Award-Winning Tutors from Cornell University

I completed my PhD in English at Harvard University in 2016 and I have been working with students for over 10 years. I've always enjoyed introducing students to new ideas and helping them achieve their goals. In the following paragraphs I'll share my background, detail my experience and expertise, and discuss what motivates me as a teacher. I will also explain my approach to pedagogy.In 2004 I graduated summa cum laude from Cornell University. The following summer I earned a CELTA certification to teach English as a second language in London. I then worked internationally for four years in Prague, Rome, Brussels, and Milan, teaching students of all ages and backgrounds. I helped hundreds of students score highly on the TOEFL exam and gain admission to top American and British universities. I also helped many students excel on the SAT and GRE verbal exam by helping them extend their vocabulary and develop their analytical reasoning skills.I left Europe when I was accepted to Harvard University's PhD program in English, which I began in 2008. I received my master's degree from Harvard in 2010 and the following fall I began assisting professors with their courses in Harvard College as a doctoral student. I worked closely with some of the best professors in the world and I modeled my unique pedagogy after their example.As a scholar with a traditional background in the liberal arts, I share my mentors' staunch commitment to the humanities and the Socratic method as the best way for young minds to discover their potential and develop critical reasoning skills. There are so many dubious test prep and admissions gimmicks out there, but the fact remains that America's best universities look for a particular kind of candidate, a well-rounded student who can reason confidently and express his or her pattern-breaking ideas with clarity, conviction, and grace. No matter what subject I happen to be teaching, everything I do as an instructor brings students a step closer to this significant achievement, one which will truly help them stand out from the crowd.Last year I worked full time for a veterans' non-profit, helping hundreds of servicemen and women transition from the military and gain admission to competitive American universities. Recently, however, I relocated to the Houston area because my fiancee, who also has a PhD in English, now teaches at a major university here. While I continue my research and work towards publishing my dissertation, I will be accepting students for verbal section test prep for all major standardized tests (SAT, ACT, TOEFL, GRE, LSAT, GMAT, etc.). I am also available for lessons in any humanities related field, from history and literature to philosophy, psychology, cultural studies, and world civilization. My broad experience as a teacher qualifies me to work with students from middle school all the way to the PhD.I look forward to hearing about your personal vision of success and helping you accomplish it!

I majored in math at Cornell University. I then went to law school and now write comedy for a theater in Manhattan. All the while I have been tutoring math at all levels from elementary to college level calculus. Due to my law school experience I have a very organized approach to my tutoring sessions; and due to my experience writing comedy I am able to have fun with my students and make them feel at ease. My students like working with me because they can tell that I care a lot about their success as well as their understanding and enjoyment of the subject matter.

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.

I am a recent graduate and current graduate student from Cornell University. I received my Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Biology and Society with a concentration in Health and Humanities and a minor in Nutritional Sciences. I am currently pursuing a Masters in Public Health concentrating in Food Systems and Health. During my undergrad, I cofounded an organization called Cornell College and Career Readiness Initiative (CCRI). I am still actively involved in this program serving as a mentor and tutor for local high school students in SAT prep, high school English, Math and Science courses, and in college essay writing/admissions.Throughout my academic career, I have looked to tutoring services to give me the guidance and confidence needed to navigate my courses and perform well. I have learned that efforts are most successful if delivered in a way that people can understand. Everyone learns differently and for that reason, my goal is to establish a tutoring style that favors your learning style for overall success. I am really passionate about writing, health sciences and academic counseling/support. In my free time, I write public health related content in English and Spanish for my blog, go on (short) runs with my puppy, and binge Netflix shows.

