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Award-Winning TOEFL Tutors

David

Certified Tutor

David

Bachelors, English Literature, minors in Philosophy and Spanish
David's other Tutor Subjects
College English
College Essays
Comparative Literature
English

I have recently completed a Master's degree in Writing at the School of Visual Arts in New York City. In addition to being on the Varsity Tutors team for almost 3 years, I worked as a tutor at the Writing Center at my school, where I was responsible for editing and proofreading the written work of a...

Education

Ohio State University

Bachelors, English Literature, minors in Philosophy and Spanish

Kent

Certified Tutor

9+ years

Kent

Associate in Science, Civil Drafting and Civil Engineering
Kent's other Tutor Subjects
Algebra
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Competition Math
Engineering

I decided to start tutoring because I feel I have knowledge that can be shared. I wasn't always the best student and look forward to working with students who want to work hard and get better at their chosen subject.

Education

Brigham Young University-Provo

Associate in Science, Civil Drafting and Civil Engineering

Jessica

Certified Tutor

6+ years

Jessica

Masters, Healthcare Administration (finance)
Jessica's other Tutor Subjects
Accounting
AP English Language and Composition
Business
College Accounting

As a current English Instructor with a Masters degree from the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, I am eager to apply my experience and passion for education to my students' tutoring and mentoring needs. I have nearly 6 years of experience within education that ranges from after-school tuto...

Education

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Masters, Healthcare Administration (finance)

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Bachelor in Arts, Geography (human activity)

Nancy

Certified Tutor

4+ years

Nancy

Bachelors, Business Management
Nancy's other Tutor Subjects
ACCUPLACER Arithmetic
ACCUPLACER ESL - Reading Skills
ACT English
Administrative Law

Students who learn with me feel they understand why the math they are doing makes sense.Another area of interest is working with students for ESOL needs. I've been a tutor and trainer of tutors with Massachusetts MVLP through Pollard Library in Lowell, MA for three years. This work has been with adu...

Education

Granite State College

Bachelors, Business Management

Amber

Certified Tutor

6+ years

Amber

Bachelor of Science, Anthropology
Amber's other Tutor Subjects
Algebra
Algebra 2
Arithmetic
Calculus

During my 3.5 years at Arizona State University I could never pick a focused area of study because I was, and still am, interested in everything. I started off as a math major because I was already very accomplished in the subject, having taken Calc 3 and Differential Equations in high school. Howev...

Education

Arizona State University

Bachelor of Science, Anthropology

Clare

Certified Tutor

9+ years

Clare

Master of Philosophy, Philosophy
Clare's other Tutor Subjects
ACT Residual
ACT Study Skills and Organization
ACT with Writing
ACT Writing

I have been a classroom teacher at the community college level for over twenty years. The subject I tutor most is math. I especially like technical math because it relates to engineering (i.e. the real world). I can also tutor logic and physics. I am passionate about helping students because it is r...

Education

Arizona State University

Master of Philosophy, Philosophy

University of California-Los Angeles

Bachelor of Science, Mathematics

Xia

Certified Tutor

9+ years

Xia

Bachelor in Arts, Mathematics Teacher Education
Xia's other Tutor Subjects
Algebra
Conversational Mandarin
Languages
Mandarin Chinese

I am a rising senior studying mathematics and secondary education. I have always dreamed of becoming an educator since I was little. As a child, I always picked the role of teacher when playing the ???pretend game.??? For this simple reason: I was allowed to perform whatever behaviors I considered a...

Education

StJosephs College

Bachelor in Arts, Mathematics Teacher Education

Lisa

Certified Tutor

Lisa

Bachelor of Science, Clothing and Textiles Studies
Lisa's other Tutor Subjects
Art
Elementary School English
Elementary School Math
Elementary School Reading

Hello. My name is Mrs. Lisa. I have been teaching for 18 years. I have homeschooled my own children and am presently a teacher in the homeschool classroom setting. Currently, I teach Writing, Grammar, Spelling, Life Skills & US Geography. I have also tutored students in person and online. Most of my...

