Matt R. - Yale '16
Uriah McClain was an instrumental figure in my student and athletic development since I was a freshman in high school. His ability to grow and expand his role, which ranged from coach to teacher, tutor, motivator, and friend, is a remarkable ability. It is a true testament to not only his intellect and social awareness, but his desire to help adolescents achieve things they thought could only be dreamt of.
With regard to SAT prep and the college admission process, Uriah provides the same holistic approach to the college admission process but in a student-centered way. The whole admissions process is a rocky road, so it is important to have someone like Uriah who understands what drives your child and provide him/her with the best blueprint for gaining admission to the school of their dreams. Uriah finds ways to connect with students in order to understand their goals and open their eyes to options they may never have considered.
Standardized tests are a multitude of processes and patterns that can seem daunting to inexperienced test takers. Uriah uses specific strategies that are extremely effective. Uriah's deep understanding of the methodologies used on the SAT, coupled with his insatiable determination to make each child successful, will leave your child feeling confident and empowered when he/she sits down for that test. These lessons instilled do not fade after a test or an admission process, they follow you and aid you in future endeavors, wherever those may lie.
Nigel J. - Maine '16
I benefitted immensely from the guidance Uriah McClain offered me during the most significant moment in my academic career. While in high school I was a student-athlete, who at times struggled to balance my academic and athletic commitments. After receiving several college scholarship offers, I needed to take the SAT in order to qualify for any scholarships that were offered to me. I needed a score that would offset the average GPA I had in high school. Once it was time to take the SAT, I had the skills and strategies needed to be successful on the exam. Mr. McClain helped me improve my SAT scores in reading, writing, and mathematics. With his help, I was able to meet the requirements to receive a full athletic scholarship, based on the requirements set forth by the NCAA Clearinghouse!
TESTIMONIALS
Mercina S.
Caldwell '18
By working with Uriah, I found the prerequisites for applying to colleges were enjoyable and found myself more prepared compared to my peers. After working with Uriah, it was clear that very few possess the skills and core values as a teacher, coach, and mentor that can help students achieve their goals. Uriah is a trusted resource that was able to help me achieve high academic standards through SAT preparation and his college readiness program. Additionally, the knowledge and experience Uriah has, also guided me when searching for colleges that were academically and personally right for myself. He is truly generous with his time and communicates in a professional manner that is personal at the same time. Uriah has an intense desire to help others on their path to academic success!
Ryan M.
TCNJ '22
Working with Uriah McClain was an experience that I will never forget. In his course, it was not just book assignments and meeting deadlines, it was goal setting and strategizing to achieve the best results possible. In the first class, we were not given the books and were sent off to do a practice section, Uriah tried to get familiar with each of the students in our class. He asked each of us the same question at the beginning of the course, “Why are you taking this course?” Every answer from the students was “To get best SAT score possible.” Uriah made sure that it was not just to get better scores and that is it, there was more behind it. Each session, we were reminded of our goals that we had placed before us, and that we had to work to achieve the goals that we set for ourselves. Uriah is a very approachable person. Even when we could not talk to him directly after class, he made himself available to help. He made sure that we practiced the skills and strategies needed for success on standardized tests. His SAT strategies helped me improve my SAT score by 70 points (3rd attempt). After the SAT was complete, Uriah helped me write an essay and gain admission into my first choice school!
Gemma R.
Georgia Tech '23
Upon entering my sophomore year of high school, I knew little to nothing about college. I tried to look online at different universities, majors and what I could do to prepare for my next SAT and ultimately failed to find much helpful information. After working with Uriah, not only did I practice for the test, but we conversed about different colleges, how to apply, and how to increase my chances of getting accepted and getting scholarships. He taught me that there’s no way to “cheat” the SAT, there’s no trick or gimmick to increase your score; so instead, he taught me how to be better at taking the test, both reading and thinking critically. What I learned from Uriah increased my SAT score by nearly one hundred points as well as made me a better student in my day to day classes.
Marina C.
Maryland '22
I hired Uriah when I wanted to raise my SAT scores to help me with college applications. He accommodated my busy schedule since I was also in the middle of my athletic seasons. He also was very flexible and would tutor me at my house or at my school, whichever was more convenient for me. He always spent additional time helping me and even spent his own time reviewing my college essays and giving me helpful feedback. Uriah helped me improve my test taking skills and taught me strategies to lead me to be more successful while taking the test. He is a very nice and funny person who makes studying for SAT’s much more enjoyable than I thought it would be. Finally, after a few tutoring sessions, my SAT scores did improve and helped me achieve my college goals.I hired Uriah when I wanted to raise my SAT scores to help me with college applications. He accommodated my busy schedule since I was also in the middle of my athletic seasons. He also was very flexible and would tutor me at my house or at my school, whichever was more convenient for me. He always spent additional time helping me and even spent his own time reviewing my college essays and giving me helpful feedback. Uriah helped me improve my test taking skills and taught me strategies to lead me to be more successful while taking the test. He is a very nice and funny person who makes studying for SAT’s much more enjoyable than I thought it would be. Finally, after a few tutoring sessions, my SAT scores did improve and helped me achieve my college goals.
Tommy H.
Duquesne '19
Working with Uriah provided me the proper knowledge, tools, and confidence to succeed on the SAT. He provided me with innovative tips and a vast understanding of how the SAT and ACT will look. I never felt more prepared for a standardized test. Additionally, Uriah’s test-taking tips have continued to serve me in college, where they have helped me succeed on my Pharmacy School exams. His program will not only provide you the necessary tools for all of your academic endeavors, but Uriah’s mentorship will better prepare you as a student outside of the classroom with time management and academic social skills. It is never too early to get started with this program and begin accumulating academic skills that will last a lifetime.
