NEVADA R. - GECP

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NEVADA R.

Lead Curriculum Specialist

Education

B.A. in Communication

- University of California, Santa Barbara

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M.A. in Criticism and Publishing

- The New School

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Experience

Nevada entered the education industry by chance. In the summer of 2010, a friend suggested a part-time role instructing students on how to pass standardized tests. Never anticipating that it would become a long-term commitment, he found tutoring both rewarding and challenging and decided to continue.

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After years of successfully mentoring students, Nevada gradually transitioned into management and curriculum development roles, training teams of tutors, providing professional development courses, creating instructional materials, and implementing streamlined business practices. Throughout this time, he established himself as an industry expert, offering insights to clients and colleagues, writing blog posts, and speaking at industry events. Since 2017, Nevada has held director-level positions in the education industry, transforming what started as a side job into both a profession and a passion.

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Nevada brings to his instruction a mix of practicality, motivation, and healthy skepticism. He acknowledges the disproportionate influence standardized tests wield over students' futures and recognizes that their assessment methods may not fully capture a student's abilities or potential. Nevertheless, he confidently believes that the process of preparing for a high stakes exam—analogous to the way an athlete prepares for a competition—provides skills in discipline and resilience that scale far beyond academics. To this end, Nevada strives to equip his students with the capabilities for success both inside and outside the classroom.

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Notable Accomplishments

Nevada competed in the NSSA West Coast Surfing Championship at age 16.

He launched a newsletter and podcast where he interviews his favorite authors and writes about trends in education.

Fun Facts

Nevada ran a DJ business and played at Mormon youth dances in high school.
He once met David Byrne of the Talking Heads and shared a memorable conversation with him.

Test Prep

Architecture

College Application Ethics
College Counseling

Gap Years

Greek Life

Financial Aid

Avoiding the Test Optional Trap

The term “test optional” has been around for decades. The first college to institute a test-optional admissions policy, Bowdoin College, did so in 1969. It wasn’t until 2020, however, when the coronavirus pandemic forced it out of obscurity, that it became known to more than just admissions industry insiders. Suddenly, test-optional policies were brought to the forefront as one of many temporary measures implemented by universities to navigate unforeseen challenges of the pandemic—namely, limited testing options for students. The net effect of the proliferation of these COVID-induced practices was to relieve students, for a time, of the need to submit SAT or ACT scores for admissions.

The Return of Testing

The biggest mistake people make in seeking extended time or other accommodations for learning differences is waiting until the last minute to do so. Not only can the process be difficult and involve many steps, but the testing agencies often require months (even years) of documentation of a student’s disabilities and challenges. It is therefore imperative that you get informed and organized as soon as possible. Among the items you’ll need are documentation of diagnoses, recommended treatments, and progress from a medical professional, as well as proof that the student has been given special accommodations by his/her high school.

Standardized Testing Accommodations

Digital SAT Overview

The digital SAT has officially arrived, marking the permanent transition from the traditional paper version. The discontinuation of the paper SAT means that this digital version is now the sole option for test-takers. Notable changes in timing and format distinguish this new exam from the 2015-2023 paper version, while other elements, including math content, remain nearly identical. This post aims to provide a concise overview for individuals contemplating a choice between the digital SAT and its primary competitor, the ACT.

Avoiding the Cram: The Benefits of Early Test Preparation

Standardized tests like the SAT and ACT are an integral part of a student’s academic journey. In many ways they constitute a summative assessment of what a student has learned throughout middle school and highs school. Moreover, studies show that these tests predict not only college grades but also various forms of post-college success.

The Benefits of Tutoring for All Ages

In the post-pandemic world, the landscape of education has transformed significantly, revealing a host of challenges for students across all grade levels. Whether your child is in elementary school, middle school, or preparing for the rigors of high school, tutoring has become an essential tool to bridge the gaps that have emerged in recent years.

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