Award-Winning OAT Reading Comprehension Tutors

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Award-Winning OAT Reading Comprehension Tutors

Abrahim

Certified Tutor

4+ years

Abrahim

Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Abrahim's other Tutor Subjects
Middle School Math
Calculus
Algebra
Elementary School Math

Reading comprehension on the OAT isn't casual reading — it demands extracting specific claims from dense scientific and humanities passages under strict time constraints. Abrahim approaches each passage type with a different annotation strategy, teaching students to identify the author's argument an...

Education

University of California Los Angeles

Bachelor of Science, Biology, General

Medical College of Wisconsin

Doctor of Medicine, Premedicine

Test Scores
ACT
34
Rithi

Certified Tutor

9+ years

Rithi

Masters, Biotechnology
Rithi's other Tutor Subjects
AP Statistics
AP Calculus BC
AP Calculus AB
Pre-Algebra

A neuroscience and biotechnology background means Rithi already reads the kind of dense, jargon-heavy scientific prose that fills OAT Reading Comprehension passages — research papers, clinical reviews, grant abstracts — so she can zero in on teaching the actual test skill: pulling an author's argume...

Education

Johns Hopkins University

Masters, Biotechnology

Duke University

Bachelors

Test Scores
SAT
1550
Kevin

Certified Tutor

Kevin

Bachelor of Science, Human Biology/Education Studies
Kevin's other Tutor Subjects
College Algebra
Calculus
Algebra
AP Physics 1

Between a human biology degree at UCSD and medical school at UCF, Kevin has spent years digesting the exact kind of dense scientific prose that fills OAT Reading Comprehension passages — research abstracts, clinical reviews, and textbook chapters packed with terminology. He teaches students to stop ...

Education

University of California-San Diego

Bachelor of Science, Human Biology/Education Studies

Arianna

Certified Tutor

10+ years

Arianna

Bachelor of Science
Arianna's other Tutor Subjects
8th-12th Grade math
9th-12th Grade Writing
Pre-Algebra
Calculus

Arianna's neuroscience training at Dartmouth means she's spent years pulling apart the same kind of dense, terminology-laden research writing that fills OAT Reading Comprehension passages — so the content never slows her down. She zeroes in on the test mechanics instead: teaching students to tag eac...

Education

Dartmouth College

Bachelor of Science

Carsen

Certified Tutor

9+ years

Carsen

Bachelor in Arts, Chemistry
Carsen's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Pre-Calculus
Middle School Math
Calculus

I'm a 2016 graduate of Pepperdine University with my Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry. Currently I'm preparing to apply to optometry school; I hope to be accepted for the 2018-19 academic year. During my time in college, I was involved as a teaching assistant for General Chemistry I and II laboratory, ...

Education

Pepperdine University

Bachelor in Arts, Chemistry

Test Scores
SAT
1420
ACT
31
Alexandra

Certified Tutor

6+ years

Alexandra

Bachelor in Arts, Creative Writing
Alexandra's other Tutor Subjects
6th Grade AP Language Composition
Middle School Math
Calculus
Algebra

A creative writing and Spanish double major, Alexandra has trained herself to read closely across genres and languages — a skill that transfers directly to breaking apart the dense, jargon-heavy passages on the OAT Reading Comprehension section. She teaches students to treat each passage like a piec...

Education

University of North Texas

Bachelor in Arts, Creative Writing

Test Scores
SAT
1430
ACT
33
Sam

Certified Tutor

6+ years

Sam

Doctor of Philosophy, Biochemistry
Sam's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
Cell Biology
Neuroscience

The OAT Reading Comprehension section throws dense scientific and humanities passages at students under tight time pressure. Sam has spent years parsing complex research papers in biochemistry and molecular biology, and he teaches the same active-reading strategies he uses daily — skimming for passa...

Education

Messiah College

Bachelor of Science, Molecular Biology

Drexel University

Doctor of Philosophy, Biochemistry

Test Scores
ACT
31
Richard

Certified Tutor

8+ years

Richard

Bachelor in Arts, Business Administration and Management
Richard's other Tutor Subjects
Middle School Math
Calculus
Algebra
Elementary School Math

Richard's ACT prep experience — particularly coaching students through the Reading and English sections — built a transferable toolkit for timed passage analysis that applies directly to OAT Reading Comprehension. He teaches students to convert each paragraph into a one-line purpose note during thei...

