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Award-Winning IB Psychology HL Tutors

Rebecca

Certified Tutor

Rebecca

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (minor in Religious Studies)
Rebecca's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Arithmetic
Middle School Math
Elementary Math

I am a graduate of Northwestern University where I received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Religious Studies. I am currently pursuing a masters degree in social work at the University of Chicago's School of Social Service Administration. I am passionate about tutoring because I wan...

Education

Northwestern University

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (minor in Religious Studies)

Test Scores
SAT
1580
Jessi

Certified Tutor

10+ years

Jessi

Masters, Religion
Jessi's other Tutor Subjects
Statistics Graduate Level
Pre-Algebra
IB Mathematical Studies SL
Arithmetic

I am really excited about working with students in the Philadelphia area! I grew up in Northern Virginia and graduated high school with an IB diploma. For college, I moved to Houston to attend Rice University, where I majored in Psychology. I then earned a masters degree in Religion at Yale and I am...

Education

Yale Divinity School

Masters, Religion

Rice University

Bachelors in Psychology

Test Scores
ACT
32
Nicole

Certified Tutor

Nicole

Bachelor of Science
Nicole's other Tutor Subjects
1st-12th Grade math
1st-12th Grade Reading
3rd-8th Grade Science
AP Calculus BC

I am very thorough in the material and diligently work, while being patient, to make sure each student is understanding the lessons because I know everyone has a unique way he/she processes and learns.

Education

Cornell University

Bachelor of Science

Justine

Certified Tutor

Justine

Bachelor in Arts, Film Production
Justine's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
Earth Science
Public Speaking

I am a senior studying Film Production at Emerson College. Though I am pursuing a career in filmmaking, I am also passionate about education. I have volunteered extensively to tutor children through various programs. At the Rosedale Achievement Center in the Bronx, I worked one-on-one with a high sc...

Education

Emerson College

Bachelor in Arts, Film Production

Test Scores
SAT
1500
Melanie

Certified Tutor

Melanie

Master of Social Work, Social Work
Melanie's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
ACT Writing
ACT English

I am very passionate about my undergraduate major, but I explored all different subjects and courses, as well. I was very active on my school's crisis hotline, and was an anonymous peer listener for this organization for most of my college experience. In addition, I was an intern at The Door, a non-...

Education

New York University

Master of Social Work, Social Work

Gabriel

Certified Tutor

Gabriel

Bachelor's
Gabriel's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
PSAT Writing Skills
SAT Reading

I am a TEFL certified English language teacher, with multiple years of experience teaching English overseas, having lived in both Thailand and Laos, and worked with students of all ages and skill levels. My lessons have ranged from language activation and phonics in kindergarten, to grammar instruct...

Education

University

Bachelor's

Test Scores
SAT
1430
Jenny

Certified Tutor

Jenny

Bachelor in Arts, Psychology
Jenny's other Tutor Subjects
College Algebra
Algebra 3/4
Arithmetic
Statistics

I am an empathetic tutor, as I strongly believe that subject matter expertise must be combined with a true understanding of a student’s learning style, strengths, weaknesses, and confidence level in order to create an effective learning environment.

Education

Georgetown University

Bachelor in Arts, Psychology

Test Scores
SAT
1560
Robert

Certified Tutor

10+ years

Robert

Bachelors, Psychology
Robert's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Middle School Math
Geometry
Calculus

I'm currently applying for medical schools and hope to matriculate in the fall of 2017.

Education

New York University

Bachelors, Psychology

Test Scores
SAT
1550
Megan

Certified Tutor

6+ years

Megan

Bachelor in Arts, Spanish
Megan's other Tutor Subjects
American Literature
AP Spanish Literature and Culture
Conversational Spanish
English

Hello! My name is Megan Yates. I am a junior at Otterbein University who is currently majoring in both Allied Health, and Spanish and Latin American Studies. I spent my last semester studying abroad at Universidad Latina, in Costa Rica - learning more Spanish and exploring the country. I am currentl...

Education

Otterbein University

Bachelor in Arts, Spanish

Jonathan

Certified Tutor

6+ years

Jonathan

Bachelor in Arts, Psychology
Jonathan's other Tutor Subjects
Graduate Test Prep
LSAT
LSAT Analytical Reasoning
LSAT Argumentative Writing

Ever since I took my LSAT last February, I have been helping friends and acquaintances improve their strategies and sharpen their skills. I'm excited by the opportunity to do this on a larger scale!

