Everything you want to know about your lifelong learning journey!
FAQ-Exam Brain
ISEE, SHSAT, PSAT, SAT, ACT, ASAVAB, GRE, LSAT and many others!
There are so many test prep services out there.
What makes yours the best?
I work 1:1 with students to develop their individual critical thinking and formula recall skills so that on test day, they will perform at their best under pressure. Developing this talent is a slightly different skill set than scoring an “A” in a classroom setting and makes a big difference in scores! This will set them apart as well-prepared contenders for best scores on a standardized test.
What materials do you use?
I use practice exams from previous years, and yes, I cover all the same topics that the “big name” companies do.
Each student has unique strengths and weaknesses and I specialize in highlighting these areas and preparing study materials specifically for them. For example: I translate generic test questions into scenarios that match the students interests, so they can spend more time on answering the query and less time on figuring out “the world of the question."
My student has a IEP/504 Plan and has unlimited time to take the test. How can tutoring help?
Even students with a 504 plan (extra time allotment) will greatly benefit from our work by learning strategies and core curriculum that will be covered on the test, as well as “tips and tricks." I have worked with many brilliant students who suffer from testing anxiety, to make sure they feel confident and supported throughout our sessions and on test day!
My student gets straight A's. Why should we consider tutoring?
Although the curriculum in class and on standardized tests are the same, the methods by which they are tested are very different. Statewide and countrywide assessments have a much more rigid structure with specific rules, instructions, time allotments and scoring methods; as well as unfamiliar proctors, unfamiliar students and sometimes an unfamiliar environment. All of this can create a lot of anxiety on test day if the student is only "classroom prepared."
We work in-depth on applying their "Grade A" knowledge to whichever structure the test calls for including strategy, mental stamina, formula recall, and practice! Students have the freedom to try, fail, repeat, and succeed in a low-pressure encouraging environment.
Our family's schedule is jam packed. How would we find time for tutoring?
One thing that sets ScholarBrain apart from other companies is the focus on time management. Based on our first assessment, I will make a personalized calendar for the student, capturing other work and school obligations, so that we can visually see exactly how much time they have available until test day. We then plan each lesson to optimize learning time, be it more practice tests, or more theory and concept retention. In this way, the student will be well prepared, whether they have 4 weeks or 12 weeks until test day.
FAQ-ESL BRAIN
I am a high-level executive who has been speaking English for many years. How would Scholar Brain help me?
Most speakers have different levels of proficiencies with a language, across reading, writing, and speaking. I will help you improve the areas in which you are lacking, and we will work towards gaining a wholistic facility with the English language, which will make you a better speaker.
I read, write, and speak English fluently, however my accent makes it hard for people to understand me. Can you help?
Yes! Sometimes the beautiful nuances of our mother tongue come through when we speak a foreign language. Even though we are speaking word-perfect, our accent overtakes the conversation, which hinders clear communication.
I will show you the tips and tricks of accent reduction that you will not find in any of the language apps or mobile learning platforms. Soon you will sound like a native English speaker and have the ability to switch between languages fluidly and precisely!
I have been practicing for months with books, apps, you name it! Yet I have not had good results. How can ScholarBrain help?
Practice is the key to retaining a language. Most apps offer practice simulations where they will record your voice and repeat phrases back to you in the native tongue, however it is crucial to be able to see your facial movements and make corrections to your mouth placements when you are learning a foreign language correctly. This is what I do, in a supportive and encouraging atmosphere, so that you feel confident when practicing in the real world.
I am an actor, can you help me with a specific script?
Absolutely! There are over 20 American accents across the different regions of the United States. I have worked with many actors to “authenticate” their reading of the script to match the specific geographical area where the story takes place. You will gain an understanding of colloquial phrases and clichés that you will not find in any of the apps and online platforms.
The language apps are fun, but most of the practice scenarios don't apply to me. (I can only go to the store, the bank, or the library so many times!)
When will I learn words and phrases that are actually useful?
Practice is the number one barrier to language retention. I specialize in teaching English words and phrases that you can use in conversation the very next day. From our fist lesson, you will learn the fundamentals, in a format that is individualized and tailored to your specific job function or lifestyle. In this way, you will have the maximum exposure and opportunity to practice and speak comfortably.