Rebecca: SAT tutor
Certified SAT Tutor
I believe that every student learns differently, and that an individualized learning plan can make all the difference for any type of student, from elementary to graduate school. I hold two bachelors degrees in political science and journalism. I also have a J.D. and I have passed the bar exam in two different jurisdictions. From the ACT to the LSAT to the bar, I have experience with a variety of exams. I am an experienced...
Education & Certification
Marquette University - Bachelors, Political Science and Journalism
Loyola University Chicago School of Law - Masters, Law
David: SAT tutor
Certified SAT Tutor
...argumentation. You do have to learn the dates and events and important names, but it's far more important to learn to place those events and people in context and look for the reason why things happen. An average history tutoring session will consist of three parts: we'll first have a general discussion of the topic you're learning about, then I'll give you a quick quiz and we'll go over anything you need help on, and...
Education & Certification
CUNY Hunter College - Bachelor of Science, Economics
CUNY Hunter College - Bachelor in Arts, Chinese Studies
Justin: SAT tutor
Certified SAT Tutor
...All throughout high school I taught volunteer music lessons and swimming lessons through programs such as Seattle Music Partners and loved it - I always am excited to help teach others, and the SAT in particular was a test which I spent a good amount of time examining during my high school years. I taught myself how to improve my score, and I'd love to pass on this knowledge to other students and improve their...
Education & Certification
New York University - Bachelors, Film & Television
Madeline: SAT tutor
Certified SAT Tutor
...they were struggling with and showing them they can succeed. I subscribe to the idea that nearly anything can be quickly memorized and forgotten, but that a true understanding of a concept will last much longer and allow a student to improve in the long-term. I try to break down the ideas behind problems for students however it most makes sense to them so that they understand what they are working on and how best...
Education & Certification
Vanderbilt University - Current Undergrad, Molecular and Cellular Biology
Rachel: SAT tutor
Certified SAT Tutor
...student will not necessarily work for the next student, and so it is essential as a tutor to be able to explain the same concept in a variety of different ways and to be able to determine when a student has fully grasped the concept. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with family and pets, working on creative activities such as drawing and writing, and traveling whenever I have the opportunity.... During my first...
Education & Certification
University of Washington-Seattle Campus - Bachelors, General Biology
Andrew: SAT tutor
Certified SAT Tutor
Andrew Plummer is a 4th year medical student at UTSW in Dallas, TX. He is currently interviewing for a residency position in Ophthalmology and is newly married to a second grade teacher. Andrew is an expert in test taking strategies and specializes in pre-medical, medical and general science exams. He has a wealth of experience as a tutor and formerly worked as an instructor for The Princeton Review MCAT prep course, in which he taught...
Education & Certification
Baylor University - Bachelors, Biology, General
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center - Current Grad Student, MD
Don: SAT tutor
Certified SAT Tutor
...can define their abilities, and can work forward to becoming all that they are meant to be. My years of teaching experience have helped prepare me with two important abilities: seeing language arts as a means to develop students' awareness and ability to communicate more effectively, and a greater appreciation for the individual student through balanced and effective classroom teaching and management. I teach because I have a passion for teaching, but mostly, because I...
Education & Certification
Dordt College - Bachelors, English
Concordia University-Saint Paul - Masters, Education
Matt: SAT tutor
Certified SAT Tutor
In 2014 I graduated from Johns Hopkins University as a Public Health major with a concentration in Immunology and Infectious Diseases. I then went on to complete a Masters program at Georgetown University in human physiology. Given the amount of schooling I have gone through myself, I have taken a wide range of subjects and more standardized tests than I would like to admit. I have taught students of almost every age in various fields...
Education & Certification
Johns Hopkins University - Bachelors, Public Health concentration in Immunology and Infectious Disease
Georgetown University - Masters, Biophysics and Human Physiology
Naama: SAT tutor
Certified SAT Tutor
...advanced Competition Math class for two age groups (6-8 and 9-12). It's a lot of fun! I've always found math pretty neat and like to get students interested in it too! I love to travel and have been fortunate enough to do a lot of it during my quarter-century on this planet—Russia, all over Europe, the Middle East, Venezuela, Mexico, India, and pretty much every state in this country. You only live once, and I...
