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Award-Winning Abnormal psychology Tutors

Julie

Certified Tutor

2+ years

Julie

Bachelor
Julie's other Tutor Subjects
K-6th Grade English
6th-12th Grade AP Psychology
1st-5th Grade Reading
1st-4th Grade math

I am committed to providing academic support to students to help them reach their full potential. With a background in education and a passion for empowering learners, I strive to create a supportive and engaging learning environment. My goal is to inspire students to develop critical thinking skill...

Education

The University of West Florida

Bachelor

Carolyn

Certified Tutor

2+ years

Carolyn

Master's/Graduate
Carolyn's other Tutor Subjects
Human Development
Psychology
Child Development
Abnormal psychology

As an enthusiastic educator with a Master's in Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington, I bring over 5 years of experience in tutoring, focusing on College and University Admissions and preparation for the LMSW exam. My teaching philosophy emphasizes creating a supportive and engaging ...

Education

The University of Texas at Arlington

Master's/Graduate

Certified Tutor

6+ years

Mimi

Masters in Education, Education
Mimi's other Tutor Subjects
Middle School Math
Calculus
Algebra
Elementary School Math

I am an interdisciplinary educator with an Ed.M. from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and a B.A. from Dartmouth College. My background is primarily in integrated arts learning and museum education and I specialize in visual arts, history and art history, and object-based learning. In all su...

Education

Harvard University

Masters in Education, Education

Dartmouth College

B.A.

Test Scores
SAT
1560

Certified Tutor

10+ years

Aaron

Current Grad Student, Mechanical Engineering
Aaron's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Calculus 2
Calculus
Algebra

I'm not tutoring or buried in my textbooks, you will either find me rock climbing at the Triangle Rock Club, playing Ultimate Frisbee, working on my car, or enjoying the great outdoors (beaches, mountains, forests--you name it, I love it). On rainy weekends I enjoy tinkering with computers and old e...

Education

The University of Texas at Dallas

Bachelors, Mechanical Engineering

Duke University

Current Grad Student, Mechanical Engineering

Test Scores
SAT
1530

Certified Tutor

10+ years

Nina

Masters in biostatistics
Nina's other Tutor Subjects
Statistics Graduate Level
Statistics
Calculus
Algebra

I am a recent graduate from a masters program in biostatistics at Columbia University. I received my Bachelor of Arts in biological sciences, with a focus in neurobiology at Northwestern University. In August, I will be starting a doctoral program in biostatistics at NYU. I was a teaching assistant ...

Education

Columbia University

Masters in biostatistics

Northwestern University

Bachelor of Arts in biological sciences (focus in neurobiology)

Columbia University in the City of New York

Current Grad Student, Biostatistics

Test Scores
SAT
1550

Certified Tutor

Reid

PHD, Education
Reid's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Middle School Math
Calculus
Algebra

I am a graduate of Wesleyan University, where I received my Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with High Honors. With eight years of experience working in education, I've tutored students in math, science, history, and English, as well as helped students prepare for standardized tests. I've guided adults...

Education

Harvard University

PHD, Education

Wesleyan University

Bachelor in Arts, Sociology

Test Scores
ACT
32

Certified Tutor

10+ years

Clara

Bachelors, Psychology
Clara's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Trigonometry
Pre-Calculus
Middle School Math

I am tutoring I tend to ask my students to try to "teach" me concepts they are struggling with, or walk me through a problem that is challenging them, so that any conceptual mistakes or assumptions they are making become clear. In addition, I am a firm believer in never providing the answer to a spe...

Education

Stanford University

Bachelors, Psychology

Test Scores
SAT
1510

Certified Tutor

Michelle

Current Grad Student, M.D.
Michelle's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Pre-Calculus
Geometry
Calculus

I am proud to be a part of Varsity Tutors! I am originally from San Antonio, TX; I completed my undergraduate education at Rice University in Houston where I received a bachelor's degree in Biochemistry and Cell Biology. Currently, I am in my second year of medical school at Baylor College of Medici...

