Lisa Liberati

Lisa taught her first SAT prep course in 1987, back when the College Board still claimed that its test measured “aptitude.” A lot has changed since then, but Lisa’s devotion to mastering what’s on the test, how it’s tested, and how best to prepare hasn’t. Along the way, she has tutored thousands of students in Southern California, around the country, and all over the world; worked with the best research and development teams in the business; and trained to teach almost every entrance exam out there, from middle school to high school, through college and graduate school. Because these exams change constantly, Lisa has stayed at the forefront of what her students need to know—she never wastes their time or resources. She believes it’s important to prep smart so that students can devote their time and energy to the things that really matter.

Lisa was a drama major at Dartmouth, and at one time worked in the entertainment industry as a story editor. This experience enables her to teach grammar effectively, and is especially useful in helping students tell their own stories in the demanding format of the personal admissions essay. She is a former North American bridge champion, having been part of a winning team in the 2001 Grand Nationals. She is a winemaker, co-owning Sweetzer Cellars with the independent tutor Michael Fogelman. The pair grow their grapes in Buellton and use them to craft outstanding vintages of pinot noir and chardonnay, among other varieties. She is an avid cyclist: she set herself a goal of riding in all fifty states, and has pedaled in 44 so far—Wisconsin is the most recent addition to the list.

Lisa is a dynamic and energetic tutoring presence who can change people’s lives: she knows how to think, how to learn, how to do things, and how to live. Her students are ever grateful to have learned from her.