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Award-Winning College English Tutors

Jessica

Certified Tutor

Jessica

PHD, Medicine
Jessica's other Tutor Subjects
College Algebra
Calculus
Algebra
Honors Chemistry

I am a licensed physician from Florida who is currently changing careers. I graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 2009 and have extensive tutoring and editing experience. While a student, I became a certified writing tutor through the Critical Writing Department. Since I completed my writ...

Education

Nova Southeastern University

PHD, Medicine

University of Pennsylvania

Bachelors, History

University of Pennsylvania

undergraduate

Test Scores
SAT
1540
Kate

Certified Tutor

Kate

Masters, Environmental Engineering
Kate's other Tutor Subjects
AP Calculus BC
AP Calculus AB
College Algebra
Pre-Calculus

I'm available to tutor biology, chemistry, physics, math from Algebra up through AP Calculus, SAT test prep, and French. I've been tutoring students in science and math for 7 years. I also spent 8 months working and studying in France, and have tutored high school and adult students in French. When ...

Education

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Masters, Environmental Engineering

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Bachelors

Test Scores
SAT
1580
Erika

Certified Tutor

Erika

Master of Public Policy, Public Policy
Erika's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Middle School Math
Calculus
Algebra

I am available to tutor middle and high school math, history and test prep. I have tutored math and history in the past and I previously taught a test prep course at a school in Hanoi, Vietnam. I have a lot of experience teaching all the need-to-know tricks to doing great on the SATS/ACTS! When I am...

Education

Harvard University

Master of Public Policy, Public Policy

Test Scores
ACT
32
Sharon

Certified Tutor

9+ years

Sharon

Master of Science, Journalism
Sharon's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Middle School Math
Calculus
Algebra

I am a graduate of the University of Chicago, and I will be starting a graduate program at Columbia in August. I am about to complete a year of service with City Year, an education non-profit that places young adults into under-served schools. As a City Year member, I worked full-time in the classro...

Education

Columbia University in the City of New York

Master of Science, Journalism

University of Chicago

Bachelor in Arts

Test Scores
SAT
1550
MaryAnn

Certified Tutor

13+ years

MaryAnn

Bachelor of Science, English, Psychology
MaryAnn's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
SAT Reading
SAT Writing and Language

I am a published author who has enjoyed “coaching” our daughter, as she navigated through high school, college and graduate school. I mentor college juniors who are seeking careers in financial services, and I serve as a peer resource to professionals who are transitioning from private industry to t...

Education

University of Pittsburgh

Bachelor of Science, English, Psychology

Test Scores
SAT
1520
Tony

Certified Tutor

Tony

Bachelor of Science in Biology
Tony's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
Biology
High School Biology

I am a recent graduate of Yale University and incoming first year medical student at Columbia University. Originally from the DC area, I have always had a passion for science and medicine and pursued a degree in Biology while at Yale. During the 2008-2009 academic year, I tutored science, math, Engl...

Education

Yale University

Bachelor of Science in Biology

Test Scores
SAT
1540
Molly

Certified Tutor

Molly

Master of Science in Education
Molly's other Tutor Subjects
1st-8th Grade math
1st-8th Grade Writing
1st-8th Grade Reading
Pre-Algebra

I am an Illinois certified Teacher in grades K-9. I attended Northwestern University and received a Master's of Science in Education. I have ample classroom experience and expertise in elementary Math and Reading intervention. I have several tools and resources from various curricula to work with an...

Education

Northwestern University

Master of Science in Education

Columbia University in the City of New York

Bachelor in Arts, History

Test Scores
SAT
1480
Felix

Certified Tutor

9+ years

Felix

Associate in Science
Felix's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Middle School Math
Calculus
Algebra

I am excited to be working with Varsity Tutors because I enjoy teaching and getting to share some of my academic experience. I have done a little tutoring, but most of my teaching experience is in the university setting as a TA. I'm particularly excited about biology and psychology, where I have the...