Education

Baylor College of Medicine

Current Grad Student, M.D.

Rice University

Bachelor's in Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Test Scores
SAT
1570

Certified Tutor

Christopher

Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering
Christopher's other Tutor Subjects
AP Calculus AB
College Algebra
Algebra 3/4
Trigonometry

I am a rising sophomore at Harvard College and am about to declare as a Mechanical Engineering concentrator, working towards a Bachelor of Science degree. I've always enjoyed sharing my knowledge with my peers and those around me and have done so in both formal and informal settings. I've been a tut...

Education

Harvard College

Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering

Test Scores
ACT
35

Certified Tutor

Liz

Masters, Special Education: Mild to Moderate Disabilities 5-12
Liz's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Middle School Math
Calculus
Algebra

I am a graduate of Washington University in St Louis, where I received my Bachelor of Arts in History with minors in Humanities and Anthropology. Since graduation, I have worked as a tutor, teacher, and director of tutors at a charter public middle school in Boston. During this time I also received ...

Education

Simmons College

Masters, Special Education: Mild to Moderate Disabilities 5-12

Washington University in St. Louis

Bachelor of Arts in History (minors in Humanities and Anthropology)

Test Scores
ACT
34

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Charles

AP Calculus AB Tutor • +25 Subjects

I am a junior Mechanical Engineering major at Yale, and I hope to become a Naval Aviator after college. I am also a varsity sailor, and enjoy playing music with friends when I can get some free time. I have been tutoring my fellow students throughout my entire academic career, and I would best describe my tutoring style as one that adapts to each students' needs. For example, I have always tried to frame questions in a different way so that the student can better understand the question. Some students need visual representations of numbers and systems to understand them, and others benefit more by understanding the concepts behind each formula. I prefer to tutor in math and physics, and especially with real world application problems. I hope to help students improve their standardized test scores and their understanding of the math and sciences so that they can achieve their academic goals! Hobbies: art, books, running, reading, music, writing

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Solange

Calculus Tutor • +31 Subjects

I'm Solange - a recent graduate from Harvard where I studied Sociology & Women's Studies. I've been tutoring for eight years now, and have worked with a wide range of ages and in a wide range of subjects. Some of my specialties are college prep/test taking II worked in the admissions office on campus); social sciences; and literature/writing. Hobbies: books, hiking, reading, music, writing, art

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Justin

AP Calculus BC Tutor • +48 Subjects

I am an aspiring applied mathematician, with particular interest in image processing and climate science. I graduated in May 2017 from Washington University in St. Louis with a bachelor's in physics and mathematics, and am beginning a PhD program in September 2017 at the University of Chicago in Computational and Applied Mathematics. I've tutored introductory physics students for three years and enjoyed it thoroughly, as a chance to help other students while revisiting fundamental concepts to enhance my own knowledge. I'm eager to continue reaching out and helping students of math and physics to succeed and, furthermore, to appreciate the beauty and power of these subjects.

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Elena

Calculus Tutor • +32 Subjects

I am a graduate of McGill University (BA First Class Honors) and the University of Edinburgh (MSc First Class Honors with Distinction) with over eight years of tutoring experience. I am currently a curriculum developer for a company which creates relatable and culturally-literate courses for middle and high-schools, and am particularly adept at communicating and explaining concepts in a quirky, engaging, and intelligent manner. I was named Scotland International Young Thinker of the Year 2014 for exactly that sort of work. Much of my tutoring background is in test-prep and essay coaching, which I enjoy because it allows the tutor and student to think strategically together, and work as a team to achieve concrete results. I have worked with students ranging in age from 6-32, and believe that, in an educational context, a few jokes never hurt anybody. I love reading and learning, and my educational approach is centered around making the material just as engaging to students as it is to me. I think J.K. Rowlings, the writer of Harry Potter, is just as brilliant as Stephen Hawking, and in my free time, I manage my (terrible) fantasy baseball team, write songs for my comedy band, and crack jokes about terrible science-fiction movies with my friends.

