Award-Winning AP Physics C: Mechanics
Tutors
Who needs tutoring?
FEATURED BY
TUTORS FROM
- YaleUniversity
- PrincetonUniversity
- StanfordUniversity
- CornellUniversity
Award-Winning AP Physics C: Mechanics Tutors

Certified Tutor
9+ years
Justin
I am an aspiring applied mathematician, with particular interest in image processing and climate science. I graduated in May 2017 from Washington University in St. Louis with a bachelor's in physics and mathematics, and am beginning a PhD program in September 2017 at the University of Chicago in Com...
Washington University in St. Louis
Bachelor's in Physics and Mathematics
University of Chicago
Doctor of Philosophy, Computational Mathematics

Certified Tutor
10+ years
I am eager to help students wrestle with and master concepts in their math and physics classes. I have extensive experience tutoring students in both math and physics at the high school and college level in one on one and larger group settings. During my PhD I was awarded a teaching fellowship which...
University of Chicago
PHD, Physics
Vanderbilt University
Bachelors

Certified Tutor
7+ years
Kevin
I am interested in working for Varsity Tutors because I enjoy helping others learn new concepts and progress in whatever they are struggling with. I have significant experience tutoring with a variety of age levels and would be delighted to have an opportunity to work with students through this oppo...
Stanford University
Bachelor of Science

Certified Tutor
9+ years
Dennis
I'm Dennis. I study physics, math, and computer science. I have done research about cosmic ray acceleration at supernova shock fronts in the Princeton University Department of Astrophysics, simulating how the turbulent plasmas push protons and ions. I have also worked at the Norfolk State University...
Princeton University
Bachelor of Science

Certified Tutor
8+ years
Pratik
I'm a premedical student at Cornell University with extensive experience tutoring students, especially in chemistry at the high school and undergraduate level, writing at the high school and undergraduate level, and SAT/ACT prep.
Cornell University
Bachelor in Arts, Biology, General

Certified Tutor
8+ years
Bettina
I am a mechanical engineering student who is passionate about the propensity for engineering and technology to impact society for the better. I love learning new things and teaching others!
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus
Doctor of Philosophy, Mechanical Engineering

Certified Tutor
8+ years
I am available to help students with any topics they are struggling with in their high school or early college-level Physics courses.
Duke University
Bachelor of Science

Certified Tutor
9+ years
Derek
I am currently a Harvard student majoring in Computer Science with a minor in Applied Mathematics. I graduated Class Valedictorian in high school and was named National Merit Finalist. I took 16 AP classes in high school, including AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Computer Science A, AP Physics C ...
Harvard University
Bachelor in Arts, Computer Science

Certified Tutor
9+ years
Andrew
I'm from upstate New York and I love to be outside, play guitar, and work out. I have 3 siblings, so I'm used to helping people strengthen their skills and learn new ones. I love most math classes, and I'm attending Boston College in the Carroll School of Management Honors Program. I intend on major...
Boston College
Current Undergrad Student, Finance

