Kyle: SAT tutor
Certified SAT Tutor
...I became a recitation instructor at University of Colorado Denver, teaching upper-division genetics. My year-long tenure there only deepened my love of teaching and helped me strengthen my abilities to educate many different styles of learners. I also have the experience with graduate standardized testing, as I scored in the 95th percentile or above on the SAT, ACT, and MCAT. Since graduating in May with two degrees in biology and psychology, I have spent my...
Education & Certification
University of Colorado Denver - Bachelor of Science, Biology & Psychology
Ruth: SAT tutor
Certified SAT Tutor
...spent one year as a Fulbright teacher at Northern (Arctic) Federal University in Arkhangelsk, Russia, teaching English and growing international friendships. Since returning to Pittsburgh in 2012, she has taught and mentored at-risk kids and youth at Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Children's Museum of Pittsburgh, and Best of the Batch Foundation. Her work focuses on culturally responsive multi-cultural education, language teaching, and program development. At the Carnegie Library, she created World Family Day, an event...
Education & Certification
Smith College - Bachelors, Comparative Literature / Russian Civilization
Sean: SAT tutor
Certified SAT Tutor
...teaching test preparation, as there are so many aspects to taking these exams ranging from test taking strategies, the material itself, as well as preparation right before the tests themselves. I believe that every student requires a different teaching strategy, and I believe in treating every student as an individual rather than a collective. In terms of me personally, I really enjoy classical and electric violin, tennis, DJ'ing, as well as electronic music production. I...
Education & Certification
Brown University - Current Undergrad, Computer Science
Josh: SAT tutor
Certified SAT Tutor
...a field that allows me to interpret and describe ideas that intrigue me in creative ways using sound. That said, I still have a secret crush on math and science, and I love exploring and analyzing languages and the written word. (In fact, much of the music I have written has been inspired by literary or linguistic concepts.) I have taught courses in music theory, history, and composition at the University of Washington, and I...
Education & Certification
Stanford University - Bachelor in Arts, Music, Concentration in Composition
University of Washington-Seattle Campus - Masters, Music Composition
Kevin: SAT tutor
Certified SAT Tutor
...ACT/SAT Reading, SAT Verbal and ACT English tutoring. My approach to tutoring is centered on the belief that nothing is particularly difficult if you just break it down into small parts. For example, things like Advanced Placement tests and standardized tests when viewed as a whole can seem like daunting tasks which require lots of higher order reading, writing, and thinking skills. However, when they are approached question by question and broken down into series...
Education & Certification
American University - Bachelor in Arts, Political Science and Government
Rachel: SAT tutor
Certified SAT Tutor
...it takes to succeed in school, its just a matter of finding the style of learning that is most effective for them. What works or makes sense for one 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...
Education & Certification
University of Washington-Seattle Campus - Bachelors, General Biology
Michael: SAT tutor
Certified SAT Tutor
...to Modern Logic course at Middlebury. I am particularly interested in teaching the LSAT to students, as this test draws on the strengths that I developed throughout college and during my months of preparation for the test. While the LSAT is challenging, it is learnable, and with a basic understanding of logical concepts and some key strategies to approach each section, anyone is capable of improving his/her score significantly. These concepts and strategies helped boost...
Education & Certification
Middlebury College - Bachelors, Philosophy
Rahul: SAT tutor
Certified SAT Tutor
...experience helping students prepare for the SAT, I primarily focus on teaching the Math and Writing sections as I have extensive knowledge on both the content and the format of the tests. I believe that it is important to impart important concepts and problem solving mechanisms to people because it allows them to learn a process that can be applied to different problems in life outside the exam setting. I definitely try to impart my...
Education & Certification
University of Maryland-College Park - Bachelor of Science, Aerospace Engineering
Alex: SAT tutor
Certified SAT Tutor
...after my time at the University of Florida, I worked not only as a tutor, but also as an EMT-Paramedic, a lifeguard, a martial arts instructor, and a swim instructor. I have been fortunate enough to travel to several different countries in Central America, South America, Africa, and the Caribbean. I have done medical aid work in both Nicaragua and Haiti. My teaching experiences outside of academic instruction include 8 years of teaching Kenpo Karate,...
Education & Certification
University of Florida - Bachelor in Arts, Anthropology
Georgetown University - Master of Arts, Conflict Resolution
Jack: SAT tutor
Certified SAT Tutor
...with students, as well as learning new things. I grew up in South America wandering ancient Inca ruins and the Andes and speak Spanish and English fluently. I spent just enough time in Colorado to earn a degree in economics, magna cum laude. Since then, I have been working in a variety of capacities on ocean conservation and research programs.I have taught high school to college age students in an experiential education program since 2009....
Education & Certification
Fort Lewis College - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
Steve: SAT tutor
Certified SAT Tutor
...can truly bolster a student???s application for undergraduate or graduate education, and I truly enjoy helping him or her achieve their best. I am also passionate about tutoring Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, and Calculus. My teaching style is not set in stone; I understand that everyone learns differently and will try to find a learning method that will suit the student. Next year, I will begin my pursuit of a PhD in Biological Engineering, and I...
