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James
Certified SHSAT Tutor
James
MS Iowa State University • BA Iowa State University
9+ Years Tutoring

I am working with students, I seek to help them achieve a mastery of the subject that will stay with them for the rest of their lives and serve as strong foundation for their future intellectual endeavors. I was fortunate to have many fine teachers and appreciate what their talents helped me achieve. Now I seek to live up to that example and impart that same curiosity and thoughtfulness to the students I am fortunate enough to tutor.

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Ethan
Certified SHSAT Tutor
Ethan
BA Harvard University
1+ Years Tutoring

I am not teaching or grading papers, I can usually be found playing some brass instrument or another, umpiring baseball, trying out a new recipe in the kitchen, or spending far too much time on Netflix.

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Certified SHSAT Tutor
Christina
MS Yale School of Management
1+ Years Tutoring

I am a current MBA student at the Yale School of Management who will also be attending UCLA School of Law post-MBA. I've also enjoyed taking standardized tests and "cracking" their code; so I love getting to continue to work on this with my students.

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Elizabeth
BA University of New Haven
6+ Years Tutoring

I am a senior at the University of New Haven working on a B.S. in Forensic Science-Biology with a Pre-Medical designation who hopes to go to medical school in the future. I am most passionate about biology and chemistry but have a strong personal interest in history, especially topics overlooked in the past study of history. To me, learning is a life long process and leads to the development of a well-rounded individual. Seeing understanding of a difficult topic and creating enthusiasm for learning is what draws me to tutoring.

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Tessa
Current Undergrad, Mathematics and History Yale University
10+ Years Tutoring

I'm an undergraduate student at Yale University, with a prospective double major in Mathematics and History. I strive to bring students toward their lightbulb moments not by repeating facts until they're drilled in, but by helping my students understand precisely why the laws of science, the rules of grammar, and the events of history are the way they are, and by lifting the curtain on the intricacies of the subject matter. I believe that learning is, and ought to be, for its own sake.

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Ryan
BA University of Chicago
1+ Years Tutoring

I am looking to get some more experience tutoring and teaching with the idea of pursuing further academic work in the future.

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Certified SHSAT Tutor
Anthony
BA Yale University • Doctor of Philosophy, Economics Yale University
6+ Years Tutoring

I'm currently a PhD student in economics at Yale University. I also have a BS in physics and math from Yale. Other subjects I enjoy are history, geography, and philosophy, and I dabble in photography and baking. I enjoy helping people understand tricky concepts and solve challenging problems, academic and otherwise.

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Certified SHSAT Tutor
James
Current Undergrad, Humanities (focus on paleography); Math Yale University
10+ Years Tutoring

I am a freshman at Yale University, hailing originally from Seattle in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. I believe that education is one of the most fundamental aspects of a society's wellbeing, and that it is the duty of those of us who have been graced with the advantages of a good education to give back in some way; one of my motivations for tutoring is to do my part in that way.

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Max
Current Undergrad, Economics Yale University
10+ Years Tutoring

I'm a senior at Yale College where I study Economics. I'm originally from Millburn, NJ.

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Certified SHSAT Tutor
Louie
BA Southern Connecticut State University
9+ Years Tutoring

I am a junior at Southern Connecticut State University where I recently transferred to study Exercise Science after completing my first two years at Yale University. I have extensive experience tutoring the SAT/ACT, but my favorite subject to tutor is math. Though it can be a daunting subject for many students, I strive to make math accessible and even enjoyable. In my spare time I enjoy weight training and spoken word poetry.

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Certified SHSAT Tutor
Zach
BS Yale University
11+ Years Tutoring

I am a Yale University Berkeley College graduate of the Yale Class of 2012 with an Intensive B.S. in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology. Eager for tutoring opportunities, I welcome any of you who wishes to undergo SAT/PSAT or ACT Test Preparation that will get you the scores you need for admission to the college of your choice. As for my experience, I have tutoring experience in both one-to-one settings, going as far back as high school, and group/classroom settings, especially from my 4 years of tutoring with Yale MATHCOUNTS. As a likely future graduate student myself, it is my general goal in life to continue the tradition of passing forth knowledge. Not surprisingly, I have always considered tutoring and education among the most noble of professions where both parties, student and teacher, benefit and learn. What makes me an excellent tutor? Over the course of my life I have had the good fortune of cultivating a variety and number of skill sets, some of which are academic and social in nature. While I certainly consider academic prowess important for the success of any instructor, I would say the most important skill set I have developed is that of adaptability. If a tutor can adapt him/herself to the mode and manner of thinking of another, the tutor, as well as the tutor's audience, will have especially effective and enriching transactions.

