PrepNow Tutor - James R.
James has years of experience tutoring test prep, science, computer science, and high school math (pre-algebra, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus). In addition to one-on-one tutoring, he has taught in the classroom as a substitute teacher and worked with students in small groups and online settings.
He holds two BS degrees from MIT, one in electrical engineering and computer science and another in management; additionally, he earned an MBA in finance and strategy from the University of Chicago. Technology has been a key theme throughout his career, as he has developed product strategies for hi-tech companies and also leveraged technology to drive innovation and growth in non-technology businesses. In addition to tutoring, he’s building an AI consultancy.
Tutoring in high school inspired him to teach GMAT test prep courses later on. “The pride comes from seeing students ‘get it' and the corresponding results,” he recounts. Outside of formal tutoring, he worked closely with his own four children through the test prep and application processes for college and law school. “It's an incredible feeling when they score in the 95th percentile and get accepted to their dream schools,” he shares.
Curiosity, adaptability, and excitement are three pillars of James’s approach. “I distinctly remember one of my High School math teachers telling me that 'math is the language of nature.’ That had a profound impact on me and really elevated my sense of curiosity,” he recounts. He likes to emphasize practical applications of seemingly “boring” concepts and principles to show students the value of what they’re learning. He recalls another anecdote: “Some day, you might be building a gardening bed or bookcases, and you might not have a square to ensure right angles. But if you measure the two sides to be 3 and 4, then you'll have a right angle when the distance between those two measured points equals 5. Pythagorean theorem!" Ultimately, he wants his students to become efficient learners in and out of the classroom.
As a student, he enjoyed playing ice hockey. He is proud to share that he graduated from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business with honors and, later, as a tech-savvy business analyst, was awarded a Chairman's Award for Excellence for his work and presentation to the CEO and CFO of Sears.
In his free time, James enjoys sailing, photography, and watching collegiate and professional sports. Fun fact: “I'm from the same small town in Massachusetts as Mike Eruzione (captain of the Miracle on Ice team from 1980). I treasure a picture I have of Mike and me with the Gold medal around my neck.”
