Math requires and develops skills that are different from other subjects. Unlike other subjects, math does not rely on memorization and the reciting of facts. As a result, success strategies adopted with other subjects (e.g. reading the book an hour before class and expecting to ace the quiz) do not work well with math.

Instead, math requires the student to truly understand specific concepts and to apply those concepts to particular problem scenarios. Because of its reliance on attention to detail, math cannot be mastered without dedicating significant time to practice.

Math is unforgiving. It requires real understanding and honest hard work over the entire school year. There are no shortcuts.

Math concepts build on each other. Future topics assume knowledge and proficiency of all prior material. As a result, one missed concept can cause problems for years into the future.

Left unaddressed, knowledge gaps compound over time, making it increasingly difficult to get back on track. Students, who make a valiant effort to improve on their own, frequently become disheartened and withdrawn.

Two factors largely dictate the college choices available to students: GPA and SAT scores. Math is a major contributor to both factors.

1. Just like every other subject, math counts towards the student's overall GPA.
2. Unlike other subjects, math is one of only three skills measured in the SAT test. Along with reading and writing, math counts for one third of the overall SAT score.

An investment in math delivers greater payback in the college admissions process than most other subjects.

In evaluating applications most colleges consider not only the student's raw grades but also the "strength of schedule" (i.e. degree of difficulty) of the classes taken. The objective is to recognize and reward those students who step up to the heavier workload.

"Strength of schedule" goes beyond recognizing differences between standard, honors and AP classes. It also includes the relative difficulty between classes in each category. For example, colleges differentiate between students who take Intermediate versus Advanced Algebra in their junior year.

In college admissions students benefit by strengthening their math skills early and by always choosing the most challenging classes they can handle.

Advanced math students can benefit by taking as many AP (Advanced Placement) classes as possible. AP classes are scored one point higher in GPA calculations for college admissions than standard classes. The objective is to recognize and reward those students who step up to the heavier workload.

Most Marin high schools offer one AP class per subject. The exception is math where three AP classes are typically offered: AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, and AP Statistics. As a result, advanced math students have a greater opportunity to boost their overall GPA by taking up to three AP classes.

Unfortunately many families do not focus on the role of grades in college applications until the junior year. By that time, one half (freshman and sophomore year) of the student's high school GPA has already been determined. In addition, the pattern is already established for which math classes the student will be able to get into, impacting their "strength of schedule."

Tutoring should begin as early as possible to maximize the grades achieved and to influence the subsequent math class options available to the student.

At a minimum, immediately after the student exhibits difficulty with homework.

Time is of the essence with math. Since math concepts build on each other, future math lessons assume knowledge and proficiency of prior math material. One missed concept can cause problems with several future topics. It can have a detrimental effect on the student's grades for years to come. Math problems should be identified early and treated urgently.

Parental tutoring works well for some families. However, in most cases, high school students cooperate better with an outsider. Most families prefer to take advantage of the added respect conferred on an outside professional. Parents can then focus on more family-related, relationship-building activities.

If the student is struggling then multiple lessons are required each week until the student is back up to speed. Thereafter, one session per week is recommended to keep pace with ongoing new material. Each session is one hour in duration.

Some students respond quickly to tutoring while others take longer. It takes a few sessions before Mike knows what can reasonably be expected from each student. He then discusses expectations with the student and with the parents. Although there are many factors that impact the student's progress the most important factor is how much time and effort the student is willing to dedicate to his or her success.

What makes Mike different is his customized approach to the specific needs of the individual student. Mike engages the student in one-on-one learning. Instruction tailored to the specific strengths, weaknesses and learning style of the individual allows the student to move directly (and quickly) to achieve his/her personal educational goals.