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Award-Winning TOEFL Tutors

Shaughnessy

Certified Tutor

8+ years

Shaughnessy

Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Shaughnessy's other Tutor Subjects
Art
Cell Biology
Elementary School Math
Elementary School Reading

I received my education from the University of Southern Mississippi with a bachelor of science degree in biological sciences, with a minor in forensic science. I am a certified special education teacher (as well as life sciences) and I currently work in a behavior intervention classroom teaching hig...

Education

University of Southern Mississippi

Bachelor of Science, Biology, General

Divya

Certified Tutor

Divya

Bachelors, Cell and Molecular Biology
Divya's other Tutor Subjects
Algebra
Algebra 2
College Algebra
Elementary Math

Hey there! My name is Divya Sunny. I graduated from the University of South Florida in May of 2018. I majored in Cell and Molecular Biology. Currently, I am applying to medical school and hope to become a doctor one day. However, I have a passion for teaching and love helping out others. What makes ...

Education

University of South Florida-Main Campus

Bachelors, Cell and Molecular Biology

Kayleigh

Certified Tutor

Kayleigh

Bachelor in Arts, English
Kayleigh's other Tutor Subjects
ACT English
ACT Writing
College English
College Essays

Language Arts and English are prevalent subjects that everyone uses - and has used for centuries - on a daily basis. We as humans can't help but create language, share stories and cultures, and learn about our history through the literature that our ancestors have left behind. I have tutored English...

Education

Middle Tennessee State University

Bachelor in Arts, English

Mike

Certified Tutor

4+ years

Mike

Bachelor in Arts, Music
Mike's other Tutor Subjects
Algebra
AP Music Theory
Composition
Elementary School Math

Hi! I'm currently pursuing a second degree in computer science at UNC Charlotte. I graduated from Furman University in 2012 with a BA in Music and I'm looking forward to starting a new career. In the mean time, I'm looking to provide tutoring services to kids, teens, and young adults. I've worked wi...

Education

Furman University

Bachelor in Arts, Music

Toni

Certified Tutor

Toni

Bachelor of Science, Finance
Toni's other Tutor Subjects
ACT Prep
ACT English
ACT Math
ACT Reading

Hi! My name is Toni and I am a rising junior studying finance at Rutgers University. For high school, I attended Bergen County Academies and completed the International Baccalaureate (IB) program as part of the Academy for Business and Finance. I have a vast amount of experience tutoring different s...

Education

Rutgers University-New Brunswick

Bachelor of Science, Finance

Test Scores
ACT
34
Christopher

Certified Tutor

9+ years

Christopher

Masters in Education, College Student Counseling and Personnel Services State Certified Teacher
Christopher's other Tutor Subjects
Algebra
CogAT Prep
Elementary School English
Elementary School Math

I hold a Bachelor's degree with dual majors in Elementary Education and English Literature, and a Master's Degree in Education with a concentration in Teaching and Learning. I have worked as an elementary school teacher, having taught second grade up to eighth grade. Additionally, I have tutored pro...

Education

Walden University

Masters in Education, College Student Counseling and Personnel Services State Certified Teacher

Rider University

Bachelor of Education, Elementary School Teaching

Indra

Certified Tutor

5+ years

Indra

Bachelor in Arts, Biology, General
Indra's other Tutor Subjects
Algebra
Algebra 2
Elementary School Math
Geometry

I am a high school graduate from the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, which is a selective two-year residential school. I am pursuing my Bachelor of Science in Biology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. I am passionate about tutoring because I believe that I could c...

Education

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Bachelor in Arts, Biology, General

Cindy

Certified Tutor

5+ years

Cindy

Bachelors, English
Cindy's other Tutor Subjects
College English
College Essays
Comparative Literature
Creative Writing

I like to think that everyone is their own, personal brand of genius. However, for those times when we struggle, there is no shame in asking for a little help. I graduated, cum laude, from Rowan University in 2013 with my BA in English. During this time, I served as a NJ certified substitute teacher...

Education

Rowan University

Bachelors, English

Samantha

Certified Tutor

4+ years

Samantha

Current Grad Student, MD
Samantha's other Tutor Subjects
ACT Prep
ACT English
ACT Math
ACT Reading

I'm a first-year medical student and recent graduate from Duke University, where I studied Global Health Determinants, Behaviors, and Interventions. From running a piano program at a nonprofit children's theatre to private tutoring in math, science, and standardized test prep, I enjoy helping my stu...

Education

Duke University

Bachelors, Global Health Determinants, Behaviors, and Interventions

Harvard Medical School

Current Grad Student, MD

Test Scores
Perfect Score
SAT
1600
ACT
36
April

Certified Tutor

10+ years

April

Masters, Public Adminstration
April's other Tutor Subjects
College English
Elementary School Reading
Elementary School Writing
High School English

As a dedicated life long learner, I enjoy sharing all that I have obtained. I meet every student at their level and challenge them to increase their knowledge base.

Education

Troy University

Masters, Public Adminstration

University of Central Florida

Bachelors, Public Administration

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Chamougon

BASIC Tutor • +35 Subjects

My name is Chamougon Bernadotte. I am really passionate about teaching and also rejoice when someone else succeeds because of my help. I understand the concept of being confused in a class room, and that is why I chose varsity tutors for that one on one help. I understand how it feels being lost in a class room. I will be looking forward to helping as many people who need my help.

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Sherry

ACCUPLACER Arithmetic Tutor • +51 Subjects

As a teacher with 18 years' experience in education, including 4 years as a math instructional specialist, I enjoy working to prepare for tests as well as ongoing remediation. My goal is to increase both confidence and ability in all of my students.