Education & Certification
University of Notre Dame - Bachelors, Chemical and Biomolecular
Steven : SAT tutor
Certified SAT Tutor
I graduated last spring from Kenyon College with a double major in Spanish Area Studies and International Development Studies. While at Kenyon, I worked as a peer tutor at the College's Writing Center to help students with invention strategies as well as the content and structure of academic and non-academic projects. As a tutor, I particularly enjoy helping students...
Education & Certification
Kenyon College - Bachelor in Arts, Spanish, International Studies
University of California-Irvine - PHD, Sociology
Rachel: SAT tutor
Certified SAT Tutor
...which one works best for them. I love getting to know my students personally so that I can best match my teaching style to the type of person and learner they are. I have a B.A. in History from Brown University and a Masters of Science in Environmental Education, plus over 7 years of teaching experience. I don't give my students the answers; I give them the tools to be successful in whatever they pursue,...
Education & Certification
Brown University - Bachelors, History
Antioch University New England - Masters, Environmental Education
Miguel: SAT tutor
Certified SAT Tutor
...Science, and a Bachelor of Arts in English. As for pertinent work experience prior to Varsity Tutoring, I have tutored middle school aged children in English for a year as a part of the PAIR program and helped graduate students from foreign countries practice their conversational English. Please feel invited to contact me and/or ask me your questions. I am able to travel to most of Philadelphia and its surrounding suburbs, and my schedule is...
Education & Certification
The University of Texas at Austin - Bachelors, Computer Science / English
David: SAT tutor
Certified SAT Tutor
...ways and all can excel. I like to present material in an engaging and relevant manner so that we can all learn and achieve success. One-on-one tutoring is an effective technique, particularly for explaining and modeling math, and I enjoy seeing students attitudes toward school brighten when they see immediate progress in their work. As a writing tutor, I like to focus on helping students find their authentic voice. Essays succeed when students strip away...
Education & Certification
Drake University - Bachelor of Science, Education, History
State Certified Teacher
Jeffrey: SAT tutor
Certified SAT Tutor
...to help students achieve their goals. Preparing for a standardized test can feel overwhelming. But you really can be prepared. Careful, concept-oriented preparation can help ensure that students don’t run into anything radically new on exam day. My preparation strategy aims to give students the instruction they need to recognize as many problem types as possible. Sitting for a standardized test can be a stressful experience for many people. I try to give students a...
Education & Certification
University of Washington - Bachelor in Arts, Political Science and Government
Hallie: SAT tutor
Certified SAT Tutor
...took classes in literature, history, religion, neuroscience, and more. I assistant taught in college and often helped my friends with essay writing and studying. Since graduating, I’ve tutored my younger sister for many of her high school classes. I now tutor a wide range of subjects, including literature, history, writing, Spanish, and Algebra. I am particularly passionate about preparations for standardized testing, including the SATs and AP exams, and helping students through the college application...
Education & Certification
Skidmore College - Bachelors, theater
Del: SAT tutor
Certified SAT Tutor
...English and Spanish, conversational in Italian, and I'll be tackling Mandarin next. I received my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drama from the University of Oklahoma with an emphasis in Acting. I was lucky enough to attend OU on a National Merit Scholarship that covered my expenses almost entirely, so the National Merit qualification process is one that I deeply believe in and understand. Successful test taking is as much a product of understanding the...
Education & Certification
University of Oklahoma Norman Campus - Bachelors, Drama, BFA
Jaimie: SAT tutor
Certified SAT Tutor
...of Science degree in Chemical Engineering. I am currently working in the lab of Professor Robert Langer at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology working on novel drug delivery systems for the gastrointestinal tract. I am hoping to attend medical school in pursuit of becoming a physician. I am currently interested in pediatrics and psychiatry but I am looking forward to exploring a range of available disciplines. I enjoy tutoring because I find it to be...
Education & Certification
Northeastern University - Bachelors, Chemical Engineering
Will: SAT tutor
Certified SAT Tutor
I am a Chicago native who is studying for the bar after graduating cum laude from Northwestern University Law School this May. I studied at St. Ignatius College Prep and graduated summa cum laude from Villanova University (including a two-term stint at Cambridge University). Between Villanova and Northwestern I worked at an academic non-profit organization and evaluated hundreds of fellowship candidates' writing and academic work. I will work with each student to craft a personalized...
Education & Certification
Villanova University - Bachelor in Arts, Humanities & Political Science
Northwestern University - Juris Doctor, Law
Private SAT Tutoring
Receive personally tailored SAT lessons from exceptional tutors in a one-on-one setting. We help you connect with the best tutor for your particular needs while offering flexible scheduling to fit your busy life.
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.
Your Personalized Tutoring Program and Instructor
Identify Needs
Our knowledgeable directors help you choose your tutor with your learning profile and personality in mind.
Customize Learning
Your tutor can customize your lessons and present concepts in engaging easy-to-understand-ways.
Increased Results
You can learn more efficiently and effectively because the teaching style is tailored to you.
Online Convenience
With the flexibility of online tutoring, your tutor can be arranged to meet at a time that suits you.
Recent Tutoring Session Reviews
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.