Jin Choi

Biography

After graduating from Northwestern University with a degree in Economics and scoring 1540 on the SAT (including a perfect 800 in Math), I spent two years in investment banking before discovering my true passion in education. What drew me to tutoring was the same excitement I felt when tackling challenging problems myself and that incredible moment when everything suddenly clicks.

I specialize in SAT preparation because I understand both the test’s complexity and the anxiety it creates for students and families. With math-anxious students, I break down problems into manageable steps and build genuine confidence through proven techniques. For reading and writing, I teach active strategies that transform intimidating passages into solvable puzzles. Having achieved that perfect math score, I know exactly which methods work when students are under pressure.

Beyond test prep, I’m passionate about college counseling that looks deeper than rankings and prestige. I guide students through the entire admissions process including building balanced school lists, developing application strategies and preparing for interviews. What I find most rewarding is helping students find schools where they’ll truly flourish both academically and personally. Culture alignment is critical because the right environment allows students to grow as individuals while pursuing their passions. I particularly love the essay process because I get to help students discover and express their authentic voice rather than writing what they think admissions officers want to hear.

I also work with K-8 students on foundational academic skills. My experience includes helping middle schoolers with homework across subjects and developing reading comprehension with elementary students. I once sent 30 books to Korea to work with a young student remotely where we would read together, discuss themes and have them write reflections. Watching younger students build confidence in their abilities and develop genuine curiosity for learning is incredibly fulfilling.

My approach combines proven strategies with real-world perspective and genuine investment in each student’s growth. I provide regular progress updates while maintaining open communication with parents throughout the process. One of my most rewarding experiences involved a student who initially felt completely overwhelmed by SAT prep and college applications. Through our work together, her scores improved by over 300 points and she discovered her passion for environmental science. She’s now thriving at her dream school.

When I’m not working with students, I enjoy rock climbing, painting and spending time with my dog and two cats.