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Award-Winning English literature Tutors

Sydny

Certified Tutor

4+ years

Sydny

Bachelor of Science
Sydny's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
Genetics
Chemistry

I am an incoming first-year medical student with a deep passion for the human body and mind. As a student who thrived with tutoring, I love teaching students how to think about problems and answer tough questions.

Education

Duke University

Bachelor of Science

Medical University of South Carolina

Doctor of Medicine, Premedicine

Meghan

Certified Tutor

Meghan

Masters, Journalism
Meghan's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
PSAT Writing Skills
SAT Reading and Writing

I am a 2015 graduate of Northwestern University, with an undergraduate journalism major/Spanish minor and a graduate degree in journalism. During my time at NU, I spent a semester at Madrid's top-ranked university, taking upper-level history and literature courses with Spanish students. I now work a...

Education

Northwestern University

Masters, Journalism

Northwestern University

Bachelors, Journalism

Northwestern University

Undergraduate degree in journalism (major) with a Spanish minor

Test Scores
SAT
1520

Certified Tutor

Julie

Bachelor in Arts, Philosophy
Julie's other Tutor Subjects
6th-12th Grade Math
9th-12th Grade Writing
9th-12th Grade Reading
AP Statistics

I am a rising junior at Princeton University pursuing a Bachelors of Arts in Philosophy with a certificate in Statistics and Machine Learning. I am highly passionate about education: during the academic year, I serve as a volunteer tutor for the Petey Greene Program, which provides educational assis...

Education

Princeton University

Bachelor in Arts, Philosophy

Test Scores
SAT
1570

Certified Tutor

14+ years

Kirstie

Masters in Education, Education
Kirstie's other Tutor Subjects
Arithmetic
Middle School Math
Elementary Math
Geometry

I am friendly, reliable, and most importantlycommitted to helping you learn! It is my top priority to create a positive learning experience that will help boost your test scores without boring you to tears. After all, shouldn't learning be fun?

Education

Harvard University

Masters in Education, Education

St Johns College

Bachelors, Liberal Arts

Test Scores
SAT
1550

Certified Tutor

Meghan

Bachelor of Arts in English (Minor in Music)
Meghan's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
PSAT Writing Skills
SAT Subject Test in Literature

I am a graduate of Cornell University, where I earned a Bachelor of Arts in English with a Minor in Music. I hold a Masters of Arts in English from the University of Connecticut, where I am currently working on my PhD in American Literature. I tutor a mix of test preparation, English, Literature, an...

Education

Cornell University

Bachelor of Arts in English (Minor in Music)

Test Scores
ACT
32

Certified Tutor

9+ years

Dalton

Bachelor in Arts, Mass Communications
Dalton's other Tutor Subjects
AP Calculus AB
Pre-Algebra
College Algebra
Trigonometry

I am no stranger to people getting tutors in order to succeed. An ambition to accomplish any academic goal was encouraged all my life; thus, I am accustomed to studying hard on top of participating in countless extra-curricular activities. I graduated highs school and received a diploma from the ext...

Education

University of Pennsylvania

Bachelor in Arts, Mass Communications

Test Scores
ACT
35

Certified Tutor

Jean

Bachelor of Arts in Latin American History
Jean's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
College Algebra
Arithmetic
Middle School Math

I am a graduate of Duke University with a Bachelor of Arts in Latin American History. I recently received my Juris Doctor degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and began my career as an attorney. I am passionate about continuing my work in education through tutoring. I enjoy tu...

Education

Duke University

Bachelor of Arts in Latin American History

Test Scores
SAT
1500

Certified Tutor

Paula

Bachelor in Arts
Paula's other Tutor Subjects
1st-12th Grade Writing
1st-12th Grade Reading
2nd-8th Grade Math
3rd-8th Grade Science

I am extremely passionate about academics and learning; the value of each was inculcated into me at a very young age. I tutor a variety of subjects largely because I have so many areas of interests and have been privileged enough to pursue knowledge in those areas. I even enjoy tucking away "useless...

