My name is Avery, and I’m a tutor in Ithaca, New York and a junior pursuing a double major in Chemistry and Biology at Cornell University. I have a strong academic foundation and a genuine passion for mentorship, leadership, and community engagement. As a pre-med student, I’m deeply interested in both the science behind medicine and the human connections that make learning meaningful. I tutor AP Biology, AP Chemistry, Math (AP Calculus AB & BC, SAT), English/writing (college applications), AP Economics, and SAT preparation (I scored 1570 with 770 on Verbal 770 and 800 on Math). My AP scores were Biology (5), Calculus BC (5), Chemistry (5), English Literature and Composition (5), Environmental Science (4), Macroeconomics (5), Microeconomics (5), Spanish Language and Culture (5), Statistics (4), and United States History (5). On campus, I am in my third semester as an undergraduate teaching assistant across multiple courses, where I support students in mastering fundamental research practices and advanced biochemistry laboratory techniques. Through these experiences, I’ve learned how to explain complex material clearly, anticipate common misconceptions, and adapt my teaching style to different learning needs. In addition, I have several years of experience as a private tutor in AP Biology and college essay writing, and I enjoy helping students break down challenging concepts into structured, approachable steps tailored to their strengths. Beyond academics, my research and leadership experiences have shaped my teaching philosophy. Serving in leadership roles on my club volleyball team and in the Weill Ithaca Network, a pre-medical organization, has strengthened my organization, communication, and mentorship skills. As a longtime taekwondo instructor, I’ve worked with students of all ages, helping them build discipline, confidence, and resilience which are qualities I believe are just as important as academic achievement. My teaching philosophy centers on patience, adaptability, and encouragement. I believe every student learns differently, so I prioritize meeting students where they are and creating a supportive environment where they feel comfortable asking questions, taking intellectual risks, and growing in confidence. I am open to 1-on-1, 2-on-1, and small group tutoring, and I would be thrilled to support you or your student through thoughtful, personalized instruction.
Avery works with students from the following schools:
Avery offers in-person tutoring on or near the Cornell University campus for families across Ithaca New York, Lansing New York, Dryden New York, Trumansburg New York, Cayuga Heights New York, Tompkins County New York.
If you have a specific tutor in mind, you're welcome to request them directly — we'll confirm whether they're available and the right fit for your student. Otherwise, Ryan writes a personal email to understand your student's needs, learning style, and goals — then handpicks a tutor from the roster. You're not filling out a form and getting assigned randomly. If the first tutor isn't the right fit after the first session, we'll find you a better match at no extra charge.
Yes. Many families start with a single session to see how the tutor and student connect before committing to a regular schedule. There's no pressure to book in advance — reach out and we'll set something up.
Yes. Many of our tutors are strong across several subjects, and sessions can cover more than one if that's what the student needs that week. Flexibility is built into how we work.
Most of our tutors continue working through breaks, either online or in-person at the college if the tutors remain on campus during that vacation. We'll let you know in advance if a tutor has a gap in availability and arrange coverage with one of our other tutors — in-person or online — in the required subject.
Occasionally, if the student lives very close to the tutor's campus. Most sessions take place on or near the college campus or online. This keeps sessions in an academically focused environment — which tends to produce better results.
The families who see the biggest results are the ones who commit to a regular cadence — typically once, twice, or three times a week. One-on-one tutoring with a student from an elite college, who genuinely understands the material, is a fundamentally different experience from a tutoring center or an app. Most of our clients stay with us for multiple semesters.
Email Ryan@ShiresTutoring.com and mention which tutor and college town you're interested in, or fill out our Request a Tutor form. We typically respond within one business day.
That depends on where your student is starting and how consistently they show up. Avery will identify the specific gaps, focus sessions on them, and adjust as the student progresses. Families who stick to a weekly schedule typically see meaningful progress within four to six weeks.
Email Ryan@ShiresTutoring.com and mention you'd like to work with Avery at Cornell University, or fill out our Request a Tutor form — you can also click the Request a Tutor button at the bottom of this page. We'll follow up within one business day to confirm availability and schedule your first session.