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Isabella

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +27 Subjects

I am a graduate of MIT. I received my Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with minors in Management Science and Ancient and Medieval Studies. Since graduation, I have started my PhD at Georgia Tech in Operations Research. Throughout my career I have TA'd several math and computer science courses at the college level. I have also taught at summer programs for gifted middle school and high school students. I am passionate about tutoring kids in math and science because I think that a strong foundation in STEM at an early age can set the tone for their future. In my spare time I like to engage in athletics, and was a Division 1 rower in college. Hobbies: reading, swimming, writing, books, music, running, art

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Ingrid

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +51 Subjects

I am exploring my creativity by pursuing a double major in Asian Languages and Cultures with a focus in Korean, studying abroad in South Korea as a Benjamin A. Gilman Scholar, leading workshops that teach 3D printing and CAD for undergraduate students as the president of 3D4E, advocating for the first-generation and low-income student community as the Outreach Chair of the Quest+ Scholars Network, and getting involved with the Society of Women Engineers' outreach committee. I currently hold a work-study position as an administrative clerical aide in the Institute of Sustainability and Energy at Northwestern and was an undergraduate researcher in the John Rogers Lab. As I look forward with aspirations of applying to graduate school, areas of research in biomedical engineering and biotechnology that I am particularly interested in include biomaterials, pharmaceuticals, and drug delivery systems. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy learning on my own and sharing my experience and knowledge with my peers and other students. I hope to make use of my experiences with academics and learning in high school and so far in my undergraduate career in order to effectively tutor students who may be experiencing the same struggles in learning that I also experienced.

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Henry

Calculus Tutor • +41 Subjects

I'm eager to help you in your education. I'm a recent graduate of Harvard College looking to apply to law school. My senior thesis was written on John Dewey's ideas of education, which I deeply believe has incredible power to transform individuals and society.

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Daniel

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +26 Subjects

I am excited to be home and help fellow straphangers on their educational paths! My largest wealth of tutoring experience is in foreign languages--particularly French--but I also feel very comfortable editing essays of any kind and working through standardized test concepts. My availability is extremely flexible, and anywhere in New York City works for me. I look forward to working with you.

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James

AP Calculus AB Tutor • +41 Subjects

I am currently a senior at Harvard College where I study chemistry, and I'll be attending Columbia Medical School next year. I have years of experience tutoring college students in math (mostly calculus) and chemistry including both general and organic chemistry. In addition, I am very familiar with all sections of the SAT and ACT having prepared several high school students for these tests. I believe that every student is capable of boosting his or her baseline score on these tests, so long as he or she works hard to get to know the format of the tests and the most popular types of questions. I tutor because I love seeing students develop a genuine passion for the subjects they once disliked (such as math and science), once they understand the power of these subjects and their applications to the real world.

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Andrew

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +26 Subjects

I am comfortable tutoring math subjects up to multivariable calculus and differential equations, as well as college physics. Hobbies: books, music, art, reading, writing

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Frequently Asked Questions

Students often find the distinction between normal and pathological behavior challenging, especially when symptoms overlap across multiple disorders. Diagnostic criteria from the DSM-5 require precise understanding of symptom clusters, duration, and functional impairment—details that are easy to confuse when studying similar conditions like bipolar disorder versus major depressive disorder, or generalized anxiety disorder versus social anxiety disorder. Additionally, students struggle with understanding the biological, psychological, and social factors that contribute to disorders, and how to apply the biopsychosocial model to real case studies rather than memorizing isolated theories.

This is critical in abnormal psychology because many studies show associations between variables without proving cause-and-effect. For example, research might show that people with depression have lower serotonin levels, but that doesn't prove low serotonin causes depression—it could be the reverse, or both could result from a third factor. A tutor can help you evaluate study designs: randomized controlled trials provide stronger causal evidence than correlational studies or case studies. Learning to identify confounding variables, selection bias, and reverse causality will help you read empirical research critically and avoid overstating findings when writing papers or discussing disorders.