Education

The University of Texas at Arlington

Bachelor in Arts, Business Administration and Management

Test Scores
ACT
32
Regina George

Certified Tutor

2+ years

Regina George

Bachelor's
Regina's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Pre-Calculus
Middle School Math
Algebra

LSAT prep builds a very particular muscle — the ability to tear apart an argument's logical structure under pressure and identify exactly which piece of evidence supports which conclusion. Regina brings that same dissection skill to OAT Reading Comprehension passages, teaching students to map how cl...

Education

University

Bachelor's

Jessica

Certified Tutor

Jessica

PHD, Medicine
Jessica's other Tutor Subjects
College Algebra
Calculus
Algebra
Honors Chemistry

I am a licensed physician from Florida who is currently changing careers. I graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 2009 and have extensive tutoring and editing experience. While a student, I became a certified writing tutor through the Critical Writing Department. Since I completed my writ...

Education

Nova Southeastern University

PHD, Medicine

University of Pennsylvania

Bachelors, History

University of Pennsylvania

undergraduate

Test Scores
SAT
1540

Meet Our Expert Tutors

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Jai

Calculus Tutor • +23 Subjects

I'm a recent Stanford graduate (Electrical Engineering and Computer Science), and have been working at a major Management Consulting firm for a few years now. I personally scored a 2360 (out of 2400) on the SAT and 35 on the ACT and was successful in gaining admission to several top universities. I'm looking forward to helping you improve your scores towards improving your chances at getting in to your dream school.

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Kate

AP Calculus BC Tutor • +53 Subjects

I'm available to tutor biology, chemistry, physics, math from Algebra up through AP Calculus, SAT test prep, and French. I've been tutoring students in science and math for 7 years. I also spent 8 months working and studying in France, and have tutored high school and adult students in French. When I'm not working or studying, I love playing volleyball (indoors or on the beach!) and spending time outside, canoeing or hiking with my dog. I look forward to meeting and working with you!

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Rhea

AP Statistics Tutor • +49 Subjects

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 subjects as well as tutoring private clients in Standardized Test preparation. Given that I graduated high school recently, I have taken several Standardized Tests and high school subjects myself, so I have a comprehensive understanding of not only how to tutor these subjects and exams, but also what it is like to take them. While I have a wide range of interests and am able to tutor various subjects, I am most passionate about tutoring in Standardized Test preparation (including ACT, SAT, SAT Subject Tests, and AP Exams), Biology, Chemistry, Math, and Spanish. I truly believe that students should have the opportunity to learn in the way that works best for them, and I love being able to help them succeed by creating a comfortable tutoring environment in which we can best assess their particular needs and use strategies specific to them. My passion for learning drives everything that I do, and tutoring is the platform that I use to try to spread that passion to others. In my free time, you can find me playing badminton, listening to music, or baking something (hopefully) delicious.

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Jeffrey

Pre-Calculus Tutor • +29 Subjects

I am enrolled in the Mechanical Engineering PhD program at Rice University which will begin Fall 2020, and I am hoping to return to academia as a professor after earning my PhD. In the meantime, I am looking to share my passion for gaining knowledge, specifically in STEM, by educating the up and coming members of such a great field. I have experience tutoring both Calculus and Physics at Notre Dame, as well as experience as a Student Assistant for Differential Equations and Mechanics. I believe the key to learning is much deeper than learning to solve problems and that seeking knowledge is one of the best means for personal improvement.

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Erika

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +36 Subjects

I am available to tutor middle and high school math, history and test prep. I have tutored math and history in the past and I previously taught a test prep course at a school in Hanoi, Vietnam. I have a lot of experience teaching all the need-to-know tricks to doing great on the SATS/ACTS! When I am not in school myself, I love rowing, equestrian and exploring my new city of Boston! I look forward to meeting and working with you soon!