Education

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Bachelor of Science, Clothing and Textiles Studies

Kiran

Certified Tutor

9+ years

Kiran

Master of Science, Occupational Therapy
Kiran's other Tutor Subjects
ACT Prep
ACT English
ACT Math
ACT Reading

I have a Bachelors degree in Psychology and a Master's of Science degree in Occupational Therapy with a specialization in education. I also have taken extra college classes in Mathematics and Science to further my education. I worked for a few years on the clinical side of Occupational Therapy, and ...

Education

Ohio State University-Main Campus

Master of Science, Occupational Therapy

Wright State University-Main Campus

Bachelor of Science, Psychology

Christina

Certified Tutor

Christina

Masters, Secondary Social Studies Education
Christina's other Tutor Subjects
Advanced Placement Prep
AP Comparative Government and Politics
AP U.S. Government & Politics
AP United States History

As an educator, I have nearly three years of classroom experience working with students grades K-12. A Bachelor of Arts Degree in History from Penn State, a Master of Science in Education from Duquesne University, and dual certifications in Secondary English and Social Studies Education have provide...

Education

Duquesne University

Masters, Secondary Social Studies Education

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus

Bachelor in Arts, History

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Lillian

Algebra Tutor • +22 Subjects

I am a senior math major at barnard college of Columbia University. I've tutored in the math help room through calculus III for 2 years. I enjoy algebra, number theory, and topology. I am also premed and enjoy chemistry, intro physics, and organic chemistry.

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William

Algebra Tutor • +47 Subjects

I am a graduate of New York University???s undergraduate history program. My main focus was the cultural and intellectual history of WWII Japan. In my final summer at NYU I traveled to Japan where I studied Japanese, traditional music, and Wartime film.I offered my academic services both in high school and college, often to my peers, primarily in writing and mathematics. I work carefully with students to bring out clarity and richness of expression in their writing. Essays are essentially portraits of your character and logical flow, which is often where students are lost, is crucial towards creating a compelling voice. Mathematics is similar; it requires a practiced hand and a clear mental map. I am happy to guide students at any level and tailor lessons to their needs.Although I enjoy writing and mathematics the most, I have a passion for physics, earth sciences, reading comprehension French and Japanese. I encourage students to find freedom in these subjects rather than trauma. In each lies a means of expression and an opportunity for dialogue. Physics, for example, offers us a completely new vocabulary for describing our natural world. My goal is for you to develop a comfortable rhythm using unfamiliar vocabulary and the ideas behind them. Patience, young one, and you will feel empowered, not intimidated on test day!My method involves students in developing their own ways of learning and exploring what makes sense to them. We all come from different backgrounds and connect with material in different ways. Together we can develop this as a strength so that you have your own set of tools that you can apply to any problem. This, ultimately, is the test of any academic pursuit. I am comfortable reaching out and adapting the material whether it be SAT, SAT II, IB, AP, or classwork to where you are now.My hobbies include poetry, electronic music, ink drawings and youtube.

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Marc

ACT Writing Tutor • +51 Subjects

I am currently a student at the University of North Carolina, majoring in chemistry. I offer tutoring in mathematics (through AP calculus BC) and chemistry (through college analytical). My hope is to help students gain complete confidence in their ability to master concepts.

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Barbara Bennett

Elementary School Math Tutor • +2 Subjects

I graduated from Baylor University with a bachelor's degree in Economics and received my teaching certification from Texas A & M. I taught all subjects in an elementary setting for 12 years before transferring to teach in a middle school. I taught 6th grade Gifted and Talented and 7th grade on-level math. To put it simply I love teaching math. As a middle school teacher, I found myself in a difficult position when students would come to me to discuss their personal problems. I decided I was ill-equipped to handle some of their issues without the education and background experience. I decided to seek a master's degree in school counseling. I have been a counselor (specializing in adolescence) for the last six years. I miss teaching. I miss interacting with the students. I miss seeing the expressions change on their faces when they finally understand a difficult concept. I also miss the challenge of successfully teaching students that are not mathematically inclined. I believe every student can be successful in math with a teacher who understands their struggle.

