Award-Winning Tutors from Duke University

I am a graduate of Duke University, where I received my Bachelor of Arts in Literature and Cultural Theory. I am currently completing my PhD in English Literature at the University of Virginia. My dissertation focuses on 20th Century U.S. Fiction, but I also have a strong interest in African-American literature, film studies, popular culture, and gender theory. At UVa, I have taught literature courses as well as first-year writing seminars, which have focused on topics including the American Dream, Gender and Sexuality, and Borders and Frontiers. My favorite things about teaching writing are working individually with students to help them brainstorm ideas and articulate their point of view in their clearest, strongest voice, and seeing their work become stronger across each draft they revise. When working with students in my literature classes at UVa and the North Carolina Governor's School, I especially enjoy helping students develop strategies for careful, critical reading. My years of teaching and tutoring have led me to the firm belief that literary analysis and clear writing are not mysterious talents that you either have or you don'tinstead, I believe anyone can become a better interpreter of literature and a better writer with practice and encouragement. In my free time, I enjoy walking my dog, trying out new recipes in the kitchen, going to art museums, and catching up on "Game of Thrones" or "Project Runway."

I have tutored many people in the past - from elementary school kids to Duke University athletes. I really enjoy the challenge of helping students understand material that was previously foreign to them. I am highly dedicated, make my own lessons and try to make learning as fun as possible.

I am a professionally trained tutor with over five years of tutoring experience. I am currently a medical student at Columbia University. I graduated with high distinction from Duke University, receiving the honors of Summa Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa. I majored in Biology with a concentration in Cell and Molecular Biology and a minor in Chemistry.In addition to tutoring math and science, I also greatly enjoy helping students with SAT prep and college essay writing. I worked as a writing tutor for undergraduates for several years and have received extensive professional training in this capacity.I personalize my sessions to match each student's unique learning style and needs. I am enthusiastic about empowering each student to reach his or her full academic potential!

Hello, I'm Richard and I love teaching. There are few things more rewarding than being able to create enthusiasm for a subject area. My favorites are math, physics and music. I grew up Spanish bilingual and can teach in both languages having TA'd college level Spanish courses. I also lived in Germany for a year and can help students with that. I have a B.S. in Math, B.S. in Physics and a masters degree in Atmospheric, Oceanic and Space sciences. I also work as a professional musician and am a very organized and dedicated freelancer.

I am a graduate of Duke University with a dual Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering and Economics. I started tutoring in high school, working with Spanish-speaking ESL students in their native language as volunteer service. Due to my exceptional academic performance, family friends and members of my local church would often ask me to tutor their children, a request I would grant as much as my schedule allowed. My professional experience with tutoring only began in college, when I was hired as a teaching assistant for the Duke TIP summer program. After graduation, I worked for an international test prep company for two years. In addition to teaching classes on the SAT, ACT, and SAT II Subject Tests, I also provided private tutoring services in high school-level math, statistics, and physics.

I went to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign for college and studied biochemistry. I was interested in the fusion of chemistry and biology because I was lucky enough to have two incredible high school teachers in those subjects. I wanted to understand how cells talk to one another or take on unique identities within the body. These questions led me to study cell biology at Duke University where I earned a Masters in 2017. My experiences in grad school have caused me to value the clear communication of science, a skill I'm always trying to work on.I've left lab, for the time being, to focus on my other passion, rowing. I train full time with the US National Team and love being an elite athlete. I began rowing in college after I grew up swimming and playing other sports. I still love finding science in the real world and explaining it to my teammates or anyone else who will listen.

I am a graduate of Duke University. I received my Doctorate in Nursing Practice, Executive Leadership. I am also a graduate of George Washington University where I received my Masters of Science in Nursing with a focus on Health Care Quality. I completed my Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Bachelor of Arts in Biology from DeSales University with a minor in psychology. Additionally, I have certifications as a Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality, Certified Professional in Patient Safety, and Six Sigma Green Belt. I am a professional mentor at my organization for beginner nurses looking to advance their career and also provide academic guest lectures at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing. I have been blessed with many wonderful mentors and teachers in my academic journey and will always strive to enhance others academic or professional journey as well. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my two children, hiking, Philadelphia 76ers, gardening, and reading Harry Potter.

