About Me / Frequently Asked Questions
About Matt Giovine
I graduated from Bucknell University with a BS in chemistry in 2003.
After teaching high school math for one year I entered Villanova’s Masters program, graduating with an MS in organic chemistry in 2006.
After finishing Villanova I moved to Dalian, China to study Mandarin. While there I took a job as a chemist at a Chinese chemical company.
I spent about 2.5 years in China before returning to the United States in May 2009, to do business development for a pharmaceutical contract research organization (CRO) outside of Philadelphia. I now run business development for Endao.
In addition to private teaching, I have also taught the chemistry and physics review classes for Kaplan's MCAT prep course.
Recently, I co-authored Barron's MCAT review flashcards.
I've worked with over 300 students in both 1-on-1 and group settings.
As of Summer 2011, I no longer run my review classes, so I started MendelSet as a resource for students of organic chemistry. Most of my practice problems (with solutions) and worksheets are on MendelSet, as well as articles and lab guides. I hope this will become a useful website for students taking organic chemistry or studying for the MCAT.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What's your teaching style?
- How do review classes work?
- How often do you hold review classes?
- Is my first lesson really free?
- Do I have to sign up online beforehand?
- What if I don't want another lesson?
- How large are your group review classes?
- Where do review classes meet?
- How much do you charge? What if I want 1-on-1 tutoring?
- How can I pay you?
- How can I contact you?
- What if no one shows up for a review class?
- Can you teach anything else?
What's your teaching style?
Rather than use a "reactive" approach to teaching- just answering questions and helping with problems- I take a "proactive" approach: I go over the concepts and mechanisms that will be important, and then do questions that incorporate these ideas.
My lessons are nothing like a lecture.
I present concepts and then we hit the questions related to these concepts.
Reviewing problems is the best way to study for organic chemistry and that's how we'll spend most of our time.
My goal is not only to teach you how to answer organic chemistry problems, but also to leave the lesson understanding why things work the way they do.
How do review classes work?
Review classes will not go for longer than two hours. (I used to have longer classes, but I find that most students prefer two hours tops).
I also make sure that my students do not spend most of the time writing down notes- I provide a review packet that we work through as a group and students fill-in as we go along.
Students are welcome to stay after the two hour lesson. After class I hang around for another 1-2 hours and am available to do more review problems, go over any concepts, or in general just to help anyone with anything he or she might need help with.
My lessons are not scripted; I adjust my teaching to make sure that I’m effective in getting the points across.
You're free to leave whenever you'd like.
To get the most out of the lesson please arrive promptly at the start time.
How often do you hold review classes?
I hold review classes before most exams.
Review classes are usually composed of students all from the same section, for example, students in Dr. Buzby’s MWF 12:30 class. But everyone is welcome to come to any review class.
Is my first lesson really free?
Absolutely- I never charge anyone for the first lesson.
I offer this so everyone has a chance to try me out.
I also know that after one class you’ll probably want to study with me again.
After your first class additional review classes are $30 each.
This is not an hourly rate; it's $30 total.
Do I have to sign up online beforehand?
No, you can just come to my class, even if you don't sign up before hand.
If a class is scheduled then I will be there.
But I always prefer it if you let me know beforehand that you're attending one of my review classes.
This gives me an idea of how many people are coming.
You can send me a quick email at 
You can also sign up online through this web site.
What if I don't want another lesson?
That’s not a problem.
If you think that your time is better spent doing something else than that's your decision.
I would hope to see you back again, but your time is the most value thing, and you have to spend it how you see fit.
How large are your group review classes?
Regular semester review classes usually have around 6-10 students.
Around final exams classes will be a little larger.
Where do review classes meet?
We usually meet in Mendel Hall.
Since review classes are in the evenings there are usually empty class rooms available.
How much do you charge? What if I want 1-on-1 tutoring?
As mentioned above, I charge a flat rate of $30 for each review class.
If a group review class isn’t for you, I also offer 1-on-1 tutoring for $60 per hour.
If you’d like to do small group tutoring with your friends or classmates, my rates are $40 each per hour for a two student meeting, and $30 per hour for private meetings of three or more students. Contact me if you are interested.
How can I pay you?
You can pay by cash or check the day of the lesson.
How can I contact you?
I can be reached by email at or by phone at 
You can also contact through the contact form.
What if no one shows up for a review class?
If I say I'm going to be there then I will be there, even if no one comes to my lesson.
I also want to add that I've never had a no-show scenario.
Can you teach anything else?
I also teach general chemistry, physics, and calculus.
Please contact me if you’re interested in help in these subjects.
