PrepNow Tutor - Alexander G.
An enthusiastic tutor who enjoys helping students overcome challenges and discover their potential, Alexander is committed to making learning a positive and rewarding experience for every student. He holds several degrees: a PhD in applied mathematics from the University of California, San Diego; an MA in applied mathematics from the University of California, San Diego; and a BA in physics and mathematics from Boston University. After completing his undergraduate studies, Alexander worked full-time as a software engineer for two years, where he applied skills that he learned in his time in various laboratories and in some of the computer science classes required by the math department. Afterwards, he completed his PhD work in mathematical optimization. Alexander now works at an industry-leading mathematical optimization solver company as the Lead Developer of one of their flagship solvers. In addition to this role and tutoring test prep, he also regularly speaks at academic and industry conferences about his work.
Alexander started tutoring in college, working as a peer tutor for various math and physics courses. After graduating, he volunteer-tutored at an after-school program, teaching middle and high schoolers in after-school math and computer science classes under the supervision of a full-time teacher. Later, during his graduate studies, he taught as a teaching fellow for classes ranging from introductory calculus courses all the way up to graduate-level numerical analysis courses. “As a teaching fellow, I managed discussion sections, held office hours, provided one-on-one sessions, and was responsible for grading exams,” Alexander says. “Although I enjoyed working with college and graduate students, I found myself missing working with younger students.” Throughout his career, Alexander has guided students of all levels through test prep and high-school-level algebra, high-school-level geometry, algebra, pre-calculus, calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, and other various upper-level and graduate-level courses.
"My tutoring style is highly collaborative and focused on building confidence alongside academic skills,” Alexander says. “I strive to create a supportive environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and actively engaging with the material. I strive to guide students through the problem-solving process so they can develop a deeper understanding of concepts and become more independent learners.” The reason behind this approach is Alexander’s belief that meaningful learning occurs when students are actively involved in their own education. “Every student learns differently, so I adapt my teaching methods to fit individual learning styles,” he explains. “I aim not only to help students succeed in the immediate task at hand but also to equip them with the critical thinking and study skills they can apply in future academic settings.”
Alexander’s educational philosophy is that effective teaching is about empowering students. “Knowledge is important, but confidence, curiosity, and the ability to learn independently are equally valuable,” he says. “I believe that when students feel supported and capable, they are more willing to take on challenges, engage deeply with learning, and achieve their full potential." Alexander's strengths include clear communication, patience, and the ability to explain complex concepts in an engaging and accessible way.
In high school, Alexander was the captain of his school's cross-country team. In college, he was on the dean’s list every semester. He enjoys rock-climbing, playing games, cooking, and taking his dog on long walks. “I have a ten-year-old dog named Bodie who loves to make new friends,” Alexander shares.