Education

University of Chicago

Associate in Science

Test Scores
SAT
1540
Justin

Certified Tutor

8+ years

Justin

Doctor of Philosophy, English
Justin's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
PSAT Writing Skills
SAT Writing and Language

I am a college instructor with ten years experience in the classroom as a teacher and tutor. Originally from South Carolina, I went to school in Pennsylvania and currently live in Alabama. I believe that students learn best through practice and approaching learning through a relaxed lens, thinking a...

Education

University of South Carolina

Bachelor in Arts, English

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus

Doctor of Philosophy, English

Test Scores
SAT
1530
Andrew

Certified Tutor

Andrew

Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature and Theater and Performance Studies
Andrew's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
PSAT Writing Skills
SAT Reading

I am a graduate of the University of Chicago, class of 2012. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Language and Literature and Theater and Performance Studies. Since graduation, I have continued to live in Chicago. I am a founding member of First Floor Theater, a Chicago storefront theater com...

Education

University of Chicago

Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature and Theater and Performance Studies

Test Scores
SAT
1480
ACT
32

Meet Our Expert Tutors

Connect with highly-rated educators ready to help you succeed.

Yusef

Calculus Tutor • +15 Subjects

I am a Gates Cambridge Scholar and recently completed my MPhil in Development Studies at the University of Cambridge. This fall, I will begin my legal education at Yale Law School. I believe that my achievement on the LSAT and in the law school application process, as well as my two years’ worth of part-time tutoring experience, have enabled me to help others successfully navigate the process of preparing for a legal education. Hobbies: art, books, reading, writing, music

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Allan

12th Grade math Tutor • +85 Subjects

I'm a big Boston Celtics fan and I speak three languages. I can get you the test results you need to succeed because I went through the exams myself and performed well. The first time I took the SAT I actually wasn't satisfied with my score, so I spent 2 months working hard to get my score to where I wanted it to be. The second time I took the exam I saw a 200-point increase. Previously, I have had experience teaching the SSAT and the SAT. The student I tutored in SSAT successfully passed the exam is now attending a private high school abroad. With VarsityTutor's online learning platform, I will be able to transfer knowledge in a visual, easy-to-understand manner. I look forward to being your tutor and helping you reach your academic goals. :)

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Johari

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +20 Subjects

I am an actor/composer/lyricist who loves to write new showtunes. Musical theatre is something I have grown to love, and the love, surprisingly, stems from my own devotion to cartoons and video games. But, make no mistake, while I can often be found watching an episode of Justice League, playing Smash, or giving the City of Angels score another listen, I will always put you first. Hobbies: art, reading, writing, books, music

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Eric

12th Grade math Tutor • +71 Subjects

I am patient and collaborative. I work with my students to help them come to the answers on their own, and I find creative and fun ways for students to think about the material in a new light.

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Esther

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +35 Subjects

I'm currently a Junior at the University of Pennsylvania majoring in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics and a 2014 graduate of Phillips Academy. As a product of great tutoring myself, I focus on being patient, flexible, and kind with all of my students. Outside of my academics, I'm a member of the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority and am heavily involved in student theatre, usually directing 2 productions each year. Dogs of any and every breed, iced coffee, and spending time in NYC are a few of my favorite things!

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Rebecca

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +48 Subjects

I am a graduate of Northwestern University where I received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Religious Studies. I am currently pursuing a masters degree in social work at the University of Chicago's School of Social Service Administration. I am passionate about tutoring because I want everyone to be able to perform academically at their highest possible level. I also think it is important that learning is not just for one assignment or one test, but rather that it sticks with you to build a solid foundation of knowledge and confidence that you can carry forward. My favorite subjects to tutor include English, SAT test preparation, math, and psychology. My approach to tutoring is to meet the student where they're at and go from there. I find that this way we can build a productive tutoring relationship where I can help individualize learning to each person's particular learning style. Outside of academic interests, I enjoy cooking, being with friends and family, traveling the world, and looking as ridiculous as possible doing Zumba.

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Jacob

Calculus Tutor • +33 Subjects

I am eager to help students thrive because I'm still very much a student myself, and will be for the foreseeable future. Though I enjoyed my time as an undergraduate student in Literature, and learned quite a bit during my time at Vanderbilt, there's still more work to be done. I am working towards a Master's degree, and will continue on from there.

