1. Private School Admission Testimonials - Entrance to Grades 4, 6, 7 and 9
2. Math Tutoring Testimonials - Algebra, Geometry, Alg 2, PreCalculus, Trigonometry, Calculus
3. SAT / ACT Testimonials - ALL sections
Private School Admission Preparation ( SSAT / Interview / Essay )
"We were wavering between SSAT prep classes and a private tutor, but once we met Kevin and saw how he interacted with and motivated our 7th grade daughter through constant positive assessments and his relaxed yet (covertly) disciplined style, it was clear the one-on-one approach would be more beneficial. His materials are up-to-date and specific, his personalized advice on interviewing and test taking was spot-on and he was always accessible. We would highly recommend Kevin to anyone with a child preparing for the SSAT." - Miki Yamashiro (daughter was accepted at Punahou, Iolani and Mid-Pacific)
"I just wanted to let you know that Justis and Gabriel both got acceptance letters today from Punahou! We feel strongly that you were a huge part of their success and we really want to thank you again for all of your help and hard work with the boys. I will unhesitatingly recommend you to anyone looking for a tutor." - Jocelyn Snowdon
"My daughter Savannah started tutoring with Kevin last January. Aside from how well she ended up scoring on her SSAT, her confidence blossomed as well as her math grades in school. Savannah worked with Kevin once a week along with a friend, and not once out of the entire year did either of them complain about going to tutoring. Kevin has this way of making them feel good about themselves, and he also has a talent for making it fun for them. Kevin is truly an example of someone who is very good at what he does. I am so grateful we had the opportunity to work with him." - Terri Cordell (daughter was accepted at Punahou and Mid-Pacific)
"Hope all is well with you. Received our final decision letter today and wanted to share with you the results of Austin’s application process for the 2011-2012 school year. I was so very relieved when we received his first acceptance letter from Maryknoll School and at least knew that he would be able to go somewhere beyond Soto Academy. But never in our wildest dreams did I expect that he would receive acceptance letters at all (4) schools in which he applied for. We are proud (and relieved) to share with you Austin was accepted to Punahou, Iolani, Mid-Pacific Institute and Maryknoll. Austin has chosen to attend Punahou School for the upcoming 2011-2012 school year. We would like to thank you for helping us get Austin prepared for the SSAT and writing samples he was required to complete as part of the interview process. Without your guidance and patience we could not have achieved our goal. THANK YOU AGAIN!!!!!! Aloha." - Tracy, Rick & Austin Tsuhako
"I am very happy to report that Brandon was accepted into Punahou for the fourth grade. My husband picked up a copy of your test prep book at Kahala Kids a few weeks before his testing on February 18 and 25. Thanks for the (writing) prompts. I had him write an essay every other day on these subjects. Brandon took the SAT in December (at his current school). The scores are attached. I was pleased with his math scores, and appreciated your advice and insight on the relevance of these scores to his application to Punahou." – Heidi Vavul
"Yes, Nxxxx got into Punahou (for fourth grade). It is a big accomplishment! She loves your teaching style and those fun games. She never complained about going to your lessons. Thank you for your patience and spending time to talk to me—and your videos. She took math in summer school at Punahou, and said the teacher was real fun, which is more her learning style. She likes sports—she has done fencing and golf—and is interested in Punahou’s tennis program." - Helena L.
"I want to tell you how lucky you are that we’re not going to come over and beat you up because Nicolas got accepted in all three schools that he applied for. It’s been an exciting week since we got acceptance letters from Iolani on Tuesday, Mid-Pac on Thursday and Punahou, today. I was not in town for the Iolani interview so my husband took him down, but I heard Iolani wanted him after the interview. Iolani is good for math and science, my husband’s an engineer, but I’m pretty sure Nicolas is going to go with Punahou. I just wanted to let you know. Thank you!" - Bea H.
