Testimonials
Testimonials
To Whom It May Concern,
I’m pleased to write a recommendation for Dr. Norma Irom. She has worked with my three children from 2019-2022. She prepared them all for the verbal/language portion of the ACT and SAT. Under her guidance all three scored in the 99th%.
With my oldest, I had no understanding how to help my son prepare for his college entrance exams. Dr. Irom planned a clear and effective curriculum and also recommended a math tutor. Dr. Irom improved his skills at his pace and focused on his weak areas. My oldest took the ACT during his junior year. After taking it twice, my oldest scored well enough that a third time was unnecessary. Obviously, I chose Dr. Irom to work with my middle and later, my youngest during their junior year. Each of my children have different strengths and weaknesses. However, Dr. Irom was able to adjust and hone their individual skills. Again, the outcomes were very successful.
Without hesitation, I recommend Dr. Irom to all students. She will help them reach their highest potential when preparing for the ACT or SAT.
Sincerely,
Pearl J. Lim. MD, FACOG, MHA
Assistant Professor of Obstetrics/Gynecology
Columbia University Medical Center

When I think about the people who have had the greatest influence on me, Norma is at the top of the list. As my SAT reading and writing tutor, she was not only a teacher but also a mentor who transformed the way I approached language and communication. Norma’s patience, empathy, and enthusiasm for teaching made every session not just educational but inspiring.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Norma’s teaching was her ability to demystify the rules of grammar—the essential concepts and techniques that often go untaught in school. She had a knack for breaking down the mechanics of the English language in a way that was both clear and empowering. Thanks to her, I gained a mastery of grammar that continues to inform my work as an editor and writer today.
Beyond test prep, Norma helped me conceive, craft, and refine my personal statement, guiding me through the process with care and precision. Her insightful feedback and encouragement didn’t just improve my writing; they helped me discover my voice. Her passion for the written word was contagious, and it inspired me to cultivate a similar passion in myself.
Norma’s influence extends far beyond the SAT or college applications. The skills and confidence she instilled in me are foundational to the work I do now. Whether editing a manuscript or drafting my own stories, I often find myself reflecting on her lessons. I’m endlessly grateful for Norma’s guidance and expertise. She’s not just a fantastic tutor—she’s a true champion for her students, and I couldn’t recommend her more highly.
Beau Dealy
Former Student, NYC

My 3 children worked with Dr. Irom on their college application essays; each had different needs. My son struggled getting started, and Dr. Irom helped him brainstorm great topics, which he was excited to write about and she helped him edit his essays for clarity of voice. My daughters needed help shaping their ideas and with editing. Dr. Irom taught them strategies for impactful writing. We strongly believe that working with Dr. Irom removed the stress from the application process, helped our children become better writers, and resulted in each of them securing admission to their first choice schools (Wash U, Kenyon and Duke)!
Mary D.
White Plains, NY
I am excited to report Kira's recent ACT scores: English: 35, Math: 34, Reading: 35, Composite: 35. We are both so thrilled and want to thank you for working with her! Kira has moved up in every single subject!
Kay L.
Greenwich, CT
I just received my SAT scores: 790 on the Writing section (with no multiple choice errors!) and an 800 on the Critical Reading! Thank you so much for all of the help that you have given me. I cannot believe I received these scores after getting only a 710 on the reading and a 720 on the writing my first time around! This is such a great help to me in this process of applying to schools and I cannot thank you enough for helping me get here!
Isabel L.
New York City

My name is Matt Held and I worked with Norma on a regular basis from ages 12-16. Norma is a pro and uses a proven set of tips and tricks to help translate and express thoughts in a more straightforward and organized way. With Norma, my writing went from scattered and disjointed to cogent and compelling. What happened, without me even realizing, was these tips and tricks turned into a writing tool kit that I still use to this day. I currently work in marketing and strategy and being a good writer has been essential for my career and given me an edge in the workplace. I still thank Norma for all that she taught me, especially when I find myself reading my writing out loud before I share something out - a trick that Norma taught me over 20 years ago!
Matt Held
Chappaqua, NY

My 8 year old son started with Dr. Irom when he was 7 and could not read at all and had loads of trouble writing and completing math problems. He would often get frustrated and his confidence plummeted. Since working with Dr. Irom, he now reads books and really anything he can get his hands on! His confidence has soared and he participates in class now that he is confident he knows the answer and knows that if he gets it wrong, at least he tried! He writes short stories and does his math homework every night on his own. Dr. Irom has been a godsend!
Lauren Biczak
Rye, NY
Norma first came into our lives when my twin sons were juniors in high school, having been recommended by a learning professional I respected. One of my sons was at the top of his class; the other struggled academically due to significant learning disabilities. She tutored each of them over the next two years, through the seeming vagaries of the college entrance process: standardized tests, college applications, and the all-important Personal Essay. She was a gifted teacher, not due only to her ability to share her extraordinary language and writing skills, but because of her talent to understand and ultimately to guide each of my sons towards producing his best results. Their scores increased substantially and their essays reflected their individual voices. Even more importantly, however, each of them felt understood, cared about, and mentored.
Three years later, when my third (and final) boy was a high school junior, Norma took on his college preparation. This child was a high performer, academically, and an excellent writer. He, however, unlike his elder academically gifted brother, suffered from test-taking anxiety. His test scores were never as high as his academic performance indicated they should be. With him, Norma focused largely on increasing his test taking confidence by drilling him with practice tests and supplying him with techniques to “outwit” the test. His anxiety subsided, and his scores increased exponentially. With his essays, she lauded his efforts, while also improving them, through skillful editing.
It is fair to say that without Norma Irom, none of my sons, now ages 31,31, and 28 would be as successful and happy as they are today. She has a gift for teaching, connecting, and mentoring young people, and I am grateful that she came into their lives (and mine) when she did.
Ellen Dealy
Greenwich, CT
Norma is a seasoned professional, who is kind, knowledgeable, and delivers results. She quickly built a relationship with my teenage son by her ability to connect with him over his interests. Having been diagnosed with ADHD, his essays can be somewhat unorganized, Norma recognized this early on and his interests became her interests, and through this connection she encouraged him to write a brilliant essay that helped land him a spot at a top school. Norma cares deeply about the success of her students and meets them where they are to embolden them to find their voice and ultimately meet their potential.
Anne V.