Testimonials and Successes

"Stuart is knowledgeable, patient, and well-equipped to help improve the score of any applicant. I enjoyed working with him."

"This week I learned that I have been accepted to Wharton! I could not have tackled the GMAT without Stuart's help. It was a challenge for me to get back up to speed on my math skills and I had attempted it with both Manhattan GMAT classes and another private tutor but nothing worked until I found Stuart and immediately things began to fall into place. I initially was hesitant to do online tutoring so I opted for in-person sessions the first couple of times. After giving an online session a try, I realized that it actually worked well and was quite convenient. Thank you Stuart!"

"Before working with Stuart and in spite of having completed a 10-week course and copious amounts of self studying, I had difficulty hitting my target range on the GMAT. I decided to look for a private tutor for some more tailored help and found Simply Brilliant's ad on Craigslist. I had a couple in-person sessions with Stuart and found him to be great at answering any specific math questions (he's an applied math major from Harvard). After following his guidelines for a few months, I took the GMAT and did great. Let's just say that my score is firmly in the zone for all the top schools. He was also fantastic with both time-management planning and general test-day strategies. While these are generally regarded as being more "soft" skills, I found them both to be extremely valuable. He has been very helpful and responsive via email even when not on the clock and without a doubt went above and beyond what was required or even expected of him. I appreciate that and would surely recommend him to someone else."

"Working with Simply Brilliant to prepare for not only the GMAT test itself, but also the lengthy application process was one of the best investments I have made. Stuart is very personable and more importantly extremely knowledgeable about every facet of the test. His insight into the principles covered on the exam and different test-taking strategies dramatically improved my score. I would estimate he lifted my score between 120-150 points. I also worked with the GMAT guru in San Francisco a few years back, and Simply Brilliant is MUCH better. Simply Brilliant's application consulting was also very beneficial. It helped me get a better understanding of what exactly schools were looking for on admissions essays and how to craft my story."

"I worked with Stuart for one 2-hour session to tweak my approaches to some problem types that I was struggling with. After scoring a 690 on my first GMAT attempt, my goal was low 700s on my second attempt. I actually ended up with a 760 thanks to the preparation tips I learned from Stuart (and a lot of hard work). Home atmosphere is comfortable, space is conducive for concentration, and Stuart has a vast expanse of knowledge regarding which study materials are most relevant and was helpful in finding creative ways to understand difficult subject matter that you can't find in a book. Highly recommend Stuart in any capacity, if I had more time before the exam I would have scheduled more visits with him, although I appreciated the fact that he didn't try to oversell his services - he made it clear that my decision to work with him and to what degree was entirely up to me based on what I felt would give me the best preparation."

"I worked with Stuart after taking the GMAT and not being satisfied with my score. There were specific areas that I wanted to work on and thus used one-on-one private tutoring sessions. Stuart was very receptive of what I was trying to accomplish and did not waste time on areas he realized I was already good at. I shared my past tests with Stuart, and we then worked on questions that I got wrong or on questions where I took too much time. Stuart shared great tips and strategies on handling all types of questions. A private tutor also helps you get a different perspective on things that you may not have seen before. It is very difficult to improve your score by pushing harder in the same direction as before. Sometimes you need someone else to come in and tell you to push from a slightly different angle. This is what I think Stuart helped me with most. In all, I found Stuart helpful in providing what I wanted from our sessions."

"I was very nervous about taking the GMAT because I had come to believe that I was simply not very good at taking standardized tests. I knew the quantitative section would be my weakness but didn't know where to begin studying. Stuart helped me focus, develop a study schedule, and plan when to take the exams. Most of all, he kept me motivated and I can honestly say I came to enjoy the process. The GMAT turned into a challenging game and every time I raised my score on the practice exams, I felt more confident. Stuart was very professional, patient, and enjoyable to work with. With his help I was able to raise my score well over 100 points and was accepted by all 3 schools I applied to: NYU, USC, and Columbia. I don't believe I could have achieved this without his help. Working with Stuart was one of the best decisions I have made throughout the process of applying to grad school."

