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Award-Winning Grad School Personal Statement Tutors

Kaitlin

Certified Tutor

Kaitlin

Bachelor of Science, Neuroscience
Kaitlin's other Tutor Subjects
ACT Prep
ACT Math
ACT Science
Algebra

Hello! My name is Kaitlin, and I am a recent graduate from Yale University. As a STEM major on the premed path, I specialize in STEM subjects, but also excelled in high school english and reading courses. I am an FGLI student from a small town in PA and have made it this far through A LOT of studyin...

Education

Yale University

Bachelor of Science, Neuroscience

Test Scores
SAT
1420
ACT
32
Ronald

Certified Tutor

5+ years

Ronald

Bachelor of Science, Biochemistry
Ronald's other Tutor Subjects
Biochemistry
Biology
Chemistry
College Biology

I am currently a graduate student working toward a Masters degree in Biochemistry. I received my Bachelor of Science degree from Stony Brook University with Magna Cum Laude distinction in Biochemistry. I enjoy helping other students understand the concepts necessary to succeed in some of the most di...

Education

Stony Brook University

Bachelor of Science, Biochemistry

Ishaan

Certified Tutor

10+ years

Ishaan

Current Undergrad Student, Computer Science
Ishaan's other Tutor Subjects
Algebra
Algebra 2
CSS
HTML

I am an undergraduate student at the University of Pittsburgh majoring in Computer Science. I have experience in tutoring friends with work in their classes and am strong in math. I will try to get the student to understand topics by showing them multiple ways to get to the solution!

Education

University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus

Current Undergrad Student, Computer Science

Ethan

Certified Tutor

4+ years

Ethan

Bachelor of Science, Neuroscience
Ethan's other Tutor Subjects
ACT Prep
ACT English
ACT Math
ACT Reading

I am an undergraduate student at Washington University in St. Louis majoring in Neurobiology (B.S.) and minoring in Jazz Studies and Biomedical Physics. While I tutor many areas within math, science, and standardized test preparation, I am most passionate about biology and algebra because of my inte...

Education

Washington University in St Louis

Bachelor of Science, Neuroscience

Test Scores
SAT
1510
ACT
35
Matthew

Certified Tutor

8+ years

Matthew

Master of Science, Mechanical Engineering
Matthew's other Tutor Subjects
Algebra
Algebra 2
Anatomy & Physiology
Biology

I recently left my post as a graduate student and researcher at Stanford University to pursue a career in medicine. My educational journey has been a long one, but I've always loved learning and that love has kept me in school (whether for better or worse :P) for more years than I can count. Though ...

Education

Stanford University

Master of Science, Mechanical Engineering

The University of Texas at Austin

Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering

Test Scores
SAT
1580
Ian

Certified Tutor

7+ years

Ian

Bachelor's
Ian's other Tutor Subjects
1st-7th Grade Math
1st-5th Grade Reading
College English
Conversational Spanish

I am a graduate of University of Phoenix with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. I am also an alum of University of Northern Colorado. As I was finishing my degree, I was working full-time in the financial industries. Upon completion of my degree I decided to pursue my passion of teac...

Education

University

Bachelor's

Nick

Certified Tutor

Nick

Associate in Nursing, German
Nick's other Tutor Subjects
German
German 1
German 2
German 3

Egal wie schlecht es dir geht, es gibt immer jemanden dem es schlechter geht.Having arrived in the United States 4 months ago, I would love to tutor German to students in need. I was born in Germany and lived there for 11 years of my life. The rest of my life I have lived in the UK, where my English...

Education

Theodor Heuss Realschule Heidelberg

Associate in Nursing, German

Jocelyn

Certified Tutor

5+ years

Jocelyn

Bachelor in Arts, Economics
Jocelyn's other Tutor Subjects
ACT Math
Algebra
Algebra 2
AP Calculus AB

My motivations for becoming a tutor stem from the relationships I built with educators during my time as a student. It is because of the support I received from my teachers, professors, and tutors that I have such a strong passion for academia. I aspire to provide those whom I tutor with a similar s...

Education

Clark University

Bachelor in Arts, Economics

Ankit

Certified Tutor

6+ years

Ankit

Juris Doctor, Law
Ankit's other Tutor Subjects
ACT Prep
ACT English
ACT Math
ACT Reading

Ankit graduated from Georgetown University School of Foreign Service with a degree in International Political Economy and is currently in his first year at Washington University School of Law. In high school, he was a state champion in debate and got 5's on 8 of his AP exams. Ankit has worked for tw...

Education

Washington University

Juris Doctor, Law

Test Scores
SAT
1530
LSAT
168
Ellie

Certified Tutor

7+ years

Ellie

Bachelor in Arts, Computer Science
Ellie's other Tutor Subjects
Algebra
AP Computer Science A
AP Computer Science Principles
Basic Computer Literacy

I am a software engineer at a small technology company and volunteer teaching AP Computer Science at a local high school. I am passionate about tutoring in computer science and math to help people understand the beauty in the two fields. When tutoring, I find that it is important to engage the stude...

