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Award-Winning Graduate Program Application Essay Tutors

Zain

Certified Tutor

5+ years

Zain

Bachelor in Arts, Bioethics and Medical Ethics
Zain's other Tutor Subjects
ACT Prep
ACT English
ACT Math
ACT Reading

I love teaching! I am extremely excited to meet new students and share my knowledge to make them succeed better academically!

Education

CUNY Brooklyn College

Bachelor in Arts, Bioethics and Medical Ethics

Gail

Certified Tutor

Gail

Bachelors, Bachelor Medical Sciences
Gail's other Tutor Subjects
Algebra
Algebra 2
Biology
Chemistry

In 2011, I graduated with honors from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature. Toward the end of my college years, through a series of self-realizations, I came to realize that I would be most happy pursuing a career in Medicine and I began a post-baccalaure...

Education

Dominican University

Bachelors, Bachelor Medical Sciences

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Bachelor in Arts, English Literature

Anthony

Certified Tutor

8+ years

Anthony

Master of Arts, English
Anthony's other Tutor Subjects
ACT English
American Literature
College English
College Level American Literature

I graduated from Seton Hall University with a Master's in English after receiving my Bachelor's in English and Philosophy. During my years of graduate study, I worked as a University teaching assistant in History of the English Language and Medieval Literature classes, holding office hours and assis...

Education

Seton Hall University

Master of Arts, English

Seton Hall University

Bachelor in Arts, English

Test Scores
SAT
1430
GRE
318
Jay

Certified Tutor

6+ years

Jay

Masters, Higher Education
Jay's other Tutor Subjects
College Application Essays
College English
English
Essay Editing

Hey guys! Thanks for visiting my profile here on varsity tutors. I am 29 years old and currently work in the graduate education office at Capital University. I attended Ohio University for my Bachelor's degree, and then went on to the University of Dayton to receive my graduate degree in Higher Educ...

Education

University of Dayton

Masters, Higher Education

Ohio University

Bachelors, Business/sports administration

Hanna

Certified Tutor

Hanna

Masters, Accountancy
Hanna's other Tutor Subjects
Conversational Mandarin
Languages
Mandarin Chinese
Mandarin Chinese 1

I was born and raised in Shanghai, China and came to the United States about 9 years ago. I received my Bachelor's Degree in Business from University of San Francisco and my Master's Degree in Accountancy from Baruch College in New York City. I used to work as the program assistant for the language ...

Education

CUNY Bernard M Baruch College

Masters, Accountancy

University of San Francisco

Bachelors, Business Administration and Management

Nnang

Certified Tutor

10+ years

Nnang

Bachelor of Science, Economics
Nnang's other Tutor Subjects
ACT Prep
ACT English
ACT Math
ACT Science

After completing secondary school in South Africa, I did a PG year at a high school in Connecticut.During my year in Connecticut, I took Honors and AP Chemistry, Honors and AP Physics, and Honors Calculus; I also received the CollegeBoard AP Scholar with Honors Award.I have experience tutoring the N...

Education

Columbia University in the City of New York

Bachelor of Science, Economics

Test Scores
SAT
1440
Miral

Certified Tutor

9+ years

Miral

Bachelor of Science, Financial Mathematics
Miral's other Tutor Subjects
Algebra
Algebra 2
C++
Calculus

I am a current Senior at the University of Michigan studying Financial Mathematics. I have tutored professionally for 2 years as well as independently for 3 years. I am tutoring math as well as basic C++. My teaching philosophy is to teach you how to learn rather than give you the answer. Outside of...

Education

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Bachelor of Science, Financial Mathematics

Test Scores
ACT
34
LaToya

Certified Tutor

LaToya

Masters in Education, Curriculum and Instruction
LaToya's other Tutor Subjects
Executive Functioning
Learning Differences
Middle School
Nutrition

I am a graduate of Liberty University where I received my Master of Education Degree with a concentration in Secondary Education: Teaching and Learning. Prior to my graduate studies, I attended Virginia Commonwealth University where I received a Bachelor of Science in Health, Physical Education, & E...

Education

Liberty University

Masters in Education, Curriculum and Instruction

Virginia Commonwealth University

Bachelor of Science, Family and Community Services

Allison

Certified Tutor

14+ years

Allison

Master of Philosophy, Near and Middle Eastern Studies
Allison's other Tutor Subjects
Adult ESL/ELL
AP European History
Arabic
College Application Essays

I graduated from Williams College with a Bachelor???s Degree in Arabic Studies in June 2017 and will pursue a Master???s of Philosophy in Modern Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Oxford in October.I have seven years of experience teaching and tutoring. In high school, I tutored middle scho...

