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Award-Winning TOEFL Tutors

Nathaniel Ziv

Certified Tutor

2+ years

Nathaniel Ziv

Current Undergrad, Classical Studies
Nathaniel's other Tutor Subjects
Classics
College Essays
Essay Editing
Greek

I'm about to start as a freshman at Swarthmore College, to pursue a double major in Classical Studies and Linguistics. I was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and now live in Riverdale. I spent this past year in Israel, studying spoken Ancient Greek and Biblical Hebrew, and performing in an amateur ...

Education

Swarthmore College

Current Undergrad, Classical Studies

Test Scores
SAT
1530
Brenda

Certified Tutor

Brenda

Master of Science, Nursing (RN)
Brenda's other Tutor Subjects
Emergency Medicine
Health Care Administration
Health Care Policy
HESI - Health Education Systems Incorporated Prep

I have been a nurse for over 4 decades. I am a graduate of a diploma program, have completed a BSN and will finish my MSN this fall (2021). I have a varied background in care of patients with renal disease, general surgery, renal transplant, critical care and clinical informatics. I am passionate ab...

Education

SUNY Empire State

Master of Science, Nursing (RN)

CWPost

Bachelor of Science, Nursing (RN)

Heather

Certified Tutor

Heather

Bachelor in Arts, Sociology
Heather's other Tutor Subjects
ACT English
ACT Reading
ACT Writing
Algebra

Hi, I'm Heather, a social worker in Portland, OR. I graduated summa cum laude in 2018 from Willamette University, a liberal arts college on the West Coast, with a 4.0 GPA. I share this to let you know that I am passionate and committed to lifelong learning, and enjoy helping others along the same jo...

Education

Willamette University

Bachelor in Arts, Sociology

Test Scores
SAT
1500
ACT
35
Jade

Certified Tutor

5+ years

Jade

Bachelor in Arts, Political Science and Government
Jade's other Tutor Subjects
ACT Aspire
ACT English
ACT Residual
ACT Study Skills and Organization

Hi! I am an enthusiastic and eager tutor specializing in English and creative writing. I was always the friend who edited everyone's essays in high school and college, so I decided to turn it into a side gig! I have experience in legal writing/editing, screenwriting, and journalism, making me a grea...

Education

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Bachelor in Arts, Political Science and Government

Nathaniel

Certified Tutor

9+ years

Nathaniel

Current Undergrad Student, Computer Engineering, General
Nathaniel's other Tutor Subjects
Algebra
Algebra 2
C++
College Algebra

I'm a current student at Kansas State University majoring in Computer Engineering. My favorite subjects are math and programming because I enjoy the problem solving that comes with them.When both teaching and learning, I try to focus on the how and why rather then just learning to solve problems. I'...

Education

Kansas State University

Current Undergrad Student, Computer Engineering, General

Elvin

Certified Tutor

Elvin

Bachelors, Bio-Engineering
Elvin's other Tutor Subjects
AP Calculus AB
AP Physics 1
AP Physics 2
Business

I am a graduate from Cornell University where I received a bachelor's degree in Biological Engineering with a minor in Mechanical Engineering. For several years, I have always had a passion for tutoring/teaching others around me whether they were children, classmates or adults much older than I. Fro...

Education

Cornell University

Bachelors, Bio-Engineering

Test Scores
SAT
1400
Hansani

Certified Tutor

10+ years

Hansani

Bachelors, Marine Biology
Hansani's other Tutor Subjects
Ecology
Environmental Science
GRE
Life Sciences

A little about myself: I am currently a High School Science Teacher at Eustis High. I teach Environmental and Forensic Science. I graduated from Florida International University with a BS in Marine Biology. For about five years I worked with Dr. Joel Trexler and Dr. Kevin Boswell working on the spat...