Education & Certification
New York University - Bachelor in Arts, Psychology
Ema: SAT tutor
Certified SAT Tutor
...tutor, during which time I helped students ages 3-17 with math ranging from basic arithmetic to pre-calculus. My favorite math topic is algebra, particularly because of its usefulness in solving real-world word problems. In addition to mathematics, I find joy in teaching/elucidating Shakespeare to high-school students. As a classically trained actor, I find it fun to tackle Shakespeare’s dense texts from a performance and character-driven perspective. In my spare time, I enjoy vegan baking and...
Education & Certification
Harvard University - Bachelors, English
Haley: SAT tutor
Certified SAT Tutor
...insights and excitement for the subject while deepening conceptual understandings. The greatest metric of success in a tutoring session is being told that I was able to break down explanations from the student's class and reformulate them into a version that is compatible with their way of thinking. I aim to use my empathy and sensitivity to students' unique struggles and learning styles to teach concepts and problem-solving strategies in an individualized manner. While I...
Education & Certification
University of Arizona - Bachelor of Science, Chemistry
Matt: SAT tutor
Certified SAT Tutor
...company in Los Angeles and have absolutely loved it. I enjoy working with kids, and helping students develop academically and prepare themselves for important tests like the SAT and ACT is very fulfilling for me. I have an excellent academic record and have done very well on standardized tests such as the SAT and the LSAT. I understand the skills and strategies needed to succeed on these tests, and how to present them to students...
Education & Certification
William and Mary - Bachelors, Psychology and Philosophy Double Major
Ariela: SAT tutor
Certified SAT Tutor
...my success at standardized tests or in my classes that will make me a great tutor, but also this skill and enthusiasm about learning. I understand that sometimes, the way you package and organize information is the most important part of teaching it to someone else, and that understanding someone's method of processing this information is the easiest way to get it to stick. Like I do backstage, I am excited about solving the puzzle...
Education & Certification
University of Chicago - Current Undergrad, Theater & Performance Studies
Keith: SAT tutor
Certified SAT Tutor
...grow in the field you are currently grappling with. I have been fortunate to do well in my own academic pursuits: earning a Bachelor's in International Affairs & History from Georegetown University and a Master's in Education from Valparaiso University. I have taught for four years in a few different departments, but mostly in the social studies. I offer tutoring in the social studies, mathematics, and Spanish as well as test prep for the SAT...
Education & Certification
Georgetown University - Unknown, International History
Valparaiso University - Masters in Education, Education
Daniel: SAT tutor
Certified SAT Tutor
...right. My whole life I have always been the guy on the other side of the table. I am the guy who always gets tutored, and that is why I make a great tutor. I know how people want to be helped, I've been there. I love tutoring people in anything: college essays, algebra, linear algebra, calculusanything I have ever loved to do. Tutoring has taught me empathy and patience. Two vital components that a...
Education & Certification
Yale University - Current Undergrad, Applied Mathematics
Jean: SAT tutor
Certified SAT Tutor
...teach. I would credit my teaching philosophy to my mom - a college psychology professor prior to immigrating to the U.S. The methods she used to help me learn and to drive my curiosity still influence how I think and learn concepts today. From her, I learned that a meaningful education requires more than just knowing facts and how to find the right answers. A good teacher must help students recognize their individual learning styles,...
Education & Certification
University of California-Los Angeles - Bachelors, B.S. Mathematics/Economics
Gabrielle: SAT tutor
Certified SAT Tutor
...college entrance exams, we always have fun determining the study method that works best for them. Everybody has a different learning style and once we hone in on the right one for you, an improvement in scores will become more than apparent. Overall, I find tutoring to be an incredibly rewarding profession and I am eager to continue to support students in discovering a passion for their education. In my spare time, I enjoy reading,...
