Please note:
Parents' reviews of tutors are the opinions of Berkeley Parents Net subscribers. Your own experience may be different.
Announcements from tutors are accepted without review as a service to local parents. Please always check references before hiring!

See also: Parents' Reviews of College Admissions Consultants

May 06 2012

CLINICAL/COUNSELING/SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY GRADUATE ADMISSIONS 
COUNSELING (MA/PhD)

UC Berkeley PhD student with insight into what admissions committees are 
looking for in competitive applicants. Together, we'll shape your application 
to hilight your strengths and maximize your fit with the department. Every 
applicant should understand the competitive process. E-mail for a free 
phone consultation. 

Thanks and good luck to those seeking admission.
Josh 
Josh jms0314[at]hotmail.com 

-----------------------------------------------

Apr 05 2012

Writing the College Admissions Essay

In an increasingly competitive college application
environment, it is imperative that students differentiate
their own experience from others.  More than ever, colleges
evaluate students' application essays with a critical eye. 
I can help your child's essay stand out from the crowd and
be successful.  

For additional information, please contact me at 925 947-1629.

Thank you.
Dr. Julie Hemker julie.hemker[at]att.net 925 947-1629

-----------------------------------------------

Feb 26 2012

I am offering consulting and tutoring for individuals 
applying to medical school.  I am finishing up a very 
successful medical school admissions cycle, which puts me in 
an excellent position to pass on my expertise! I can offer 
assistance with:

The personal statement
The new AMCAS activities section
MCAT tutoring (all subjects)
How to select the medical schools to which you will apply
Writing secondary essays
Interview practice and tips for all styles (faculty or 
student one-on-one; group interviews; and ?MMI,? multiple 
mini interviews)
Motivation and time management
 
My credentials: I have been granted 13 interviews, 
including: UCLA, Wash U, Vanderbilt, NYU, Georgetown, Emory, 
UC Irvine, and the University of Virginia. I have six 
acceptances so far and have received outstanding feedback on 
my personal statement and interviewing skills. I scored a 38 
on the MCAT.  I am requesting $50/hour, sliding scale.

Best of luck!
Rebecca
Rebecca rlevinepstein[at]gmail.com 5106121164

-----------------------------------------------

Feb 10 2012

College Admissions and Essay Development: 
College admissions officers want both excellence and authenticity in the 
application portfolio.  The challenge is to strike a balance between leaving 
students to their own devices and telling them exactly what to do.   I give 
detailed guidance and support for students developing their college 
application materials.   We can work together from day one of the application 
process through the financial aid essays, or on an essay-by-essay basis.  My 
experience: 25 years editing, teaching and guiding students through the 
application process, with 16 years as an AP Literature teacher and 2 years as a 
graduate instructor.  Contact me for access to detailed discussions of 
applications and essay prompts on my blog, and to send an essay for a free 
sample edit.    Services include editing, assessment, intellectual development, 
essay development, admissions guidance.
Sean Brennan wordguild[at]gmail.com (510) 332-9313

-----------------------------------------------

Dec 30 2011

I graduated with a BA in Political Science and Mass Communications from 
Berkeley in 2006.

My clients have received admission to: MIT, Columbia, Cornell, Pomona, 
Claremont McKenna, UC Berkeley, UCLA... to name a few. All of my clients have 
been admitted to one or more of their top three schools. I believe this is 
because I work with my clients extensively to find colleges right for them, and  
create a portfolio of applications customized for each school and reflective of 
each client's unique personality.
Clifton Coleman c3admissionadvising[at]gmail.com (510) 761-6773

-----------------------------------------------

Dec 13 2011

Hello,

I'm available to work quickly with students in their college admissions essays. 
I've helped clients get accepted at U.C. Berkeley, Wharton, and prestigious 
fellowships. 

I'm a college professor in journalism and have a master's in writing from 
Northwestern University and a bachelor's in history from Pomona College.

I've also worked as a professional editor for many years, and have extensive 
tutoring experience. I'll help students do their best work.

