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Award-Winning ACT Tutors

Alexandra

Certified Tutor

Alexandra

AB
Alexandra's other Tutor Subjects
Elementary School Science
ACT
Elementary School Writing

Hi! My name is Alexandra, and I am a Princeton University Neuroscience major with 5+ years of tutoring experience. I specialize in SAT/ACT/PSAT prep and have successfully taught topics ranging from computer science and basic sciences to elementary reading and writing and college essay writing. In hi...

Education

Princeton University

AB

Test Scores
Perfect Score
ACT
36
Chaya

Certified Tutor

Chaya

Bachelor
Chaya's other Tutor Subjects
SAT
ACT
Math Substitute

Scoring well on the ACT requires a different mindset for each of its four sections, and Chaya builds a tailored game plan around whichever ones need the most attention. Her deepest expertise is in English and Reading — where she teaches students to recognize recurring grammar patterns and efficientl...

Education

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Bachelor

Test Scores
Perfect Score
ACT
36

Certified Tutor

Mihir

Bachelor's (in progress)
Mihir's other Tutor Subjects
Geometry
Calculus 1
SAT

I'm a Chemical Engineering major at the University of Texas at Austin with a strong passion for teaching. I enjoy helping students in biology, algebra, and chemistry, focusing on building meaningful relationships that make learning engaging and approachable. Teaching not only strengthens my own unde...

Education

The University of Texas at Austin

Bachelor's (in progress)

Test Scores
SAT
1530
ACT
35

Certified Tutor

Anya

Bachelor's
Anya's other Tutor Subjects
Elementary School Math
SAT

Five years of teaching math across every level — from arithmetic through college algebra — means Anya knows exactly which quantitative skills the ACT tests hardest and where students tend to lose points. She also covers the English, Reading, and Science sections, breaking each one into repeatable st...

Education

Davidson College

Bachelor's

Test Scores
SAT
1520
ACT
35

Certified Tutor

Kyle

Bachelor's (in progress)
Kyle's other Tutor Subjects
SAT
ACT
Algebra 2

As a passionate tutor with over 2 years of experience, I am dedicated to helping students excel in mathematics, particularly in subjects like Algebra, Calculus, and Geometry. Currently pursuing a Bachelor's in Data Science at Utah State University, I leverage my academic background to provide real-w...

Education

Utah State University

Bachelor's (in progress)

Weber State University

Associate's

Test Scores
ACT
35

Certified Tutor

7+ years

Eric

CHE
Eric's other Tutor Subjects
GRE

Going from a chemical engineering degree at Michigan to an MBA at NYU Stern means Eric has lived through both the ACT and the GRE — and understands standardized testing from the student's side at every level. He zeroes in on the timing traps that separate a 30 from a 34 (his own composite), particul...

Education

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

CHE

Test Scores
ACT
34

Certified Tutor

8+ years

Anna

Bachelor in Arts, Anthropology
Anna's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
Middle School Science
PSAT Writing Skills

Northwestern's Honors Program in Medical Education compressed Anna's premed and MD training into a single accelerated track — meaning she learned early how to master large volumes of material under tight time constraints, which is essentially what the ACT demands across all four sections. She scored...

Education

Northwestern University

Bachelor in Arts, Anthropology

Northwestern University

Graduated (Honors Program in Medical Education)

Test Scores
Perfect Score
SAT
1590
ACT
36

Certified Tutor

6+ years

Ilesh

Bachelor of Science, Industrial Engineering
Ilesh's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Statistics
Calculus
Algebra

Georgia Tech's Industrial and Systems Engineering program sits at the crossroads of math, data analysis, and logical reasoning — which means Ilesh trained daily in exactly the quantitative and analytical thinking the ACT tests across Math, Science, and even the evidence-based Reading questions. He e...

Education

Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus

Bachelor of Science, Industrial Engineering

Test Scores
Perfect Score
ACT
36

Certified Tutor

Gordon

Bachelor
Gordon's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Calculus
Middle School Math
AP Pre-Calculus
Cell Biology

The ACT Science section trips up strong science students because it's really a data-interpretation test disguised as biology and chemistry. Gordon — an ASU biological sciences graduate who has tutored ACT prep extensively — teaches students to read graphs, compare experimental setups, and extract an...

Education

Arizona State University

Bachelor

Test Scores
SAT
1450
ACT
34

Certified Tutor

10+ years

Chelain

PHD, PhD: Molecular Pharmacology and Structural Biology; MD: Medicine. Currently a Resident in Radiation Oncology at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. C
Chelain's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
College Essays
Literature

Scoring a 33 on the ACT while juggling a dual PhD/MD track gave Chelain a firsthand appreciation for efficient test strategy — knowing when to skip, when to guess, and how to manage the clock across all four sections. As a radiation oncology resident at Northwestern, she brings the same analytical p...

