Award-Winning IB Psychology HL
Tutors
Who needs tutoring?
FEATURED BY
TUTORS FROM
- YaleUniversity
- PrincetonUniversity
- StanfordUniversity
- CornellUniversity
Award-Winning IB Psychology HL Tutors

Certified Tutor
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
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
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
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
6+ years
Megan
I am a licensed occupational therapist with a Master's of Science degree in occupational therapy. I attended the University of Scranton for both my graduate and undergraduate degrees, and also tutored students throughout. I became an occupational therapist to help clients participate in meaningful l...
University of Scranton
Master of Science, Occupational Therapy
University of Scranton
Bachelor of Science, Occupational Therapy

Certified Tutor
8+ years
Courtney
I am a current student at St. Joseph's College pursuing a Bachelors of Arts degree in English. I graduated from Suffolk County Community College in May 2016 from the Honors College with a 4.0 GPA and an Associates in Arts degree in English with highest distinction. I am experienced in working with s...
Suffolk County Community College
Associates, English
Top 20 Social Sciences Subjects
Meet Our Expert Tutors
Connect with highly-rated educators ready to help you succeed.
Malachi-Chaim
Algebra Tutor • +21 Subjects
Looking to help all succeed and master the topic or question at hand.
Alexa
Languages Tutor • +5 Subjects
Hi! I am recent graduate from Temple University. My degree is in Italian Language. I love to help others and inspire them to reach their fullest potential. I like to show students the methods I used to help create success in my academic career and them mold those techniques to best fit my students. I am looking forward to working with students and helping them learn the knowledge they need to succeed.
Jacquelyn
ACT English Tutor • +32 Subjects
Hello! My name is Jacquelyn, and I am currently a Senior at the University of Oklahoma. I am majoring in Spanish and Political Science, with a minor in Philosophy. I am also a member of the Honors College. I am so excited to share that I have been accepted to attend OU Law, and will be beginning classes in June 2019! In my free time, I love to dance salsa and bachata, figure skate, and travel. I have always had a passion for learning and for helping others. I would love to have the opportunity to help you or your child succeed!
Elizabeth
Algebra Tutor • +37 Subjects
I am 22 years old. I graduated from Sacramento State in the fall of 2015 with a B.S. in mechanical engineering. While at Sacramento State, I took multiple calculus courses including differential equations. Also I coached high school volleyball for 3 years at my former high school in Elk Grove. I decided to start tutoring after graduating college so I could share my knowledge with many other students to help them succeed in school. Tutoring for me is comparable to engineering. I love both because I love to solve problems. I hope to teach students to be unafraid of solving problems as well. I tutor Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Trigonometry and Calculus. My favorite subject to tutor is Algebra 1. I like Algebra 1 because that is the beginning of solving equations and I believe that a solid understanding of Algebra 1 is very important for students. My tutoring style is patient and enthusiastic. I enjoy math and I want my students to enjoy it too! My teaching philosophy is you cannot build without tools. In math you need to add every tool to your toolbox that you can because math is always a cumulative subject. Outside of academia I enjoy being around friends and family. I also enjoy most outdoor activities such as running, yoga, hiking, biking, and rowing.
Zeeshan
Business Tutor • +12 Subjects
I am currently doing a PhD in Economics from Vanderbilt University, and have a lot of experience teaching economics and math. I also have a master's degree in Public Policy from the University of Maryland. I live in Nashville with my family. When I'm not studying, I enjoy swimming, reading, chess, skating and chilling.
