Award-Winning AP Physics Tutors serving Rochester, NY

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Award-Winning AP Physics Tutors serving Rochester, NY

Wesley

Certified Tutor

Wesley

Bachelor of Science, Biomedical Engineering
Wesley's other Tutor Subjects
AP Calculus AB
IB Mathematics SL
IB Mathematics HL
IB Mathematical Studies SL

I am currently a graduate student at Institute of Optics at the University of Rochester conducting research in Biophysical Chemistry. I recently graduated in June 2017 from the University of California - Irvine with two Bachelor degrees. One was in Biomedical Engineering and the other was in Materia...

Education

University of California-Irvine

Bachelor of Science, Biomedical Engineering

Test Scores
SAT
1570
Ben

Certified Tutor

10+ years

Ben

Bachelor's
Ben's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
AP Physics 1
AP Biology

I am a sophomore at the University of Rochester with a 3.92 GPA and I am planning on going to dental school after college.

Education

University

Bachelor's

Test Scores
SAT
1510
ACT
32

Certified Tutor

Cielo

Bachelor
Cielo's other Tutor Subjects
AP Calculus AB
Calculus 1
AP Physics 1

I'm working towards my Bachelors/Masters in Chemical Engineering at the Rochester Institute of Technology, with a special interest in math and physics! I believe that visual demonstrations alongside verbal explanations of material work best for strengthening a students ability to conceptualize mater...

Education

Rochester Institute of Technology

Bachelor

Certified Tutor

10+ years

Aaron

Current Grad Student, Mechanical Engineering
Aaron's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Calculus 2
Calculus
Algebra

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...

Education

The University of Texas at Dallas

Bachelors, Mechanical Engineering

Duke University

Current Grad Student, Mechanical Engineering

Test Scores
SAT
1530

Certified Tutor

6+ years

Mimi

Masters in Education, Education
Mimi's other Tutor Subjects
Middle School Math
Calculus
Algebra
Elementary School Math

I am an interdisciplinary educator with an Ed.M. from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and a B.A. from Dartmouth College. My background is primarily in integrated arts learning and museum education and I specialize in visual arts, history and art history, and object-based learning. In all su...

Education

Harvard University

Masters in Education, Education

Dartmouth College

B.A.

Test Scores
SAT
1560

Certified Tutor

10+ years

Nina

Masters in biostatistics
Nina's other Tutor Subjects
Statistics Graduate Level
Statistics
Calculus
Algebra

I am a recent graduate from a masters program in biostatistics at Columbia University. I received my Bachelor of Arts in biological sciences, with a focus in neurobiology at Northwestern University. In August, I will be starting a doctoral program in biostatistics at NYU. I was a teaching assistant ...

Education

Columbia University

Masters in biostatistics

Northwestern University

Bachelor of Arts in biological sciences (focus in neurobiology)

Columbia University in the City of New York

Current Grad Student, Biostatistics

Test Scores
SAT
1550

Certified Tutor

Reid

PHD, Education
Reid's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Middle School Math
Calculus
Algebra

I am a graduate of Wesleyan University, where I received my Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with High Honors. With eight years of experience working in education, I've tutored students in math, science, history, and English, as well as helped students prepare for standardized tests. I've guided adults...

Education

Harvard University

PHD, Education

Wesleyan University

Bachelor in Arts, Sociology

Test Scores
ACT
32

Certified Tutor

Michelle

Current Grad Student, M.D.
Michelle's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Pre-Calculus
Geometry
Calculus

I am proud to be a part of Varsity Tutors! I am originally from San Antonio, TX; I completed my undergraduate education at Rice University in Houston where I received a bachelor's degree in Biochemistry and Cell Biology. Currently, I am in my second year of medical school at Baylor College of Medici...

Education

Baylor College of Medicine

Current Grad Student, M.D.

Rice University

Bachelor's in Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Test Scores
SAT
1570

Certified Tutor

Liz

Masters, Special Education: Mild to Moderate Disabilities 5-12
Liz's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Middle School Math
Calculus
Algebra

I am a graduate of Washington University in St Louis, where I received my Bachelor of Arts in History with minors in Humanities and Anthropology. Since graduation, I have worked as a tutor, teacher, and director of tutors at a charter public middle school in Boston. During this time I also received ...

Education

Simmons College

Masters, Special Education: Mild to Moderate Disabilities 5-12

Washington University in St. Louis

Bachelor of Arts in History (minors in Humanities and Anthropology)

Test Scores
ACT
34

Certified Tutor

Charles

Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering
Charles's other Tutor Subjects
AP Calculus AB
Pre-Algebra
Algebra 3/4
Trigonometry

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...

