Expert tutors work with students to develop active reading strategies—like previewing texts, asking questions while reading, and summarizing key ideas—that transform passive reading into engaged learning. They provide immediate feedback on comprehension, help students make connections between ideas, and teach strategies for tackling different text types (fiction, poetry, nonfiction, academic articles). With personalized instruction, students learn to slow down, think critically, and retain what they read rather than just moving through pages.

Literary analysis tutoring teaches students how to examine themes, character development, symbolism, tone, and author's purpose—and crucially, how to support their interpretations with specific evidence from the text. Tutors help students move beyond surface-level observations to deeper critical thinking about why authors make certain choices. This includes analyzing different literary devices, understanding how structure affects meaning, and writing analytical essays that demonstrate sophisticated understanding of literature.

Rather than memorizing isolated word lists, tutors help students learn vocabulary in context—discovering word meanings through the texts they're reading and understanding how words function in different situations. Tutors teach strategies like using context clues, recognizing word roots and prefixes, and building connections between related words. This approach helps vocabulary stick because students see how words are actually used in meaningful reading, not just on flashcards.

Varsity Tutors connects students with reading tutors across all grade levels—from elementary students building foundational skills to high school students preparing for AP Literature or college entrance exams. Whether a student is learning to decode words, improving fluency, or analyzing complex texts for AP classes, tutors tailor instruction to meet students where they are. The personalized approach means each student gets exactly what they need, regardless of grade level.

The first session is about getting to know your student—their reading level, interests, strengths, and specific challenges. A tutor might ask them to read a passage aloud or silently, then discuss what they understood, to identify where support is needed. They'll also learn about your student's goals, whether that's improving grades, preparing for a test, or simply building confidence as a reader. From there, the tutor creates a personalized plan focused on the skills that will make the biggest difference.

Varsity Tutors makes it easy to connect with qualified reading tutors—just tell us about your student's grade level, reading challenges, and goals. We'll match them with an expert tutor who has experience helping students with similar needs. You can get started quickly, and if you ever want to adjust the match, we're here to help find a better fit.

Absolutely. Many struggling readers have experienced frustration or embarrassment, which can make them avoid reading altogether. Personalized tutoring rebuilds confidence by breaking reading into manageable steps, celebrating progress, and helping students experience success with texts they previously found overwhelming. As students develop stronger comprehension skills and discover they can tackle challenging material, their attitude toward reading transforms—and that confidence extends beyond reading to their overall academic success.