Award-Winning College Level American Literature
Tutors
Who needs tutoring?
FEATURED BY
TUTORS FROM
- YaleUniversity
- PrincetonUniversity
- StanfordUniversity
- CornellUniversity
Award-Winning College Level American Literature Tutors

Certified Tutor
8+ years
Justin
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...
University of South Carolina
Bachelor in Arts, English
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
Doctor of Philosophy, English

Certified Tutor
I am very dedicated to helping students excel in school and in helping them develop study methods and styles that work best for them and that will serve them throughout school. I previously tutored with Boys Hope Girls Hope in Evanston, IL. I tutored middle and high school students in Spanish and En...
Northwestern University
Bachelor in Arts

Certified Tutor
6+ years
Linda
I am especially committed to supporting first-generation college students, those for whom English is a second language, and working adults as they navigate the challenges of higher ed. Nevertheless, I have taught and mentored graduate students at Harvard and talented undergrads in a variety of disci...
Harvard University
Master of Philosophy
Saint Catherine University
Bachelor in Arts, English Composition

Certified Tutor
8+ years
Brittney
I'm a graduate of Princeton University (2009), with a degree in Comparative Literature. I'll be receiving my masters degree in English from Grand Valley State University this fall and I'm looking forward to working with students like you! I've been teaching and tutoring students since 2008 and I spe...
Grand Valley State University
Master of Arts, English
Princeton University
B.A. in Comparative Literature

Certified Tutor
6+ years
Zachary
I'm a PhD at Harvard studying German philosophy and classics (Greek and Latin). Next year, I will be starting law school to pursue my professional passion, tax law. I am deeply committed to the language and LSAT skills I've developed and I love to tutor students of all levels in these subjects. I ca...
CUNY City College
Bachelor in Arts, English
Harvard University
Doctor of Philosophy, German

Certified Tutor
Jack
I'm a recent grad from Northwestern (B.A. in Theatre and Economics) who loves teaching and learning. I love helping other people achieve their goals and helping students find ways to be their best selves. Excited to meet and work with Chicagoland's students!
Northwestern University
B.A. in Theatre and Economics

Certified Tutor
6+ years
Connor
I am taking time to explore my lifelong interest in teaching. I began tutoring at the University of Notre Dame, where I worked for three years as a teaching assistant in a Cell Biology laboratory course. There, I enjoyed helping my peers understand the larger picture developing through our weekly ex...
Loyola University-Chicago
Master of Arts, Biomedical Sciences
University of Notre Dame
Bachelor of Science

Certified Tutor
Maddy
I'm a recent graduate of Harvard University and a natural teacher, and I'd be thrilled to help you build your skills, gain academic confidence, and get results! My B.A. is in American history and literature with a minor in theater. I spent my college years producing and directing student theater, wr...
Harvard University
B.A. in American History and Literature (minor in Theater)

Certified Tutor
I am a firm believer that clear, precise communication between student and tutor makes for a productive and fulfilling learning experience. When I work with students, I strive to listen carefully to find out exactly where they are struggling, and to impart corresponding strategies clearly and concis...
Boston University
PHD, American Studies
Harvard University
Bachelors

