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Award-Winning Grad School Personal Statement Tutors

Clarissa

Certified Tutor

Clarissa

Bachelor in Arts, Communication, General
Clarissa's other Tutor Subjects
ACCUPLACER ESL
ACCUPLACER ESL - Listening
ACCUPLACER ESL - Reading Skills
ACCUPLACER ESL - Sentence Meaning

As a college graduate, I look forward to enhance the learning experience of students through tutoring. Academic success and excellence are goals that should be supported, and together we can achieve them, one step at a time.

Education

Grand Canyon University

Bachelor in Arts, Communication, General

Michael

Certified Tutor

Michael

Bachelor of Science, Cell & Molecular Biology
Michael's other Tutor Subjects
7th-12th Grade Reading
7th-12th Grade Writing
5th-8th Grade Science
ACT Prep

I am a graduate of the University of Michigan where I earned my bachelor of science degree in cellular and molecular biology. I chose this major because I am fascinated with how cells in the body interact with each other and the pathways in which they communicate. Originally being pre-med, I applied...

Education

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Bachelor of Science, Cell & Molecular Biology

Test Scores
ACT
32
Jonathan

Certified Tutor

10+ years

Jonathan

Current Undergrad, English & World History
Jonathan's other Tutor Subjects
American Literature
College English
Elementary School
Elementary School Math

I am presently a double major junior at UAlbany (English and World History), after completing two years at Suny Adirondack. Next semester I will be undertaking an independent study program, after being invited to do so by one of my professors. I plan to earn a master's degree in either of my majors ...

Education

UAlbany

Current Undergrad, English & World History

Debian

Certified Tutor

4+ years

Debian

Non Degree Master, Education
Debian's other Tutor Subjects
Elementary Reading and Phonics Class
Elementary School
Elementary School English
Elementary School Math

I am a graduate from American College of Education where I receive a Master of Education in Integrated Curriculum with a focus of Study in Early Childhood Education Special Education. I have been an educator for over ten years where I teach students at the lower elementary level both in the USA and ...

Education

American College of Education

Non Degree Master, Education

Joanne

Certified Tutor

Joanne

Masters, Masters in Mathematics for Teachers
Joanne's other Tutor Subjects
Algebra
College English
English
ESL/ELL

I have a PhD in STEM Education from The Ohio State University. I also have a masters in Learning Technologies from OSU and a Mathematics for Educators from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. My undergraduate degree is in English from Florida Atlantic University.I have 17 years of classroom experience ...

Education

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Masters, Masters in Mathematics for Teachers

Florida Atlantic University

Bachelors, English

Melissa

Certified Tutor

Melissa

Master's/Graduate, Global Health
Melissa's other Tutor Subjects
Beginner Spanish for Adults
Conversational Spanish
Languages
Medicine

Hello, It's me, Melissa! The tutor you seek achieves your academic goals for nursing or related health studies. Let me tell you about myself. I am an RN and MA in Global Health with over 8plus years of experience in clinical settings and outpatient facilities as a care manager and participating and ...

Education

University of Miami

Master's/Graduate, Global Health

Sierra

Certified Tutor

10+ years

Sierra

Masters in Education, Early Childhood Education
Sierra's other Tutor Subjects
Elementary School
Elementary School English
Elementary School Math
Elementary School Reading

My love for learning is the reason why I chose to become an educator. I remember having great teachers push me to improve, and I want to do the same for every student I encounter. I have a Masters in Elementary Education and over 7 years of experience.

Education

Georgia State University

Masters in Education, Early Childhood Education

Georgia State University

Bachelor in Arts, Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General

Bradley

Certified Tutor

Bradley

Bachelors, English, History
Bradley's other Tutor Subjects
11th-12th Grade Reading
11th-12th Grade Writing
Adult Literacy
African-American History

Teaching at the university level has enlightened me to the learning modes of both high school and college students. As an instructor of Freshman composition at Baruch College and Brooklyn College, I taught essay writing to students who were in an in-between state: not quite full-fledged college stud...

Education

University of Michigan

Bachelors, English, History

Alex

Certified Tutor

5+ years

Alex

Masters in Education, Special Education
Alex's other Tutor Subjects
Algebra
Algebra 2
Algebra 3/4
Arithmetic

I graduated from New York University in 2008 - even though my degree was in Music Business, after taking some substitute teaching work I realized I enjoyed working with students. I began working full-time as an instructional aide with middle and high school students. I enrolled in Fitchburg State's ...