"I have worked with Stuart on GMAT and MBA application for several months, and his help was invaluable. Stuart's instruction and insights were top-notch. His ability to explain complex problems in an easy and understandable manner was remarkable. Not only did I find Stuart to be a fantastic instructor and advisor, but also I much appreciated his pleasant and honest personality. Besides the GMAT, Stuart helped me tremendously with my application essays and gave me great overall input and advice. I truly feel that my essays gave me the winning edge in getting accepted at a top school. During our entire working process together, Stuart was extremely organized, patient, and thoughtful. I enjoyed every session with Stuart. I would recommend Stuart to all my friends and to people who want the best."

"Need help with MBA Application? Here's your guy! Stuart exactly knows what you need. His precision and hardwork is definitely an asset to anybody looking for some immediate assistance. Extremely patient and completes work bang on time! You can totally rely on his work and not worry about the worth for your bucks. Wish I had even tutored with him for my GMAT. Nevertheless, a great resource for MBA admissions and a wonderful person who always has a ear for you. You are "Simply Brilliant" Stuart! Keep rocking!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

"You have to go to Stuart if you want to do well on your GMAT! I drove four hours round trip once a week to see Stuart just because I knew he was the best. All in all, after only four sessions I was able to raise my score 40 points! Before I had met Stuart, I had taken a Veritas course and self studied from the Manhattan GMAT books. I had been studying for the GMAT for over a year and had hit a brick wall with my score. Within the first session with Stuart, I learned so many concepts that I had not fully grasped from the books or the class. Stuart is a wonderful tutor because he is able to simplify the process so you understand the concepts and feel comfortable answering even the hardest questions. The best part about Stuart is that he truly is a GMAT genius! Not only has he scored in the 99% on the test, but also he knows all the GMAT prep book inside and out so he can give you the best strategies. Stuart pays close attention to your strengths and weaknesses and teaches you how to mentally conquer the GMAT. It is rare to find tutor who is intelligent, helpful, motivating and who genuinely wants you to do your best. I only wish I had met Stuart earlier in my GMAT process. I would highly recommend Stuart to anyone taking the GMAT."

"After initially not getting into the schools I wanted with a score of 650 (49 on the quant, 30 on the verbal), I worked with Stuart as my private tutor weekly for around 2 months on the verbal section in online sessions. Stuart presented material that was very pertinent to the verbal section of the exam and by discussing questions I had with him and talking through sample questions, I really started to feel confident about Sentence Correction, Critical Reasoning, and my approach to reading comprehension. When I took the exam again, I felt confident going in and got a 770 (50 on the quant, 42 on the verbal). I would definitely recommend Stuart going forward for those of you wanting to improve your verbal score!"

"If you're taking (or re-taking) the GMAT, you need to call Stuart at Simply Brilliant prep. I took Stuart's 4-week online GMAT prep course and supplemented my prep with a few of his individual tutoring sessions. Stuart provides focused, personalized attention that is tailored to those areas where your preparation will produce tangible improvements in your GMAT score. Don't waste your time and money with costly one-size-fits all test prep mills. Spend your time and money wisely. Choose Stuart. With Stuart's help, I managed to increase my GMAT score by 80 points and gained admission to my first choice top-tier MBA program."

"After taking a 6-week online course and multiple practice exams, I was still struggling with my quantitative score and unable to break 600 or get above 40 percentile on quant on my practice exams. Stuart's instruction was exactly what I needed to get over this hurdle. Rather that sticking to a predetermined, one-size-fits-all approach to study, together we identified my weaknesses and tailor-made a program that would address these issues. Quickly we found that my score on practice exams jumped easily 50 points when I was able to keep my time on each question down to 2 minutes. Working off of this, we focused less on studying each concept and making sure I knew EVERYTHING, and more on tips and tools that would help me keep pace on my exam. We went over easy properties that, if I could commit to memory, would save me precious seconds on each questions. Maybe even most importantly, we looked at ways to quickly eliminate some answer possibilities on difficult questions, hopefully giving me a 50% chance of guessing the right answer and moving on, rather than wasting 4 or 5 minutes trying to answer the question as I was doing previously. For my particular situation, this was a great strategy. This approach, coupled with a strict study regimen, of course, worked wonders. I took my test and scored a 710 - a full 130 points higher than any score I had before studying with Stuart. Not only that, but my Quant score jumped from 40th percentile to 77th percentile. Best news of all - I have recently been accepted into UCLA, a top tier school I wasn't even planning to apply to until I was encouraged by the progress I made with Stuart. I highly recommend Stuart as a tutor, especially if you are looking for a tutor that can customize your study to your personal strengths and weaknesses."