More info can be found at my LinkedIn account: 
http://www.linkedin.com/in/malaikacostellodougherty
Malaika Costello-Dougherty malaikacd[at]gmail.com 4152505904

-----------------------------------------------

Dec 02 2011

College Essay Coach: Need help with your college application essays and 
supplemental essays? I can help you with conceptualizing, crafting and 
polishing your statements. I am a seasoned professional writer with a 
master's degree in journalism from the Medill School of Journalism at 
Northwestern University and experience in teaching journalism at City College 
of San Francisco. I have been coaching teens at Berkeley High in the art of 
writing college essays for many years, and also have helped numerous private 
clients get into the colleges of their dreams. I can come to your house or meet 
you in a cafe or library, and am available most evenings and weekends as well 
as over the winter break. 
Brenda Kahn brenda.kahn[at]yahoo.com 510-393-1701

-----------------------------------------------

Nov 29 2011

I am currently offering a FREE review of college essays.  If
an essay requires modest tweaking, my charge is $25 per
essay.  For essays requiring a significant overhaul, my rate
is $50 per essay.  My services are well worth your while,
and very affordable.  I can provide references upon request.
 I have a Ph.D in Higher Education as well as a recent
certificate in College Admissions Advising from UC Berkeley
extension.  Please email ASAP to avoid the last minute rush.
Jari Hazard jari94556[at]comcast.net 

-----------------------------------------------

Nov 16 2011

Gates Millennium Scholars Association is a student run organization at 
UC Berkeley. We are a group of Gates Scholars (gmsp.org) who want to 
help high school students through college admissions. We have a 
mentoring program and we are helping high school students with proof 
reading essays, tips for scholarships, financial aid concerns and any 
other questions students may have. We have over 20 mentors available. 
Please email gmsa.berkeley@gmail.com with the following if you would 
like a mentor:
Name
Grade
Email
What do you want help in?
College major / interest? 

If you have further questions, contact gmsa.berkeley@gmail.com or visit 
calgmsa.org
Karla Mendez gmsa.berkeley[at]gmail.com 

-----------------------------------------------

Nov 01 2011

Get expert support and guidance to perfect your college
applications.  As a professional tutor specializing in the
college transition, I have helped hundreds of students
successfully gain admission to top universities. I can
provide support through all stages of the admissions
process, from understanding the general requirements to
crafting and editing compelling personal statements and
supplemental essays.  My background includes teaching
experience at Kaplan, Revolution Prep, and Elite Education,
with a focus on both SAT/ACT prep and college applications
tutoring.  A graduate of Oberlin and Harvard, I now live and
work in the East Bay.
William VanDoren willievandoren[at]gmail.com 617-233-0361

-----------------------------------------------

Oct 30 2011

Is your high school senior overwhelmed by the college
application process?  As deadlines approach, are you
concerned that he or she may need some help?

Then consider a different kind of college counselor.  I am
an attorney and marketing executive who is taking time off
to care for my young children and am currently helping
students brainstorm, draft and finalize college application
essays and short answers.

I have applied (and been accepted!) to many schools and
programs, including doctorate and juris doctorate programs,
and my legal background and experience in marketing and PR
make me uniquely qualified to help students develop a clear
idea of the story they want to tell.  My goal is to help
each student write a concise essay, in his or her own voice,
that will make a positive and lasting impression on
admissions counselors. 

I charge $40/hour and am available in Oakland/Berkeley most
evenings and weekends.    Please contact me for additional
information.  
Brooke Welch brooke.g.welch[at]gmail.com 

-----------------------------------------------

Oct 14 2011

As the college admissions process becomes ever more competitive, the 
college admissions essay becomes more important.  I can help.  I am an 
Advanced Placement English Literature and Senior Composition teacher at a 
top-ranked East Bay high school, with twenty-five years of experience 
teaching and tutoring at the high school and university levels.  I offer multiple 
programs for addressing the college application essay, from the economy and 
efficiency of the E-Program, starting at $50, to the Developmental Program, 
in which we meet to begin the essay process, then continue via e-mail and 
phone over multiple drafts.  My blog at Wordpress contains free information 
and advice on this year's college essay prompts.  E-mail me at 
www.wordguild.com for the blog url/link and for further information.

