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Award-Winning Conversational English Tutors

John

Certified Tutor

16+ years

John

Bachelor of Fine Arts, English/Drama
John's other Tutor Subjects
AP Calculus AB
College Algebra
Middle School Math
Geometry

I'm a huge Red Sox fan and love watching detective shows when I have free time.

Education

University of St Thomas

Bachelor of Fine Arts, English/Drama

American Academy of Dramatic Arts

Associates, Acting

Test Scores
Perfect Score
SAT
1420
ACT
36
Elliot

Certified Tutor

9+ years

Elliot

Doctor of Philosophy, Neuroscience
Elliot's other Tutor Subjects
Statistics Graduate Level
Pre-Algebra
Statistics
Middle School Math

I am happy to accommodate and work with learners on the spectrum.

Education

Hampshire College

Bachelor in Arts, Cognitive Science

Vanderbilt University

Doctor of Philosophy, Neuroscience

Test Scores
Perfect Score
SAT
1540
ACT
36

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

6+ years

Alex

Bachelor of Science, Chemical Engineering
Alex's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Pre-Calculus
Calculus
Algebra

I'm a current medical student at the University of Arizona College of Medicine with undergraduate degrees from Washington and Lee in chemical engineering and anthropology. I have extensive experience in tutoring and teaching since 2010, and am ready to help you with your learning needs! I focus on s...

Education

Washington and Lee University

Bachelor of Science, Chemical Engineering

Test Scores
Perfect Score
SAT
1590
ACT
36

Certified Tutor

8+ years

Anna

Bachelor in Arts, Anthropology
Anna's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
Middle School Science
PSAT Writing Skills

I'm Anna! I'm currently a student in the MD/MBA program between Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine and the Kellogg School of Management, and graduated from Northwestern University as part of the Honors Program in Medical Education. I attended the Bergen County Academies in New Jer...

Education

Northwestern University

Bachelor in Arts, Anthropology

Northwestern University

Graduated (Honors Program in Medical Education)

Test Scores
Perfect Score
SAT
1590
ACT
36

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

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

10+ years

Chelain

PHD, PhD: Molecular Pharmacology and Structural Biology; MD: Medicine. Currently a Resident in Radiation Oncology at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. C
Chelain's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
College Essays
Literature

I am currently a resident physician at Northwestern Hospital.

Education

Thomas Jefferson University

PHD, PhD: Molecular Pharmacology and Structural Biology; MD: Medicine. Currently a Resident in Radiation Oncology at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. C

Swarthmore College

Bachelors, Biology, Psychology

Test Scores
SAT
1550
ACT
33

Certified Tutor

Elena

Juris Doctor, Law
Elena's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
SAT Mathematics
SAT Reading

I am a second year law student at the University of Chicago who hails from the San Francisco Bay Area! I tutor the SAT, ESL, and Spanish. I was an AVID tutor in high school, and after college I taught an ESL class and tutored a high school student in Spanish. In law school, I am involved with the La...

Education

Cornell University

Bachelor in Arts

University of Chicago Law School

Juris Doctor, Law

Test Scores
Perfect Score
SAT
1600

Certified Tutor

Edward

Bachelor's
Edward's other Tutor Subjects
AP Calculus AB
College Algebra
Multivariable Calculus
Trigonometry

I am currently studying chemical engineering at the University of Michigan. I have always helped out my fellow students with schoolwork, and I have tutored in the National Honor Society for three years. My tutoring strengths include my abilities to stay calm, be patient, and offer different perspect...

Education

University

Bachelor's

Test Scores
Perfect Score
SAT
1520
ACT
36

Certified Tutor

4+ years

Perry

Bachelor of Science in Biology
Perry's other Tutor Subjects
Geometry
Calculus
Algebra
AP Chemistry

I am an incoming medical student at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. I graduated from Rice University in 2025 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology with minors in Medical Humanities and Business.

Education

Rice University

Bachelor of Science in Biology

Test Scores
SAT
1570

Certified Tutor

Nishad

Bachelors, Premedicine
Nishad's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
Microbiology
Chemistry

I am a first year medical student at the Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University. I have been a private tutor in the past in subjects such as math, biology, chemistry, and the SATs and every single one of my more than twenty students have shown significant improvement. Most impo...

Education

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus

Bachelors, Premedicine

Test Scores
SAT
1580

Certified Tutor

9+ years

Peter

Bachelor in Arts, Mathematics
Peter's other Tutor Subjects
AP Calculus BC
AP Calculus AB
Pre-Algebra
College Algebra

I am a graduate from Georgetown University, where I received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics with a minor in Music. I'm currently pursuing a Master's of Science in Business Analytics at Carnegie Mellon University. I've been tutoring since I started high school, focusing on mathematics and w...

Education

Georgetown University

Bachelor in Arts, Mathematics

Test Scores
SAT
1580

Certified Tutor

6+ years

Logan

Master of Divinity, Ministry
Logan's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Geometry
Calculus
Algebra

I'm eager to teach students how to make connections and understand any part of the world they need!

