AP Workshops Taught by Expert Tutors - Aim for 4s and 5s. View Workshops

Webinar
Northeastern University
University of Virginia
Guidewell Global & Former Yale Admissions
University of Notre Dame
ESM Prep & Former Stanford Admissions
Webinar

Why AP Choices Matter - and Why Some Students Benefit More Than Others

Straight talk on APs from current and former admissions officers

Wednesday, March 4
7pm ET

1:1 Peak Writing

Personalized Writing Programs for Grades 6 and Up

Strong writing skills are essential for academic success. Whether your student needs to build a solid foundation or refine their analytical writing for advanced courses, Summit’s Peak Writing programs provide expert, 1:1 instruction tailored to their needs.

Programs Designed for Growth

  • Peak Fundamental Writing (6 weeks) – Master the foundations of quality essay writing
  • Peak Analytical Writing (8–16 weeks) – Develop advanced analytical writing skills for AP, honors, and college-level courses

Students who master these skills gain a lasting academic advantage, approaching writing with confidence and reducing the stress often associated with complex assignments.

1:1 Peak Writing

Our Peak Writing programs are designed to support the multi-level learning process of basic essay writing and advanced, analytical thinking. We are focused on helping students get to their highest level.

The Right Time to Build Strong Writing Skills

As students enter middle and high school, writing expectations rise—but mastering these skills in a classroom setting can be challenging. Summit’s Peak Fundamental Writing and Peak Analytical Writing programs provide personalized, one-on-one support to help students strengthen their writing abilities with expert guidance.

Flexible, Expert-Led Tutoring

  • Customized 1:1 instruction with a hand-picked tutor
  • 6- or 8-week programs with 90-minute weekly sessions
  • Targeted practice, including an hour of homework per session
  • Convenient online or in-home options to fit your schedule

With personalized coaching, students build confidence and master essential writing skills that will serve them throughout their academic careers.

Peak Fundamental Writing

Designed to help students master the fundamentals of essay writing, this program starts with strengthening reading comprehension and effective written communication.

With expert guidance, students will:

  • Develop a clear understanding of essay structure
  • Learn to craft strong thesis statements and support arguments effectively
  • Build an ideal essay model alongside their tutor
  • Research, plan, and write a well-structured essay on a challenging topic

By the end of the program, students will have the confidence and skills to approach writing assignments with clarity and precision.

Peak Analytical Writing

A rigorous, structured program designed to elevate students’ analytical writing abilities.

With expert guidance, students will:

  • Strengthen active reading and literary analysis skills
  • Learn to craft compelling thesis statements and well-supported arguments
  • Develop structured, insightful essays with clarity and depth
  • Gain confidence in writing analytical essays for AP courses, advanced English, and college-level work

By the end of the program, students will approach complex writing assignments with precision, confidence, and a strong academic foundation.

Expert One-On-One Instruction

Our Peak Writing tutors are experienced educators, many of whom are current or former English teachers. They specialize in engaging students across various age groups, providing clear, actionable feedback to strengthen writing skills. Passionate about their craft, they are dedicated to helping students build confidence and achieve lasting success.

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Peak Fundamental Writing: Learning Outcomes

  • Sharpen problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
  • Learn key reading strategies essential for strong writing
  • Develop an effective model for structuring essays
  • Improve written communication for clarity and impact
  • Write strong thesis statements and support arguments effectively
  • Strengthen editing and revision skills
  • Craft a well-structured, four-paragraph essay
  • Enhance grammar skills with bonus lessons on parts of speech and sentence structure
  • Build confidence for the demands of high school writing

Peak Analytical Writing: Learning Outcomes

  • Develop analytical techniques for interpreting literature
  • Strengthen close reading skills and inference-making
  • Master multiple annotation methods
  • Build a strong foundation in literary terminology
  • Craft well-supported thesis statements
  • Analyze rhetoric, stories, and essays with depth
  • Construct cohesive, evidence-based analytical arguments
  • Improve editing and revision skills
  • Write a structured, five-paragraph essay with proper citations
  • Gain confidence for advanced English, AP courses, and college-level writing

Meet Some of Our Top Tutors

Zdenka Sturm
Zdenka Sturm

In addition to her role as an Elite Tutor, Zdenka serves as Summit’s Assistant Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Training. She joined Summit in 2007 and has contributed in multiple roles, including Adjunct Instructor in Biology at Cambridge College. She holds a BA in Anthropology from Harvard, where she received the Detur Prize and a Center for European Studies grant. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring abstract algebra and number theory.

