Rishima Tewari

My primary goal as a tutor is to equip students with the skills they need to succeed not only on test day but in their broader academic journeys. Having once struggled to identify my own ideal learning style, I have come to realize that the way we learn best can change depending on the subject. I strive to help my students discover their unique learning styles for each section of the SAT and ACT while also teaching content mastery and building confidence. The strategies we develop together during our sessions are designed to carry over into every future challenge they may encounter.

Born and raised in the South Bay Area, I grew up as an avid reader – I would read just about any book I could get my hands on whenever I had the chance:  in the car on my way to school, tucked away in the library during recess, or even under the covers late at night. Over time, my love for reading developed into a love for learning and a particular affinity for the reading passages on standardized tests. After earning a perfect 36 on my first ACT and being selected as a National Merit Scholarship Finalist based on my PSAT score, I chose to continue my education at UC Santa Barbara as a double-major in Biological Sciences & Psychological and Brain Sciences.

At UCSB, I was heavily involved with undergraduate research, studying diverse topics such as the impact of climate on wildflower phenology, the function of bioluminescence in firefly larvae, and neural organization in jellyfish with eyes. I also fostered a passion for science communication as a program leader at the REEF, UCSB’s touch tank aquarium. Aside from caring for our animals and the facility, I led dozens of science, literacy, and pedagogical programs for K-12 students, college classes, and the community at large. 

Even after graduating from college, I can attest that the study strategies and discipline I learned while preparing for the ACT have been invaluable at every stage of my education. I believe that with the right guidance, students can turn test prep into a springboard for long-term growth and success.

Outside of academics, I love to go hiking, swimming, and SCUBA diving. Although I’ve always hated running, I have mysteriously found myself training for the SF marathon next summer.