PrepNow Tutor - Nicholas J.
Passionate about math and tutoring, Nicholas holds a BA in applied mathematics from the University of California, Berkeley. He received certificates of merit from Oakland University for outstanding academic achievement in multivariable calculus, differential equations, eiscrete mathematics, advanced calculus I, and advanced calculus II. Nicholas works as an actuary and is an Associate of the Society of Actuaries. Since 2017, he has tutored students in almost every math subject ranging from ninth-grade algebra to college-level linear algebra and calculus-based statistics.
Nicholas started tutoring in the ninth grade when a few seniors in his AP Calculus class asked him for help and he's been teaching math in some capacity ever since. “The best part of tutoring is when you can help a student have a 'click' moment where the material starts to make sense!” While in college, Nicholas taught a probability course for two semesters and created an extra credit coding project, which many students found enjoyable. “Along with helping students improve in their math courses, my highlight has been that one student I worked with went from hating math to loving it and decided to minor in math at college!”
When asked about his tutoring style, Nicholas says, “Math is difficult and requires a lot of practice and thought. I do not like to teach students 'tricks' or tell them to memorize everything. Rather, I always emphasize working on the core concepts and ensuring students are 100% comfortable with those. After that, new concepts and formulas become easier for students to understand.” Nicholas knows he’s done a good job if a student can derive an equation from basic principles rather than just commit it to memory. “When applicable, I also like to show multiple ways to solve a given problem,” he explains. “This can help the student see connections between different concepts or areas of math and improve their 'intuitive' grasp on math!”
Nicholas played tennis and was on his high school's cross-country team. A member of the Phi Beta Kappa honor society, he graduated with the Highest Honors in his major and the Highest Distinction in General Scholarship from Berkeley's College of Letters and Science.
These days, Nicholas loves reading, watching spooky movies, traveling, and skiing. “I've been a nerd since fifth grade!”
