Connect with hundreds of tutors like Helen

Who needs tutoring?
What prompted you to seek tutoring?

I am very happy with our experience so far with Varsity Tutors. They matched my daughter with reading specialist Mary and she is wonderful! My 10 year old daughter feels happy after her sessions and believes her tutor has already helped her.

— Allison K

What prompted you to seek tutoring?

Varsity Tutors really helped me understand the concepts during my Calculus 2 class. My tutor has such amazing patience and is open to many questions! Lastly, was always on time and very prompt. Highly suggest Varsity Tutors.

— Joey T

How soon would you like to get started?
Did you know?

Understanding your timeframe helps us to develop a tailor-made learning plan just for you.

Let's finish up your profile so we can find the perfect tutor:
Did you know?

stars

We have a 4.9/5 average customer satisfaction rating.

Let's finish up your profile so we can find the perfect tutor:

Found me a great Python, C Programming, and MatLab tutor for a Engineering Computation course.

— Charles C

Let's finish up your profile so we can find the perfect tutor:

The best tutoring service period. The customer service is beyond impeccable. They provide options that are perfectly suited to your needs. They've done such a wonderful job with my daughter in high school, I plan to use their services when she attends college. I highly recommend Varsity Tutors.

— Yvette

Let's finish up your profile so we can find the perfect tutor:

We know every student is unique. And they deserve a tutoring experience as unique as their needs. With thousands of tutors available, we're confident to find the one best for you.

A photo of Helen, a tutor from Stanford University

Helen

Certified Tutor

Hi, my name's Helen Liu! I'm currently studying at Stanford University, majoring in either Biology or Science, Technology, and Society. I love helping others and have been a peer tutor for over four years as well as a TA for two math classes. I promise I will work hard with you to achieve your desired score. I'd love to tutor you, so please feel free to contact me!

Connect with a tutor like Helen

Helen’s Qualifications
Education & Certification

Undergraduate Degree: Stanford University - Current Undergrad, Biology, General

Test Scores
ACT Composite: 34
ACT English: 35
ACT Math: 36
ACT Reading: 34
ACT Science: 33
SAT Composite (1600 scale): 1580
SAT Math: 800
SAT Verbal: 750
SAT Writing: 800
Hobbies

Rock climbing, research, viola

Tutoring Subjects
ACT Writing
Algebra
AP Biology
AP Calculus AB
Biology
College Biology
Conversational Mandarin
High School Biology
Languages
Mandarin Chinese
Mandarin Chinese 1
Mandarin Chinese 2
Math
SAT Prep
SAT Math
SAT Mathematics
SAT Reading
SAT Verbal
Science
Test Prep
What is your teaching philosophy?

Working with students to know why an answer is correct is much better than mindless practice. All students have the ability to understand, but it's up to the teacher to find the method that makes sense.

What might you do in a typical first session with a student?

First, introductions and helping the student feel comfortable. That way, the student is less shy when he/she has questions. Afterwards, I'll ask the student if he/she has a particular area they want to focus on. If not, I may personally assess their skills and form a plan for future sessions that will provide better improvement for the student.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

I can give assignments that the student should do outside of our tutoring sessions. This way the student has a goal to achieve and will make the tutoring sessions more beneficial for both of us. In addition, I'll help the student develop strong study habits and a positive mindset that encourages independent thinking.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I would constantly remind them of their goal and make them aware of their constant improvement. Goals seem easier to achieve the more attainable they are. By making and reaching smaller goals, the student will feel their studying is working and stay motivated.

If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?

Try to explain it in a different manner. I'll try to use fun and memorable explanations and utilize tools such as videos and outside texts. I'll spend lots of time working with the student so that he/she feels comfortable.

How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?

Reading comprehension is about reading efficiently and intelligently. I'll give students my tips, such as making notes about each paragraph and how to deduce tone, context clues, etc.

What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?

Personalized strategies to help focus on where the student should place their efforts. I also find that using analogies and unique ways of thinking help the student learn specific knowledge.

How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?

I would try to solve the problem from another angle. I would also have them do problems in that subject, but start off with easier ones so they realize they can succeed in their harder subjects.

What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?

Have them try to teach me the material. If they can do that, they have fully comprehended the lesson.

How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?

I help them succeed in problems and always provide encouragement. I make sessions fun and not scary!

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

I use diagnostic tests to locate the specific areas that need the most work.

How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?

I check how effective my current strategy is in helping the student understand the material. If it isn't working, I try new strategies and new ideas as well as different texts and problems.

What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?

I prefer using prep books most, and diagnostic tests are extremely useful. In addition, more practice is always beneficial.