Award-Winning HSPT Tutors serving Chicago, IL

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Karin
Certified HSPT Tutor
Karin
MFA San Jose State University • MFA James Madison University
2+ Years Tutoring

Karin McKie, MFA, compiles curriculum and personalizes teaching for a broad spectrum of students. I know there is no better, nor more crucial, calling than helping learners communicate their voices and realize their educational dreams. I specialize in tutoring all standardized tests, including the LSAT, SAT, PSAT, ACT, GRE, HSPT, ISEE, Accuplacer, STAAR, TOEFL/IELTS, ASVAB, all AP/IB English and history classes, and more. I also created and published a simple reading annotation system and related strategies specifically to tackle timed tests, as well as teaching critical reading, comparative literature, public speaking, and theater. As a professional writer and editor, I coach students in persuasive writing for schoolwork, college application and supplemental essays, internship and job applications, and the like. For decades, I've taught and lectured at universities, schools, and with individuals in Chicagoland and the Bay Area, and to online students of all ages around the world. I customize study plans with learners and their advocates to utilize existing abilities and add new techniques to reach personal and scholastic goals. I have a BS in Communications and Theater, and an MFA in Creative Writing. I have completed Continuing Education courses at Stanford, Northwestern and DePaul Universities. I'm a professional features writer and culture critic. I've edited Perspective design journal and Reed literary magazine and have performed memoir essays I've written on Chicago Public Radio. I come from a family of teachers and was fortunate to grow up at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History, where my anthropologist mom was Education Director. Since early childhood, I've been immersed in multicultural and ELL education. I've devoted my personal and professional time to diversity and storytelling, starting at public TV station WETA in my hometown outside Washington, D.C., where I was certified as a trainer with Sesame Street's Preschool Education Project. I've also taught creativity and teambuilding through improvisation to all ages (as well as creating a kids summer camp), reading for the SAG Foundations BookPALS (Performing Artists for Literacy in Schools) program, plus reading and writing skills to at-risk students through the Park District's Kraft Great Kids Program. I've assisted many of my arts marketing clients, including Barrel of Monkeys and Kidworks Touring Theatre, with youth literacy programs at schools and libraries throughout the Windy City.

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Irene
Certified HSPT Tutor
Irene
BA University of Patras • Doctor of Philosophy, Mathematics and Computer Science University of Illinois at Chicago
6+ Years Tutoring

I am a retired math teacher, who just has too much time on her hands!!!

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Certified HSPT Tutor
Francesca
BA Loyola University-Chicago
9+ Years Tutoring

I am a graduate of Loyola University Chicago, where I majored in political science. I am currently a law student at Chicago-Kent College of Law, and aspire one day to practice corporate law with a focus on financial compliance.

ACT Scores
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Certified HSPT Tutor
Katie
Current Undergrad Student, Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication DePaul University
9+ Years Tutoring

I am a student at DePaul University currently working toward a Bachelors of Arts in Public Relations and Advertising with a minor in Journalism. Previously in my academic career, I tutored students at a bilingual elementary school in southwest Detroit. I also worked extensively as a tutor among high school age students during my time as an upperclassman. I specialize in literature, language arts, and writing. Currently, I hold a job as a Peer Writing Tutor at DePaul University's Center for Writing-based Learning. I enjoy tutoring because it allows me to share my passion for learning and ensure that others are optimizing their educational experience. I encourage students to dig deep and form original ideas, rather than taking shortcuts. This way, lessons have a meaningful and lasting impact.

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Certified HSPT Tutor
Sarah
Current Undergrad, French major, English minor North Central College
1+ Years Tutoring

I am a student at North Central College in Naperville, Illinois, majoring in French and minoring in English. Upon completing my bachelors degree, I intend to pursue a masters degree in French-English translation. I have a passion for languages and the crucial role they play in our world, and I am endlessly looking for more opportunities to learn. I am inspired to tutor because I value education as one of the greatest opportunities a person can be given, and I love seeing the ideas and ambitions of language students. My favorite subject to tutor is French, as the language is incredibly dear to my heart. The French language has so much history and rich culture, and it is easy to be inspired by its beauty. In my spare hours I enjoy immersing myself in the worlds of literature, exploring the real world around me, and creating art, food, and poetry.

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Certified HSPT Tutor
James
BA Illinois Institute of Technology
1+ Years Tutoring

I am a math and science tutor with years of experience and a passion for helping young students realize their potential and achieve their goals.

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Certified HSPT Tutor
Nathan
BA University

Hey I'm Nathan, a Junior at the University of Michigan studying Economics and Spanish. I believe the best tutoring is interactive, encouraging, and tailored to each student. Rather than simply giving answers, I ask questions that help students work through problems themselves and understand why an approach works. Outside of school I love watching/playing sports, Catan, poker, house music, and DJing.