Education

Yale University

Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering

Test Scores
SAT
1440
ACT
34

Certified Tutor

Christopher

Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering
Christopher's other Tutor Subjects
AP Calculus AB
College Algebra
Algebra 3/4
Trigonometry

I am a rising sophomore at Harvard College and am about to declare as a Mechanical Engineering concentrator, working towards a Bachelor of Science degree. I've always enjoyed sharing my knowledge with my peers and those around me and have done so in both formal and informal settings. I've been a tut...

Education

Harvard College

Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering

Test Scores
ACT
35

Certified Tutor

8+ years

Solange

Bachelor in Arts (Sociology & Women's Studies)
Solange's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
ACT Writing
Public Speaking

I'm Solange - a recent graduate from Harvard where I studied Sociology & Women's Studies. I've been tutoring for eight years now, and have worked with a wide range of ages and in a wide range of subjects. Some of my specialties are college prep/test taking II worked in the admissions office on campu...

Education

Harvard University

Bachelor in Arts (Sociology & Women's Studies)

Test Scores
ACT
34

Certified Tutor

9+ years

Justin

Doctor of Philosophy, Computational Mathematics
Justin's other Tutor Subjects
AP Calculus BC
AP Calculus AB
Pre-Algebra
Multivariable Calculus

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...

Education

Washington University in St. Louis

Bachelor's in Physics and Mathematics

University of Chicago

Doctor of Philosophy, Computational Mathematics

Test Scores
SAT
1560
ACT
33

Certified Tutor

6+ years

Andrew

Doctor of Philosophy, Biomedical Engineering
Andrew's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Linear Algebra
College Algebra
Multivariable Calculus

I am comfortable tutoring math subjects up to multivariable calculus and differential equations, as well as college physics.

Education

University of North Texas

Bachelor of Science, Physics

Vanderbilt University

Doctor of Philosophy, Biomedical Engineering

Test Scores
SAT
1480

Certified Tutor

Elena

Masters, Biblical Studies
Elena's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
SSAT- Upper Level
SSAT- Middle Level

I am a graduate of McGill University (BA First Class Honors) and the University of Edinburgh (MSc First Class Honors with Distinction) with over eight years of tutoring experience. I am currently a curriculum developer for a company which creates relatable and culturally-literate courses for middle ...

Education

University of Edinburgh

Masters, Biblical Studies

Mcgill University

Bachelor in Arts, Religious Studies

Frequently Asked Questions

AP Physics covers two main tracks: AP Physics 1 (algebra-based) and AP Physics 2 (algebra-based continuation), or AP Physics C (calculus-based). Both include mechanics, energy, waves, electricity, magnetism, and modern physics. The exam tests conceptual understanding, problem-solving skills, and lab reasoning—not just memorization. Knowing which track your school offers helps tutors tailor instruction to match your curriculum and exam format.

Students typically struggle most with circular motion, rotational dynamics, electromagnetic induction, and quantum mechanics—topics that require strong conceptual foundations and spatial reasoning. Many also find the free-response section challenging because it requires clear problem-solving communication, not just correct answers. Personalized tutoring helps break down these abstract concepts into manageable pieces and builds confidence through targeted practice.

Score improvement depends on your starting point and effort level, but students who work with tutors consistently often see gains of 1-2 score points on the 1-5 scale. The key is identifying specific weak areas—whether that's conceptual gaps, problem-solving strategy, or exam pacing—and addressing them systematically. Regular practice tests combined with targeted instruction helps you understand not just what you missed, but why.

Practice tests are essential—they reveal your actual pacing, identify weak topics, and reduce test anxiety by familiarizing you with the exam format. Taking full-length practice tests under timed conditions is especially valuable because AP Physics requires balancing conceptual depth with time management. Tutors can review your practice test results to pinpoint patterns in your mistakes and adjust your study plan accordingly.

Your first session focuses on understanding your current level, learning goals, and specific challenges. Tutors typically review your recent classwork or practice test results, assess your conceptual understanding, and identify which topics need the most attention. This diagnostic helps create a personalized study plan tailored to your school's curriculum and timeline before the AP exam in May.

Most students benefit from 1-2 sessions per week starting 3-4 months before the exam, combined with independent practice between sessions. If you're struggling with fundamentals, more frequent sessions early on can accelerate progress. The ideal schedule balances tutor-guided learning with self-directed problem-solving—tutors help you understand concepts and strategies, but you solidify them through practice.

Yes—the AP Physics exam includes questions that test your understanding of experimental design, data analysis, and lab reasoning. Tutors help you recognize patterns in how the College Board asks these questions, interpret graphs and data tables quickly, and apply lab concepts to unfamiliar scenarios. This is especially important because many students underestimate this section's difficulty.

Look for tutors with strong physics backgrounds—ideally a degree in physics, engineering, or a related field, plus proven experience teaching AP Physics. They should understand the College Board's exam format, scoring rubric, and common student misconceptions. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who have demonstrated mastery of AP Physics content and a track record of helping students improve their scores.

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