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Award-Winning ACT English Tutors

John

Certified Tutor

16+ years

John

Bachelor of Fine Arts, English/Drama
John's other Tutor Subjects
AP Calculus AB
College Algebra
Middle School Math
Geometry

Scoring a 36 ACT composite means John knows exactly how the English section tries to trip students up — from comma splice traps to rhetorical strategy questions buried in transition sentences. His English and Drama background gives him a natural ear for the grammar and style conventions the test rew...

Education

University of St Thomas

Bachelor of Fine Arts, English/Drama

American Academy of Dramatic Arts

Associates, Acting

Test Scores
Perfect Score
SAT
1420
ACT
36
Ilesh

Certified Tutor

6+ years

Ilesh

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

Scoring a perfect 36 ACT composite while studying Industrial Engineering at Georgia Tech means Ilesh learned to treat every problem — including grammar — as a system with rules you can map and apply. He zeroes in on the English section's punctuation and sentence structure questions by teaching the h...

Education

Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus

Bachelor of Science, Industrial Engineering

Test Scores
Perfect Score
ACT
36

Certified Tutor

8+ years

Anna

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

Running through the Honors Program in Medical Education at Northwestern meant Anna was writing and editing scientific prose from her first undergraduate year — tightening arguments, cutting redundancy, and enforcing precise punctuation under deadline, which is essentially the ACT English section at ...

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

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

I am currently a resident physician at Northwestern Hospital.

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

Certified Tutor

6+ years

Alex

Bachelor of Science, Chemical Engineering
Alex's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Pre-Calculus
Calculus
Algebra

Scoring a 36 ACT composite while juggling a chemical engineering curriculum at Washington and Lee means Alex learned to read and edit fast — a skill that pays off on the English section's 75 questions in 45 minutes, where hesitation on any single punctuation or rhetoric question eats into the clock....

Education

Washington and Lee University

Bachelor of Science, Chemical Engineering

Test Scores
Perfect Score
SAT
1590
ACT
36

Certified Tutor

5+ years

Sugi

Bachelor's degree in Cognitive Science and Biochemistry & Cell Biology
Sugi's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
College Algebra
Middle School Math
Geometry

Scoring a perfect 36 ACT composite means Sugi knows exactly how the English section tests grammar — from comma splices and apostrophe rules to rhetorical strategy questions about paragraph organization. She breaks each question type into a decision tree so students can identify what's being tested b...

Education

Rice University

Bachelor's degree in Cognitive Science and Biochemistry & Cell Biology

Baylor College of Medicine

Doctor of Medicine, Ophthalmic Technology

Test Scores
Perfect Score
ACT
36

Certified Tutor

9+ years

Elliot

Doctor of Philosophy, Neuroscience
Elliot's other Tutor Subjects
Statistics Graduate Level
Pre-Algebra
Statistics
Middle School Math

Elliot earned a 36 ACT composite, and his approach to the English section zeroes in on the handful of grammar rules — comma splices, modifier placement, parallelism, pronoun agreement — that appear on nearly every test form. Beyond mechanics, he also tackles the rhetorical strategy questions, teachi...

Education

Hampshire College

Bachelor in Arts, Cognitive Science

Vanderbilt University

Doctor of Philosophy, Neuroscience

Test Scores
Perfect Score
SAT
1540
ACT
36

Certified Tutor

Eric

Bachelor in Business Administration, Business
Eric's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
College Algebra
Algebra 3/4
Middle School Math

I am available to tutor a range of middle school and high school subjects, but I am most excited about tutoring test prep. I remember how stressful preparing for college can be and I am eager to do my part in helping students fulfill their college goals. I believe that learning is a collaborative pr...

Education

University of Michigan

Bachelor in Business Administration, Business

Test Scores
Perfect Score
SAT
1570
ACT
36

Certified Tutor

8+ years

Benjamin

Current Grad Student, English
Benjamin's other Tutor Subjects
AP Calculus AB
Calculus 2
Calculus
Algebra

Most ACT English mistakes come down to a handful of grammar and rhetoric patterns that repeat across every test. Benjamin, who scored a 36 composite and studies English at Columbia, drills students on the specific punctuation rules, transition logic, and concision principles that the ACT actually te...

Education

Columbia University in the City of New York

Bachelor of Science, Computer Science

Columbia University in the City of New York

Current Grad Student, English

Test Scores
Perfect Score
ACT
36

Certified Tutor

15+ years

Austin

Bachelors
Austin's other Tutor Subjects
Elementary Math
Calculus
Algebra
Elementary School Math

The ACT English section rewards students who can spot rhetorical strategy questions hiding among grammar items — knowing when the test is asking about sentence placement versus subject-verb agreement changes everything. Austin scored a 33 ACT composite and brings a Classics background that makes par...

