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Mia
Certified HSPT Tutor
Mia
BA Pace University

Hi, I'm Mia and I am passionate about helping students excel academically! My teaching philosophy focuses on giving students the tools they need to succeed in their courses, rather than simply having them memorize the material. I have experience tutoring high school students, notably in SAT Reading and Writing. I was Valedictorian of my high school class and have extensive experience in the college admissions process, earning admission to prestigious schools like Northwestern University and Cornell University. I'm currently a student of Psychology and Women's and Gender Studies at Pace University, and I hope to become a children's and adolescent counselor. When I'm not tutoring, I love songwriting and producing my own tracks!

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Hudson
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
Sinan
MS Boston University

As a student, I know how it can be difficult to study on your own sometimes. You don't really know you what you don't know, so making progress could be hard! I focus on breaking down concepts to foster a deep understanding that allows you to apply it to any possible question. I aim to understand what ways you learn best and guide you to perform well in your studies.

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Mamadou
BA University

I believe that every student can reach their full potential with the right guidance. It is one of my goals to make education as easily accessible and consumable for as many people as possible. I look forward to working with you!

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Certified HSPT Tutor
Moriah
BA Cornell University
1+ Years Tutoring

I am a graduate of Cornell University and received a Bachelor of Arts in Music. Currently, I am working as an Assistant Director at a preparatory school managing and teaching students simultaneously. In the recent years at the school, I have been focusing more on the Reading portions of standardized tests but have at times assisted students in the math and science portions as well usually one-on-one. I strongly believe that every students has their own style of learning and must learn at their own pace. Although, sometimes giving them too much leeway may not always be the best solution, I am there to also provide encouragement and challenge to make the learning process enjoyable and beneficial. Apart from work, I do enjoy reading, jogging, exploring New York City, and playing the violin during my spare time.

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Certified HSPT Tutor
Margot
BA Dartmouth College
1+ Years Tutoring

I am originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, where I attended Menlo School, one of the top private high schools in California. Given my educational background, I am no stranger to the pressures facing today's students--from schoolwork to extracurriculars to college applications and test prep, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. That's why one of my main goals as a tutor is to ease the stress in students' lives. I'm here to help your workload feel manageable (and hopefully fun!) and to encourage you to do your best work. I take this attitude and my teaching style and adapt it to the needs of each individual student. We'll work together to figure out how YOU learn best, what approaches work well for you, and ultimately, how we can achieve your goals. Whether you're a struggling student who needs a patient and a new way of explaining concepts, or a star student who wants a tutor who will challenge you at new levels, I can help you get there. I am passionate about making every student feel confident and prepared, no matter the academic situation.

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Certified HSPT Tutor
Varun
BA Dartmouth College
10+ Years Tutoring

I am enthusiastic about helping others reach their educational goals. Whatever the task, no matter how long it takes, I will make sure you get the most out of your sessions and will tailor my personal approach to whatever you need.

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Sheena
BA Macaulay Honors College at Hunter College
1+ Years Tutoring

I am pursuing an accelerated Master's Degree in Economics, and a Bachelor's in Chinese language at the Macaulay Honors College at Hunter College. I have been pursuing my passion for teaching and tutoring for over four years. I have taught both privately and in group settings on subjects such as Calculus, Economics, SAT, Math, and much more! I am great with any type of standardized testing: specifically, SAT, SAT II on Math 1 and 2, and HSPT. I genuinely love tutoring these subjects as well as math and writing. I believe strongly that my role as a tutor is to help my students approach the material with an anxiety-free, systematic approach. I know just how to make the testing environment one where a student feels both perfectly at ease and well equipped to succeed. I know first hand that testing and learning can be all too ridden with stress and have great techniques to reduce that. My approach to teaching is simple: kindness, calmness, clarity, and fun. I keep my students consistently engaged with questions. I know how to rephrase questions and bring them back in ways that each student is interested in to see maximum results. Most importantly, I find ways to make the material interesting and easily relatable to my students. A personal investment in material is a great way to see progress!