Education

University of Maryland-Baltimore County

Bachelor in Arts, Psychology

Test Scores
SAT
1570
GRE
334
LSAT
176

Meet Our Expert Tutors

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John

CDR - Commission on Dietetic Registration Tutor • +4 Subjects

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Professional Chef with 10 years experience in the food service industry, including experience as a Sous Chef and Chef Garde Manger. Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts as of 2011, Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics as of July 2018, and Master of Science in Clinical Dietetics as of 2019.As a classically trained chef of ten years, the world of food has been crucial in the development of my personal and professional character. I entered the workforce in 2006 at the age of fifteen as a prep-cook for Glen Oaks Country Club in Farmington Hills Michigan. After two years of employment, I was promoted to Chef Garde Manger. In this position, I managed prep-cooks in the production of elaborate hors d'oeuvre displays for parties ranging from 50 to 300 guests.After graduating high school in 2008, I enrolled in the culinary arts program at Schoolcraft College in Livonia Michigan, where I was trained in classical French cuisine by four of the seven Master Chefs in Michigan at the time. After graduation, I received one of the coveted sous chef positions at Schoolcraft College, under Master Chef Kevin Gawronski. My duties included ordering and managing kitchen par stock, managing sixteen students in the production of buffet style service, and performing daily demonstrations of fundamental French cooking techniques.Apart from my classroom duties, I had the responsibility of managing a new project, testing the viability of two unique vending machines. These machines held refrigerated vacuum sealed meals prepared by chefs on campus. The machines had on-board microwaves that would cook the prepared meals to order, providing students with hot meals at any hour. As the chef managing these machines, my responsibilities included the development, testing, preparation, and pricing of different menu options. In addition, I acted as liaison between Schoolcraft College and the vending machine developer, where I regularly discussed the practicality and financial feasibility of the machines.While employed at Schoolcraft College, another one of the Master Chefs offered me the opportunity to work under a French Master Chef, who was the personal chef of a family that spent their summers on their privately-owned cattle ranch and resort in Montana. Since working under a Master Chef directly from France is a once in a lifetime opportunity, I jumped on the offer.Some of the proudest and most difficult work of my culinary career was done while working under Chef Robert. Chef Robert had the highest possible standards for his food and was uncompromising in the quality of every meal he prepared. With a staff no larger than Chef Robert and myself, we prepared completely different breakfasts, lunches, and dinners for fifty guests every day.After returning to Michigan from Montana I enrolled in Madonna University's Bachelor of Science program in Nutrition and Dietetics and began my dietetic career. After graduating I enrolled in Grand Valley State University's coordinated Master of Science program in Clinical Dietetics where I received my Master's Degree and conducted my dietetic internship rotations (primarily in Michigan's Upper Peninsula) and Master's research analyzing food insecurity among 5th grade student populations across Michigan. This research utilized data from the 2015 - 16 NHANES and Michigan State University's SPartners for Health program.

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Liz

Algebra Tutor • +17 Subjects

I believe the key to education is to promote the underlying understanding of the concepts. Once a topic is understood, the application of the numbers comes easily. People don't really hate math; they hate feeling uncomfortable with it.

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Kieran

Anatomy Tutor • +41 Subjects

I am a third-year medical student from the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine. I currently live in the greater NYC area while I complete my clinical rotations. I am originally from Pawling, NY. I moved to Naples, FL during high school and graduated from Barron Collier High School in 2005. From there, I obtained a bachelors degree in Health Science from Northeastern University in Boston, MA. While pursuing my bachelor's degree, I worked as a part-time tutor for my student-athlete classmates, teaching a range of topics including Biology, Chemistry, and Calculus. Additionally, for my senior thesis project, I developed and taught a comprehensive sexual education class for local high school students and college freshman. During my first year at University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, I volunteered as a mentor to a local middle school student, helping him with his classwork as needed.I found both teaching opportunities to be extremely fulfilling. It is very rewarding to see the individual growth of people as they learn the process necessary to be a successful student. I look forward to sharing my study skill knowledge with other aspiring students.

