Matthew Ko
Meet Matthew Ko – Expert SAT Prep, STEM, Public Policy & Science Tutor
Matthew Ko brings real-world expertise in science, math, data analytics, and public policy to help students master challenging subjects with clarity and achieve top scores on standardized tests. With a Master of Science in Public Policy & Management from Carnegie Mellon University and professional experience as a Lead Analyst at the National Science Foundation, Matthew specializes in breaking down high-level material and teaching students how to think critically, analyze data, and approach problems step-by-step. He is a highly versatile academic tutor, supporting students across SAT/ACT prep, advanced sciences, and foundational mathematics.
Areas Of Expertise:
SAT, ACT & PSAT Preparation: Expert instruction in both Math and Verbal sections, leveraging his analytical background to help students master test-taking strategies and logic.
Mathematics & Physics: Offers comprehensive support across K-7 Math, statistics, algebraic reasoning, and physics.
Environmental Science & Biology: Deep subject matter expertise backed by a B.S. in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Science from the University of Michigan, alongside hands-on research in aquatic life and biodiversity.
Data, Analytics & GIS: Highly proficient in Stata, Tableau, and ArcGIS, utilizing his coursework in Econometrics and Advanced GIS to strengthen his instruction in scientific analysis.
Multilingual Support: Native Korean speaker and fluent in Chichewa, highly experienced in working with multilingual learners.
Teaching Philosophy:
"My approach is built on clarity, structure, and real-world application. I guide students using the same 'systems analysis' methods I rely on professionally. Whether we're working on SAT Math strategies, analyzing a biology lab, reviewing physics formulas, or building confidence in elementary math, I emphasize deep understanding, problem-solving, and practical examples. Students learn not just the what, but the why and how to apply it."
What Makes Matthew Special:
High-Level Analytics for Test Prep: As a Lead Analyst for the National Science Foundation, Matthew excels at data analysis and logical reasoning—skills he directly brings into tutoring SAT/ACT math, statistics, and science problem-solving.
Expert Science Foundation: Holds a double major in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Science, backed by fieldwork as a North Pacific Fishery Observer and ecological research assistant roles at MIT and the University of Michigan Biological Station.
Proven Mentorship & Training: Served as a Community Based Natural Resource Management Officer in the Peace Corps, where he developed training programs, wrote grants, and taught sustainability techniques to more than 1,900 community members, demonstrating exceptional patience and communication.
Real-World Policy Insight: Provides students with meaningful context drawn from his extensive work as a Climate and Clean Energy Fellow at the NRDC and an Environmental Policy Intern at the U.S. Department of State.
Education & Achievements:
Master of Science in Public Policy & Management, Carnegie Mellon University (May 2022).
Bachelor of Science (Majors: Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, Environmental Science), University of Michigan (April 2017).
University Honors, University of Michigan.