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Award-Winning HSPT Tutors

Melinda

Certified Tutor

2+ years

Melinda

PhD
Melinda's other Tutor Subjects
SAT Reading
ACCUPLACER WritePlacer
ACCUPLACER Sentence Skills
SAT Verbal

With a Ph.D. in Communications, I have dedicated my career to enhancing students' skills in visual, spoken, and written communication at the University of Maryland and various colleges in Pennsylvania. For over 3 years, I have specialized in online tutoring, focusing on preparing students for the ve...

Education

University of Pennsylvania

PhD

Straley

Certified Tutor

2+ years

Straley

Master's/Graduate
Straley's other Tutor Subjects
AP Statistics
AP Calculus AB
Pre-Algebra
College Algebra

I hold a Master's degree from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and a Bachelor's degree from Johns Hopkins University. I tutored GED math for 3 years in college, so I have experience breaking down concepts for students with a variety of learning styles. I've also informally tutored oth...

Education

Johns Hopkins University

Master's/Graduate

Johns Hopkins University

Bachelor

Curran

Certified Tutor

2+ years

Curran

AB
Curran's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Middle School Math
Geometry
Algebra

As a professional educator with over a decade of experience, I specialize in delivering personalized, high-impact instruction across the humanities, test preparation, and college readiness. I've taught everything from early literacy and middle school ELA to AP-level history, civics, and economicsand...

Education

University of Notre Dame

AB

Soung

Certified Tutor

2+ years

Soung

DSC
Soung's other Tutor Subjects
AP Calculus AB
College Algebra
Pre-Calculus
Middle School Math

I'm a highly skilled, professional tutor with over 20 years experience. I have an exceptional ability to teach math to students with severe learning challenges. I make all levels of math understandable and foster confidence in the student. I'm also expert in SAT/ACT test preparation and high school ...

Education

Northwestern University

DSC

University of Chicago

DSC

Alliyah

Certified Tutor

2+ years

Alliyah

BS
Alliyah's other Tutor Subjects
AP Statistics
AP Calculus AB
Pre-Algebra
College Algebra

I'm a Harvard Senior studying computer science and neuroscience. I have over 10 years of experience tutoring and have also worked at top tech and research companies (IBM, SpaceX, Kempner Institute, etc.). I'm really passionate about making learning fun! I hope that sessions with me will make the mat...

Education

Harvard University

BS

Maggie

Certified Tutor

2+ years

Maggie

BS
Maggie's other Tutor Subjects
Applied Mathematics
Middle School Math
Elementary School Math
Middle School Science

I am a graduate from New York University with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication. I have experience tutoring from elementary level through college level, as well as in SAT prep. I think patience is the key to being an effective teacher, which is something I apply while tutoring students. F...

Education

New York University

BS

Elijah

Certified Tutor

2+ years

Elijah

AB
Elijah's other Tutor Subjects
Middle School Math
Elementary School Math
Grade 11 Math
Grade 10 Math

Holding a BA in Mathematics (with departmental honors) from Northwestern University, armed with experience in mathematics research and graduate-level math courses, and having achieved a 5 on the AP Calculus exam and a 1500 on the SAT, my students can count on me to be a knowledgeable and capable men...

Education

Northwestern University

AB

Ashwin

Certified Tutor

2+ years

Ashwin

BBA
Ashwin's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Pre-Calculus
Middle School Math
Algebra

Tutoring is about a lot more than studying, tests, and knowledge. I believe the interpersonal relationship involved with teaching greatly benefits both parties. Learning is fundamental to life- and turning otherwise cumbersome and difficult tasks like passing a hard class into a lightbulb moment is ...

Education

Indiana University-Bloomington

BBA

Emily

Certified Tutor

2+ years

Emily

AB
Emily's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Middle School Math
Geometry
Algebra

I am a recent graduate of Gannon University. I have always been a strong student and have several years of experience as a peer tutor as well as a professional tutor. I tutor several subjects at various grade levels. I love teaching English, phonics, reading, and writing and have worked at my univer...

Education

Gannon University

AB

Darian

Certified Tutor

2+ years

Darian

AB
Darian's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Middle School Math
Algebra
Elementary School Math

I breathe English. I have been writing seriously since middle school, and I've won a number of writing contests over the years. In May 2019 I graduated from the University of North Texas with a BA in English and a concentration in creative writing. I particularly enjoy revising/editing stories and e...

Education

University of North Texas

AB

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Edward

PSAT Writing Skills Tutor • +40 Subjects

As both a student and an employee, I have been involved in higher education for over twenty years. I earned my bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago (English-Writing), my master's degree from Regis University (Nonprofit Management), and currently hold a college administrative position by day. For a number of years now, I have enjoyed tutoring students in middle school, high school, and college on test preparation (primarily the verbal/reading/writing sections for ACT, SAT, PSAT, HSPT), as well as essay and speech writing. I have a passion for the written word because I feel it is often times the best way to communicate - a way to express our thoughts and feelings in an organized and structured manner, in our own voice and within our control.