ACT Scores
Composite33
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Certified HSPT Tutor
Hudson
BA New York University

Hey I'm Hudson! I self-studied for every exam I took in high school, including the SAT, ACT, and 10+ AP Courses, so I have a very thorough understanding of standardized tests. I just graduated high school earlier this year, so I still remember exactly what it was like to be in your shoes. Because of this, I believe I'll be able to help you boost your scores in very niche and underrated ways. Test prep shouldn't be stressful, you should feel confident and prepared when the time comes. SAT prep is my specialty.

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Certified HSPT Tutor
Yvan
BS Brigham Young University-Provo
2+ Years Tutoring

I'm patient, personable, and have an incredible gift for explaining things in a way that makes sense. I majored in Math Education (with a minor in Computer Science), and I have more than eight years of experience teaching math and other STEM subjects.

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Certified HSPT Tutor
Kaitlyn
BA Fairfield University
8+ Years Tutoring

I am a medical student committed to helping your student succeed. I have been a tutor for 5+ years, and have experience teaching Math, Science, Spanish and Test Prep to students of all ages and ability. I believe every child has the potential to learn with positive one on one attention and I am committing to helping you student learn how they study best, and become a more independent learner. I look forward to meeting you, and helping you achieve your goals!

ACT Scores
Composite33
SAT Scores
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Certified HSPT Tutor
Angelika
BS Fordham University
2+ Years Tutoring

Hello! My name is Angelika. I am a senior at Fordham University majoring in Biology and minoring is Disability Studies. I expect to graduate Spring 2023. I have tutored since the 7th grade and I love to help people understand concepts that they previously struggled with. I tutor in a variety of subjects but I am most passionate about Algebra, the SAT Grammar section, and the SAT Math Section. I believe that curating a unique approach for each individual is important in their advancement. Everybody is different and therefore their way of learning will be different too! This has helped many of my students raise their grades and confidence when it comes to their studies. In my free time, I enjoy watching cooking videos on YouTube and going to the gym!

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Certified HSPT Tutor
Pedro
BA Harvard University
2+ Years Tutoring

I believe every student can make meaningful progress when instruction is tailored to their starting point, goals, and learning style. With more than 15 years of tutoring and teaching experience, including SAT, ACT, MCAT, and medical licensing examinations, along with a background teaching chemistry and physics, I help students strengthen academic skills, improve test-taking strategies, and build confidence. My approach is individualized and results-focused. I identify strengths and knowledge gaps, then create a clear plan targeting content, problem-solving, timing, organization, and study habits. I am patient, encouraging, and experienced working with diverse learning needs, including ADHD, as well as students who struggle with test anxiety, focus, or confidence. I also value clear communication with students and families so everyone understands the student's goals, progress, and next steps.

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Certified HSPT Tutor
Stephen
BA University
8+ Years Tutoring

I love math and physics, particularly as it relates to geology. Ask me about rocks in my spare time! Also a casual American history and constitutional/political buff. APUSH Text: Henrietta Calculus Text: Stewart Physics Text: Knight

SAT Scores
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Certified HSPT Tutor
Jeff
MS City University of Seattle • MS Brigham Young University-Provo
8+ Years Tutoring

My tutoring approach is one of coaching, mentoring, and helping the student understand exactly what level and detail of help that they need to get ahead. Combining the personal discipline learned during 20 years as a Naval Officer with the unique expertise learned in one-on-one communication with peers and sailors as well as my five children, I can help you or your child succeed. A Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering, and a Math Minor help qualify me for tutoring in many subjects. My individualized tutoring methods also raised my step-son's Physics grade from a C to an A in one semester. I specialize in mathematics (basic arithmetic through calculus) but can help in many other subjects. Learning should be fun, but should also, at times, bring "Instant" results. I work to keep positive encouragement in every lesson, tutoring, or test preparation session. I speak fluent Spanish!

ACT Scores
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SAT Scores
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Certified HSPT Tutor
Byron
MS University of Miami • MS Michigan State University
6+ Years Tutoring

I like helping students. I am very patient. I have experience teaching Calculus classes at the University of Miami. I have done private tutoring for all levels of math up to Calculus, as well as Statistics, Business Math, and Math Finance. I have worked in the actuarial field. I have an undergraduate degree in mathematics from Michigan State University and a Master's degree in mathematics from the University of Miami. I worked for The Princeton Review as a tutor for the SAT. I did very well on both the SAT and ACT, and like teaching students how to do better on those. I like history, too, and always find it fun to tutor history.

ACT Scores
Composite33
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Certified HSPT Tutor
Arnav
BS The University of Texas at Austin

Hi! I'm Arnav, an Economics student at The University of Texas at Austin who genuinely enjoys helping students build confidence in subjects they may find challenging. I've previously tutored at Best Brains Learning Center, worked with high school students on SAT preparation and college essays, and helped college students with introductory math courses. My teaching style is patient, supportive, and personalized because I know every student learns differently. Rather than just giving answers, I focus on helping students understand concepts in a way that makes sense to them and develop skills they can use independently. My goal is to make learning less stressful, more engaging, and help students feel confident in their abilities.