Education

Vanderbilt University

Bachelor in Arts

Test Scores
SAT
1520
ACT
32

Certified Tutor

Jonathan

Bachelor in Arts, Political Science and Government
Jonathan's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
SAT Subject Test in World History
PSAT Writing Skills

I am a recent graduate from The University of Chicago. I graduated with a degree in Political Science with much additional coursework in literature and philosophy. My favorite part about being a tutor is the moment of satisfaction that comes with seeing one of my students greatly improve after a lot...

Education

The University of Chicago

Bachelor in Arts, Political Science and Government

Test Scores
SAT
1550

Certified Tutor

Elena

Master of Arts, Art History
Elena's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
SAT Mathematics
SAT Reading and Writing

I am a graduate of Washington University in St. Louis, where I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History & Archaeology with a secondary major in History. I focused on medieval art and history and wrote my senior thesis on the Byzantine Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna, Italy. Currently I a...

Education

Southern Methodist University

Master of Arts, Art History

Washington University in St. Louis

Bachelor of Arts in Art History & Archaeology (secondary major in History)

Test Scores
ACT
33

Certified Tutor

Martha

Current Grad Student, Global Health
Martha's other Tutor Subjects
AP Statistics
Statistics
Calculus
Algebra

I am a PhD student at the University of Michigan, studying social psychology. Before this, I was at Duke University completing a BS in psychology as well as a MS in global health. My research combines the fields of global health and psychology by examining the effects of culture on self-related psyc...

Education

Duke University

Bachelors, Psychology

Duke University

Current Grad Student, Global Health

Duke University

BS in psychology

Test Scores
SAT
1580

Certified Tutor

9+ years

Meagen

Bachelor in Arts, English
Meagen's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Middle School Math
Geometry
Calculus

I am a sophomore, English and Computer Science double major at Carleton College who is ecstatic about teaching and spreading my love of learning. I am also greatly interested in sociology and gender studies, and have yet to decide if I will minor in one of those fields, too. I love helping students ...

Education

Carleton College

Bachelor in Arts, English

Test Scores
SAT
1500
ACT
34

Certified Tutor

10+ years

Amy

Current Undergrad, English
Amy's other Tutor Subjects
6th-12th Grade Writing
6th-12th Grade Reading
Calculus
Algebra

I am greatly passionate about (writing and literature), to help this student gain confidence in her learning abilities and get to a point where, instead of being discouraged, she could actually enjoy learning. I especially loved the moments when she reached a breakthrough in her understanding of a c...

Education

Princeton University

Current Undergrad, English

Test Scores
SAT
1500

Certified Tutor

7+ years

Brittany

Bachelor in Arts
Brittany's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
SAT Reading and Writing
AP English Literature and Composition

I am a Yale University graduate with professional teaching experience at the college level. I know the SAT Writing and Reading sections like the back of my hand, and I know English, writing, and history as subjects just the same, but what I know most is how stressful and daunting the college admissi...

Education

Yale University

Bachelor in Arts

Test Scores
SAT
1510

Certified Tutor

Priscilla

Bachelor in Arts, Government
Priscilla's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
PSAT Writing Skills
SAT Subject Test in United States History

I am a student at Harvard College, studying government with a secondary focus in economics. I am currently teaching a class on civic engagement and government to fifth graders. In the past, I have also run simulations with high school students for academic conferences. While volunteering in Peru, I ...

Education

Harvard College

Bachelor in Arts, Government

Test Scores
SAT
1540
ACT
31

Meet Varsity Tutors Experts

Connect with highly-rated educators ready to help you succeed.

Martha

AP Statistics Tutor • +40 Subjects

I am a PhD student at the University of Michigan, studying social psychology. Before this, I was at Duke University completing a BS in psychology as well as a MS in global health. My research combines the fields of global health and psychology by examining the effects of culture on self-related psychological processes. I hope to continue in academia to become a professor of psychology, as teaching is among my greatest passions.

