Benjamin Yacht

I was born and raised in Forest Hills, Queens, before moving to Plainview, Long Island, in sixth grade. A former TestTakers student, I graduated at the top of my class from Plainview Old-Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School, where I also competed on the varsity track team for four years. I then went down to North Carolina for college, graduating from Duke University with a Bachelor of Science in neuroscience, receiving distinction in research, and minoring in biology and chemistry. As a pre-medical student, I took high-level science courses throughout my four years, as well as classes for my own enjoyment, including those in writing, journalism, political science, sociology, and more. In January 2025, I took the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test), which helped me rediscover my love for reading. Applying the reading comprehension skills I developed at TestTakers, I scored in the 98th percentile in the Critical Analysis and Reasoning section. In college, I was also an avid Duke basketball fan, sleeping in a tent for eight weeks to get tickets to the UNC game three separate times! Early in high school, I realized my passion for education. Not only did I love learning as a student, but I also found it incredibly rewarding when I could switch roles and be the teacher. My first tutoring experience came through Spanish Honor Society, Science Honor Society, and National Honor Society, where I helped middle and high school students with coursework in a wide range of subjects. Through this work, I recognized the transformative power of patience and personalized attention, as well as the importance of acknowledging each student’s unique learning style and strengths. At Duke, I completed a senior thesis in neuroscience that required a substantial amount of time reading, critically analyzing, and evaluating scientific texts. I was also part of a research group called ChemEd@Duke that studies the way students approach organic chemistry. Through this experience, I gained unique insight into how students tackle difficult scientific concepts. I have implemented our demonstrated strategies for success, including thinking-out-loud and scaffolding exercises, into my instruction. I feel very grateful to pass forward the wonderful instruction I received from TestTakers to the next generation of students. I have taught SAT math and English group classes, as well as 1:1 tutoring for the ACT and academic subjects including biology and chemistry. Outside of TestTakers, I am a nationally certified EMT, and I enjoy going to the beach, working out, and hiking with my mini goldendoodle, Oliver. While I will be starting medical school in the fall of 2026, I remain dedicated to my students and their success.