Tutor Biographies

John Danks, M.D., Founder & President

John graduated cum laude from Georgetown University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science as a double major in biology and physics. John attended Chaminade High School where he graduated 7th in his class of 356 students and scored in the 99th percentile on his SAT. While at Georgetown, he gained significant laboratory experience while doing neuroscience research.

Since leaving Georgetown, John earned his M.D. at New York Medical College. During medical school, he scored a 243 on USMLE Step 1 and a 259 on USLME Step 2CK. John is currently a General Surgery resident at Loyola University Medical Center, just outside of Chicago.

Prior to starting Med School Tutors in 2005, John accumulated vast tutoring experience with scores of students in New York City and Washington, DC. For 12 years, he has worked with students of all levels teaching them myriad subjects including biology, physics, chemistry, calculus, math, and writing. He has also prepared students for various standardized tests including the USMLE Steps 1, 2 & 3, MCAT, SAT I, and SAT Subject Tests in Biology, Physics, Chemistry, and Math.

Robert J. Meekins, Executive Director & Partner

Robert graduated summa cum laude, with a perfect 4.0 GPA, from Adelphi University in Garden City, NY. At Adelphi, he earned a B.A. in political science and an Honors College diploma, and was also named the school’s first official nominee for the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship in over 10 years. Before beginning his undergraduate studies, Robert graduated 5th in his class from Chaminade High School in Mineola, NY.

At Adelphi, Robert served as Student Government Association president, was inducted into Omicron Delta Kappa national leadership honorarium and Pi Sigma Alpha national political science honor society, and received prizes for Best Honors Thesis in Humanities, Best Senior Political Science Paper, Outstanding Political Science Graduate, and the President’s Student Leadership Award.

He has done extensive work in the field of international relations, as a member of the Long Island Foreign Affairs Forum, Carnegie Council Foreign Policy Roundtable, and attendee of the Atlantic Treaty Association General Assembly in Edinburgh, Scotland. Robert has worked as a consultant, intern, and assistant editor for the Adelphi University Web site, local high schools, and nationally recognized publications, including the World Policy Journal.

Having worked with, advised and supervised hundreds of students in an intimate fashion, Robert has earned a reputation for keen instincts about standardized tests -- from the SAT to the MCAT to the USMLE. He has a knack for matching students with the best tutors for their circumstances, and for ensuring his students overcome the psychological barriers that prevent their optimal performance. Robert's investment in our students' success is unparalleled and sets Med School Tutors apart from other organizations.

Marcel Brus-Ramer, MD/Ph.D., Senior USMLE Tutor & Director of West Coast Operations

Marcel graduated with highest honors from Rutgers University with a B.A. in Economics, yet his true intellectual passion rests in science and medicine. At Rutgers, he completed a senior honors thesis on spinal cord injuries in the Dept. of Biology. After graduating from Rutgers, Marcel spent two years doing pathology and immunology research in Paris at Hopital St. Louis and Universite Paris VII. He returned to the United States in 2002 to start an MD/PhD program at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons after achieving an impressive 35 on his MCAT. In 2008, he completed his Ph.D. dissertation in the Dept. of Neuroscience.

Marcel is now a PGY-1 in radiology at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). He earned that competitive spot with stellar USMLE Step 1 and Step 2CK scores (246/99 on his USMLE Step 1 and 240/99 on Step 2CK), and after authoring and contributing to over a dozen peer-reviewed articles in publication or currently submitted.

Marcel has over ten years of tutoring experience in the New Jersey, New York City and San Francisco Bay Area. He currently specializes in USMLE, medical sciences and residency placement advisement. Marcel is also our director of operations on the West Coast in the San Francisco and Los Angeles areas.

Kenneth Rubin, MD, Senior USMLE Tutor and Director of Curriculum Development

Ken graduated from Columbia University with a B.A. in economics. Prior to that, he attended the elite Ramaz School in NYC, where he excelled academically and began amassing a stellar record of standardized testing success. Ken scored a 1560 on his SAT (760 verbal, 800 math) and recently added a 2380 on an officially administered exam. Ken has also scored a perfect 800 on both mathematics subject tests (level 1 & level 2) and on the chemistry subject test. Ken was a national merit finalist and the top scorer from his high school on the prestigious American Invitational Mathematics Examination (AIME).