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Jing
BA The university of York
9+ Years Tutoring

I am working as a Cross-border consultant and consult for businesses who want to get into the Chinese market and do business with Chinese companies. Language and culture is a big part of my life both professionally and personally. My articles in mandarin have been published in multiple newspapers and magazines when I was studying in China. Chinese literature and history have always been my greatest passion. I want to help everyone really understand the Chinese culture and learn to use this beautiful language to express themselves whenever they are traveling, studying, doing business with Chinese. I am really good at other subjects too, I passed the GMAT exam with 99% math/quantitative section. Math has always been one of strongest academic subject too. Tutoring is a great responsibility, further to me it can also be one of life's most rewarding experiences. I am naturally attracted to different cultures and love to share mine with everyone. I was also a Junior Olympian (swimmer) for 8 years and love to go outdoors as I love nature.

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Melissa
PhD University of California-Berkeley • BA Vassar College
1+ Years Tutoring

I am a PhD Candidate in History at the University of California, Berkeley but am currently living in New York while finishing my dissertation on the British Empire in India in the late 18th Century. I am originally from New York City and attended a very academically oriented private school, so I have first-hand experience with the stresses and concerns many students face, regardless of the school they attend. I benefited from private tuition myself and would like to consider my story a successful one, therefore I hope to carry on the benefits of tutoring to my own students.

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Arun
BA University
1+ Years Tutoring

I am well aware of that, and as a tutor, I consider it my job to give my students the confidence to apply the knowledge they have gained. That confidence will serve them well not only now but in future endeavors as well.

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Naomi
BA Brandeis University
1+ Years Tutoring

I am happy to tutor for Varsity Tutors. I study English literature and philosophy, so reading and writing are my strongest suits, but I am glad to help in any of my listed subjects. Please send me a message to let me know how I can be of assistance!

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Derrick
BA Cornell University
1+ Years Tutoring

I am a recent graduate of Cornell University where I majored in Industrial and Labor Relations. Additionally, I minored in International Relations, Law and Society, Latin American Studies and Business. I first gained experience in tutoring working with younger children at a private tutoring company. It was exciting to see them improve and make great strides on a weekly basis. My personal favorite subjects as a student were history and english, but I find helping students who struggle with math equally as gratifying. I also enjoy tutoring for standardized exams such as the SAT because of how easy it is for students to improve once they are taught techniques and begin to practice them. As the son of a teacher I was always taught that education was vital and necessary to succeed. I passionately believe this and in tutoring try my best to give students the tools so that they could garner the most out of their education. My favorite hobbies include traveling, reading, and going to the gym.

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Marion
BA University
1+ Years Tutoring

I am especially enjoy working with students on Math, English, and Writing. I always work on first ensuring that students understand the underlying fundamental concepts before tackling more complex problems. I love to use real-world, relevant examples to make concepts come to life, and I always try to instill a love and excitement for the subject by making my sessions as animated and exciting as possible. In my spare time, I love to read, do yoga, and go running in Prospect Park.

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Anna
BA University
9+ Years Tutoring

I am a recent college graduate with a goal of becoming a physician. I majored in Neuroscience and and have a passion for math as well. I think a good way to help students learn is to get them to stay motivated by being encouraging and showing them the fun in learning. Everything may seem hard at first, but hard work really does pay off in the end. I think the best way to learn is to be open minded and willing to learn.

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Amy
BA Middlebury College
1+ Years Tutoring

I am an incredibly dedicated tutor with years of experience and education to help students reach their academic goals. Beginning in high school, I tutored elementary through high school students in mathematics and the sciences. In college, I taught a weekly class to local high school students interested in learning about neuroscience. Since college, I have continued tutoring students on a weekly basis in a wide variety of subjects.

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Evan
BA University
3+ Years Tutoring

I am a graduate of the University of Florida's PhD program in the Microbiology and Cell Science Department. Since graduation, I have worked for a startup company studying neurodegenerative biomarker uptake by immune cells in the peripheral blood during neuroinflammation. While I tutor a variety of subjects, my main passions lie in biology, microbiology, and chemistry. I believe it is important for students to not only learn the subject material but also to discover how they learn in general and how they can learn to take assessment tests efficiently.