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Meagen

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +32 Subjects

I am a sophomore, English and Computer Science double major at Carleton College who is ecstatic about teaching and spreading my love of learning. I am also greatly interested in sociology and gender studies, and have yet to decide if I will minor in one of those fields, too. I love helping students discover a passion for reading and expressing themselves through writing. My favorite areas to tutor are those having to do with English; I enjoy everything from AP Literature to essay writing for class. When I'm not at school or tutoring, I spend my time reading, playing piano and guitar, and rock climbing. Hobbies: books, music, art, reading, writing

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Amy

Calculus Tutor • +45 Subjects

I am greatly passionate about (writing and literature), to help this student gain confidence in her learning abilities and get to a point where, instead of being discouraged, she could actually enjoy learning. I especially loved the moments when she reached a breakthrough in her understanding of a concept and was so happy that I had been able to use my knowledge to enhance her understanding and enjoyment of a topic. I tutored through out high school and continue to tutor in college as I help other students to realize their potential and achieve their goals. Hobbies: books, music, art, nature, reading, writing

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Brittany

Calculus Tutor • +15 Subjects

I am a Yale University graduate with professional teaching experience at the college level. I know the SAT Writing and Reading sections like the back of my hand, and I know English, writing, and history as subjects just the same, but what I know most is how stressful and daunting the college admissions process can be. I am most passionate about helping you succeed in your school and test prep endeavors and to do that, I will teach you the test taking methods, study habits and study tricks that work best for you individually. No cookie-cutters tactics, no frustration. I am here to instruct, support, build confidence, encourage, and most of all, to be a patient guide in getting you where you want to be.

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Priscilla

Calculus Tutor • +38 Subjects

I am a student at Harvard College, studying government with a secondary focus in economics. I am currently teaching a class on civic engagement and government to fifth graders. In the past, I have also run simulations with high school students for academic conferences. While volunteering in Peru, I tutored students at an all-girls orphanage in a bilingual environment. Throughout high school, I also helped students prepare for standardized examinations such as the SAT, ACT, SAT subject tests, AP Exams and Regents examinations. I am eager to work with students in these areas, with a particular emphasis on reading, writing, and history. My experience working with children expands beyond tutoring. I also have worked with students on their college essays. I absolutely enjoy working with them and deeply care about promoting their education. In my free time, I keep up with the current events, read, run, sail, and watch Netflix.

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Rebecca

10th Grade Math Tutor • +53 Subjects

I am a graduate of the University of Notre Dame with a Bachelors of Arts in English and Philosophy. At Notre Dame, I worked as a tutor at the University Writing Center, helping both undergraduate and graduate students with their writing. I also tutored local middle school students in reading and writing to prepare them for standardized tests. I had the opportunity to live in Spain for 6 months, where I became fluent in Spanish and developed a love for tutoring English language learners. Since graduation, I have worked with students at Midtown Educational Foundation and other extracurricular programs, and am currently pursuing a Masters of Arts in Teaching English. I tutor a wide range of subjects, although I am most passionate about English, Spanish, and Writing. I am an advocate of student-centered tutoring, and my goal is to support and guide students so that they have the satisfaction and confidence of knowing how to think through a problem and reach the correct answer. In my free time, I love to bake, read, play soccer, and act in plays.

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Andrew

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +106 Subjects

I am a great tutor because not only are my fundamental verbal and quantitative skills strong, but I am able to communicate my reasoning and problem solving skills quickly and clearly.

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Sarah

Calculus Tutor • +63 Subjects

I am a graduate of Oberlin College and Wesleyan University and I am currently a PhD student at Harvard University. I received my BA in English, my BM in Jazz Studies, and my MA in Ethnomusicology. My PhD research is in West African music. I have many years of experience as a tutor, beginning as a writing tutor for a college writing center, then giving private music lessons, and working as a teaching assistant for undergraduate students in music and African studies courses. I tutor in many different areas, but my passion is in working with students in writing, literature, critical reading, music, and French. In working to prepare students for standardized tests, I can offer a wide variety of strategies for vocabulary, writing, and time management. As an educator, I am particularly interested in the transitions from high school to college, and from college into the professional world. Outside of teaching, I enjoy playing and listening to music, hiking, playing soccer, and spending time outdoors.