Areas of Expertise

Test Prep: SAT, ACT, PSAT

AP: Biology, Chemistry, Calculus AB & BC

Academic: Algebra, Biology, Calculus, Chemistry, English, Geometry, Physics, Statistics, Trig/Precalculus

Tessa Murray, PhD
Tessa Murray, PhD

Originally from Scotland, Tessa moved to the U.S. in 2001 after earning a PhD in Molecular Biology from the University of Aberdeen. She completed postdoctoral research at Boston University and worked as a research scientist at Tufts Medical Center. Tessa spent ten years as an educator at the Museum of Science, where she honed a knack for breaking complex topics into simple, engaging pieces. She joined Summit as a tutor in 2015 and makes sessions productive and enjoyable, using a touch of humor to ease test prep. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, biking, camping, skiing, and traveling.

Areas of Expertise

Test Prep: SAT, ACT, PSAT, SSAT, ISEE

AP: Biology, Chemistry, Calculus AB, Precalculus

Academic: Algebra, Biology, Calculus, Chemistry, Geometry, Trig/Precalculus

Aubrey Elson
Aubrey Elson

A Summit tutor since 2020, Aubrey turns test anxiety into structure and confidence with step-by-step planning, pacing, and problem-solving while building executive-function habits that last beyond test day. An adjunct professor at Dean College and Stonehill College, she brings college-level expectations and actionable feedback to her tutoring sessions. She holds an MFA from Florida Atlantic University and a BA from USC. A professional actor, her restorative-yoga training informs the calm, focused test-day routines she coaches.

Areas of Expertise

Test Prep: SAT, ACT, PSAT

AP: US History

Academic: Algebra, Calculus, English, French, Geometry, US History

Executive Function Coaching

Megan Erickson
Megan Erickson

A strengths-based, methodical tutor, Megan joined Summit in 2013 and builds a close rapport with families while keeping sessions engaging and results-focused. She earned a BS in Psychology/Biological Bases of Behavior from Duke, then spent five years in clinical research at Tufts while completing post-baccalaureate pre-medical work at Harvard. Choosing education over patient care, she now tutors full time and loves helping students reach their goals. Outside of work, she follows sports and travels widely—22 countries and counting—with highlights like Denali base camp, Mt. Fuji, and the Great Barrier Reef.

Areas of Expertise

Test Prep: SAT, ACT, PSAT, SSAT, ISEE

Academic: Algebra, Biology, English

Michael Rogers
Michael Rogers

Michael graduated Phi Beta Kappa with honors from Johns Hopkins University, earning a B.A. in sociocultural anthropology. He has been a tutor and teacher with the company since 2016. Known for his patient, supportive style, Michael helps students build metacognitive awareness and strong logical-reasoning skills. Before joining the company, he worked in community organizing and researched community-based public health programs. Outside of tutoring, he’s an avid reader and crossword puzzler, a language and math enthusiast, and he enjoys biking and hiking.

Areas of Expertise

Test Prep: SAT, ACT, PSAT

AP: Calculus AB & BC, Chemistry, Physics (1/2/C), Precalculus, Statistics

Academic: Algebra, Biology, Calculus, Chemistry, English, Geometry, Physics, Statistics, Trig/Precalculus

Marvin Wolfert
Marvin Wolfert

Marvin has been a Summit tutor since 2004 and spent 12 years as a Senior Program Director, guiding families through the standardized-testing landscape. A former attorney focused on estate and business planning, he graduated magna cum laude from Boston University with a degree in English Literature and holds a JD from Suffolk University Law School and an LLM in Taxation from Boston University. Outside tutoring, Marvin values time with his family—including four grandchildren—has completed 25 marathons, and is active in his synagogue’s adult education programs.

Areas of Expertise

Test Prep: SAT, ACT, PSAT, SSAT, ISEE

AP: European History, U.S. History, World History

Academic: Algebra, English, European History, U.S. History, World History

Jonathan Wyss
Jonathan Wyss

Jonathan is one of Summit’s most experienced tutors, working with students since 2008. He earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at MIT in meteorology, hydrology, and earth science. Driven by a thirst for knowledge and a genuine passion for helping students succeed, he brings a broad, empathetic perspective shaped by years living overseas and traveling on foot, by bike, and by kayak. When he isn’t tutoring, Jonathan works as a cartographer.

Areas of Expertise

Test Prep: SAT, ACT, PSAT, SSAT, ISEE

AP: Calculus AB & BC, Chemistry, Computer Science (A/Principles), English Language, Human Geography, Physics (1/2/C), Precalculus, Statistics
Academic:
Algebra, Biology, Calculus, Chemistry, Computer Science, English, French, Geometry, Physics, Statistics, Trig/Precalculus

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