Award-Winning Organic Chemistry Tutors

America's #1 Tutoring Platform

Who needs tutoring?

FOXNBCCBSUS NewsTIMEUSA Today

TUTORS FROM

  • YaleUniversity
  • PrincetonUniversity
  • StanfordUniversity
  • CornellUniversity

Award-Winning Organic Chemistry Tutors

James

Certified Tutor

James

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

Studying chemistry at Harvard while preparing for Columbia Medical School means James has worked through organic chemistry from both the academic and pre-med sides — understanding mechanisms deeply enough to satisfy a chemistry major, and efficiently enough to apply them in biochemistry and pharmaco...

Education

Harvard University

Bachelor in Arts, Chemistry

Test Scores
SAT
1570
Josef

Certified Tutor

Josef

Bachelor of Science
Josef's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
Nutrition
Biochemistry

Reaction mechanisms are the language of organic chemistry, and Josef teaches students to read them — arrow pushing, stereochemistry, and functional group reactivity — rather than memorize hundreds of individual reactions. His biochemistry focus at Cornell means he can connect orgo concepts like nucl...

Education

Cornell University

Bachelor of Science

Test Scores
SAT
1530

Certified Tutor

14+ years

Jason

PHD, Medicine and Education
Jason's other Tutor Subjects
College Algebra
Arithmetic
Statistics
Middle School Math

Most students dread organic chemistry because it feels like an endless catalog of reactions with no logic behind them. Jason completed his pre-med coursework at Bryn Mawr's post-baccalaureate program, where he learned to approach reaction mechanisms — substitutions, eliminations, carbonyl additions ...

Education

University of Pennsylvania

PHD, Medicine and Education

University of Pennsylvania

Master's degree in Education

Yale University

Bachelor's degree in History

Test Scores
SAT
1470
ACT
34

Certified Tutor

4+ years

Zosia

Bachelor of Science
Zosia's other Tutor Subjects
Middle School Math
Calculus
Algebra
Cell Biology

Having earned a chemistry degree from Yale, Zosia spent years immersed in the subject well past the introductory orgo sequence — which means she can contextualize tricky topics like electrophilic aromatic substitution and acyl chemistry within the broader landscape of how molecules actually behave. ...

Education

Yale University

Bachelor of Science

Test Scores
SAT
1570

Certified Tutor

2+ years

Jerry

Doctorate (PhD)
Jerry's other Tutor Subjects
Organic Chemistry
Organic Chemistry 2

I am a dedicated educator with a love of learning. I have experience working with students from varying backgrounds and levels ranging from kindergarten to graduate school. I am known for my patience and understanding. My teaching method is to encourage students with hints and guidance guiding th...

Education

University of California-San Diego

Doctorate (PhD)

Harvard University

Bachelor

Certified Tutor

Jon

Master's in Chemistry
Jon's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
College Algebra
Trigonometry
Geometry

Reaction mechanisms are the language of organic chemistry, and Jon spent his Master's work at Princeton immersed in that language daily. He unpacks arrow-pushing, stereochemistry, and functional group reactivity by tying each mechanism back to the electron behavior driving it, so students build intu...

Education

Princeton University

Master's in Chemistry

Northwestern University

B.A. in Chemistry

Test Scores
SAT
1460
ACT
33

Certified Tutor

8+ years

Amelia

Bachelor of Science, Biochemistry
Amelia's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
AP Biology
Organic Chemistry

I am a freshman at Vanderbilt University studying biochemistry and involved in analytical chemistry research. Despite my studies being very science oriented, I also enjoy studying English and the humanities. I'd be happy to tutor you in any of these areas!

Education

Vanderbilt University

Bachelor of Science, Biochemistry

Test Scores
SAT
1570
ACT
35

Certified Tutor

10+ years

Jonathan

Current Grad Student, Human Development
Jonathan's other Tutor Subjects
Geometry
Calculus
Algebra
AP Biology

Jonathan's human biology degree and pre-med track at Cornell meant organic chemistry wasn't just a prerequisite — it was the course that connected molecular structure to everything he'd later study in physiology and biochemistry. He tackles synthesis problems and spectroscopy interpretation by linki...