Education

Case Western Reserve University

Bachelor in Arts, Computer Science

Meet Our Expert Tutors

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Lindsay

Adult ESL/ELL Tutor • +13 Subjects

I have been a Teacher for thirteen years in three countries and believe in a student-centered approach. Students should be involved in planning and furthering their own learning to help them stay motivated and to feel empowered to keep learning. I also focus on study skills and work habits to help students learn independently and will even help them to find the language to advocate for themselves and their own learning in school.I graduated from college with high honors and have near-perfect exam scores on the PRAXIS exam despite having dyslexia. Dyslexia is an umbrella term for many types of symbol-ordering differences within the brain and I am happy to help others navigate taking control of their reading and test taking skills.

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John

Math Tutor • +29 Subjects

I am looking to invest time and energy helping students to master subjects. I want to utilize my degree in education to benefit others.

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Michael

ACT Math Tutor • +31 Subjects

I enjoy working with people in an intellectually stimulating setting. I have gained the most satisfaction from tutoring not by pushing people beyond their perceived limits. I can simultaneously make people see the justification behind my passion for the sciences and encourage them to open their minds to it. My students actively sought out my help, and I wanted to live up to my role as an authority in my field.I like to set an agenda for each student in our sessions in order to create a structure in which they could relax and organize their thoughts. I spent the first two to three minutes listening to them talk about their day and their interests and hobbies to connect with them as a person and find out what learning style might fit them best. For example, I notice that visual learners would pay attention to my hand movements and verbal learners sometimes write down everything that I say. I then review laws and concepts that are fundamental to understanding chemistry and frequently relate them to popular topics such as sports, weather, and family.I plan let the students dictate the pace for the last half hour of each session. I ask a few questions to confirm that they understand what we are going over, but for the most part, my hope is for them to propose and answer their own questions. I know that every student has the scientific skills to recognize a pattern, relate the concept to something they know, and use logic, and a successful session entails that the student feels the same way.

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Scott

Algebra Tutor • +17 Subjects

I love to learn new things and am avid reader of the sciences. I believe that with the right teacher and the right work ethic a student can learn anything they want to learn.

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Kathleen

College English Tutor • +9 Subjects

I performed my undergraduate studies at Georgian Court University and earned a BA in psychology with a minor in chemistry. I later went on to attend the New Pathways to Teaching Program through New Jersey City University and completed stage one. I earned my teaching certificate in Elementary Education K-8 as well as Middle School Science. The second stage will be completed upon my securing a full time teaching position. I have experience substitute teaching all grade levels from pre K through grade 12. I mainly enjoy teaching science and reading but am comfortable teaching math as well. I have always loved science and when I was a child I always wanted to be an astronaut! I believe all students can learn and should be given the best possible opportunity to learn in the manner which is best suited to them. I can develop a plan to accommodate a wide variety of students and tailor it to their individual needs.

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Geri

Adult Literacy Tutor • +9 Subjects

Education development professional with over 10 years of international and domestic experience in early grade literacy, numeracy, inclusion, teacher training, explicit phonics instruction, curriculum design and production, social and emotional learning, and primary and secondary school program design and implementation. Specializing in literacy intervention for early grade and out of school youth and adapting best practices in structured pedagogy, formative assessment and school-based teacher coaching models for under-resourced and hard to reach institutions and population segments. Proven track record of collaboration with district and national level counterparts, NGOs and USG agencies to revise, adapt and align curriculums, design and implement experiential trainings and conduct research that tracks student growth and efficacy of interventions. Provided long-term technical assistance in Liberia and Nicaragua, informed by extensive experience as a classroom teacher with demonstrated success in closing learning gaps for primary students.

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Stacy

Architecture Tutor • +62 Subjects

Creative and detail-oriented Freelance Senior Graphic & Website Designer with 25+ years of experience delivering high-quality digital and print designs across 12 industries which include advertising / design agencies, banking / financial, education, entertainment, printers, small and large corporations. Expert in graphic design, website design and development, pre-press production, and marketing strategy. Proven record of boosting ROI, increasing sales, producing designs that engage audiences, exceeding client expectations, delivering projects on-time (or early) and within budget. Hybrid-knowledge and skilled in both design and production for print and digital projects, saving companies time and resources.Previous clients include: Belkin, Disney, Fifth Third Bancorp, Mercedes, Natrol, NBCUniverisal, Porsche and UCLA

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Theresa

Elementary School Tutor • +9 Subjects

I graduated from Clark Atlanta University with a B.A. in Marketing and Management. After a career in Human Resources my focus shifted to education where I found my passion. While as an after-school teacher I've developed and delivered STEAM, SEL (social, emotional, learning), Project-based learning, cultural, and literacy programs to Pre-K-8 grade students. I later received my TEFL certification and have been able to make an impact on adult learners and youth from around the world. I am currently a high dosage tutor with a school district helping students bridge the gap in reading and comprehension. I like creating a fun and engaging learning environment for my students. Through this act it could encourage them to become lifelong learners. When I'm not teaching, I enjoy traveling, watching movies and being creative.