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Sara

Academic Coaching Tutor • +14 Subjects

Hello! My name is Sara, and I am a graduate of American University with a B.S in Biology. I will begin my program where I will receive my Masters in Medical Science at Boston University Medical School in the fall. I am originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where I began tutoring lower and middle schoolers in English, Maths and Science, and organizational and study techniques. In college, I worked as a supplemental instructor (SI). I held weekly review sessions outside of class and helped students prepare for tests, quizzes, labs, and pending homework assignments. I also worked with students in the local high school and college to develop personal statement ideas, how to write personal statements, and edit them.I love to use different strategies to help convey information and enjoy explaining topics in many different ways until something clicks. Working with students on educational topics is extremely important and crucial to understanding material. Still, I also think introducing new and upcoming study techniques can help make studying more fun and even easier to do! I believe learning should be engaging, fun and leave the student with new confidence in the material. I am excited and hope to show you when we work together how to bring joy to learning.

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Etherton

Anatomy & Physiology Tutor • +11 Subjects

I am a graduate of Lipscomb University. I received my Bachelor of Science in Bioscience and Philosophy. Following that I received my Masters of Science in Bioscience and Philosophy. Currently, I am currently a 4th year medical student. I have always had passion to to help students prepare for examinations, and making sure that they are doing it efficiently. My favorite subjects to tutor would have to include Anatomy and Physiology, and Biochemistry. In the spare time I have, I enjoy being outdoors (especially during COVID times), hiking, going to the mountains, and going back home to Nashville to visit my family (safely).

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Jenna

ACT Math Tutor • +23 Subjects

I am a junior at the University of St. Thomas studying Actuarial Science with a minor in Economics. My goal is to become an actuary at an insurance company. I tutor Spanish, ACT Math, Algebra, Calculus, Discrete Math, Finite Mathematics, Middle School Math, Pre-Algebra, and Statistics. Of these, my favorite subjects are Calculus and Statistics because I find that they have many real-world applications. I love math and hope to help others understand it and enjoy it! When not doing math, I enjoy cycling, swimming, and playing volleyball.

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Grace

ACT Prep Tutor • +33 Subjects

Originally from sunny California, Grace is a teacher and performer currently working in Chicago. She graduated magna cum laude from Northwestern University with a degree in English Literature and Theatre, with a concentration in Theatre for Young Audiences. You can find a portion of her honors thesis on Virginia Woolf's last novel published in the next issue of the Madison Journal of Literary Criticism! Grace loves working with young people and has been teaching drama and tutoring students in writing and test prep for the past five years. In college, one of her favorite activities was volunteering as a teaching artist with Seesaw Theatre, a company she helped found that creates multi-sensory theatrical experiences for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. She has experience working with students ages 5-18 and with individuals of varying abilities.

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Scott

PRAXIS Tutor • +3 Subjects

I'm a dedicated husband; father and educator/ coach who is determined to ensure all students I come in contact with are successful in all their endeavors.I have over 20 years experiences as a teacher, and I enjoy teaching/ coaching students to help them reach their goals.

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Samantha

ACT English Tutor • +25 Subjects

Hello, I'm Sam! I have a scientific background in education, but love to read and have a knack for English and writing. I'm looking forward to helping all types of students unlock their potential through education!

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Reggie

Algebra Tutor • +43 Subjects

It's not that you cannot master the subject - you just haven't had a session with me! As a successful tutor of 31 GED recipients and many other students at all levels, I love proving to people that they are in fact capable of mastering any subject.I am an honors graduate of the University of Michigan, which I followed with extensive international travel and independent studies in many areas. It is my goal to engage the student with tutoring support that does not assume any competency. Sometimes students lose interest because they cannot see the real-life relevance of some subjects; I make tutoring enjoyable because I can connect it with real life importance.In addition to tutoring, I love running, biking, travel, Dilbert comics, movies, sports, books, weight training, Spanish and food (maybe I love food too much!).One session will convince you that your life as an academic star begins with me!

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Frequently Asked Questions

IB Psychology HL requires students to master both broad conceptual knowledge across six core units and develop critical analytical skills—a combination that challenges many learners. Common struggles include:

  • Balancing breadth and depth: Students must understand diverse topics from neurobiology to sociocultural psychology while developing nuanced arguments about each.
  • Research methods complexity: The course demands fluency with statistical concepts and study design evaluation, which can feel disconnected from the psychology content itself.
  • Essay writing under pressure: Exam essays require precise terminology, balanced analysis of multiple perspectives, and clear linkage between evidence and claims—all within strict time constraints.
  • Integrating perspectives: Synthesizing biological, cognitive, sociocultural, and psychodynamic viewpoints into coherent arguments is intellectually demanding.

Personalized instruction helps by breaking these challenges into manageable pieces and building skills progressively rather than trying to cover everything at once.