Education

Florida International University

Bachelors, Marine Biology

Christopher

Certified Tutor

8+ years

Christopher

Bachelor in Arts, Physics
Christopher's other Tutor Subjects
Algebra 2
AP Calculus AB
AP Calculus BC
AP Physics 1

I graduated from Reed College with a B.A. in physics, and have four years of experience in tutoring. My areas of expertise include physics, math, and essay writing. I believe that most challenges are easy to overcome if looked at from the right perspective, so when I tutor, I always try to have the ...

Education

Reed College

Bachelor in Arts, Physics

Sheryl

Certified Tutor

5+ years

Sheryl

Master of Arts Teaching, Elementary School Teaching
Sheryl's other Tutor Subjects
Elementary School
Elementary School English
Elementary School Math
Elementary School Reading

I have recently retired from full-time work in education after almost 30 years. During those years I have taught first grade, fourth grade, seventh grade and high school and have served as the middle school principal, curriculum specialist and assistant school administrator. Considering teaching a g...

Education

UNC Greensboro

Master of Arts Teaching, Elementary School Teaching

UNC Chapel Hill

Bachelor in Arts, American Studies

Shannon

Certified Tutor

7+ years

Shannon

PHD, Ethnomusicology
Shannon's other Tutor Subjects
AP Comparative Government and Politics
AP Human Geography
AP U.S. Government & Politics
AP United States History

I recently graduated with a PhD from Columbia University, where I taught undergraduates in music, anthropology, cultural studies, and writing. I sought to engage students by relating classroom material to the students’ own interests in music, culture, and world affairs. With a certificate in innovat...

Education

Columbia University in the City of New York

PHD, Ethnomusicology

Appalachian State University

Bachelor in Arts, Interdisciplinary Studies

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Meet Our Expert Tutors

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Trusha

Algebra Tutor • +24 Subjects

I am a senior at the University of Miami with a double major in Biochemistry and Economics. I have a passion for dance and I am very friendly and look forward to working with you! I have over four years experience with tutoring, and this experience allowed me to work closely with children of all ages on various assignments. I was able to offer my assistance and teach effectively and efficiently without simply giving the correct answer. The key to tutoring is to reinforce material in a way that the student is led to solving the problem on his or her own rather than being told what the correct answer is.

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Bonnie

ACT Math Tutor • +42 Subjects

What makes a great tutor is a solid knowledge of the basics, good communication, and the ability to connect with people and to see things from their perspective. My patience, listening skills, and communication skills developed from over 300 hours of experience have sharpened those characteristics. Through countless experience in the past, I have an excellent idea of what techniques work best for what types of learners. I also believe that through tutoring, not only should you walk away knowing the material but also knowing how to learn and knowing how you learn best.

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Kathy

Adult ESL/ELL Tutor • +16 Subjects

My more than 30 years teaching experiences in Asia, Europe, Africa, and the United States, have given me an understanding and appreciation of multiculturalism and diverse learning styles that better enable me to interact with students.I am a graduate of Boston University (M.A. International Relations) and Saint Michael's College (M.A. Teaching English as a Second Language).I specialize in teaching business communications and English language skills.

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Megan

Anatomy & Physiology Tutor • +14 Subjects

I fell in love with Biology when I first took AP biology in high school and went on to major in Biology at Carleton College where I got my B.A. In college, I first began tutoring local high school students in AP biology and found joy sharing my love and knowledge of biological systems. From high school throughout college I have studied French, and lived in Paris with a host family for a summer and would love to help beginning or intermediate French students with grammar or conversation.After graduating, I worked as an AmeriCorps tutor at an elementary school in Boston and primarily tutored in math and reading. I honed my tutoring skills and have experience accommodating lessons to students with different learning styles. While working as a tutor I also have been studying and taking the MCAT in preparation to attend medical school. As someone who has personally benefitted from tutoring I am excited to help my students accomplish whatever goals they are striving to achieve through target tutorials and carefully planned lessons for each individuals strengths.