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Katie

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +33 Subjects

I am happy to help students prepare for these exams. I enjoy students of all ages and am excited to tutor a wide range of subjects, although my first loves are math and English (especially grammar). I truly believe my sincere energy and enthusiasm can help make students excited about learning. I welcome questions and value honesty while tutoring. My personal interests include international education, traveling, hiking, camping, and Notre Dame football.

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Laura

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +38 Subjects

I am a good "fit" for that student, so that we are able to work together to reach the student's goal.

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Asta

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +74 Subjects

I am a graduate of the University of Chicago where I received my undergraduate degree in political science. Right after graduation, I worked as an academic and test prep tutor as well as admissions consultant in Hong Kong. For the past two years, I worked with a number of students to help prepare them for college in the United States.

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Frequently Asked Questions

College English courses demand more sophisticated critical thinking and writing skills than high school English. Common challenges include developing a strong thesis statement, organizing complex arguments across longer essays, mastering citation styles like MLA and APA, analyzing literary texts at a deeper level, and finding your authentic academic voice. Many students also struggle with the revision process—understanding how to take feedback and restructure their work effectively. Personalized tutoring addresses these specific pain points by providing targeted feedback on your writing and strategies tailored to your learning style.

A tutor can guide you through the essay-building process step-by-step: developing a compelling thesis, organizing topic sentences that support your main argument, integrating evidence effectively, and crafting conclusions that reinforce your points. Rather than just marking what's wrong, tutors help you understand the logic behind strong structure—why certain arguments work and how to anticipate counterarguments. With personalized 1-on-1 instruction, you'll work through your own essays and learn principles you can apply to every paper you write, building confidence in your analytical writing over time.

Grammar is the technical foundation—correct punctuation, sentence construction, and usage—while style is about how you express ideas and develop your unique voice as a writer. A strong College English student needs both, but they serve different purposes. A tutor helps you move beyond simply fixing errors to understanding how grammar choices affect readability and emphasis. They'll also help you develop a more sophisticated, authentic academic voice that goes beyond formulaic writing. This personalized approach means feedback focuses on what will most improve your particular writing, whether that's technical accuracy, clarity, or stylistic maturity.

Literary analysis in college requires moving beyond plot summary to examine how authors use technique—symbolism, imagery, tone, structure—to create meaning. Tutors help you develop a framework for close reading: asking what the author is doing and why it matters. They guide you in finding textual evidence to support your interpretations and building arguments about a text's deeper meaning or social context. Through guided practice with your assigned readings, you'll learn to see patterns and make connections that strengthen both your in-class discussions and your analytical essays.

Writer's block often stems from unclear thinking about what you want to argue, perfectionism that paralyzes the drafting process, or simply not knowing where to start. Tutors help by breaking the writing process into manageable steps: brainstorming and organizing ideas before drafting, creating a rough outline, writing freely without editing pressure, then revising systematically. They can also help you develop pre-writing strategies like freewriting, concept mapping, or discussion-based planning that work for your brain. With someone to talk through your ideas with and guide your process, many students find they can move past the initial stuck feeling and make real progress on their assignments.

The best College English tutors combine strong writing expertise with the ability to teach it effectively. Look for tutors who have experience with college-level coursework, understand different citation styles (MLA, APA, Chicago), and can provide thoughtful feedback on student writing. They should be skilled at asking questions that help you discover insights rather than simply telling you what to write. It's also valuable to find someone who has worked with your college's specific curriculum or course level, since the expectations shift significantly from intro-level composition to upper-level seminars. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors matched to your specific course needs and learning style.

With consistent, focused tutoring, many students notice improvements in specific skills within 2-3 sessions—like better organization, clearer thesis statements, or more effective use of evidence. However, developing a more sophisticated writing voice and the confidence to tackle complex essays typically takes longer. The timeline depends on where you're starting and how frequently you work with a tutor. Some students benefit from intensive support during a heavy assignment period, while others work with a tutor throughout the semester to build skills incrementally. Personalized instruction accelerates learning because feedback targets your individual challenges rather than generic advice.

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