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TUTORS FROM

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Award-Winning OAT Physics Tutors

Sanjul

Certified Tutor

8+ years

Sanjul

Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Sanjul's other Tutor Subjects
Middle School Math
Calculus
Algebra
Cell Biology

Medical school sharpens one skill that translates directly to OAT Physics: quickly reasoning through multi-step problems under time pressure. Sanjul applies that same discipline to the OAT's optics and thermodynamics questions, teaching students to sketch the physical setup first — ray diagrams, fre...

Education

Cleveland State University

Bachelor of Science, Biology, General

University of Medicine and Health Sciences

Doctor of Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine (DO)

Test Scores
ACT
32
Abrahim

Certified Tutor

4+ years

Abrahim

Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Abrahim's other Tutor Subjects
Middle School Math
Calculus
Algebra
Elementary School Math

As a medical student who scored a 34 on the ACT and earned a cum laude biology degree from UCLA, Abrahim knows what it takes to perform under timed, high-stakes science exams. He breaks OAT Physics problems — particularly optics and electricity — into quick conceptual checks that eliminate wrong ans...

Education

University of California Los Angeles

Bachelor of Science, Biology, General

Medical College of Wisconsin

Doctor of Medicine, Premedicine

Test Scores
ACT
34
Kevin

Certified Tutor

Kevin

Bachelor of Science, Human Biology/Education Studies
Kevin's other Tutor Subjects
College Algebra
Calculus
Algebra
AP Physics 1

Optics, vectors, and thermodynamics dominate OAT Physics, and most pre-optometry students haven't touched these topics since introductory coursework. Kevin tackles each concept by connecting it to real scenarios — how lenses refract light, how energy transfers in biological systems — making the form...

Education

University of California-San Diego

Bachelor of Science, Human Biology/Education Studies

Carsen

Certified Tutor

9+ years

Carsen

Bachelor in Arts, Chemistry
Carsen's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Pre-Calculus
Middle School Math
Calculus

I'm a 2016 graduate of Pepperdine University with my Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry. Currently I'm preparing to apply to optometry school; I hope to be accepted for the 2018-19 academic year. During my time in college, I was involved as a teaching assistant for General Chemistry I and II laboratory, ...

Education

Pepperdine University

Bachelor in Arts, Chemistry

Test Scores
SAT
1420
ACT
31
Jeffrey

Certified Tutor

2+ years

Jeffrey

MS
Jeffrey's other Tutor Subjects
AP Statistics
Statistics Graduate Level
Pre-Algebra
College Algebra

My tutoring approach is one of coaching, mentoring, and helping the student understand exactly what level and detail of help that they need to get ahead. Combining the personal discipline learned during 20 years as a Naval Officer with the unique expertise learned in one-on-one communication with pe...

Education

City University of Seattle

MS

Brigham Young University-Provo

MS

Noah

Certified Tutor

9+ years

Noah

Mechanical Engineer, Mechanical Engineering
Noah's other Tutor Subjects
Applied Mathematics
AP Calculus AB
Pre-Algebra
College Algebra

The OAT Physics section covers mechanics, optics, thermodynamics, and electricity — all territory Noah navigated extensively through his mechanical engineering degree. He tackles the conceptual reasoning and unit-analysis shortcuts that let students move through OAT physics problems quickly and accu...

Education

The University of Alabama

Mechanical Engineer, Mechanical Engineering

Phillip

Certified Tutor

2+ years

Phillip

Bachelor's
Phillip's other Tutor Subjects
Trigonometry
Pre-Calculus
Middle School Math
Algebra

Engineering coursework gave Phillip daily practice with the exact mechanics, optics, and thermodynamics problems that make up the bulk of OAT Physics — and his experience teaching AP Physics 1 and 2 means he's used to translating those concepts for students who haven't worked with them in a while. H...

Education

University

Bachelor's

Wan

Certified Tutor

2+ years

Wan

BS
Wan's other Tutor Subjects
Cell Biology
AP Biology
SAT Subject Test in Chinese with Listening
ACT Writing

I am an O.D. graduate from the class of 2023. Service and language have always been my passion! In addition to course support, I have experience tutoring transitioning high school students, college students, and nontraditional adult/senior students.

Education

Wayne State University

BS

Kate

Certified Tutor

Kate

Masters, Environmental Engineering
Kate's other Tutor Subjects
AP Calculus BC
AP Calculus AB
College Algebra
Pre-Calculus

I'm available to tutor biology, chemistry, physics, math from Algebra up through AP Calculus, SAT test prep, and French. I've been tutoring students in science and math for 7 years. I also spent 8 months working and studying in France, and have tutored high school and adult students in French. When ...