Ken earned his M.D. from Mt. Sinai School of Medicine in 2010. During medical school, he scored a 246 on USMLE Step 1 and a 251 on USMLE Step 2CK. As a 3rd year student, he also scored in the 99th percentile on his internal medicine nbme shelf exam.

For nearly ten years, Ken has worked with students from middle school through post-graduate level on a variety of academic subjects and standardized tests. He has helped students to excel at all levels of biology, chemistry, mathematics and writing. He has also successfully prepared students for the SAT I, SAT II subject tests in biology, chemistry and math, AP tests, MCAT and USMLE Steps 1 & 2.

Recently, Ken has focused his tutoring efforts on USMLE prep. Ken is one of our most talented, experienced and consistently successful USMLE tutors. He is a gifted and inspired teacher whose students often end up performing beyond even their own expectations. In addition to working with USMLE students, Ken is intimately involved in helping us to develop our proprietary USMLE curriculum and in training our outstanding USMLE tutors.

Stephen J. Lowery, B.A., Senior Tutor

Stephen graduated magna cum laude from Columbia University with a B.A. in Neurobiology and Art History. Prior to attending Columbia, Stephen compiled an incredible record of excellence on his standardized tests, including a 1560 on his SAT (800 Verbal, 760 Math) and an 800 on his Writing SAT II. He was recognized as the highest Advanced Placement (AP) test scorer in the entire state of Rhode Island, earning a perfect score in 6 different subjects—Calculus, Chemistry, Biology, Psychology, English Literature, and History.

In 2006, Stephen continued his outstanding standardized test performance by scoring in the 99.8 percentile on his Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). Subsequently, he enrolled in the prestigious Albert Einstein Medical College where he is in his second year. Stephen has been tutoring regularly in New York City for the past five years.

He specializes in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, English, and writing, as well as SAT, SAT subject tests, AP, and MCAT preparation.

Matthew Garrett, M.D., USMLE, MCAT & Medical Sciences Tutor

Matthew graduated with distinction from Yale University with a B.S. in Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry. After graduating from Yale, Matthew was admitted to the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, and he is currently pursuing his residency in neurosurgery at UCLA

Matthew’s incredible academic and testing resume include a nearly perfect Yale transcript, 98th percentile on his MCAT, and 99.5 percentile on all three of Step 1, Step 2CK and Step 3 of the USLME medical boards. He has also been published as first author more than 15 times in high impact peer-reviewed journals.

Matthew has been tutoring in New York City and Los Angeles for the last 5 years, in the process accruing a nearly flawless record of student success.  He specializes in MCAT, USMLE and other medical and basic sciences.

Joshua Lakin, M.D., USMLE, MCAT & Medical Sciences Tutor

Joshua graduated with honors from Willamette University with a B.A. in Economics, minoring in Physics, and started his professional career at Tektronix, Inc in Portland, Oregon. He discovered his passion for medicine at Columbia University in where he received two leadership awards for his work developing interest in global health.

In 2009, Josh completed his MD at Brown University with scores of 250 and 253 on USMLE Step 1 and Step 2, respectively. At Brown, Josh also served two years on the medical school admissions committee and as a member of the Brown University Teaching Academy.

Throughout his professional and academic life he has pursued his interest in economics working in a variety of roles, including at the Earth Institute of Columbia University, Butterfield Bank of Bermuda, and McKinsey & Co. He continues to build upon these passions currently as a resident in Internal Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) pursuing the Health Systems and Leadership track. In addition to his role as a teaching resident at UCSF he is pursuing work with documentation of Advance Directives. More recently, Josh continued his excellent track record on his board exams with a 240 on USMLE Step 3. He will be staying at UCSF for a fellowship in Hospice and Palliative Medicine after completing residency.

