Introduction: Hello! I'm Abby.
I am a Macalester College graduate and have been working as a professional tutor and college counselor since 2015. I also have a Master's Certificate in College Counseling from the University of California San Diego. I got my start in the tutoring world through working at Lindamood-Bell Learning Center during college, and I quickly discovered my passion for helping students reach their educational goals. With experience in tutoring anything from reading and writing to ACT/SAT test prep and college apps, I enjoy helping students of all ages reach their full potentials.
Prices listed are starting prices. See details below for package pricing options for test prep tutoring and college counseling.
My areas of expertise are all things college prep and English:
- General College Counseling
- College Application Essays
- The Common App
- General Essay Writing
- ACT Test Prep (All sections - English, Math, Reading, Science, & Writing Essay)
- SAT Test Prep (Both sections - Reading/Writing, Math)
- Literacy
- Reading comprehension
- Essay writing
- Writing skills development
College Counseling Services I Offer:
✎ Personal statement topics brainstorming to help you develop a compelling topic that makes your character, personality, and story stand out
✎ Outlining, reviewing, & perfecting application essays, including the important personal statement, supplemental essays, scholarship essays, summer program application essays, and more
✎ Academic evaluation to make sure you're taking the right classes that colleges want to see on your transcript
✎ Academic enrichment & study skills development to help you develop the skills that you'll need in writing, reading comprehension, organization, time management, and more to help you succeed as a college student
✎ High school course selection to help you determine the best course path for your college admissions goals
✎ Extracurricular activity research & planning to ensure your activities resume is well-rounded
✎ Major and career assessment to help you discover your passion and identify areas of interest to explore during college
✎ Summer program & internship opportunity research to help you gain some meaningful experience in your areas of interest outside of school
✎ Resume preparation to help your story stand out in a resume format
✎ SAT vs. ACT evaluation & test prep tutoring so that your scores match those of students at your top choice schools
✎ College list research & college tour planning so that you're finding best fit schools for you and your unique situation
✎ College application steps & timeline management so that you don't feel stressed out during the entire admissions process and know exactly what step to complete at each moment
✎ Letters of recommendation planning so that your teacher recommendations stand out as much as your personal statement does
✎ College admissions strategies development to help you come up with a big-picture plan for your applications and your education
✎ Common App review & guidance to ensure that you're confident with your entire application and can rest assured knowing it's been completed correctly
✎ Guidance & planning for paying for college if you have questions or concerns about student loans, grants, scholarships, etc. so that you can be at ease knowing exactly what paying for college will look like
✎ Scholarship research and application assistance to help you score some free money to put toward your tuition costs
✎ Continuous guidance on the college admissions process so that you get all of your questions answered, no matter how big or small
As a certified college counselor, I am able to help with as much or as little of the admissions process as needed. College counseling looks different for each student, so I come up with a plan that is customized to each student’s needs. For some students, this will include minimal support reviewing application essays. For others, this may include more focused guidance through steps such as ongoing test prep for the ACT or SAT, identifying schools that will be a good fit, personal statements and supplemental essays, completing the steps of the applications, and more.
I also have three years of corporate experience tutoring literacy and reading comprehension at Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes. I am trained in Lindamood-Bell's effective Visualizing & Verbalizing and Seeing Stars programs for literacy and reading comprehension development. Similarly, I have a lot of experience working with students with learning disabilities through Lindamood-Bell and with the college admissions process, which can have some unique hurdles for students requiring specific accommodations.
By choosing to work with me, you will receive high-quality, one-on-one tutoring services that are individualized to your unique educational goals. Whether you have three weeks to prepare for the SAT or plan to take the ACT in six months, I'll craft the perfect plan for you, your goals, and your timeline.
When I'm not busy working with students you can find me curled up with a good book or traveling to warm places.
Feel free to reach out at any time - I'm accepting new students, and I do my best to be very responsive to all requests. I'd be happy to help you reach your goals!
-Abby Purfeerst, Founder
The Prepared Student
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NO-RISK FIRST SESSION GUARANTEE:
If you or your student are not happy with my services after your first session, I will not charge you for the session.
PACKAGE PRICING
I also offer package options that can bring the hourly rate of tutoring down if you are interested in purchasing more sessions up front.
SAT & ACT Tutoring Packages:
Hour-by-Hour Rate: $120/hour paid after each completed session
15-hour Package: $1,500 ($100/hour, $300 savings)
30-hour Package: $2,700 ($90/hour, $1,200 savings)
College Counseling Packages:
Hour-by-Hour Rate: $225/hour paid after each completed session
12-hour Package: $2,100 ($175/hour, $600 savings)
25-hour Package: $3,750 ($150/hour, $1,875 savings)
