Your first session focuses on understanding your current skill level and specific goals—whether you're learning Excel for a class, job preparation, or professional development. A tutor will assess what you already know, identify gaps or challenges you're facing, and create a personalized learning plan tailored to your needs. This foundation ensures every subsequent session builds directly on what matters most to you.

Many students struggle with understanding when and how to use different formulas, organizing large datasets, and interpreting results from functions like VLOOKUP or pivot tables. Others find it difficult to move beyond simple data entry to actually analyzing and visualizing information meaningfully. Personalized instruction breaks down these concepts step-by-step, allowing you to practice at your own pace and ask questions without feeling rushed—something that's harder in a classroom with a 19.3:1 student-teacher ratio.

Yes. Tutoring can start with foundational skills like cell references, basic formulas, and formatting, or jump directly to advanced topics like macros, data modeling, and complex functions—depending on your current level. Whether you're building from scratch or refining existing skills, a tutor adjusts the curriculum to match your goals and pace, ensuring you're neither bored nor overwhelmed.

Expert tutors focus on practical, job-ready skills: creating professional reports, automating repetitive tasks, analyzing business data, and presenting findings visually. Rather than memorizing syntax, you'll work through realistic scenarios—budgeting, sales tracking, inventory management—so you can immediately apply what you learn in internships, part-time jobs, or full-time roles. This hands-on approach builds confidence and demonstrates tangible value to employers.

In a classroom setting, instruction moves at a fixed pace that may not match your learning speed—you might miss a concept or feel held back. With personalized 1-on-1 tutoring, a tutor focuses entirely on you, clarifying confusing topics immediately, adjusting difficulty on the fly, and spending extra time on areas where you struggle. This targeted approach typically leads to faster skill development and deeper understanding than group instruction.

Progress shows up in concrete ways: completing spreadsheets faster, writing formulas independently, troubleshooting errors on your own, and successfully tackling more complex tasks. Many students track improvement through completing progressively harder projects, passing certification exams like Microsoft Excel Specialist, or applying new skills in school assignments or work. Your tutor will regularly check in on specific goals and adjust the plan to keep you moving forward.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in Microsoft Excel and understand the needs of Salt Lake City students. Simply share your goals, current skill level, and availability, and you'll be matched with a tutor who fits your learning style. From there, you can schedule your first session and begin building the Excel skills that will serve you in school and beyond.