I graduated valedictorian of my major with a B.S. in Communications from Cornell in 2013 and spent the better part of the next year teaching English abroad before I headed back home to the U.S. to transition into law school. I am interested in one thing and one thing only: getting you the grade you want on the LSAT. While I initially struggled with the exam, scoring a low score on my initial diagnostic, in three months of study I was able to achieve a much higher score, and I am sure that the systems that I created in preparing for the exam will greatly aid you in your efforts to excel. I firmly believe anyone with the right guidance and dedication is capable of improving their score on the LSAT.Beyond the test, however, I am a pretty down to earth guy. During college I was a player in an improvisational comedy troupe for two years as well as a member of my university's table tennis team (yes these exist). In my spare time I enjoy running, reading, and playing fetch with my dog.

My academic background is in Math and Computer Science. I hold a bachelors of Mathematics from University of Florida and a Masters of Computer Science from Cornell University and I am currently pursuing a PhD in Computer Science. Outside of tutoring, my full time career is in software development.I'm comfortable tutoring high school and college level math and computer science as well as SAT and GRE prep. And my style of tutoring focuses on not just rote memorization of concepts but learning how and when to apply the right tool for the job. I've always loved creative problem solving and like to help my students learn to enjoy even tough topics like Trigonometry or Calculus as puzzles that require a lot of creative thinking. I've had some great teachers and mentors through the years who have shaped how I think, and I always enjoy the opportunity to pay that forward.Outside of my professional career, I'm a husband and father of four children. And I'm an avid life long learner.

I have tutored extensively throughout high school. I was a private tutor to students ages 7-14 in math, reading, writing, and science. I helped found a mentorship organization that tutored elementary-aged children in reading, writing, and math in preparation for the New York State exams. I have tutored high school students in math, as well. Students that I have tutored have seen astounding progress in their work and grades have jumped more than 20 points. I attend Cornell University, where I am majoring in Biology, minoring in Business, and on the Pre-med track. I also attended a competitive specialized high school located in New York, NY. I graduated with honors and recognition in Biology Research & with special recognition by the Guidance Department. I have also been dancing for the last seven years and am versed in modern, hip-hop, contemporary, kathak, and Bhangra. I have also been a professional photographer for the last 4 years. I am involved in several organizations at Cornell and hold leadership positions in several. I have conducted original research through the American Museum of Natural History, and upon graduating from Cornell, I hope to enter the Healthcare Management/Consulting field or go to medical school.

I tutor based on the needs and wants of each of my clients. My thought process is that each person is different from the next, and needs to be treated as such. Every student has a unique learning style, and figuring out what works for an individual person is the key to success. I am a Cornell University student who has recent history with the ACT (both in tutoring and actual test-taking!). As such, I know the steps needed to succeed and maximize your potential score. I look forward to helping all future clients!

I am graduate of Cornell University. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Film and Philosophy with Distinction in all subjects. I have experience teaching software classes for the Motion Picture Editor's Guild, and in teaching creative writing to my peers. I am available to tutor in many subjects, but I am especially passionate about writing and composition; I strongly believe that every person has a story worth telling and I want everyone to have the tools necessary to express themselves. My teaching style is one of patience and encouragement, but does not lose sight of deadlines.I am a lifelong lover of music, drama, and film. I played alto sax in the marching band and pep band at Cornell and was also a DJ at WVBR. I am actively involved in Motion Pictures and Theater in New York, and in my spare time I write and direct a Fantasy-Comedy audio-drama.

I graduated from Cornell University in May 2011 with a B.A. in Mathematics. I am currently a Mathematics Ph.D. student at the City University of New York Graduate Center. I have been teaching and tutoring since middle school, where I started helping my friends with their homework. I tutored privately throughout high school, teaching subjects such as algebra, geometry, calculus, biology, and physics. At Cornell, I was a tutor in the Math Support Center, a walk-in tutoring service for all areas of math. In addition, I was a calculus course assistant, running problem-solving sessions. During the summer of 2011 I taught a five-week SAT Math prep course to rising high school juniors.I usually mold my teaching methods to fit the needs of my students. I believe the key to tutoring is to help the student have an "Aha!" moment, when a previously misunderstood concept suddenly makes sense. Such moments give students a real sense of confidence in themselves and agency in their learning, as their hard work has paid off. Because of this, when teaching I aim to get my students to come to conclusions themselves, instead of giving them the answers.My main academic interest is mathematics, specifically algebra and algebraic geometry. I also have a passion for learning about physics and history (mainly European history). In my spare time I like reading, listening to music, jogging, and exploring New York City.

