1-on-1 STEM Tutoring · Online & Virginia Beach

Understand STEM—Don't Just Memorize It.

1:1 STEM tutoring from high school mathematics through undergraduate engineering.

Professional coaching also available for interviews and technical presentations.

Stop memorizing procedures. Learn the principles behind them. Every session is built around clear explanations, structured problem solving, and lasting understanding—not shortcuts.

  • Defined Objectives. Every session has a clear technical target and conceptual checklist before we begin.
  • Structured Problem Solving. Live whiteboard derivation that breaks a complex system into steps — no lecturing, you work the problem.
  • Prepared in Advance. Course materials are reviewed before the session, so we start working the second the clock starts.

I’ll review what you send and reply with a link for a free 15-minute call.

Benjamin McHale

Benjamin McHale

USNA · M.S. ME · Tutoring since 2016

  • 190+ Hours
    1:1 tutoring since Dec 2025
  • USNA & NPS
    Alumnus (M.S. ME)
  • Every Tutoring Session
    Whiteboard notes you keep
New

ASVAB curriculum is now live

Practice packets, worked solutions, and reference guides are now available across the ASVAB curriculum, including Assembling Objects in tutoring scope.

Who you're working with

Replace academic anxiety with structured systems thinking.

Diagnostic Methodology

“Preparation prevents anxiety.”

Every lesson is structured to maximize learning — never just to fill the hour.

As a U.S. Navy Submarine Officer (USNA '19) and Mechanical Engineer (M.S., NPS), I operate in environments where technical precision is paramount and clarity is safety. I bring that exact operational discipline to academic mentorship.

Most tutoring is answer delivery. A student brings problem 14, leaves with problem 14 solved, and meets problem 15 exactly the way they met problem 14.

The goal here is the opposite. Whether it is Algebra or Fluid Mechanics, we work on the underlying principle until the next problem is one you can start on your own.

Why I tutor this way, and who I'm a good fit for

U.S. Naval Academy

B.S. Mechanical Engineering

Naval Postgraduate School

M.S. Mechanical Engineering

Navy Nuclear Pipeline

Active-duty submarine officer, tested in nuclear engineering

Tutoring since 2016

High school through collegiate engineering

U.S. Naval Academy crest

USNA '19 — Midshipman Rate

I know the exact academic rigor and time constraints of the Academy — I lived them. Current Midshipmen receive a dedicated rate. Reach out directly.

From Algebra to Engineering

A STEM Pathway Built Around Understanding

STAGE 01

High School Foundations

Algebra I & II · Geometry · Precalculus

Eliminating math anxiety & building solid algebraic intuition.

Built around your syllabus
STAGE 02

AP & Honors STEM

AP Calculus AB/BC · AP Physics C: Mechanics · AP Chem

Mastering rate-of-change mechanics & exam pacing under time pressure.

Built around your syllabus
STAGE 03

Collegiate Foundations

Calculus I & II · Differential Equations · College Physics

Differential system modeling & the fluency engineering coursework assumes.

Built around your syllabus
STAGE 04

Advanced Engineering & Applied Math

Statics · Dynamics · Thermodynamics · Fluid Mechanics

Vector equilibrium, energy conservation, & control-volume analysis.

Built around your syllabus
STEM Curriculum

From High-School Algebra to Collegiate Engineering.

Pick your course to see how I teach it, where students usually lose points, and the kind of whiteboard work a session produces.

Military Prep · AFQT & Line ScoresTest Prep

ASVAB Math & Science

Arithmetic Reasoning, Mathematics Knowledge, and General Science sections broken into a repeatable scoring strategy for your target AFQT and line scores.

See the approach
High School Core · FoundationsHigh School Math

Algebra II & Trigonometry

Mastering polynomial functions, rational expressions, and trigonometric identities without memorization tricks.

See the approach
Collegiate Math · Limits & SeriesHigh School Math

AP Calculus AB / BC

Rigorous preparation for limits, derivatives, integrals, and Taylor series with an eye toward collegiate engineering.

See the approach
Honors Science · Calculus MechanicsAP & Honors STEM

AP Physics C: Mechanics

Calculus-based classical mechanics: rotational dynamics, angular momentum, and differential equation modeling.

