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Award-Winning MCAT Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems Tutors

Rhea

Certified Tutor

6+ years

Rhea

Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Rhea's other Tutor Subjects
AP Statistics
AP Calculus BC
AP Calculus AB
Pre-Algebra

I am a current student at the University of Chicago. I am working towards a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences, and I am on the pre-medical track. I am extremely passionate about tutoring, and I have several years of experience tutoring students in my high school's learning center in various...

Education

University of Chicago

Bachelor of Science, Biology, General

Test Scores
Perfect Score
SAT
1550
ACT
36
Zachary

Certified Tutor

10+ years

Zachary

Bachelors, Biochemistry and Biophysics
Zachary's other Tutor Subjects
Trigonometry
Statistics
Calculus
Algebra

I am passionate about teaching and tutoring and I thoroughly enjoy helping students gain an understanding and a drive for their studies. I have a long history of working with students of all grade levels and abilities (elementary school through college), and I have a good understanding of strategies...

Education

Yale University

Bachelors, Biochemistry and Biophysics

Test Scores
SAT
1530
ACT
33
Tony

Certified Tutor

Tony

Bachelor of Science in Biology
Tony's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
Biology
High School Biology

I am a recent graduate of Yale University and incoming first year medical student at Columbia University. Originally from the DC area, I have always had a passion for science and medicine and pursued a degree in Biology while at Yale. During the 2008-2009 academic year, I tutored science, math, Engl...

Education

Yale University

Bachelor of Science in Biology

Test Scores
SAT
1540
Samantha

Certified Tutor

10+ years

Samantha

Current Grad Student, MD
Samantha's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
College Algebra
Algebra 3/4
Geometry

I'm a first-year medical student and recent graduate from Duke University, where I studied Global Health Determinants, Behaviors, and Interventions. From running a piano program at a nonprofit children's theatre to private tutoring in math, science, and standardized test prep, I enjoy helping my stu...

Education

Duke University

Bachelors in Global Health Determinants, Behaviors, and Interventions

Harvard Medical School

Current Grad Student, MD

Test Scores
Perfect Score
SAT
1600
ACT
36
David

Certified Tutor

6+ years

David

Current Grad Student, Bioethics and Medical Ethics
David's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
AP Chemistry
Biochemistry

I am a graduate of Yale University, where I received my Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience. While I tutor a broad range of STEM subjects, I am most passionate about helping students achieve their best possible score on tests like the ACT and MCAT.

Education

Yale University

Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience

Harvard University

Current Grad Student, Bioethics and Medical Ethics

Test Scores
ACT
33
James

Certified Tutor

James

Bachelor in Arts, Chemistry
James's other Tutor Subjects
AP Calculus AB
Algebra 3/4
Geometry
Calculus

I am currently a senior at Harvard College where I study chemistry, and I'll be attending Columbia Medical School next year. I have years of experience tutoring college students in math (mostly calculus) and chemistry including both general and organic chemistry. In addition, I am very familiar with...

Education

Harvard University

Bachelor in Arts, Chemistry

Test Scores
SAT
1570
Laura

Certified Tutor

Laura

Bachelors, Economics
Laura's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
College Algebra
Statistics
Middle School Math

I am a good "fit" for that student, so that we are able to work together to reach the student's goal.

Education

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Bachelors, Economics

Test Scores
SAT
1510
Benjamin

Certified Tutor

9+ years

Benjamin

Bachelor's degree in neuroscience and Russian
Benjamin's other Tutor Subjects
AP Calculus AB
Pre-Calculus
Calculus
Algebra

I'm from a small town in southeast Michigan, where I went to high school before moving to Nashville for university. I just graduated from Vanderbilt University with a Bachelor's degree in neuroscience and Russian. During my time in high school and college, I tutored in a volunteer capacity on a wide...

Education

Vanderbilt University

Bachelor's degree in neuroscience and Russian

Test Scores
ACT
34
Amanda

Certified Tutor

8+ years

Amanda

Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Amanda's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Trigonometry
Pre-Calculus
Geometry

I'm currently a fourth year medical student at a private medical school in Texas. I've been involved with tutoring since middle school continuing all the way through medical school. There are so many different ways to teach based on how students learn best and I am passionate about meeting the indiv...

Education

The University of Alabama

Bachelor of Science, Biology, General

Baylor College of Medicine

Doctor of Medicine, Public Health

Test Scores
ACT
34
Sanjay

Certified Tutor

6+ years

Sanjay

Bachelor in Arts
Sanjay's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
Microbiology
Biology

I am passionate about students learning the wonderful Spanish language! I teach all levels of Spanish, including Conversational Spanish and SAT Subject Tests. While I am not Hispanic, I took Spanish classes every year from the second grade through high school. I then went to Rice University for coll...