Michael Coords, M.D., Senior USMLE & Medical Sciences Tutor

Michael received his Bachelor’s degree from Richard Stockton College where he majoried in biochemistry and molecular biology. His 3.9 GPA and 35 MCAT score paved the way for his acceptance to UMDNJ- New Jersey Medical School where he received his MD in 2010. While in medical school Mike earned a highly competitive 252 on USMLE Step 1 and 247 on USMLE Step 2CK. With these competitive scores he matched into Orthopedic Surgery at North Shore-LIJ in NY. In order to pursue a more academic field he has recently switched from Orthopedics to Radiology, which he will pursue beginning next year at Staten Island University Hospital.

Michael has over 10 years of tutoring experience. While in college, he routinely tutored biology, biochemistry, inorganic/organic chemistry, genetics, physics and calculus. He continued on this path of helping others learn while in medical school by tutoring first and second year students for the USMLE as well as course work. In addition to helping medical students he is also an adjunct professor of pathophysiology at Seton Hall University.

Mike is an incomparably passionate and truly effective tutor, and has been referred to by a previous Mount Sinai student as the "Kobe Bryant" of tutors. He currently specializes in teaching the USMLE, Shelf exams and medical course work, while acting as an adviser to applicants for medical school and residency. He has worked successfully with students from all over the United States as well as other countries.

David Chapel, B.S., MCAT & Advanced Science Tutor

David, a native of Michigan, graduated from the University of Michigan in April 2011 with a dual Bachelor of Science degree in microbiology and Germanic studies. By combining hard work with natural intelligence, David maintained a 4.0 GPA for his entire undergraduate career, having received A+ grades in 37 of his 41 undergraduate courses. Even more impressively, he scored a perfect 45 on his MCAT, using a system of preparation that he describes as “effortless” and which he enjoys passing along to his students and advisees.

By combining diverse extracurricular experiences with his virtually unparalleled academic success, David stood out brilliantly during the medical school application process, securing full-tuition scholarship offers from Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, and Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. He is currently a first-year medical student at Columbia. David specializes in tutoring all MCAT subjects. His stunning intellect, innovative teaching style, and dedication to his students’ success have won him the praise of his students and colleagues alike.

Joshua Lader, B.S., M.D., USMLE Tutor

Joshua attended New York University College of Arts and Sciences, from which he graduated magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa, with a major in chemistry and minors in mathematics and philosophy. During this time, he pursued basic science research on chemical mechanisms of carcinogenesis. He was recognized with numerous honors, including the Phi Beta Kappa / Albert Borgman Prize for “Best Honors Thesis in the Sciences", the Founders Day Award, the Arthur E. Hill Prize in chemistry, the George Granger Brown Award in chemistry, and a Barry M. Goldwater National Scholarship.

Subsequently, Josh chose to continue his medical education at NYU’s distinguished school of medicine. His research interests shifted to mechanisms of arrhythmogenesis in the hypertensive heart, yet his work continues to achieve recognition from both local and national organizations, including the NYU School of Medicine (the 2009 Excellence in Clinical Research Award), the New York Academy of Medicine (a Glorney-Raisbeck Medical Student Grant), the American College of Physicians (Best Student Poster in NY Conference in 2007 & 2009), as well as Alpha Omega Alpha (a Carolyn L. Kuckein Fellowship).

In the midst of his intense research schedule, Josh also achieved a phenomenal 267 on the USMLE Step 2 CK exam and is currently a resident physician in the internal medicine / cardiology fast track at the New York University Langone Medical Center. With several years of tutoring experience behind him and rave reviews from his students, Josh now assists Med School Tutors students with virtually medical topic and exam.

Shailja Shah, M.D., USMLE & Medical Sciences Tutor

Shailja received her BS/MD in 7 years through Drexel University’s combined-accelerated program. She completed her BS degree in Biological Sciences and Technology in 2 years, graduating summa cum laude with a 4.0 GPA in math and science.

At Drexel University Medical College, Shailja received an impressive number of academic awards and scholarships, including AOA status after only two years. She was also recognized as the top student in pathology, physiology, pharmacology, microbiology, immunology, biochemistry and microanatomy. Moreover, Shailja’s academic and standardized testing talents are clearest perhaps in her board exam performance – she scored an incomparable 273/99 on USMLE Step 1 and 275/99 on USMLE Step 2.