Education

University of Oxford

Master of Philosophy, Near and Middle Eastern Studies

Williams College

Bachelor in Arts, Arabic

Kelly

Certified Tutor

10+ years

Kelly

Bachelor in Arts, Economics
Kelly's other Tutor Subjects
ACCUPLACER Prep
ACCUPLACER College-Level Math
ACT Prep
ACT English

I studied abroad in Germany the summer of my sophomore year. I was raised bilingual in Spanish and English. These days I've expanded my horizons to the French and German languages. In high school, I tutored students in Algebra at risk of failing the year. While I tutor a broad range of subjects, I a...

Education

CUNY Hunter College

Bachelor in Arts, Economics

Meet Our Expert Tutors

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

Rhiannon

10th Grade Math Tutor • +40 Subjects

Hi! I am a currently employed teacher within the NYCDOE. I co-teach Algebra 1, Algebra 2/Trigonometry and Living Environment. I am a firm believer that all students can learn and that the key lies in finding the correct motivation. I am able to balance rigor with the appropriate amount of fun to ensure that steady progress is made. I look forward to working with you and your student in order to help them be successful in their academic endeavors.

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Dae'Shawn

Algebra Tutor • +31 Subjects

I have a passion for helping others, and I am experienced in tutoring all grade levels K-12. I enjoy social interactions, and this makes it easy and fun to work with students. I believe that my style changes to fit the student, but it is always generally light-hearted and enjoyable. I learn as much from you as you'll learn from me, and I look forward to working with you.

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David

Advanced Placement Prep Tutor • +48 Subjects

I am a University of Texas - Austin graduate with honors, BS in Molecular Biology. I also hold an MS in Biology from University of California - San Diego, specializing in Cell Biology.My tutoring experience is, frankly, pretty massive; I have been a tutor almost continuously since 2000. In some cases I taught the same student for several years. Most of these students were international students taught in various Asian countries, but all instruction was in English and the students were from dozens of different nations, including of course many Americans. I also have considerable classroom teaching experience; I have taught Science, Business and Math courses at several high schools and also worked at numerous private schools of different kinds.Due to my academic background my greatest strength as a tutor is in the area of IB Biology and Chemistry, AP Biology and Chemistry, and university freshman courses in the same subjects. However, I can tutor essentially any Science and Math taught in high school. I consider myself an extremely proficient Math tutor especially with grade 10, Algebra II, Trigonometry and any course below that level. IB Higher Math is a bit of a hard slog for me (as for most students!), but IB Core Math and Math Studies are no problem.For university work, I can help with General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry and almost any undergraduate course in Biology or similar subjects, including Microbiology and Botany. My core strength is in Molecular Biology and Cell Biology. In addition, I can help with humanities assignments, including History, Business, Psychology and English. I am a very capable writer and researcher; I have approximately 80 published freelance writing credits. I also worked as a business journalist in Thailand and started a commercial technical editing firm in Shanghai. I have a fairly considerable business background and took a number of MBA courses including Statistics, Management Theory, Finance, and Accounting, with very high marks. I also studied Economics at freshman level and consider it one of the most enjoyable and illuminating courses I ever took.In addition to all this I do have a great deal of test prep experience, especially SAT. Besides SAT I have taught GMAT, GRE, SSAT, SAT-II and IB exam prep in various subjects, especially Biology, Chemistry and Business.My tutoring experience has taught me that almost every student can benefit from tutoring. For gifted students the right tutor can expose them to advanced ideas and connections that they otherwise would not encounter for years, if ever. One of my most talented former students started studying university-level science material in 8th grade. He was later admitted, with my help, to summer programs at Cornell and Harvard that allowed high school students to work in university laboratories; ultimately he went to Berkeley, then medical school and is now a neurosurgeon. I am proud that I had something to do with his success. For students with serious academic difficulties, a tutor can patiently teach them the basic skills they need to surmount their immediate obstacles, while at the same time laying the groundwork for future achievements that in some cases they or their parents would have thought impossible.In our society, it is unfortunately the case that classroom instruction is often ineffective. In my view, the main reasons are a lax classroom environment that does not promote learning; low expectations; and unfortunately, a relatively low standard of professionalism expected of classroom teachers. Although I have seen both sides of this issue as a classroom teacher myself, and there are definitely some brilliant and dedicated classroom teachers out there, this last problem is a major reason why tutoring can be so helpful. During my tutorials, I have heard countless kids say "I didn't get that at all when Mr X taught it in class, but when YOU explained it it was so simple!"At the same time, tutoring is not magic. In particular, a tutor cannot do much with a student who is fundamentally unmotivated, although I have learned ways to build motivation given adequate time. In general I feel that tutoring really helps students to achieve their potential.In terms of my teaching style, I am very direct, professional and no nonsense. To the limits of my capabilities, I try to provide whatever the client wants and will do whatever works in terms of approach and lesson activities, adjusting my methods according to client needs.As for my interests, I have a lot, including writing, reading, travel (I have been all over Asia and lived in several Asian countries), cooking, photography, racquetball and football (both kinds), among others. I have also visited dozens of universities and worked a lot of different jobs, which is helpful when clients need help with university or graduate school applications, or want advice about career options.

