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Award-Winning ACT Writing 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

Years of writing and performing — John holds a BFA in English/Drama — trained him to construct arguments that land with an audience, which is precisely what ACT essay graders are looking for when they score perspective analysis and rhetorical clarity. He teaches students to treat the 40-minute promp...

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 36 ACT composite means Ilesh knows exactly how the Writing section's rubric rewards argument structure over fancy vocabulary. He teaches students to build a clear thesis, engage all three perspectives efficiently, and organize their essay so graders see logical progression within the 40-mi...

Education

Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus

Bachelor of Science, Industrial Engineering

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

The ACT Writing essay rewards a specific structure: a clear thesis, engagement with all three perspectives, and concrete reasoning that ties them together. Elliot breaks down each scoring dimension — Ideas and Analysis, Development and Support, Organization, Language Use — so students know exactly w...

Education

Hampshire College

Bachelor in Arts, Cognitive Science

Vanderbilt University

Doctor of Philosophy, Neuroscience

Test Scores
Perfect Score
SAT
1540
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 well on ACT Writing means constructing a clear, well-organized argument under tight time pressure — a skill Sugi has sharpened from both sides, as a 36-scoring test taker and as someone who has reviewed essays on admissions committees at Rice and Baylor College of Medicine. She teaches stude...

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

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

8+ years

Anna

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

The ACT Writing essay asks for something very specific: a thesis that engages three given perspectives, supported by concrete reasoning — not a personal narrative or a five-paragraph formula. Anna earned a 36 ACT composite and trains students to outline a high-scoring argument in under five minutes,...

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

Alex

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

A strong ACT Writing score comes down to engaging with all three perspectives in the prompt and building a coherent argument under tight time pressure. Alex, who earned a perfect 36 ACT composite, walks students through a reusable essay structure — clear thesis, specific counterargument analysis, pu...

Education

Washington and Lee University

Bachelor of Science, Chemical Engineering

Test Scores
Perfect Score
SAT
1590
ACT
36

Certified Tutor

Christopher

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

Christopher's Harvard mechanical engineering coursework demands constant technical writing — structuring claims, supporting them with evidence, and cutting anything that doesn't serve the argument — which is the same discipline the ACT essay rewards in a 40-minute window. He teaches students to quic...

Education

Harvard College

Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering

Test Scores
ACT
35

Certified Tutor

Eric

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

Between his business degree and a perfect 36 ACT composite, Eric knows how to construct a concise, well-supported argument on a deadline — which is the entire game on the ACT Writing section's 40-minute, three-perspective prompt. He teaches students to skip the agonizing over which perspective is 'r...

Education

University of Michigan

Bachelor in Business Administration, Business

Test Scores
Perfect Score
SAT
1570
ACT
36

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

Scoring a perfect 36 on the ACT gave Emily firsthand insight into what graders reward in the optional Writing section: a clear thesis, specific engagement with the three perspectives, and organized reasoning that doesn't waste words. She teaches students a repeatable essay structure they can execute...

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

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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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Austin

Elementary Math Tutor • +35 Subjects

Hobbies: reading, music, writing, art, books, traveling, travel, outdoors

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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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Edward

AP Calculus AB Tutor • +32 Subjects

I am currently studying chemical engineering at the University of Michigan. I have always helped out my fellow students with schoolwork, and I have tutored in the National Honor Society for three years. My tutoring strengths include my abilities to stay calm, be patient, and offer different perspectives on the learning process. I do not just help my students learn the material, but I also teach them how to learn it. I tutor math and test prep courses. Outside of school and tutoring, I play the piano. I have played classical piano for 13 years and jazz piano for 7. Hobbies: reading, music, art, books, writing

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Logan

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +31 Subjects

I'm eager to teach students how to make connections and understand any part of the world they need! Hobbies: art, books, writing, reading, music

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Eileen

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +70 Subjects

I am a student at Vanderbilt University, majoring in Neuroscience while on the pre-med track. In the future, I hope to become a pediatrician. I have experience with and tutor in a wide range of subjects, and am most passionate about helping students with standardized exams. I know from personal experience that any exam score can be improved with studying and practice, no matter how frustrating or impossible it may seem. As a tutor, my goal is to listen to and address my students' needs as thoroughly as possible. Outside of academics, I love to fold origami, watch Criminal Minds, and hang out with my dog.

