Meet the team behind Ascensa.

Test prep led by people who still remember what it feels like to be on the student side.

About us

Serious preparation, relatable tutors.

Ascensa is entirely founded, built, and run by high performing student-tutors at top schools. We combine rigorous academic experience with affordable, personalized tutoring that feels encouraging, relatable, and genuinely enjoyable.

Student-owned
Personalized
Affordable

Meet our tutors.

We match each student with a tutor who fits their goals, learning style, and schedule.

Tyler Zhang

Washington University in St. Louis · Electrical Engineering

Specializes in Math

Tyler founded Ascensa to make test preparation more personal and easier to navigate, and he remains actively involved as a tutor. Studying Electrical Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis, he brings a practical, problem-solving perspective to SAT Math. He helps students who feel stuck or inconsistent recognize patterns, break unfamiliar problems into manageable steps, and understand what to practice next. Outside academics, he enjoys hiking and swimming.

1540 SAT
Ascensa founder and active tutor
Focuses on mathematical reasoning and problem-solving

Alex Tang

Rice University · Mechanical Engineering

Ascensa Head Tutor · Specializes in Math

Alex is a sophomore studying Mechanical Engineering at Rice University, where he serves as a teaching assistant and grader in Engineering Computation. He joined Ascensa with more than 100 hours of tutoring experience, bringing both individual teaching experience and a practical engineering perspective to SAT Math preparation.

34 ACT
100+ hours of tutoring experience before joining Ascensa
Teaching assistant and grader in Engineering Computation at Rice

Evan Chen

University of Notre Dame · English and Psychology

Specializes in Reading & Writing

Evan is an Ascensa co-founder studying English and Psychology at the University of Notre Dame. Originally from Taipei, he began tutoring by helping his cousin and friends prepare for the SAT and now brings four years of experience. His interests in writing and how people process language shape his teaching: he helps students understand their mistakes, make sense of challenging passages, and approach questions with a clear strategy.

1530 SAT
4 years of tutoring experience
Ascensa co-founder

Tom Li

Johns Hopkins University · Systems Engineering

Specializes in Math

Tom is an Ascensa co-founder studying Systems Engineering at Johns Hopkins University, with a strong interest in economics. He brings four years of tutoring experience and a relaxed, approachable style to SAT Math. His sessions emphasize understanding the reasoning behind a problem so students can tackle difficult questions with greater clarity and precision. Outside academics, he enjoys photography and finding good food.

1600 SAT
4 years of tutoring experience
Ascensa co-founder

Lucy Zhang

King’s College London

Specializes in Math and Reading & Writing

Lucy studies at King’s College London and has been passionate about teaching since middle school. She supports students across both SAT sections with an engaging, encouraging approach that makes room for questions. Her sessions emphasize steady progress in a low-pressure environment, helping students build confidence as they develop their skills. She aims to make preparation feel approachable while keeping each lesson focused on improvement.

1520 SAT
Teaches Math and Reading & Writing
Encouraging, low-pressure teaching approach

Vina Zhang

University of Virginia · Commerce

Specializes in Math and Reading & Writing

Vina studies Commerce at the University of Virginia and brings three years of tutoring experience supporting more than 30 students. A keen writer with a strong mathematics background, she teaches both SAT sections. She takes time to understand how each student thinks, then breaks difficult questions into repeatable steps. Her steady, structured approach helps students understand their mistakes and build confidence through focused practice.

1550 SAT on her first attempt
3 years of tutoring experience
More than 30 students tutored

Eunice Wang

Johns Hopkins University · International Studies and History

Specializes in Reading & Writing

Eunice is a sophomore studying International Studies and History at Johns Hopkins University. An avid reader and writer, she has authored published research papers and collaborated with university professors since high school. She brings previous SAT tutoring experience and starts by understanding each student’s needs before tailoring their preparation. Outside academics, she enjoys sports and outdoor adventures.

1590 SAT after three months of preparation
Previous experience in SAT tutoring and student advising
Research and writing experience across independent and collaborative projects

Maggie Mou

Johns Hopkins University · Applied Mathematics and Statistics

Specializes in Math · Teaches in English and Mandarin

Maggie studies Applied Mathematics and Statistics at Johns Hopkins University, where she has earned Dean’s List recognition. With more than four years of SAT Math teaching experience, she helps students recognize recurring question types, improve pacing, and reduce avoidable mistakes. Patient and approachable, she welcomes questions and can explain concepts in English or Mandarin—whichever helps a student understand best.

1560 SAT
4+ years of SAT Math teaching experience
Johns Hopkins Dean’s List

Tutor standards

Ascensa looks for tutors who are organized, professional, and consistent.

Strong SAT performance
Clear communication
Reliability
1+ year of tutoring experience
Training in Ascensa's tutoring approach
Student-first teaching style

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Tell us where your student is starting, where they want to go, and when they are testing. We will help you choose the right plan.

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