Education

Fitchburg State University

Masters in Education, Special Education

New York University

Bachelor in Arts, Music Business

Test Scores
SAT
1410
Colton

Certified Tutor

8+ years

Colton

Bachelor of Science, Psychology
Colton's other Tutor Subjects
ACT Writing
ASVAB Prep
Elementary School Math
English

I have spent four years in the US Army as a mentor, tutor, teacher, leader and supervisor to over 50 students and soldiers. I have a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Texas A&M (2013), where I graduated with a 3.7 GPA and was recognized as Cum Laude (Top 10-15%). Due to my extensive experience ...

Education

Texas A M University-College Station

Bachelor of Science, Psychology

Meet Our Expert Tutors

Connect with highly-rated educators ready to help you succeed.

Ellis

ESL/ELL Tutor • +31 Subjects

I encourage you to take a moment to view my personal website www.eratnertutor.comI have been a successful tutor for over ten years specializing in SAT and PSAT preparation including reading comprehension, grammar, and essay and term paper writing. SAT and PSAT tutees have consistently achieved 150 200 point gains. Libraries throughout CT (including New Haven, Wallingford, East Haven, Cheshire, Bethany, Woodridge, and Madison) have acknowledged these successes by repeatedly selecting me as presenter of library sponsored SAT preparation seminars. (The seminars have garnered substantial positive online and print publicity).These successes as well as extraordinarily positive references from parents, students, teachers, and school principals are set forth in my website: www.eratnertutor.com . I urge the reader to check them out. I am hugely proud of them. They present a more complete and personal description than I could possibly present in a Personal Statement.My expertise also extends to the law. I am a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania Law School (widely recognized as one of the premier law schools in the United States) and a former practicing attorney and law professor. I have helped students to prepare for the LSAT and to draft the Personal Statement required by law schools.I was a Modern Languages major in college which has proved invaluable in tutoring ESL which I have done for several years as a volunteer for several CT libraries.And, finally, I am the author of several books published by prestigious companies, including Commerce Clearing House and Simon & Schuster. This experience, including working with professional editors, has informed my tutoring in all aspects of SAT Reading Comprehension, Writing and Grammar, and essay and term paper writing.I pride myself in bringing out the best in my tutees, in making them feel valued and respected. They reciprocate those feelings and become both challenged and motivated. The results show it. My education speaks for itself: Trinity College (B.A., CUM LAUDE), University of Pennsylvania Law School (JURIS DOCTOR). Education and the success of my tutees means everything to me. Our work together becomes a successful collaboration. I look forward to meeting you and working with you!

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Charline

College English Tutor • +21 Subjects

I have been a highly skilled middle school science teacher for the past three years in New York City public schools. This experience enables much familiarity with the standards and curriculums that some students may need help with in all subject areas. After tutoring some students I realized that they performed better in numerous tasks since they gained confidence and skills from our sessions. I believe that working one-on-one could develop better understanding of a subject since the tutor and student will work to meet specific goals with strengths and weaknesses kept in mind.

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Jay

ACT English Tutor • +60 Subjects

I graduated from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Sciences in Microbiology. My passion for education began when I worked as a teacher's aide at my local community theatre when I was thirteen. I continued that work until high school graduation, but throughout high school, I tutored geometry and algebra. In college, I was privileged to volunteer at the Columbus Literacy Council, helping adults learn how to read and write English. While working as an undergraduate research assistant, I trained new assistants in the maintenance and function of laboratory equipment. After graduation, I volunteered at the Homework Help Center at the Whetstone Branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library. In 2015, I worked at the HHC as their Homework Help Associate, requiring me to work with students K-12 in a myriad of subjects, each needing me to produce a personal approach to how I could aid them. Currently, I work as an Image Analyst for the Ophthalmology department of Case Western Reserve University.The subjects I most prefer to tutor are the sciences and mathematics. I always viewed these subjects as logic games that happened to have a real life application. I believe in transparency between myself and my students. After all, "I don't know" is a valid and honest answer. Outside of academia, I love cooking, playing games with friends, and spending time with my wife.

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Laurel

Admissions Tutor • +18 Subjects

Anytime I have the opportunity to lead a student to success, I will take it! I have been a teacher for the past 8 years and helping students achieve their academic goals has been an essential part of those years. I have taught middle and high school students in the areas of English Literature, United States History, United States Government, Economics with Personal Finance, and Cambridge Economics. In addition I have tutored students for the SAT and ACT English and essay sections and have held writing camps for college essay writing. I have taught and tutored students in preparation for state standardized tests in the area of English and U.S. History. In terms of my education, I have received a Bachelors of Arts in History Education and a Masters of Science in Urban Education. I am certified to teach grades 6-12 Social Sciences Subjects in the state of New Jersey and Florida. Finally I have passed the Praxis Social Studies Content Certification exam and am able to tutor anyone in this area. I am passionate about ensuring that students not simply pass but excel in their academics. Whether a high performing or struggling student, I will work with you to meet your goals.