Education

Cornell University

Bachelor of Science

Cornell University

Current Grad Student, Human Development

Test Scores
SAT
1550

Certified Tutor

Eric

Master of Science, Inorganic Chemistry
Eric's other Tutor Subjects
Algebra 3/4
Calculus
Algebra
AP Chemistry

Most organic chemistry struggles come down to not recognizing patterns — why a nucleophile attacks here and not there, or how electron-pushing arrows predict a product. Eric's graduate training in chemistry means he teaches reaction mechanisms as a connected framework of electronic and steric princi...

Education

University of Delaware

Master of Science, Inorganic Chemistry

University of Notre Dame

Bachelor of Science

Test Scores
SAT
1500

Certified Tutor

6+ years

David

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

Reaction mechanisms are the language of organic chemistry, and David treats them that way — once a student can read electron flow through curved arrows, predicting products for substitution, elimination, and addition reactions becomes systematic rather than overwhelming. His Yale neuroscience traini...

Education

Yale University

Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience

Harvard University

Current Grad Student, Bioethics and Medical Ethics

Test Scores
ACT
33

Practice Organic Chemistry

Free practice tests, flashcards, and AI tutoring for Organic Chemistry

Organic Chemistry Practice Hub
Practice tests, flashcards, AI tutor & more

Meet Varsity Tutors Experts

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

Brittany

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +33 Subjects

I am a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, where I completed my Bachelor of the Arts in Psychology and excelled in extensive pre-health coursework. My tutoring experience began in high school when I tutored my peers in Calculus as a member of Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society. Later as an undergraduate, I was employed as a tutor for the Tutoring Center where I tutored undergraduate and graduate students in General Chemistry I, General Chemistry II and Introductory Physics. Additionally, I was an active volunteer of the West Philly Tutoring Project and travelled to a nearby middle school to tutor adolescents struggling with Geometry and Statistics.

View Profile

Aidan

AP Calculus BC Tutor • +38 Subjects

I'm a recent graduate of the University of Notre Dame. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Science-Computing--the University's equivalent of the pre-med major, but with additional credits reserved for a few Computer Science electives. While there, tutoring was one of the main activities I was involved in, and I found it deeply fulfilling when I'd see a certain idea suddenly click for my tutees.

View Profile

Natasha

AP Calculus AB Tutor • +50 Subjects

I'm a graduate student at MIT. I started tutoring from my first year of undergrad because I had such wonderful experiences when I was in high school learning with friends and upperclassmen. I am personally a social learner- I learn best when I'm talking and wrestling with concepts out loud and in a group. When I can express myself coherently, I know I have mastered the material. Hobbies: reading, music, writing, painting, art, books

View Profile

Thomas

AP Calculus BC Tutor • +21 Subjects

I graduated from Dartmouth College with a double major, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in both Biochemistry/Molecular Biology and Music. I continued my education at Columbia University and received Master of Arts in Biology. Starting in middle school and continuing through my graduate career, I have tutored students in a wide variety of subjects, but I was most effective at tutoring math and science because of my lifelong love and aptitude for these subjects. Since I am also working towards a career in molecular biology, I use math and science every day, and I can explain real-world applications and uses for these subjects that may not seem obvious. By demonstrating the use of math and science in everyday life, I am able to help interact with the student and increase their interest in a subject in which they may experience difficulty. I also believe that as a tutor, it is my responsibility to engage with the student to help them achieve and even surpass their goals. In my spare time, I am heavily involved with music in New York City, being part of multiple choirs and continuing to play piano. I also enjoy exercising and exploring the city whenever I have the chance.

View Profile

Alex

Calculus Tutor • +23 Subjects

I am comfortable tutoring a broad range of topics in the sciences and math for standardized exams. I feel most confident with organic chemistry since I have helped many struggling or confused students map out the reactions and mechanisms, develop study habits, and ace their exams. As an instructor, my aim is to focus on teaching concepts and fundamental principles since this approach builds understanding and allows students to tackle any problems they face.

