PrepNow Tutor - Kevin A.
Since he started tutoring in 2011, Kevin has worked with over one hundred students in math topics ranging from algebra II and SAT math to multivariable calculus and physics. He earned a BS in mathematics from Cal Poly Pomona. Post-graduation, he received job offers from prominent tech and finance companies; however, his passion for math reignited his desire to pursue medicine at Columbia University’s PostBac PreMed program.
His grandmother was a teacher in Korea, and he fondly remembers her expert tutelage. “Thanks to her effort, I was able to achieve better accomplishments in math subjects than my peers,” he shares. As such, he started helping his friends with their calculus homework in the library. “They loved my explanations and my approach to solving differential equations—that’s when I decided to pursue teaching math.” Despite a shift toward the medical field, his passion for teaching has endured.
Kevin describes his tutoring style as “evasive.” “I never give students answers,” he explains. He gently leads them while also letting them problem-solve their way out of challenges. His experience with communities that often put product over process has shown him the importance of deeper learning. “Many students (especially in Asian communities like from my past) just want higher grades and better scores that would get them into prestigious universities; then they forget most of the stuff they learned while following their path,” he shares. “That's why I really want to teach them, not just help them get better grades; deeper learning will help them in the future with higher education.”
At Columbia, his stellar grades earned him the Kevin J. and Edith Sullivan Scholarship. He’s proud to share that he has helped many students achieve Ivy-worthy SAT/ACT scores. He loves hearing about school acceptance letters from students!
In his free time, he loves staying healthy (physically and mentally) at the gym and reading webtoons. “Now, many adults might think reading comics is bad for you, but I think that’s nonsense—I learned how to cook, play chess, and read Chinese characters reading comic books!”