I am a freshman at Duke University in the Pratt School of Engineering. I plan on majoring in Civil or Environmental Engineering, as well as Economics. While I am qualified to tutor a range of subjects from math and science to ACT prep, I get the most excited when working on improving a student's writing because it is such a beautiful process. Sparking students' curiosity and excitement is the most rewarding part of tutoring, and I make it my mission to achieve that with all students I work with. In my free time, I am involved in a variety of groups on campus such as the triathlon club, FEMMES (a female-oriented STEM tutoring club), and The Chronicle, which is Duke's student newspaper. I also enjoy reading, running and baking all sorts of delicious delicacies.

Hi! My name is Sid Ravi; I am a current sophomore at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina! I am studying Economics, with a Finance concentration, Documentary Studies, and African and African American Studies. I have tutored for many years in subjects like the SAT, Math, and Sciences. I am a substitute teacher in Wake County, the capital county in North Carolina, and have been doing so for the past year and a half. I am very interested in tutoring you and look forward to working with you to meet your goals!

My name is Luke and I graduated from Duke University in 2018. After investing a year studying for the LSAT, I scored in the 99.9th percentile.After dedicating so much time and effort studying for the exam and tutoring many others as well, I understand the LSAT inside-and-out. While preparing for the exam, I used nearly every prep material available and developed a consistent and highly-accurate approach to solving each section of the exam. I truly enjoy teaching and helping others succeed. And I'm happy to share my insight with others currently studying for the exam.

An appreciation of education is a prerequisite for any great tutor, and I believe that I have this appreciation. As a student at Duke University, I recognize that it is my teachers and tutors who played vital roles in my academic achievement. I would love to have the opportunity to help other students the same way my teachers and tutors did for me.One of my strengths that contributes to my success as a tutor is my ability to work with all kinds of people. Growing up in Portland, Oregon and going to college in Durham, North Carolina, I have not only been exposed to a diversity of people, but I have also had the chance to work as part of a team in many different settings. From helping my peers with problem sets in my biochemistry class to conducting spelling and geography bees as a volunteer with the North South Foundation, I have had many opportunities to work with others in an academic setting.Perhaps it is these previous experiences that most significantly contribute to my ability to be an effective tutor. I currently volunteer as a tutor with America Reads & Counts in Durham (ARAC), and through this program, I work with students in the Durham community to help them get the most out of their education. I usually help my students with their homework, and my experience as a tutor with ARAC has taught me valuable lessons about communication and empathy that I believe have shaped my ability to be a successful tutor.

My name is Bryan, and I recently graduated from Duke University with a B.S. in Physics. In college, I worked as a Physics Teaching Assistant for both intro-level Mechanics and Electricity & Magnetism. I am available to help students with any topics they are struggling with in their high school or early college-level Physics courses.

I graduated from Temple University in Philadelphia with my RN, BSN and from Duke University with my MSN,FNPI am approved to tutor:NCLEX

I am a graduate of Duke University, as well as Duquesne University. I received my Bachelor of Arts in political science and German with a focus on international relations and twentieth century totalitarian regimes. I received my Master of Arts in Public Policy Management with a focus on energy policy, particularly unconventional hydrocarbons like shale gas. During my undergraduate studies, I spent 6 months living in Berlin, Germany as part of a full-immersion language acquisition program. Professionally, I spent almost a decade as a small business owner, operating my own financial planning firm. I decided to return for higher education because of a deep interest in energy markets, developed during my career as a financial advisor. While I tutor a broad range of subjects, I am most passionate about Economics (particularly microeconomics), Political Science, History, and Math. In my experience helping struggling students prepare for Standardized Tests like the GRE, I have seen the most success assisting students in understanding the logic of these exams, how they have been constructed, and what the best approach for leveraging that knowledge is. I have a deep commitment to education. Education is necessary not just for establishing employable skills, but more importantly to create an informed population. In my spare time, I enjoy blacksmithing and knifemaking, playing my drums and guitar, listening to a wide array of music, and spending as much time as possible with my family.