My current projects range from editing a book by a local philosopher and 
martial artist to application essays for graduate and undergraduate programs.
Sean Brennnan wordguild[at]gmail.com 

-----------------------------------------------

Oct 06 2011

I'm a UC Berkeley graduate with a Double Bachelors in Math 
and Industrial Engineering. I currently work as a 
Technical Manager for a GIS company in the Bay Area. I 
have experience tutoring for high school and college level 
MATH, as well as MENTORING high school students of all 
grades to work towards COLLEGE ADMISSIONS. I would be 
interested in tutoring/mentoring for anything or a 
combination of things related to my previous experience. 

I would love the opportunity to tutor on a regular basis, 
up to 6 hours a week (sometimes more if necessary). My 
rate is $50/hour. I am available Sunday through Friday 6pm-
 
10pm and anytime on Saturdays. I am willing to meet 
anywhere within 15 miles of Berkeley or near San Rafael 
(north bay). 

If you're interested, please email me at mursil@live.com 
with details on the tutoring needs (grade level, subject, 
etc.), location, and a phone number to reach you. Thanks 
and I look forward to working with you! 
Mursil Makhani mursil[at]live.com 

-----------------------------------------------

Oct 03 2011

The college application process can be as competitive as it is overwhelming. 
My name is Ali Lawrence and I provide productive and guided curriculum for 
college essay writing success. I work with your student through every phase 
of their personal statement process through a series of one on one meetings 
and online support. From drawing out relevant material, ideas, and stories, to 
enhancing their writing style; taking into consideration the uniqueness of 
their achievements and the audience to whom they are addressing. 
Additionally, I support and strengthen sustainable writing skills while 
coaching their well-crafted essays. I believe there is no reason why this 
process can't be rewarding in both its outcome and what's gained in the 
experience. www.alilawrence.com. Sliding scale available. I received my MFA 
in creative writing with a correlative in teaching creative writing in 2007. I 
have been working with others to improve their writing for over ten years. 
ali ali[at]alilawrence.com 510.219.3285

-----------------------------------------------

Sep 17 2011

I'm a current UC Berkeley PhD student in the humanities and an experienced 
tutor.  I have received multiple fellowships for academic excellence (awarded 
by the University, the federal government and private foundations).  Resume 
+ references available upon request.

I help clients in any stage of the writing process, including brainstorming, 
developing coherency/depth/length, structuring, tailoring pieces for specific 
college and program preferences, and other key editing/review steps.

-Graduate admissions essays for PhD, MA, and JD programs (statement of 
purpose and/or personal statement)
-Writing samples for PhD, MA programs
-Undergraduate admissions essays

$30-$40hr, depending on scope of client's particular needs.  Available for a 
maximum of 12 hours per week, therefore at any given time will tutor no 
more than 2 clients.  I do this because I'm interested in limiting the number of 
people I work with, in order to improve the quality of their experience.
TMP mingyur[at]berkeley.edu 

-----------------------------------------------


Sep 12 2011

As the college admissions process becomes more competitive,
the college admissions essay becomes more important.  I help
students develop their best possible essay, using the
approach that best fits their needs.  I have twenty-three
years of experience as an Advanced Placement and Senior
Composition teacher at a top-ranked East Bay high school, as
well as two years as a GA during postgraduate studies.  I
offer multiple programs for developing a great college
application essay, starting at $45 dollars in the ''early
season.''  My blog at wordpress contains extensive
information on this year's prompts as well as more general
advice.  Contact me for the url and for further information
and references.  My current projects range from application
essays to editing a book by a local martial artist and
Daoist master. 
Sean Brennan wordguild[at]gmail.com (510) 332-9313

-----------------------------------------------

Sep 09 2011

College Essay Coaching: Making Your Personal Statement More Personal

I provide professional, one-on-one essay coaching services that will help 
students cultivate and celebrate their unique voice and their unique Self. 

