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Rebecca
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...
Northwestern University
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (minor in Religious Studies)
Certified Tutor
10+ years
Jessi
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...
Yale Divinity School
Masters, Religion
Rice University
Bachelors in Psychology
Certified Tutor
Nicole
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.
Cornell University
Bachelor of Science
Certified Tutor
Melanie
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-...
New York University
Master of Social Work, Social Work
Certified Tutor
Justine
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...
Emerson College
Bachelor in Arts, Film Production
Certified Tutor
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...
University
Bachelor's
Certified Tutor
Jenny
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.
Georgetown University
Bachelor in Arts, Psychology
Certified Tutor
10+ years
Robert
I'm currently applying for medical schools and hope to matriculate in the fall of 2017.
New York University
Bachelors, Psychology
Certified Tutor
5+ years
Nichelle
I am a graduate of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and University of Illinois at Chicago. I received my Doctor of Pharmacy and also Master of Public Health. Additionally, I completed my residency training at Midwestern University. I am board certified in pharmacotherapy (BCPS).For over 10 ...
Prairie State College
Associate in Science, Biological and Physical Sciences
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Doctor of Medicine, Pharmacy
Certified Tutor
Leah
As I have aged, many things in my life have changed. One that has not is my conviction to teach. Over the past twenty years I have taught in a variety of countries, in many different grade levels and subject areas. These teaching opportunities have broadened my knowledge and strengthened my craft. I...
University of Central Florida
Masters, Exceptional Student Education
Metropolitan State College of Denver
Bachelors, Behavioral Science/Elementary
Top 20 Social Sciences Subjects
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Samantha
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With more than 10 years of tutoring experience, I've cultivated a tool chest of skills to help students learn and feel comfortable. I love relating material to more understandable aspects of daily life, and ensuring that my students really 'get it' and enjoy the process of learning!I'm currently a third year medical student at UT Southwestern in Dallas, and I studied Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology at The University of Colorado so I have a strong background in and love for the sciences. I also have a minor in Spanish and spent time studying in Spain, so I absolutely love teaching Spanish as well! Not to mention, becoming a doctor is essentially a long journey of standardized tests, so I have loads of test taking experience to help you or your student on that upcoming PSAT, SAT, ACT, AP exam, or MCAT!When not studying or tutoring, I love tracking, running, hiking, skiing, and just being in the outdoors!
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I have been a licensed substitute teacher for 2 years and have experience with K-12 and adult students in a variety of subjects, including language development, math, writing, history, and special needs.What makes me a great tutor is my love of education and helping people achieve their goals, along with my knowledge in a variety of subject matters.
Tito
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I graduated from the University of Southern California in May 2014 with a B.S in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention and a minor in Law and Society. I am able to tutor in multiple science subjects, standardized tests (SAT, ACT) and social sciences (public health, political science). I would be happy to help with any age. I help students by getting to know their background and understanding of the subject and helping them build upon that knowledge base through the sessions.
Frances
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I am currently in my junior of college, and my major is Biochemistry with a minor in Spanish. My favorite subjects are Math, Science, and Spanish. I have been tutoring for the past 7 years in Middle school math, Algebra 1 & 2, Spanish 1 & 2, and in pre-algebra. Even though I tutor Spanish and Math, I am most passionate about Math. I enjoy teaching students by playing games and doing fun activities, because in my opinion learning should not only be serious, but fun as well. Also I love rewarding the student for making progressions in the areas that they were weak in and are now making stronger. Lastly, when I first meet a new student, I like to do introductions and give a 10 questionnaire, just to see where the student's weakness and strengths are in that subject. In my spare time, I love to watch movies, play volleyball/football, going dancing/singing, and reading mystery/romantic books.
Daniel
ACT Prep Tutor • +39 Subjects
I homeschooled for my whole education up to college, which allowed me to finish Calculus III before graduating high school. Currently, I attend University of Dallas, where I am studying for a math/science degree.I tutor for all middle and high school math, as well as for standardized tests like the ACT and SAT. I am very patient, and I enjoy working with students. When I tutor a student, I try to discover the root of the problem, usually a misunderstood or inadequately explained concept. Once I find the problem area, I can explain it as clearly and as simply as possible. If the student doesn't "get" the explanation the first time, I am willing to spend as much time on the concept as the student needs.In my spare time, I enjoy playing the piano, making and playing video games, and spending time with my friends (often to discuss geeky subjects). If I sound like a good fit for you, or if you want to know more, I encourage you to contact me.
Shea
Algebra Tutor • +3 Subjects
I am a Math Interventionist at Thunderbird High School. I help students who don't understand a concept in math. We figure out ways to help them understand the concept. Students usually don't like Math because they don't understand it. I love my job because I can help people understand Math and than it makes it enjoyable for them.
Nicholas
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I am currently a student at UVA. I have been tutoring throughout high school and college, but I am new to Varsity Tutors. I am excited about the opportunity to help tutor new students through this platform.Having experienced the pressures of standardized testing myself not all that long ago, I have a passion for helping my students achieve their highest potential. I hope to help them be accepted into their college of choice as I was. I especially enjoy the specific challenges of the ACT and consider that my specialty.At school, I am a business major with a minor in Arabic language. I am an avid ultimate frisbee player, and I play on UVA's team. My hobbies include running, as I used to run track, and various computer programming projects.
Jordan
Algebra Tutor • +27 Subjects
I am a recent graduate of Michigan State University where I received my Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics along with a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies. Throughout my work as a tutor I have enjoyed helping students and peers one on one. I always love a good aha! moment where I can really tell that the subject matter is clicking. I take personal pride in watching my students learn. Most of my experience is in tutoring for high school and college level math and music. I also have experience assisting with high school Spanish. When I teach I try to help students fully understand the concepts and logic behind subjects. This way they not only can apply them on a test but they learn useful skills and ways to think and learn. I love learning as well as teaching and look to gain much experience from working with you. In my free time I listen to and play music, shoot hoops, practice yoga, and enjoy time outside hiking and such.
Amber
Algebra Tutor • +17 Subjects
I am interested in teaching high school and middle school math, including algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus. I have passion about math and would like to share my study experience with people.I graduated from the University of Washington with a MS degree in Electrical Engineering. I am a software engineer. Outside of work, I swim and do kendo. I also like to read and travel.Please contact me if I can help you with your study. I look forward to working with you!
Adithya
ACT Writing Tutor • +29 Subjects
I am a senior at St. Olaf College and will graduate in May of 2016 with degrees in Economics & Psychology with a minor in Management. I have currently accepted a job serving as an investment management consultant in Boston, MA. I am passionate about teaching and enjoy helping students prepare and succeed in academics. I especially enjoy helping students study for standardized tests. A lot of high school is spent prepping for college and with proper instruction anyone can get into the college of their dreams. I believe that I can help students achieve their goals. In addition to standardized test preparation my passions lie in public speaking and management. Beyond academics I love traveling, cooking, reading, and scuba diving!
Top 20 Subjects
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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