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Award-Winning PCAT Reading Comprehension Tutors

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

I am a Dartmouth graduate. I am currently working on my med and business endeavors. I have not only an interest, but a motivation to help others. I have helped students get into Ivy League schools as well as other top universities across the country with top scholarships. I tutor in all subjects fro...

Education

Dartmouth College

Bachelor of Science

Valerie

Certified Tutor

Valerie

Masters, Pharmacology
Valerie's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
College Algebra
Middle School Math
Geometry

I am a doctoral student at The University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy. I completed my undergraduate study at The Ohio State University and graduated with a Bachelor's of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences and minor in General Business. I have tutored friends, classmates, and coworkers all...

Education

The Ohio State University

Masters, Pharmacology

The Ohio State University

Bachelor of Science, Pharmaceutical Sciences

Test Scores
ACT
32
Isabel

Certified Tutor

8+ years

Isabel

Bachelor in Arts, Biochemistry
Isabel's other Tutor Subjects
Geometry
Calculus
Algebra
Microbiology

I'm 23 years old, and I'm originally from Danville, Indiana. I got my bachelor's degree in Biochemistry from Vassar College in Spring 2018. I'm currently in graduate school to become a pharmacist - I'm in my first year of the PharmD program at Northeastern University.

Education

Vassar College

Bachelor in Arts, Biochemistry

Test Scores
SAT
1470
Xhesika

Certified Tutor

8+ years

Xhesika

Bachelor of Science, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Xhesika's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
AP Chemistry
Nutrition

I am an alumna of The Williams School in New London, CT. I attended undergrad at Middlebury College in Middlebury, VT as a Molecular Biology & Biochemistry major. I am currently completing a dual Ph.D/Pharm.D. program at the University of Connecticut. My graduate work focuses on medicinal chemistry ...

Education

Middlebury College

Bachelor of Science, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Gaurav

Certified Tutor

10+ years

Gaurav

Bachelors, Biology and Political Science
Gaurav's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
College Algebra
Competition Math
Trigonometry

I am a law student, but I took an unusual route to get there. I used to attend medical school but had a change of heart in my career path. Part of this was due to my political science major (double major with biology) in college as well as a number of Spanish and other courses that I took. Tutoring ...

Education

University of Miami

Bachelors, Biology and Political Science

Test Scores
SAT
1570
Emily

Certified Tutor

Emily

Bachelor in Arts, English
Emily's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
PSAT Writing Skills
SAT Reading

I'm a third year student in pharmacy school at the University of Houston College of Pharmacy. I have a bachelors degree in English from the University of Texas and English is my area of specialty. I have been in the academic world for a very long time and at this point in my life I'd like to help ot...

Education

The University of Texas at Austin

Bachelor in Arts, English

Michelle

Certified Tutor

9+ years

Michelle

Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Michelle's other Tutor Subjects
Applied Mathematics
Statistics Graduate Level
Pre-Algebra
Statistics
Education

Centenary College of Louisiana

Bachelor of Science, Biology, General

Test Scores
SAT
1510
Jonathan

Certified Tutor

10+ years

Jonathan

Bachelor in Arts, Physics & Astronomy
Jonathan's other Tutor Subjects
Algebra
Algebra 2
Arithmetic
Astronomy

Hello! My name is Jon, and I can't wait to share my enthusiasm and years of tutoring experience with your student. Although my favorite subject is physics, I have enjoyed working with elementary school through college age students in a wide range of subjects. As my BA hints, I have earned a liberal ...

Education

Carleton College

Bachelor in Arts, Physics & Astronomy

Jim

Certified Tutor

Jim

Bachelors, Communications
Jim's other Tutor Subjects
College English
English
English Grammar and Syntax
Essay Editing

Learning is for everyone. If teacher and student work together, they can achieve success. The measure of a good teacher is the success of his/her students.I work as a writer, editor, and public speaking coach. I have been doing this for 20+ years.

