About

My name is Dr. Kathryn Allen. I taught for more than 20 years in the post-secondary sector as well as worked as an admissions officer for one of the top 20 women's colleges in the US before opening my own business as a private test prep tutor and essay coach. 

​

My tutoring approach is working one-on-one with a particular focus on the material students are striving to master. After years of teaching experience, I find this is the most effective environment for learning and rapid application.  Test Prep textbooks will only get students so far.  Learning is most effective when content and concepts are individually customized for each student's goals, background and experience. I address essay coaching using a similar customized approach that helps students find their own voice and present it in the best possible way. 

​

I can help students become a better test-taker no matter whether the challenge is:
– understanding how the test works
– figuring out what the questions mean and how to find the best answer
– overcoming test stress and anxiety
– using the test session time in the best possible way  

​

I assist high school and college students to create effective application essays by:
– targeting the values U.S. undergraduate universities and graduate programs look for in admitted students
– highlighting the skills, experience and achievements that show a strong fit with the university or graduate program
– ensuring students produce well-crafted essays that get students admitted to top 50 US universities and prestigious graduate programs.

 

My education background includes:
– Undergraduate Degree from Top 25 U.S. University   – Master’s Degree from an Ivy League University
– Ph.D. in Applied Linguistics from an R1 British University

​​

My private tutoring experience includes:
– SAT/ACT Test Preparation      – ISEE/SSAT Test Preparation     – College Application Essay Coaching