Award-Winning PRAXIS Core Writing Tutors serving Pittsburgh, PA

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Award-Winning PRAXIS Core Writing Tutors serving Pittsburgh, PA

Emma

Certified Tutor

4+ years

Emma

Masters in Education, Elementary School Teaching
Emma's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
Elementary School Math
Elementary School Science

Between the selected-response grammar questions and the argumentative essay, the Praxis Core Writing exam tests two very different skill sets — and Emma covers both. She drills the grammar and usage rules that show up most frequently, from subject-verb agreement to parallel structure, while also tea...

Education

Vanderbilt University

Masters in Education, Elementary School Teaching

Carnegie Mellon University

Bachelor of Fine Arts, Directing and Theatrical Production

Jessica

Certified Tutor

Jessica

PHD, Medicine
Jessica's other Tutor Subjects
College Algebra
Calculus
Algebra
Honors Chemistry

I am a licensed physician from Florida who is currently changing careers. I graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 2009 and have extensive tutoring and editing experience. While a student, I became a certified writing tutor through the Critical Writing Department. Since I completed my writ...

Education

Nova Southeastern University

PHD, Medicine

University of Pennsylvania

Bachelors, History

University of Pennsylvania

undergraduate

Test Scores
SAT
1540
Jai

Certified Tutor

9+ years

Jai

Bachelors in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Jai's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
Electrical Engineering
ACT Writing

I'm a recent Stanford graduate (Electrical Engineering and Computer Science), and have been working at a major Management Consulting firm for a few years now. I personally scored a 2360 (out of 2400) on the SAT and 35 on the ACT and was successful in gaining admission to several top universities. I'...

Education

Stanford University

Bachelors in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

Test Scores
SAT
1590
ACT
35
Kate

Certified Tutor

Kate

Masters, Environmental Engineering
Kate's other Tutor Subjects
AP Calculus BC
AP Calculus AB
College Algebra
Pre-Calculus

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 ...

Education

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Masters, Environmental Engineering

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Bachelors

Test Scores
SAT
1580
Jeffrey

Certified Tutor

6+ years

Jeffrey

Doctor of Philosophy, Mechanical Engineering
Jeffrey's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Calculus
Geometry
Calculus
Algebra

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...

Education

University of Notre Dame

Bachelor of Science

Rice University

Doctor of Philosophy, Mechanical Engineering

Test Scores
ACT
34
Rhea

Certified Tutor

6+ years

Rhea

Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Rhea's other Tutor Subjects
AP Statistics
AP Calculus BC
AP Calculus AB
Pre-Algebra

I am a current student at the University of Chicago. I am working towards a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences, and I am on the pre-medical track. I am extremely passionate about tutoring, and I have several years of experience tutoring students in my high school's learning center in various...

Education

University of Chicago

Bachelor of Science, Biology, General

Test Scores
Perfect Score
SAT
1550
ACT
36
Erika

Certified Tutor

Erika

Master of Public Policy, Public Policy
Erika's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Middle School Math
Calculus
Algebra

I am available to tutor middle and high school math, history and test prep. I have tutored math and history in the past and I previously taught a test prep course at a school in Hanoi, Vietnam. I have a lot of experience teaching all the need-to-know tricks to doing great on the SATS/ACTS! When I am...

Education

Harvard University

Master of Public Policy, Public Policy

Test Scores
ACT
32
Matthew

Certified Tutor

Matthew

Bachelors in Human Biology (concentration in Bioinformatics and Stem Cell Science)
Matthew's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
College Algebra
Algebra 3/4
Arithmetic

I'm a highly creative person who works best with visual thinkers. Very recently graduated from Stanford University, I majored in Human Biology with a concentration in Bioinformatics and Stem Cell Science. Technical though my background may be, I am currently gigging as a singer/songwriter/composer i...

Education

Stanford University

Bachelors in Human Biology (concentration in Bioinformatics and Stem Cell Science)

Test Scores
SAT
1510
Charles

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
Tony

Certified Tutor

Tony

Bachelor of Science in Biology
Tony's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
Biology
High School Biology

I am a recent graduate of Yale University and incoming first year medical student at Columbia University. Originally from the DC area, I have always had a passion for science and medicine and pursued a degree in Biology while at Yale. During the 2008-2009 academic year, I tutored science, math, Engl...

Education

Yale University

Bachelor of Science in Biology

Test Scores
SAT
1540

Frequently Asked Questions

The PRAXIS Core Writing exam is a standardized test required for teacher certification in Pennsylvania and many other states. It assesses your ability to write clearly and effectively, covering grammar, usage, mechanics, and essay composition. If you're pursuing a teaching degree or certification in Pennsylvania, you'll need to pass this exam as part of your licensure requirements.

The exam has two main sections: a multiple-choice section testing grammar, usage, mechanics, and rhetorical skills (40 questions), and an essay section where you write two essays in response to prompts (one argumentative, one informative). You'll have about 90 minutes total to complete the test, with time management being crucial for success.

Many test-takers struggle with essay organization and thesis development under timed conditions, as well as identifying subtle grammar and mechanics errors in the multiple-choice section. Others find it difficult to balance clear, formal academic writing with their natural voice while meeting strict time constraints. Personalized tutoring helps you develop strategies for each section and practice writing under realistic exam conditions.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who provide personalized feedback on your essay structure, thesis statements, and argumentation—the skills that matter most on test day. Tutors also help you master grammar and mechanics through targeted practice, teach time-management strategies for the timed sections, and work with you on revision techniques to strengthen your writing before submission.

Your first session focuses on understanding your strengths and challenges. You'll likely take a diagnostic practice test or write a sample essay so your tutor can assess your current writing level, identify grammar or mechanics gaps, and understand your test-taking habits. From there, your tutor creates a personalized study plan targeting the areas where you need the most support.

Most students benefit from 4-8 weeks of consistent tutoring, depending on their starting level and target score. If you're strong in writing but need to polish grammar skills, you might prepare in 4-6 weeks. If you need to build essay structure and argumentation skills from the ground up, 8-12 weeks allows time for meaningful practice and revision cycles that improve your writing.

Revision is essential—it's where most writing improvement happens. Your tutor will have you write multiple practice essays and provide detailed feedback on organization, clarity, thesis strength, and mechanics. By revising under your tutor's guidance, you'll develop the skills to self-edit on test day and understand what separates a passing essay from a strong one.

Yes, Varsity Tutors connects Pittsburgh students with expert tutors who specialize in PRAXIS Core Writing preparation. Whether you're attending a university in the Pittsburgh area or preparing independently, you can get matched with a tutor who understands the exam's specific demands and can provide personalized 1-on-1 instruction tailored to your writing goals.

Connect with PRAXIS Core Writing Tutors in Pittsburgh

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