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Certified Tutor
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...
Princeton University
AB
Certified Tutor
8+ years
Scoring well on the ACT is less about mastering five separate subjects and more about learning one skill: how to attack timed, multiple-choice questions with a plan. Jiatian builds individualized study schedules that target each student's weakest sections first, setting concrete score milestones alo...
Rice University
AB
Certified Tutor
2+ years
Hello! I am Jason Min, a recent college graduate looking to do some tutoring over the summer. Please feel free to ask me questions!
Tulane University of Louisiana
Bachelor
Certified Tutor
6+ years
Ilesh
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...
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus
Bachelor of Science, Industrial Engineering
Certified Tutor
16+ years
John
An English and drama background might not scream ACT prep, but John's 36 composite — a perfect score — means he's mastered every section of the test, and his theater training makes him unusually good at close reading the rhetorical and narrative passages that stall most students on Reading and Engli...
University of St Thomas
Bachelor of Fine Arts, English/Drama
American Academy of Dramatic Arts
Associates, Acting
Certified Tutor
8+ years
Anna
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...
Northwestern University
Bachelor in Arts, Anthropology
Northwestern University
Graduated (Honors Program in Medical Education)
Certified Tutor
6+ years
Emily
A 36 composite on the ACT means Emily didn't just do well on one section — she maxed out every part of the test, from the science data interpretation to the reading passage pacing to the math's pre-calc concepts. She breaks the exam into learnable systems, teaching students how to manage time across...
Cornell University
Bachelor in Arts, Computational Biology
Certified Tutor
6+ years
Sreya
Having just gone through the ACT herself — earning a perfect 36 composite — Sreya knows which moments in each section actually cost students points, from the tricky pronoun-antecedent questions buried in English to the time crunch on Science's conflicting-viewpoints passages. Her chemistry and compu...
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Bachelor of Chemistry, Chemistry
Certified Tutor
10+ years
Chelain
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...
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
Certified Tutor
9+ years
Emily
Double-majoring in molecular biology and French at Yale gave Emily something most ACT tutors lack — genuine fluency in both the STEM and humanities sides of the exam, so she's not faking comfort in any section. She earned a perfect 36 composite and uses her epidemiology training to teach the Science...
Yale University
Master of Public Health (MPH), concentration in Epidemiology and Global Health
Yale School of Public Health
Master in Public Health, Public Health
Yale University
Bachelor of Science (B.S.), double major in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology and French
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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.
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.
Ryne
Pre-Algebra Tutor • +26 Subjects
I am unsure exactly what I want to study, I will likely explore Public Policy, Political Science, and Symbolic Systems. I also graduated from the University of Minnesota Talented Youth Math Program (UMTMYP) in 10th grade where I studied up through Linear Algebra and Multivariable Calculus. With a teacher for a mother, I have been raised appreciating and understanding the value of education. I love tutoring and have been doing it for many years. I started a tutoring program at an inner-city charter school to mentor and teach underserved students ranging from K-12. Additionally, I have worked as an independent tutor for students. I can tutor for a variety of subjects, especially standardized tests and math. As a recent high school graduate, I know the college application and testing process well and can help explain and guide in what often seems overwhelming. I have also been tutored myself, so I know the value of a great tutor and hope to provide that for others. As a tutor, I want to create an environment of learning, excitement, and joy. Outside of school, I enjoy playing tennis, longboarding, and exploring the beautiful lakes of Minnesota!
Kyle
SAT Tutor • +2 Subjects
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-world applications that make complex concepts more relatable. My teaching philosophy centers on fostering a supportive learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and exploring their understanding. I believe in tailoring my approach to meet each student's unique needs, which not only boosts their confidence but also enhances their academic success. Outside of tutoring, I enjoy engaging in problem-solving challenges and exploring new technologies, which further fuels my enthusiasm for teaching and learning.
Austin
Elementary Math Tutor • +35 Subjects
Hobbies: reading, music, writing, art, books, traveling, travel, outdoors
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!
Elliot
Statistics Graduate Level Tutor • +89 Subjects
I am happy to accommodate and work with learners on the spectrum.
Alex
Pre-Algebra Tutor • +56 Subjects
I'm a current medical student at the University of Arizona College of Medicine with undergraduate degrees from Washington and Lee in chemical engineering and anthropology. I have extensive experience in tutoring and teaching since 2010, and am ready to help you with your learning needs! I focus on standardized testing (SAT/ACT) and also tutor in a wide range of math, English, and Spanish classes. In my free time, I like to run, do CrossFit, volunteer, and watch TV!
Sugi
Pre-Algebra Tutor • +54 Subjects
I am currently a 4th year medical student at Baylor College of Medicine and previously graduated from Rice University, Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor's degree in Cognitive Science and Biochemistry & Cell Biology. I have served on admissions interview committees for Rice and Baylor College of Medicine, have mentored and edited essays for numerous college and graduate school applicants, and served as a private tutor and classroom instructor for Advanced Biology and Chemistry courses for 3+ years.
Michael
IB Physics Tutor • +2 Subjects
No subject, no test, and no question is bigger than you. By the end of our time together, I hope to make you see that my only job was really just to make you see--you really had it in you, all along. If there's any subject in which you truly believe you suck--that you're just the worst, and that nothing will ever help you improve--then don't you dare give up until you've given me a call! I'm a writer, but I love numbers, and nothing makes me more proud than helping students overcome their biggest challenges. I've scored near-perfect on both standardized tests, and I've been helping students understand how to improve their own scores ever since. I'm also capable of tutoring advanced Music Theory topics, as well as Spanish and Mandarin Chinese
Top 20 Subjects
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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