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Bradley
BA Babson College
1+ Years Tutoring

I am an undergraduate business student at Babson College. For years, I have tutored a variety of subjects from writing to accounting. In high school, I participated in volunteer tutoring through the National Honors Society. Even other involvements, such as coaching the debate team, taught me how to convey information and reach understanding with others. As a college student, I am paid to tutor Accounting and teach entrepreneurship and often find myself running study groups among peers.

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Testimonials

Because the right SHSAT tutor makes all the difference.

4.9

Average Session Rating – Based on 3.4M Learner Ratings

Worked with a SHSAT Tutor

Your customer interface is A+, being your agents or your site, The tutor you found for me is perfect, no formulas or canned lectures but easy flowing lecture addressing my needs. Congratulations for a job well done.

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Julio Aranovich
Worked with a SHSAT Tutor

Heejin has been very patient with me. I work a full time job sometimes even on the weekends. It has been a slow process with my Korean classes, but Heejin has been wonderful and patient.

AH
Angela Hussein
Worked with a SHSAT Tutor

My son has had many quality tutors through this convenient service, and he can hop on at any time of day to get support for a homework assignment or test. It's very convenient and effective.

TR
Tara R
Worked with a SHSAT Tutor

I've been working with my tutor for a few months now and the progress has been remarkable. The personalized attention and tailored lessons made all the difference compared to in-classroom learning.

MC
Michael Chen
Worked with a SHSAT Tutor

The flexibility of scheduling combined with the quality of instruction is unmatched. I can get help exactly when I need it, whether that's late at night or early in the morning before a test.

PP
Priya Patel
Worked with a SHSAT Tutor

My daughter went from dreading her sessions to looking forward to them. The tutor made the material engaging and built her confidence in ways I never thought possible. Highly recommend.

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Rebecca Williams

Frequently Asked Questions

The SHSAT (Specialized High School Admissions Test) is the entrance exam for New York City's specialized high schools, including Stuyvesant, Bronx Science, and Brooklyn Tech. For Hartford students interested in attending these highly selective schools, the SHSAT is the primary admissions pathway. The exam tests math and English language arts skills through multiple-choice and grid-in questions, and strong performance can open doors to some of the nation's most rigorous high school programs.

Score improvement varies based on starting point and study consistency, but students who work with tutors on targeted skill gaps often see meaningful gains—typically 50-150 points over several months of focused preparation. The key is identifying which sections (math or ELA) need the most work and developing a personalized study plan that addresses specific weaknesses like pacing, question format familiarity, or conceptual gaps.

The SHSAT has two main sections: Math and English Language Arts, with a total testing time of about 3 hours. The math section includes both multiple-choice and grid-in questions covering topics from arithmetic through pre-algebra, while the ELA section tests reading comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary. Many students struggle with pacing—managing time across different question types—so working with a tutor on timed practice tests is essential for building speed and accuracy.

Hartford students often struggle with three main areas: (1) time management, especially on the math section where grid-in questions require careful calculation; (2) reading comprehension under pressure, particularly when analyzing dense passages; and (3) understanding the specific question formats, which differ from typical school tests. Test anxiety is also common, so building confidence through repeated exposure to real test conditions and mastering test-taking strategies can make a significant difference.

Most students benefit from 3-6 months of consistent preparation, though this depends on starting point and target score. A typical study schedule includes 2-3 tutoring sessions per week combined with independent practice between sessions. Starting preparation in 7th or early 8th grade gives students ample time to build foundational skills, take multiple practice tests, and refine their approach before the official exam.

Practice tests serve multiple purposes: they help identify specific weak areas (whether in math concepts, reading speed, or vocabulary), build familiarity with the exact test format and timing, and reduce test anxiety by simulating real exam conditions. Tutors use practice test results to tailor instruction and track progress over time. Taking at least 4-5 full-length practice tests before test day is standard for solid preparation.

Not necessarily—the focus depends on individual strengths and weaknesses. Some students excel in math but struggle with reading comprehension, while others have the opposite challenge. A personalized approach means spending more time on weaker sections while maintaining skills in stronger areas. Varsity Tutors connects Hartford students with tutors who assess both sections early on and create a customized study plan that maximizes overall score potential.

The first session typically focuses on assessment and goal-setting. A tutor will review your current skill level (often through a diagnostic practice test or sample questions), discuss your target score and timeline, and identify specific areas needing work. This diagnostic foundation allows the tutor to build a personalized study plan with realistic milestones, appropriate pacing, and strategies tailored to your learning style.

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