Shailja has also been recognized for her research work. As a recipient of the Society for Pediatric Research and the American Pediatric Society research and stipend, she was able to fund cystic fibrosis research at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). Throughout medical school, she also worked within the Pediatric Spine and Neurosurgery department at Shriner’s Hospital for Children in Philadelphia.

Shailja has had extensive teaching and tutoring experience since high school. Throughout her undergraduate career, she worked as a tutor at the Drexel Learning Center and with Athletes Helping Athletes (Shailja was an avid member of the Drexel crew team). She also worked as an MCAT tutor through Princeton Review, mostly tutoring one-on-one. In medical school, Shailja tutored students in all subjects offered throughout medical school. She was also a private USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 tutor in her 3rd and 4th year.

Shailja is currently an Internal Medicine resident (categorical) at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). She hopes to pursue a fellowship in Gastroenterology upon completion of her residency. She specializes in USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 tutoring.

Anton Kolomeyer, Ph.D., USMLE & Medical Science Tutor

Anton graduated Rutgers University in 3 years with honors while majoring in molecular biology and biochemistry. He then completed advanced course work at Columbia University and performed leukemia research at the Cancer Institute of New Jersey. Subsequently, he enrolled in an MD/PhD program at University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, which he will complete this year.

Anton scored a 254 on USMLE Step 1 and a 245 on USMLE Step 2 CK. He is in the top quintile of his medical school class, has been elected into the Gold Humanism Honor Society, and received 17 scholarships for academic excellence. Anton has also successfully defended his PhD thesis from the Department of Ophthalmology. As a graduate student, he had a 4.0 GPA and received 11 research/travel fellowships and awards. He has co-authored 14 peer-reviewed basic/clinical science papers and is a reviewer for 2 Ophthalmology journals. Anton is also the 1st ever member-in-training board member of Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology. In 2013 he will commence Ophthalmology residency at the University of Pittsburgh.

Anton’s tutoring specialties include USMLE Step 1 and 2 board examinations, medical school shelf examinations, as well as the Biological and Physical Sciences sections of the MCAT.

Vinay Prabhu, USMLE & Medical Science Tutor

Vinay, a high school Valedictorian, graduated magna cum laude from Cornell University in 2008, majoring in Biology and minoring in Applied Economics. At Cornell, he gained ample experience tutoring a wide variety of subjects, including Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Statistics, and Debate. After his sophomore year, Vinay elected to take the MCAT early and scored an impressive 37S.

With multiple acceptances in hand, Vinay ultimately decided to go to NYU for his medical education. In his first two years, he obtained board positions with the American Medical Student Association, the South Asian Student Association, and NYU’s Ophthalmology club. He has since completed his third year of medical school, achieving near perfect marks on his exams along the way, registering scores of 250 or higher on both USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK.

Vinay is currently taking a gap year between his third and fourth years of medical school to pursue a Masters degree in Clinical Research at NYU. This affords him a highly flexible schedule, which he plans on using to teach students in USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK.

Andrew Griffin, B.S., USMLE, SAT & Science Tutor

Andrew graduated summa cum laude from Washington and Lee University with a B.S. in Biochemistry. During his time there, he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa and received numerous awards including the Edward Lee Pinney Prize, which is given to an undergraduate “who demonstrates extraordinary commitment to personal scholarship and to the nurturing of intellectual life at Washington and Lee.” Following graduation, he received a prestigious National Institutes of Health Research Training Award and spent a year in a biodefense lab studying anthrax.

After achieving a 3.9 GPA and scoring in the 97th percentile on his MCAT, Andrew chose to attend Weill Cornell Medical College. While at Cornell, Andrew received a Hospital for Special Surgery Medical Student Summer Research Fellowship and CTSC Summer Intensive Clinical & Translational Research Fellowship. With ongoing research projects in the departments of orthopedic surgery and neurosurgery, he recently scored 262 on the USMLE Step 1 exam.

Andrew is currently in his third year of medical school and plans to pursue a neurosurgical residency. He has extensive one-on-one tutoring experience that has allowed him to fine-tune his instructional techniques to fit the personal needs of each student. His tutoring expertise includes USMLE Step 1 preparation and all basic medical sciences.