Education & Certification
Arizona State University - Bachelor in Arts, Chinese Language & Global Studies
Linda: SAT tutor
Certified SAT Tutor
...to achieve success. My teaching philosophy is that every student has the potential to succeed, and the key to achieving your goal is a matter of hard work and dedication rather than intelligence. I work with all students of varying levels. For those that do not do well under the pressure of standardized tests, I strive to make test-taking less anxiety-inducing and more approachable for my students. For students looking to gain an extra boost...
Education & Certification
Rutgers University-New Brunswick - Bachelors, Cell Biology & Neuroscience
Audrey: SAT tutor
Certified SAT Tutor
I'm a rising senior at Pomona College with a specialty in critical reading and writing skills. I have prior experience working at my school's writing center to assist first-year students with college-level essays. I have also captained an award-winning collegiate mock trial team for several years, which involves mentoring younger students in oral and written communication skills. In addition to my experience, standardized testing has always been a forte of mine. I am enthusiastic about...
Education & Certification
Pomona College - Bachelor in Arts, Political Science and Government
Kevin: SAT tutor
Certified SAT Tutor
...is understanding each individual's needs and learning methods. Everyone is different and to be a successful tutor, you cannot apply the same teaching methods to every student. Understanding how quickly students learn, what types of strengths they have, and their motivations for receiving tutoring is key to helping a student achieve their academic goals. My tutors have been some of my greatest mentors, and I want to be able to pass that on to my...
Education & Certification
Georgetown University - Current Undergrad, Finance
Private In-Home and Online SAT Tutoring
Receive personally tailored SAT lessons from exceptional tutors in a one-on-one setting. We help you connect with in-home and online tutoring that offers flexible scheduling and your choice of locations.How can a tutor help you master the SAT?
Connect with an expert SAT tutor who can help your student learn the techniques and find the confidence to master the SAT. Study smarter, not harder.
The concepts students learn with an SAT tutor
- Effective tips for better time management and test pacing
- Trusted SAT math strategies like "Number Picking" and "Plug in Numbers"
- Question teardowns to understand what's said, how it's said, and why it's said
- Methods specific to prepping for the SAT’s optional essay section
- Techniques to identify common grammar mistakes
- Strategies to analyze and solve reading comprehension challenges
What advantages can SAT tutoring provide?
Perhaps the best thing about the one-on-one attention from an SAT tutor is that it can give your student the advantage of receiving personalized materials, practice sessions, and learning methodologies that should help in improving their scores. Students can spend as much time as they need on content they find particularly challenging, without using up unnecessary time reviewing subjects they’ve already mastered. Additionally, working with a private SAT tutor allows a student to develop a trusting study relationship, which can then provide a number of benefits.
Secondly, a student may feel more comfortable during their SAT tutoring sessions, which can lead them to asking questions as they arise. Another benefit is that their SAT tutor can gain an understanding of the student's attributes such as their most effective learning styles, their personal strengths and challenges, their goals, and what motivates them. This allows SAT tutors to provide precise, customized lessons based on your student's unique set of needs. They also have the flexibility to change each lesson when necessary based on their close observation of your student’s progress.
How much does SAT tutoring cost?
The cost of a private SAT tutor depends on a variety of factors, including the subject matter you want to go over, the point in the process of studying of which you or your student are at, and the goals you are trying to achieve. Other factors are time, location, and amount of tutoring.
How do we know you’ll get a great SAT tutor or instructor? Well, we only choose to work with the absolute best, which starts with an intensive vetting process (interviews, background checks, simulated tutoring sessions). Then we use uber-smart algorithms to pair you with the right one.
The purpose of the SAT is to provide an assessment of your student’s level of preparedness to take on college-level studies that they can include with their application materials. Most colleges and universities accept SAT scores as a part of an applicant’s admissions packet, because it provides a common data point they can use to compare all potential students. Admissions boards use SAT scores as one of the pieces of information they consider when making admissions decisions.
Here’s a quick overview of the SAT:
- 3 hour exam
- 50 extra minutes for the SAT Essay
- Content Areas
- Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
- 50% of exam
- Reading Test
- Writing and Language Test
- Math
- 50% of Exam
- Calculator allowed sortion
- No calculator section
- Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
The SAT exam is made up of three required sections and an optional essay. The required sections include the Reading section, Writing and Language section, and the Math section.