Education

University of Notre Dame

Bachelors

Test Scores
SAT
1570
ACT
33

Certified Tutor

9+ years

Emily

Master of Public Health (MPH), concentration in Epidemiology and Global Health
Emily's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Middle School Math
Calculus
Algebra

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 ...

Education

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

Test Scores
Perfect Score
SAT
1550
ACT
36

Certified Tutor

6+ years

Logan

Master of Divinity, Ministry
Logan's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Geometry
Calculus
Algebra

Studying communication and ministry meant Logan spent years dissecting how language persuades — sermon structure, rhetorical clarity, concise phrasing — which maps surprisingly well onto the ACT English section's rhetoric and organization questions. He pairs that background with a 36 ACT composite a...

Education

The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

Master of Divinity, Ministry

University of Kentucky

Bachelor in Arts, Communication, General

Test Scores
Perfect Score
SAT
1400
ACT
36

Certified Tutor

4+ years

Sarah

Bachelor in Arts, Neuroscience
Sarah's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Calculus
Algebra
Math 3

I am a Neuroscience and Behavior major at Columbia University. Although my major is centered in the STEM field, I am also passionate about human rights work, global engagement, and local outreach. While my future plans are subject to change, I see myself continuing in academia, going to medical scho...

Education

Columbia University in the City of New York

Bachelor in Arts, Neuroscience

Test Scores
ACT
35

Certified Tutor

Christopher

Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering
Christopher's other Tutor Subjects
AP Calculus AB
College Algebra
Algebra 3/4
Trigonometry

Most ACT English mistakes come down to a handful of grammar rules applied inconsistently — comma splices, pronoun-antecedent disagreement, redundancy. Christopher scored a 35 composite and drills these patterns until students spot errors almost reflexively, then tackles the trickier rhetorical strat...

Education

Harvard College

Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering

Test Scores
ACT
35

Certified Tutor

Edward

Bachelor's
Edward's other Tutor Subjects
AP Calculus AB
College Algebra
Multivariable Calculus
Trigonometry

Comma rules, subject-verb agreement across long clauses, and rhetorical ordering questions make up the bulk of ACT English — and each one has a learnable pattern. Edward scored a 36 composite and approaches this section by drilling the specific grammar conventions that appear most frequently, then l...

Education

University

Bachelor's

Test Scores
Perfect Score
SAT
1520
ACT
36

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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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Logan

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +31 Subjects

Studying communication and ministry meant Logan spent years dissecting how language persuades — sermon structure, rhetorical clarity, concise phrasing — which maps surprisingly well onto the ACT English section's rhetoric and organization questions. He pairs that background with a 36 ACT composite and teaches the punctuation rules the test loves to recycle (comma usage, apostrophes, semicolons) as quick pattern-recognition decisions rather than gut calls. Rated 5.0 by students.

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Sarah

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +17 Subjects

I am a Neuroscience and Behavior major at Columbia University. Although my major is centered in the STEM field, I am also passionate about human rights work, global engagement, and local outreach. While my future plans are subject to change, I see myself continuing in academia, going to medical school, and becoming a physician.

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Christopher

AP Calculus AB Tutor • +51 Subjects

Most ACT English mistakes come down to a handful of grammar rules applied inconsistently — comma splices, pronoun-antecedent disagreement, redundancy. Christopher scored a 35 composite and drills these patterns until students spot errors almost reflexively, then tackles the trickier rhetorical strategy questions that separate good scores from great ones.

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Edward

AP Calculus AB Tutor • +31 Subjects

Comma rules, subject-verb agreement across long clauses, and rhetorical ordering questions make up the bulk of ACT English — and each one has a learnable pattern. Edward scored a 36 composite and approaches this section by drilling the specific grammar conventions that appear most frequently, then layering in the passage-level strategy questions that many students overlook. His background as a writer means he can explain why a rule exists, not just that it does.

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Elizabeth

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +24 Subjects

I'm Lizz, a middle school math teacher working in Chicago Public Schools. I love to see students go from describing themselves as "not a math person" to feeling like they meet exciting challenges in math and other parts of their lives. Even though I love working in the classroom, I feel like tutoring allows me to make more of an impact and connect with students.

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Rhea

AP Statistics Tutor • +48 Subjects

Punctuation rules, subject-verb agreement across long modifying phrases, and rhetorical strategy questions each require a different kind of attention on ACT English. Rhea tackles these by teaching students to read the surrounding sentences — not just the underlined portion — which is where most careless errors originate. Her 36 ACT composite means she's mastered the pacing and pattern recognition this section demands.

