Alexia Rydfors

When I was growing up and asking my father to help me study for math tests, his answer was always the same: “Teach it to me, because teaching a concept to someone else is the best way to master it.” That approach stuck with me, and the question “How would I explain this to someone else?” has been check-in point with myself to verify my true level of understanding. Now, I use the same question to help my students improve their understanding.

I was born in Palo Alto, but moved to San Mateo when I was eight. I attended a French Immersion school through 5th grade and Crystal Springs Uplands School for middle and high school. I went to the University of California, Davis, for undergrad, where I majored in comparative literature and French and was pre-med.

My first tutoring job was in high school at Mathnasium working with small groups of 3-4 students. I learned how to explain concepts that I considered simple to students who were struggling to understand them, ensuring clarity and using appropriate vocabulary. I then transitioned to private tutoring in math, English, French, and the ACT. I really enjoyed connecting with students 1-on-1 on a weekly basis because it allowed me to build relationships with them.

My tutoring approach involves having students explain concepts back to me and verifying their understanding, asking them questions, and putting them in a position to be active learners. Getting a student comfortable with making mistakes and learning from those mistakes is central to my philosophy as a tutor. This is especially true with foreign languages, as students of new languages tend to be hesitant speaking or writing if they are not sure what they are saying or writing is 100% correct. I try to get students to ditch that train of thought and get comfortable getting active with the language.

As an SAT and ACT tutor, I find it rewarding to pass on strategies that helped me succeed on the ACT. Beyond a deep understanding of the concepts that these tests cover, I also really enjoy cracking the strategies behind optimizing performance on standardized tests, so I enjoy helping students understand test strategy and how to use their skills and knowledge in the most effective way possible. 

Outside of tutoring, I love watching Formula 1, playing sports, and going to brunch with my friends.