The Reading section presents your student with text passages followed by questions about them. The questions measure skills like their command of evidence, ability to understand words in context, and ability to analyze historic or scientific passages, among others. The Writing and Language section also presents text passages, but this time your student must fix mistakes and weaknesses they find. This can include grammar, punctuation, word usage, paragraph organization, and more.
The Math section focuses on algebra, data analysis and problem solving, advanced math using more complex equations, and other math topics like geometry and trigonometry. The Math section is further divided into a sub-section that allows your student to use a calculator and another sub-section that does not. Finally, although the Essay section is labeled optional, your student’s SAT tutor can help them find out if any of the programs they’re applying to require it. When they take the Essay section, they’ll be given a passage and then required to explain how the writer builds their argument, and support their explanation with evidence found in the passage. Students don't need to provide their own thoughts or opinions on the topic, as they only need to analyze how the author made their position persuasive.
In addition to acting as a college admissions exam, the SAT provides benchmarks that help school administrators and college admissions offices know how to help students. The list below shows what the SAT benchmarks can do:
- Identify students who are thriving and require greater challenges.
- Identify students who require additional academic support.
- Inform instructional and curricular enhancements throughout an institution.
How can SAT tutoring near me help my student improve their test-taking skills?
Most of the questions on the SAT are presented in multiple-choice format. There are some grid-in questions on the Math section, and of course the Essay involves writing. One important way their SAT tutor can help your student is by providing them with examples of the types of questions they’ll find on the exam. SAT tutoring includes instruction on how to take a standardized exam. By helping your student become familiar with the structure and question format, their SAT tutor can give them tools to study for future standardized exams, both during college and for any licensing or credentialing exams throughout their career.
- Reading Test
- 65 minutes
- 52 questions
- Multiple-choice
- Tests reading comprehension with text passages and questions about them.
- Writing and Language Test
- 35 minutes
- 44 questions
- Multiple-choice
- Tests ability to correct and improve written sentences and passages.
- Math Test
- 80 minutes
- 58 questions
- Multiple-choice
- Grid-in
- Tests ability to solve problems in algebra, geometry, data analysis, trigonometry, and related areas.
- Essay Test
- 50 minutes
- 1 writing prompt
- Read a passage and write an essay about how the author built their argument.
How can SAT tutors near me help my student perform to their ability on the exam in time?
As mentioned, SAT tutoring involves more than just reviewing content. That’s probably going to be the biggest part of your student’s tutoring sessions, but there are other important ways SAT tutors can prepare students for the exam. Standardized tests like the SAT are different than the tests your student takes for their high school classes. A variety of content is covered all in one day, and each section has time limits. This can make demands on your student’s stamina that they're not used to, and they may have difficulties answering all the questions within the time limits.
Therefore, tutors may demonstrate time management strategies your student can use during the exam. For example, if they can't decide between two answers that seem equally correct, it’s better to make their best guess than to leave the question blank, because there’s no penalty for wrong answers on the SAT. Their SAT tutor may even know of strategies to determine which answer is most likely correct. Many tutors will regularly administer full, timed practice sections, or even full exams, to discover any pacing issues your student has so they can work together on solving those issues before test day.
Can SAT tutoring near me help my student understand questions worded in a confusing way?
Another difference many students notice on the SAT exam is that questions are worded differently than other test questions they've seen so far. Some students may even feel the questions want to “trick” them into choosing the wrong answer. That’s why many SAT tutors spend a lot of time showing students how to read an SAT question in such a way that they understand what the test is asking of them. This may include seemingly obvious things, like the necessity of reading every word. If your student misses a “not” in the middle of a question, that can lead them to the exact opposite of the correct answer.
In addition to carefully reading each question, your student’s SAT tutor can provide examples of questions that could be considered confusing and go through them with your student to show what phrasing twists are likely to show up and how to interpret them. This is another way your student can benefit from various practice sections their tutor may provide. Once they've gotten enough practice answering sample questions with the same type of wording found on the SAT exam, your student may come to easily recognize what questions are asking. If not, they'll have strategies they can utilize in order to figure them out.
