Case Study
Hari Narayanan
:

How Consistent Tutoring Support Turned English Struggles Into Honors-Level Success

Student Profile
Background
G12 Student
Hari Narayanan, a Class of 2026 student, has been working with Dewey Smart since 8th grade. With the guidance of his tutor Rachel, he developed stronger grammar and essay writing skills that helped him excel in his English Honors class.
Challenges Faced
Essay Writing
Organizing Ideas
Grammar Struggles

Before starting with Dewey Smart, Hari faced significant challenges in his English classes. Grammar rules felt confusing and inconsistent, which made his writing error-prone and left him frustrated when trying to edit his own work. When it came to essays, he struggled not only with grammar but also with articulating his ideas clearly. His thoughts were often strong, but he lacked the structure to connect them into a coherent, persuasive essay. This created added pressure in his English Honors class, where expectations were higher and assignments required more refined writing.

As a result, Hari felt his confidence dip whenever major writing projects were assigned. He needed guidance to learn how to break down writing tasks, organize his thoughts effectively, and polish his essays in a way that reflected his true abilities. Without additional support, the risk was falling behind his peers and struggling to maintain strong grades in advanced English coursework.

Goals

  • Strengthen English grammar fundamentals
  • Develop confidence and clarity in essay writing
  • Learn strategies for organizing and structuring ideas effectively
  • Maintain an A average in English Honors

Consultation Process
Strategies

Hari began working with Rachel in 8th grade, and over time, she became a consistent source of academic support and mentorship. Rachel focused first on the basics — reinforcing grammar fundamentals and identifying recurring mistakes — which gave Hari a stronger foundation for his writing. She then moved into essay writing, where she guided him step by step: brainstorming ideas, creating outlines, writing drafts, and revising for clarity and flow.

Rachel’s feedback was always timely and detailed, pointing out both strengths and areas for improvement. By walking Hari through the reasoning behind revisions, she helped him internalize good writing habits rather than just correcting errors. Over time, he learned how to approach essays with more structure, using outlines to organize his arguments and transition smoothly between ideas.

Another key part of their strategy was consistency. Weekly sessions ensured that Hari stayed accountable, while Rachel adjusted lessons to match his school assignments and evolving needs. When larger projects or essays were due, Rachel provided extra guidance to help him manage deadlines and reduce stress. This combination of grammar instruction, structured essay practice, and responsive support gave Hari the tools to succeed in an advanced English environment.

Key Results
We’re proud to share
Hari Narayanan
's results:
With Rachel’s guidance and Dewey Smart’s structured support, Hari has maintained an A average in his English Honors class. He now approaches grammar exercises and essay assignments with confidence, showing clear growth in both technical accuracy and written expression.
Reflections & Testimonials
Narayanan Family Experience with us

“I am very happy with the tutor’s subject knowledge and skills. Rachel has helped Hari improve his grammar and writing tremendously, and I’ve recommended your team to many of my friends.”

Rajeswari Narayanan, Parent
Thorin Thomason
’s Case
Thorin's UT-Austin Dream Come True

Entering the College Application process, Thorin had no idea where to begin and felt overwhelmed by managing his time and maximizing his potential.

View Case Study
Shrila Esturi
’s Case
How to Enter Caltech, Georgia Tech, and UC Berkeley

Shrila came to Dewey Smart with dreams of entering some of the most competitive universities for STEM in the entire country, and those dreams came true!

View Case Study
Nolan Connolly
’s Case
From Washing Dishes to Rice University

Working part-time as a dishwasher at a local restaurant, Nolan knew he wanted to make the most of his college admissions opportunities. Working with the Dewey Smart team, he gained Early Decision acceptance into Rice University!

View Case Study
Finn Hazen
’s Case
How Finn Entered His Top 3 Engineering Schools

Finn knew he wanted to enter some of the best Engineering programs in the country, but he wasn't certain how. He had heard a lot of vague advice about college applications on social media, and he needed help discerning fact from fiction.

View Case Study
Teen Getting Help with College Admissions
Parents can get their teen connected with tutors at top, Ivy League colleges.

Ready for Your Success Story?

We offer FREE 30-Minute Consultations for students and parents, offering step-by-step advice on how to achieve your admissions dreams!