"You know what—Kiara got into Punahou (for eighth grade)! We were making noise all day because we were so happy. Her last (SSAT) test scores were high—around 670s or 680s. I heard last year there were only five spots open at Punahou for eighth grade (a non-entry year). Is that what you heard? Our son (a senior at Punahou and who attended some of your SAT classes) accepted a football scholarship to UCLA. We met with the (new) coach and he’s awesome." - Rochelle Fairbairn
"We were at a movie so I couldn’t call you back, but you were definitely on my to-do list and, yes, Joli did get in to Punahou! We had a dual-application, but after speaking with the Punahou counselors, it was decided that she should enter the seventh grade. You would have been so proud of her interview—she really impressed them and turned it around by asking them questions herself! Joli’s being real humble about it, we haven’t even had a celebration yet, but she’s real happy." – Dean and Gloria Hamada
"Hailey just found out she was accepted to Punahou. We got the letter today and Iolani’s letter came on Wednesday or Thursday. We had different interview experiences at both schools. For Punahou, she had to go to a soccer game right after that. She was unsure before but most of her friends from her soccer team and Noelani (elementary) go to Punahou. A few girls go to Iolani. Kyler will be taking pre-Calculus next year (as a sophomore) and then Calculus after that. We might be calling you to continue the SAT classes." – Randall Asato
"Steffany is so happy she got in to Punahou! We appreciate your tutoring for her very much—all the hard work paid off. She hopes you continue teaching students like her, helping them make it into private schools. She will finish out the year at Maryknoll and then attend Punahou for seventh grade. We are waiting for an available time to see you. Steff is very happy and she really wants to see you to thank you and give you a gift. Please let us know when you are available." - Mau and Thu Nguyen
"I’m a believer that things happen for a reason and Iolani will really prepare Daisy for life. I know the swimming coach there and Daisy placed third in the ten-year-olds’ division at the state meet. I've worked with people with children who went to Iolani and they have nothing but good things to say. I remember when we met, you recommended the option of Iolani to us. It’s under two miles away from our house and my neighbor’s kids go there so maybe we’ll carpool." - John Chang
"I’m sorry I didn’t let you know earlier but Ashley did get accepted at Iolani (and Mid-Pac). We were so busy last week at a church camp and Bryan is doing his Ph.D work. I actually only told one person because Ashley was still deciding after talking with her friends. We were praying on which direction to take and she’s made her decision. We want to thank you so give me one day’s notice when you’ll be in the Kaimuki area." - Mei P.
"You were one of the first people we called along with his football coach. It feels like we just won the lottery since Iolani only accepted 15 kids (during this non-entry year). We’re waiting for everything to fall into place, but athletically and scholastically, this is a tremendous opportunity for Makoa. I didn’t even go all out with the referrals like I would’ve next year with about 50 openings. I’m at Longs right now, but I plan to start my other son with you soon." - Cindy Magnani
"I just wanted to call and tell you the good news that Anna got into Punahou (for ninth grade). Thank you very much for all of your help. I know that you were a big part of her getting there. She received a scholarship offer (from her current school) but I think that she did decide that she is going to Punahou so it’s all good. Thank you so much!" - Rikke Delay
"I will tell you that I had Haley's parent/teacher conference on Monday and she had a shining review from her teacher. She took a standardized test a few weeks back and the teacher was amazed at how much she improved her scores from last year's test. I have to say that is thanks to you." Later message: "Haley is a cheerleader on the Punahou (intermediate) squad." - Jessica Crabtree (daughter was accepted at Punahou and Mid-Pacific)
"Joanne reminded me to call you and thank you for working with Micah. He decided on Iolani over Punahou and Kamehameha. I had wanted him to go to Punahou, since we live right next to Punahou, and since we felt Iolani would be too academic, but he felt really comfortable there. Also, some teachers we know are very supportive of Iolani." - Marlene Tokiwa
"You did an amazing job preparing Joshua for the SSAT (interview and writing sample)! Joshua was accepted at Punahou, MidPac and Maryknoll, and waitlisted at Iolani. You have a very positive and encouraging method of teaching children. There was never a fight to get him to attend the weekly lessons. Thank you very much with all of our hearts." - The Reasoners
"I have good news—David was accepted at Punahou School. Thanks for all your help. We just got back from Spring break and David had a nice surprise waiting for him. We would like you to work with our daughter Sarah next but she’s only in third grade right now." - Cathy Vincent (both sons were accepted at Punahou)
"Kevin really helped Devon prepare for the SSAT, interview and essay. My son is in the seventh grade at Punahou. Kevin is now working with my fourth-grade daughter, Christina, to improve her math, reading and verbal skills for next Fall's SSAT." - Stephanie Lee (daughter was accepted at Punahou and Iolani)
"Thank you, thank you, thank you! Hi Kevin, we've been thinking of you lately. Will was invited to Punahou and we've accepted. Thank you for guiding him to this choice! It is so valuable to have your influence and presence for Will, thank you." - Vickie F-L
"We’ve been real busy, but I know you bumped into my wife at McDonald’s and, yes, the boys got into Punahou. They are doing well but Andrei is doing some (advanced) CML math so we want to do some tutoring. Andrei got into Iolani and Mid-Pac as well, and I know it’s not easy to get into Iolani. Also, I heard that Alex might have had the highest scores for the (fourth grade admissions) testing." – Mihai Iosivas
