1^st lesson free

Joe

Rate $34
Response 1h

$34/hr

1^st lesson free

English
Redaction
Test prep

Academic English Prep, US College Admissions Coach, & SAT Tutor for International Students and US University Applicants

English
Redaction
Test prep

Lesson location

- online

About Joe

Hey there! I'm a tutor who loves helping international students take that big step toward studying at a university in the US. Whether you're grinding through SAT prep, figuring out how to write a college essay that actually sounds like you, or just trying to get your English up to university level — I've got you covered.

A quick bit about my background: I started tutoring math back in high school, then spent two years at Mathnasium helping students of all ages build their skills and confidence. I earned my BA from UC Santa Barbara, and for the past six years I've been teaching in Vietnam — in public schools, language centers, and at the university level, where I've taught IELTS prep. I also hold a 120-hour TESOL certification.

My style is pretty relaxed. No pressure, no judgment — just steady progress and honest feedback. I know the path to studying abroad can feel overwhelming, so my goal is to break it down into manageable steps and make the process feel a lot less scary. Whether it's SAT math, essay brainstorming, or just getting comfortable with academic English, we'll work at your pace and celebrate the wins along the way.

When I'm not teaching, you'll probably find me playing chess, gaming, watching movies, or shooting hoops. I'm a firm believer that good learning happens when you're comfortable and actually enjoying the process — so that's what I aim for in every lesson.

Let's get you where you want to go. Feel free to reach out and we can talk about your goals!

About the lesson

My lessons are specifically designed for international middle school, high school, and gap-year students aiming to successfully transition to US higher education. I specialize in working with:

• SAT/ACT Aspirants: Students targeting competitive US universities who need to boost their standardized test scores, particularly in the Reading and Writing sections.

• College Applicants: Students navigating the Common App, editing personal statements, and structuring university-specific supplemental essays.

• Academic English Learners: High schoolers or incoming freshmen who already speak English but need to upgrade their skills to university-level writing, critical research, and seminar-style discussion.

Teaching Methods & Techniques
I break down the complex, often overwhelming US admissions system into structured, manageable steps. My methodology focuses on three pillars:

• Demystifying the "US Style": I teach international students how to transition from rigid, passive writing styles to the self-reflective, narrative-driven tone that US admissions officers look for.

• Strategic Test-Taking: For the Digital SAT, I do not just teach grammar rules. I teach time management, elimination strategies, and pattern recognition for recurring question types.

• Active Frameworks: I utilize shared digital workspaces (like Google Docs and interactive whiteboards) so we can brainstorm, outline, and live-edit essays together in real time.

Typical 60-Minute Lesson Plan

While every session is customized to your current goals, a standard lesson will follow this general structure:

1. 00–05 mins | Review & Check-in: We address any roadblocks from previous assignments and review feedback on recent essay drafts or test sections.

2. 05–25 mins | Core Skill Mastery: Interactive instruction on a specific concept (e.g., mastering "Command of Evidence" SAT questions, or mapping out the "hook" of a personal statement).

3. 25–50 mins | Guided Collaborative Practice: We apply the concept together. This involves live essay outlining, analyzing real university prompts, or breaking down complex academic texts.

4. 50–60 mins | Action Plan & Homework: We summarize the key takeaways and set a clear, actionable task list for the week ahead to maintain consistent momentum.

What Sets Me Apart

• Global Cultural Empathy: I understand the unique challenges international students face—from dealing with culture shock in academic writing to translating unique regional achievements into concepts a US admissions officer will value.

• Holistic Mentorship: I don’t just tutor a subject; I mentor the student. I bridge the gap between clearing English proficiency tests (like TOEFL/IELTS) and actually surviving a rigorous first-year US university seminar.

• Process-Oriented Progress: Parents and students receive clear milestones. You will never have to guess what your next step is in the daunting college application timeline.

Rates

Rate

Pack prices

5h: $170
10h: $340

free lessons

The first lesson with Joe will allow you to get to know each other and discuss your needs for future lessons.

online

$34/h

Academic English Prep, US College Admissions Coach, & SAT Tutor for International Students and US University Applicants

Lesson location

About Joe

About the lesson

Rates

Rate

Pack prices

free lessons

online

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Academic English Prep, US College Admissions Coach, & SAT Tutor for International Students and US University Applicants

Lesson location

About Joe

About the lesson

Rates

Rate

Pack prices

free lessons

online

Similar English tutors in Los Angeles

Jay

Sophie

Maz

Michael

Luka

Denise

Moira-Clare

Mobina

Fareeha

Jack

San

Bea

Duncan

Anjali

Pauline

Ellie

David

Sagar

Liz

Yolanda

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