Jonathan Huz, B.S., USMLE, MCAT & Advanced Sciences Tutor

Jonathan graduated magna cum laude from Brandeis University in 2008. At Brandeis, Jonathan double-majored in Neuroscience and Biology and completed a minor in Hebrew Language and Literature. He completed this intense workload with an incredible 3.81 cumulative GPA.

In preparation for medical school, Jonathan scored in the 98.8th percentile on his MCAT with a soaring score of 38. Of the several prestigious medical schools to which he gained acceptance, Jonathan chose to attend New York University School of Medicine, where he has just completed his second year and where he is president of the Endocrinology and Adolescent Medicine clubs. Most recently, Jonathan achieved a score of better than 250 on the very challenging USMLE Step 1 exam and a score higher than 260 on USMLE Step 2CK.

Throughout Jonathan’s busy education, he has also found a love for tutoring and has amassed a significant amount of teaching and tutoring experience. In six years as a private instructor and as a Kaplan MCAT teacher, he has specialized in helping students to improve their performance on the Biology and Chemistry SAT exams and MCAT as well as in their high school, undergraduate, and graduate (especially medical) sciences.

Since excelling on Step 1 and 2CK, and after completing his MS3 rotations with honors, Jonathan now focuses his energy on USMLE and medical subject tutoring. In this capacity, he has a reputation for keen insights about what the test expects and how to help students organize themselves for tackling the vast knowledge and understanding required to succeed on Step 1. He accomplishes this with careful attention to his students’ strengths and weaknesses, and an emphasis on both material mastery and test-taking/clinical-reasoning skills. Combined with his charismatic personality and genuine interest in his students’ success, Jonathan proves himself an invaluable asset to those he tutors.

Kai Dallas, B.S., USMLE, SAT & Science Tutor

Kai earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Biostatistics from Cornell University, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2009. Before then, he gained early admission to Mount Sinai School of Medicine through the prestigious Humanities and Medicine program and is currently in his third year.

In addition to the rigorous medical school curriculum, Kai is an active member of the research department within the Department of Surgery, and is involved in several research projects. He has co-authored several publications to date, and his work has been presented at conferences across the country.

Kai began his teaching career at Cornell, where he worked as a Teaching Assistant and private tutor during his undergraduate years. During medical school, Kai continued to tutor and teach in a multitude of different subjects, specializing in mathematics and sciences. After scoring a phenomenal 255/99 on USMLE Step 1, Kai has also begun tutoring for the USMLE. Given his background as a Humanities and Medicine student, he now specializes in helping students achieve exceptionally superior USMLE scores regardless of academic background.

Akshay Goel, B.S., USMLE Tutor

Akshay earned his B.S. in Computer Science from Carnegie Mellon University, graduating with University Honors in 2009. He is now continuing to receive Honors in his courses and core rotations at UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.

As an undergraduate, Akshay discovered a love for tutoring and helping others learn. He has worked with students in a variety of subjects from Computer Science to Biochemistry, and he has a well deserved reputation for thoroughness, inspiration and compassion. Akshay puts an emphasis on conceptual learning over rote memorization, and he cleverly integrates tech-savvy methods into his work, including a powerful notecard application into his tutoring to help students master the large volume of information covered on the USMLE.

After scoring an impressive 250/99 on USMLE Step 1, Akshay joined Med School Tutors and began tutoring for the USMLE. He is currently interested in pursuing Interventional Radiology and hopes to continue teaching as an academic physician.

Zachary Wright, B.S., USMLE & MCAT Tutor

Zachary’s remarkable educational journey began at Lowell High School in San Francisco, where he demonstrated from an early age that learning and academic excellence came naturally to him. His inspired high school career combined with an impressive performance on his SAT, a 1530 (out of 1600), allowed him to choose between a number prestigious colleges and universities. Ultimately deciding to attend UCLA, Zachary would once again excel in his college studies, graduating magna cum laude in 2006 with a B.S. in biochemistry and highest honors. For his incredible scholastic achievements, UCLA also bestowed upon him the prestigious Ramsey Award for excellence in physical chemistry.