What I do:
*Personal Statement Coaching: Goals, technique, and development
*Brainstorming Sessions: To help refine your message
*Comprehensive Writing Support: More than just proofreading and editing

Experience:
*Masters in Creative Writing (Emphasis in Nonfiction and Personal Essay)
*6 Years working in two of San Francisco's most competitive college prep 
schools both teaching writing and working the College Counseling 
Department
*Specialized Certificate in College Counseling from UC San Diego

Visit my website for more details: www.wrightwritingconsultants.com 
or email me at:
Alexis Wright wwconsultants[at]me.com 

-----------------------------------------------

Sep 02 2011

I recently graduated from Brown University, Phi Beta Kappa
and Magna Cum Laude. I am currently in my year off before
medical school. 

I have acted as tutor and mentor for children in the
Breakthrough program at San Francisco Day School. While at
Brown, I tutored teens in the Providence community, and I
would be happy to act as a tutor as well as nanny/babysitter
for your children. 

I concentrated in social sciences at Brown, and I won the
Brown University Distinguished Senior Thesis Award. I am
particularly strong in persuasive writing, personal
statement writing, college admissions strategy, English, and
the social sciences.
Elizabeth Adler elizabeth.c.adler[at]gmail.com 650-302-2949

-----------------------------------------------

Jul 27 2011

College advising and essay help available at affordable
prices!  I am a devoted adviser with a BS in Psychology, MS
in Counseling, PhD in Higher Education, and training from
the Berkeley Extension program in College Advising.  I work
with students with stellar, and less-than-stellar, grades
and standardized test scores.  I offer lots of personal
attention, motivation, and stress reduction!  Feel free to
send an email so we can schedule an appointment.
Jari Hazard jari94556[at]comcast.net 510-384-1830

-----------------------------------------------

Jul 26 2011

From many years of tutoring, I bring a sensitive approach to
working with young adults, meeting each student where they
are in their own development. I value the opportunity to
work with students helping them to cultivate critical
thinking skills and to enjoy the learning process as an
experience that is integral to life. I have worked for a
number of elite college prep companies. I offer the same
services independently at half the cost. Beginning in
September I am available to tutor high school students who
need assistance going through the college application essay
process, and/or are in need of help with writing in any
humanities subject. About me: I grew up in the Bay and
earned my B.A. with highest honors from Stanford, where I
received multiple  awards for excellence in writing. 
Currently, I am a grad student in clinical psychology. I
look forward to hearing from you and discussing your
particular needs. Warmly, Eva  
Eva Tuschman eva.tuschman[at]gmail.com (650) 353-1745

-----------------------------------------------

Jul 23 2011

My name is Dorit Perry and I recently completed my third year teaching 9th and 
11th grade English at Berkeley High.

I can work with your teens on the college admissions process, including writing 
compelling personal statements and giving strong interviews, which I did with 
my junior students for the last three years. I help students think through school 
options, map out the application process, secure letters of recommendation, 
meet deadlines, and more. I am warm, patient, and kind, and bring a sense of 
humor and years of experience as an educator and student.

Resume, pricing sheet, and testimonials available upon request.

About me: I graduated from UCLA with a 4.00 GPA, earned an MA from the 
California Institute of Integral Studies, and hold a CA teaching credential. Over 
the past 15 years, I worked as an academic and life coach for over 1,000 college 
students, tutored students at Score Educational Centers, and pursued acting in 
LA.

www.doritperry.com
Dorit Perry info[at]doritperry.com 510-417-9291

-----------------------------------------------

Jul 05 2011

My name is Dorit Perry and I just finished my third year teaching 9th 
and 11th grade English at Berkeley High (taking a leave of absence in 
2011-12). I can work with your teens on personal statements and 
interview practice, which I did with my junior students. I can help 
students think through school options, map out the application 
process, secure letters of recommendation, meet deadlines, and more.