View Profile

Garrett

Calculus Tutor • +30 Subjects

Hobbies: reading, music, writing, art, movies, books, travel

View Profile

Gordon

Pre-Calculus Tutor • +15 Subjects

Hello! I am an Arizona State University graduate with a Bachelors of Science in Biological Science. My academic background is grounded in both technical problem-solving and a deep curiosity about how systems, whether digital or human, function. Outside the classroom, I've had the opportunity to work with students across a range of ages and abilities, from mentoring engineering and premed undergraduates at ASU to tutoring high schoolers in SAT/ACT prep, as well as K-12 students through Teach for America. I am comfortable with a range of subjects and am willing to work to meet your needs. Below are some of courses I have successfully tutored for in the past. K12 Subjects Elementary School (K5) Math (Basic Arithmetic, Word Problems) Reading & Phonics Writing & Grammar Science Social Studies Study & Organization Skills Middle School (68) Pre-Algebra Algebra I General Science (Life, Earth, Physical) English Language Arts (Reading, Writing) U.S. History & World History Intro to Coding / Computer Science High School (912) Algebra I & II Geometry Trigonometry Pre-Calculus Calculus AB/BC Biology (General, Honors) Chemistry (General, Honors) Physics (Conceptual, Algebra-Based) English Literature & Composition Essay Writing & Editing U.S. History & World History Psychology Economics & Government Health / Human Development Ethics / Philosophy Study Skills / Test Prep Standardized Test Prep SAT: Math, Reading, Writing & Language, Essay ACT: Math, Science, English, Reading, Essay PSAT MCAT (Content review & strategy) TOEFL / ESL (Certified ESL experience) AP Subjects AP Biology AP Chemistry AP Physics 1 AP Environmental Science AP Calculus AB AP Statistics AP English Language and Composition AP English Literature and Composition AP Psychology AP U.S. History AP World History AP U.S. Government & Politics AP Human Geography AP Macroeconomics / Microeconomics AP Computer Science Principles AP Seminar / Research College-Level Subjects STEM & Premed General Biology I & II Cell Biology Genetics Human Anatomy & Physiology General Chemistry I & II Organic Chemistry I & II Biochemistry Physics I & II (Algebra-Based) Calculus I & II Statistics (Introductory / Biostats) Humanities & Social Sciences Intro to Psychology Intro to Sociology Scientific Writing & Critical Thinking Medical Ethics Bioethics Philosophy of Science / Biology Research Writing & Academic Essays Business & Economics Intro to Macroeconomics Intro to Microeconomics Principles of Finance Financial Literacy / Budgeting Basics

View Profile

Alec

Calculus Tutor • +28 Subjects

I am a recent Cornell University graduate (Dec '23) majoring in Biological Sciences with a focus on Genetics, Genomics, and Development. My passion lies in healthcare, as I am currently preparing to attend medical school this upcoming fall. However, I have always had an interest in teaching. I started as a general chemistry TA, supporting students during problem solving sessions. Then, I helped teach our genetics lecture course, coordinating individual and group tutoring sessions that guided students in content application. This position transformed into a leadership role, organizing our teaching team while spearheading an initiative to train fellow teaching assistants in pedagogical techniques that I learned in a course I took on the art of teaching. Lastly, in an ethics of medicine course of non-STEM majors, I prepared and facilitated discussion sections on current topics in personalized medicine. These experiences, combined with my time as a teaching assistant in correctional facilities, helped me grow as a varsity tutor now going into my 4th year on this platform. Given this breadth of experience teaching diverse and unique students, I am eager and excited to support young scientists in any subject related to this field.

View Profile

Kade

AP Calculus AB Tutor • +17 Subjects

I'm Kade and I'm currently a second-year at Northwestern University studying biology and chemistry on the pre-medical track. Outside of school/tutoring, I spend time volunteering for my university's annual Dance Marathon fundraiser, a member of Camp Kesem, working as a study group mentor, and I'm also into running and hiking. I look forward to tutoring y'all!