Since then, Zachary has maintained his laudable educational record, first by scoring a 40 on his MCAT (99.8th percentile) and, soon thereafter, by earning admission to the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. At Columbia, he continues to excel, including on his USMLE board exams, achieving a 99 on both Step 1 and Step 2CK. After 3 years of intensive medical education, he is presently finishing a Doris Duke Clinical Research Fellowship in the Department of Neurosurgery.

Zach’s tutoring specialties run the medical, scientific, and mathematical gamut, including USMLE, MCAT, SAT Subject Tests, and AP exams, as well as any science or math coursework at the high school or college level.

Jacob Kriegel, B.A., USMLE, MCAT & Science Tutor

A graduate of Columbia University with a Bachelor's in biology and history and a 3.91 GPA, Jacob has a reputation for academic and tutoring excellence. During his high school years at Gann Academy in Boston, Jacob demonstrated his standardized test-taking acumen by scoring an extraordinary 1530 on his SAT and achieving scores of 800 and 790, respectively, on his Math IIC and Writing SAT Subject Tests. Jacob continued to excel on his graduate school exams, including an incredible 38 on his MCAT.

Jacob's consistently tremendous academic and testing performance earned him admission to many of the country's most esteemed medical schools, among them Columbia University's College for Physicians and Surgeons, where he is now finishing his third year and has scored greater than 250 on his USMLE Step 1 board exam. Before and during his years at Columbia P&S, Jacob has served the students of New York City as a highly demanded private tutor. His specialties include all medical sciences and USMLE; high school math and science subjects; college-level physics, biology, and chemistry (general and organic); as well as SAT, MCAT, and all science/math SAT Subject Tests.

Jennifer Cohen, B.A., High School Subjects, Medical Sciences & SAT Tutor

Jennifer Cohen holds a B.A. in Theater Studies from Yale University. She graduated summa cum laude with a 3.95 GPA and was selected as a member of Phi Beta Kappa. She is now in her second year at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, to which she was accepted as a member of the elite Humanities and Medicine Program.

During her impressive academic career, Jennifer has excelled in a broad range of coursework, including numerous biology and chemistry courses as well as many literature, French and psychology classes. She also boasts an extraordinary standardized testing record, including an 800 on SAT Verbal, 800 on SAT Writing, and a 780 on SAT Math. Jennifer even received an 800 on SAT II Chemistry and unblemished 5’s on the AP Chemistry, AP English Literature, AP English Language, and AP European History tests.

Generally, Jennifer is known as a bubbly, outgoing tutor who finds interesting ways to relate the subject matter to each student’s individual interests and learning style. She has experience working with students with special needs and specializes in all high school subjects and standardized tests, as well as a wide range of college-level humanities and French.

David Zagha, B.A., SAT & Science/Math Tutor

David graduated with honors from Yale University in 2008. At Yale, David majored in molecular, cellular, and developmental biology and earned departmental accolades in biology with a cumulative 3.80 science G.P.A. His passion for science also inspired him to pursue multiple research opportunities both at Yale and overseas at the Weizmann Institute in Israel.

Prior to attending Yale, David graduated valedictorian from Hillel Yeshiva and achieved a phenomenal 1580 on his SAT.  His SAT mastery was followed by perfect 800 scores on the Math IC and Writing subject tests as well as a perfect 5 on each of the Biology, Calculus AB, Physics C, and U.S. History AP exams. As both a community volunteer and an instructor at Freudigman and Billings (CT), David has accumulated vast tutoring and teaching experience. 

David now attends New York University School of Medicine as a second-year medical student and is involved with the New York City Free Clinic, an organization that provides free healthcare services for the public.  David’s hobbies include surfing, skateboarding, snowboarding, volleyball, and playing the guitar.

Julie Chepovetsky, M.D., USMLE Tutor

Julie graduated cum laude from Cornell University, finishing one semester early with a B.S. in Biological Sciences. Prior to attending Cornell, she graduated from New York City’s prestigious Stuyvesant High School. There she achieved several perfect AP scores as well as perfect 800s on her Math SAT I and Math SAT Subject Tests (both 1C and 2C).