I am passionate about empowering others to not only reach academic progress, but also gain a greater self-confidence through encouraging, patient tutoring. I am a middle school school STEM teacher seeking additional students to help in my out-of-work hours. Finally, I am a Cornell University alum and am confident in my ability to teach students in a range of fields - anything from English, ESL, art, writing, social studies to math and computers. Looking forward to hearing from you!Lena

Hi, I'm Silas! I currently tutor SAT, chemistry, and math. My tutoring background mainly comes from high school; I was a core member of my school's math center and writing center, where I helped my peers tackle challenging homework problems and review tricky concepts. In college, I lead group study sessions for honors general chemistry and honors organic chemistry courses as well. Feel free to reach out!

I am a recent graduate of Cornell University, where I received a B.S. in Chemical Engineering and graduated Magna Cum Laude. Over the past several years, I have worked with students from diverse backgrounds and experiences tutoring thermodynamics (my personal favorite), chemistry, and math. I have also tutored in the past for ACT/SAT and other subjects such as history, but I am deeply passionate about science and engineering. I tend to push my students to understand conceptual topics, as opposed to rote or algorithmic learning. In my free time, I love to bake sourdough, learn about history, garden, and recently started biking again.

I am a current student at Cornell University with a 4.0 GPA. In High School, I was a National AP Scholar and a National Merit Finalist. I am passionate about helping students succeed, and I am patient and enjoy walking through multiple methods to help a student find what works best for them. I enjoy helping students reach their potential. While I tutor a range of subjects, I am most interested in and best equipped to tutor students in SAT prep (math, English, and test-taking strategies), history, economics, and statistics. In my spare time, I am likely watching baseball, playing basketball, or watching The Office.

Hi!My name is Abby and I am excited to work with you!A little about me, I recently graduated with my Masters of Public Health from Boston University. Before that, I completed my Bachelors from Cornell University.I have many years of experience as a tutor and I have worked with students and children of all ages. I have been a swimming instructor, a flute teacher, and an English tutor. In college, I tutored students in Organic Chemistry.I try to make learning fun and accessible for everyone I work with. For younger children, I create games and activities to help keep them engaged. Activities can include skits, using props to help explain concepts, acting out scenes in stories to make reading fun, or using art to help illustrate ideas. I think that hands on learning works best for many young children. For older students, I like to teach using practice problems, and by having the student teach me what they have learned. I have found that if you are able to teach what you learned back to me, it means you truly understand it. I am also happy to accommodate your learning style if you know what works for you! I will work with you individually to make sure that you get the most out of your sessions.I would love the opportunity to help you excel!~Abby

I am an Environmental Engineering graduate of Cornell University. I love math and have plenty of tutoring experience. I adapt very well to each students learning styles.

Teachers made a huge difference in my life when I was growing up. Now, as an adult, I feel lucky to be able to give back as a tutor. I love getting to know my students, learning how they tick. Understanding how my students learn allows me to tailor my approach to each student to fit his or her individual needs. I like to incorporate the student's interest as well as humor, when I can!

I tutor because it is fun and rewarding. I love sharing my knowledge with others and help students get past learning hurdles. I have more than 5 years of tutoring experience and experience tutoring elementary students all the way up to college students.Currently I am a sophomore at Cornell University studying neuroscience as my major and math as my minor. Even at college I have continued tutoring. I am on the E-board for our tutoring club. I also lead a study section for college students currently taking Comparative Physiology.For Varsity Tutors I tutor in the following subjects: biology, psychology, algebra, geometry, calculus, Latin, statistics, test prep, essay editing, writing, and reading.