Education

Thomas Jefferson University

PHD, PhD: Molecular Pharmacology and Structural Biology; MD: Medicine. Currently a Resident in Radiation Oncology at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. C

Swarthmore College

Bachelors, Biology, Psychology

Test Scores
SAT
1550
ACT
33

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Meet Varsity Tutors Experts

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Emily

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +38 Subjects

I am a Yale graduate with over 8 years experience tutoring students from a variety of backgrounds. I recently graduated from the Yale School of Public Health with a MPH concentrating in Epidemiology and Global Health. I also received my B.S. from Yale with a double major in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology and French. I have experience both leading group classes and working with students one on one. I will respond to a student's strengths, weaknesses, and learning style in order to help them succeed and make the most of our time together. I earned a perfect score of 36 on the ACT, 2280 on the SAT, and qualified as a National Merit Scholar on the PSAT. I look forward to working with you! Hobbies: writing, art, books, music, dancing, baking, reading

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John

AP Calculus AB Tutor • +89 Subjects

I'm a huge Red Sox fan and love watching detective shows when I have free time. Hobbies: movies, books, photography, writing, reading, music, art

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Benjamin

AP Calculus AB Tutor • +36 Subjects

I'm a rising junior at Columbia University studying English literature and computer science. I'm excited to begin my first summer working with Varsity Tutors! My strongest tutoring areas include ACT test prep, algebra and calculus I, computer science (Java and C) and building reading and writing skills (including essay assignments). I have experience tutoring and mentoring middle school and high school students. My tutoring style is relaxed but efficient; I always try to keep the material interesting and focus on the big picture over minutiae. When I'm not tutoring, I occupy my time by reading, swimming, playing tennis, eating Chipotle, and finding new music.

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Madeleine

Middle School Math Tutor • +7 Subjects

I'm Maddie Wright, a recent graduate of UCLA and enthusiastic tutor specializing in the ACT, language arts, and math. I majored in marine biology and minored in geography in undergrad, so I am also very comfortable teaching the natural and social sciences. My specialties include creating personalized materials and offering writing and college application guidance. I cater to Elementary, Middle, and High School students, and always aim to provide engaging, informative, and specialized sessions for my students. From presenting core concepts, to reviewing real world applications, to assisting with homework and test preparation, I'm super excited to dive into learning together!

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Dylan

AP Calculus BC Tutor • +44 Subjects

I'm a sophomore at Vanderbilt University, majoring in Physics and Classics and minoring in Mathematics and Computer Science. I'm qualified to teach a wide variety of subjects, but prefer to focus on the fields I'm studying in school listed above; I have a passion for those areas that I want to share with everyone, no matter the education level or confidence. I believe that no one is "bad at math," but many people haven't been taught math and science concepts in a way that matches how they best learn. As a result, I try to tailor my teaching style to be the best it can be for each individual student. With regard to math and physics, I myself prefer a physical, graphical understanding of different concepts, so I do best at explaining what seemingly abstract concepts actually mean in the real world and how they act on a graph.

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Jiatian

Middle School Math Tutor • +5 Subjects

I am a 2020 graduate of Rice University and currently in my final year of Medical School. Throughout my academic and professional journey, I've found that one of the most rewarding parts of education is helping others reach their potential. I've worked with students across many stages, from high schoolers preparing for the SAT/ACT, to applicants refining personal statements for college and medical school, to medical students tackling board exams. In each of these settings, my goal remains the same: to help students not just learn material but learn how to learn. My teaching philosophy is built on the belief that success doesn't depend on being naturally gifted, it comes from consistency, structure, and a willingness to improve. I work with students to develop individualized study plans, set achievable milestones, and build momentum. I focus on helping students become confident learners who can approach problems with clarity and strategy. Especially in standardized test prep, I emphasize the importance of going into each question with a plan of attack. Whether it's reading comprehension, a science passage, or a medical vignette, I teach students how to prioritize information, filter out distractions, and apply what they know efficiently. Test-taking is a skill, and through consistent practice, students can go from feeling overwhelmed to feeling in control. I'm especially passionate about tutoring subjects that require strategic thinking, like exam prep, because it allows me to show students how much of academic success is not about memorizing facts, but about mastering the process. My ultimate goal is to help students become independent, confident thinkers who can take these skills beyond any one test or class.

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Sejal

ACT Tutor

I am a recent graduate from Emory University, earning a BA in chemistry and a minor in sociology. I have spent the last 7-8 years tutoring students in all grade levels (K-12 and college) in subjects such as math, English, and chemistry. In addition, I have a strong background in tutoring for standardized testing such as SAT math and the ACT. Throughout undergrad, I served as a teaching assistant in chemistry, and I have volunteered as a tutor for the Homework Helpline for grade school children. Therefore, I would love to connect with you about subjects that you may need to navigate!

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Jason

PSAT Tutor • +2 Subjects

Hello! I am Jason Min, a recent college graduate looking to do some tutoring over the summer. Please feel free to ask me questions!

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Advaith

SAT Tutor

I've been tutoring since I was 14, working with students one-on-one, online, and in classrooms. I recently completed a BA/MS in Biology and Quantitative Finance at Boston College and now work at a Boston biotech startup. I tutor math, biology, and reading/writing, with math being my favorite subject because it builds problem-solving skills and confidence. My tutoring style is supportive, engaging, and curiosity driven. I believe questions spark diligence, and diligence leads to success. Many of my students have gone on to achieve wonderful things, and I'm proud to be their go-to resource along the way. Outside of academics, I'm an avid reader and I love thoughtful debate, which keeps my teaching style creative and adaptable.