"Stuart is an amazing tutor / teacher and admissions consultant. He is extremely knowledgeable, professional, and reliable. Stuart is very organized and was always prepared for our sessions. He is flexible and accommodating not only with his schedule but also with his approach to teaching. Stuart is compassionate and understands that each individual has different challenges. Even though he is incredibly intelligent and well educated, I always felt comfortable asking him to explain basic concepts. Stuart’s never-ending patience and encouragement puts his clients at ease and provides an optimal learning environment. I never would have been able to realize my educational goals without him. If you are serious about getting a high score on the GMAT and being admitted to a top business school, then I highly recommend that you work with Stuart and utilize all the services he has to offer! Thank you Stuart! I attribute all my success to you!"

"Stuart helped me bring my score from 570 on practice tests to 700 on the official GMAT! Thanks so much for everything, Stuart. Your help was so essential in getting into my first choice!!!!"

"Stuart, thanks for all of your assistance and your kind approach. Your quant skill was rivalled only by your patience and understanding with a virtually innumerate student."

"Thanks for your superb tutorial skills. Your support was wonderful, and I raised my score 70 points!"

"I took the GMAT twice before seeking out a private tutor.   I took a Kaplan course, and it did not boost my score as I had hoped.  I needed to increase my GMAT score 60 points.  Stuart is thorough and EXTREMELY patient.  I am HORRIBLE with numbers and a bit self conscious when it comes to math problems.  Stuart was patient and VERY supportive.  I took the GMAT for the third and final time and was able to improve my score exactly 60 points!  I couldn't have done it without Stuart as my private tutor!"

"I highly recommend Stuart for those seeking 1-on-1 assistance with their GMAT studies. Self study was only able to get me so far, and I had hit a wall where I was convinced I had reached my potential. One study session with Stuart obliterated that notion, and I was able to exceed my "best case" scoring expectations. The real value add comes from having an experienced pro that is able to analyze your problem solving abilities in real time, and diagnose how you can do things better and faster in ways that fit your idiosyncrasies. I was only able to spend 2 hours with Stuart, but I can say that it was easily worth 10 hours of self study. More importantly, he is able to give you psychological insights into why you aren't improving that a self study guide will never be able to provide you. Stuart is extremely personable, which makes a 2-hour session feel like 30 minutes. He's committed to keeping updated on your progress long after you leave his classroom. Finally, it's a huge confidence boost to know you prepared with the best. I was sure that I did everything within my means to prepare for the test, and I am thankful for the results."

"Stuart is an amazing tutor - incredibly patient and works to accommodate your pace, regardless of how much time you have before the exam. He did a quick crash course and I felt much better prepared for the exam. I highly recommend him if you need help with the GMAT, which I definitely did!"

"Stuart’s help with GMAT test-taking strategies, sentence correction and tough quant problems helped me achieve a 99th percentile quant score and a 710 overall."