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Gemma

American Literature Tutor • +21 Subjects

I make a great tutor because I help students to engage themselves while working through the challenges of each subject. I make sure that students understand what it is that is making the subject hard for them to understand in order to easily solve the problem! I take time with each client to ensure that they're getting a full explanation and are able to build the skills they need to develop further. Thanks for checking out my profile and I look forward to hearing from you!

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Daniel

ACT English Tutor • +10 Subjects

To utilize my academic ability and personal desire to instruct/tutor students in a variety of subject areas, and to instill a sense of desire into students within the areas of subjects taught.

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Lucy

Conversational Spanish Tutor • +3 Subjects

If I have learned something in this life time, it would be that people can take everything away from you, but no one is able to take away your knowledge. As a student whom once struggled with a specific subject, I am passionate to teach other students in a subject I am proficient at.I have been blessed to be born a Mexican -American and be fluent in Spanish and English. With this gift, I have been able to help students and people at every stage of my life. As a young adult(teen), I worked as an ESL assistant to Elementary kids whom Spanish was their first language. At the age of 19 I was offered a great opportunity to create a dynamic Employment Agency. The majority of my duties including translating documentation in both English and Spanish.I also help translate at the Welcome House of Kentucky. I am very hands on with the Hispanic community and my area. I am currently attending Thomas More College (Graduation: Spring 2018). My degree is in Business Management and I plan to put this into effect in a diverse field, where Spanish is spoken.I love to Tutor Spanish because it brings me back to my roots. I also enjoy to see other people learn!My teaching philosophy is to be open. I understand that everyone learns at a different paste . I also understand everyone may interpret knowledge different. This is what makes us unique!Outside of Varsity Tutors I am a fulltime Mom, Wife, Daughter, and Friend. On my spare time I love to go hiking and watching scary movies.

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Murtuza

ACT Prep Tutor • +24 Subjects

I have been tutoring for years, and I think the quality that makes me a great tutor is my patience. I don't care how long it takes to help the student understand the concept. I will take the time to make sure they are well prepared for their courses.

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Isabel

ACT Prep Tutor • +16 Subjects

I've held a variety of positions as an educator, and have ample experience teaching small groups and generating individualized lesson plans and strategies for students. I've just finished a year abroad as a teaching fellow in Southern Israel, where I worked primarily in an underprivileged elementary school teaching proficiency and competence in the the English language. I taught children from diverse backgrounds and language levels, and I particularly utilized creative and artistic projects, in order to generate enthusiasm and learning. These projects included the production of a 20-minute play, an "American Idol"- style competition, and a host of creative writing assignments. I also worked with students to prepare them for the nation-wide standardized tests, meeting with pedagogical advisers and test administrators for training and preparation. As a requirement of my fellowship, I also attended regular lectures and workshops in pedagogical training, sensitivity to learning disabilities, cross-cultural communication, and regional history. Additionally, I learned Hebrew, and worked on a variety of other projects related to community development, urban renewal, cultural appreciation, teaching to different age groups, and the arts. Prior to this fellowship, I have worked as a private tutor, interned in the public education department of a major state museum, and volunteered with an after-school EFL tutoring program for disadvantaged youth.From these experiences, I've developed a tireless work ethic, as well as a tremendous capacity to adapt to new scenarios, think analytically, and communicate effectively with a wide variety of people. I believe that effective teaching demands passionate, enthusiastic teachers who will invest their full energy and focus into their students, and this is the standard I hold myself to when approaching my lessons. No two students are the same, and unless they are given individualized attention, it can be difficult to assess where a knowledge gap or particular strength that is being under-utilized might exist. I strive to understand my students as individuals and create lessons and strategies tailored to them personally.

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Kimberly

ACT English Tutor • +31 Subjects

Hi there! My name is Kimmy. I just finished my sophomore year of college studying Cognitive Science with a concentration in Neuroscience. I love tutoring and have been involved in various tutoring groups both in high school and college. Currently, I tutor elementary school students, and I am looking to expand that role! I have expertise in multiple different areas, and I am looking forward to getting to share my passion for learning with others!

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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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