Education

University of Scranton

Bachelors, Communications

Stephen

Certified Tutor

Stephen

Bachelor of Science, Biochemistry
Stephen's other Tutor Subjects
Algebra
Algebra 2
College Algebra
High School Chemistry

Hi potential students! I am an energetic and (at times, depending on how much you love the subject) fun tutor living in Houston TX. I am originally from Connecticut, but moved down to Houston to attend Rice University, where I graduated with a BS in biochemistry and a minor in poverty, justice and h...

Education

Rice University

Bachelor of Science, Biochemistry

Meet Our Expert Tutors

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

Christian

Kinesiology Tutor • +4 Subjects

I am a graduate of Seton Hill University and Central Penn College. I received my Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapy. To date, I have five years of outpatient, orthopedic rehabilitation experience. I have been with Drayer Physical Therapy Institute and the Orthopedic Institute of Pennsylvania for the last five years, with two of those years as a licensed physical therapist assistant. I have also worked as a certified personal trainer with a focus on clients seeking weight loss. In 2019, I founded "Healing Hands of the Highlands," an organization in Guatemala that provides rehabilitative care and basic medial attention to the underserved, indigenous population. Day to day, I function as a physical therapist, operating as the head clinician in our pro bono, outpatient physical therapy clinic in San Cristobal, Alta Verapaz, Guatemala. My specific interests include wound care and alternative medicine. I tutor a broad range of subjects, including exercise science, kinesiology and basic science, however, I am most passionate about anatomy and physiology. In my experience, students are most successful when they have clear, defined goals along with the motivation and willingness to put in the time and effort. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, exercising and watching movies.

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Laura

AP Music Theory Tutor • +8 Subjects

Greetings! Music is my native language. I completed my Bachelors of Science in Music with an emphasis in violin performance and pedagogy. I have been fortunate to perform with major orchestras in the Dallas metroplex and have toured North America and Europe for 25+ years. I have extensive pedagogical training and performance experiences with maestros from around the globe. I studied violin, viola and chamber music under the tutelage of Mugur Doroftei. I studied woodwinds, brass, and instrumental conducting with Rudyard Dennis, and flute with Patricia Surman. During my career, I have played in orchestras for musicals, operas, festivals, pop and symphonic series.I provide tutoring services for Violin, Piano, and Flute with an emphasis in theory, math, and sciences and their relationship to music. My philosophy is to inspire students to create a lasting relationship with their chosen instrument by promoting a fun and exciting learning experience.Notable music experiences:Section Violin - Mansfield Philharmonic, 2017 - 2022, 2024-2025Music Education at Fallsvale Elementary School, 2019Music Director of the Keene Camerata, 2016 - 2017Violin & Piano instructor at the Music Place MansfieldConcertmaster of the Keene Camerata, 2007 - 2012, 2016 - 2017Founder and First Violin of the Adagio String Quartet, 2004 - 2010Section Violin, Brazos Chamber Orchestra, 2004 - 2008Wind Symphony, Southwestern Adventist University, 2004 - 2008Assistant Band Director at Keene Adventist Elementary School, 2004 - 2006

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Francis

Beginner Spanish for Adults Tutor • +14 Subjects

I have a Bachelors degree in French and Spanish from the University of Ghana, and I solidified my knowledge of both languages when I lived and worked in French-Speaking Ivory Coast for four years, and in Spain for six years. Hence I teach both French and Spanish at all pre-university levels.I have taught both French and Spanish at Middle and High Schools in the U.S., and I currently teach Spanish in a High School in Texas.Even though I teach Spanish currently and I am very fluent in both French and Spanish, my preferred subject to tech is French because it was the first foreign language I learned.I came to the U.S. from Spain and did my graduate studies at Purdue University, where I got my Doctorate in Tourism Management.I would say that my teaching style involves assessing the level of my student(s) initially, and trying to take them forward from where they are. It involves giving them opportunities to express themselves in the new language and explaining issues related to grammar and vocabulary.