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Emily
AB Gannon University
3+ Years Tutoring

I have always been a strong student and have several years of experience as a peer tutor as well as a over 4 years as a professional tutor. I tutor several subjects at various grade levels. I love teaching English, phonics, reading, and writing and have worked at my university's Writing and Research Center for 2 years. I also really enjoy tutoring math across grade levels. I have successfully helped students improve SAT and ACT scores, achieve admittance into to private grade and high schools, and improve grades in their classes. I work to meet students where they are at, create realistic goals, and make tutoring something to look forward, not dread.

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Certified HSPT Tutor
Sr
BA Princeton University
6+ Years Tutoring

I'm excited to be tutoring again.

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Ellyn
BA Washington University in St. Louis • Doctor of Philosophy, Mechanical Engineering The University of Texas at Austin
8+ Years Tutoring

I am a mathematics instructor at Tarrant County College and I am interested in helping math and engineering students achieve success!

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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

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Brendan
BA University
1+ Years Tutoring

During my Bachelor's studies at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, I was a mathematics and statistics tutor for a year, which I greatly enjoyed. I am currently a fourth-year Ph.D. student studying mathematics at the University of Florida. During my Ph.D. at the University of Florida, I was a teaching assistant for Calculus I, Calculus II, and Precalculus, and I was an instructor for a section of Calculus I. These experiences helped me develop my tutoring skills. Many students see math as a set of formulas that they can apply to the problems on their exams and homework. However, I feel that this way of thinking not only stifles true understanding, but also makes students' lives harder. My teaching philosophy is that if a strong conceptual understanding is built, then students will be well-equipped to answer any question that they can be asked. When I tutor, I make sure that students develop this foundation first and foremost.

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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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Riley
MED Portland State University • MED Reed College
4+ Years Tutoring

I primarily tutor a lot of math classes. Anything from elementary school through undergrad. High school Geometry? Yep! Real Analysis? Absolutely! Python? Not quite math, you tricky person, but sign right up. I tutor a bit of physics and computer programming as well. Test prep, too. But who am I? I am a math music philosophy nerd. I love Gauss almost as much as I love Bach and I love Bach almost as much as I like Hegel. So chat to me about that stuff if you are so inclined. But you want to just chill and have homework help? That's quite all right, too!

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Alysia
BA Thomas Edison State University
10+ Years Tutoring

I am. My mother is a 2nd-grade teacher and my father is a middle school vice principal and that combination of discipline, leadership, and nurturing as a part of the educational experience has been instilled in me from a very young age. As a child, I had to overcome my own personal challenges in order to allow my intellect to shine. I have ADHD and in the elementary grades was labeled a class clown, however, I learned to conquer my learning disability and proceeded to excel. For high school, I attended Wyoming Seminary Upper School, a private boarding school in North East, PA, and my experience and education I received there helped mold me into a conscious global citizen set on making an impact in this world. I am currently an Intervention Specialist, Writer, and Personal Tutor that thoroughly loves helping children, adolescents, and college students master subjects that are challenging to them. As an Intervention Specialist I work in a K-5 school where I work with small groups of students that need additional support in English/Language Arts and Math. Additionally, I especially have a love for literature and reading and have aspirations to become a children's/ young adult author. I am also a published poet and plan on pursuing further publications in the future. The feeling I get when I am able to help build someone's confidence and skills is indescribable. As a previous Substitute Teacher, I have gained experience with students in all grade levels and abilities ranging from Pre-K to 12th grade, as well as students with special needs including Autism, ADD/ADHD, vision impairment, and multiple disabilities. I am dedicated to all of my students and approach their education with the same ferocity regardless of ability or skills. Also, I promise that I will always do my best to make things fun and exciting. If you're not laughing you're not learning! In my free time, I enjoy staying physically fit and appreciating all forms of art. I am dedicated to fitness and enjoy lifting weights, running, yoga, hiking, and participating in recreational team sports such as softball and volleyball. I believe that sports and physical activity are necessary for children to build leadership skills and learn how to cooperate with others and have helped coach an intramural children's baseball team for low-income students. I also have a love for music and visual art and frequently attend concerts, art exhibits, and poetry readings. I have a passion for life and enjoy sharing that passion with my students and others, helping them to realize and cherish their own desires and interests.