I also tutor all aspects of the English classroom: writing, reading, 
critical thinking, vocab, grammar, and public speaking. I help with 
general study and organizational skills, goal-setting, and motivation. 
Resume, pricing sheet, and testimonials available upon request.

About me: I graduated Summa Cum Laude from UCLA, have an MA 
from the California Institute of Integral Studies, and hold a CA 
teaching credential. Over the past 15 years, I worked as an academic 
and life coach for over 1,000 college students, tutored UCLA athletes, 
and pursued acting in LA.
Dorit Perry doritperry[at]brainchildtutoring.com 510-403-1252

-----------------------------------------------

May 20 2011

Hi,

Is your child planning to get started on his or her college
admissions essays this summer? If so, I'd love to help. I
received my B.A. in English from Duke University, where I
graduated summa cum laude. I subsequently spent a year
working at a private tutoring firm in Washington, DC, where
I specialized in helping students craft their college
admissions essays. I also provided extensive tutoring in
SAT/ACT prep, English (Honors & AP), Algebra, and Geometry.

I moved to Berkeley last year to pursue my doctorate in
clinical psychology. As part of my training, I spend two
days a week counseling high school students in Oakland. I
love working with teens and strive to create a friendly,
supportive atmosphere during tutoring sessions.

I have a car and would be happy to travel to your home.
Please feel free to contact me with questions or requests
for references.

Thanks!
Ian F. IanTheTutor[at]yahoo.com 

-----------------------------------------------

May 30 2011

Capturing a student's uniqueness; making the college
admissions process one of exploration,discovery,and, yes,
fun...(not of fear and anxiety); guiding my students
throughout the entire process with an action plan and
strategic goals------that's my well established college
admissions practice in a nutshell.  
Additionally, I've been working for UC Berkeley admissions
for many years, and, to date, have read more than 15,000 
application essays.   I know what pops off the page and know
how to help my students capture their voices and convey who
they truly are.  My students pride themselves on turning in
applications they're immensely proud of.  
The results have been very gratifying---most of my  students
end up at their dream colleges.
Marilynn Aiches collegeadmitpro[at]yahoo.com 510.559.8815

-----------------------------------------------


May 10 2011

I am a college admissions essay specialist. As a much-
published novelist and non-fiction writer, former English 
teacher/professor, and magazine editor, I bring special 
talents and skills to the coaching of winning essays.

My students have met with great success in the highly 
competitive admissions process. Please see my website 
www.sarahshankman.net for a list of their admitting 
institutions. 

I begin with a complimentary 30-minute parental phone 
consultation. With their suggestions in hand, the student 
and I conduct an intensive brainstorming session. We craft 
an outline and a first paragraph to kick-start the writing 
process. I closely edit each draft---shepherding 
structure, style, and grammar---until we have a unique 
essay that makes admissions officers take notice. This 
essay can be massaged through multiple versions for 
various colleges and scholarship applications.

I live in Berkeley and coach throughout the Bay Area.
Sarah srshankman[at]hotmail.com 510/528-8111

-----------------------------------------------

May 06 2011

Hi all,

I am a Brown graduate with a degree in creative writing who 
recently moved back to the Bay Area. Prior to this I was 
working in Boston as a tutor with an Academy that 
specialized in TOEFL, SAT prep, and college admissions 
essays. I was their essay specialist; my students have been 
admitted to colleges like Stanford, Johns Hopkins, and 
Wellesley, to name a few. My students also  dramatically 
increased their SAT verbal scores with me. My company 
charged $80 per hour for my services; I am offering private 
tutoring sessions for $40 per hour, sliding scale. If you're 
located in Berkeley or Oakland, I'll travel to your house 
for no extra fee.

I really enjoy tutoring, and I'm very flexible and not 
intimidating. If you'd like to try working with me, please 
e-mail or call any time.

I look forward to working with you and your student!

Best,

Miya
Miya miya.perry[at]gmail.com 5105010200