The short answer: the right math tutor for a CSUN or Pierce College student is someone who knows your course content, follows your syllabus, and is available when you are. Pair that with your professor's office hours, your campus's free tutoring services, and a weekly study routine, and college calculus and statistics become much more manageable. Mariam Sulahian is an independent tutor in the San Fernando Valley who has worked with students from both schools.
Mariam is an independent tutor. She is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of California State University, Northridge (CSUN), Los Angeles Pierce College, or any college.
What to look for in a college math tutor
- Course experience. College algebra, precalculus, Calculus I to III, and statistics each have their own trouble spots. Ask whether the tutor regularly teaches your course level.
- Syllabus-based lessons. Bring your syllabus, homework platform problems, and old quizzes. Lessons should match what your professor tests.
- Scheduling that fits. Many CSUN and Pierce students work or commute. Mariam is available Monday through Saturday, 10 AM to 7 PM Pacific, in person in the San Fernando Valley and Simi Valley, or online anywhere in the US.
- Clear explanations. A good tutor helps you understand why, so you can handle new problems on the exam.
How to pass college calculus
Treat algebra as the real prerequisite
Most points in Calculus I are lost on algebra and trigonometry, not on the calculus idea itself. If simplifying expressions or using the unit circle is slow, spend the first weeks of the semester shoring that up.
Do the homework without the solution open
Online homework systems make it easy to check answers and retry. That's fine for learning, but before each exam, redo problems on paper without hints.
Go to office hours early
Professors notice students who come in before the first exam, and early questions are easier to fix. Bring specific problems you attempted.
Practice old exams under time limits
If your professor shares practice exams, take them timed. Then review every mistake and add it to a mistake log. See our ten tips for studying for a math test.
How to pass college statistics
- Learn the "why" behind each test. Know when to use a z-test, a t-test, or a chi-square test, and what conditions each one needs.
- Interpret in plain English. A confidence interval or p-value isn't finished until you say what it means in the context of the problem.
- Get comfortable with the technology your course uses, whether that's a graphing calculator, a spreadsheet, or statistical software.
- Keep up weekly. Statistics builds quickly from probability to sampling distributions to inference. Falling behind for two weeks is hard to recover from.
Use every free resource
Both campuses offer academic support to their students, such as tutoring centers and study spaces, and your professor's office hours are free. Check your college's website for current hours and services. A private tutor works best in addition to these resources, for one-on-one time that follows your pace.
Calculus II and III: the hardest stretch
Many students find Calculus II the toughest course in the sequence, because of integration techniques and series. Calculus III adds vectors, partial derivatives, and multiple integrals. Mariam tutors Calculus I, II, and III (multivariable) as well as statistics, college algebra, and precalculus and trigonometry.
Mariam has 25 years of experience tutoring math and a degree in civil engineering from the American College for Girls in Aleppo, Syria. See her page for Pierce College and CSUN students.
Frequently asked questions
Is Mariam Sulahian affiliated with CSUN or Pierce College?
No. Mariam is an independent tutor who has worked with students from both schools. She is not affiliated with or endorsed by CSUN or Los Angeles Pierce College.
Which college math courses does Mariam tutor?
College algebra, precalculus and trigonometry, statistics, and Calculus I, II, and III (multivariable).
Can college students do online lessons?
Yes. Lessons are available online by live video anywhere in the US, or in person in the San Fernando Valley and Simi Valley.
How much does college math tutoring cost?
Please reach out for rates. Call or text (818) 860-9211 or email [email protected].
Want one-on-one help? Call or text (818) 860-9211
Mariam Sulahian tutors math from elementary school through Calculus III, including AP Calculus, AP Precalculus, and AP Statistics, in person in Simi Valley and the San Fernando Valley or online anywhere in the US. Monday through Saturday, 10 AM to 7 PM Pacific. Reach out for rates. Mariam is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by CSUN or Los Angeles Pierce College.
You can also email [email protected] or use the request form on the home page.