View Profile

Rahul

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +34 Subjects

I am a recent graduate of Cornell University, where I received a B.S. in Chemical Engineering and graduated Magna Cum Laude. Over the past several years, I have worked with students from diverse backgrounds and experiences tutoring thermodynamics (my personal favorite), chemistry, and math. I have also tutored in the past for ACT/SAT and other subjects such as history, but I am deeply passionate about science and engineering. I tend to push my students to understand conceptual topics, as opposed to rote or algorithmic learning. In my free time, I love to bake sourdough, learn about history, garden, and recently started biking again.

View Profile

Frequently Asked Questions

Organic Chemistry is challenging because it requires visualizing molecules in 3D space and understanding reaction mechanisms that aren't immediately intuitive. Many students struggle with memorization overload, trying to learn hundreds of reactions without grasping the underlying principles of how and why they occur.

Personalized tutoring addresses this by helping you move beyond rote memorization to understand the core concepts—like electron behavior, molecular interactions, and reaction patterns. Once you see the logic behind reactions, the material becomes far more manageable and retention improves dramatically.

Organic Chemistry is fundamentally about spatial reasoning—understanding how atoms are positioned in 3D and how they move during reactions. Expert tutors use multiple visualization strategies, including drawing mechanisms step-by-step on whiteboards, using molecular models, and working through resonance structures until the concepts click.

Rather than passively reading structures in a textbook, you'll actively construct and manipulate them with guidance, which builds the mental visualization skills that are essential for success on exams and in the lab.

Memorizing reactions is a dead end—there are far too many to memorize, and exams test your ability to predict new reactions you haven't seen before. Understanding mechanisms means learning why a reaction happens: how nucleophiles attack, how carbocations form and rearrange, and how different functional groups behave.

Tutors focus on teaching you to think like an organic chemist, recognizing patterns and predicting outcomes based on fundamental principles. This approach not only works better for exams but also prepares you for advanced chemistry, biochemistry, and laboratory work where applying concepts matters far more than recall.

Organic Chemistry underpins pharmaceuticals, materials science, polymers, food chemistry, and countless other fields. Making these connections helps motivation and retention—it's much easier to remember a concept when you understand why it matters.

Great tutors weave real-world context into lessons, explaining how reaction mechanisms apply to drug design, how stereochemistry affects drug efficacy, or how polymers are synthesized. These connections transform abstract concepts into tangible knowledge and help you see why you're learning this material.

The best Organic Chemistry tutors have strong chemistry backgrounds and, ideally, lab experience. More importantly, they can explain complex mechanisms clearly, ask probing questions to identify gaps in your understanding, and teach you how to approach problems systematically rather than memorize solutions.

You want someone who emphasizes conceptual understanding over memorization, uses multiple explanation methods (drawing, models, analogies), and can adjust their teaching style to match how you learn. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in meeting students where they are and building genuine mastery.

Organic Chemistry exams test conceptual reasoning and problem-solving, not just recall. Personalized tutoring focuses on your specific weak points—whether that's stereochemistry, synthesis planning, or reaction prediction—rather than generic review.

Tutors work with you on practice problems similar to exam questions, teach you strategies for tackling unfamiliar reactions, and help you develop the systematic approach that leads to consistent answers. This targeted preparation typically leads to significant score improvements and genuine confidence going into exams.

Yes. The lecture component focuses on theory and mechanisms, while the lab component tests your ability to apply those concepts in practice—carrying out reactions, analyzing results, and troubleshooting when things don't go as planned. Both require understanding, not just following procedures.

Expert tutors help strengthen your conceptual foundation so lab work makes sense, teach you how to think through experimental design and error analysis, and help you see connections between the reactions you study in lecture and what you observe in the lab. This integrated approach leads to stronger performance across both components.

Connect with Organic Chemistry Tutors

Get matched with expert tutors in your subject