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Julie

Biology Tutor • +4 Subjects

Hello! I'm a senior biology major at UMass Amherst. I have spent much of my time experimenting with study skills and problem solving methods, both in my own studies, students, and in group studying with peers. I'm here to work with you to figure out exactly what works for you so you can succeed, as well as clarify any and all points of confusion in a variety of subjects. I look forward to meeting you!

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Mahmoud

5th Grade Science Tutor • +44 Subjects

I'm a passionate teacher and native Arabic speaker. I teach because I love helping others reach their full potential and succeed in their studies. I have been teaching since I was in high school. I majored in Computer Science in college because I enjoy programming and creating creative content online. I have also taught English as a second language for 4 years. I taught TOEFL and IELTS preparation courses, as well as general English and conversation. I have a post graduate degree in eLearning and content development. I use these skills to build online courses and instructional design.In my free time, I enjoy riding my bike for long distance, I love outdoors and sunny days. I play video games in my free time and I love watching documentary movies about space and animals.

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Nick

Art Tutor • +16 Subjects

I graduated from American University with a BA in Theater Activism comprised of performance, government studies, and international peace and conflict resolution. During school and since graduation I've collaborated on a number of performative social justice projects as an actor, director, writer, and producer in America and abroad, and now I'm pursuing my MFA in movement-based ensemble theater with a focus on acrobatics. From this work I've cultivated a fiery curiosity that I strive to fuel within the high school- and college-aged students I coach, challenging them to develop not just aptitude but passion for their studies. I tutor various levels in Mandarin Chinese, Test Prep, Mathematics, and English, with a particular love for critical reading and writing of dramatic literature. Balancing process and structure is key for me so I make sure we start each session by setting goals for that session and then returning to them at the end, thereby ensuring the student can point to a measure of accomplishment within our time together. Aside from front handsprings, I absolutely love fantasy novels, science fiction and video games, particularly RPGs and survival horror. I'm always thinking about my next camping trip and when I'll make the time to get my motorcycle license.

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Claire

College Application Essays Tutor • +11 Subjects

I believe all students have the ability to succeed and I enjoy offering support and guidance to remove barriers to academic success. I believe when students can be excited, hopeful and creative, they can thrive. I look forward to working with you!I have an undergraduate degree in Anthropology from Connecticut College and a Masters in Social Work from the University of California at Berkeley.I've enjoyed working with students in a variety of capacities. During undergrad I worked with kindergarten students for two years in a local elementary school.During my AmeriCorps program I tutored and mentored middle school students in reading and writing and at an environmental camp.I worked with high school students at the Institute for Community Research.I taught English at the Boston School of Modern Languages to children through adults.Additionally I worked for 3 years as a Community School Coordinator in two elementary schools. One of my tasks was coordinating and organizing two tutoring programs.I enjoy writing and supporting students in their own writing, whether it is a creative writing assignment for school or a college application essay. I have published short articles, poetry and a book chapter. I also have proofreading and editing experience.Additionally I am excited to support students in reading comprehension. Reading was something I became excited about early on in life and I love to support students in increasing their comprehension and enjoyment.

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Romaira

Conversational Spanish Tutor • +5 Subjects

I am a bilingual teacher looking to share my passion for teaching others a new language. I believe that to be bilingual is a benefit to increase your knowledge of other cultures, to travel and get better opportunities in your jobs.

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Ikechukwu

Algebra Tutor • +13 Subjects

As a tutor with over 2 years of experience and a current student myself, I am very familiar with the struggles of other students as well as methods to help them overcome those struggles and better their understanding of the topic of choice. I completed my Bachelor of Physics degree at the University of North Georgia, and I am currently a Mechanical Engineering student at the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech). Over the last couple of years, I have tutored students from middle school through undergraduate levels both privately and through university institutions in various mathematics, physics, and computer science (Coding languages and the like) topics. My teaching style focuses on "learning how to think", or metacognition as I believe it is highly important when it comes to education. Anyone can prosper in any educational environment/topic if they know how to approach the said topic. In my spare time, I enjoy going to the gym, playing soccer, hanging out with friends, and reading.

