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Certified Tutor
6+ years
Michael
I'm now a few years removed from academia, I still consider myself an intellect at heart. Stints at New York University's Stern School of Business and Northwestern University have given me extensive scholastic training, and running my own private tutoring service throughout college as a means of mak...
Northwestern University
Bachelor in Arts

Certified Tutor
Meghan
I am a 2015 graduate of Northwestern University, with an undergraduate journalism major/Spanish minor and a graduate degree in journalism. During my time at NU, I spent a semester at Madrid's top-ranked university, taking upper-level history and literature courses with Spanish students. I now work a...
Northwestern University
Masters, Journalism
Northwestern University
Bachelors, Journalism
Northwestern University
Undergraduate degree in journalism (major) with a Spanish minor

Certified Tutor
Maddy
I'm a recent graduate of Harvard University and a natural teacher, and I'd be thrilled to help you build your skills, gain academic confidence, and get results! My B.A. is in American history and literature with a minor in theater. I spent my college years producing and directing student theater, wr...
Harvard University
B.A. in American History and Literature (minor in Theater)

Certified Tutor
Jack
I'm a recent grad from Northwestern (B.A. in Theatre and Economics) who loves teaching and learning. I love helping other people achieve their goals and helping students find ways to be their best selves. Excited to meet and work with Chicagoland's students!
Northwestern University
B.A. in Theatre and Economics

Certified Tutor
9+ years
Merav
I'm Merav! I graduated magna cum laude from Northwestern University with a Bachelor of Science in Theatre and a Minor in Psychology.
London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art
Master of Fine Arts, Theater Arts
Northwestern University
Bachelor of Science in Theatre (Minor in Psychology)

Certified Tutor
9+ years
Dalton
I am no stranger to people getting tutors in order to succeed. An ambition to accomplish any academic goal was encouraged all my life; thus, I am accustomed to studying hard on top of participating in countless extra-curricular activities. I graduated highs school and received a diploma from the ext...
University of Pennsylvania
Bachelor in Arts, Mass Communications

Certified Tutor
14+ years
Kirstie
I am friendly, reliable, and most importantlycommitted to helping you learn! It is my top priority to create a positive learning experience that will help boost your test scores without boring you to tears. After all, shouldn't learning be fun?
Harvard University
Masters in Education, Education
St Johns College
Bachelors, Liberal Arts

Certified Tutor
Jonathan
I am a recent graduate from The University of Chicago. I graduated with a degree in Political Science with much additional coursework in literature and philosophy. My favorite part about being a tutor is the moment of satisfaction that comes with seeing one of my students greatly improve after a lot...
The University of Chicago
Bachelor in Arts, Political Science and Government

Certified Tutor
Paula
I am extremely passionate about academics and learning; the value of each was inculcated into me at a very young age. I tutor a variety of subjects largely because I have so many areas of interests and have been privileged enough to pursue knowledge in those areas. I even enjoy tucking away "useless...
Vanderbilt University
Bachelor in Arts