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Rebecca

Calculus Tutor • +35 Subjects

I am experienced in a broad range of subjects. I am enthusiastic about helping students to learn course material ranging from Biology and Chemistry to English and Writing.

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David

Calculus Tutor • +32 Subjects

I am enrolled in the Simmons College Graduate School of Library and Information Science, and upon completing my Master's degree, I hope to work in a special collections library with rare books and manuscripts.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Students often find it challenging to move beyond plot summary and develop deeper textual analysis—identifying themes, analyzing symbolism, and understanding how literary devices create meaning. Many also struggle with constructing strong thesis statements that make an original argument about a text, rather than simply stating what happens. Additionally, students frequently find it difficult to balance close reading (examining specific quotes and passages) with broader interpretations, and to support their arguments with well-integrated evidence from the text.

A tutor can guide you through the process of moving from initial observations about a text to a focused, arguable thesis—one that makes a specific claim about how the author creates meaning rather than just restating the obvious. They'll help you organize your evidence by showing you how to structure body paragraphs around individual literary elements (imagery, characterization, point of view) and how to integrate quotes smoothly to support your argument. Through this personalized feedback, you'll develop a framework you can apply to any literary analysis assignment.

Close reading means examining specific words, phrases, sentence structure, and literary devices in a text to understand how they create meaning—rather than just following the plot. For example, noticing that an author repeatedly uses water imagery, or that a character's dialogue becomes shorter and more clipped during moments of tension, reveals patterns that support deeper analysis. A tutor can teach you how to annotate effectively, ask analytical questions while reading, and use those observations as evidence in your essays, transforming your writing from summary-based to insight-based.

Rather than just marking errors, a tutor provides targeted feedback on the specific aspects of your writing that need work—whether that's strengthening your argument, improving the flow between paragraphs, or integrating quotes more effectively. They can identify patterns in your writing (like vague language or unsupported claims) and work with you on strategies to address them in future drafts. This personalized approach helps you develop revision skills and writing habits you'll use long after tutoring ends.

Many students recognize literary devices exist but struggle to explain why an author chose them or what effect they create. A tutor can help you move beyond identification to interpretation—understanding that a symbol's meaning depends on context, or that irony often reveals something about a character or theme. Through close reading of specific passages and discussion of how devices work together in a text, you'll develop the analytical vocabulary and confidence to discuss literary techniques as evidence of authorial intent.

Many students either drop quotes into essays without context or interrupt their own analysis to explain them. Effective integration means introducing the quote, embedding it smoothly into your own sentence, and then analyzing what it reveals—all without losing your analytical voice. A tutor can show you techniques like using partial quotes, varying your introduction methods, and connecting each quote directly back to your thesis. With practice and feedback on your drafts, you'll learn to weave evidence seamlessly into your argument.

Comparative essays require more than just listing similarities and differences—they demand that you make an argument about what the comparison reveals. A tutor can help you organize around themes or literary elements rather than alternating between texts, and show you how to develop a thesis that explains why the comparison matters. They'll also guide you in selecting the most relevant passages from each text and structuring your analysis so you're constantly comparing, not just describing each work separately.

Yes—poetry demands close attention to sound, line breaks, and compressed language; drama requires understanding how dialogue, stage directions, and performance create meaning; and fiction involves analyzing narrative perspective, plot structure, and character development. A tutor experienced in English literature can teach you the specific conventions and analytical tools for each genre, helping you ask the right questions when analyzing a sonnet versus a short story versus a play. This genre-specific expertise ensures your analysis is sophisticated and appropriate to the text you're studying.

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