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Evelyn

Abstract Algebra Tutor • +25 Subjects

Hello! Ever since I was in kindergarten I wanted to be a teacher. I have always enjoyed sharing knowledge and helping others learn! I love math and have been a math tutor since I started college. I have worked with all age groups from kindergarten to college students.

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Scott

Conversational German Tutor • +4 Subjects

I just joined the Varsity Tutors team as a German tutor. I completed my BA in German and English after taking German for four years in high school, during which I traveled to Bavaria twice as an exchange student. I then went on to complete my MA in German Studies at Michigan State University. In 2009, I became certified to teach German and English at the secondary level.I have been a tutor since my acceptance into the National Honor Society in high school. I have tutored at Alma College and have worked as a teaching assistant at Michigan State, where I helped design assessments as well as teaching at the beginner and intermediate levels.German has been a favorite subject of mine because of my personal connection to the language and culture. I enjoy using games and communicative activities as much as possible to make German interesting and fun to learn. Outside of academia, I enjoy reading, writing and film. I will look forward to working with you.

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Tyler

10th Grade Math Tutor • +40 Subjects

I currently work as an administrative assistant while I attend Portland Community College full time. My current studies are Calculus III, Advanced C++, and Discrete Data Structures.I'm on my third year towards a BA in Computer Science at Portland State University. I may refine my program, likely to network administration, or software architecture.A portion of my schooling was at College of Southern Idaho in 2009-2010, where I tutored for the school in the math lab (calculus mostly). I moved to Portland because I love the area; tons of things to do, great weather, great people. I tutor a range of subjects, but am currently focused in mathematics.

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Kyler

Anatomy Tutor • +12 Subjects

I began tutoring because I believe it is the duty of every individual, not just teachers, to pass on knowledge to future generations. Knowing I am helping students achieve goals that will aide them in reaching their dreams is what makes everything worth it for me.My dream is to become an academic medicine physician. A doctor responsible for both treating patients and teaching younger physicians how to become successful caregivers. As a future educator I consider every opportunity to work with a student valuable experience.I thank you for considering me as your tutor of choice and look forward to working with you or your student.

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Ted

Art Tutor • +21 Subjects

I am an actor, artist, and teacher, with my Bachelor’s degree from Boston College, and my Master's of Fine Arts from Brown University. At Boston College, my two majors were in Theatre Arts and Theology, and at Brown, I was a part of a three year conservatory in Acting and Theatre Arts.Over the past few years I have tutored students of all ages, from the middle school level all the way to college undergraduates and even middle-aged professionals. With every student, however, I start with one simple premise: how can we be ourselves as we seek to improve in our subjects? Perhaps my favorite subjects to teach are critical writing and essay coaching, and it is crucial in these areas that we stay true to ourselves, stand behind our opinions, and use language as a powerful and persuasive tool. My job as a tutor is not to tell my students what to think, but to give them the rhetorical tools to express their opinions clearly and concisely. The same premise applies to my reading comprehension and literature tutoring. I want my students to get closer to the writer, to see how they are similar, to understand more about themselves as they work to understand the material. Of course, students should enjoy themselves in all of their academic endeavors, and I like to have fun in my tutoring sessions. As an actor I usually play the role of the fool, so when I’m teaching I like to keep the energy light and fast, while still maintaining a rigorous learning environment.When I’m not teaching or acting I like to spend as much time as possible outdoors biking, hiking, fishing, swimming - you name it, I love being outside. I also really enjoy traveling and adventuring. I've been all over the world. I've lived in Scotland, London, and Sweden, and I've visited Italy, Turkey, Switzerland, Ireland, and Canada. My spirit for adventure also makes me a great geography tutor, and I like to ignite that passion for learning and travel in my students.