IB Psychology HL is uniquely rigorous because it emphasizes critical evaluation and research literacy alongside content knowledge. Unlike standard courses, IB Psychology requires students to:

  • Evaluate research studies for methodological strengths and limitations—not just learn findings.
  • Compare multiple psychological perspectives on the same behavior or mental process.
  • Understand how cultural context shapes psychological phenomena and research itself.
  • Apply psychological concepts to real-world scenarios with evidence-based reasoning.

The course culminates in three exams testing recall, application, and extended analytical writing. A tutor experienced with IB requirements can help you develop the specific analytical frameworks and essay structures that earn top marks, rather than just preparing you for a standard psychology test.

An expert IB Psychology HL tutor combines psychology expertise with deep knowledge of IB assessment standards. Look for someone who:

  • Knows IB grading criteria inside out and can pinpoint exactly what separates a 6 from a 7 in essays and exam responses.
  • Understands research methodology: Can explain statistical concepts and study design in ways that make sense, then help you evaluate real studies critically.
  • Teaches essay structure explicitly: Provides frameworks for organizing complex arguments and balances evaluation throughout writing, not just at the end.
  • Connects theory to application: Uses relevant examples and helps you apply concepts flexibly across different contexts and exam questions.
  • Adapts to your learning style: Some students need visual concept maps, others need practice writing under timed conditions, and great tutors adjust accordingly.

Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who have proven experience helping IB Psychology students reach 6s and 7s.

Realistic improvement depends on your starting point and commitment. Students who work with a tutor consistently typically see:

  • 1-2 point jumps when moving from foundational understanding (3-4 range) to solid competency (5-6 range)—this requires building both content knowledge and analytical skills.
  • 0.5-1 point gains when aiming for the 7 from a 6—this is harder because it demands polishing already-strong work and mastering the highest-level analytical nuances.

The timeline matters: students who start tutoring 3-4 months before exams see more dramatic gains than those starting a few weeks out. Personalized instruction accelerates improvement because tutors identify exactly which concepts you're weak on and which essay habits are costing you points, then target those gaps directly rather than reviewing material you already know.

Research methods evaluation is a skill that improves with structured practice. Start by learning a consistent evaluation framework—for example, assessing validity, reliability, ethics, and generalizability—then apply it to multiple studies until it becomes automatic. Effective strategies include:

  • Build a study evaluation checklist: What was the sample size? Was it representative? What were the variables? Could confounding variables explain the results?
  • Compare similar studies: Look at two memory studies or two depression studies and identify what made one design stronger than another.
  • Practice writing evaluation paragraphs that balance strengths and limitations—not just listing weaknesses.
  • Connect methodology to findings: Explain how a study's design actually supports (or limits) the conclusions researchers drew.

A tutor can provide targeted study examples, give you immediate feedback on your evaluations, and help you develop the analytical language that earns top marks on exam questions.

IB Psychology essays reward clear structure that integrates evaluation throughout, not just at the end. A strong framework typically includes:

  • Introduction: Define key terms precisely, outline the perspectives or theories you'll discuss, and briefly signal your balanced approach.
  • Body paragraphs: Present a theory or perspective, support it with research evidence, then immediately evaluate it—discuss limitations, cultural biases, methodological strengths/weaknesses, or competing evidence.
  • Synthesis across paragraphs: Show how different perspectives complement or contradict each other rather than treating them as separate topics.
  • Conclusion: Synthesize your findings and acknowledge legitimate points on multiple sides rather than declaring one perspective "winner."

Many students lose marks by relegating all evaluation to the final paragraph when examiners want to see critical thinking woven throughout. Personalized tutoring includes practice writing essays with feedback on both content accuracy and argument structure.

While all units present challenges, students often find certain topics conceptually harder or require more support:

  • Option units: The four option topics (Abnormal Psychology, Psychology of Well-Being, Human Relationships, or Psychobiology) feel overwhelming to many students because they're newer to the curriculum and have limited study resources compared to core units.
  • Research methods: Statistical concepts like standard deviation and the difference between correlation and causation confuse visual learners, and the abstract nature makes practice essential.
  • Sociocultural unit: Balancing individual psychology with cultural context challenges students trained to think in terms of universal human processes.
  • Neurobiology: The anatomy and biochemistry aspects intimidate students without strong science backgrounds, even though the IB version is less technical than university neuroscience.

A tutor can assess which units are your weak points and provide targeted support—whether that's breaking down research methods with concrete examples or finding clear explanations of neurotransmitter function.

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