I recently graduated from Cornell University in May 2014. I received my Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering with a concentration in Business. Math and Science have always fascinated me because of their applications to the technology we use in everyday life. As a tutor, these are my favorite subjects to work with because they involve definite answers that are firmly rooted in logic. My mission in helping students with these subjects is to show them how to break down complex problems into simple steps. This methodology will enable them to not only succeed in courses and on standardized tests, but also to develop an analytical mindset that will benefit them for the rest of their lives. Outside of my academic life, I enjoy weight lifting, soccer, playing guitar, and reading fiction.

I am an undergraduate Cornell University. I will receive my Bachelor of Arts in Biological Sciences and Psychology with a minor in French. Since graduation from high school, I have tutored children from various education systems as a part of REACH and college students by being an Undergraduate Teaching Assistant. While I tutor a broad range of subjects, I am most passionate about Biology, Chemistry, Math, and Physics. In my experience helping struggling students prepare for Standardized Tests, I always see the most improvement in prepping for the Math and Science portions of the exams. I am a firm supporter of learning, believing that it is absolutely important for a better quality of life, and I strive to give all of my students this respect. I love sketching which enriches my life, dancing, running and tennis in my spare time.

Four years of Latin in high school, another four at Cornell, several years of independent study, and now three years of teaching Latin professionally, and I still love the language.

I am a recent graduate of the University of Kentucky with a Master of Science in Animal Nutrition. I received my Bachelor of Science in Animal Sciences from Cornell University. While I tutor various subjects, I am most passionate about tutoring math and feel that our school systems often fail students when it comes to math. I do not believe that some people simply "can't do math." I believe that some may need extra time and help, but everyone can do math. With patience and hard work, any student can learn. I also enjoy tutoring Spanish, which I have studied since I was in elementary. During undergrad, I even studied abroad in Barcelona and lived with a host family. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, dancing, TV/movies, and knitting.

Hello! My name is Akanksha, and I am an Environmental Engineering major at Cornell University. I am incredibly passionate about sustainability and I enjoy mathematics, physics, and chemistry. Apart from Environmental Engineering, I am interested in Aerospace Engineering and Architecture, and I plan to pursue a minor in both of these fields. Outside of school, I hike and play golf for fun, but I also tutor several students. In high school, I worked at Kumon Learning Center and assisted students with their math and reading coursework. I am also currently a tutor for the STEP program at Cornell, where I teach middle school and high school students chemistry and mathematics. I am very comfortable tutoring in various STEM subjects (i.e. calculus, algebra, geometry, chemistry, physics, environmental science), and I enjoy tutoring sessions with students very much.

By helping adolescents to define themselves based on their own talents and a valuable self-worth instead of trying to meet someone else's expectations, we can build students' confidence and academic success. We all have the right and responsibility to accept ourselves by defining who we are on our own terms and knowing what we stand for. This intricate balance can be achieved through increasing the availability and visibility of positive role models, advocating for participation in extracurricular activities, and educating students about goal setting and having high expectations for themselves.

As a Teacher knowledgeable of the needs of Students With Disabilities, my duty has been to ensure the success of all students under my charge. I've been very adamant about advocating for better placement, accommodation, and services for all students, as SPED pedagogy is not only beneficial to SPED students, but general students as a whole. I have been mindful of the 60/40 Integrated Co-Teaching (ICT) compliance compositions, Individualized Education Plan (IEP) setting compliance, and above all, delivery of services by a SPED instructor.

As a passionate educator with graduate degrees from Oxford and Columbia, I specialize in Chemistry, Genetics, and also conversational Mandarin. With over two years of tutoring experience, I strive to create a supportive learning environment tailored to each student's needs. My teaching philosophy emphasizes the importance of connecting concepts to real-world applications, fostering a love for learning. Beyond academics, my interest in cultural anthropology enriches my perspective and enhances my teaching methods, allowing me to connect with students on multiple levels. I am passionate about empowering students to achieve their academic goals and develop a lifelong love of knowledge.