"We just got the call about an hour ago that Evan got into Punahou (off the wait pool). He had strong recommendations from his teacher and (football and golf) coaches. They said his test scores were within their ‘range’. He took charge during his interview, and it was commendable. This was a real team effort and you were a part of that." - Keith Kawai
"Anyway, I just got the results and they were much better! I was so proud, and I think Mark was too. When I showed him his scores (all well within the Punahou range), he had a big smile on his face. He has interviewed with Punahou and Iolani so far. I hope they went well, but I found out at the interview that Iolani only takes 25 boys! Mid Pac is this Thursday, and HBA is next month." - Deborah Pang
"You know we were just notified that Ali was accepted at Punahou (for fourth grade). We’re going to meet with (Punahou admissions director) Betsy Hata in May (for informational purposes)." Later message: "Hailey received an invitation to join Punahou. She’s really excited." - Lori Zane (son was also accepted at Punahou)
"We were referred to Kevin by my sister whose son had a successful tutoring experience that got him into Iolani. Kevin has been working with our son for several months. We're really impressed with the progress our son has made towards the school of his choice. We feel Kevin's tutoring style is the right fit for our son." - A. Tanaka
"Kevin has been a tutor for my son since the seventh grade. Daniel did very well on the SSAT and had an opportunity to attend Punahou. Kevin is still a tutor for my son who is a sophomore now and who will be taking the SAT (and SAT-2 math subject test) soon." - Peter Perera
"Joshua did get into Punahou. He's very excited. I think we will take a break as things are getting crazy and all but I would like you to work with our younger son at some point." - Wendy Shewalter
"Called to tell you about the good news. Cole got into all three schools (Punahou, Iolani and Mid-Pacific)! We're about to tell him right now." - Tim Cabrera
"Thanks for your help with Joey's SSAT (interview and writing sample). Joey got accepted at Iolani, Mid-Pacific and Maryknoll. It looks like he will go to Iolani. We are just waiting for (one thing to fall into place)." - Patti Hu
"Just wanted you to know Makana got accepted to Punahou and Iolani for seventh grade. He chose Punahou. I gave your number to a friend whose daughter will be applying for private school in the Fall." - Michael Tave
"Ethan is so excited he got into Mid-Pac (the only school we applied for). His test scores must’ve been high. He’ll have to sit out his ninth grade year for baseball according to ILH rules but he’ll still be able to condition and practice with the team. I have him going to a private pitching coach who knows some of the Mid-Pac coaches." – Glenn Rivera
"Thank you so much for getting Taylor ready for the SSAT and the Kamehameha Schools entrance exam. You must hear this all the time. As parents, we just want the best for our children. I hope my children realize how important this is." - Lita Ursulum
"Noa got accepted to Punahou and Mid-Pac. Thanks for all your help. We couldn't have done it without you." - Andy and Natsume S.
"Yes, we're so happy (with our son's high SSAT scores). And he was really upset because he thought he bombed. He said it was the worst one..." - Jill Walder (son was accepted at Punahou and Mid-Pacific)
Math Tutoring (All Levels)
"Our goal is to create life-long learners, and to that end, Kevin makes learning an effortless experience. My daughter has gained tremendous confidence in math while achieving mastery, which is exactly what we were looking for." Later message: "Kevin, just wanted to let you know that Sara got into Punahou and Mid-Pac, and will be attending Punahou in the fall. Thanks for all your help, and you probably will be hearing from me again in the spring to begin my son on his prep work. He is in 6th grade now and will be testing for 9th grade entrance—hopefully with the same success as his sister." Later message: "Mark did awesome (on his November SSATs). Yea! I think we are officially done with SSAT prep. Thank you so much for you help and guidance. You will probably hear from us again on the next round of test prep, but for now, we breath easy!" - Christina Gallagher, Educational Consultant
"How do you find a good tutor? Parents want to find the best tutor for their children. But what is your definition of ‘best’? Maybe someone with much experience and knowledge or many degrees, but that’s not hard to find nowadays. Effective teaching is impacted by the personality and temperament of the tutor. Humility and love are immeasurable and essential. 'We know that we all possess knowledge, but knowledge puffs up while love builds up.' (1 Corinthians 8:1). Kevin possesses both knowledge and love." - C. Au
"Kevin has been tutoring my daughter for the past five years, and they are now working with PreCalculus and AP Economics. We have found him to be very patient and has established a trusting relationship with our family. I highly recommend Kevin for all your tutoring needs." - Charlene Asato-Nitta
"I am a student at Mid-Pacific Institute. Since I'm enrolled in the IB diploma program, I take classes that are challenging (AP Calculus, AP English). Tutoring with Kevin has allowed me to have a greater understanding of the material learned in class." - Sophia Lobley (currently a pre-med student at UCLA)
"A very belated but heartfelt note to say the warmest mahalo for all of your time and tutoring for our son. He passed his Algebra 2. We’re still waiting to hear about the Cal State assessment testing, but expect him to be well on his way to the freshman class of 2010 at Cal Maritime! Thanks again for your assistance and patience. You have a way of making math all good." - Derrick M.