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Tyler

Advanced Placement Prep Tutor • +43 Subjects

My true passion for education stems from the continuing divide I see in our current education system. As an intern in the New York City Teaching Fellows program, I worked with underserved students in the Bronx. In the summer of 2009, I returned to the Midwest with a new appreciation for the teaching profession and a desire to make a difference. I entered the McCloskey business competition at the University of Notre Dame and was awarded a grant to implement REACTT at a publicly funded school and residential facility for children that are removed from their homes by child-protected services.I have experience professionally in Medical Device Sales and in Mortgage Lending. However, my true passion has always been education and at this point in my life I feel it is imperative to align my career satisfaction with how I dedicate myself professionally to society. I am extremely self-motivated, I enjoy working with young minds (because they're often the most creative), and lastly I enjoy great challenges. I intend to dedicate myself fully to finding the best way to teach each individual student and to never stop learning and improving myself.

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Marlys

Algebra Tutor • +22 Subjects

I have been privileged to be a teacher for the past 41 years. I graduated from St. Cloud State University in Minnesota with an Elementary Education degree, and a math minor. I earned a Master of Science degree in Curriculum and Instruction, with a Math Specialist focus from Black Hills State University in South Dakota. I taught elementary grades 3, 5 and 6 for the first 8 years of my career. When I started teaching Middle School, I was able to concentrate on my passion, which is math. I taught 6th grade math for 21 years and 8th grade math for 6 years. The last three years of my teaching career I was a part-time math interventionist and an Online Math instructor, utilizing the Edgenuity Online program.I believe all students can learn. It is the responsibility of the instructor to provide opportunities for success and guidance in solving problems. There are many ways to approach math problem-solving. I support students in developing the math skills needed at each grade level and in applying those skills to problems they encounter. Through my years of teaching, I have learned how to assess student errors and help to alleviate them. I developed and taught a supplemental Math Enrichment program for At-Risk math students as a 6th grade math teacher. Students not only developed specific skills but also gained the confidence needed to be willing to attempt math problems.I am a patient, caring teacher who will evaluate a student's needs before addressing ways to improve their skills. I am confident in my ability to tutor math at all grade levels, as well as English/Language Arts and Social Studies.

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Maggy

Conversational French Tutor • +33 Subjects

I was born and raised in Iceland. I have a BA in French from University of Iceland and an MFA in Acting from Regent University. I have tutored for about a year in French and Languages. I find tutoring very rewarding and I am incredibly proud of all of my students. In my opinion, teaching is an art form that requires a committed focus from both the teacher and the student. Despite all the distractions of the world, my goal as a tutor is to be flexible with my students while offering them quality-learning sessions that have a clear point of concentration. My goal is to create a learning environment that has the freedom and clear channel of communication, which allows my students to explore the subject area and develop good learning habits. Further, communication is an essential element in quality teaching; therefore, I am committed to engaging with my students and connect with them to establish a fun and focused learning session.I have lived in Paris, Reykjavik, New York, Miami, and now Denver. I love to travel and discover and explore new places, cultures, people, and food. I also like sports, in particular, soccer. I am a huge Manchester United fan. Further, I am starting to appreciate American Football more and more, but I do not have a specific team that I root for maybe I will become a Broncos fan. Finally, reading has always been a big part of my life, and I always have to have a least one book on my nightstand. Right now, I prefer to read Scandinavian crime novels, such as Stieg Larssons Girl With the Dragoon Tattoo and Jussi Adler Olsons Department Q series.

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Thomas

10th Grade Math Tutor • +30 Subjects

I am a recent graduate from Florida State University with a B.S. in Chemical-Materials Engineering. I just moved to the San Gabriel Valley area and I am looking to do both online and in home tutoring in my spare time. My main tutoring subject is math, and I have experience tutoring from elementary to collegiate levels. My schedule is very flexible at the moment, so I can make adjustments as need be to accommodate. I look forward to meeting new students and helping them reach their academic goals whatever they may be.

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Christina A

Elementary School Reading Tutor • +4 Subjects

Hello! I've been an elementary school reading specialist for 26 years. I'm looking to support elementary school students during this time of remote learning by tutoring online. I love to read and love to share my love of reading with others. I've also recently received my TESOL certification. I have a lot of experience to offer and I'm looking forward to working with your child!

