References: what students and parents say

My name is Theodore Palacios. When I first moved here I was extremely behind in math. I just couldn't get the hang of it no matter how hard I tried. Math just didn't make sense to me. My brother-in-law and I determined what I really needed was someone who could find out exactly what was going on. Michael Stein was that someone. He found out in the first session where I was having difficulty. He's thorough and has a very positive outlook on everything. If you're looking for a math tutor who will dedicate himself to getting you caught up, I highly recommend Michael Stein.

Theodore Palacios, student, Beginning Algebra

I was 3 years out of high school and almost 5 years from any math class. It was safe to say that I had forgotten everything my math teachers had taught me. In early Feb 07 when I was surprised with a date for a math exam to get into college, I panicked! "There is no way I can pass this Exam!" I told myself... I jumped online immediately and searched for the most experienced math tutor in my area. Mike the Expert Math Tutor is who I found. With his mathematical background, I was confident he would be able to get me up to par before my test date. After our first session I had a better understanding of math. Everything that I once knew, was coming back to me. He truly is an expert math instructor. Thanks again Mike for all your great help!

Student, Math placement test prep

Mike is a great tutor, he helped me get through Algebra II anxiety and also helped with Liberal Arts Math. I had met with him several times, half way between where we both live. Made it really nice! He has a strong background in Mathematics, communicates on your level and I would suggest one-on-one tutoring. It was a good investment.

Student, Intermediate Algebra

I am taking Statistics right now, and thanks to Michael I will be passing it with a good grade. I hired a total of four tutors in the beginning of this one class, and Michael is the only tutor I use now. He is very patient and goes out of his way to help you and make time for you. If you are looking for an awesome tutor, you found him.

Student, Statistics

I just wanted to thank you for being such an awesome tutor!! I really don't think I could have passed this class ... or at least not with the high grade I have now! Thank you for your patience & careful explanations; you really saved me this semester!

Student, Statistics

I'm currently enrolled in a Master's program to become a High School Math teacher. (To qualify for a teaching credential in the State of California all individuals must pass the California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET), a rigorous test used to determine an individual's subject matter expertise.) I could not have prepared for this test alone so I looked for a tutor with a background in upper level mathematics. After meeting with several tutors that did not possess either the knowledge of the higher level math that was required or the presentation skills necessary to successfully communicate this material to me I ran across Mike, the Expert Math Tutor. He was knowledgeable with the upper levels of math that I was studying, and had the communication skills to present the material in a way that was easy for me to understand. Basically, he taught the Teacher. So, no matter what level of mathematics you are studying Mike should be able to walk you through it in the shortest amount of time. Not only did Mike help me truly understand the material I was studying, but he also showed me strategies that will help me better communicate this knowledge to my students.

Student, CSET test prep

Thank you for your time and efforts in tutoring Rex. I must tell you that he reluctantly agreed to have a tutor after I basically pushed it on him. I thought I was helping and he in turn didn't feel like he needed a tutor on a regular basis. Thus the result was the attitude and effort you saw in your sessions with him. He is currently doing well in his math class and expects to finish the semester with a B. I would like to keep the door open for other sessions next year for both Rex and his sister Brooke if needed. You are by far the most thorough and dependable tutor I have ever met. I was so impressed that you take the extra time to provide valuable email updates to parents regarding their student's progress. You definitely have my recommendation.

Parent, Algebra II and Trigonometry

Thank you so much for your time and effort with Allison. It has made a difference in her self confidence and helped her to feel better about her knowledge and ability to apply it. I know we didn't really have that much time with this but I truly believe this has helped her and that was the ultimate goal! Keep doing what you do as it really makes a difference for those of us out there that just aren't sure what to do!

Parent, Algebra II and Trigonometry

Thank you, Michael, for always helping me (even on short notice) and explaining the concepts so well. I always felt more comfortable with the types of problems we worked on after a session with you and I think your enthusiasm and attitude helped a lot.

Student, Trigonometry and Precalculus

Mike helped many of the students in Math 160, Statistics, a very rigorous math course. Students who were failing, Mike tutored and brought to a "B". Students who were doing well but struggling received "A's". Mike is very knowledgeable and has an excellent way of explaining conceptual ideas. I strongly recommend Mike as a tutor.