I have been very fortunate when it comes to learning because I have always found it enjoyable. Not just academic learning but new experiences in general. Growing up I loved school, but it was not until I got to college that I realized how truly lucky I had been in my previous years to have had my dad as my personal tutor. Any time I had a question he was able to help me. I had taken his presence for granted and it was not until I was in college that I realized how good I had it back home. When I got to college I was of the mindset that I knew how to study and that school was the one thing that I did well. It was a severe wake-up call after my first organic chemistry midterm to realize that I needed help studying. My study techniques were not working for me anymore. I sought out my school's tutoring service and it was the single best decision I made during my academic career. Learning from my peers was very eye opening. I realized that we do not all learn the same way and I found that the way in which my professor would explain a concept was not always how it made sense to me. This did not mean I was not going to understand it just meant I needed to find a new perspective. All it would take was a different analogy or a different example problem for said concept to click with me. It was then that I realized that I wanted to be the person that helped someone else understand. I wanted to be someone's resource so that they could continue to pursue their academic goals with the best outcome possible because learning does not follow a strict formula, it is not linear, and I think that schools do not always do a good job of translating that to students.I think I will be a great tutor because I have been on both sides of the coin. I know what it takes to be a good tutor and have had success with my students in the past. I have learned that teaching effectively only happens when the instructor takes the time to learn how the tutee learns, whether it be visually or by hearing it said to them or even by writing it down. All of which are valid forms of understanding and processing information, but are not always the way that the material is taught in class. Tutoring gives me the opportunity to personalize the teaching so that it fits the individual's needs leading to more efficient and effective learning. I plan to develop my student's entire approach to problem solving. This way what they learn has multiple applications and is not subject specific. I will construct a personalized algorithm that they can apply to studying as well as daily homework problems. I believe that effective learning can be taught and developed and with hard work and discipline it can become second nature.

As much as I see myself as a qualified, knowledgeable tutor, I think it's just as important for me to motivate, lead, inspire, and mentor my students. Do you have test anxiety? Math anxiety, specifically? Is it difficult for you to create, organize, and execute a study plan? Or do you simply want straightforward, content-based prep and study help? In either case, I'm excited to help you achieve your academic and standardized test goals.My academic credentials consist of a BA in Political Science and German from the University of Rhode Island, and a Master's degree in Environmental Management from Duke University. I speak German and Spanish. I'm confident tutoring several standardized tests, including SSAT, ISEE, SAT, ACT, and GRE.

I am a senior at Duke University, expecting to graduate in May 2020. I have experience tutoring college students in Spanish and biology.I have personally taken many of the important exams needed to get in to college (ACT, SAT and IB) and so can very much understand what students are going through.I primarily tutor biology for high school and first year college students, as well as high school and college Spanish.I believe in letting the students explain the areas they are having difficulty with and working through examples together, before allowing them to show me what they have learnt by completing some examples alone.

I am a Duke alum currently working toward a Master of Science in Narrative Medicine at Columbia University. As a pre-med student who majored in African and African American Studies, I have experience navigating a variety of disciplines. I also have experience tutoring in a number of subject areas, and have worked with diverse sets of students who have varied in age, grade level, and coursework. I began tutoring almost seven years ago working with disadvantaged students on mathematics. Since then, I have constructed curriculum for a program for middle school girls, and spent a semester training in preparation to be writing tutor at Duke’s writing center which serves graduate and undergraduate students across disciplines. I have a love for learning, and an appreciation for the richness that a interdisciplinary education provides. Helping others better understand their course materials, and, in turn, themselves as life-long learners, is a truly enriching experience.

I received my Bachelor of Science in Biology from Duke University with a concentration in animal behavior. I enjoy Biology because it sheds light on who we are and where we are from, plus it is a great excuse to be outside. I have experience teaching people who struggle with English from teaching in Taiwan as well as tutoring SAT prep locally to immigrants. My strongest subjects are Math and Science. When I teach I try to use examples and explain some study methods I use to make learning faster. I also know a few tricks to help save time and make the standardized test taking process a little bit smoother. Right now I am working on getting my pilot licenses and when I have some free time I enjoy music, basketball and video games.