Education

The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

Master of Divinity, Ministry

University of Kentucky

Bachelor in Arts, Communication, General

Test Scores
Perfect Score
SAT
1400
ACT
36

Certified Tutor

Violet

Bachelor of Science, Mathematics
Violet's other Tutor Subjects
AP Calculus AB
College Algebra
Algebra 3/4
Multivariable Calculus

I am a member of the Brown Class of 2018, pursuing a bachelors degree in mathematics. I graduated from Phillips Exeter Academy in 2014. (I am able to help anyone with the boarding school admissions process.) Outside of academia, I pursue my passions in dance, travel, volunteering, reading and art. M...

Education

Brown University (transferring from the University of St Andrews)

Bachelor of Science, Mathematics

Test Scores
SAT
1550

Meet Varsity Tutors Experts

Connect with highly-rated educators ready to help you succeed.

Perry

Geometry Tutor • +19 Subjects

I am an incoming medical student at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. I graduated from Rice University in 2025 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology with minors in Medical Humanities and Business.

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Nishad

Calculus Tutor • +24 Subjects

I am a first year medical student at the Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University. I have been a private tutor in the past in subjects such as math, biology, chemistry, and the SATs and every single one of my more than twenty students have shown significant improvement. Most importantly, I have a passion for teaching, and your needs and preferences as the learner will always be paramount. I hope to help every one of my students reach every bit of their potential, and along the way, to utterly shatter any self-induced limitations that have been placed upon what they can accomplish.

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Peter

AP Calculus BC Tutor • +30 Subjects

I am a graduate from Georgetown University, where I received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics with a minor in Music. I'm currently pursuing a Master's of Science in Business Analytics at Carnegie Mellon University. I've been tutoring since I started high school, focusing on mathematics and writing. Throughout my college career I was employed both privately and by Georgetown University to tutor peers and high school students in the Washington, D.C. area. I worked with students taking classes in all levels of mathematics falling under Algebra, Calculus, Combinatorics, and Problem Solving. Hobbies: art, books, reading, music, writing

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Logan

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +31 Subjects

I'm eager to teach students how to make connections and understand any part of the world they need! Hobbies: art, books, writing, reading, music

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Violet

AP Calculus AB Tutor • +29 Subjects

I am a member of the Brown Class of 2018, pursuing a bachelors degree in mathematics. I graduated from Phillips Exeter Academy in 2014. (I am able to help anyone with the boarding school admissions process.) Outside of academia, I pursue my passions in dance, travel, volunteering, reading and art. My tutoring subjects are mathematics (from elementary school to college level) and standardized testing (SAT, SAT subject tests, PSAT, and SSAT). I have tutored mainly high school students in the New York State Regents exams and AP Calculus, although I also have experience with students in middle and elementary school. Since I have been through many school systems, including public, private, studying abroad, and boarding school, I have learned many different techniques and can attack a problem from various angles. Ultimately, my teaching style is full of tips and tricks to break down complicated topics into simple, more understandable ideas. Hobbies: books, music, art, travel, reading, writing

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Kiersten

Calculus Tutor • +16 Subjects

I am a junior studying Writing for Screen and Television at the University of Southern California's School of Cinematic Arts. For the past two spring semesters I worked as a CollegeSpring Mentor, tutoring Green Dot Charter high school juniors for the SAT and teaching them predatory skills for college. In addition to my experience tutoring for the SAT, as a screenwriting major I most enjoy teaching my favorite subject, English. I love showing students the power language endows upon them to communicate their ideas and beliefs with others. I believe every student deserves the chance to succeed and to try to capitalize on their strengths while encouraging them to improve in areas they may traditionally find challenging. Endowing a student with confidence in themselves through patience and support is the best way not only to improve academic performance, but also transform them into lifelong learners. I try to share not only my passion for knowledge with students, but also my love of sports (football, baseball, and softball), action films, and global affairs. Seeing students not only improve academically but also show improved confidence and happiness is the most rewarding part of my job.

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Dennis

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +21 Subjects

I am currently attending New York University where I am pursuing a degree in Finance and Statistics. I have previous experience tutoring individuals in math, a subject I have always excelled at academically. My knowledge and interest in mathematics, makes it easy for me to frame and deconstruct seemingly complicated concepts and theories in ways students will be able to understand and remember. Outside of academia I enjoy playing tennis, going to movies, and spending time with friends and family.

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Joey

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +21 Subjects

I am a graduate of Columbia University with a degree in Drama and Theatre Arts. I taught math and essay writing to my peers in high school and college, and have tutored a close friend in her mathematics courses since junior year of high school. I am most comfortable and passionate about tutoring SAT prep, particularly the Math section and subject tests. I believe in supporting and encouraging my students and making material as accessible as possible, breaking down what may be difficult subject matter into terms and concepts that they already understand. I firmly believe in the potential of every student to grasp material that they may think is out of reach, and aim to reduce the stress factor of studying as much as possible. Outside of tutoring, I am a professional actor and playwright, and in my free time (a rare, mystical thing these days) I enjoy playing guitar and mandolin, practicing yoga, and my PS4.