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Janet

Applied Mathematics Tutor • +51 Subjects

I graduated from Southwestern Illinois University in Edwardsville with a BS in Mathematics Education. My first job was teaching junior high school math in East St. Louis. Some of my students were nearly as old as I. It was quite an experience for a first year teacher. Very challenging. I moved to the northern part of the state and taught middle school and high school in a small district of 7000 students for 16 years. These experiences were varied. I team taught in a school with no walls. We had students working independently with no direct instruction. Each student was given independent tutoring and allowed to progress at their own pace. I also taught computer intro courses. I moved to Chicago in 1989. I taught high school algebra, geometry, and algebra 2 until I retired in 2016. I also tutored students who were prepping for the high stakes standardized tests they take as juniors. I taught after school programs and summer classes for students who were making up credits in order to graduate. I have learned to adjust my teaching approach for the students I have before me. I understand the concept of learning styles. I have experience with students who are bilingual and are struggling with English as a second language. I have worked with students of all skill levels. I have tried to remain healthy by running and going to the fitness center daily. I enjoy keeping current on the news and going out with friends. I am using this extreme stay at home time to enhance my online tutoring skills and to explore the technology that is being employed to bring education into students' homes. I have also explored the possibilities that this unprecedented time in history has caused some to contemplate a new reality for education. Education may never return to what it was before.

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Ahmad

Middle School Math Tutor • +89 Subjects

Helping students has always felt deeply personal to me. I know what it's like to struggle with a subject and how much of a difference the right guidance can make. That's what drives me, not just to explain the material, but to meet them where they are, and help them build confidence along the way. My teaching philosophy is centered around a low-pressure, high-engagement environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and exploring ideas. I use real-world examples, visual breakdowns, and active recall to reinforce understanding and make learning stick. Over the past few years, I've had the chance to tutor students in both one-on-one and small group settings, mostly in Biology, SAT Math and English, and English-related subjects, with a strong focus on IGCSE/ High school and early college levels. Each student is different, and I've learned how important it is to stay flexible, adjust my approach, and really listen to what each person needs. My goal is always to make learning feel less intimidating and more approachable. I'm currently in my 4th year of medical school, so I have a certain love for Biology and other life sciences. It can be complex, but when taught the right way, it becomes incredibly intuitive and logical. I also thoroughly enjoy teaching SAT/ACT prep, as it also can be tricky for students to see through its complexity, but becomes increasingly easy to can to the answer objectively when taught the right way with the right tools.

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Niyathi

Elementary School Math Tutor • +39 Subjects

Hi! My name is Niyathi, and I am 23 years old. I graduated in 2024 with a Bachelor's Degree in Cognitive Science, specifically concentrating in neuroscience and a double minor in Sociology and Biology, and am an incoming medical student. I am an enthusiastic and patient tutor with hands-on experience supporting students from elementary to college-aged in a variety of subjects. As a K-12 public school substitute teacher, I worked with diverse classrooms, adapting quickly to different learning environments and supporting students with varied academic needs. I also worked in an after-school program with elementary school students, where I regularly helped with homework, reinforced classroom concepts, and built confidence in reading, writing, and math. My goal as a tutor is to create a supportive, encouraging environment that helps students build both academic skills and self-confidence. I enjoy breaking down complex ideas into clear, manageable steps and adjusting my approach to meet each student where they are. I hope to work with many of you soon!

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Joseph

Applied Mathematics Tutor • +80 Subjects

I am motivated to help students reach a better understanding of math, regardless of the level they may be at. I like to work with the student and adapt to whatever their needs may be. I do believe that anyone has the potential to improve their abilities in math. Approach: Believing in my students Teaching at the student's level Encouraging my students Selfless flexibility Listening Education & Certification PhD in Applied Mathematics, University of Waterloo Certificate in University Teaching, University of Waterloo

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Byron

Applied Mathematics Tutor • +71 Subjects

I like helping students. I am very patient. I have experience teaching Calculus classes at the University of Miami. I have done private tutoring for all levels of math up to Calculus, as well as Statistics, Business Math, and Math Finance. I have worked in the actuarial field. I have an undergraduate degree in mathematics from Michigan State University and a Master's degree in mathematics from the University of Miami. I worked for The Princeton Review as a tutor for the SAT. I did very well on both the SAT and ACT, and like teaching students how to do better on those. I like history, too, and always find it fun to tutor history.

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Matthew

AP Calculus BC Tutor • +98 Subjects

Hi! My name is Matt Hlavin. I am currently working on my Master's degree in Materials Science and Engineering. I would consider myself a lifelong learner. Education has always had a special place in my heart, and now I am excited to share my love for learning with you!

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Maitreyi

AP Calculus AB Tutor • +53 Subjects

I have been tutoring for seven years and from my experience I have learned that you can truly get students to love subjects if you can break it down and explain it to them simply. My favourite part of tutoring students is when they would come to me after a few weeks of math lessons and would tell me that, suddenly, math in school isn't so boring and difficult anymore, and that they are truly starting to enjoy their classes in school. I love tutoring math, and have spent the most time there, but also enjoy teaching biology, chemistry, and environmental science, as I have taken all the AP versions of those classes and am currently pursuing a degree in Biochemistry and Mathematics.