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Melissa

College English Tutor • +13 Subjects

I believe that everyone has a story. We can enjoy them all if we're willing to listen and just "be" in the moment. There are many times when I shake my head and think to myself "only me". I find shenanigans in the most unlikely places, I'm always being told not to make friends in the grocery, and I am a huge nerd (self proclaimed). I am married, and I have five children. All of my children have four feet and tails (betcha I got you for a second). I have two dogs and three cats.I am interested in all things crafty, and I spend more time on Pinterest than I'd care to admit. I love making things, and I take great joy in spending hours in the craft studio that is set up in my basement. I also love shoes. I have a Carrie Bradshaw sized obsession, and although I couldn't draw you a house with all the tools in the world, I can sketch outlines of shoes and have several in a book. In my next life, I want to design them. I also love being outside, and when the weather is nice, you can find me on the deck, in my hammock with a book, my notebook, and sun tea. I also obnoxiously take pictures of everything.I started writing when I was in middle school, and I have not stopped since. I used to write stories about my friends and I would often type them (on a TYPEWRITER!) and give them as gifts. My family didn't own a computer until I was in high school. I continue to write flash fiction and poetry as well as creative non-fiction. I have been to several writers' retreats and I was a summer fellow last year in the Meadowbrook Writing Project.I detest the poetry of T.S. Eliot, but I owe him for the day I decided to go to graduate school. I felt changed after leaving a modern poetry class one day, and I credit that class with helping to turn the tide for me.My favorite writers include James Joyce (although I have not finished Ulysses), Sylvia Plath, and I adore Frank McCourt. I also enjoy some more modern fiction, and some of my favorites are Cecelia Ahern and Marissa de los Santos.I teach writing, and there is not another job in this world that I ever want to do. I am a writer, and that's what makes me whole.

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Daniel

Biology Tutor • +29 Subjects

I attended the University of Alabama where I received a BS degree in Biology. During school I also worked intermittently as a Park Ranger for the US National Park Service at Mammoth Cave National Park. After graduating in December of 2014, I moved to Baton Rouge, Louisiana where I worked briefly in a petrochemical laboratory as a technician. I moved to Nashville, Tennessee in August of 2015 while I apply to graduate programs to pursue a Masters of Environmental Engineering degree. I am very passionate about environmental problem solving and studying how our society interacts with the environment. During my time at the University of Alabama, I had the opportunity to choose courses ranging from biochemistry to ecology. I learned early on that I love studying biology and chemistry, but I was not innately good at them. It took me several semesters to learn how to study effectively and use the information given by professors in a way that I relate best. I believe that STEM education should be a priority in our schools, and I would love the opportunity to use my educational background as well as my work experience to foster the next generation of future scientists.

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Jorge

Advanced Placement Prep Tutor • +46 Subjects

I'm eager to help you in whatever way I can! I'm a graduate of Harvard (BA, Social Anthropology) and Columbia (MA, Human Rights) and have spent years tutoring students in a variety of subjects. I'm a firm believer that effective tutoring stems from developing a program that is tailored and highly customized to individual students. I look forward to working with you!

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Steven

ACT Prep Tutor • +40 Subjects

I'm looking forward to working with you. My degree is in Mechanical Engineering, so I can assist with that (mechanics would be my specialty there). I can definitely assist with math through Calc 1. I can assist with most Physics, and some Chemistry.

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Bashir

ACT Writing Tutor • +9 Subjects

A personal history of educating: peer tutor since 2013, professional tutor since 2016, that one kid you ask for homework help since /literally forever./If you've ever met me in a classroom, I've always been the person to ask for explanations from when your teacher is making less than zero sense - you can trust me to make simple meaning out of whatever complex concept you've got in front of you. I don't like to think of tutoring as additional teaching so much as untangling stuff you've already been taught, and helping you fully understand things you already sort of know. And in computer science - my field of expertise - any big problem you throw into the world can be divided and conquered, as long as you know how.The door is already there. You've already got the keys in hand. I'm happy to help you open them.