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Caroline

College English Tutor • +6 Subjects

I graduated from Allegheny College with an English degree and high honors in 2009. I went on to Penn State to study biochemistry and premed. My schooling has been diverse! While I can teach various subjects, these are my favorites:1) ADMISSIONS ESSAYS! You heard it, I love this challenging form of writing. My previous clients often came to me frustrated and uncertain where to begin. After tutoring, though, they were admitted with great essays. I'd say my tutoring style is thorough and demanding, especially for those applying for reach or Ivy League schools. I'm also convinced, though, that you will have fun and let your personality shine through!2) Organic Chemistry and Physics. I actually struggled with science in high school. After high school physics, I was convinced I was "terrible at it" and swore I would "never take science again." Despite this, I had felt drawn to science since childhood, and I had a nagging desire to learn it. I finally decided to gather up my courage and study biochemistry at Penn State. I had to learn step-by-step through hard work, but I ultimately did great, and I learned the material very thoroughly. Who knew physics would turn out to be my favorite class?I can also tutor general chemistry, biochemistry, biology, genetics, and statistics, and I can teach writing in all its forms (grammar, English essays, scientific writing, etc.) Finally, if you need a break from all these intense subjects, I could always introduce you my two favorite hobbies- piano and salsa dancing!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Many applicants struggle with telling rather than showing, using generic language that could apply to any program or applicant. Common mistakes include:

  • Focusing too heavily on past achievements without connecting them to future goals
  • Writing an autobiography instead of a focused narrative about why this specific program matters
  • Using clichés like "I've always been passionate about..." without supporting details
  • Neglecting to address what makes their candidacy unique for the program
  • Underestimating the importance of authentic voice and personality

Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who help identify and eliminate these patterns, ensuring your statement stands out with specific examples and compelling reasoning.

While writing centers offer general feedback, personalized 1-on-1 instruction focuses specifically on your narrative, goals, and what admissions committees want to see. A tutor works with you over multiple sessions to:

  • Develop a cohesive story that reflects your individual motivations and background
  • Identify the most compelling examples from your experience and how to frame them
  • Refine your voice and ensure authentic personality shines through
  • Align your statement with specific program requirements and values
  • Revise iteratively until your statement is genuinely ready for submission

This ongoing, customized approach helps you craft a statement that authentically represents who you are and why you're the right fit.

The best tutors for grad school personal statements have relevant experience with the application process and understand what different programs prioritize. Look for tutors who:

  • Have experience in your field or understand the values and goals of your target programs
  • Can identify strong narratives and help you articulate your unique perspective
  • Provide constructive, specific feedback rather than surface-level editing
  • Ask questions that help you dig deeper into your motivations and experiences
  • Understand the balance between professionalism and authentic voice

Varsity Tutors connects you with experienced tutors who specialize in helping applicants craft compelling, authentic personal statements that resonate with admissions committees.

The number of sessions depends on where you're starting and how polished your statement is. Most students benefit from 4-8 sessions spread across their application timeline, which allows time for drafting, feedback, revision, and refinement. Early sessions focus on brainstorming, identifying your core narrative, and outlining, while later sessions refine structure, voice, and ensure every sentence serves your story.

Some applicants need fewer sessions if they already have a solid draft, while others working from scratch benefit from more. A tutor can assess your current work and recommend a personalized plan based on your specific needs and timeline.

A strong grad school personal statement should meet these benchmarks:

  • It clearly articulates why you want to pursue grad school and why this specific program matters to you
  • It includes specific, compelling examples that demonstrate your motivations and capabilities
  • Your authentic voice and personality come through without compromising professionalism
  • Every sentence serves a purpose—nothing feels generic or filler
  • It addresses how you'll contribute to and benefit from the program
  • Multiple readers (including a tutor) have reviewed it and found no clarity issues

Working with a tutor helps you recognize when your statement has achieved these elements and is truly ready for submission.

Yes. Different graduate programs value different elements in personal statements—MBA programs often prioritize career goals and leadership potential, while law schools focus on intellectual curiosity and commitment to justice. Philosophy PhD programs emphasize research interests and scholarly thinking.

Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors experienced in your specific program type, who understand what admissions committees are looking for and can help you tailor your statement accordingly. They'll help ensure your narrative aligns with the program's values and priorities while maintaining your authentic voice.

Many strong applicants feel stuck because they haven't yet identified what makes their story compelling. A tutor helps by asking targeted questions about your experiences, motivations, challenges you've overcome, and how they connect to your grad school goals. Often, the most powerful narratives come from unexpected places—a seemingly small experience, a challenge you navigated, or a question that shaped your thinking.

Through personalized 1-on-1 work, tutors help you excavate these stories, understand their significance, and weave them into a narrative that feels authentic and meaningful. This collaborative process often leads applicants to articulate motivations they didn't fully recognize on their own.

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