See what my clients say about working with me . . .
To help preserve the privacy of my clients, names have been withheld from all reviews. If you would like to speak to any of my references, please contact me.
"My experience with Steven Scharf could not have been any better. He gave such thorough, insightful advice and always presented me with great ideas on how to improve my writing. He is extremely creative and taught me so much about how to write a great essay. I genuinely looked forward to each session with him because he made it feel fun rather than arduous. I would recommend him to absolutely anyone!"
- Scarsdale Student attending Cornell University
"I cannot recommend Steven Scharf high enough!! He was an incredible essay tutor for my daughter for so many reasons. First off, he is brilliant - so smart and so in touch with what my daughter was truly trying to communicate in her essays. He had a way of questioning her to really get to the core of what she was trying to say and how best to convey her feelings clear and concise and with humor. I truly feel that choosing Steven was instrumental in getting my daughter into her dream school and best off, my daughter always had fun working with him and did not look at writing her essays as a horrible chore. If you have the chance and he has the time, do not hesitate to engage Steven Scharf to help your child - you will be over the moon pleased!"
- Scarsdale Parent
"In the very beginning, I got to know Mr. Scharf from a friend’s recommendation. He’s totally approachable and willing to help his students.
I had a great personalized tutoring experience for my college application. As a non-native speaker, this entire application process was extremely foreign to me and Mr. Scharf guided me with responsibility and care throughout my college essay writing. He not only carefully reviewed my essay content, but also my grammar and spelling.
The editing process was a bit long, but totally worth it. As far as I remember, my main essay editing process went back and forth around 8 times. We used Google Docs and phone calls to remotely discuss each other’s opinions until both sides were satisfied with the final outcome. I felt my essays were truly polished and I was confident enough to post my essays to my applications. Without his help, I am afraid I wouldn’t have felt as confident about my writings.
My college application process went really well and I got into schools that I like. I should definitely give credit to Mr.Scharf for my successful outcomes. Thank you so much for helping me throughout this tough time!"
- Edgemont Student attending Pratt Institute
"I had an excellent experience, Steven was able to help me to take my story and elevate it to the point where I could hear my voice on the page! This writing style helped guide me through the rest of my supplemental writings pieces as well."
- Rye Neck Student and graduate of Colgate University Student
"We worked weekly on perfecting my personal statement for college as well as my Colgate supplements. During the sessions we were able to come up with meaningful things to write and how to keep my work concise and eloquent. I greatly appreciated the assistance and am proud to say that I am now studying Colgate University."
- Rye Neck Student attending Colgate University
"I hired Steven to help my daughter develop and write her common app essay. He first spoke with her a few times to get to know her as well as he could. Then they got together to brainstorm ideas. Steven has a way to bring out the best in his students. They came up with a great essay topic together and then the writing began. Steven guided my daughter in a way where she wrote a beautiful and insightful essay that truly reflected who she is. She had a great time too. His friendly and kind demeanor were definitely appreciated. He made the process fun and easy going rather than anxiety provoking. Her essay helped my daughter get into her top college."
- Scarsdale Parent
"Steven was a phenomenal essay coach. His ability to edit and develop essays while maintaining the voice and perspective of the student is second to none. He works in conjunction with students, using their unique experiences to craft individualized answers to questions that can often feel 'one size fits all.' Additionally, Steven is extremely knowledgeable about the application process and can provide great insight into what an admissions committee is looking for in a response. Steven is very dedicated to the success of his students and I couldn't ask for a better essay co-pilot in my college application process."
- Rye Neck Student and graduate of the University of Michigan
"Steven has been working with my daughter, a rising senior for almost a year. During this time he has helped her with her classes (history), tutored her for the SAT, and is now helping her with her college essay. What a find! Steven has been excellent in each area. He is able to explain content in a way that is understandable, and he actually makes the sessions fun for her. He is kind, funny and supportive while getting the work done quickly. Steven also provides me with feedback after each session which is wonderful. My daughter has worked with many tutors over the years and has not felt as comfortable or accomplished as much with anyone. In a word, he is awesome."
- Scarsdale Parent
"Mr. Scharf was super helpful both as a teacher in middle school and a tutor when I was taking a college level history course. He was incredibly flexible and quick-to-respond when it came to scheduling sessions and would take as much time as we felt necessary to make sure I was doing the best work I could. He managed to push me as a student and learn about different writing, thinking, and conceptualizing strategies which were incredibly valuable as I continued my academic career. I felt so much more confident about my research paper, my skills in history, and my skills as a writer after working with Mr. Scharf and I would recommend him to anybody!"
- Scarsdale Student attending Cornell University
"Mr. Scharf has been a great influence and tremendous help for our kids! He is patient, thoughtful and flexible. He is knowledgeable in multiple subjects and has been able to help on Middle School tasks, Complex High School projects as well as College Level assignments. No doubt he gets an A++"
- Scarsdale Parent
"Steven Scharf is a committed, patient, caring and very experienced English tutor and college prep advisor. We have three children and by the third time going through this arduous process, we absolutely knew our daughter was in excellent hands. Didn't hurt that they all got into their ED - worth every penny! Thank you so much Steven!"
- Rye Neck Parent