How can studying with SAT tutors near me help my student in the long run?
The results of the SAT can have a significant impact on the path your student’s academic career takes. If they don't reach the score required by the pre-med or fine arts program they’re applying for the first time they take the SAT, it’s not a huge problem because they can take it again. However, unless they make changes in how they prepare for the exam, they may face the same frustration no matter how often they retake the test. The stakes are high, and it’s important to do whatever is necessary to help them work towards the future they dream of for themselves.
The following table shows 2018 SAT scores nationwide:
| Total mean score | 1068 |
|---|---|
| Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (ERW) mean score | 536 |
| Math mean score | 531 |
| Met Both Benchmarks | 47% |
| Met ERW Benchmark (480+) | 70% |
| Met Math Benchmark (530+) | 49% |
| Met No Benchmarks | 27% |
This is another reason to be glad that your student’s SAT tutor can provide much more than customized content review. Part of preparing for the SAT can definitely include researching career choices, the appropriate college and university programs, and what requirements your student must meet, including any involving SAT scores. Rather than give up on their future plans, your student can work closely with their tutor on first setting the appropriate goal score, and then taking each step they need to towards reaching that score. Because SAT tutors are familiar with the exam, they can spend time assisting your student as they work on overcoming each challenge until they feel confident they’ve worked their hardest, conquered their obstacles, and that they're ready to reach their goal.
Varsity Tutors makes every effort to set your student up with an SAT tutor who’s available when it’s most convenient for your family’s schedule. Since they’ll be meeting online using the Varsity Tutors Live Learning Platform, you'll probably find more room for flexibility. Contact Varsity Tutors today to learn more about how a professional SAT tutor can help your student prepare for the test, and we can get them started right away.
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If you're having a hard time finding quality SAT tutoring, Varsity Tutors can help set you up with an exceptional SAT tutor to assist you in preparing properly for the exam. When you sign up for private SAT instruction, you can receive the assistance needed to take your test prep sessions to the next level. Your SAT study sessions can help you refresh your knowledge of the content found on the exam, provide useful tactics to use during the test, and assist you in honing your overall academic skills for future standardized tests. There's no reason for you to try to study alone because we can connect you with an instructor to meet your particular SAT prep needs.
The purpose of the SAT is to provide schools with an assessment of your level of readiness to take on college-level courses. This exam is accepted by all United States colleges and universities as part of the applications process. This is because it can provide an equitable source of data to compare potential students. The SAT is a three-hour exam that consists of four assessments: Math, Reading, Writing and Language, and an optional SAT Essay. When you elect to take the Essay, you will receive an additional 50 minutes to complete the SAT. The three required sections consist of multiple-choice questions, plus some grid-in questions on the Math assessment. Your score is based on the number of correct answers and there is no penalty for guessing, so you'll want to answer every question. For each section, you will receive an individual subscore. This can provide you with insight into your personal areas of opportunity and academic strengths.
Although it is not the only factor taken into consideration by colleges and universities for admissions purposes, it is important to put your best foot forward by working hard to earn your best possible SAT score. With hard work and an exceptional SAT coach, you can work towards your academic goals.
What skills and content can be covered by an SAT tutor?
The SAT is a fairly comprehensive exam and can be overwhelming for students when they first start to review. SAT tutors can help with this by providing guidance in creating an effective study plan and assisting you in reviewing the various content and skills found in each section of the exam. Let's take a closer look at each section and the content you will want to review with your instructor in order to pursue your potential.
The Math assessment consists of two separate portions, and you will only be able to access a calculator for one of them. This part of the SAT measures your problem-solving and analytical abilities as well as your algebraic skills. This section focuses specifically on algebra, data analysis and problem-solving, advanced math with complex equations, and other mathematical content such as trigonometry and geometry. This is your opportunity to demonstrate your concept of different mathematical concepts, relations, and operations.