Mia C.
Hampton '21
Being one of Mr. Uriah’s students taught me more than just how to pass the SAT exam. If it weren’t for his guidance, the application/selection process for college would not have been as easy. Your decision is a $100,000 investment, possibly, even more, depending on how expensive the institution is. Given this knowledge, I was able to choose the best college for my family and me. He provides a list of criterion to consider when deciding where to spend the next four years of your life. Mr. Uriah is sure to give practice tests every week, along with helpful tips to finish in a timely manner and consistently improve scores each time. Upon completion of our tests, we would revisit any questions we were confused about to refrain from making similar mistakes in the future. The result was that I earned the necessary scores for admittance to my dream school! I strongly recommend taking his college preparatory classes; Uriah gives you the most pertinent information needed for the SAT and College admissions process...information that guidance counselors typically do not generally share with you.
Rachel M.
Coastal Carolina '21
I have had the pleasure of having Mr. McClain as both my academic mentor and life coach. Mr. McClain has acted as a guide through the most challenging times of my life and has supported me through my difficult transition from high school to college. He has helped me in so many ways and has helped me realize my potential. As an academic advisor, he helped prepare me well for the SAT. With Mr. McClain's test prep I exceeded my target score on the SATs and raised my score 100 points on both the Math and Verbal sections. With my improved score, I was able to choose the university that was best suited for me!
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In the past, I was the stereotypical student that only did what was needed to get by. However, Mr. McClain has helped mold me into the college student that I am today. I have carried his lessons; he has enhanced my academic performance tremendously. Mr. McClain is the type of teacher that you want to learn from because he keeps the material realistic and relatable. Mr. McClain genuinely cares about his student's success and consistently shows his support. He refuses to let his students give up and settle for less than what they are capable of, and for that, I am forever grateful to have his continuous guidance and support!
Stacy C.
South Florida '21
Navigating the college application process was daunting, stressful and oftentimes confusing. We had a lot of questions and didn't know where to start. Having Mr. McClain's expert advice and personal assistance was so helpful. He guided us from start to finish, answering all of our questions and providing a personalized and highly effective plan of action that helped get my daughter into the school of her choice...WITH a scholarship! I highly recommend Mr. McClain for help with any and all aspects of the college application process.
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Monique S.
Caldwell '18
Working with Uriah during a time when I was deciding what colleges I wanted to apply to he made the process of choosing a college simple and straightforward. I felt fully prepared compared to my peers. Uriah has excellent teaching skills and is dedicated to his students. He also serves as a mentor that helps students reach their personal goals. With Uriah’s endless commitment to helping me strive to my achieve my academic potential; he was able to help prepare me for the SAT, deciding colleges, and maintaining academic success in college.
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Uriah is very generous with his time and the effort he puts forth for his students. He is someone you can depend on for professional advice and someone you really learn from. Throughout the time I have known Uriah, I can sincerely say that he has a passion for helping others. I am grateful I had the opportunity to work with Uriah as he supported and guided me through a significant time in my life. If anyone ever needed help choosing a college or help with skills and strategies for the SAT I would highly recommend Uriah to be that person!
Morgan S.
Stockton '18
Working with Uriah has tremendously helped my college experience, both educationally and athletically. As a two year NCAA Division II athlete, my choice of a university was critical. I told Uriah what my educational and athletic needs and wants were, and he made sure to help me find options that met those needs and wants. He guided me through the entire college admission process, answering every single question I had, explained it in detail, made sure I knew what to look for financial aid and athletic/educational scholarships, and helped me weigh my options. Once I made my final decision on which college I would be attending, he provided me with the tools to succeed when I got there. Uriah taught me about diet and fitness as an athlete and how to take care of myself so I could perform to the best of my abilities. He was ALWAYS available and willing to help me in any way possible. When I realized Division II sports weren’t for me, Uriah was the first person I turned to. I knew he would know how to handle the situation and could tell me what to do, who to talk to, and how to go about the transferring process. Uriah is genuine, determined, and invested. He is able to direct and guide you to success. He teaches you that failure is not an option. His expertise is invaluable to any potential college student. I still give his name out to anyone looking for a serious commitment to higher education. There’s no one like him! He is the very BEST! As a student-athlete, I can honestly say I couldn’t have done it without him.
Sarah T.
Ramapo '22
After receiving the scores for my first SAT exam, I knew I was going to need help before attempting it a second time. I was able to contact Mr.McClain, who was recommended by a few of my classmates. My first session with him really gave me peace of mind. I was able to tell him what I struggled with, and he worked on each section individually. I really enjoyed his calm demeanor because the exam can be extremely stressful. There was never a time where I felt overwhelmed during our test prep sessions. Mr. McClain made it seem simple by breaking the information down in ways I could comprehend. After a few weeks of practice, prep, and many questions I was able to increase my score by 150 points! Because of this increase, I was also able to get into the nursing program, which was my ultimate goal. Not only did he push me to increase my score, but he was also a great mentor. Throughout the course, I was able to ask him questions about the application process and anything related to college. The college admissions process was a new journey for me, and I was thankful for the insight he provided to me. Mr. McClain’s help not only prepared me for the SAT exam but helped build my confidence while taking it. He helped me believe in myself and in doing so, my hard work paid off. Without this preparation, I wouldn’t be able to pursue my career in the medical field, and for that, I am beyond thankful for Mr. McClain’s guidance!