"I give Simply Brilliant Prep the highest of recommendations to anyone trying to improve a standardized test score. Despite completing a reputable 9-week GMAT prep course with flying colors, I underperformed on my first go-round with the GMAT and was terribly disappointed with my score. In a stroke of luck, I found Stuart and Simply Brilliant online and immediately began private tutoring with him. I credit Stuart with my 140 point increase on the GMAT! Stuart has developed a comprehensive curriculum that guides students through every aspect of the GMAT, while tailoring each session's tutoring to address the particular questions and concepts challenging each individual. As an east-coaster, I had no difficulty "meeting" with Stuart online. In fact, I preferred it. While relaxing in my own house, I was able to work with Stuart one-on-one for one to two hours a session. All materials were well-prepared and clearly presented. Stuart's mastery of GMAT math and English is so obvious, it is easy to have great confidence in his guidance. It is also easy to feel at ease with Stuart. He is warm, understanding, and supportive. He not only gives you the tools you need to boost your GMAT numbers, but builds the confidence you need in yourself to approach the test with a clear, strong head. As an added bonus, Stuart also offers sessions to help you with your business school applications and constantly lends his business-school-savvy and perspective to you throughout tutoring. It is because of Stuart that I have been able to maintain a competitive edge in my business school application process. I was able to apply to top schools with my improved GMAT scores. I recently was accepted to Georgetown's McDonough School of Business and Cornell's Johnson School. I can not emphasize how essential it is to have a good tutor to guide you through that challenging test; I whole-heartedly recommend Stuart's Simply Brilliant Test Prep as the program that truly delivers."

"Stuart's Simply Brilliant test prep program is as good as it gets. In a very short period of time when I was busy with my full-time job, Stuart helped me to boost my GMAT score almost 100 points. Stuart is so well versed in the GMAT material that he has virtually memorized the problems in official guides. His private tutoring rates are less than half the top programs like Manhattan GMAT, and he is at least as effective."

"Stuart's assistance with my GMAT preparation was invaluable. I studied on my own originally and took the test, but was not happy with my score. However, after a few private sessions with Stuart and additional studying in the areas where I was having the most trouble, I was able to retake the exam and increased my score by 110 points! The best part about Stuart's teaching methods was that we went over topics and strategies that weren't in any of my test prep materials from other companies. It was definitely worth it after I encountered many of those topics on the exam and knew immediately how to tackle them. Most professional and knowledgeable GMAT tutor around!"

"It really was a good decision that I made to sign-up for your course. The best thing that I liked is your sharing of the knowledge of the shortcuts to solve some problems both Quant and Verbal. I never thought there would be hard-rules for verbal like Quant but you shared those exceptions, which will definitely help students like me. Another important thing is that I used to think I never needed any help in Quant. But your Quant skills and shortcuts, especially with ratios and number properties (I can never forget the remainder question in my life now), have proved that I could benefit greatly. Finally, the Reading Comprehension suggestion worked for me brilliantly. To conclude, the course was definitely worth more value than its price. Thanks much for all your help."

"Working with Stuart helped me increase my GMAT score 160 points. His strategies, knowledge of the test material, and overall intellect were critical to tackling the more complex problems and concepts on the exam. He takes a no-nonsense approach to tutoring sessions, offers very competitive rates and is professional in his practice. If you're looking to get an edge on the GMAT, I would HIGHLY recommend Stuart."

"Stuart was a tremendous help with my GMAT preparation. I was new to the whole "online learning session" but his methods proved fruitful. With a combination of in-person and online sessions he helped me improve my score by 100 points. It was his attention to detail, follow through, and motivational reassurance that gave me the capability to succeed. Stuart offered great tips, and taught me to improve my areas of weakness. Every session was planned and executed extremely well. I highly recommend him to anyone preparing for the GMAT. He is knowledgeable, personable, and has a great sense of humor."

"I had worked with another tutor before Stuart and felt nothing but frustration after spending time and money to learn nothing beyond what was in my practice materials. I knew instantly that Stuart was going to make the difference I needed when he was clearly prepared for our first meeting, having looked over my practice tests to know what specific areas I needed to target. To me this showed that tutoring is something he takes seriously and is accomplished in, not just something he does on the side. Stuart has a vast collection of need-to-know rules and tricks you won’t find in any published prep materials. He takes a professional approach, is easy to work with, and is quick to respond to any questions. I know it is because of him I got the score I once felt was out of my reach."