Education

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Masters, Environmental Engineering

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Bachelors

Test Scores
SAT
1580
Jessica

Certified Tutor

Jessica

PHD, Medicine
Jessica's other Tutor Subjects
College Algebra
Calculus
Algebra
Honors Chemistry

I am a licensed physician from Florida who is currently changing careers. I graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 2009 and have extensive tutoring and editing experience. While a student, I became a certified writing tutor through the Critical Writing Department. Since I completed my writ...

Education

Nova Southeastern University

PHD, Medicine

University of Pennsylvania

Bachelors, History

University of Pennsylvania

undergraduate

Test Scores
SAT
1540

Meet Our Expert Tutors

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Jai

Calculus Tutor • +23 Subjects

I'm a recent Stanford graduate (Electrical Engineering and Computer Science), and have been working at a major Management Consulting firm for a few years now. I personally scored a 2360 (out of 2400) on the SAT and 35 on the ACT and was successful in gaining admission to several top universities. I'm looking forward to helping you improve your scores towards improving your chances at getting in to your dream school.

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Jeffrey

Pre-Calculus Tutor • +29 Subjects

I am enrolled in the Mechanical Engineering PhD program at Rice University which will begin Fall 2020, and I am hoping to return to academia as a professor after earning my PhD. In the meantime, I am looking to share my passion for gaining knowledge, specifically in STEM, by educating the up and coming members of such a great field. I have experience tutoring both Calculus and Physics at Notre Dame, as well as experience as a Student Assistant for Differential Equations and Mechanics. I believe the key to learning is much deeper than learning to solve problems and that seeking knowledge is one of the best means for personal improvement.

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Rhea

AP Statistics Tutor • +49 Subjects

I am a current student at the University of Chicago. I am working towards a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences, and I am on the pre-medical track. I am extremely passionate about tutoring, and I have several years of experience tutoring students in my high school's learning center in various subjects as well as tutoring private clients in Standardized Test preparation. Given that I graduated high school recently, I have taken several Standardized Tests and high school subjects myself, so I have a comprehensive understanding of not only how to tutor these subjects and exams, but also what it is like to take them. While I have a wide range of interests and am able to tutor various subjects, I am most passionate about tutoring in Standardized Test preparation (including ACT, SAT, SAT Subject Tests, and AP Exams), Biology, Chemistry, Math, and Spanish. I truly believe that students should have the opportunity to learn in the way that works best for them, and I love being able to help them succeed by creating a comfortable tutoring environment in which we can best assess their particular needs and use strategies specific to them. My passion for learning drives everything that I do, and tutoring is the platform that I use to try to spread that passion to others. In my free time, you can find me playing badminton, listening to music, or baking something (hopefully) delicious.

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Erika

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +36 Subjects

I am available to tutor middle and high school math, history and test prep. I have tutored math and history in the past and I previously taught a test prep course at a school in Hanoi, Vietnam. I have a lot of experience teaching all the need-to-know tricks to doing great on the SATS/ACTS! When I am not in school myself, I love rowing, equestrian and exploring my new city of Boston! I look forward to meeting and working with you soon!

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Samantha

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +38 Subjects

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 students become confident and self-sufficient learners! Hobbies: photography, travel, reading, music, writing, running, art, books, traveling

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Sharon

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +29 Subjects

I am a graduate of the University of Chicago, and I will be starting a graduate program at Columbia in August. I am about to complete a year of service with City Year, an education non-profit that places young adults into under-served schools. As a City Year member, I worked full-time in the classroom with middle-school students who were in approximately the 10th percentile for math (meaning they score lower than 90% of students). One-fourth of those students were able to grow around 15 percentile points by the end of the year! Hobbies: reading, cooking, gardening, music, art, nature, books, writing

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MaryAnn

Calculus Tutor • +21 Subjects

I am a published author who has enjoyed “coaching” our daughter, as she navigated through high school, college and graduate school. I mentor college juniors who are seeking careers in financial services, and I serve as a peer resource to professionals who are transitioning from private industry to the nonprofit sector. Hobbies: reading, cooking, writing, books, music, art, travel

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Tony

Calculus Tutor • +28 Subjects

I am a recent graduate of Yale University and incoming first year medical student at Columbia University. Originally from the DC area, I have always had a passion for science and medicine and pursued a degree in Biology while at Yale. During the 2008-2009 academic year, I tutored science, math, English, history, and Mandarin Chinese part-time with a DC-based tutoring company. At Yale, I worked as a freshman counselor to provide academic and career advice to incoming freshmen. I have taken both SAT and MCAT test prep classes and am familiar with both tests as well as the preparation necessary to score well. My personal career goals include attending medical school to pursue either immunology/infectious diseases or psych/neurology, teaching biology at the university level, and working in public/global health with either the CDC or the WHO.