The SAT Reading section assesses your reasoning skills as well as your ability to comprehend written text. You will need to be able to answer questions based on the given passages. Your SAT instructor can help you practice using context clues to surmise a word or phrase's meaning. You may also want to review how word choice can affect the style, tone, and meaning of a passage. Content in the passages of this section can come from various literature, historical documents, or social science selections and will require you to be able to draw inferences and conclusions.
The Writing and Language section of the SAT measures your sentence structure, punctuation, grammar, and other conventional English skills. This part of the exam is not testing you on your prior knowledge of the information in the passages. Rather, it is assessing your ability to change words, sentences, punctuation, or clauses in order to improve the clarity of a sentence or paragraph. You will also want to practice improving word choice through context clues and your ability to sharpen argumentative writing.
If you decide to take the SAT Essay, you will only need to answer one question. You will read a given passage and consider whether you believe the author has made adequate use of the evidence to support his or her claims. You must use reasoning skills to develop ideas and connect the author's case with evidence. This is not an essay in which you explain whether you agree with the given argument. You simply need to be able to assess an argument.
Your SAT instructor can assist you in working through practice questions for each of these sections. Your instructor can also assist you in becoming more familiar with the question formats and the structure of the exam. Knowing what to expect on exam day can help you walk in feeling confident in your abilities.
In addition to reviewing the specific content found on each of the sections, your instructor can help you with basic test-taking strategies. For example, you may wish to devote several study sessions to working on time management strategies or practicing stress reduction. Your instructor can help you with strategies such as the process of elimination to help you work through multiple choice questions more efficiently and improve your chances of choosing the correct answer. Many instructors will even assist you by delivering a full practice exam to assist you in working on your pacing before the actual test day. Additionally, many students struggle with stress during exams. If you find yourself having anxiety in the middle of the test, it could cause you to do poorly. This can inaccurately reflect your potential to do well in college. SAT tutors can help you with different stress reduction strategies, such as positive self-talk or deep breathing techniques. These are skills that you can take with you into future exams as well.
How is SAT tutoring different than being in a typical classroom setting?
Perhaps the biggest advantage of tutoring is the opportunity to receive one-on-one attention from an SAT coach. This gives you the advantage of personalized study sessions. You have the ability to spend as much time as you need on any content you find especially challenging and do not need to spend additional time reviewing subjects you have already mastered. In addition, when you work with private SAT coaches, you will be able to develop a personal relationship with your instructor, which can provide a number of benefits. One benefit of this tutoring relationship is your SAT instructor's ability to take the time to determine your personal strengths and weaknesses, your goals, and your preferred learning method. Your instructor can also learn about what interests you and what motivates you. All this information combined can allow your instructor to provide personalized lessons based on your particular set of academic needs. Since you are the only student, you also have the flexibility to adjust lessons as necessary based on your specific progress.
Another one of the benefits of working with private SAT tutors is the ability to schedule sessions at your convenience. Varsity Tutors can provide the option to meet with your instructor either online or in person. Students who decide to meet with an instructor online will be able to attend face-to-face instructional sessions using our Live Learning Platform. This unique learning environment brings private instruction to your favorite study spot as long as you have access to a computer and Wi-Fi. The online option also opens up the number of tutors available since you are not limited to working with an instructor in your immediate area. Of course, you prefer to meet with your instructor in person and have the opportunity to select the time and location of your choice. This means you can schedule your study sessions for the evening at the local library, in the morning at your favorite coffee shop, or on the weekends in the comfort of your own home. With the option of fitting private instruction into your schedule at your convenience, there's no reason why you shouldn't be able to work with a private teacher.
How can I get signed up to work with exceptional SAT tutors?
The SAT is one of the first hurdles you will face when attempting to earn admission into the college or university of your choice. Many students dread taking this exam, but if you prepare properly and effectively, you can prepare to put your best foot forward with your SAT scores. No matter where you are in your SAT prep journey, we are here to support you. All you need to do to get started is to contact Varsity Tutors and speak with one of our educational directors. We will assist you in signing up and will do our best to set you up with a knowledgeable instructor so you can make the most of your SAT tutoring sessions. Pick up the phone right now and call Varsity Tutors so we can connect you with an exceptional SAT tutor to help you reach for your academic goals.