Tutoring

"Caring and knowledgeable. Best tutor ever! Jeff takes his time to get to know his students. Jeff is a gifted writer. I highly recommend him. He is one of a kind. He has been instrumental in improving my son’s college applications." -- Mike / Brooklyn, NY

Best tutor ever.

For over three decades, I have been a writing instructor at Truman College, one of the City Colleges of Chicago. In this capacity, I have helped thousands of students, predominantly immigrants and refugees, improve their academic writing and language skills while hopefully offering some inspiration and support on their journey ahead in the United States. As I writer, I have written for Chicago Public Radio/WBEZ, New York City Public Television, the Chicago Tribune, in addition to my own independent work, which you can find on my website as well.

I have turned this love of teaching, writing and songwriting into my tutoring business, helping mostly high school seniors compose dynamic and engaging college application essays in the ever-growing competitive process of college admissions. I believe my work as a songwriter, journalist, writer and professional listener have prepared me well for this work. The combination of my experiences and expertise gives me a unique opportunity to help students tell the stories of their lives that best exemplify their passions, strengths and creativity in order to best communicate their messages in their statements.

With a degree from the University of Michigan, I understand the importance of a rigorous education. I can help a student brainstorm to find subjects and topics to write about that may have first been overlooked. From here, I help students outline ideas for their essays and then assist them in fine-tuning their work.

I believe the most important element in helping students compose strong essays is the relationship we form working together. I want students to believe that I have the right energy, commitment, skills and personality to help them create their best work. Everything flows from this connection.

I’m efficient and effective and don’t like to waste time or money to produce great results. In addition, with three 20-something children of my own, I understand the challenges that accompany this process for both students and parents and have been recognized not only for my sensibility as a writer and reader of student work, but also for my relationship skills with students.

I would love to talk with you about how I can help improve the writing skills that you need on this journey.

Testimonials

  • Good listener and helpful guidance.

    "Jeff was super great at listening to what I wanted my writing to say or convey, and he helped guide me into revising the wording to match that message. He was patient and provided specific feedback on exactly what I needed help with. Truly worth every minute of my time and penny!! Thanks Jeff!"
    -- Da Yeon / Falls Church, VA

  • Goes Out of His Way to Ensure your Success.

    "Jeff gave insightful suggestions that transformed my writing in our sessions. At the same time, he went out of his way to ensure I was confident and happy with each process of revising. Jeff is patient, knowledgeable and understood my needs as soon as I described them. I appreciated that he took the time to get to know me as a person. I look forward to working with Jeff again in the future!"
    -- Stephanie / Hyde Park, NY

  • Thoughtful and approachable coach.

    "Jeff was very warm and welcoming in his approach. Without rushing into the college essay writing and editing off the bat, he took time to get to know my kid and understand his personality, interests and aspects of his life outside school. Thank you for your patience and feedback on the essays and essay topics!"
    -- Ulka / Westborough, MA

  • If you want the best, Jeff is it!

    "My daughter has been working with Jeff for over a year. He is an expert in his field for sure. Jeff has always been available to work with my daughter, proof her work or help improve a paper for school and even helped her write a speech for student council and practiced with her on the delivery of it. He is a wonderful tutor and writer. If you want the best, Jeff is it!"
    -- Julie / Munster, IN

  • Knowledgeable and patient tutor.

    "Jeff is so knowledgeable about the structure, grammar, and wording of essays and always gives extremely helpful feedback. He is very patient and is willing to go out of his way to help his students succeed. He not only helps with the writing of essays but also helps with brainstorming and provides great techniques and tips to aid the writing process. Jeff helped my son write all of his college essays. He learned so much about the process of writing from him and it would be a great choice for anyone who needs help to work with Jeff!"
    -- Kavitha / Cherry Hill, NJ

  • Jeff helped spark many great ideas.

    "Jeff helped me greatly with my University of California application essays. At first my ideas were scrambled and lacked direction. Jeff helped spark many great ideas and provide excellent advice to craft beautiful essays in a short amount of time. I’m now attending UC Berkeley!"
    -- Nishat / San Jose, CA

  • Jeff has transformed our son’s writing skills.

    “Jeff has been an exceptional educational resource for our son. Collaborating with Jeff has transformed our son's already strong writing skills and confidence to a new level. The results have been a stronger narrative voice and more succinct arguments across a range of disciplines including English, History and college applications. We intend to continue using Jeff as a resource as our son enters college.”
    -- Bruce / San Antonio, TX

  • Jeff had the ability to find the stories in my daughter that highlighted her strengths.

    “Jeff was a huge help to my daughter with her college essays. He took the time to get to know her, to learn her strengths and what she needed help with. Jeff is a great communicator and made himself available by working around my daughter’s schedule. Through his questions and attentive listening, Jeff had the ability to find the stories in my daughter that highlighted her strengths. As a result, she was admitted to the scholars program at NYU. We are grateful to Jeff.”
    -- Karina / Staten Island, NY

  • Jeff is experienced working with high school kids in bringing out their potential.

    “Jeff and my son connected so well! He was able to encourage and assist in crafting ideas for not only his college essay but supplementals and a letter after he was waitlisted (where he eventually was offered admission). I would highly recommend Jeff as I think he is experienced in working with high school and college kids in bringing out their potential.”
    -- Lisa / Chicago, IL

  • We truly appreciate Jeff’s dedication and the personalized approach he took to help our daughter grow as a writer.

    “The improvement in our daughter’s writing skills is noticeable, and I can see how much more confident she has become in expressing her thoughts after meeting with Jeff. His patience and the way he explains complex ideas in a clear and relatable manner during the brainstorming have made a significant impact in her college career. We truly appreciate Jeff’s dedication and the personalized approach he took to help ou daughter grow as a writer. It’s clear that he is passionate about what he does, and it reflects in the progress she’s made.”
    -- Shanti / Houson, TX