Certified Tutor
5+ years
Jennifer
I am thrilled to be a part of this platform where we can work together to further our educational pursuits. Currently, I am a Teacher Resident at the NYU Accelerated MAT program in Secondary English Education. This means that come September, I will be an ELA teacher working at a NY Public School. My...
New York University
Master of Arts Teaching, Language Arts Teacher Education
Mcgill University
Bachelor in Arts, English
Top 20 English Subjects
Meet Our Expert Tutors
Connect with highly-rated educators ready to help you succeed.
Nico
AP Statistics Tutor • +58 Subjects
I'm a student at Yale University majoring in both Economics and Global Affairs. Over the past 4 years, I am lucky to have worked with students of all ages and helped them reach their full potential. I offer tutoring services in all subjects, and I'm particularly interested in English, Economics, Government, and Math. My teaching philosophy centers on creating a safe, welcoming environment where students can learn at their own pace. Outside of academics, I enjoy spending time outside and enjoying good food with family and friends.
Mollie
Calculus Tutor • +41 Subjects
I'm a recent graduate of the University of Chicago (AB'17) where I studied English Language and Literature, and Linguistics. I have experience coaching students writing and editing college essays, resume/cover letters, and academic papers of all kinds. I was a content writer for a small Chicago start-up and later worked as a game designer for the University's game lab. I enjoy writing, dancing, reading, roller blading, and playing video games in my free time.
Galen
Calculus Tutor • +35 Subjects
I am more passionate about the latter, and within the humanities I am most passionate about philosophy and English. The most important thing I've learned from those two fields (and the thing I'd most want to pass on to students) is how to find the right words for thoughts - this is important, not just because it allows people to express themselves well to others, but also because it affords clarity to people regarding their own opinions and ideas. Shortly after I graduated from college I embarked on an extended trip around Europe lasting from October 2017 to May 2018. My interests include traveling, piano, and reading.
Mica
Middle School Math Tutor • +40 Subjects
I am a Stanford graduate with a B.S. in Science, Technology, and Society and a B.A. in Anthropology. I am currently completing my M.D. at the University of Rochester. In July, I will continue on to residency within otolaryngology-head and neck surgery.
Paula
8th Grade math Tutor • +123 Subjects
I am extremely passionate about academics and learning; the value of each was inculcated into me at a very young age. I tutor a variety of subjects largely because I have so many areas of interests and have been privileged enough to pursue knowledge in those areas. I even enjoy tucking away "useless facts"...in fact, those very tidbits got me past the Jeopardy! Online Test and into the Contestant Audition!
Kyle
Calculus Tutor • +28 Subjects
I am a current student at Yale University pursuing a degree in English. Since I was little, writing and storytelling has been one of my biggest passions. Though back then, I often told stories to my friends and family as though they were truth, once they helped me find the page I've had much, much more success. I have been tutoring kids since I was in high school, but I've also spent many hours working with kids on the baseball diamond as a coach, as well as as a camp counselor. My philosophy is that I know how hard and difficult (and sometimes annoying) high school English and History classes can be, and my goal is to try and bring a little fun back into the material while making sure we do what it takes to master your craft as a budding young writer, whether in a rhetorical analysis of Pride and Prejudice or in your CommonApp personal essay.
Michelle
Calculus Tutor • +34 Subjects
I am a recent graduate of Columbia University's American Studies MA program. I received my undergraduate degree at NYU in Journalism and Africana Studies. I have over 2 years experience helping students in NYC. I love reading, writing, and social and cultural analysis.
Wendel
Calculus Tutor • +38 Subjects
I am a multi-subject polymath with great and depth in what I teach who always places the needs, desires and dreams of students first. A Lifelong Scholar focused on Excellence, my praxis seeks to empower those I I teach by infecting them with passion for critical thinking and awakening and nurturing their "I know I can! Let's do it!" energies. Comfortable with technology, I strive to continually improve teaching and learning processes so my tutees become adept at turning information into knowledge. Champion, then, of scholars' growth both individually and communally/collaboratively, I guide them to learn where, when, how and why to take control individually and when to trust the team. At the core of my methodology is the ability to listen: My students, then, can become adepts at PEARLS (Partnership, Empathy, Apology/Acknowledgment, Respect, Legitimation, and Support), not only "listening to" but "hearing" interlocutors in this increasingly multi-vocal/valent world. Consequently equitable, suitable, ethical and sustainable solutions with clear benefits for all stakeholders in the learning transaction can emerge. And because "we" this includes me the Champion and Guide willingly created this result, "we/they" willingly accept and acknowledge the outcome, willingly "owning it." It is "our buck."
