Worrier or Warrior? Why Some Students Perform Better Under Pressure
Posted on October 30, 2026
PrepMatters founder Ned Johnson on the brain chemistry that makes one student fall apart under stress while another does their…
Test Prep Tutor
Originally from New Jersey, Noah has dedicated his career to helping students reach their academic and personal potential. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland (Go Terps!) before completing both his master’s and doctorate in Organizational Leadership at Hood College in Frederick, Maryland. Over the past sixteen years, Noah has served students in Montgomery County Public Schools as both a teacher and administrator, working closely with learners of all abilities and helping them develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed.
Throughout his career, Noah has been passionate about making learning approachable and individualized. He believes that every student can improve when instruction is tailored to their unique strengths, challenges, and learning style. His experience supporting students with a wide range of academic needs has strengthened his ability to explain complex concepts clearly, identify patterns in student performance, and develop strategies that lead to meaningful growth.
Outside of work, Noah enjoys following bad sports teams (New Jersey Devils & New York Jets), traveling with his family, and exploring new restaurants throughout the Washington, DC area. He is excited to bring his enthusiasm for education and individualized instruction to PrepMatters, helping students achieve their goals on the SAT and ACT.
My role as an ACT and SAT tutor is to help students combine academic skills with effective test-taking strategies, while developing the confidence to trust themselves on test day. Confidence is not something that simply appears on test day; it is built through preparation, practice, and repeated success. Every student is different, so I take the time to understand each student’s strengths, challenges, and goals before developing a personalized game plan. Together, we learn how to manage time, recognize common question patterns, recover from difficult questions, and stay composed under pressure. By reducing testing anxiety and helping students believe in both their abilities and their preparation, I strive to ensure they enter the testing room ready to perform at their highest level.
Choosing a tutor is a personal decision. Schedule a consultation with our educational directors to discuss your student's goals, learning style, and placement details to ensure the perfect fit.
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