Certified Tutor
6+ years
Michael
I am currently a rising Junior at Northwestern University studying Electrical and Computer Engineering. In my studies I am focusing on Robotics and Control Systems (think developing robots like Boston Dynamics or designing algorithms that allow rockets to land on their own like SpaceX.) I also am a ...
Northwestern University
Current Undergrad Student, Electrical Engineering
Practice AP Physics C: Mechanics
Free practice tests, flashcards, and AI tutoring for AP Physics C: Mechanics
Top 20 Science Subjects
Meet Our Expert Tutors
Connect with highly-rated educators ready to help you succeed.
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.
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.
Eamonn
AP Calculus BC Tutor • +30 Subjects
I am a highly motivated, PhD physics student with a very strong background in mathematics and physics. I have plenty of experience as a tutor, helping students at both the high school and university level.
Aadith
Middle School Math Tutor • +22 Subjects
I'm an undergraduate at Rice University, majoring in Physics and Biochemistry, with a strong passion for research, classical music, and good teaching. I've loved math and science from a young age and am eager to share my knowledge with other students. I believe that everyone deserves to enjoy learning about our world and that everyone has their own preferred way to learn. That's why I hope to offer personalized tutoring that helps you learn not just the material but also how to better teach yourself.
Gagik
Pre-Algebra Tutor • +30 Subjects
I am a graduate of Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, where I completed my Ph.D. program in Physics. I was doing research in physics for many years, but it always comes a time when you feel you must pass your knowledge to other people, especially those of new generation. So, I started teaching and tutoring then. Originally I was teaching Conceptual, Algebra-Based and Calculus-Based Physics courses at different colleges and universities. Yet, while teaching these courses, I was also unofficially "tutoring" the students during my office hours when they were coming with their concerns and confusions. Officially, my tutoring started in January 2017, when I was offered to tutor at Science Learning Center of Stark State College in North Canton, Ohio. One thing I like in tutoring is the opportunity to work with students individually and use personal approaches to direct them to the success in their studies, rather than teaching an "average student" standing at a whiteboard or a projector screen. I am tutoring College, University and AP Physics courses, also I am able to tutor algebra/trigonometry and calculus. Rather that just giving the students the equations to solve the desired problems, I prefer to make the students work themselves, concentrating myself in directing them whenever it is necessary and explaining the subtle points of the confusing material studied. During the tests the students are left with their task alone with no help form anyone, and my goal is to make them able to deal with such tasks successfully. Hobbies: art, books, writing, reading, music
Alex
AP Calculus BC Tutor • +31 Subjects
I'm a junior in chemical engineering at ASU Barrett and I specialize in math and physics tutoring. If you need help with any of your math subjects or have trouble with physics and chemistry I'm the one to call. I love working with students and each and everybody's success is my top priority.
Lila
Pre-Algebra Tutor • +54 Subjects
I am currently a rising Senior at Rice University from Alexandria, Virginia. I'm studying Political Science and Latin American Studies with a minor in Politics, Law and Social Thought. After I graduate I hope to go to law school to become an immigration lawyer.
Vinson
AP Statistics Tutor • +22 Subjects
I'm currently a freshman at Rice University studying applied math. I've always had a love for sharing knowledge with others, and I started tutoring when I was a junior in high school. As a former AP student and a National AP Scholar, I have the experience necessary to guide my students through challenging curriculum. Though I specialize in tutoring mathematics and physics, I am experienced with and am happy to tutor a broad range of subjects.
Thomas
AP Calculus BC Tutor • +96 Subjects
I am also working towards a career in molecular biology, I use math and science every day, and I can explain real-world applications and uses for these subjects that may not seem obvious. By demonstrating the use of math and science in everyday life, I am able to help interact with the student and increase their interest in a subject in which they may experience difficulty. I also believe that as a tutor, it is my responsibility to engage with the student to help them achieve and even surpass their goals. In my spare time, I am heavily involved with music in New York City, being part of multiple choirs and continuing to play piano. I also enjoy exercising and exploring the city whenever I have the chance.
Ainsley
AP Calculus AB Tutor • +46 Subjects
I am a graduate of Rice University with a Bachelor of Science in Physics, a Bachelors of Arts in Philosophy, and a minor in Neuroscience. My previous tutoring experiences have primarily focused on college level physics, math, and chemistry; AP Calculus, AP Physics, and AP Chemistry; the ACT and SAT college entrance exams; general mathematics at the high school level; and middle school level math and english for state standardized testing. Additionally, I have experience working with students with learning differences including dyslexia, ADHD, and ASD.
Top 20 Subjects
Frequently Asked Questions