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Pinelopi

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +25 Subjects

I am a Duke University graduate with a Bachelors degree in Psychology. I have experience tutoring all levels of Spanish language, all sections of the SAT, as well as algebra, pre algebra, geometry, and pre-calculus! I love kids & I have a very flexible schedule and a lot of patience! Let me help you :)

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Sharon

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +29 Subjects

I am a graduate of the University of Chicago, and I will be starting a graduate program at Columbia in August. I am about to complete a year of service with City Year, an education non-profit that places young adults into under-served schools. As a City Year member, I worked full-time in the classroom with middle-school students who were in approximately the 10th percentile for math (meaning they score lower than 90% of students). One-fourth of those students were able to grow around 15 percentile points by the end of the year! Hobbies: reading, cooking, gardening, music, art, nature, books, writing

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Matthew

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +39 Subjects

I'm a highly creative person who works best with visual thinkers. Very recently graduated from Stanford University, I majored in Human Biology with a concentration in Bioinformatics and Stem Cell Science. Technical though my background may be, I am currently gigging as a singer/songwriter/composer in NYC and tackle even the most hard-science of problems with a top-down, big-picture, holistic approach. If you have a propensity to look at problems in a cross- or inter-disciplinary manner (or want to learn how to do so), I'm the tutor for you!

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Tiffany

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +56 Subjects

I am available to tutor a broad range of subjects, I am passionate about test preparation, Accountancy, and Algebra.

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Earnest

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +26 Subjects

I am comfortable with either setting. I'm confident that I can help you (or your student) achieve to the best of their ability, so please don't hesitate to get in touch!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Most students see meaningful improvement within 4-8 weeks of focused preparation, though the timeline depends on your starting point and study frequency. If you're struggling with foundational reading skills or test-taking strategies, you might need 8-12 weeks to build confidence and accuracy. Personalized 1-on-1 instruction helps identify your specific weaknesses—whether that's pace management, understanding complex scientific passages, or mastering question types—so you can focus your efforts where they matter most.

Pacing is one of the biggest challenges students face, especially with dense scientific passages. The key is developing a strategic reading approach: skimming for structure first, then targeting specific details only when questions ask for them. A tutor can help you practice this technique with real OAT passages, teach you to recognize question patterns that let you predict what information matters, and build your speed through repeated, timed practice. Many students find that improving their question-answering strategy actually saves more time than trying to read faster.

OAT Reading Comprehension passages cover natural sciences (biology, chemistry, physics, organic chemistry), social sciences, and humanities topics. Science passages require you to understand experimental design, data interpretation, and terminology, while non-science passages test your ability to identify main ideas and author perspective. A personalized tutoring approach means focusing more on your weaker passage types—if you struggle with biology concepts, for example, a tutor can help you build content familiarity while teaching comprehension strategies specific to that subject matter.

The best way is through diagnostic practice testing, which reveals patterns in your mistakes: Are you missing main idea questions? Struggling with inference questions? Reading too slowly? Getting tripped up by scientific terminology? A tutor can help you take and review practice tests strategically, categorizing your errors by question type and passage subject, rather than just looking at your overall score. This targeted analysis is what allows you to spend study time on the gaps that will actually boost your score.

Absolutely. Test anxiety often stems from uncertainty about your preparation or unfamiliarity with question formats. Working with a tutor builds genuine confidence through repeated, timed practice with real OAT-style passages and questions. You'll learn what to expect, develop reliable strategies you can trust under pressure, and get feedback on your actual performance rather than worrying about what might go wrong. Many students find that mastery—knowing exactly how to approach each question type—is the most powerful antidote to test day nerves.

The best tutors combine deep knowledge of the OAT's specific question formats and passage types with the ability to diagnose exactly where you're losing points. They should teach you strategy—not just how to read faster, but how to read strategically for the test's purposes. Look for someone who uses real OAT materials, provides timed practice with meaningful feedback, and adapts their approach based on your individual challenges, whether that's vocabulary, scientific concepts, or question-type mastery.

Most students benefit from taking a diagnostic practice test early to establish a baseline, then 2-3 full practice tests spread across their study period—enough to track improvement and build test-day stamina without burning out your resources. Between full tests, focus on targeted drills for specific question types and passages. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who can guide your practice test schedule, help you review mistakes in depth, and adjust your strategy based on what the tests reveal about your progress.

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