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Quinn

Calculus Tutor • +17 Subjects

I am willing to address any issue with an open mind and I try to develop strategies that play to a student's strengths. I would like to think I am very approachable and personable, and I have had very positive experiences with many students in the past using this philosophy. Outside of academics, I love playing basketball and watching sports, as well as chilling with friends, listening to music, and keeping up with politics and current affairs.

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Matthew

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +39 Subjects

I'm a highly creative person who works best with visual thinkers. Very recently graduated from Stanford University, I majored in Human Biology with a concentration in Bioinformatics and Stem Cell Science. Technical though my background may be, I am currently gigging as a singer/songwriter/composer in NYC and tackle even the most hard-science of problems with a top-down, big-picture, holistic approach. If you have a propensity to look at problems in a cross- or inter-disciplinary manner (or want to learn how to do so), I'm the tutor for you!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Score improvement depends on your starting point, commitment level, and how long you've been studying. Most students see meaningful gains—often 2-4 points on the 1-30 Physics scale—within 4-8 weeks of focused tutoring, especially when working with a tutor who can identify and target your specific weak areas. The real advantage of personalized instruction is that tutors help you spend study time efficiently, eliminating gaps in conceptual understanding rather than just drilling practice problems. Realistic timelines matter: if you're struggling with foundational physics concepts, allow more time than if you're fine-tuning test strategy.

The most common struggles include:

  • Conceptual gaps: Many students memorize formulas without truly understanding the physics principles behind them, which becomes a problem when questions test application rather than recall
  • Pacing: OAT Physics questions require careful reading and often multiple calculation steps, making time management critical
  • Question interpretation: The OAT uses complex, multi-part scenarios that test whether you can identify what physics concept applies and which variables matter
  • Bridging theory to practice: Understanding optics or mechanics in a textbook is different from recognizing those concepts in a clinical scenario

A tutor can help you strengthen conceptual understanding, practice efficient problem-solving strategies, and build confidence interpreting unfamiliar question formats.

The best OAT Physics tutors combine deep subject knowledge with practical test expertise. Look for tutors who:

  • Understand both the physics content AND the specific ways the OAT tests it—these aren't always the same
  • Can explain concepts clearly from first principles, not just show you how to solve problems
  • Have real experience with the OAT format and timing constraints
  • Adapt their teaching style to your learning needs and identify your specific weak areas quickly
  • Help you develop test-taking strategies (like how to approach multi-part questions or when to skip and come back)

Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who meet these standards and can personalize their approach to your goals and timeline.

Most students benefit from 6-12 weeks of focused Physics preparation, depending on their starting knowledge and target score. A realistic weekly schedule might look like 3-5 hours of tutoring or focused study, with additional practice problem work in between sessions. The key is consistency rather than cramming—spacing your study over time helps concepts stick and builds the problem-solving fluency you need on test day. If you're starting with significant conceptual gaps, you may need longer; if you're refining test strategy for an already solid foundation, you might need less. A tutor can help you create a timeline that fits your specific situation and adjust as you progress.

Test anxiety often stems from uncertainty—not knowing if you'll recognize question types, manage the clock, or remember concepts under pressure. Tutoring helps because it builds the confidence that comes from actually understanding the material and practicing realistic scenarios. Specific strategies include:

  • Working through full-length practice tests under timed conditions so test day feels familiar
  • Developing a systematic approach to each question type so you have a reliable process when anxiety strikes
  • Identifying your actual weak areas (versus imagined ones) so you can stop worrying about everything
  • Practicing pacing strategies specific to Physics so you know you can finish in time

Many students find that combining tutoring with consistent practice test experience significantly reduces anxiety because they've proven to themselves they can handle the material.

Practice tests are essential—they serve multiple purposes. They help you identify which physics concepts and question types challenge you most, they build stamina and timing skills, and they give you realistic feedback on your actual performance versus where you need to improve. Most students should aim to complete at least 3-4 full-length practice tests throughout their prep, spacing them a few weeks apart so you have time to address weak areas between attempts. A tutor can review your practice test results with you, showing you patterns in mistakes (conceptual misunderstanding vs. careless errors vs. timing issues) and helping you adjust your strategy. The OAT's question formats and pacing demands are specific enough that practice tests are much more valuable than generic physics problem sets.

Start by categorizing your mistakes: Are they due to not understanding a concept, misinterpreting the question, running out of time, or careless calculation errors? This is crucial because the fix is different for each. A tutor can help you analyze this systematically by reviewing your practice problems and tests with you. Once you've identified patterns—maybe you struggle with optics concepts, or you consistently rush through multi-step kinematics problems—you can target those areas with focused practice and review. The most efficient approach is to strengthen conceptual understanding first (so you actually know the physics), then practice application in test-like formats, then work on pacing and strategy. Jumping straight to more practice problems without addressing the root cause wastes study time.

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