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Laurie

College English Tutor • +29 Subjects

I am a passionate educator with more than ten years of experience. I particularly enjoy teaching languages (English and Spanish) to children, teens, and adults. I'm available for other subjects as well - my strengths are math and communications (writing, public speaking, editing, etc.).

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Aarya

Algebra Tutor • +4 Subjects

Hi! I recently graduated with Highest Honors from Adali E. Stevenson High School and am currently work to obtain my Bachelors in Computer Science at Purdue University. I have tutored a variety of students ranging from elementary to High School seniors. I have taught subjects from basic english and math concepts to standardized testing such as the SAT. I even have experience helping on topics such as AP CS. My favorite subject to tutor is english as it is able to capture one's thoughts and emotions in the smallest of phrases . My teaching philosophy revolves around legos. I like to take things one brick at a time without looking at the final picture so that way it doesn't scare us off. Slow and steady always wins the race! Outside class, I love to play piano, roller skate, go on drives with my friends and occasionally video game. I cant wait to meet you and become friends!

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Nayaab

ACT English Tutor • +34 Subjects

Knowledge is imperative for not only personal, but also social and economic growth. As a tutor, I would like to disseminate this knowledge and teach students the valuable skills needed to independently obtain knowledge, create concepts, and build new ideas on those fundamental concepts. I graduated as a University Scholar and pre-med student from New York University with a major in Psychology and minors in Physics, Molecular and Cell Biology, and Chemistry. Having excelled in Psychology and its research, I am a member of the International Honor Society in Psychology; hence, I am well qualified to teach this subject. Because I am passionate about reading and writing, both creatively and academically, I have excelled in the Critical Reading and Writing sections of the PSAT, SAT, ACT, and MCAT and have often tutored peers facing difficulties in these areas. Although I struggled with Physics in high school, I approached it differently at NYU, was extremely intrigued by it, and decided to pursue a minor in it.This is the same kind of change I would like to bring about in my students through effective communication and personalized learning styles. There is no universal way to study, and understanding how a student learns new a concept is imperative to obtaining success in any field. I have taught young children, high school students, and college students topics like algebra, dance, and health education. Each age group positively responds to a different style of teaching, motivation, and communication; being adaptable and open to these changes is my forte. My teaching style often revolves around developing self-motivation, planning schedules, and understanding students' short-term and long-term goals. Because I recently graduated, I understand the stress students have managing their busy schedules, extracurricular activities, and studying for standardized exams, all while maintaining a solid GPA. Being flexible, compassionate, and patient is very important when teaching and I believe that an amalgamation of these traits, my teaching experience, and subject knowledge make me a well-rounded and effective tutor.

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Ashley

Algebra Tutor • +6 Subjects

I love math. Nothing makes me happier than having the opportunity to share my passion with others. However, math wasn't always my best subject. In my opinion, this makes it easier for me to relate to students who are having trouble in this area. In high school and college, I tutored middle school math through Mu Alpha Theta. I also helped many of my peers in their math courses ranging from Algebra 1 to Calculus.

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Maria Gabriela

Conversational Spanish Tutor • +12 Subjects

I am a graduate of The University of Kansas where I received a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and of Rockhurst University where I received a Master in Business Administration. I spent 20 years as a business professional in the fields of network engineering, project management, pre-sales engineering, and engineering manager. I made a career change to go into education. I teach high school Spanish and absolutely love it! I am a native Spanish speaker and I am excited to be able to continue helping students online via Varsity Tutors. In my spare time, I enjoy reading lots of books and spending time with my 2 children and my husband.

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Rajnish

ACCUPLACER ESL Tutor • +37 Subjects

I hold a degree in Biochemistry and Botany as well as a PhD in Life Science. I have more than two years experience teaching science to Master's/PhD students. I also work in the field of medical research. I also speak Hindi. I look forward to creating a partnership that leads to greater understanding of science concepts.

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Robert

Biology Tutor • +18 Subjects

For my undergraduate education I attended Arizona State University and graduated with a Bachelor's in Communication and a Bachelor's in Psychology. Now, I am pursuing a Master's degree in Communication with an emphasis in Education. I currently work at Grand Canyon University as an Instructional Assistant for a few classes, meaning that I assist different professors with day-to-day tasks. Due to my job I work regularly with students in a variety of courses such as Sociology, Communication, and Psychology. I also help many students with their academic papers, lending a hand in terms of making sure they answer all parts of the paper and that everything flows smoothly. For me, the best moments are when I can sit down with a student that doesn't understand the content and through some time and effort, help them reach that "A-ha moment" where it all clicks together.

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Mary

College English Tutor • +42 Subjects

I'm a graduate of Hamline University, where I acquired a Master of Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing. I also did graduate work at Hamline in Language Arts education. I was a student of music for many years, and have a Bachelor's degree in Music from the University of Colorado, Boulder where I studied voice. Having been a serious student of music in the past, I of course enjoy classical music; my favorites these days are the Baroque masters.I have been teaching English courses online for several years now, and it's been an excellent job for me as a parent since the hours are so flexible. Now that my child is grown, I'm interested in spreading my wings a bit and meeting students face to face as a tutor.My favorite subjects to teach are English Composition, Rhetoric, and research essays. I also am a grammar nerd and love to help students build their skills in this area.I love animals of all kinds and have a dog and a cat, who don't really get along with each other! I spend too much time breaking up their little spats, I think. But I wouldn't give them up, mostly because they're so entertaining.I also enjoy baking and cooking ethnic foods, and since I live near the Mississippi River I take advantage of our running paths on a regular basis. I love to be outside in the fresh air.

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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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