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Certified HSPT Tutor
Vince
MED National Louis University
9+ Years Tutoring

I love tutoring because I love kids. I like getting to know my students and having a good time with them, but I am very serious when it comes to improving their grades or scores. My teaching style varies depending on the needs and personality of my student, but in general I aim to ask questions and support students in discovering the answers rather than providing answers myself.

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Nikhil
BA University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
6+ Years Tutoring

I am a patient, intellectual, and calm college student at the University of Michigan passionate about tutoring others to improve their proficiency in a wide variety of subjects. I teach students by creating individualized plans that cater to the strengths and weaknesses of the student. I work hard and as long as it takes to ensure that the student derives maximum benefit. I love teaching a wide variety of subjects, and have a speciality in standardized tests.

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Taylor
BA Boise State University
1+ Years Tutoring

For over two years, I've supported students and professional writers alike as a tutor and consultant, and for five years, I've worked on novels as a developmental editor. I graduated from Boise State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Public and Professional Writing, and I specialize in ACT English, college English, technical writing, and creative writing. I tailor my strategies to each student's needs, using a collaborative, student-centered style based on research, including research I conducted and presented at the 2024 National Conference for Peer Tutoring in Writing. My passion for writing and communication motivates me to guide students in finding their voices and achieving their academic goals. I aim to help students grow beyond my tutoring and gain experience that will serve them for the rest of their lives.

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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 exam used by many Catholic and private schools in the Buffalo area to assess student readiness for high school and determine appropriate placement. Across Buffalo's 24 school districts, students applying to selective high schools often need strong HSPT scores to gain admission and qualify for advanced academic programs. Scoring well opens doors to schools with rigorous curricula and can impact your high school trajectory.

The HSPT covers five main areas: Verbal Skills, Quantitative Skills, Reading, Mathematics, and Language. Each section tests foundational knowledge and critical thinking abilities that predict success in high school coursework. Understanding the specific skills tested in each area helps students focus their preparation on weak spots rather than reviewing material they already know well.

Many students struggle with the test's fast pace and the variety of question types, especially in the Quantitative and Verbal Skills sections where students must work quickly without a calculator. Others find it difficult to balance preparation across five different subjects while managing regular schoolwork. Personalized 1-on-1 instruction allows tutors to identify exactly where you're losing points—whether it's timing, specific math concepts, or reading comprehension strategies—and create a focused study plan.

In a classroom setting, test prep moves at a fixed pace for everyone, which means you might spend time reviewing concepts you've already mastered while rushing through areas where you need more help. Personalized 1-on-1 instruction adapts to your specific strengths and weaknesses, allowing tutors to spend more time on challenging sections, teach test-taking strategies tailored to your learning style, and adjust pacing based on your progress. This targeted approach typically leads to faster improvement and higher confidence on test day.

Most students benefit from starting HSPT preparation 3-4 months before their test date, which gives enough time to build foundational skills and practice full-length exams without feeling rushed. However, if you're already taking the test soon or want to maximize your score, tutors can create an intensive study plan that works within your timeline. The earlier you start, the more opportunities you have to identify weak areas and build confidence.

Score improvement depends on your starting point and how consistently you work with a tutor, but students typically see meaningful gains within 6-8 weeks of focused preparation. Some students improve by 50+ percentile points, while others focus on strengthening specific sections to reach their target schools. Tutors track your progress through practice tests and targeted drills, so you'll see exactly where you're improving and where to focus next.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors in Buffalo who specialize in HSPT preparation and understand the specific schools and competitive landscape in the area. You can share your goals, timeline, and preferred learning style, and get matched with a tutor who has experience helping students achieve their target scores. Most tutors offer flexible scheduling to work around your school and activity commitments.

HSPT tutoring costs vary based on the tutor's experience, your location within Buffalo, and how many sessions you need—typically ranging from a few sessions for targeted help to a longer-term plan spanning several months. Many students find that investing in personalized instruction pays off through higher scores, which can lead to admission to their preferred schools and potentially merit scholarships. Varsity Tutors can help you connect with tutors at different experience levels to fit your budget.

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