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Award-Winning MCAT Verbal Reasoning Tutors

Samantha

Certified Tutor

10+ years

Samantha

Current Grad Student, MD
Samantha's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
College Algebra
Algebra 3/4
Geometry

I'm a first-year medical student and recent graduate from Duke University, where I studied Global Health Determinants, Behaviors, and Interventions. From running a piano program at a nonprofit children's theatre to private tutoring in math, science, and standardized test prep, I enjoy helping my stu...

Education

Duke University

Bachelors in Global Health Determinants, Behaviors, and Interventions

Harvard Medical School

Current Grad Student, MD

Test Scores
Perfect Score
SAT
1600
ACT
36
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
David

Certified Tutor

6+ years

David

Current Grad Student, Bioethics and Medical Ethics
David's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
AP Chemistry
Biochemistry

I am a graduate of Yale University, where I received my Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience. While I tutor a broad range of STEM subjects, I am most passionate about helping students achieve their best possible score on tests like the ACT and MCAT.

Education

Yale University

Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience

Harvard University

Current Grad Student, Bioethics and Medical Ethics

Test Scores
ACT
33
Laura

Certified Tutor

Laura

Bachelors, Economics
Laura's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
College Algebra
Statistics
Middle School Math

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

Education

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Bachelors, Economics

Test Scores
SAT
1510
Shayan

Certified Tutor

Shayan

Current Grad Student, Pre-Health
Shayan's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
Nutrition
Biochemistry

I'm a pre-health student at the University of Pennsylvania, and have an extensive background in the sciences. I can also rock the SATs and MCAT, so I've got that going for me. I love learning with students and trying to make the tedious work of learning as fun as possible. I think and teach in examp...

Education

University at Buffalo

Bachelors, Biology, General

University of Pennsylvania

Current Grad Student, Pre-Health

Test Scores
SAT
1440
Timothy

Certified Tutor

Timothy

Current Grad Student, M.D.
Timothy's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
College Algebra
Geometry
Calculus

I am one of many Varsity Tutors. I attended Jesuit High School in Carmichael, CA where I graduated with a 4.3 GPA taking multiple AP and honors courses (AP Bio, Chem, Physics B, Gov, Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, English Lit, and English Lang). I also participated in several tutoring organizations...

Education

Drexel University College of Medicine

Current Grad Student, M.D.

University of California Los Angeles

Bachelors, Political Science and Government

Mosab

Certified Tutor

Mosab

Current Grad Student, Health Sciences
Mosab's other Tutor Subjects
College Algebra
Algebra 3/4
Trigonometry
Calculus

I am currently applying to medical school and enjoy powerlifting, grand strategy games, historical fiction, and chocolate.

Education

Tufts University

Bachelors, International Relations and Arabic

Harvard University

Current Grad Student, Health Sciences

Test Scores
SAT
1540
Vinay

Certified Tutor

Vinay

Master in Public Health Administration, MPA in Developmental Practice
Vinay's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
College Algebra
Arithmetic
Middle School Math

I am a 2nd year medical student at Northeast Ohio Medical University and have tutored K-12 and college students over the past 10 years in various subjects ranging from math and science to SAT prep and language arts. My educational background includes an MPA in Development Practice from Columbia Univ...

Education

Columbia University in the City of New York

Master in Public Health Administration, MPA in Developmental Practice

University of California Los Angeles

B.S. in Molecular, Cell, & Developmental Biology

Test Scores
SAT
1570
ACT
35
Samantha

Certified Tutor

6+ years

Samantha

Bachelor in Arts, Neuroscience
Samantha's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
Neuroscience
Biology

I am a senior neuroscience major at the University of Pennsylvania, an Ivy League institution. I have over three years of experience as a researcher in diverse fields, including breast cancer, pediatrics, and autism genetics. I have three years of experience tutoring undergraduate students at Penn a...

Education

University of Pennsylvania

Bachelor in Arts, Neuroscience

Brian

Certified Tutor

10+ years

Brian

Current Grad Student, Medical Doctor
Brian's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
SAT Mathematics
ACT Math

I am currently in my fourth year of school, and will be applying tointernal medicine residency programs in the fall. I find the most effective learning strategy is to understand the underlying concepts behind a subject, which facilitates the application of this knowledge to a wide range of novel pro...

