Award-Winning College Physics Tutors
serving Des Moines, IA
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Award-Winning College Physics Tutors serving Des Moines, IA

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
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
Charles
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 descr...
Yale University
Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering

Certified Tutor
6+ years
Samuel
I am a freshman at Caltech majoring in Applied and Computational Mathematics. My favorite subject to tutor is math because I find it very rewarding to simplify complex topics to aid in understanding. I have lots of tutoring experience. In high school, I ran and taught an SAT prep class and was vice ...
California Institute of Technology
Bachelor of Science, Applied Mathematics

Certified Tutor
9+ years
Justin
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 Com...
Washington University in St. Louis
Bachelor's in Physics and Mathematics
University of Chicago
Doctor of Philosophy, Computational Mathematics

Certified Tutor
6+ years
Rahul
I am a recent graduate of Cornell University, where I received a B.S. in Chemical Engineering and graduated Magna Cum Laude. Over the past several years, I have worked with students from diverse backgrounds and experiences tutoring thermodynamics (my personal favorite), chemistry, and math. I have a...
Cornell University
B.S. in Chemical Engineering

Certified Tutor
9+ years
I am excited to be working with Varsity Tutors because I enjoy teaching and getting to share some of my academic experience. I have done a little tutoring, but most of my teaching experience is in the university setting as a TA. I'm particularly excited about biology and psychology, where I have the...
University of Chicago
Associate in Science

Certified Tutor
10+ years
Aaron
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...
The University of Texas at Dallas
Bachelors, Mechanical Engineering
Duke University
Current Grad Student, Mechanical Engineering

Certified Tutor
6+ years
Andrew
I am comfortable tutoring math subjects up to multivariable calculus and differential equations, as well as college physics.
University of North Texas
Bachelor of Science, Physics
Vanderbilt University
Doctor of Philosophy, Biomedical Engineering

Certified Tutor
10+ years
I am eager to help students wrestle with and master concepts in their math and physics classes. I have extensive experience tutoring students in both math and physics at the high school and college level in one on one and larger group settings. During my PhD I was awarded a teaching fellowship which...
University of Chicago
PHD, Physics
Vanderbilt University
Bachelors
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Frequently Asked Questions
Your first session is about understanding where you stand and what you need most. A tutor will assess your grasp of foundational concepts, identify specific pain points (whether that's kinematics, energy, or circuits), and learn about your course goals and exam timeline. This helps create a personalized plan that targets your biggest challenges rather than generic review.
College Physics demands conceptual reasoning, not memorization—tutors help you build mental models by connecting abstract ideas to real-world applications and visual representations. For example, understanding why momentum is conserved in collisions, not just plugging numbers into equations, makes the concept stick and transfers to new problem types. This deeper understanding also prepares you better for exams that test reasoning, not just formula recall.
Students often struggle with visualizing abstract forces and motion, converting between unit systems, and setting up problems correctly before calculating. Tutoring addresses these by breaking down problem-solving into manageable steps, using diagrams and simulations to build intuition, and practicing the scientific method so you learn to think like a physicist. Regular practice with feedback also builds confidence with multi-step problems that combine several concepts.
Yes—tutors can help you understand the physics principles behind your experiments, design proper procedures, analyze data correctly, and communicate your findings clearly. Whether you're learning to use equipment, troubleshoot unexpected results, or write lab reports, a tutor can bridge the gap between theory and hands-on application, helping you see how real-world data connects to the concepts you're learning in lecture.
Starting 4-6 weeks before a major exam gives you time to build understanding of weak topics and practice problem-solving under timed conditions. However, even a few weeks of focused tutoring can boost your performance if you concentrate on the highest-impact topics. Ongoing tutoring throughout the semester is ideal for staying on track and preventing last-minute cramming, but tutors can adapt to your timeline and intensity needs.
Look for tutors with strong backgrounds in physics—ideally a degree in physics, engineering, or a related field, plus experience teaching or tutoring at the college level. They should be able to explain concepts clearly, ask questions that deepen your thinking, and adapt explanations to your learning style. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who have proven success helping students master College Physics concepts and improve exam performance.
Problem-solving is a skill that requires practice and strategy, separate from conceptual understanding. Many students know the physics but struggle with translating word problems into equations, choosing the right approach, or organizing multi-step solutions. Tutoring helps you develop a systematic problem-solving framework—identifying given information, drawing diagrams, selecting relevant equations, and checking your answer—so you can tackle unfamiliar problems with confidence.
Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who understand College Physics curriculum and can personalize instruction to your needs and schedule. The process is straightforward—share your goals and availability, and you'll be matched with a tutor ready to help you master the material. Whether you need help with specific units or consistent support throughout the semester, tutors work with you to create a plan that fits your learning pace.
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