"Stuart was very helpful in my pursuit of reaching my GMAT goals. Stuart's tutoring, guidance, and encouragement were all a big reasons I was able to significantly increase my score. Prior to working with Stuart I completed a Kaplan prep course, but still felt very unprepared to reach my GMAT goals. I experienced noticeable improvement on my practice tests within a couple of weeks of working with Stuart and ultimately achieved a 690 on the official GMAT."

"Stuart is an exceptional educator. GMAT math is not basic math, rather a more complex version of the basics. Stuart is uniquely adept at teaching the foundation of the GMAT quantitative topics then adding the layers of difficulty necessary to tackle the math successfully. I initially enrolled in a group class from one of the many companies without much improvement in my score. Stuart made a significant contribution in my approach to the GMAT. I improved my overall score by 100 points! Stuart is a professional who seamlessly adjusts his teaching style to a wide range of students' levels. Further, Stuart's AWA templates were a great tool to help me quickly structure my essays. I scored a 6.0 on the AWA, with little preparation."

"Before I took the GMAT exam for the first time, I had already taken one of the elite GMAT prep classes. But when I applied to my first-choice business school, I was told that I needed to raise my GMAT score to get in. That was when I found Stuart, and I worked with him for a few weeks. He was patient, easy to understand, and he made a huge difference for me. I raised my score by 80 points and got accepted! Now that I'm in business school, Stuart has again proven to be an invaluable resource. His tutoring has helped me successfully navigate the required quantitative methods / statistics course material. Stuart's rates are very reasonable, too, especially when you consider that you'd pay 2 to 3 times his hourly rate for an instructor of his caliber from any of the big GMAT prep companies. Stuart also teaches for one of the elite GMAT prep companies, so I'm glad I found him directly online. It's hard to find anyone in the Los Angeles area with Stuart's qualifications. He is the real deal!"

"I first took my GMAT in 2007 after completing a prep course, but was not happy with my score (510). Now, two years later, I decided to give the GMAT another shot. 6 weeks before I retook the GMAT, I realized I needed more help in order to achieve a solid score, and that's when I found Stuart. I met with Stuart for 2 hours a week until my test date, and I could not have been more pleased with the help I received. Stuart is professional, knowledgeable, and most important of all, personable. While it may be easy for one to find a tutor who is knowledgeable, in my opinion, it is not always easy to find someone who is knowledgeable AND a pleasure to work with. Stuart answered all of my questions with patience, and while I might have been able to solve a question correctly, he was able to show me how I could improve on my timing by solving it more quickly and efficiently, which is KEY to scoring well on the GMAT. I retook my GMAT last Friday and my score went up 60 points! If you're serious about scoring well on the GMAT, you should invest in Stuart's service. I promise you that you will not be disappointed! THANK YOU STUART!"

"I was really in a pinch just a few days before my GMAT test to go over some quant problems I couldn't figure out. Stuart was really flexible and willing to accomodate me in terms of my schedule. Most importantly he helped restore my confidence in my quant abilities by walking me through all of the problems that had me stumped. He is patient, knowledgable, and best of all has a real talent for making the more difficult aspects of the quant section actually seem easy and manageable."

"I feel very fortunate to have found out about Stuart as I began studying for the GMAT. With only limited time to prepare for the test, it was a great relief to have Stuart there to help me work through my weak spots. I couldn't have asked for someone more knowledgeable, friendly and patient. Not only did he do a great job in improving my performance, he also is a great advisor when it comes to putting together an MBA application. Thanks so much, Stuart!"

"I contacted Stuart the day before I took the GMAT without having even looked at the essay section. Within an hour, I was comfortable with how to structure and write my essays, and Stuart even gave me a template which was enormously helpful. Although I hadn't originally planned to, I extended my session to go over the quantitative and verbal sections high level. I figured if working with Stuart was that efficient for the essay section I would be crazy not to go over math and verbal with him as well. I just wish I knew about Stuart a couple weeks ago!"

