Richard

finite math

mechanical engineering

logic

marketing

linear algebra

discrete math

differential equations

business

econometrics

I earned an MBA in finance at U Chicago, a BS in mathematics at MIT, and a PhD in mathematics (geometry and physics) at Berkeley. At U Chicago I took advanced electives in Bayesian statistics and quantitative finance. I have implemented a stochastic macroeconomic model of the US economy in Excel. I did outstanding analytic work in business analytics at McKinsey, where the head of industrial consulting regarded me as the best analyst in the Firm. I revolutionized business analytics at MathWorks. I currently run ModelSheet Software, which offers software and services for business analytics.

ACT Science

ACT Science tests skills at extracting information from data tables, graphs and text passages to justify conclusion in a scientific setting. While knowledge of related fields of science is helpful, the ACT Science test does not focus on testing knowledge of science. I have extensive experience at interpretation of data and text. I earned a BS in math at MIT, a PhD in mathematics (geometry and physics) at Berkeley, an MBA in finance at U Chicago. I was an R&D scientist at General Electric where I got experience using data to help make engineering decisions in numerous fields. I also led business analytics projects in a number of firms, where I developed ways to use data to help make business decisions.

ACT Math

My experience enables me to identify and resolve the root causes behind inability to answer many kinds of math questions. For most students, the most common causes of errors on ACT Math are (1) translating the verbal question into math (equations, inequalities, etc.), (2) formulating an initial strategy to approach a problem, (3) applying to the ACT math they already know, and (4) domain knowledge in specific areas of math.

PSAT

I tutor PSAT, SAT and SSAT including all verbal and math material. Please see my main profile for more information on my tutoring experience. My students on standardized tests include gifted students and students with learning issues, because I am attentive to the students’ learning styles.

probability

SSAT

My approach to SSAT prep is to help in four ways. First, teach test-wise tips; secondly, improve domain knowledge as needed; thirdly, refine reading and writing skills through practice and discussion; and fourth, teach specific methods for quantitative problems. We also write essays.

SAT writing

SAT Writing includes grammar, organization, paragraph and sentence structure, and writing in an interesting style. I teach both good writing practice and how to get a high score on SAT Writing. While these two topics overlap substantially, they differ in significant ways. The College Board’s business model is based on inexpensive automated scoring. While multiple choice testing of grammar fits this model, evaluating essays does not. This situation has major consequences for how to write a high-scoring essay for the SAT.

physical science

I have broad experience in tutoring and broad experience in physical sciences. After earning a BS from MIT and PhD in mathematical physics from Berkeley, I was a research scientist at General Electric R&D, building engineering physics simulations in many fields. At GE I delivered some seminars to staff outside their fields of expertise that were considered exceptionally understandable.

GMAT

SAT reading

Reading is the most complicated skill on the SAT. The SAT tests comprehension of subtle distinctions in meaning and ability to inference shades of meaning from explicit information in the text passages. I teach important test-taking tips for different types of SAT reading questions. The most common sources of errors on SAT reading are: (1) the student gets the right general idea, but fails to comprehend the secondary distinctions for which the SAT tests; and (2) limited vocabulary can make it impossible for the student to understand some of the questions and proposed answers. I focus on developing reading comprehension skills. There is no substitute for having an experienced tutor guide a student through the subtleties of meaning that are tested on the SAT reading test, and explaining the subtle ways that correct answers differ from incorrect answers. Building vocabulary occurs naturally when taking SAT practice tests. I can help by explaining word roots and prefixes. Students can improve their vocabularies quite well by putting in the time to study word lists on their own or with family members.

finance

economics

SAT math

I teach classes and tutor SAT math for many students. My approach combines (1) general strategies for approaching all math questions on the SAT, (2) domain knowledge in many areas of math, (3) test-wise tips on how to approach the SAT, and (4) practice answering SAT problems. This approach helps students learn math in other settings as well. I have succeeded with bright students and with students who have learning issues, because I am attentive to the each student's learning processes. I earned a BS in mathematics at MIT, a PhD in mathematics (geometry and physics) at Berkeley, and an MBA in finance from U Chicago. I did mathematical simulation of engineering physics problems in general electric R&D. I ran a mathematical software business for 10 years where I wrote a lot of math software. I have been a leader in business analysis at several companies. I currently run a small company that sells business analysis products and services.

reading

The most important skill in good reading is to grasp the subtler distinctions between what an author is saying and something he/she is not saying. This skill requires a good understanding of grammar, followed by the ability to extract clear logical meaning from a reading passage. I bring a mathematician's precision to analyzing the logic and smoothness of language. (My formal degrees are in mathematics, physics and finance.) For thoughtful reading materials, a strong vocabulary is also required. A tutor can most effectively improve students' vocabulary by explaining new words as they occur in spoken or written language and in verbal tests. I can recommend vocabulary-building lists, but students can most cost-effectively do this sort of work on their own.

trigonometry

vocabulary

Vocabulary is an essential ingredient in good English. In my experience, vocabulary is the most important factor limiting verbal scores on SAT reading. A tutor can most effectively improve students' vocabulary by explaining new words as they occur in spoken or written language and in verbal tests. I can recommend vocabulary-building lists, but students can most cost-effectively do this sort of work on their own.

grammar

I bring an "old school" background in grammar, including outlining ideas and diagramming sentences. While students need not learn this material, it helps me to explain subtle differences in meaning among different ways of expressing an idea.

Microsoft Excel

I run a small software company, ModelSheet Software, that sells advanced business analysis solutions in Excel. I have built all the models on the website. I have been doing complex analyses in spreadsheets for 20 years. I earned a BS in math from MIT, a PhD in math from Berkeley, and an MBA in Finance from U Chicago.

geometry

physics

precalculus

writing

I have a lot of experience writing clear, terse English for business and science. I bring a mathematician's precision to analyzing the logic and smoothness of language. (My formal degrees are in mathematics, physics and finance.) I am not as experienced in writing impressionistic or fictional material.

English

calculus

algebra 1

I earned a BS in mathematics (including a lot of algebra) at MIT and a PhD in mathematics at Berkeley. I have used algebra in several small software businesses, including one mathematical software company.

algebra 2

Macroeconomics

Microeconomics

statistics

ACT English