Certified Tutor
Martha
I am a PhD student at the University of Michigan, studying social psychology. Before this, I was at Duke University completing a BS in psychology as well as a MS in global health. My research combines the fields of global health and psychology by examining the effects of culture on self-related psyc...
Duke University
Bachelors, Psychology
Duke University
Current Grad Student, Global Health
Duke University
BS in psychology
Practice AP English Literature and Composition
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Emerson
AP Statistics Tutor • +57 Subjects
I am an undergraduate student at the University of Chicago, working towards a pre-med double major in Psychology and Biology (with a specialization in Neuroscience). Beginning in my early teens, I began working and volunteering as a tutor in a variety of environments: I began as a volunteer at a summer program for underprivileged children at the Learning and Tutoring Center of East Austin, and since I have worked as a private elementary school tutor, a private SAT-prep tutor, and a preschool tutor for the Neighborhood Schools Program in South Side Chicago. I have taken, and succeeded in, a broad range of Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) classes, and am familiar with the latest formats, question varieties, and scoring guidelines of these standardized tests, along with the SAT. My teaching philosophy is to go beyond "teaching to the test". Although test-taking skills are crucial for any assessment, I believe the most valuable thing a tutor can do is to enhance and help develop conceptual understanding in our clients. I believe that once a student understands something at the conceptual level, he or she will be much better prepared for the topic, not only in the specific test we are preparing for, but anywhere else it may come up. Memorizing words or equations might help somebody in the short term, but understanding why that word means what it means, or what an equation is actually depicting is worth the extra effort. Besides test-prep I think I can be a great help in writing and editing, as I have experience in everything from short, timed essays such as the SAT essay, to college essays, to research papers such as the IB Extended Essay. I am fully fluent in Spanish for anyone who wishes to communicate in or practice the language.
Priscilla
Calculus Tutor • +39 Subjects
I am a student at Harvard College, studying government with a secondary focus in economics. I am currently teaching a class on civic engagement and government to fifth graders. In the past, I have also run simulations with high school students for academic conferences. While volunteering in Peru, I tutored students at an all-girls orphanage in a bilingual environment. Throughout high school, I also helped students prepare for standardized examinations such as the SAT, ACT, SAT subject tests, AP Exams and Regents examinations. I am eager to work with students in these areas, with a particular emphasis on reading, writing, and history. My experience working with children expands beyond tutoring. I also have worked with students on their college essays. I absolutely enjoy working with them and deeply care about promoting their education. In my free time, I keep up with the current events, read, run, sail, and watch Netflix.
Hasan
8th Grade math Tutor • +97 Subjects
I am a graduate of Brown University, where I earned my B.A. in Literary Arts and Visual Arts, taking courses in a wide array of subjects ranging from contemporary American fiction to ancient Indian classics. My first teaching experience came in college when I had the privilege of creating and teaching a series of literature courses at a local community center. There are few experiences I find more enriching than facilitating a meaningful dialogue centered around great works of literature and art. While literature and art are my passion, I also tutor in variety of other subjects, including math, science, and test preparation. I currently work as a lead teacher in the after-school program at Archway Classical Academy in Phoenix.
Brittany
Calculus Tutor • +16 Subjects
I am a Yale University graduate with professional teaching experience at the college level. I know the SAT Writing and Reading sections like the back of my hand, and I know English, writing, and history as subjects just the same, but what I know most is how stressful and daunting the college admissions process can be. I am most passionate about helping you succeed in your school and test prep endeavors and to do that, I will teach you the test taking methods, study habits and study tricks that work best for you individually. No cookie-cutters tactics, no frustration. I am here to instruct, support, build confidence, encourage, and most of all, to be a patient guide in getting you where you want to be.
David
Calculus Tutor • +46 Subjects
I'm comfortable tutoring on a number of subjects, I particularly enjoy teaching English, writing, and critical reading. I like working one on one with students, helping them to think through problems, formulate opinions, and articulate their thoughts. This involves working on vocabulary, grammar, and writing mechanics. These are invaluable skills, essential for writing essays and preparing for Standardized Tests, like the SAT.
Sarah
Calculus Tutor • +64 Subjects
I am a graduate of Oberlin College and Wesleyan University and I am currently a PhD student at Harvard University. I received my BA in English, my BM in Jazz Studies, and my MA in Ethnomusicology. My PhD research is in West African music. I have many years of experience as a tutor, beginning as a writing tutor for a college writing center, then giving private music lessons, and working as a teaching assistant for undergraduate students in music and African studies courses. I tutor in many different areas, but my passion is in working with students in writing, literature, critical reading, music, and French. In working to prepare students for standardized tests, I can offer a wide variety of strategies for vocabulary, writing, and time management. As an educator, I am particularly interested in the transitions from high school to college, and from college into the professional world. Outside of teaching, I enjoy playing and listening to music, hiking, playing soccer, and spending time outdoors.
Meagen
Pre-Algebra Tutor • +32 Subjects