"Having been away from math for about 5 years, I was pretty rusty. After a few sessions with Stuart, I was back on track! He had great tips for relearning everything and was a great help in tackling the GMAT's extra tricky quant areas. Highly recommend!"

"Stuart has helped me to fully understand how to beat the GMAT. He was the ideal tutor and really understood and catered to my weaknesses. His tactics and practical knowledge really gave me the confidence that I needed in order to successfully take the test. His lessons and strategies helped me to simplify the test and accurately break down my weaknesses. Thanks to Stuart, I increased my GMAT score 180 points in less than two months! I also raised my quantitative score 50%! I highly recommend Stuart to anyone looking for an effective way to beat this test! I could not have done it without him! Thank you Stuart."

"Stuart's expertise was exactly what I needed to increase my GMAT score and feel more confident about the test. After completing a traditional classroom prep course I felt that I needed a personalized, targeted approach in mastering certain areas of the test. Stuart, in providing this approach, explained concepts in a clear and encouraging manner that boosted both my understanding and confidence. He is extremely knowledgeable, patient, and truly cares about my success. Going in to the GMAT I couldn't have felt more prepared. He helped me SO much, and I can't imagine my success without his expertise during the past couple months! I would highly recommend him. Stuart also helped me prepare for my MBA admissions interviews. His advice was right on in terms of what to expect in my real interviews. I've already gotten one acceptance letter, and I'm just waiting for the rest to come!"

"I took the GMATs the first time and scored a 610. Looking to improve my Quantitative score (33), I worked with Stuart. He made the math MUCH less daunting. He quickly identified my weaknesses, and focused our sessions on those. It worked. I improved to a 46 Quant, 680 overall. A 70 point improvement! He is worth much more than he charges."

"I just want to say that you really are a great teacher. As you know, I had already studied on my own and taken a class with Manhattan GMAT, and I did benefit from each. However, working one on one with you was truly something I needed to achieve my goal. Thanks again Stuart and if any of my friends need tutoring I will be sure to give them your number."

"It was a pleasure working with Stuart. I needed his help in a pinch, and he accommodated my schedule and provided excellent tutoring assistance. I was impressed by the way he was able to answer my questions so quickly and efficiently, and I felt more confident on test day because I had worked with him. Stuart is extremely adept at tutoring for this test, and I would highly recommend him."

"Unlike any other GMAT prep courses where they teach you tricks and shortcuts to solve the problems, the tutoring I did with Stuart  provided me with a solid foundation and the necessary skills to approach the quantitative problems.  He effectively helped me tackle probability and inequality questions, which were my weaknesses.  With his immense knowledge, I was able to increase my quantitative score, which boosted my confidence, and lessened my stress.  And best yet, unlike other GMAT programs, I was able to get one-on-one attention at a very reasonable price."

"Not satisfied with the Princeton Review GMAT course, I decided to work with Stuart. He helped boost my quant and critical reasoning skills and showed me new ways to look at problems. He was easy to work with and patient, and I’d highly recommend him."

"Stuart’s lessons are a true value. I was enrolled in a 7-week GMAT Prep course, and Stuart’s private tutoring truly complemented my coursework. Money well spent."

"I highly recommend Stuart for tutoring and test taking assistance. I was in a situation where I had very limited time to prepare for the GMAT, and tutoring with Stuart helped me to stay calm and focused during my exam. This combined with the confidence I gained while working with him, helped me to achieve a score of 720 on the exam with limited preparation time. I was thrilled and am so thankful for Stuart's help. I think simply brilliant says it well. Thanks, Stuart!"

"I'm writing as a reference for Stuart. We have met several times so that he can assist me primarily with GMAT math problems. I had taken the Manhattan GMAT course, however needed additional assistance with the Quantitative side of the test. Stuart is quite knowledgeable regarding this material and has helped me immensely."

"I took an "elite" GMAT course then took the GMAT for the first time. But after working with Stuart, I took the exam again and improved my score. I think Stuart really helped me in some of my weaker areas. Stuart taught me some techniques not covered in my course that I found really helpful in improving my score."