Samuel Clay has been a tutor in New York City and online for over ten years. After graduating from the Ivy League in 2010, he has worked with over 100 students ranging from first grade to graduate school.
About me
I’m a New York City-born, Midwest-raised son of immigrants, and I graduated from Cornell University in 2010. My lifelong devotion to mathematics and music led me to study both subjects in school, as well as taking significant coursework in the sciences, French literature, and medieval studies. I ultimately chose to major in music and become a composer. I’m a native speaker of English and Spanish, proficient in French, and speak basic German.
I’ve been tutoring full-time in New York City for over ten years and have worked with over 100 students, ranging from first graders to graduate students and attending both private and public schools. I have extensive experience working with students with learning and developmental differences, including autism, ADD, and ADHD; gifted and twice-exceptional students; and students for whom anxiety and depression impact their learning.
I regularly work with students for several years, and my students often refer me to their friends and siblings. Both my long-term and SAT students have gained acceptance to the Ivy League, selective liberal arts colleges, and smaller schools that have met their needs. Most importantly, they’ve been happy with and proud of their final choices.
How I teach
My teaching is fundamentally collaborative, and is centered on developing insight and learning how to learn. I focus above all on conceptual understanding, as well as the routine and repetition needed to solidify that understanding.
I help my students learn how to work with their minds, with an emotionally supportive approach grounded in patience and flexibility. This can range from helping a struggling student feel confident enough to meet their potential to helping a high-achieving student learn to push themselves without burning out.
Throughout the course of our sessions, in addition to learning the course material, my students also learn how to study productively, how to manage and complete homework, and how to navigate the classroom environment. My students become better learners, leading to academic improvements that extend beyond the improvements in their letter grades.
Services
I work with students in their homes in Manhattan and Riverdale as well as remotely with students across the country. I generally meet with students for 1–6 hours each week depending on their needs.
General Academic Support
Help with all classes, ranging from preparing for math exams to organizing history notes to writing analytical essays. Besides academic content, there is a significant focus on improving study skills, homework planning, and test preparation
Targeted Support
Specialized support for a specific course, including but not limited to math, science, and English up to AP/IB or equivalent level, as well as Calculus I-III, Inorganic Chemistry I-II, and music theory at college level. Additional college courses by request.
College Application Writing
Assistance with each step of the process, from choosing a suitable topic to writing and editing, with the goal of crafting an essay that tells a compelling story in the student’s own voice. Additional focus on time management and planning during the college application season.
Test Preparation
Preparation for the SAT, as well as many AP and IB exams. Learning to manage stress and testing anxiety is woven into this work.
Extracurricular Enrichment
I create and teach a curriculum customized to the student’s grade levels and abilities, usually including topics not generally covered in school, a preview of the following year, or making up for learning loss. Subjects include writing, math up to precalculus, and music theory at any level.