Linda Ohlsen, Statistics

Thank you for being the best tutor I've ever had (I've had quite a few). I got a 97% or something like that on the final and an A in the class. Thank you so much. I have only good things to say about your tutoring skills and I tried to explain it all in a short compact little blurb. I'm not sure how much justice it really does you, but here it is: Michael is a very effective tutor. He made learning math fun and easy, a difficult task to accomplish. Courteous, patient, and quick to understand any questions I had, Michael explained concepts in a simple and easily comprehensible manner. He instilled in me a sense of confidence as well as a feeling of achievement. I passed my class with a high A.

Student, Statistics

Thank you, Mike, for your help and efforts with my son John. You are a great tutor. You helped my son get through Precalculus and he started to get good grades. Mike is very easy going and he makes his schedule according to your schedule which helps a lot. Again, thank you very much.

Parent, Precalculus

Mike's background and knowledge of math has helped me achieve and feel more confident than ever in my Calculus 2 class. I tried taking Calculus 2 once by myself and was not successful. I ended up having to drop the class because I failed the first test and kept falling behind. With Mike's help I am currently receiving an 87% in my course. Mike helps break down the material and makes it much more comprehensible than the classroom lectures. He is extremely dedicated to his trade and has emailed me the answers to problems that we did not have time to complete during the tutoring session to make sure I was able to see the answer. I recommend him to students of all ages in all areas of math.

Student, Calculus II

Michael was a huge help to my son when he needed tutoring during algebra. He explained things in a way my son was able to understand and then tested his understanding of the subject. Working with him enabled my son to pass his placement exam and get into the next step in his math journey. Mike was timely, never missed an appointment, was always professional and gave updates on my son's progress. We are very fortunate to have been recommended to his services.

Parent, Algebra I

I was pretty desperate when I called Michael. To have a kid with provisional acceptances into colleges & a 'D' in Precalculus in mid-December would make any mom sweat. Michael was professional, responsive & polite with my not too casual 'How soon can you be available?' In no time at all, we were able to schedule a session & determine the best plan of attack after assessing my daughter's needs & skills. Because of his calm & effective communication skills, my daughter has been able to understand the concepts without feeling dumb or silly for asking. She had to work very hard, but was able to get a 'B' by the end of the semester (January) with Michael's help! What's more important, is that my daughter who has always had such a tough time asking for help had a positive, nurturing, successful experience, thus improving her confidence to ask for help again in the future. For someone who has hated math, she has bloomed in the experience of learning to master something she has always battled with as the underdog. She even thinks she can continue to work with Michael & maybe get an 'A' this semester! If only we had started sooner! In the second trimester, my younger daughter started seriously sinking in her algebra class. Of course the next step was to send her to Michael! She has a very different personality & approach to life; it's hard to believe they are related. Michael's skills are such that he can adapt to very different needs and still get optimal results. She has improved in this short time tutoring and continues to do so. We have even found Michael open to group tutoring with a friend, which is going very well. Michael is professional, responsive, polite, & versatile in meeting different needs. When asking both girls, they both say that he breaks down the information so it can be understood. I appreciate the communication and updates on progress he gives. We are very thankful for his services and how he is helping us.

Parent, Precalculus and Algebra I

We engaged Mike to assist with our high school daughter who is currently enrolled in Trigonometry. Up until recently she was always an "A" student, but was having an issue with the recent material. Mike spent the first session reviewing what she already knew to get a good understanding of where her core weaknesses were. He then went back a few chapters to review some of the core concepts he felt she was lacking before moving to the current material. This allowed her to gain a REAL understanding of the concepts instead of just practicing memorization. Mike also helped her develop better study habits and take better notes during lectures. I am happy to report that she got an A on her last exam! With her study habits corrected, Mike doesn't need to come by as often now, but we do still conduct regular appointments so that we are sure she is on track and to make sure her understanding is where it should be. We really like that he comes to our home and it works out great for our schedule as well as helping our daughter feel more comfortable. I can't imagine another tutor being any more professional or knowledgeable than Mike.

Parent, Trigonometry