SAT Scores
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Certified HSPT Tutor
Carlos
BA Bocconi University

I'm passionate about helping students build confidence, improve their scores, and make challenging material feel manageable. I specialize in SAT preparation and AP subjects, tailoring each session to the student's individual strengths and goals. Whether we're mastering difficult concepts, improving test-taking strategies, or working on timing, my goal is to make learning clear, engaging, and results-focused.

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Certified HSPT Tutor
Cristiana
BA Wellesley College
6+ Years Tutoring

I am a student at Wellesley College pursuing a double major in Chemistry and Computer Science. I have been tutoring both middle schoolers and high schoolers in math for four years now - I specialize in math tutoring and test prep at all levels. I am very goal oriented and I bring this into my sessions - my students and I are constantly setting and readjusting our performance and learning goals. I have worked with both groups and private clients through various different outlets and have experience with both in person and online tutoring - however, through Varsity Tutoring I will only be doing online tutoring sessions. If you have specific questions about my experience or would like to learn more about my tutoring methods please reach out - I would love to chat! interests/hobbies: I am a chemistry and computer science double major with a concentration in math. At Wellesley College, I am a member of the varsity tennis team and I hold positions on eboards for various student organizations such as the engineering society and UNICEF. I have a passion for mathematics and learning which I love to share with my students! I am looking to eventually go to graduate school and then work in drug development or another field of chemistry.

ACT Scores
Composite34
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Testimonials

Because the right HSPT tutor makes all the difference.

4.9

Average Session Rating – Based on 3.4M Learner Ratings

Worked with a HSPT 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.

JA
Julio Aranovich
Worked with a HSPT 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 HSPT 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 HSPT 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 HSPT 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 HSPT 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.

RW
Rebecca Williams

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Frequently Asked Questions

The High School Placement Test (HSPT) is a standardized entrance exam used by many private and selective schools in the Chicago area to assess students' readiness for high school. It measures verbal skills, quantitative reasoning, reading comprehension, math, and language arts. With 12 school districts and numerous private institutions across Chicago, the HSPT is a key factor in admission decisions for students seeking placement in competitive high schools.

The HSPT consists of five sections: Verbal Skills (60 questions, 16 minutes), Quantitative Skills (52 questions, 30 minutes), Reading Comprehension (40 questions, 25 minutes), Mathematics (64 questions, 45 minutes), and Language Arts (60 questions, 45 minutes). The entire test takes about 2.5 hours, and each section tests different skills—from logic and vocabulary to problem-solving and grammar. Understanding the pacing and format is essential for building test confidence and managing time effectively on test day.

Many Chicago students struggle with the Verbal Skills section, which requires quick pattern recognition and logical reasoning rather than just vocabulary knowledge. Others find the Quantitative Skills section challenging because it tests abstract reasoning and non-traditional math problems. Additionally, the compressed timeline—students typically have 8th grade to prepare—combined with juggling regular schoolwork can make focused, strategic preparation difficult without expert guidance.

Personalized 1-on-1 instruction allows tutors to identify your specific weak areas—whether that's verbal reasoning, quantitative logic, or reading speed—and tailor lessons accordingly. Unlike group classes that move at a fixed pace, personalized tutoring adapts to your learning style and focuses on the sections where you need the most improvement. This targeted approach typically leads to faster score gains and builds confidence by addressing gaps before they become obstacles on test day.

Most students benefit from 2-3 months of focused preparation, though this varies based on starting point and target schools. Students taking the test in 8th grade typically begin prep in the fall or early winter. Starting earlier allows for a more relaxed pace with time for review and practice testing, while shorter timelines require more intensive weekly sessions. A tutor can assess your current level and create a realistic timeline based on your goals.

Score improvements depend on starting point and effort, but students working with personalized tutors typically see gains of 50-150 points on the composite score through focused practice and targeted skill-building. The most significant improvements usually come in sections where students had the most room to grow. Consistent practice, strategic test-taking techniques, and understanding question patterns are key to measurable progress.

The first session typically includes a diagnostic assessment to identify your strengths and areas for improvement across all five HSPT sections. Your tutor will discuss your target schools, timeline, and learning goals, then create a personalized study plan. This foundation helps ensure that every subsequent session builds strategically toward your score goals rather than covering material randomly.

Varsity Tutors connects Chicago students with expert tutors who specialize in HSPT preparation and understand the specific demands of schools across the city's 12 districts. You can describe your needs, timeline, and goals, and get matched with a tutor whose expertise and teaching style fit your learning preferences. This personalized matching ensures you're working with someone who knows the test deeply and can help you succeed.

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