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Evan

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +33 Subjects

I am a graduate of the University of Florida's PhD program in the Microbiology and Cell Science Department. Since graduation, I have worked for a startup company studying neurodegenerative biomarker uptake by immune cells in the peripheral blood during neuroinflammation. While I tutor a variety of subjects, my main passions lie in biology, microbiology, and chemistry. I believe it is important for students to not only learn the subject material but also to discover how they learn in general and how they can learn to take assessment tests efficiently.

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Keith

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +47 Subjects

I am a professional tutor and certified teacher with a Master's degree in Math Education. I specialize in 5th/6th/7th/8th grade Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, Geometry and Algebra 2. I am engaging, enthusiastic, and keep communication a high priority. I also tutor SAT and ACT test prep as well as PSAT, SSAT and HSPTs

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Frequently Asked Questions

Pacing is one of the biggest challenges on the HSPT since you have limited time per question across all five sections. Tutors work with students to develop section-specific strategies—for example, in Verbal Skills, learning to quickly identify synonyms and analogies without overthinking, while in Math, recognizing which problems to tackle first and which to skip strategically. Practice with timed drills helps build automaticity so you're not spending precious seconds on easier questions, and working through full practice tests under real test conditions reveals exactly where you're losing time.

Reading Comprehension trips up many students because the HSPT's passages are dense and time is tight—you need to extract key information quickly without getting lost in details. Quantitative Skills also challenges students who haven't solidified foundational concepts like ratios, percentages, and word problem setup. Verbal Skills, while testing vocabulary and logic, can feel unfamiliar since it emphasizes synonym and analogy patterns that don't always appear in regular schoolwork. A tutor can identify which section is dragging your score and create targeted practice to address the underlying skill gaps.

The HSPT's Verbal Skills section uses synonym and analogy questions in a format you might not see in regular classes, requiring you to think about word relationships rather than just definitions. Reading Comprehension questions ask for main ideas, inferences, and detail recall under time pressure—different from classroom reading where you can reread. Quantitative questions mix basic arithmetic, algebra, and geometry in ways that test problem-solving speed, not just computation. Tutors break down each format, show you the patterns and tricks to recognize, and have you practice until these question types feel natural rather than surprising.

Score improvement depends on your starting point and how consistently you practice. Students who work with a tutor for 4-8 weeks with regular practice typically see 50-100 point gains, though this varies based on your baseline and the areas you're targeting. The biggest improvements come when you identify specific weak sections—say, Reading Comprehension or Quantitative Skills—and focus there rather than trying to improve everything at once. Consistent practice with timed drills and full-length tests, combined with targeted instruction on question formats and strategy, creates the conditions for meaningful gains.

Test anxiety often stems from unfamiliarity with question formats or uncertainty about timing strategy—both things tutoring directly addresses. When you've practiced the exact types of questions you'll see, worked through pacing strategies under timed conditions, and built confidence in your ability to recognize patterns, anxiety naturally decreases. Tutors also help you develop a realistic sense of which questions to prioritize, when to move on, and how to manage your mental energy across all five sections, so you feel in control rather than overwhelmed on test day.

Practice tests are essential because they reveal your actual pacing, timing, and weak areas under conditions that mirror the real exam. Rather than taking a practice test once and moving on, use them diagnostically: take one untimed to identify content gaps, then take several under timed conditions to work on speed and strategy. Between practice tests, focus on drilling the specific sections where you stumbled—for instance, if Reading Comprehension dragged you down, do targeted passages and timing work. Your tutor can review your practice test results to pinpoint patterns, like whether you're running out of time or making careless errors, and adjust your study plan accordingly.

A strong HSPT tutor understands the test's unique structure—the five sections, their different question formats, and the specific timing constraints—and can teach you strategies tailored to each. They should be able to diagnose exactly where you're losing points, whether it's vocabulary knowledge in Verbal Skills, conceptual gaps in Quantitative, or reading speed in Comprehension. Beyond content, they should be skilled at teaching you to recognize question patterns, manage time strategically, and build the confidence that comes from practicing under realistic test conditions. Look for someone who uses actual HSPT materials, tracks your progress across sections, and adjusts the approach based on what's actually holding back your score.

Most students benefit from 4-8 weeks of focused HSPT prep, though this depends on your starting point and target score. A typical weekly schedule might include 2-3 tutoring sessions focused on strategy and weak areas, plus 3-4 hours of independent practice with drills and timed sections between sessions. Starting with diagnostic practice to identify weak areas, moving into targeted skill-building, and finishing with full-length timed practice tests creates a logical progression. Your tutor can customize the timeline and intensity—if you're starting further behind or aiming for a very competitive score, you might need more time; if you're already strong in most areas, you might focus heavily on one or two sections.

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