See the approach
Honors Science · Equilibrium & ThermoAP & Honors STEM

AP & Honors Chemistry

Demystifying stoichiometry, chemical equilibrium, acid-base titrations, and thermodynamics.

See the approach
University Engineering CoreCollegiate Engineering

Engineering Statics

3D rigid body equilibrium, truss analysis (Method of Joints/Sections), shear and moment diagrams, and friction.

See the approach
University Engineering CoreCollegiate Engineering

Thermodynamics & Heat Transfer

First and Second Laws, power cycles (Rankine, Brayton, Otto), entropy analysis, and conduction/convection networks.

See the approach
University Engineering CoreCollegiate Engineering

Fluid Mechanics

Navier-Stokes foundations, Bernoulli equation applications, control volume analysis, and pipe flow head loss.

See the approach

Professional Coaching

Structured preparation for high-stakes evaluations.

A Structured Tutoring Process

How it works.

A deliberate four-step process, from the first message to a session archive you keep.

  1. STEP 01

    Identify the Roadblocks

    We identify what is already solid, where the gaps are, and what needs to improve before the next quiz, exam, or assignment.

  2. STEP 02

    Build the Plan

    I review the syllabus, current assignments, and upcoming deadlines so our sessions stay connected to what is actually happening in the course.

  3. STEP 03

    Work Through the Problems

    We solve problems together on a shared digital whiteboard, with emphasis on why each step works and how to recognize the same idea in a new form.

  4. STEP 04

    Review After the Session

    You receive organized whiteboard notes and supporting materials after each session, plus the full recording of every online session. Everything stays in one place, organized by course, so you can go back to it later.

Sample Sessions & Derivations

See It in Action

Take a look at how I break down STEM concepts into logical, manageable steps — the same way we would work through your own problem set.

Rates

Simple hourly rates.

No packages and no hidden fees. Pick the level and how we meet, and the rate is below.

1. SERVICE TIER

High-school coursework and standardized-test preparation, including AP courses taken during high school.

2. DELIVERY METHOD

SUBJECTS IN THIS TIER

Pre-AlgebraAlgebra 1 & 2GeometryTrigonometryPrecalculusAP Calculus ABAP Calculus BCHigh School PhysicsAP Physics 1AP Physics 2AP Physics C: MechanicsGeneral ChemistryHonors ChemistryAP ChemistrySAT MathACT MathACT ScienceASVAB

Your Rate

High School & Test Prep
$60/hr

High School & Test Prep · Online session

EVERY ONLINE SESSION INCLUDES

  • Full Video Recording Included
  • Session Notes / Whiteboard PDF
  • Proactive Syllabus Review
  • Ongoing Access to Your Course Folder
  • Flexible Online Scheduling

Every engagement starts with a free 15-minute call — no charge, no commitment.

Free Reference Sheet

The ASVAB Mechanical Comprehension Master Reference.

A concise, engineer-grade cheat sheet for the ASVAB Mechanical Comprehension subtest — the same reference structure I use with recruits targeting technical AFQT ratings. See how 1-on-1 ASVAB tutoring works.

  • Every formula you need, with worked units
  • FBDs, pulleys, gears, and simple machines — decoded
  • Zero fluff. Print-friendly, session-tested layout

PDF — 1.2 MB

REF / ASVAB / v2.4

Get the reference — free.

Two fields. Instant download. No spam.

Your email is used only to send the file and occasional tutoring updates. Unsubscribe anytime.

40+ five-star reviews on Wyzant

What students & families say.

Every one of them five stars, verifiable on the public profile.

Figures last checked Aug 1, 2026.

From a parent

Excellent Tutor for Challenging Engineering Courses

Diana R. (Parent of Gabe N.)

Concord, MA · Collegiate Engineering

via Wyzant

“Ben has provided fantastic, reliable support for my son in his college Statics and Calc II classes, helping make the material more approachable and manageable... Most importantly, he adjusts explanations to how my son learns, explains concepts clearly and patiently, checks for comprehension, and builds real understanding. Highly recommend Ben for college-level math and engineering courses.”