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Zabian

Algebra Tutor • +44 Subjects

I am a graduate from Mercer University. I have obtained a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics. I have gained tutoring experience from my time working at Mathnasium as a Math Instructor. There, I have taught many student from grade 2 through grade 12, strengthening their competency in Mathematics. I have also tutored many of my classmates in higher-leveled mathematics. Through many of the subject that I have taught, I really enjoy tutoring in Calculus. I enjoy helping student build a better understanding in mathematics because I believe that it is a necessity to have and can help improve the way we think in life. When I am not tutoring in mathematics, I like to hang out with friends, practice the piano and saxophone, solve puzzles, listen to music, and play video games!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Score improvement depends on your starting point and how consistently you work with a tutor. Students typically see 10-20 point improvements over 8-12 weeks of focused study, though some see larger gains if they're addressing fundamental gaps in English proficiency. The key is identifying which sections (Reading, Listening, Speaking, or Writing) need the most work and developing targeted strategies for those areas.

A tutor can help you move beyond simply taking more practice tests—they'll diagnose exactly where you're losing points and create a customized study plan that addresses your specific weaknesses.

The Reading section is where most students struggle with pacing. You have 54-72 minutes to read 3-4 passages and answer 12-14 questions per passage—that's roughly 10-12 minutes per passage if you account for question-answering time. Many students spend too long on difficult questions and rush through easier ones, losing points unnecessarily.

A tutor can teach you strategic skimming techniques, help you identify which questions to tackle first, and show you how to quickly locate evidence in the text rather than re-reading entire passages. With practice and the right approach, you can cut your reading time significantly while maintaining accuracy.

Speaking anxiety is common because you're recorded and can't revise your answers—but it's highly manageable with preparation. The Speaking section rewards clear organization and fluency more than perfect grammar, so knowing what to expect reduces panic significantly.

A tutor can help you build confidence by having you practice speaking out loud repeatedly (not just in your head), teaching you templates for structuring responses, and simulating the actual test conditions so the day itself feels familiar. Recording yourself and reviewing mistakes also normalizes the process. With consistent practice, most students move from anxious to confident within 4-6 weeks.

It depends on your timeline and starting score, but generally you should prioritize your weakest sections while maintaining your strong ones. If you're weak in Reading and Writing but strong in Listening and Speaking, spending 70% of tutoring time on those two sections makes sense. Your tutor can help you allocate time efficiently based on your goals.

That said, don't completely ignore your strong sections—students often plateau when they only focus downward. Your tutor will ensure you're using an 80/20 approach: deep work on weakness areas, maintenance on strength areas, and some time on test-taking strategy that applies across all sections.

Integrated tasks require you to combine information from reading, listening, and speaking or writing—they test your ability to synthesize multiple sources. Independent tasks ask you to draw from your own knowledge and experiences. Most students find Integrated tasks harder because they require managing information from multiple sources while also producing language under time pressure.

The good news? Integrated tasks are also the most learnable with practice. A tutor can break down the note-taking strategies, help you organize information effectively, and give you templates for structuring integrated responses. Once you understand the predictable format and practice 15-20 integrated tasks, they become significantly easier.

The answer depends on your stage of preparation. Early on (weeks 1-4), take one full practice test to establish a baseline, then focus on targeted section practice and skill-building. In the middle phase (weeks 5-8), take full tests every 1-2 weeks to apply what you're learning. In the final 2-3 weeks, take a full test every 4-5 days to build endurance and identify last-minute gaps.

Taking practice tests too frequently without review wastes time; taking them too rarely means you won't catch patterns in your mistakes. Your tutor can help you find the right frequency and, more importantly, help you review and learn from each test so you're not just going through the motions.

Look for someone with specific TOEFL expertise—not just general English proficiency. Your tutor should understand the exact format of each section, know common student mistakes, and be able to diagnose weaknesses quickly. They should also be able to teach test-specific strategies (like skimming techniques for Reading or note-taking for Integrated tasks) rather than just assigning practice tests.

Equally important is someone who understands that TOEFL preparation isn't just about language skills—it's about managing anxiety, pacing, and test strategy. The best tutors combine deep content knowledge with the ability to build your confidence so you can perform your best on test day.

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