Note: To make sure you receive my e-mail replies, please set up your e-mail account so messages from tutor@sdmath.com are allowed or redirected into your Inbox instead of ending up in your Bulk / Junk / Spam folder. I always answer e-mail messages, usually within 24 hours.
If for any reason you think communication by e-mail is not working out as it should, please send me a text message or give me a phone call at (619)277-3329. Thank you.
How much do you charge? / What are your fees?
I charge a basic hourly rate plus a possible travel charge per session for my driving, when applicable (the extra charge is per session, not per hour).
There is no extra charge when the tutoring takes place in Mission Valley, Hillcrest or University Heights.
The travel charge per session is $10 when I go to Downtown, Coronado, Pacific Beach, SDSU or UCSD; $20 for Scripps Ranch, La Mesa or National City; $50 for Carlsbad.
My hourly rates are reasonable. In average they are about what most tutors with good qualifications and experience usually charge.
For further details on my tutoring rates, please take a look at the Rates & Contact Information page.
What times do you have available for tutoring? Do you tutor on the weekend?
I tutor full-time, so my time is flexible. Usually I am busy but we can always find some convenient time that works for both of us. In general during the regular week my afternoons and evenings are busier than the morning but Sunday mornings are very busy.
Yes, I tutor on the weekend too. Usually I start around 11 am for in-person sessions with local students, or at 9 am for online tutoring.
For specific times available during this week and the next two weeks, please refer to my Tutoring Schedule page.
Where do the sessions take place? Do I meet you somewhere or do you come to my house?
I leave that choice to my clients, with the understanding that my driving distance may sometimes increase the session's final price.
Usually I meet with my students at coffee shops around Mission Valley, Hillcrest, North Park, University Heights, or Bankers Hill. I will send you the specific address when we set up a session. We can meet at a libray, too. If you prefer I can go to your home.
Another option for you to receive math help in the comfort of your own home, is to take advantage of my online tutoring service, since it is very convenient and easy to set up.
Do you offer online tutoring?
Yes, I definitely do. If you live outside San Diego, online math tutoring makes it possible for you to access my math tutoring help from anywhere in the U.S. or Canada with an Internet connection. You get to take the sessions from the comfort of your own home, saving time, and avoiding transportation costs and hassle.
How does online tutoring work?
It is very simple: you pay me through PayPal, I give you access to my online web-based white-board screen, and we talk over the computer.
You only need either a headset, or a microphone connected to your computer. The audio connection sounds very clear, just like a phone call, sometimes even better, only through the computer, instead.
You can fax me or email me your math problems, and we can go over them in an online tutoring session. My web-based, white-board screen allows us to see the same equations and formulas at the same time, as I write them by hand using my electronic pen & tablet. You can also write on the screen using your mouse, or you can type directly on the screen. It is very easy to communicate using this medium.
How do we pay for online instruction?
Via www.PayPal.com. PayPal is a secure and convenient method of payment. It is easy to use, at no cost to the buyer.
Once your PayPal account is set up and ready to go, you send me a PayPal payment to this e-mail address: tutor@sdmath.com
Please do not send me any money before we have confirmed the date and time for our online appointment(s).
Do you have a degree in Math?
Yes. I hold a Master of Science in Mathematics; and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, both degrees from the School of Science at the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM), the first university established in Latin America, and the one with most students in all of Mexico.
What is your teaching experience?
I have taught Math for over 20 years. My experience includes teaching in the classroom from high school and college to graduate school, as well as private tutoring for all levels from elementary school to college sophomore. For details please see the page "About the Tutor."
What levels do you teach?
All levels from 4th grade to college sophomore, plus standardized test preparation.
What subjects do you tutor in?
Any mathematical subject there is in a school curriculum up to college sophomore level.
From elementary fractions, proportions and percentages to Probability, Discrete Math, Statistics and Multivariable Calculus, covering Algebra, Geometry, Pre-Calculus and other subjects, including Boolean Logic, Graph Theory and Mathematical Analysis.
I primarily focus on helping students prepare for the GMAT, GRE, CSET, CBEST, ELM, CLEP, SAT, ACT, CAHSEE, TEAS, ASVAB, FBI Phase II, and other exams.
Other math related subjects I can help you with are MS Excel spreadsheet formulas and working with your programmable / scientific / graphing calculator if you have the manual.
I also tutor in Spanish, for people who want to improve their conversational level and skills.
Do you tutor College level Multivariable Calculus (Calculus 2 / Vector Calculus)?
Yes, I do. Partial derivatives, multiple integrals, vector fields, div, grad, curl, Green's Theorem, etc.. no problem.
Can you help me to improve my math score in the GMAT even if I am not very good at math?
Yes. The GMAT requires lots of preparation but you can always improve your performance. You can become better at math by focusing on the right skills. I help you to develop the most important skills you need to do well at the GMAT. Your previous difficulties with math will not be an obstacle any more.
My son is a high school freshman who is in the Geometry Honors class. Can you help him with his Geometry lessons and to prepare for the SAT too?
Yes, I can help him with both, Geometry and to prepare his SAT exam also. Geometry is a beautiful subject, I enjoy Geometry very much and I pass my enthusiasm about Geometry on to my students. The SAT presents most of the challenges standardized tests have but that is one of my strong points: test taking strategies and techniques. I can definitely help your son with that a great deal.
Do you tutor in Physics?
Yes, I do, up to lower division classes. As long as you have your textbook or notes with all the formulas I can help you with your Physics homework.
Do you help with all the sections of the GMAT? / Do you provide help with the English part of the standardized tests?
Unfortunately, no, I can only help you with the Mathematics section, because both my Bachelor and Master degrees are in math; plus my teaching and tutoring experience relate to math. I am fluent in English but the only language I tutor sometimes is Spanish. My main focus is math.
Can you help students who only speak Spanish?
Yes, I am bilingual, fluent in both English and Spanish. The math is the same in both languages. I also tutor in Spanish, mainly Spanish conversation for English speakers.
Do you accept checks or only cash?
Both. For the first few lessons I prefer cash. Once I get to know my clients I can accept checks.
For online tutoring I take payments through PayPal. It is secure, fast, and convenient.