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Saad

Algebra Tutor • +32 Subjects

I believe that true knowledge is attained only by striving and struggling with guidance from those who have done it before. There is no subject matter or concept that cannot be attained by a person who is willing to put in the time and effort to gain the higher level of understanding. My goal is to guide students in their path of learning in subject areas that I have traversed in the past.I am, and always will be a student. I am currently learning Arabic and also using online courses to teach myself core topics in computer science. To teach the student, I really try to put myself in his or her place. From there, I can map out the strategy to reach a level of understanding for a given topic.I am really passionate about Mathematics and really see tutoring as a way to keep those core concepts I learned in school alive in my mind. I look forward to bringing the passion and excitement for the subject area to my students.

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Frequently Asked Questions

A compelling graduate application essay typically opens with a genuine, specific hook that reveals something meaningful about you—not a generic statement. From there, the essay should follow a clear narrative arc: introduce your background and what draws you to the program, develop your argument with specific examples and experiences, and conclude by connecting your goals to what the program offers. The best essays avoid the five-paragraph formula and instead prioritize authenticity and depth. A tutor can help you determine the right structure for your story, ensuring each paragraph builds toward a coherent thesis about why you're the right fit for the program.

Your voice emerges when you write as you actually speak—with personality, conviction, and specificity. Many applicants fall into the trap of adopting an overly formal or artificial tone they think admissions committees want to hear. Instead, committees respond to essays that reveal who you genuinely are. This means using concrete details from your life, showing your thinking process, and letting your values come through naturally. Working with a tutor can help you identify where your writing feels forced versus authentic, and guide you toward revisions that maintain professionalism while showcasing your unique perspective and personality.

Common pitfalls include trying to address everything (spreading yourself too thin instead of going deep on one meaningful story), using clichés or generic statements about your goals, failing to research the specific program and explain why it's the right fit, and over-editing until the writing sounds stiff and corporate. Many students also make the mistake of listing accomplishments rather than exploring what shaped their thinking—admissions committees want insight, not a resume summary. Another frequent issue is neglecting to revise based on feedback. A tutor can help you avoid these traps by identifying weak areas, pushing you to dig deeper into your motivations, and ensuring your essay demonstrates self-awareness and genuine interest in your target program.

Personalized tutoring provides you with targeted, actionable feedback that goes beyond surface-level editing. A tutor reads your essay with fresh eyes, identifying where your argument loses momentum, where you need more specificity, and where your authentic voice shines through. They help you understand the 'why' behind revisions—not just correcting grammar, but showing you how sentence structure, word choice, and organization affect how readers perceive your ideas. Over multiple sessions, you develop a stronger grasp of what makes writing compelling, so you can apply these lessons to future writing. This iterative feedback loop, tailored to your specific essay and goals, typically produces much stronger results than generic writing guides or one-time editing services.

Genuine program fit comes across through specific, well-researched details that show you've done more than skim the website. This means naming particular professors whose research aligns with your interests, referencing specific courses or labs, understanding the program's philosophy or strengths, and explaining how your goals connect to what makes that program unique. The key is moving beyond "your program is highly ranked" to "I want to study under Professor X because their work on Y directly relates to my question about Z." A tutor can help you research effectively, develop compelling connections between your goals and the program's offerings, and craft language that feels specific and sincere rather than flattering. They'll also help you avoid the trap of writing an essay so program-specific that it can't be adapted if you apply to multiple schools.

Writer's block often stems from pressure to write the "perfect" opening or from being unsure what story to tell. The solution is to separate drafting from editing: give yourself permission to write messily at first, exploring different angles without judging yourself. Try freewriting about your experiences, motivations, and what draws you to your field—don't worry about structure or polish yet. Many writers find it helpful to start with the middle of the essay (the story or experience that matters most) rather than forcing an introduction. Once you have raw material, you can shape it intentionally. A tutor can help you brainstorm potential angles, guide you through the freewriting process, and provide encouragement and accountability as you move from stuck to productive. They can also help you identify which story or experience will resonate most with admissions committees.

With personalized tutoring, most students see significant improvements in clarity, depth, and authenticity—often recognizing these gains after just 2-3 sessions. Your essay will likely become more specific and less generic, with stronger argumentation and a clearer sense of your voice and purpose. You'll develop stronger skills in revision and self-editing that apply beyond this essay to other writing. Perhaps most importantly, you'll gain confidence that your essay authentically represents who you are and what you bring to the program. While tutoring can't guarantee admission, it ensures your essay makes the strongest possible case for you—helping you avoid common pitfalls and positioning your story compellingly. Many students report that working with a tutor clarified their own thinking about why they're pursuing graduate study, which itself becomes a powerful element of their essay.

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