Award-Winning 8th Grade AP Computer Science Tutors
serving Chicago, IL
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Award-Winning 8th Grade AP Computer Science Tutors serving Chicago, IL
Certified Tutor
2+ years
Jessica
I have a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the College of Southern Nevada, where I graduated Magna Cum Laude in May 2015. I also earned a minor in Mathematics, which gave me a great foundation in both math and science. I am passionate about helping students understand math and scien...
College of Southern Nevada
BS
Certified Tutor
Kate
I'm available to tutor biology, chemistry, physics, math from Algebra up through AP Calculus, SAT test prep, and French. I've been tutoring students in science and math for 7 years. I also spent 8 months working and studying in France, and have tutored high school and adult students in French. When ...
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Masters, Environmental Engineering
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Bachelors
Certified Tutor
9+ years
Jai
I'm a recent Stanford graduate (Electrical Engineering and Computer Science), and have been working at a major Management Consulting firm for a few years now. I personally scored a 2360 (out of 2400) on the SAT and 35 on the ACT and was successful in gaining admission to several top universities. I'...
Stanford University
Bachelors in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Certified Tutor
I am a licensed physician from Florida who is currently changing careers. I graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 2009 and have extensive tutoring and editing experience. While a student, I became a certified writing tutor through the Critical Writing Department. Since I completed my writ...
Nova Southeastern University
PHD, Medicine
University of Pennsylvania
Bachelors, History
University of Pennsylvania
undergraduate
Certified Tutor
6+ years
Rhea
I am a current student at the University of Chicago. I am working towards a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences, and I am on the pre-medical track. I am extremely passionate about tutoring, and I have several years of experience tutoring students in my high school's learning center in various...
University of Chicago
Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Certified Tutor
6+ years
Jeffrey
I am enrolled in the Mechanical Engineering PhD program at Rice University which will begin Fall 2020, and I am hoping to return to academia as a professor after earning my PhD. In the meantime, I am looking to share my passion for gaining knowledge, specifically in STEM, by educating the up and com...
University of Notre Dame
Bachelor of Science
Rice University
Doctor of Philosophy, Mechanical Engineering
Certified Tutor
Erika
I am available to tutor middle and high school math, history and test prep. I have tutored math and history in the past and I previously taught a test prep course at a school in Hanoi, Vietnam. I have a lot of experience teaching all the need-to-know tricks to doing great on the SATS/ACTS! When I am...
Harvard University
Master of Public Policy, Public Policy
Certified Tutor
9+ years
Sami
I am a Duke University graduate in Economics and Computer Science. I am currently pursuing an MBA degree at the Yale School of Management. I have worked in the financial field, both at a management consulting firm and a fortune 500 company. My hobbies include playing and coaching soccer.
Duke University
Bachelor of Science (Economics and Computer Science)
Yale School of Management
Current Undergrad Student, Business Administration and Management
Certified Tutor
6+ years
Pinelopi
I am a Duke University graduate with a Bachelors degree in Psychology. I have experience tutoring all levels of Spanish language, all sections of the SAT, as well as algebra, pre algebra, geometry, and pre-calculus! I love kids & I have a very flexible schedule and a lot of patience! Let me help you...
Duke University
Bachelor in Arts in Psychology
Certified Tutor
6+ years
I am willing to address any issue with an open mind and I try to develop strategies that play to a student's strengths. I would like to think I am very approachable and personable, and I have had very positive experiences with many students in the past using this philosophy. Outside of academics, I ...
University of Notre Dame
Bachelor in Arts
Other Chicago Tutors
Related Technology and Coding Tutors in Chicago
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, advanced 8th graders can take AP Computer Science Principles or AP Computer Science A, though it's more common for high school students. If your 8th grader is strong in math and problem-solving, they may be ready for the course. The key is ensuring they have the foundational logic and coding concepts needed—personalized tutoring can help assess readiness and fill any gaps before or during the course.
AP Computer Science Principles covers computational thinking, algorithms, programming, data representation, and the internet, while AP Computer Science A focuses on Java programming, object-oriented design, and data structures. For 8th graders, the course moves quickly and assumes comfort with abstract thinking. Tutors can break down complex concepts like loops, conditionals, and arrays into digestible lessons tailored to your student's pace.
The jump from middle school to AP-level material is steep—students often struggle with debugging code, understanding algorithmic logic, and translating real-world problems into code. Time management during the AP exam is another challenge, as the free-response section requires both coding and explanation. Personalized 1-on-1 instruction helps students build confidence in problem-solving and develop strategies for tackling unfamiliar coding problems under pressure.
Tutors work with your student to master core programming concepts, practice coding problems, and develop debugging skills through hands-on exercises. They can also help with exam strategy—teaching time management for the AP exam, reviewing practice free-response questions, and identifying weak areas in algorithms or data structures. Regular practice with feedback accelerates learning far more than solo study.
Score improvement depends on your student's starting point and effort level. Students who work consistently with a tutor typically see gains of 1-2 points on the AP scale (out of 5), with the biggest improvements coming from mastering free-response coding problems and exam pacing. The national average AP Computer Science score is around 2.7, so reaching a 3 or 4 puts students in a strong position for college credit.
Chicago's 12 school districts offer varying levels of AP support, and many students benefit from supplemental tutoring to keep pace. Varsity Tutors connects 8th graders in Chicago with expert tutors who understand the AP Computer Science curriculum and can provide personalized instruction that fits your student's schedule. Whether your student attends a well-resourced school or needs extra support, tutoring fills gaps and builds mastery.
Practice tests are essential—they help students get comfortable with the exam format, identify weak topics, and build test-taking stamina. For AP Computer Science, practicing free-response coding problems is especially valuable since students must write and debug code under time constraints. A tutor can review practice test results with your student, pinpoint specific errors, and target instruction on those areas before the actual exam.
Start by connecting with a tutor who has experience with AP Computer Science and 8th grade learners. In your first session, the tutor will assess your student's current coding skills, understand their goals, and create a personalized study plan. From there, you'll work together on problem areas, practice exam questions, and build the confidence needed to succeed on test day.
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