Rachel
Calculus Tutor • +32 Subjects
I am a tutor and teacher based in Brooklyn, NY. I am passionate about working with students because I love learning, myself. I enjoy one-on-one sessions because we can take our time, enjoy the process, and I can focus on each student's individual needs. Hobbies: writing, singing, baking, art, books, hiking, yoga, reading, music
Sara
Calculus Tutor • +31 Subjects
I am a graduate student in Chicago studying occupational therapy. I recently finished my undergraduate studies in Psychology and English at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. During breaks from school, I am a substitute teacher for a local high school district. I also tutor students online in English and Psychology. Looking forward to tutoring through Varsity Tutors!
Top 20 Subjects
Frequently Asked Questions
Literary analysis requires breaking down text to understand how authors use techniques like symbolism, characterization, and narrative structure to create meaning. A tutor can work with you on close reading strategies, help you move beyond surface-level observations, and teach you how to connect textual evidence directly to your interpretations. Through personalized 1-on-1 instruction, tutors can identify where your analysis needs depth and provide targeted feedback on your written interpretations before you submit them.
A strong thesis goes beyond summarizing the plot or restating the assignment—it makes a specific, arguable claim about how an author's work achieves meaning or reflects its historical context. For American Literature essays, your thesis might examine how a text engages with themes like identity, freedom, or social change. A tutor can help you craft a thesis that's narrow enough to be manageable but broad enough to support with evidence from the text, and guide you through revisions to ensure your arguments are clearly connected to your central claim.
Strong organization starts with mapping your argument before you write. Create an outline that shows how each body paragraph supports your thesis, then arrange paragraphs in a logical progression—whether that's chronological, thematic, or analytical. For college-level papers, each paragraph should open with a topic sentence, provide textual evidence, and explain how that evidence supports your argument. Tutors can help you structure your paper for clarity, ensure smooth transitions between ideas, and verify that your analysis builds coherently from introduction through conclusion.
College-level American Literature study requires understanding both the text itself and the world in which it was written. Close reading analyzes specific language and literary devices, while contextual analysis examines how historical events, cultural movements, and author biography shaped the work. The strongest essays weave these together—using context to deepen your interpretation of specific passages, not simply adding background information. A tutor can help you research relevant context, determine which details matter for your argument, and show you how to integrate context smoothly into your analysis without letting it overshadow the text itself.
Revision should happen in stages. Start with big-picture concerns: Does your thesis clearly control your entire argument? Do your paragraphs support it logically? Next, examine paragraph-level organization and make sure each idea connects to your thesis. Finally, focus on sentence-level clarity, word choice, and grammar. Tutors provide valuable feedback during revision by identifying where your arguments need strengthening, where evidence isn't sufficiently explained, and where your voice and analysis could be more distinct. This personalized feedback accelerates your development as a writer more effectively than generic rubrics alone.
Comparative analysis requires more than just listing similarities and differences—it demands a unifying argument about what the comparison reveals. Start by identifying a specific theme, historical moment, or literary technique that connects your texts, then use that connection as your analytical lens. Organize by theme or technique rather than alternating between texts, so each paragraph develops a single point across multiple works. A tutor can help you develop a sophisticated thesis for comparison, prevent your essay from becoming merely descriptive, and ensure you're making meaningful analytical connections rather than superficial observations.
Dense, challenging texts—whether from early American literature, experimental modernism, or works with difficult dialects—benefit from strategic reading techniques. Start by reading for plot and general impressions, then return for closer reading focused on specific elements like language patterns or recurring symbols. Look up historical context, unfamiliar references, and challenging vocabulary before your second read. Tutors can work with you to break down complex passages, explain historical or literary references, and help you recognize patterns that make the text more accessible. This scaffolded approach builds confidence and deepens your understanding of even the most demanding works.
Connect with College Level American Literature Tutors
Get matched with expert tutors in your subject