I am a professional web developer with 15+ years experience with back-end development (Java, PHP, C#, .Net, REST API), database design/development (SQL, MYSQL, SQL Server) as well as front end development (CSS, HTML, XML, JavaScript, JQuery). I double majored in English and Computer Science and have an M.A. in English literature where I taught freshman writing seminars and assisted students in writing academic papers. I currently teach Introductory classes in HTML/CSS, JavaScript, WordPress, Mobile Design and Programming concepts with TechGirlz and adapted the TechGirlz Intro to SQL/Database curriculum for an adult curriculum.

My name is Sharon and I'm a 2018 graduate of Cornell University, with a degree in Human Biology, Health, and Society and a minor in Health Policy. I am currently a 4th year medical student with plans to pursue Ob/Gyn after graduation in 2022! For me, tutoring is one of the most rewarding opportunities! I love connecting with students and empowering them to get to where they want to be academically. My students have ranged in age from as young as 6 years old to college-aged. I've been tutoring individually for over 8 years now, and I specialize in helping students with chemistry, biology, math, and test-prep.

I graduated from Cornell University with a B.S. in Natural Resources. Upon graduating, I joined Teach For America as a middle school science teacher working in a public school in the Bronx, New York. I taught sixth, seventh, eighth, and ninth grade Math and Science for six years before enrolling in a Post-Baccalaureate program for health sciences professions at Rutgers University. In this one year program, I am taking pre-requisite courses to be eligible for medical school. I enjoy tutoring Science as well as Math and especially enjoy helping students overcome anxieties and fears they have associated with these subjects. In my spare time I enjoy running, biking, and swimming as well as baking.

My teaching experience began in high school, when my dad was a teacher at a weekend Chinese school in Westchester County, New York. I substituted for him while he went to China for a few weeks. The students loved me even though I wasn't that much older than them (they were middle school students). After college I spent a year in Beijing and tutored adults in English and Chinese. In 2007 I taught a GRE class at Baruch College in Manhattan. In 2007 I began working on Wall Street while volunteering after work. Most recently from 2012-2014 I was a volunteer tutor at the Fresh Air Fund in midtown Manhattan, where I worked with inner city middle school students after school on a one-on-one basis (two hour sessions once to twice a week).I love tutoring and I am comfortable tutoring all subjects ranging from Math, English, Foreign Languages (beginner to advanced Mandarin or French, beginner Spanish), Social Studies, History, Science and test-preparation.

I'm a scholar of history, and educating the youth is my deep and abiding passion. I work as a high school teacher in Boston and I have extensive experience teaching social studies and English language arts, as well as prepping my students for college admissions exams. I look forward to working with you to achieve your potential and find the success you've been looking for in your academic pursuits!

Hi, I'm Hunter, a Cornell University student who tutors ACT prep, college essays, and general writing. My approach is structured, patient, and encouraging: I help students identify what is holding them back, break skills into clear steps, and build confidence through targeted practice. I've helped family friends with ACT studying, application framing, and essay review, and I enjoy making a students personal story their greatest strength come applications season.

As a recent graduate from Cornell University with a Bachelor's in Biomedical Engineering, I am passionate about making complex subjects like algebra, calculus, and biology accessible and engaging for my students. With over two years of tutoring experience, I have developed a student-centered approach that adapts to individual learning styles. I prioritize clear goals and interactive lessons, often incorporating real-life examples that resonate with students' interests. My multilingual abilities in English, Korean, and Chinese further enhance my ability to connect with diverse learners. I am dedicated to fostering a supportive learning environment where students feel confident in their abilities and motivated to succeed.

I'm currently a researcher in the biomedical field with my B.S in Biomedical Engineering from Cornell University. With several years of tutoring experience under my belt, and a long journey of figuring out my own techniques for studying and retaining vital classroom knowledge, I have a tool belt ready of methods to succeed in the classroom. Additionally, I have worked with students on all sides of the learning/comprehension spectrum and will help your child gain the confidence and skills necessary for long term success!