Education

Rice University

Bachelor in Arts

Meet Our Expert Tutors

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

Matthew

Calculus Tutor • +18 Subjects

I am a rising fourth-year medical student at Perelman SOM at the University of Pennsylvania currently taking time off from school. I am a Yale 2014 graduate (B.S. in Molecular Biophysics & Biochemistry). I spent my gap year doing wet lab research in a biochemistry lab at the main NIH campus in Bethesda, Maryland, My parents are both university math professors with a natural gift for teaching that I believe they passed on to me. I hope to apply for residency in Internal Medicine or Psychiatry and down the line in my career to teach medical students while practicing in and academic or private-practice setting. I specialize in MCAT testing but am hoping to tutor for the SAT as well, and possibly AP exams. In my free time I enjoy rock climbing, running, working out, playing video games, and dabbling in random hobbies (most recently crochet!).

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Daniel

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +41 Subjects

I am currently entering my fourth year of medical school at Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. I obtained a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Wheaton College in Illinois, where I graduated in 2017 with high honors. Throughout my undergraduate years, I tutored extensively in several academic fields with a focus on the sciences and preparation for the MCAT.

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Timothy

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +38 Subjects

I am one of many Varsity Tutors. I attended Jesuit High School in Carmichael, CA where I graduated with a 4.3 GPA taking multiple AP and honors courses (AP Bio, Chem, Physics B, Gov, Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, English Lit, and English Lang). I also participated in several tutoring organizations throughout high school.

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Jean

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +57 Subjects

I am a fourth year student at Harvard Medical School, and will start working as a pediatrician in July of 2016. However, if I had not decided to become a physician, I would have strongly considered becoming a teacher. Teaching is one of the most enjoyable activities I do, and I have taught in some capacity every year for the past ten years. I have taught subjects ranging from English to algebra, from physics to dance, and have taught students ranging in age from toddlers to adults. I have also provided advice on application essays, resumes, and interview strategies for Harvard College students applying to highly competitive scholarships. Each of these experiences has taught me how to communicate concepts in clear and engaging ways. For instance, while tutoring adolescents enrolled in the Boston-based Artists for Humanity program, I would often teach students whom I had never worked with before, and thus became adept at quickly discovering and implementing the strategies that worked best for a particular student (e.g., visual/tactile examples, analogies, and breaking down complex problems into smaller parts). While tutoring a janitorial staff member in preparation for the mathematics portion of her GED high school equivalency exam, I learned how to quickly identify the highest yield topics for a standardized exam and focus our efforts on those. Each of these experiences has been incredibly rewarding, and has inspired me to teach in some capacity throughout my career as a doctor.

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Kathleen

Calculus Tutor • +30 Subjects

I am a high school science teacher with certifications in secondary Biology and Chemistry. I teach 10th grade Biochemistry and 12th grade Chemistry at a high performing magnet school in the School District of Philadelphia. I hold a M.S.Ed in Secondary Science Education from the University of Pennsylvania. I believe all students have the ability to be self-motivated towards success, and I look forward to helping you achieve your goals.

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CHRISTOPHER

Middle School Math Tutor • +23 Subjects

I am a graduate of Rice University in Houston, Texas where I received my Bachelor of Arts in Biochemistry and Cell Biology with a minor in Neuroscience. I then earned my MD from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. I am now in residency and training to become a dermatologist . My tutoring experience includes being a neuroscience T.A. during undergrad, an anatomy tutor during medical school, and as a volunteer tutor for middle school-aged children through various organizations. While I tutor a broad range of subjects, I am most passionate about math and science. I understand that each student requires different strategies to learn and am prepared to provide a unique and adaptable approach to each student. In my spare time, I enjoy playing tennis or ping pong, watching anime and youtube, and playing with my dog. Hobbies: art, books, reading, cooking, music, writing

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Yasheen

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +31 Subjects

I am a graduate of Yale University with a degree in biology and am currently working as a research associate at a cancer biology lab. I am an experienced STEM tutor for college and high school students and also tutor for standardized tests such as the MCAT and the SAT. Hobbies: books, music, dancing, baking, art, reading, writing

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Mosab

College Algebra Tutor • +53 Subjects

I am currently applying to medical school and enjoy powerlifting, grand strategy games, historical fiction, and chocolate.

