Personal LSAT, GRE, GMAT and ACT/SAT preparation
Ivory Tower Tutoring is an independent tutoring service specializing in one-on-one preparation for graduate, undergraduate, and professional school admissions tests.
Online via Zoom · Limited Atlanta appointments
Experience. Expertise. Flexibility.
Experience
Almost two decades of experience working with students of all kinds, from those who need a tiny bump to serious score overhauls.
Expertise
Carl has personally posted 99th percentile scores on all major tests and written content and courses for several major national test prep companies.
Flexibility
Tutoring is built around your schedule, with times available in the morning, afternoon and evening, during the work week or on the weekend.
Testimonials
179! It doesn’t even feel real. My diagnostic was a 152. I’m taking this score all the way to Yale. Thank you, Carl, for all your help. You kept telling me I had this, and what do you know, you were right, I had this.
Aria M, San Diego
LSAT: 152 to 179
For once, I felt confident, prepared, and relaxed. After two previous failures, I walked out of my test feeling great. When the scores came back, I was thrilled. A 165 after two 140lows.
Jayden A, Toronto
LSAT: 143 to 165
Two weeks ago I took my GRE for the LAST time (and having taken it six (6) times, that is really saying something). I am walking away with the very best scores I can imagine. For the first time in my life, my standardized testing scores match my general academic performance and that is in no small part due to the excellent tutoring Carl provided. His consistent belief and expression of confidence in my ability to do well on the test despite a documented learning disability and waning self-confidence combined with his humble patience and stress free attitude provided exactly the environment I needed to achieve on the GRE.
Regina S, New Haven
GRE: 149V/150Q to 168V/169Q
Carl gives great tips to his students! He encourages his students to go beyond their expectations. He preached to me that everyone is capable of getting the score they want. Confidence is the key on the LSAT. I valued this in his sessions.
Jada Q, Atlanta
LSAT: 147 to 165
Just took my GMAT. I couldn’t be more excited, given that I did the best I theoretically could have. I ended up sending the scores for the first time (in three sittings!), which I definitely don’t regret. Thanks SO much for all your help! I really enjoyed working with you.
Jackson S, Decatur
GMAT: 535 to 705
About Carl
Carl S. Pyrdum, III — The Ivory Tower Tutor
Carl has an embarrassing number of advanced degrees from various places, having studied Philosophy, Medieval Literature and English at Yale, The University of Glasgow, and the University of Georgia. Over the course of his studies, Carl has taught undergraduate literature and history as an instructor at Yale, the University of Georgia, Oxford University, the University of Glasgow, the University of Connecticut, and Wesleyan College (Macon, Georgia).
Carl has worked as a teacher and tutor for the LSAT, GMAT, GRE, SAT, and ACT for nearly twenty years. He was one of two authors of the final revision of Barron’s GMAT guide and Barron’s Passkey to the GMAT, and he has previously written content for Kaplan, Parliament Tutors, and Success Prep. Because of his lengthy experience, he is intimately familiar with the methods and principles used by the major test preparation companies and has developed a variety of methods of his own.
Carl takes a different approach from the major national test prep companies in that he recognizes that each student is different and that no single method is best for all test-takers. Come test day, the most successful students will be those who have found ways to combine their own native strengths with an additional complement of of time-tested techniques learned through rigorous study. Carl enjoys helping his students find the approach that will allow them to meet confidently their future educational goals.
Carl has an embarrassing number of advanced degrees from various places, having studied Philosophy, Medieval Literature and English at Yale, The University of Glasgow, and the University of Georgia. Over the course of his studies, Carl has taught undergraduate literature and history as an instructor at Yale, the University of Georgia, Oxford University, the University of Glasgow, the University of Connecticut, and Wesleyan College (Macon, Georgia).
Carl lives in Atlanta, near Brookhaven, with two cats and an energetic, spoiled hound dog. He’s active in tabletop roleplaying communities online and in person and dabbles in creative writing.
What to Expect
Initial Consultation
All students, prospective or paid, begin their study with a free 60-minute consultation appointment. At that appointment, we will discuss your goals and your previous test preparation experience and plan out a study schedule for both the tutoring and your individual study time.
Where We Meet
Tutoring is primarily conducted online through Zoom. Limited appointments are available in person for clients in Atlanta.
Availability
I am available for tutoring six days a week (Sunday through Friday), on mornings, afternoons, and early evenings. The most convenient times tend to fill up in advance of the major test dates and deadlines, so scheduling well in advance is recommended.
Materials
I am familiar with the methods and products of all the major test preparation companies, so if you have already begun your study with materials from them, that is where we will pick up. If I think you need to supplement with additional books, preptests, or other study aids, I’ll suggest further purchases.
If you have not begun studying already, we will discuss which books and tests to buy at the initial consultation.
Subsequent Meetings
In general, the tutoring sessions will last for two hours at a time. It is possible to meet for less than that, though in my experience two hours is optimal–much less, and the session is over right as you begin to have the big breakthrough; much more, and students tend to get burned out. Obviously, though, we will work to find the pace and duration that works best for you.
Pricing & Packages
| Package | Sessions | Hours | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Session | 1 | 2 | $200 ($100/hr) |
| Lite | 4 | 8 | $760 ($95/hr) |
| Standard | 8 | 18 | $1440 ($90/hr) |
| Extended | 12 | 24 | $2040 ($85/hr) |
| Intense | 16 | 32 | $2560 ($80/hr) |
| Exhaustive | 20 | 40 | $3000 ($75/hr) |
Not sure where to start? Book your free one-hour consultation.