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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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David

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +36 Subjects

I'm experienced in and passionate about (especially computer skills, Python, and math) with others. I try to convey the principles and thought process that are the basis of my own understanding of the subject, not just rules to follow or things to memorize. Being able to explain your answer is even more important than simply getting it right! My tutoring style is personalized, with plenty of examples and frequent knowledge checks to ensure I and my student(s) are in sync. In my spare time I enjoy cycling, skiing, woodworking, reading, and vacationing to Lake Superior. Hobbies: books, music, hiking, art, reading, writing

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Rhea

AP Statistics Tutor • +49 Subjects

I am a current student at the University of Chicago. I am working towards a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences, and I am on the pre-medical track. I am extremely passionate about tutoring, and I have several years of experience tutoring students in my high school's learning center in various subjects as well as tutoring private clients in Standardized Test preparation. Given that I graduated high school recently, I have taken several Standardized Tests and high school subjects myself, so I have a comprehensive understanding of not only how to tutor these subjects and exams, but also what it is like to take them. While I have a wide range of interests and am able to tutor various subjects, I am most passionate about tutoring in Standardized Test preparation (including ACT, SAT, SAT Subject Tests, and AP Exams), Biology, Chemistry, Math, and Spanish. I truly believe that students should have the opportunity to learn in the way that works best for them, and I love being able to help them succeed by creating a comfortable tutoring environment in which we can best assess their particular needs and use strategies specific to them. My passion for learning drives everything that I do, and tutoring is the platform that I use to try to spread that passion to others. In my free time, you can find me playing badminton, listening to music, or baking something (hopefully) delicious.

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Emily

AP Statistics Tutor • +34 Subjects

I am a student at Cornell University pursuing a double major in Biological Sciences, concentrating in computational biology, and Computer Science. I have tutored math, biology, physics, and French to middle school and high school students. I have also facilitated group discussion sessions for English language learners. I love learning new things and helping others understand these concepts as well.

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Frequently Asked Questions

ACT Writing has two distinct question types that require different skills. Grammar questions test punctuation, sentence structure, and verb tense—basically technical correctness. Rhetoric questions ask you to improve word choice, reorganize sentences for clarity, add/delete content for relevance, and understand how ideas connect. Many students excel at one but struggle with the other, so a tutor can diagnose which type trips you up and build targeted strategies for each.

The most common challenges are comma usage and placement (especially with introductory phrases and dependent clauses), pronoun-antecedent agreement, and recognizing when a sentence is actually correct as-is. On the rhetoric side, students often miss questions about redundancy and wordiness, struggle to identify the purpose of a sentence within a paragraph, and have trouble spotting when a sentence or phrase should be deleted for relevance. Understanding these patterns helps tutors focus on what will move your score fastest.

ACT Writing gives you 45 minutes to tackle 5 passages with 15 questions total, which works out to about 9 minutes per passage. Most students benefit from spending 2-3 minutes reading and marking up the passage, then 6-7 minutes answering questions. The key is not getting stuck on hard questions—mark your best guess and move on, then return if time allows. A tutor can help you practice this timing with real tests so it feels natural on test day rather than stressful.

Take a full-length ACT practice test under timed conditions, then review every question you missed or guessed on. Categorize them: Was it a grammar rule you didn't know? Did you misread the question? Did you understand the grammar but miss the rhetorical purpose? Tracking patterns across multiple practice tests reveals whether you need to strengthen grammar fundamentals, improve reading comprehension of the passages, or develop better test-taking strategies. A tutor can accelerate this analysis and create a focused study plan based on your specific gaps.

Most students see 2-4 point improvements within 4-6 weeks of focused tutoring, though the amount depends on your starting point and consistency. Students with significant grammar gaps or weak reading comprehension may improve faster once they understand the patterns, while students already scoring 30+ typically need more targeted work on the trickiest rhetoric questions. Consistent practice with real ACT passages—not just grammar drills—combined with strategic feedback is what drives real score gains.

A strong ACT Writing tutor should understand both the grammar rules tested and the rhetorical concepts that make the section unique. They should be able to explain why an answer is correct using ACT's specific logic, not just general grammar rules—for example, knowing when ACT considers a sentence "too wordy" versus "concise." They should also use actual ACT passages and questions in tutoring, help you develop a personalized pacing strategy, and teach you to recognize question patterns so you can apply strategies to unfamiliar passages.

Focus on untimed practice first—work through a full passage without the clock to understand the questions deeply and check your reasoning. Once you're consistently accurate, time yourself on individual passages (9 minutes each) before attempting full 45-minute sections. Keep an error log noting whether you missed questions due to not knowing a rule, misreading the passage, or misunderstanding what the question asked. Review this log with your tutor to spot patterns and adjust your study focus accordingly.

ACT Writing anxiety often stems from running out of time or second-guessing yourself. Building confidence through timed practice with real passages is the most effective antidote—when you've practiced under pressure, test day feels familiar. Develop a pre-passage routine (skim the passage, mark key ideas, then answer questions) so you have a consistent process to fall back on when nerves hit. A tutor can also help you distinguish between productive self-checking and unproductive overthinking, so you learn when to trust your first instinct versus when to reconsider.

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