would be the best fit for the institution.
As a first-generation low-income student, Harley understands the challenges and obstacles that students from similar backgrounds can face in the college admissions process. He is passionate about helping first-generation low-income students navigate the complex, sometimes daunting, college application process. He believes that every student should have the opportunity to pursue higher education, regardless of their background or circumstances, and is committed to providing the guidance and support that these students need to succeed.
As a dedicated coach and teacher, Harley is passionate about coaching college applicants because he believes in the transformative power of higher education. He has seen firsthand how a college education can open up new opportunities and experiences for students. He is passionate about helping students find the right college or university that will allow them to thrive and succeed. Harley also enjoys the challenges and rewards of working with college applicants, who are often at a critical juncture in their lives. Helping them make informed decisions about their education and career paths is incredibly fulfilling, and he takes great pride in seeing his students succeed. Additionally, Harley finds that working with college applicants allows him to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and developments in higher education and to continually learn and grow as a coach and teacher.
As a coach, Harley's greatest strengths are his ability to break down complex problems into manageable and simple steps and provide clear and concise guidance and instruction. Harley believes that the key to helping students succeed is to provide them with the tools and knowledge they need to tackle any challenge. He is passionate about helping students understand and overcome any obstacles they may face. Harley is an excellent communicator and listener and can clearly convey his thoughts and ideas to students in a way that is easy for them to understand. He is also patient and supportive and is committed to helping Quad applicants achieve their goals. Harley welcomes the opportunity to work with you and help you on your journey to success.
Applicants Harley has recently coached have gotten accepted at Harvard University, Yale University, Princeton University, Stanford University, Brown University, UC Berkeley, UCLA, USC, Duke University, University of Washington, and the University of Michigan.
In his spare time, Harley enjoys a variety of hobbies and activities that allow him to relax and unwind. Cooking is one of his favorites, and he loves trying out new recipes and experimenting with different cuisines. He also enjoys writing and reading.
Jennifer has a Bachelor's degree from Northwestern University and a Master's and PhD from the University of Virginia. While at Northwestern, she served on the admissions team as an interviewer.
Jennifer is excited to help college applicants navigate the college application process and recognizes that it's a very exciting time in their lives. She understands that it can be stressful, but with the right mindset, it's all about finding the best fit and looking forward to new adventures and opportunities in life.
Jennifer loves helping applicants realize their strengths and gifts and helping them focus on the joy and positivity of any journey rather than solely on outcomes. She is passionate about teaching students how to break large projects into manageable, bite-sized pieces within a larger framework to accomplish a lot relatively quickly. Her approach to coaching is to have fun along the way and connect personally with every student she works with.
As a coach, Jennifer recognizes the significance of personalization in the college application process. She invests time with each applicant, delving into their motivations and interests to articulate a compelling case for their candidacy at their desired college.
During her time on the admission team at Northwestern, Jennifer observed that while some students come to interviews fully prepared and brimming with enthusiasm, others offer generic answers that fail to convey a genuine passion for becoming a Wildcat or attending college. Jennifer firmly believes that personalization is key to positively impacting the application process. If students neglect to demonstrate their specific interest in a particular college, it can significantly diminish their chances of being admitted.
When Jennifer isn't coaching, she enjoys reading, traveling, spending time with family, exercising, and learning.
Reason Test Prep Edu’s math tutors have teaching experience or hold a college degree in math.
Yes, parent involvement is always welcomed! Our tutors always aim to keep families and students on the same page to minimize confusion and maximize progress and open communication.
We pair students with their best-fit tutor using the information supplied in the intake form and input from families and students. Our math tutoring programs focus on rectifying areas where students struggle before helping them excel in key math concepts. Tutors are selected based on family/student needs, preferences, and goals.
The tutoring package best suited for your child depends on the level of support they need, what specific concepts they need help with, and the schedule that works best for you and them. Unsure how much support your child needs? Speak with us today to learn more about your options!