My name is Rachel and I graduated from Cornell University with a Bachelors of Science in nutritional sciences. I am currently completing a pre-medical post-baccalaureate with plans to attend medical school in 2017. I have 6 years of tutoring experience in various subjects, primarily high school and college level science courses and standardized test preparation. I have a knack for taking seemingly complicated problems and translating them into easy to understand solutions. I like to cater my teaching methods in accordance to my student's learning style so information is better understood and retained. I also like to make learning fun!

I am a graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson University in NJ where I studied Marine Biology with a concentration in Biotechnology. I then enrolled in and completed a Ph.D. program at Cornell University in Toxicology with minors in Pharmacology and Immunology. My independent laboratory research conducted at Cornell focused on cellular changes that may lead to cancer. I then moved into the industry with multiple biotechnology companies and worked my way up from a bench scientist to a senior management role over the last 16+ years. I have worked to develop vaccines, gene therapies, and needed research reagents and tools. I bring to tutoring the experience and interactions I’ve had from being mentored and trained myself to the mentoring I’ve done to those I’ve supervised in their career development, including acting as an advisor to graduate students. I am passionate about science and enjoy tutoring all aspects of Biology along with Chemistry. I know the value of critical thinking, writing, and communication that is needed to be successful in school and beyond. In my spare time, I enjoy cooking, gardening, SCUBA diving, reading Sci-Fi and fantasy books, and spending time with my family.

My name is Kate and I currently teach high school mathematics in Providence. I graduated from Cornell University in 2010 with a BA in Psychology. I dove into teaching right after college and taught 6th grade math. After a few years of teaching, I served as an Urban Education Fellow at Brown University. I love teaching math and working with students of all ages. I really love algebra concepts in particular! In my free time, I like to play soccer and surf at Narragansett Town Beach!

My name is Jon Lash, and I am currently a Master's student at Cornell University. I graduated with my Bachelor's of Science from Cornell in 2016 and I plan to attend medical school in the fall of 2017. I am really excited to be tutoring for Varsity tutors because I really enjoy helping students with subjects that gave me trouble in school. I hope that my time spent developing strategies to learn and absorb the tough material can help you succeed.

I am a sophomore student at Cornell University, studying Computer Science. I also find Linguistics and Natural Language Processing extremely interesting, and I hope to pursue a minor in them. In my spare time, you might find me singing, reading, or cooking! My passion for teaching has been present for as long as I can remember. My younger brother has a learning disability, and so I have spent most of my life trying to see the world the way he sees it, while letting him into mine. This ongoing experience has given me an appreciation for the dimension and variety that minds offer, and it has taught me that not everyone learns, or thinks, the same way. I hope to provide accommodation and empathy in everything I do, and learn just as much from my students as they do from me! My formal tutoring experience was with refugee students, whom I taught English and math. That exposure gave me an introduction to tutoring those who may not be as comfortable with English, and I built on my skill of speaking concisely and simply when required. I tutor a broad range of subjects, but most enjoy teaching middle and high school English, Social Science, and Math. I am a firm believer in education, and its power to uplift and encourage. This is something that I have seen in my parents' lives, and one that as a college student I am now experiencing firsthand. It is my goal to be of great help to all my students on their educational path!

From the track to the classroom, the boardroom to the community, I have always been driven by one thing: the pursuit of potential. As an athlete, I know the power of discipline, resilience, and pushing past limits. As an entrepreneur, I embrace creativity, calculated risks, and the thrill of turning ideas into impact. As a teacher and mentor, I find purpose in guiding others to discover their strengths and chart their own paths to success. And as a lifelong learner, I never stop asking questions, seeking growth, and challenging myself to be better than I was yesterday. I believe that true success isn't measured just by personal achievements but by the lives we touch along the way. Whether I'm coaching an athlete, inspiring a student, advising a startup, or simply offering a word of encouragement, my mission is to help others unlock their potential and create meaningful change. In everything I do, I bring energy, passion, and an unshakable belief that everyone has the ability to achieve greatness. The challenge? Helping them see it for themselves. That's where I come in.