"Words are ineffable to express our appreciation for your endless patience and kindness. The tutoring you provided for Brendan and me has made a difference academically, but also an experience in a very meaningful way. Enclosed is a small token of our appreciation. Teachers make a difference in our lives and truly make this world a better place to live in. Thank you, again! Take care and our warmest thank yous!" - Judith S.
"Aloha, Kevin. This is Paula again. I just received the results back for the (college) Statistics homework we tackled at the library on September 18th. I'm proud to say that I received an "A" on the test and simply wanted to thank you again for all your help. Mahalo and good luck in all your future endeavors!!!"
"Kevin has been my son's math tutor for several years. I've been extremely pleased with the progress he has made. This year Algebra II has been a challenge, but with Kevin's help my son's comprehension and grades have steadily improved." - Linda Razonable
"Nikki got a 54 out of 50 on her (summer mathematics) project and a good score on her (Algebra II) final exam. Thanks for all your help!" - Dr. Scarlet Aviles
"As soon as my daughter started tutoring with Kevin, I saw improvement in her geometry grade. My daughter was wasting a lot of time struggling to solve the math problems on her own. Since Kevin started to teach her, she doesn't waste time anymore." - Yayoi Oki (daughter is currently in AP Calculus)
"I had to send you an annoucement so you could see it with your own eyes. Don't feel obligated to come. He passed World History with a 99% (and Geometry with a 97%)! Thank you for all your help. Get ready for Steph (for PreCalculus)! - Laura Schulman (daughter was accepted at Kamehameha Schools)
"Kevin has been tutoring my three children for three years now. My son Brian has improved his math skills over the years. Even though they are of different ages, Kevin's established a good rapport with each of them." - Lisa Mallal
SAT / ACT Prep (All Sections)
"My son's math score on the SAT was hampered due to a school block schedule which left him with math instruction for only three months per academic year. Kevin has taught my son how to address the SAT math problems through repetitive practice, deliberate and detailed explanation and specific test-taking techniques acquired through years of SAT experience." - Gail Nowicki, Secondary Language Arts Teacher
"Just thought I'd let you know that Tem got his SAT results, and he got 680 in math. We think this is a pretty good score, considering he was very untutored before you took him on. We want to thank you very much for helping Tem to get better in math over such a short time. Thanks again for your expert teaching and your good cheer. You probably are already over-busy, but before we left Honolulu (we're in Auckland now), I was recommending you to everyone!" - Anne Kennedy, University Instructor
"Kevin is an excellent math tutor, and has done a great job preparing the Hughes girls for the SAT. I would highly recommend him." - Shelby Hughes (mother of four)
"Kevin has worked with me on the SAT, SAT-2 math subject test and Calculus. My last combined SAT score was 2180. This helps because I'm trying to get a scholarship to USC." - Graham Haas
"Hope all is well with you. We’re doing fine. My son just got his SAT scores back. He did good. He did great on Math, there was an improvement on Critical Reading and his Writing remained the same. All in all, his scores were great. I can’t thank you enough for helping him on his SATs. He now knows what he is capable of and this has given him confidence. He said he will work harder in college. Again, thanks for everything. We couldn't have done it without you. Give all glory to God." - Gwen S. (son was accepted to a Pac-12 university)
"I just want to say thanks so much for all the help you’ve done for Dean in helping him prepare for the SAT. He’s already accepted by one of the universities (on the West Coast)—well, there was one university where he really wanted to go. It's good for media, business and technology and he already met with administration. I just wanted to share that with you. I just want to say thank you so much for everything. And I wish you a merry Christmas and, maybe, one day, we may need your help again. But, anyway, I hope everything is good with you. Take care and thank you again." - Cynthia Young
"Isiah (a shortstop on the Mid-Pacific baseball team) got his ACT scores back. His composite score qualifies him for most D-1 colleges. We need to skip tomorrow night for the ILH playoffs but we’ll continue on Wednesday and Thursday to prepare for the SAT this Saturday." – Kimberly K. (son has received collegiate scholarship offers for baseball)
"His Writing was 600-something and his combined score was 2040 (for the October 2012 SAT). His G.P.A. is not the highest so I want him to take it again so he can get into one of the U.C. schools. He says he doesn’t want to take it again, and I don’t want to push him, but I think he should take it one more time. He took the ACT today so I might call you next week." – M. Ito