Education

University of Chicago

Bachelors, Biology, General

University of Chicago

Current Grad Student, Medical Doctor

Test Scores
SAT
1390
ACT
33

Meet Our Expert Tutors

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Matthew

AP Calculus BC Tutor • +67 Subjects

I am currently conducting breast cancer research as the lab manager in an immunology lab at Columbia University Medical Center. I am extremely comfortable with physics and mathematics (from my studies) as well as biology, chemistry, and biochemistry (through my research experience) and sincerely enjoy tutoring students in those areas. I also enjoy tutoring for standardized tests. While I was studying for the SAT, ACT, and MCAT, all of my preparation was through self-study; as a result, I have a unique approach to preparing for tests that emphasizes knowing the test itself more than the actual material. In addition to tutoring natural sciences and standardized test prep, I tutor Spanish, which I studied for 7 years and spoke for a year while living in Spain. In my spare time, I play guitar, cook for my friends, read, and play with my cat Suki.

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Siva

AP Calculus AB Tutor • +33 Subjects

I am planning on entering medical school at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in the fall. Throughout high school and college, I have fallen in love with tutoring and seeing so many new faces in the process. I especially love to tutor in math, chemistry, MCAT, and chemical engineering topics, and have experience tutoring students of all ages - from elementary school to fellow college students. When I am not tutoring or in school, I am an avid lifter and love to bake with friends!

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Rebecca

Calculus Tutor • +35 Subjects

I am experienced in a broad range of subjects. I am enthusiastic about helping students to learn course material ranging from Biology and Chemistry to English and Writing.

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Rohan

Calculus Tutor • +33 Subjects

Hobbies: sports, books, writing, reading, cooking, music, art

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Michael

Calculus Tutor • +40 Subjects

I am an incoming medical student at Albert Einstein College of Medicine who graduated with honors from Johns Hopkins University. My degree is in Public Health with a Biology concentration, but I also studied two full semesters of General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Physics. During my time at Hopkins, I developed a passion for the sciences and, in turn, grew to enjoy teaching others about their principles. As someone who had to balance a rigorous academic workload with being captain of the varsity football team and a fraternity member, I understand the academic obstacles students face. It is my hope that I can use my background and experiences to help students reach their full potential! I am prepared to tutor for the MCAT, AP Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Epidemiology. Please feel free to contact me with any questions. Hobbies: reading, music, writing, art, books

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Pallavi

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +107 Subjects

I am a graduate of The University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. I received a Bachelor of Arts in Biology (Neurobiology concentration), a Bachelor of Science in Economics (Healthcare Management and Policy concentration), and a Master's in Biology. Throughout my undergraduate, I have loved tutoring college and high school students in Math, English, Physics, and Biology. I have also volunteered as an ESL instructor. As a medical school applicant, I have taken numerous standardized tests, and I love helping students figure out strategies that work best for their learning! In my spare time, I enjoy teaching kickboxing, dancing, and baking.

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Jaya

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +53 Subjects

I am currently a senior at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, and I am double majoring in Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development and French. I am pre-med, so I do hope to go to medical school next year and am currently in the process of applying. I graduated from Hinsdale Central High School in 2012, and there I was a member of the National Honors Society which was my first experience with tutoring. I am currently a volunteer at the University of Minnesota Masonic Children's Hospital, and I help patients and siblings with homework and reading there, as well. Hobbies: swimming, writing, art, books, music, baking, reading, cooking

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Adeyeni

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +47 Subjects

I am currently working part time while finishing my final year of medical school. Right after graduating, I participated in City Year, an AMERICORPS education focused non-profit that partners with schools needing the most assistance. I led the 9th Grade academy where my job was to design tailored math and science curricula for 6-8 high risk academic students in 5 different classes. I provided attendance and behavior sessions for another group of students and I served as the Math Coordinator for my team. Since then, I have been working with Varsity tutors and offering academic assistance to other students in my school. Although medical school and tutoring occupy most of my time, I enjoy watching and playing basketball and soccer (futbol). I am a big fan of hip hop and the arts, as well.