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Greg

Middle School Math Tutor • +15 Subjects

I am a recent chemistry graduate from Cornell University. I have always loved teaching and believe that one-on-one guidance can be a strong aid not just for school, but really for any life activity. I have experience tutoring elementary, middle, and high school students but am willing to teach at any level. My specialties lie in the sciences and with my strong research background I am not a stranger to navigating and explaining what seems like daunting concepts.

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Ruth

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +28 Subjects

I am a current medical student at the University of Michigan Medical School. I studied biology, business and Spanish at the University of Alabama, graduating summa cum laude. During college, I worked as a tutor with a tutoring company similar to Varsity Tutors where I taught college/high school/middle school Spanish, Chemistry, English, Biology, and Math. I also worked as an English as a Second Language volunteer instructor for 3 years during college and was an English Teaching Assistant at the Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana in Medellin, Colombia.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Score improvement depends on your starting point and commitment level, but students typically see meaningful gains within 4-8 weeks of focused study. If you're scoring in the 40th percentile, reaching the 60th percentile is realistic with targeted instruction on your weak topics. The key is identifying which concepts are causing errors—whether it's cell biology fundamentals, biochemical pathways, or test strategy—and addressing those gaps systematically. A tutor can help you pinpoint exactly where you're losing points and create a focused plan to improve.

Most students struggle with three main areas: (1) Biochemistry pathways—trying to memorize every detail instead of understanding the logic behind metabolic processes, (2) Reading comprehension under time pressure—the section demands both scientific knowledge and quick passage analysis, and (3) Connecting discrete concepts—questions often integrate cell biology, genetics, and physiology in ways that aren't obvious. Many students also underestimate how much the section tests reasoning skills alongside content knowledge. Personalized instruction helps you move from memorization to true understanding, which is what the MCAT actually rewards.

With 95 minutes for 44 questions, you have roughly 2 minutes per question—but that includes reading passages. A smart strategy is to spend 3-4 minutes reading a passage carefully (since most questions depend on it), then 1-1.5 minutes per question. Flag difficult questions and come back to them after completing easier ones in that passage set. The passages themselves vary in density; some topics like physiology might require careful reading while biochemistry passages often have more conceptually straightforward questions. A tutor can help you practice this timing on real MCAT passages and develop the judgment to know when to move on versus when to invest more time thinking through a question.

Most successful MCAT test-takers complete 4-6 full-length practice tests, with at least 2-3 taken under strict timing conditions in the weeks before their exam. The key is not just taking them, but learning from them—reviewing every wrong answer to understand why you missed it and what concept or strategy gap it reveals. Many students waste practice tests by rushing through reviews or not tracking patterns in their mistakes. Working with a tutor, you can analyze your practice test performance to identify whether errors stem from content gaps, pacing problems, or misunderstanding question formats, then focus your remaining study time accordingly.

The MCAT tests biochemical reasoning, not rote memorization. Instead of memorizing all 10 steps of glycolysis, focus on understanding why each step happens—what problem it solves, what enzyme catalyzes it, and how it connects to the big picture of energy production. Use concept maps to show relationships between pathways (like how glycolysis feeds into the citric acid cycle), and practice explaining pathways aloud rather than reviewing notes. When you see a question about a mutation in a specific enzyme, you should be able to reason through the consequences rather than recall a fact. Tutors help you build this conceptual framework by asking questions that push you to explain the logic, identify gaps in your understanding, and connect new information to what you already know.

You'll encounter three main types: (1) Passage-based discrete questions that test your ability to apply concepts to new scenarios presented in the passage, (2) Experimental design and data interpretation questions that require you to understand methodology and draw conclusions from results, and (3) Standalone discrete questions that test fundamental knowledge without a passage. Each type requires different skills—passage questions reward your ability to extract relevant information quickly, experimental questions test critical thinking, and discrete questions demand solid foundational knowledge. Familiarity with these formats is crucial; many students lose points not because they lack knowledge, but because they misunderstand what a question is asking. Targeted practice with each question type helps you develop the specific skills each demands.

The best MCAT tutors combine deep content expertise with strong teaching skills—they can explain complex topics clearly and identify exactly where your understanding breaks down. Look for someone who takes a diagnostic approach, starting by assessing your baseline knowledge and weak areas rather than just reviewing content broadly. They should be familiar with the specific challenges of this section (biochemistry conceptualization, pacing, passage analysis) and have success helping students improve their scores. Beyond credentials, a great tutor adapts to your learning style, uses practice materials and real MCAT questions, and teaches test-taking strategy alongside content. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in MCAT preparation and can customize their approach to your needs.

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