Chemistry

Life-saver

Ben is a life-saver. If you are looking for support for Chemistry, Ben is patient, easy to understand, and genuinely committed to your success. To help me, he requested information ahead of my sessions. He clearly prepared for the session, then worked at my pace through the problems, making sure I left the session with a solid understanding of the information. He was available at all the times when I needed him. He even offered to make time if needed. He is a USNA graduate, so I recommend him if you're at USNA and seeking support.

Peggy (Parent of Emma T.)

Annapolis, MD

via Wyzant
Statics & Calculus II

Excellent Tutor for Challenging Engineering Courses

Ben has provided fantastic, reliable support for my son in his college Statics and Calc II classes, helping make the material more approachable and manageable. He invites students to share what they're working on in advance, which helps him prepare and, in turn, encourages my son to preview material before sessions. Ben also promptly provides follow-up session notes and resources. Most importantly, he adjusts explanations to how my son learns, explains concepts clearly and patiently, checks for comprehension, and builds real understanding. Highly recommend Ben for college-level math and engineering courses.

Diana R. (Parent of Gabe N.)

Concord, MA

via Wyzant
ASVAB

Excellent Math Tutor. Highly Recommended

I had a great experience working with ben, He was extremely patient, knowledgeable, and took the time to explain each problem in a way that was easy to understand. Concepts that once felt confusing became much clear, and my confidence improved significantly with every session. Ben was encouraging, supportive, and always made sure I understood the material before moving on. I would highly recommend Ben to anyone who needs help strengthening their math skill.

Jose C.

Bronx, NY

via Wyzant
Algebra II

Detail Oriented, Knowledgeable, Thorough Prep to Ensure Best Instruction

Ben is actively tutoring my son in High School Algebra II with active realization in significant improvement after just a few sessions. Ben is provided the class syllabus and proactively uses it to complete problems himself ahead of time, so that he is familiar with the current course module of instruction; this active prep significantly adds value to the tutor session. We appreciate his preparation and delivery of instruction via a caring and patient demeanor.

Jeff M. (Parent of Drew M.)

Virginia Beach, VA

via Wyzant
AP Chemistry

Ben is awesome!

After only a few meeting with Ben my understanding of AP chemistry as greatly increased with my overall grade increasing as well. He is able to break big concepts down to make them easier to understand and always comes super prepared and ready to help. I've tried other tutors but Ben is the best by far!

Quinn B.

Fargo, ND

via Wyzant
Dynamics

Patient and Understanding Tutor

At first, I was worried about taking Dynamics as I knew it was a challenging course, but Ben helped me navigate through it with his tutoring, and helped with certain concepts and problems I didn't understand. He is really nice, patient, and understanding of his students which makes it easy to ask him any questions or doubts.

Balaji (Parent of Harshaa B.)

Cumming, GA

via Wyzant
Interview Prep

Very Structured and Extremely Helpful

I had the opportunity to work with Benjamin while preparing for my military officer interview, and I cannot recommend him highly enough. His approach was extremely structured, thoughtful, and easy to implement, which helped me feel far more prepared and confident going into the interview process. He was patient, methodical, professional, and genuinely invested in helping me improve. Every session felt purposeful, and he did an excellent job breaking down complex interview concepts into practical strategies I could apply immediately. Thanks in large part to his guidance, I performed significantly better in my interview and felt much more composed and confident throughout the process. Benjamin is honestly one of the best tutors and coaches I have worked with, and I am very grateful for his help.

Josh C.

New York, NY

via Wyzant
ASVAB

Knowledgeable and really cares about your goals and is determined to help get you there!

Ben has been patient and very caring since the first day of tutoring. He really wants to get to know you and understand your goals and help get you there. He is also very detailed oriented when it comes to each lesson. He makes sure you understand the material before moving on. Also is very easy when it comes to scheduling lessons. Highly recommend Ben he is great!

Noah S.

San Diego, CA

via Wyzant
ASVAB

Electronics

My daughter told me this lesson was very helpful and she would like to continue working with Mr. Ben. Because he's very knowledgeable, organized and professional.

Natasha W. (Parent of Ella P.)

via Wyzant

Frequently Asked

Questions, answered.

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