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Jasmine

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +36 Subjects

I am a current graduate student at Boston University getting my Masters of Science in Medical Sciences and will be applying to medical school this year. I also received a Bachelors in Biology from Boston College. I am passionate about inclusion for students with developmental delays and have done clinical research in this field. I have had experience teaching students as young as 5th grade to students in high school and college. Although I have degrees in the sciences and have recent exposure to human biology courses, I am also knowledgeable in other subjects such as English grammar and Reading Comprehension.

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Brittany

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +33 Subjects

I am a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, where I completed my Bachelor of the Arts in Psychology and excelled in extensive pre-health coursework. My tutoring experience began in high school when I tutored my peers in Calculus as a member of Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society. Later as an undergraduate, I was employed as a tutor for the Tutoring Center where I tutored undergraduate and graduate students in General Chemistry I, General Chemistry II and Introductory Physics. Additionally, I was an active volunteer of the West Philly Tutoring Project and travelled to a nearby middle school to tutor adolescents struggling with Geometry and Statistics.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Score improvement depends on your starting point and commitment level, but most students see meaningful gains with focused preparation. If you're scoring in the 120-125 range, reaching 128-130 is realistic with consistent practice and targeted strategy work. Students who start lower (115-120) often see larger percentage improvements. The key is identifying your specific weak areas—whether that's passage comprehension speed, question type patterns, or inference skills—and addressing them systematically through practice tests and personalized feedback.

The standard MCAT Verbal Reasoning section gives you 40 minutes for 6 passages and about 40 questions, which means roughly 6-7 minutes per passage. However, the right strategy depends on your reading speed and comprehension style. Some students do better reading the passage first then tackling questions, while others preview questions to read strategically. A tutor can help you identify your optimal approach through practice, then build speed through targeted drills. Many students benefit from spending extra time on the first few passages to build confidence, then adjusting pace based on difficulty.

MCAT Verbal Reasoning questions fall into several categories: main idea/primary purpose, inference, specific detail, tone/author perspective, and logic/argument structure. Each type requires different reading and reasoning skills. Detail questions reward careful passage annotation; inference questions test your ability to draw logical conclusions beyond what's explicitly stated; argument structure questions require understanding how ideas connect. A tutor can teach you to recognize question types quickly, develop targeted strategies for each, and practice with actual MCAT questions to build pattern recognition and confidence across all formats.

Reading speed and comprehension often feel like they're in conflict, but they're actually interconnected. Many students slow down unnecessarily, re-reading passages multiple times. Instead, active reading strategies—annotating key points, identifying passage structure, and understanding the author's main argument—help you read efficiently the first time. Building this skill requires consistent practice with timed passages and feedback on what you're missing. A tutor can show you efficient annotation methods, help you distinguish main ideas from supporting details, and gradually increase your pace through structured drills that measure both speed and accuracy.

The best way to identify weaknesses is through full-length practice tests analyzed question-by-question. Track not just which questions you miss, but why—did you misread the passage, misunderstand the question, struggle with inference, or run out of time? You might notice patterns like consistently missing questions about author tone, struggling with scientific passages, or making careless errors when rushed. A tutor can help you review practice tests systematically, categorize your errors by type, and create a targeted improvement plan. This data-driven approach means you spend study time on what actually holds you back, not on generic test prep.

Yes—most students find scientific and philosophical passages more challenging than humanities passages, since the content is denser and more abstract. However, difficulty varies by individual background. Someone with a science background might excel at scientific passages but struggle with literary analysis, while the reverse is true for humanities students. The solution isn't to avoid difficult passages, but to practice them specifically. Work with passages outside your comfort zone, learn how to decode unfamiliar terminology in context, and develop strategies for complex argument structures. Over time, this builds the flexible reading skills needed for any passage type on test day.

Most students need 4-8 weeks of focused Verbal Reasoning preparation as part of their overall MCAT study (which typically runs 8-12 weeks total). An effective schedule includes daily practice—ideally 5-6 days a week—with a mix of timed passages, full section practice, and full-length tests. A typical week might include 2-3 days of targeted drills on weak question types, 2-3 days of full section practice, and 1-2 full-length practice tests. The key is consistency and quality feedback. Working with a tutor helps you structure your schedule efficiently, ensure you're practicing strategically rather than just logging hours, and adjust your timeline based on progress toward your score goal.

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