Julie’s superior test-taking skills were displayed once more with her 99th percentile MCAT score, including a flawless T on the writing section. Her impeccable testing and undergraduate record garnered her admission to Mount Sinai School of Medicine from which she graduated in May 2009. She begins a Pathology residency at Mount Sinai Hospital this summer.

During college and medical school, Julie gained exhaustive teaching experience, both in the classroom as a volunteer and with a well established NYC private tutoring company. She is also an expert editor of graduate and college admissions essays, resumes, and academic papers. Her tutoring specialties include USMLE Step 1, MCAT, SAT math, biology, physics and high school-level math.

Steven Ovadia, B.A., MCAT & Science Tutor

Steven graduated magna cum laude from New York University with a B.A. in chemistry and a 3.82 cumulative G.P.A. He accomplished this feat in only three years, while also participating in the University’s exclusive Presidential Scholars Program. For his incredible academic achievements, Steven received both the Founders Day Award for Outstanding Scholarship as well as a Collegiate Research Scholar prize for his extensive work in NYU’s biochemistry and neurobiology labs.

Prior to college Steven attended East Meadow High School where he graduated 4th in his class of over 400 students and engaged in advanced scientific exploration as a member of Columbia University’s Science Honors Program. It was then that Steven also began his incredible standardized testing career, including a perfect 800 on the SAT mathematics section, as well as scores in the mid- to high-700s on all of his SAT Subject Tests, including writing, physics, and math level 2.

Steven’s testing mastery persisted in his college years when he achieved an enviable 38R on his MCAT, placing himself in the top 1% of all test-takers. He has been sharing his MCAT secrets ever since as a tutor and adviser. He also specializes in all high school and college sciences, SAT Subject Tests, and AP exams.

Dr. John C. Leylegian, Ph.D., M.S., M.S., B.S., Math & Science Tutor

John received his doctorate and two Master’s degrees in mechanical and aerospace engineering from Princeton University. At Princeton, John garnered substantial teaching experience as an assistant-in-instruction for courses in thermodynamics and fluid mechanics, while simultaneously performing intense scholarly research in the combustion and fuels laboratory. Prior to attending Princeton, John graduated summa cum laude from The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art with a B.S. in mechanical engineering. His dissertation, funded by the National Science Foundation, was an experimental and numerical study of the effects of chlorinated substances on laminar flames.

John is currently an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Manhattan College. Prior to entering academia, he worked as a Senior Scientist in the Propulsion and Performance Department and as a technical consultant at ATK GASL (formerly Allied Aerospace GASL Division and GASL, Inc.).

As a tutor, John has been sharing his scientific expertise with aspiring students since 1992. He specializes in high-school and college-level mathematics and science as well as all related standardized tests.

Brian Anselmo, M.A., B.A., History Tutor

Brian is a graduate of Providence College, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in history and political science in 1993 as well as a Master of Arts in American history in 1994. Since then, Brian has been employed by his alma mater, Chaminade High School in Mineola, NY, where he has been teaching English and American history for more than 12 years. He has his New York State Permanent Certification in history for grades 7 through 12.

At Chaminade, Brian’s passion for helping students is also obvious outside the classroom. He currently serves as head coach of the junior varsity soccer team, the summer soccer camp coordinator, and assistant band moderator, as well as a moderator for various other extracurricular activities, including Speech and Debate.

His tutoring expertise is in all American history subjects and standardized tests, especially AP and SAT subject exams.

Mara Ravitz, B.A., Spanish and Math Tutor

Mara graduated magna cum laude from New York University in 2006 with a major in Middle Eastern history and a minor in religion. She grew up in Chicago, Illinois where she attended the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools. There she served as the editor-in-chief of the school European history magazine, and received awards for her performance in both AP European History and African-American History. 

During her younger years, by a combination of classwork and dedicated independent study, Mara attained fluency in Spanish. Since then, languages, especially Spanish, have been her passion. She has done extensive work while living in Italy, Spain, Argentina, and traveling throughout South America perfecting her fluency in Spanish and ability to teach the language as well.

 Mara has experience tutoring in all subjects, with a focus on language and organizational skills.  She began studying for her Masters degree in Education at NYU in summer 2008.