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Ananya

ACT Tutor • +1 Subjects

Hello! My name is Ananya Ganni, and I am a student of the Canfield Business Honors program at UT Austin's McCombs School of Business. In high school, I took 19 AP classes, including AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Biology, AP Statistics, AP English Language, AP English Literature, AP World History, AP Government, and AP Macroeconomicsall of which I received a 5 on. I was in the top 5% at my school of 500 students, and I got a 35 ACT and 1540 SAT superscore. I have 5 years of tutoring experience and currently tutor students at UT Austin as well. Apart from this, I offer college admissions advice. Besides UT, I got into UMich, UNC, USC, and IU. So, if you need help with any of these subjects or college admissions, please feel free to reach out to me. I am flexible with my teaching methods and personalize my teaching strategy to each individual student. I look forward to speaking with you!

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Frequently Asked Questions

The ACT Science section tests data interpretation and scientific reasoning—not memorized science facts. You'll encounter 40 questions in 35 minutes across three question types: data representation (charts, graphs, tables), research summaries (experimental design), and conflicting viewpoints (competing scientific theories). The key challenge is extracting information quickly from unfamiliar data and applying logic, not recalling biology or chemistry content. Many students struggle here because it requires speed and comfort reading scientific formats under time pressure, which is very different from typical science classes.

The ACT isn't necessarily harder, but it's significantly faster-paced. You have 2 hours 55 minutes for four sections with roughly 1.5-2 minutes per question, while the SAT gives you more time per question. The ACT Math section also covers more advanced topics like trigonometry and matrices, which the SAT doesn't test. Many students find the ACT's speed more challenging than difficulty—you need strong time management and can't afford to linger on tough problems. Pacing strategy is critical: knowing when to skip and come back later can mean the difference between a 26 and a 30.

Most students see 2-4 point improvements with structured tutoring and practice, though improvement varies based on starting score and effort. Students starting at 19-22 often see larger gains (4-6 points) because foundational gaps are easier to close; students already at 28+ typically see smaller gains (1-2 points) since they're targeting elite scores. The national average is 21, so moving from 21 to 25-27 (top 25%) is very achievable with 8-12 weeks of focused work. Realistic improvement depends on identifying your specific weak sections—whether that's pacing on Reading, trig on Math, or data interpretation on Science.

Time management looks different for each section. On English (45 min, 75 questions), aim for roughly 30 seconds per question—it's fast but straightforward. Math (60 min, 60 questions) deserves a minute per question; skip hard ones early and return later rather than getting stuck. Reading (35 min, 40 questions) is the tightest constraint; many students benefit from reading the questions first, then skimming passages for specific answers rather than reading fully. Science (35 min, 40 questions) rewards quick data extraction—don't overthink; focus on what the graphs/tables show. A tutor can help you identify which sections drain your time and teach you pacing techniques specific to your strengths.

Most colleges do NOT superscore the ACT—they use your highest single test date composite score. This is different from the SAT, where many schools superscore individual sections. Because of this, your strategy should focus on achieving your target score on one test date rather than spreading attempts across multiple dates hoping to mix-and-match sections. However, you can retake the full ACT multiple times and submit your best composite. This means if you score 28 on one date and 29 on another, colleges see the 29—not a blended score. Check your target schools' policies, but plan your prep assuming they'll use your single best attempt.

Most students should skip the optional Writing section. Only about 2% of colleges require it, and most don't even look at it. The Writing test adds 40 minutes and doesn't boost your composite score—it's scored separately on a 2-12 scale. Unless a specific school you're targeting explicitly requires or recommends it, your time is better spent perfecting the four main sections. If you do take Writing, it requires strong essay skills under time pressure (40 minutes for one prompt), which is a different skill than the rest of the ACT. Check your target schools' websites first—if they don't mention it, leave it off.

Trigonometry appears on roughly 7-10% of the ACT Math section—usually 3-4 questions out of 60. The challenge isn't volume; it's that many students haven't seen trig since geometry or precalculus, so it feels unfamiliar under pressure. ACT trig questions typically test basic concepts: SOHCAHTOA, unit circle values, and simple trig identities. The bigger issue is that trig questions often appear late in the section when students are tired or rushed. A strong ACT Math tutor will help you refresh trig basics and teach you to recognize when a problem is actually a trig problem disguised in a word problem—that pattern recognition saves time.

The ACT Reading section gives you 35 minutes for 40 questions across 4 passages—roughly 8-9 minutes per passage. Many students try to read the full passage first, but this burns time. A more effective strategy: read the questions first to know what you're looking for, then skim the passage for specific information rather than trying to understand every detail. Some students do better skimming the passage first (1-2 minutes) to get tone and structure, then answering questions by returning to specific lines. The key is finding YOUR rhythm through practice. Tutors can help you test different approaches and identify which sections (fiction, social science, natural science, humanities) give you the most trouble—you might need different strategies for each.

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