I am a sophomore, English and Computer Science double major at Carleton College who is ecstatic about teaching and spreading my love of learning. I am also greatly interested in sociology and gender studies, and have yet to decide if I will minor in one of those fields, too. I love helping students discover a passion for reading and expressing themselves through writing. My favorite areas to tutor are those having to do with English; I enjoy everything from AP Literature to essay writing for class. When I'm not at school or tutoring, I spend my time reading, playing piano and guitar, and rock climbing. Hobbies: books, music, art, reading, writing
Rebecca
Calculus Tutor • +35 Subjects
I am experienced in a broad range of subjects. I am enthusiastic about helping students to learn course material ranging from Biology and Chemistry to English and Writing.
Rebecca
10th Grade math Tutor • +54 Subjects
I am a graduate of the University of Notre Dame with a Bachelors of Arts in English and Philosophy. At Notre Dame, I worked as a tutor at the University Writing Center, helping both undergraduate and graduate students with their writing. I also tutored local middle school students in reading and writing to prepare them for standardized tests. I had the opportunity to live in Spain for 6 months, where I became fluent in Spanish and developed a love for tutoring English language learners. Since graduation, I have worked with students at Midtown Educational Foundation and other extracurricular programs, and am currently pursuing a Masters of Arts in Teaching English. I tutor a wide range of subjects, although I am most passionate about English, Spanish, and Writing. I am an advocate of student-centered tutoring, and my goal is to support and guide students so that they have the satisfaction and confidence of knowing how to think through a problem and reach the correct answer. In my free time, I love to bake, read, play soccer, and act in plays.
David
Calculus Tutor • +33 Subjects
I am enrolled in the Simmons College Graduate School of Library and Information Science, and upon completing my Master's degree, I hope to work in a special collections library with rare books and manuscripts.
Top 20 Subjects
Frequently Asked Questions
Score improvement depends on where you're starting and how much you prepare. Many students who work with a tutor see meaningful gains—often 1-2 points on the 1-5 scale—by refining their essay-writing technique, understanding how AP graders evaluate responses, and practicing under timed conditions. The biggest improvements typically come from learning to identify what the prompt is really asking and structuring evidence-based arguments efficiently.
Consistent practice with released past exams combined with personalized feedback on your specific weaknesses tends to yield the strongest results.
Students often find the free-response essays most challenging—not because of reading the passage, but because they have limited time to craft organized arguments with specific textual evidence. The biggest hurdle is balancing thorough analysis with strict time constraints. Many students either rush and make vague claims, or spend too long on evidence selection and run out of time.
A tutor can help you develop a reliable essay-planning process, teach you to quickly identify the strongest textual support, and practice writing under real exam conditions so timing becomes automatic.
The multiple-choice section tests not just whether you understand the passage, but whether you can identify what the test makers are looking for. Common mistakes include choosing answers that sound literary, missing subtle word choice distinctions, or over-analyzing when a simpler reading is correct.
Effective strategies include annotating as you read (marking shifts in tone, key images, speaker changes), reading the question before diving into the passage, and eliminating wrong answers methodically rather than hunting for the "perfect" one. A tutor can show you how to practice these skills with real AP passages and help you recognize the specific types of traps ETS sets.
AP graders evaluate essays on thesis clarity, sophistication of analysis, and quality of textual evidence—not on essay length or fancy vocabulary. A strong essay makes a specific, defensible argument about how the author creates meaning through literary devices, then backs that argument with precise quotes and explains why those quotes matter.
Weak essays often describe what happens in the text rather than analyzing how the author builds effects. Working with a tutor, you can learn the difference between summary and analysis, practice writing concise topic sentences that guide your evidence selection, and get feedback on whether your explanations answer the prompt's specific question.
Test anxiety on AP Lit often stems from time pressure and uncertainty about whether your analysis is "good enough." The antidote is familiarity: practicing with real past exams under timed conditions reduces anxiety because you know exactly what to expect and you've already solved similar problems.
A tutor can help you develop a mental framework for each section, teach you confidence-building strategies like identifying your strongest skills first, and create a realistic practice schedule that builds endurance without burnout. Many students also find it helpful to practice breathing or grounding techniques during practice tests so they're automatic on exam day.
The best tutors combine deep knowledge of how AP Lit is scored with the ability to diagnose exactly where you're losing points. They should be able to explain why certain essay structures work better for timed writing, model strong analysis in real time, and give you specific, actionable feedback on your practice essays—not just corrections.
Look for someone who uses released AP exams and sample student responses in tutoring, understands the nuances of what different AP score ranges actually look like, and can adapt their teaching based on whether you need help with close reading, essay organization, time management, or all three.
Most students benefit from starting test-focused prep 2-3 months before the exam, though this depends on your current reading level and comfort with literary analysis. If you're starting from a weaker foundation, beginning earlier allows time to build analytical vocabulary and practice essay structure without cramming.
An effective prep schedule includes regular practice with released exams, time to review and discuss feedback, and strategic revision of weak areas. Even 1-2 tutoring sessions per week combined with independent practice can create meaningful improvement in that timeframe, especially in the final 4-6 weeks when timed practice becomes crucial.
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