Experience Summary
In middle school, I learned Algebra I and II as well as Geometry. I participated in the MathCounts competition and placed 26th at the state level. At Paul Laurence Dunbar high school, I have taken Pre-Calculus, MSTC AP Calculus I (effectively Calculus I and II,) and MSTC Calculus II (Effectively Calculus III and IV.) I got a 4 on the AP Calculus BC test with a 5 on my Calculus AB sub-score. During my 10th and 11th grade years, I took Physics I and MSTC AP Physics B. I got a 5 on the Physics B AP test and am currently enrolled in MSTC AP Physics C. During my 10th and 11th grade years, I also took Biology I and MSTC AP Biology 2. I got a 4 on the Biology AP test and am currently enrolled in MSTC Biology 3.
My background in these subjects though, especially math, go much deeper than what can just be learned in classes. I constantly use math in all my science classes as well as in competitions and for science fair. I regularly solve problems in my life using all the disciplines of math that I have learned, except for maybe Calculus. I have found that Algebra and Geometry, however, are fields that one must be adept in if that person wishes to pursue anything beyond a high school diploma. If a person wishes to do anything technical or science-related, then Calculus courses and Physics B and C are definitely needed as well. I know from many friends’ experiences that going into college while understanding these subjects puts one to be very well pre-disposed for success.
I have peer tutored kids in Algebra I during my 11th grade year and I also regularly help classmates outside of school so I have experience with teaching people of my age. I have found that some students are more willing to learn or absorb more information if a peer is teaching them, perhaps because they feel like they can relate to a fellow student.
Teaching Style
I prefer to teach at a different pace depending on each person. The most important thing is that the learner understands why something works, not just how to do it. This way, he or she will not be as inclined to forget the information, and it will also be easier to build upon that information in the future.
| Algebra |
Proficiency: Expert
|
| I first took Algebra in middle school. I learned many tricks and fundamental theories behind Algebra in MathCounts, which I still use daily in my higher level math coursework. It is crucial for students to understand everything taught in this introductory class, as higher level math builds upon it. |
| Algebra I |
 This is one of my top subjects!
Proficiency: Expert
|
| I first took Algebra in middle school. I learned many tricks and fundamental theories behind Algebra in MathCounts, which I still use daily in my higher level math coursework. It is crucial for students to understand everything taught in this introductory class, as higher level math builds upon it. |
| Algebra II |
Proficiency: Expert
|
| First took class in 8th grade. Took concurrently with Geometry and also learned Trigonometry. Most challenging part of Algebra II is conic sections, in my opinion. |
| Biology |
Proficiency: Expert
|
| I have taken 2 years of biology (including AP Biology; 4 on AP test) and am enrolled in a 3rd year that focuses more on lab work. I find that microbiology is more challenging that ecology. |
| Calculus I |
This is one of my top subjects!
Proficiency: Expert
|
| Took MSTC AP Calculus I in 10th grade, which is basically learning Calculus I and II in one school year. Calculus I does not have many tricky components compared to Calculus II, in my opinion. Still use Calculus in Physics C. (5 subscore on AP Calculus AB test.) |
| Calculus II |
Proficiency: Experienced
|
| Took MSTC AP Calculus I in 10th grade, which is basically learning Calculus I and II in one school year. Calculus I does not have many tricky components compared to Calculus II, in my opinion. The hardest part of Calculus II is grasping the idea of series. (4 on AP Calculus BC test.) |
| Geometry |
Proficiency: Expert
|
| First took class in 8th grade. Took concurrently with Algebra II and also learned Trigonometry. The most challenging part of Geometry in my opinion is learning all the theorems and how to use them for 2 column proofs. |
| Math |
Proficiency: Expert
|
| I have always enjoyed math and been ahead of students in my grade. I participated in MathCounts and have taken Algebra I & II, Geometry, and effectively Calculus I through IV (The MSTC program at my school teaches Calculus I and II in one year; III and IV in another.) Currently enrolled in Linear Algebra/Discrete Math. |
| Physics |
This is one of my top subjects!
Proficiency: Expert
|
| I have taken 2 years of Physics (including AP Physics B; 5 on AP test) and am currently enrolled in a AP Physics C that focuses on using Calculus-based methods to solve more complex problems. Physics is one of my favorite subjects and I am strong in every area in AP Physics B. |
| Pre-Algebra |
Proficiency: Expert
|
| First took Algebra in middle school. Learned many tricks and fundamental theories behind Algebra in MathCounts. Still use daily in my higher level math coursework |
| Trigonometry |
Proficiency: Expert
|
| I learned trigonometry in my Geometry and Algebra II classes during 8th grade. I used it heavily in MathCounts and in higher level math and physics. |