Kendal
Elementary School Tutor • +15 Subjects
As an educator, a wife, and a mother, my life is a harmonious blend of love, learning, and creativity. Each role I embrace enhances the other, shaping me into a compassionate and dedicated individual. Within this multifaceted journey, my dogs are my constant companions, and the great outdoors and artistic expression provide solace and inspiration.As a teacher, my purpose is to ignite the flames of knowledge within young minds, guiding them towards their full potential. Witnessing the spark of understanding in a student's eyes is an indescribable joy that fuels my passion each day. My classroom becomes a sanctuary of growth, where curiosity is nurtured, and the joy of learning is contagious. Through patience, encouragement, and adaptability, I strive to create an inclusive environment that empowers each student to blossom.But my journey does not end within the classroom walls. At home, I am a wife, cherishing a partnership built on trust, respect, and unwavering support. Together, my spouse and I navigate the ebbs and flows of life, intertwining our dreams and aspirations. We nurture our relationship with love and understanding, always striving to create a haven of warmth and stability for our family.Speaking of family, my role as a mother brings boundless joy and responsibility. With every cherished moment, I witness the miracle of growth and the beauty of innocence. Guiding my children through life's myriad experiences is both humbling and empowering. I aim to instill in them a strong moral compass, a thirst for knowledge, and an unwavering belief in their limitless potential.Within the tapestry of my life, my dogs play an integral role. Their wagging tails and unconditional love bring a sense of comfort and companionship that words cannot fully capture. Their presence reminds me to find joy in the simplest moments and to embrace the beauty of connection.When I step outside, nature's embrace rejuvenates my spirit. Exploring the wonders of the natural world, I am reminded of the intricate web of life that surrounds us. The soothing sounds of rustling leaves, the vibrant colors of a sunset, and the invigorating scent of fresh air invigorate my senses and remind me of the interconnectedness of all living beings.Amidst the vibrant tapestry of my life, my artistic endeavors provide a sanctuary for self-expression. Through paintbrush strokes and sculpting clay, I translate emotions, thoughts, and experiences into tangible creations. Art becomes a powerful medium to convey my innermost reflections and bridge the gap between imagination and reality.In the convergence of these diverse rolesteacher, wife, mother, dog lover, nature enthusiast, and artistI find the essence of who I am. The amalgamation of these identities nurtures my spirit, infuses my days with purpose, and enriches the lives of those around me. I am grateful for the unique tapestry I have woven, as it allows me to embrace life's multifaceted beauty and create a positive impact in the world.
Sebastian
Advanced Placement Prep Tutor • +48 Subjects
Since 2008, the bulk of my work experience has been in academia, where I was not only a competitive and accomplished student in my own right, but also provided excellent academic assistance as an undergraduate and graduate TA. In grad school, I served for three years as a co-instructor, a writing center tutor, and by leading one-on-one tutorial courses, helping hundreds of students develop and polish their essay writing skills across subjects. I have additionally worked in after-school childcare (K-5) and as a camp counselor. What this means is that, for a diverse range of age groups, I know how to help students identify their needs and hone the skills to excel on their own.
Michael
Business Tutor • +27 Subjects
I am an experienced teacher and tutor for K-5th grades. I specialize in test prep, including the ISEE, SSAT, and ECAA/ERB. I also work with students in a variety of subjects including Spanish, English, German, US History, European History, World History, Politics, Geography, Reading, Writing, Phonics, Business, Finance, and Math. I love to teach and I look forward to helping my students achieve their goals.
Laveda
Biology Tutor • +16 Subjects
I am a college student at Northeastern University Honors College majoring in cell and molecular biology on the premed track. I have four years of private tutoring experience in several subjects for elementary and middle school students. However, I am especially passionate about English and science and I look forward to sharing this passion with my students! I believe that building a strong foundation will eventually lead to academic exellence. Along with staying academically competitive, I want to foster a love of learning within my students that will nourish their curiosity and keep them inspired.
Casey
ACT Reading Tutor • +18 Subjects
I received my bachelor's degree from Butler University in 2011. I am currently completing graduate study in musicology at the University of Illinois. My research focuses on hip hop music and political life in Morocco. When I am not pursuing my own project, I am usually teaching. I have served as a graduate teaching assistant for U of I's Introduction to World Music course for two years. Before attending graduate school, I worked as a certified substitute teacher for K-12 general and special education in Michigan. I also volunteered as a literacy tutor with the Family Learning Institute in Ann Arbor, MI. While I am comfortable tutoring in a wide range of humanities and language arts subjects, I am most passionate about teaching English and reading comprehension. I believe students' advancements in these subjects positively impact all other academic areas. Every student can build confidence in reading and writing, and have fun doing it. I see education as a collaborative effort and I work to bring my students' personal perspectives into our lessons. Watching a student learn new things is exciting, but seeing them recognize the power of their own knowledge and experiences is even better! In my spare time, I enjoy making and listening to music of all kinds, reading and writing science fiction, running long distances (slowly), and spending a lot of time outdoors.
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.
Connect with IB Psychology HL Tutors
Get matched with expert tutors in your subject


