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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

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

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
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
Lori

Certified Tutor

Lori

Masters in Education, Curriculum and Instruction
Lori's other Tutor Subjects
ACT English
ACT Reading
ACT Writing
AP English Language and Composition

Hello! My name is Lori Green, and I look forward to helping you! I have taught middle and high school English for over 20 years. I am a certified English teacher with a Bachelors Degree in English and Secondary Education, as well as a Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction. I would be honored ...

Education

American College of Education

Masters in Education, Curriculum and Instruction

Belmont University

Bachelor in Arts, Language Arts Teacher Education

Jeffrey

Certified Tutor

Jeffrey

Master of Arts, Education
Jeffrey's other Tutor Subjects
Algebra
Algebra 2
Calculus
College Math

Greetings!I'm here because I genuinely enjoy helping others succeed and I will tell you a little about myself below!I graduated with my Master's degree in Secondary Education at Eastern Connecticut State University. I also have a Bachelor's Degree in Meteorology...so, if you ever need to know about ...

Education

Eastern Connecticut State University

Master of Arts, Education

Lyndon State College

Bachelor of Science, Science Teacher Education

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Jeremy

ACT Writing Tutor • +26 Subjects

I am a recent college physics graduate with both formal and informal experience tutoring in math and science. I am currently enrolled in grad school physics courses and intend on start my PhD in physics this fall. I am a person who's passionate about learning, and loves to help facilitate learning in others. There's nothing that brings me greater pleasure than taking difficult concepts, and breaking them down into simple, easy to digest parts.

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Kevin

Algebra Tutor • +38 Subjects

I tutor because I know what it’s like to struggle in school. I’ll never forget the day my high school counselor told me I might never go to college. Her words stung, but the inspiration the words gave me is irreplaceable.She drove me to succeed. My new found motivation propelled me from a C student to the top ten percent of my graduating high school class. From there I began my degree in Biochemistry at Western Washington University, which I will receive in June 2015.I tutor chemistry, physics, biology and math. I also provide test prep for the SAT and MCAT. I have worked at my university’s tutoring center for over a year. This taught me to teach quickly and effectively. I never had more than 15 minutes with a student, but my job depended on my ability to help them understand a concept, whether it was algebra or organic chemistry. I also worked with the Compass 2 Campus program, where I tutored and mentored middle school students from low-income schools.I always like to get to know the students I work with. I love hearing about their goals and interests. It allows me to tailor my style to each individual student, and make coursework relevant to them. I hold all my students to high standards, but I give everything I’ve got to make sure they achieve them.

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Ke

ACT English Tutor • +8 Subjects

Hello,My name is Ke and I'm a recent graduate of Cornell University. I'm having to help in a variety of subjects ranging from high school literature to the SAT. I'll work with you to find the best way to help you improve!

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Brian

AP Physics 1 Tutor • +10 Subjects

I am a graduate of the University of Georgia, where I received my B.S. in Physics. My research focus as an undergraduate was originally in nano-engineered solar cells, but later moved towards computer simulations. During my last year at UGA I tutored Introductory Physics students, and I found the experience very rewarding. I currently tutor for all levels of Physics as well as Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus, and Quantitative SAT Prep. I enjoy teaching students how to visualize problems and how to develop their own general approach all types of word problems. I believe that the mindset developed through a better understanding of math and science can give someone an interesting, unique appreciation for how the world works, which I find very inspiring. Outside of tutoring I enjoy playing with my dog, backpacking, weight lifting, and cooking.

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Henry

Algebra Tutor • +21 Subjects

I'm a Boston University graduate with a B.A. in economics and history. I've tutored students in a wide range of subjects including world history, US history, macro/microeconomics, statistics, algebra, Spanish, and geography. Before becoming a tutor, I worked at multiple museums as a tour guide and class instructor. Everyone has subjects that give them more trouble than others, but I'm a firm believer that anything can be learned by anyone, and that learning is more about good habits and creative teaching techniques than it is about natural aptitude for a subject. I was personally able to test this idea when I changed my approach to learning Spanish after struggling for years in formal classes. After re-engineering my study strategy to complement my strengths and weaknesses, I was able to teach myself to be a fluent Spanish speaker in less than a year. With the lessons learned from this experience in mind, I seek to teach my students learning skills that help them get the grade they want in the short-term, but also prepare them to conquer future academic challenges in the long-term.

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Jaspal

ACT English Tutor • +71 Subjects

I just recently graduated The University of the Sciences. I received my Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in Mathematics in the spring of 2018. While at the University of the Sciences I was a peer tutor for Calculus I and II, and I was a teaching assistant for General Chemistry, Microbiology, and Genetics. This Fall I will be pursuing my masters degree at Temple University in Actuarial Science. I tutor a broad range of subject areas mostly in the math and sciences. I believe that relating the material back to concepts that are relevant to our daily lives is the best way to learn. I have had extensive tutoring experience in the areas of calculus, statistics, SAT, ACT and SAT subject tests in chemistry, mathematics and literature, GRE quantitative and the MCAT. And my mantra is practice practice practice! The more problems that we do together the more success you will encounter. In my spare time I enjoy swimming, biking, trying foods from different cuisines and of course, watching Netflix.

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Sarah

College Political Science Tutor • +20 Subjects

I am a senior at Arizona State University studying Political Science, with a focus on international relations. I am also a participant in the federally-sponsored Chinese Language Flagship program that supports students in attaining full business proficiency in Mandarin. I have previously studied abroad in Shanghai, China, during which I worked as a volunteer English teacher for elementary school children. While I currently tutor a broad range of subjects, I am most passionate about teaching Mandarin, political science, government, and world history. As a second-language learner myself, I understand the struggles one may encounter when trying to memorize vocabulary or understand new grammar structures. It brings me much joy to share my strategies for overcoming these struggles with students & watch as their grasp on the language improves! In regards to the other subjects, understanding politics & history is essential to helping students make better sense of the world they live in. I will help students better comprehend the historical context for certain modern developments, different political frameworks, and important terminology used in the field.

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Christine

ACT Math Tutor • +16 Subjects

I am currently a junior at New York University, majoring in Mathematics with a minor in Business Studies. I have been a tutor all throughout high school and I have lots of leadership experience geared towards younger children.

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Juan

English Tutor • +8 Subjects

I am a huge advocate for higher education and investing in our next generation. Out of 20 aunts and uncles and 60 first cousins I am the first in my family to graduate college. I believe in empowering individuals and showing them how to become successful in their specific discipline. Honesty is the best policy. My life is an open book and I am glad to be a role-model and have a positive impact on other lives, I count it a privilege to be in this position.

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Derrick

Algebra Tutor • +11 Subjects

After receiving a bachelor of science in geophysics from Texas A&M in 2017, I began working in the oil industry as an on-site geologist. I am getting back to tutoring through the summer while I take a leave of absence to build my professional profile.

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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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