Case studies provide rich, detailed descriptions of individual experiences with mental disorders, helping you understand how symptoms manifest in real life and how treatment unfolds over time. However, case studies are limited because they involve single individuals and can't be generalized to entire populations—a key distinction students often miss. When using case studies in essays or discussions, treat them as illustrative examples that support broader research findings, not as proof of a theory. A tutor can help you analyze cases systematically by identifying presenting symptoms, differential diagnoses, potential etiological factors, and treatment outcomes, which deepens your understanding of how disorders actually present beyond textbook definitions.

The biopsychosocial model requires you to consider biological factors (genetics, neurotransmitters, brain structure), psychological factors (cognitive patterns, trauma, coping mechanisms), and social factors (culture, socioeconomic status, relationships) simultaneously—not as separate explanations. Students often default to one dimension, such as only discussing brain chemistry for schizophrenia or only trauma for PTSD. A strong analysis examines how these factors interact: for instance, genetic vulnerability to depression might only manifest if triggered by chronic stress, and recovery might depend on both medication and cognitive-behavioral therapy plus social support. Tutors can guide you in structuring arguments that integrate all three dimensions with specific evidence for each.

Rather than memorizing criteria verbatim, focus on understanding the logic behind them: why does major depressive disorder require five symptoms for at least two weeks, and why must one be depressed mood or loss of interest? This reflects the need to distinguish depression from normal sadness and ensure symptoms are persistent enough to cause real impairment. Create comparison matrices for similar disorders (e.g., ADHD vs. anxiety disorders, or bipolar I vs. bipolar II) to highlight what distinguishes them clinically. A tutor can help you practice applying criteria to case vignettes, which builds the clinical thinking you'll need for exams and papers—you'll recognize that a patient with three depressive symptoms doesn't meet criteria, or that the two-week duration is crucial for diagnosis.

Experimental designs (where researchers manipulate variables) allow for causal claims, but are often unethical in abnormal psychology—you can't randomly assign people to experience trauma or develop a disorder. Instead, researchers use correlational studies, longitudinal designs, and quasi-experiments, each with different strengths and limitations. For example, a longitudinal study following people over years can suggest causality better than a one-time survey, but still can't prove it definitively. Understanding these trade-offs is essential for critical reading: when you see a study claiming that childhood abuse causes adult anxiety, ask whether the design actually supports that claim or only shows association. Tutors help you evaluate methodology systematically so you can write evidence-based arguments and avoid overstating research findings in papers.

Symptoms and their meanings vary across cultures—what appears as hallucinations in one context might be spiritual experience in another, and the DSM-5 recognizes this with its cultural formulation interview. Students often overlook how diagnostic criteria developed in Western, individualistic contexts may not apply equally across cultures, leading to both over-diagnosis and under-diagnosis. For instance, depression may present differently in cultures that emphasize somatic symptoms, and anxiety disorders may be understood through different frameworks in non-Western contexts. When analyzing disorders or cases, consider how cultural background shapes symptom expression, help-seeking behavior, and treatment acceptability—this critical perspective strengthens essays and demonstrates sophisticated understanding beyond memorizing diagnostic criteria.

Evidence-based arguments require you to support claims about disorders with empirical research, not intuition or single anecdotes. For example, rather than asserting "trauma causes PTSD," you'd cite specific studies showing the relationship, acknowledge that not all trauma survivors develop PTSD, and discuss factors that predict who does (resilience, social support, prior mental health). You should distinguish between correlational findings and causal mechanisms, acknowledge limitations and alternative explanations, and avoid overgeneralizing from small samples or case studies. A tutor can help you structure arguments that integrate multiple studies, address counterarguments, and present a nuanced position—skills that elevate your writing from descriptive to analytical and prepare you for AP-level expectations or college-level coursework in psychology.

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