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Eric

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +38 Subjects

I am available to tutor a range of middle school and high school subjects, but I am most excited about tutoring test prep. I remember how stressful preparing for college can be and I am eager to do my part in helping students fulfill their college goals. I believe that learning is a collaborative process and I am committed to being as actively involved in the student's learning as I can. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, going to the movies (I try to see each Oscar nominee before the ceremony every year.), and am a huge Michigan sports fan.

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Emily

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +38 Subjects

I am a Yale graduate with over 8 years experience tutoring students from a variety of backgrounds. I recently graduated from the Yale School of Public Health with a MPH concentrating in Epidemiology and Global Health. I also received my B.S. from Yale with a double major in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology and French. I have experience both leading group classes and working with students one on one. I will respond to a student's strengths, weaknesses, and learning style in order to help them succeed and make the most of our time together. I earned a perfect score of 36 on the ACT, 2280 on the SAT, and qualified as a National Merit Scholar on the PSAT. I look forward to working with you! Hobbies: writing, art, books, music, dancing, baking, reading

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Frequently Asked Questions

Conversational English focuses on real-world communication—building confidence to speak naturally, understand native speakers, and express ideas fluidly—rather than memorizing grammar rules in isolation. A tutor working on conversational skills emphasizes listening comprehension, spontaneous response, vocabulary in context, and reducing hesitation when speaking. While grammar matters, it's taught as a tool for clarity, not as the primary goal. This approach helps students move beyond textbook English to actually participate in conversations, understand idioms and colloquialisms, and develop authentic pronunciation and rhythm.

Many students struggle with the gap between classroom English and natural conversation—understanding fast speech, managing pauses without panic, and thinking quickly enough to respond without translating mentally. Other common obstacles include limited vocabulary for everyday topics, difficulty with phrasal verbs and idioms, accent anxiety, and fear of making mistakes in real-time dialogue. Students also often over-prepare scripted responses instead of developing flexible, adaptive speaking skills. A tutor can target these specific pain points through guided conversation practice, exposure to authentic materials, and strategies for building confidence in unpredictable exchanges.

At beginner levels, tutors focus on building foundational vocabulary, basic sentence structures, and comfort with speaking aloud—often starting with structured dialogues and simple topics to reduce anxiety. Intermediate learners work on expanding vocabulary, understanding context-dependent meanings, and handling longer conversations with fewer pauses. Advanced learners typically refine nuance, master idioms and cultural references, develop native-like intonation, and tackle complex topics like debate or professional communication. Regardless of level, a skilled tutor personalizes the pace and content to match where the student actually is, not where a textbook says they should be.

Expert tutors typically blend structured conversation practice with real-world scenarios—role-playing customer service interactions, job interviews, casual social situations, or discussing current events. They listen actively for patterns in errors (like repeated mispronunciations or grammatical mistakes) and address them in the moment without derailing the flow of conversation. Many use authentic materials like podcasts, news clips, or TV clips to expose students to natural speech patterns and accents. The best sessions feel like genuine dialogue, not interrogation—tutors ask follow-up questions, share their own thoughts, and create a low-pressure environment where mistakes become learning moments, not sources of embarrassment.

Yes—pronunciation is a core part of conversational fluency. Tutors can identify which sounds are causing clarity issues (like confusing 'th' and 's', or struggling with word stress), explain the mechanics of how to produce those sounds, and provide targeted practice. They also help with intonation patterns, linking words naturally, and reducing the rhythm patterns of a student's first language that interfere with English flow. Unlike accent elimination (which isn't the goal), conversational tutoring focuses on clarity and confidence—ensuring listeners understand you and you feel comfortable speaking without self-consciousness.

Listening is inseparable from conversation—you can't respond naturally if you don't understand what's being said. Tutors expose students to varied accents, speech speeds, and contexts (formal meetings, casual chat, background noise) to build real-world listening skills beyond slow, carefully-enunciated textbook audio. They teach strategies like identifying key words when you miss details, asking clarifying questions confidently, and understanding meaning from context rather than catching every single word. Regular listening practice during sessions, combined with exposure to authentic materials, helps students develop the automaticity needed for genuine back-and-forth dialogue.

Progress shows up in concrete ways: speaking longer without pausing to think, understanding more of what you hear without asking for repetition, using new vocabulary naturally in conversation, and feeling less anxious when speaking. Many students also notice they're thinking in English rather than translating, responding faster, and initiating conversations instead of waiting for prompts. A tutor can track these improvements through regular conversation samples, noting expanded vocabulary range, fewer grammatical errors, smoother delivery, and increased confidence tackling unfamiliar topics. Unlike grammar tests, conversational progress is measured by actual ability to communicate effectively in real situations.

The most effective practice mirrors real conversation: speaking with language partners or tutors regularly (even brief sessions help), consuming authentic English media like podcasts or shows, and actively using new vocabulary and phrases in writing or speech. Tutors often recommend specific, achievable goals—like joining a conversation club, speaking with a language exchange partner, or narrating daily activities aloud. Passive consumption alone (watching TV without active engagement) has limited value; students benefit most from active production—speaking, writing responses, and pushing themselves into slightly uncomfortable situations where they must communicate despite imperfect knowledge. A tutor can suggest personalized practice strategies that fit the student's lifestyle and goals.

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