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Brenda

Biology Tutor • +5 Subjects

I hold a B.S. in Biology from Creighton University (Omaha, NE) and a Ph.D. in Genetics from Indiana University Bloomington. I recently retired from a 25 year career in teaching college biology where I taught human biology for non-majors, introductory biology for majors, cell biology, genetics and biotechnology. I have experience in principles of active learning in which students construct their own knowledge through a variety of activities including concept maps, problem sets, and drawings. I love it when I see a student go from a look of uncertainty to clear understanding! I am looking forward to the opportunity to help high school or college students learn and apply concepts in biology and genetics!

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Carroll

Medicine Tutor • +4 Subjects

Hello. My name is Carroll and I have been an RN for 12 years. I obtained my degree from an accelerated program so I understand how to prepare and pass the NCLEX the first time with the minimum number of questions (at that time was 75). I'm sure I can do the same for the new NCN version because our CE in the hospital setting is designed just like it with case studies and choose all that apply. Other degrees I hold are a Bachelors in Athletic Training and a Masters in Health and Human Performance. I am also a certified biology teacher and past college professor for 5 years. Critical thinking under pressure is key along with basic understanding of math and pathophysiology! Teaching is one of my gifts so let's get together and work to reach your career goals!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Many applicants struggle with telling rather than showing, using generic language that could apply to any program or applicant. Common mistakes include:

  • Focusing too heavily on past achievements without connecting them to future goals
  • Writing an autobiography instead of a focused narrative about why this specific program matters
  • Using clichés like "I've always been passionate about..." without supporting details
  • Neglecting to address what makes their candidacy unique for the program
  • Underestimating the importance of authentic voice and personality

Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who help identify and eliminate these patterns, ensuring your statement stands out with specific examples and compelling reasoning.

While writing centers offer general feedback, personalized 1-on-1 instruction focuses specifically on your narrative, goals, and what admissions committees want to see. A tutor works with you over multiple sessions to:

  • Develop a cohesive story that reflects your individual motivations and background
  • Identify the most compelling examples from your experience and how to frame them
  • Refine your voice and ensure authentic personality shines through
  • Align your statement with specific program requirements and values
  • Revise iteratively until your statement is genuinely ready for submission

This ongoing, customized approach helps you craft a statement that authentically represents who you are and why you're the right fit.

The best tutors for grad school personal statements have relevant experience with the application process and understand what different programs prioritize. Look for tutors who:

  • Have experience in your field or understand the values and goals of your target programs
  • Can identify strong narratives and help you articulate your unique perspective
  • Provide constructive, specific feedback rather than surface-level editing
  • Ask questions that help you dig deeper into your motivations and experiences
  • Understand the balance between professionalism and authentic voice

Varsity Tutors connects you with experienced tutors who specialize in helping applicants craft compelling, authentic personal statements that resonate with admissions committees.

The number of sessions depends on where you're starting and how polished your statement is. Most students benefit from 4-8 sessions spread across their application timeline, which allows time for drafting, feedback, revision, and refinement. Early sessions focus on brainstorming, identifying your core narrative, and outlining, while later sessions refine structure, voice, and ensure every sentence serves your story.

Some applicants need fewer sessions if they already have a solid draft, while others working from scratch benefit from more. A tutor can assess your current work and recommend a personalized plan based on your specific needs and timeline.

A strong grad school personal statement should meet these benchmarks:

  • It clearly articulates why you want to pursue grad school and why this specific program matters to you
  • It includes specific, compelling examples that demonstrate your motivations and capabilities
  • Your authentic voice and personality come through without compromising professionalism
  • Every sentence serves a purpose—nothing feels generic or filler
  • It addresses how you'll contribute to and benefit from the program
  • Multiple readers (including a tutor) have reviewed it and found no clarity issues

Working with a tutor helps you recognize when your statement has achieved these elements and is truly ready for submission.

Yes. Different graduate programs value different elements in personal statements—MBA programs often prioritize career goals and leadership potential, while law schools focus on intellectual curiosity and commitment to justice. Philosophy PhD programs emphasize research interests and scholarly thinking.

Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors experienced in your specific program type, who understand what admissions committees are looking for and can help you tailor your statement accordingly. They'll help ensure your narrative aligns with the program's values and priorities while maintaining your authentic voice.

Many strong applicants feel stuck because they haven't yet identified what makes their story compelling. A tutor helps by asking targeted questions about your experiences, motivations, challenges you've overcome, and how they connect to your grad school goals. Often, the most powerful narratives come from unexpected places—a seemingly small experience, a challenge you navigated, or a question that shaped your thinking.

Through personalized 1-on-1 work, tutors help you excavate these stories, understand their significance, and weave them into a narrative that feels authentic and meaningful. This collaborative process often leads applicants to articulate motivations they didn't fully recognize on their own.

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