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Joy

Academic Coaching Tutor • +76 Subjects

Hello! I am a tutor here with Varsity Tutors. I am originally from the State of California and currently reside in the State of Arizona. Furthermore, I completed my education in Stockton, California. The degrees I have obtained are as follows: Bachelor of Science in Community Studies, Associate of Science in Business, Associate of Science in Retail Management and Merchandising, Associate of Arts in Social Sciences, and Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences. In addition, I have three certifications which are ESL Teacher, TESOL, and TEFL. My experience with tutoring is a total of eighteen years that includes working with students in person and online. The subjects I tutor are English, Spanish, History, Study Skills, Science, Reading, Writing, Social Studies, Mathematics, and many other academic subjects. I enjoy tutoring English and Spanish the most because it helps in so many ways with grammar, public speaking, and using it properly in conversations. My teaching philosophy is that I gear towards all types of learners whether they be auditory, visual, or kinesthetic. I have a variety of interests such as playing sports like volleyball and basketball. Also, I like to walk, work out, spend time with my family, scrapbooking, and going shopping. You can do whatever you set your mind to. Always think positive.

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Ashawn

Algebra Tutor • +5 Subjects

SUNY Binghamton Alumni. Brooklyn Tech Alumni. Bachelor's of Science degree in Chemistry. African-American student with Jamaican parents that grew up in Brooklyn, NY. Very patient with students and will do my best to ensure your success.

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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 intensity. If you're struggling with foundational reading skills, you might need 8-12 weeks to build a strong base. With personalized 1-on-1 instruction, tutors can identify your specific weak areas—whether that's vocabulary, inference questions, or time management—and target those directly, often accelerating improvement compared to self-study alone.

Pacing is one of the biggest challenges students face on PCAT Reading. The section requires you to read complex passages quickly while retaining key details—a skill that improves with strategic practice. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who teach time-management techniques like previewing questions before reading, identifying main ideas efficiently, and knowing which question types typically take longer. They'll have you practice with timed drills and full passages to build speed without sacrificing accuracy.

PCAT Reading Comprehension passages cover diverse topics including sciences (biology, chemistry, health sciences), humanities, and social sciences. Each passage is 600-700 words, and you'll encounter 40 questions across multiple passages. The challenge isn't understanding the content—it's extracting relevant information quickly and answering questions that test comprehension, inference, and critical thinking. Tutors prepare you by teaching strategies specific to scientific vs. non-scientific passages, helping you recognize question patterns, and building familiarity with the test's unique question formats.

The best way to pinpoint weaknesses is through diagnostic practice tests and targeted question analysis. After completing practice passages, review not just wrong answers but also your reasoning—did you misread the question, make an incorrect inference, get distracted by timing, or struggle with specific vocabulary? Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who use this diagnostic approach to categorize your errors and create a focused study plan. They'll help you distinguish between careless mistakes and conceptual gaps, then address each differently.

An effective PCAT Reading tutor combines deep knowledge of the test format with strong teaching skills. They should understand common traps in PCAT questions, be able to teach inference and critical reasoning strategies, and—critically—help you manage test anxiety and build confidence. Look for someone who uses practice materials aligned with the actual PCAT, provides detailed feedback on your errors, and adapts their approach based on whether you need help with reading speed, comprehension, or question interpretation. They should also model strategic thinking, not just give you answers.

Most test prep experts recommend completing 20-30 full practice passages before test day, spread across your study timeline using spaced practice (reviewing material over time rather than cramming). This gives you enough repetition to recognize patterns, internalize strategies, and build endurance for the full section. Working with a tutor helps you use practice time efficiently—they'll identify which passages match your skill level, ensure you're reviewing mistakes, and adjust your practice focus as you improve rather than grinding through random questions.

Yes. Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or unsure of your strategy, and personalized 1-on-1 instruction directly addresses both. When you practice with a tutor, you build confidence through repeated success, receive real-time feedback that reinforces your growing skills, and develop a reliable test-taking strategy you trust. Tutors also help you distinguish between productive nervousness (which keeps you focused) and counterproductive anxiety, teaching techniques like managed breathing, self-talk strategies, and ways to recover quickly if you get stuck on a difficult passage.

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