Score improvement depends on your starting point and commitment level. Students working with a tutor typically see gains of 1-2 points on the AP scale (1-5) over a few months, though some improve more dramatically if they address fundamental concept gaps. The key is identifying which topics—whether kinematics, Newton's laws, or energy conservation—are holding you back, then building real mastery rather than surface-level knowledge.
Research on 1-on-1 instruction shows it's one of the most effective ways to close learning gaps. Consistent practice combined with personalized feedback on your specific misconceptions accelerates improvement more than generic test prep alone.
Most students struggle with translating word problems into the correct physics equations, especially questions involving multiple forces or energy concepts. The exam also tests your ability to work through calculations quickly under time pressure—you have roughly 80 minutes for 35 multiple-choice questions and 90 minutes for free-response, so pacing is critical.
Common weak spots include:
- Understanding when to use energy methods versus force-based approaches
- Solving multi-step problems involving circular motion or simple harmonic motion
- Applying Newton's laws correctly in non-standard scenarios
- Managing test anxiety during the exam when calculations become complex
A tutor can help you recognize problem types quickly and build confidence in your approach before test day.
If you're preparing for the AP exam (typically in May), aim for 5-8 hours of focused study per week starting 8-12 weeks before the test. This includes class attendance, homework, tutoring sessions, and independent practice. Students who cram or study sporadically often retain less and struggle with applying concepts to new problem types.
A realistic schedule might look like: one tutoring session per week (1-2 hours) plus 3-5 hours of independent practice with past AP problems and official College Board materials. If you're starting well behind, consider ramping up to 2 tutoring sessions weekly. Quality beats quantity—spending 2 focused hours on understanding free-body diagrams is more valuable than 5 scattered hours of passive review.
The free-response section (3 questions, 90 minutes) rewards clear reasoning and setup—partial credit is available even if your final answer is wrong. Start by writing down what you know (given values, relevant physics principles), draw a clear force diagram or sketch, then show your mathematical steps. Graders care about your approach, not just the answer.
Key strategies:
- Spend 1-2 minutes planning before writing to organize your approach
- Label your diagrams clearly with forces, angles, and coordinate systems
- Box or circle your final answers so readers know what you're claiming
- If you get stuck on part (a), still attempt parts (b) and (c)—they often stand alone
A tutor can show you exactly how to format solutions like the official rubric expects, which often makes the difference between a 3 and a 5 on individual questions.
You're allowed a graphing calculator on both multiple-choice and free-response sections. Use it strategically: save time on arithmetic but don't let it become a crutch. Many students waste time typing complex expressions into their calculator when a quick mental estimate or substitution would work faster.
Effective calculator habits include:
- Pre-loading your calculator with commonly needed constants or unit conversion formulas
- Double-checking units so you catch dimensional analysis errors before they tank a problem
- Using the calculator for final numerical answers, but working through symbolic algebra on paper first
- Knowing when to round intermediate values versus keeping full precision
Practice with your actual calculator during tutoring sessions so you're comfortable with its functions under pressure, and avoid learning new calculator tricks right before the exam.
Practice tests are your most valuable study tool because they reveal which topics you truly understand versus which ones just seemed clear during lessons. Take full-length practice exams under timed conditions (3 hours and 15 minutes total) at least 3-4 times before May. Space them out over several weeks so you have time to address gaps between attempts.
After each practice test:
- Score yourself honestly using the official rubric, not just right/wrong
- Identify patterns—do you consistently miss circular motion problems? Run out of time on kinematics?
- Spend the next week focused tutoring sessions on those specific weak areas, not re-reading chapters
- Review your mistakes deeply: understand why the right approach works, not just memorize the solution
Many students retake the same practice test multiple times, which is counterproductive. Instead, use variety to test your flexibility, and let practice test results drive your tutoring priorities.
The best tutors combine strong physics content knowledge with the ability to explain concepts in multiple ways—because what clicks for one student might not work for another. They should be able to recognize when you have a conceptual misunderstanding versus a calculation error, and address the root cause rather than just reteaching the formula.
Look for tutors who:
- Have deep familiarity with the AP exam format and College Board expectations
- Use whiteboard or digital tools to draw diagrams and show free-body diagram setups clearly
- Work through actual past AP problems (not just textbook exercises) during sessions
- Help you develop problem-solving strategies and pacing for test day, not just memorize solutions
- Provide honest feedback about where you stand and realistic expectations for improvement
Varsity Tutors connects you with expert physics tutors who understand AP Physics C: Mechanics deeply and can adapt their teaching to your learning style. The right tutor becomes a partner in building your confidence and mastery before exam day.
Connect with AP Physics C: Mechanics Tutors
Get matched with expert tutors in your subject