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Yash

Competition Math Tutor • +29 Subjects

I am a sophomore at the Georgia Institute of Technology and am working towards a major in Computer Engineering. I have been tutoring students of all ages and backgrounds in various math topics ranging from elementary school math to AP Calculus throughout high school. I love teaching math and always find it amazing to watch my students grow and improve in their mathematical abilities. While helping students with standardized testing, we go through several tricks and tactics that have helped my students succeed and have fun in the process. I am also well versed in Physics and have spent 3 years taking the highest levels of physics courses. I love playing all sports (especially soccer) and enjoy playing the guitar in my free time as well.

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Kerr

AP Calculus BC Tutor • +25 Subjects

Scoring a perfect 36 ACT composite means Kerr didn't just survive the English section — he mastered the specific rhythm of its 75 questions in 45 minutes, where hesitating on even a few rhetorical strategy questions can tank your pacing. As a CS student at Vanderbilt, he treats grammar conventions like syntax rules in a programming language: each one has a defined logic, and once you learn the rule, you stop guessing by ear and start recognizing patterns instantly. Rated 4.9 by students.

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Alyssa

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +27 Subjects

Most ACT English mistakes come down to a handful of grammar patterns — comma splices, subject-verb agreement across long phrases, and misplaced modifiers — that repeat throughout the test. Alyssa teaches students to spot these specific patterns quickly, drawing on her own 35 composite score and her experience editing college-level writing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The most challenging areas tend to be punctuation rules (especially comma usage and semicolons), rhetorical skills questions that require understanding author intent and organization, and identifying sentence fragments versus run-ons under time pressure. Many students also struggle with verb tense consistency and pronoun agreement because these errors can be subtle. A tutor can help you recognize patterns in your mistakes and develop quick mental checks to catch these errors during the test.

The ACT English section gives you 45 minutes for 75 questions, which means you need to average about 36 seconds per question. Many students waste time by reading every word carefully; instead, focus on the underlined portions and immediately identify what's being tested (grammar, punctuation, or rhetoric). Practicing with timed passages helps you develop a rhythm and recognize question types instantly. A tutor can teach you which questions to tackle first and when to make educated guesses to stay on pace.

The ACT heavily tests comma usage, subject-verb agreement, pronoun-antecedent agreement, verb tense consistency, and sentence fragments. You'll also see questions on modifiers (misplaced or dangling), parallel structure, and apostrophe usage. Rather than memorizing every grammar rule, focus on understanding the core principles—like how commas separate independent clauses or how verbs must match their subjects. A tutor can prioritize these high-frequency rules and show you how to spot them quickly in context.

Rhetorical skills questions ask you to evaluate how effectively an author uses language, organizes ideas, or supports an argument—not just identify grammar errors. These include questions about word choice, sentence placement, paragraph organization, and adding/deleting sentences. They're harder because they require reading comprehension and critical thinking, not just rule-checking. Tutors help you develop a strategic approach: read for the author's purpose and tone, then evaluate whether each answer choice strengthens or weakens that purpose.

Rather than taking full practice tests repeatedly, focus on timed drills with individual passages (5-8 questions each) to build speed and accuracy without fatigue. After completing a passage, review every single question—not just the ones you missed—to understand why correct answers work and why distractors are tempting. Track which question types (grammar, punctuation, rhetoric) and topics (commas, verb tense, etc.) trip you up most. A tutor can help you analyze these patterns and create a targeted study plan that focuses on your weakest areas.

Score improvement depends on your starting point and effort level. Students who are consistently missing 15-20 questions often see 3-5 point improvements within 4-6 weeks by mastering high-frequency grammar rules and developing faster pacing strategies. Students scoring lower may see larger gains by building foundational grammar skills. Those already scoring 32+ often need deeper work on rhetorical skills and test-taking strategy. A tutor can assess your specific weaknesses and give you a realistic timeline based on your goals and availability.

Test anxiety often stems from uncertainty about grammar rules or feeling rushed through passages. Tutoring builds confidence by helping you recognize question patterns, master the most-tested rules, and develop a reliable strategy you can trust under pressure. When you know exactly what to look for and have a consistent approach to each question type, the section feels less overwhelming. Tutors also help you practice timing strategies in low-pressure settings, so the actual test feels familiar rather than threatening.

Look for tutors who understand both the grammar content and the test's unique format—someone who can explain why an answer is correct and why the ACT is testing that concept. They should be able to diagnose your specific weak areas (Do you struggle with commas? Rhetorical skills? Pacing?) rather than teaching generic grammar. Experience with timed practice and test-taking strategy is crucial. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in ACT English and can tailor their approach to your learning style and goals.

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