I graduated from Duke University in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Psychology and minor in Chemistry. When I graduated, I decided to take some time off before medical school, so I completed my Master's in the Science of Health Care Delivery at Arizona State University. Right now, I am in the midst of the medical school admissions process, but hopefully, it will conclude soon. I have a comprehensive understanding of subjects ranging from the social sciences to math. As a tutor, I want to instill confidence into my students. I want them to not only material itself, but I also want my students to find the best learning methods to be successful in their academic work and beyond.

I'm a senior at Duke University double-majoring in English and Political Science. My favorite classes tend to be English and Social Studies classes, and I enjoy the unique perspectives that each student brings to the topics that they're studying. I decided to join Varsity Tutors because I've always been passionate about helping my peers keep up with their classes. Two of my siblings have ADHD, and I know that many people are better suited to alternate learning approaches rather than the education styles that are popular in most classrooms. I try to be empathetic and creative when listening to students' difficulties with their material, and I strive to be their partner in finding solutions to fill the gaps in their understanding.

As a dedicated tutor, I bring a wealth of academic achievements and 3+ years of experience to the table. With scores of 36 on the ACT and 1550 on the SAT, coupled with my rigorous education at Duke University, where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Evolutionary Anthropology and Global Health with a minor in Chemistry, I understand the intricacies of standardized testing and higher education. My academic journey culminated in scoring in the 98th percentile on the MCAT and securing acceptance to over 7 medical schools, including the Emory University School of Medicine, where I currently pursue my M.D. These experiences equip me with the knowledge and insights to guide students toward their academic goals with confidence and success.

I am a graduate of Duke University where I received a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy and French Language, and a Certificate in Journalism and Media Studies. After graduation I moved to New York City to pursue a career in the television and news industry. I grew up volunteering in the public school systems, and have worked with kids of all ages. Before joining Varsity Tutors, I began tutoring middle and high-school level Math, French and English to students throughout the city, and while I am comfortable tutoring in a broad range of subjects, I am most passionate about these three. I believe organization and proper study skills are essential for learning, and I enjoy building a trusting relationship with my students to make education fun and productive. Outside of tutoring, I enjoy reading fiction novels, going to spin class, and trying to cook the perfect fried egg.

I am passionate about helping students. I understand other students needs and how to make insensible content finally make sense and click. I have been tutoring for over 2 years at a refugee tutoring center, helping refugees adapt to their lives socially and academically. I have tutored people of all ages, including elementary-school-aged, middle-school-aged, high-school-aged, and adults in all types of subjects. After every class, my students are excited to come back for more!My teaching philosophy is to not just help students rotely memorize material, but make them truly excited to learn and increase their essential critical understanding of the subject.I am currently a student at Duke University, working towards a degree in molecular and cellular biology (which is my favorite subject to tutor!). However, I also tutor in English, math, ACT/SAT prep, almost any subject that you may need!In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with friends, listening to music, baking, and drawing.

I received my PhD in Microbiology from Northwestern University in 2025 and my Bachelor's in Biology from Duke University in 2017. I have a passion for connecting driven students with the resources they need to succeed. I am based in Chicago.

When I began college, I remember struggling with tests and with time management. Being a premedical student from the very beginning meant that I was forced to learn very quickly how to overcome these challenges. My attempts to become a successful student were filled with perseverance, which became the theme of my professional endeavors. After working extremely hard to be accepted into my top choice medical school at Duke University, I again found myself in a situation where I felt under prepared and lost. Through much work and research about study skills, proper test preparation, and test taking strategies, I eventually have reached a level where I am comfortable assessing my own test readiness and how to best strengthen my academic weaknesses. I believe that through my own personal experiences, I have become a stronger life-long learner and I plan to use these skills throughout my career as I plan to stay in academic medicine to further the field of medical education.

I am a graduate of Duke University (class of 2017), where I received my Bachelor of Arts in History and Religious Studies with a minor in Economics. I am also a graduate of Yale University (class of 2019), where I received my Master of Arts in Religious Studies with a focus on ancient history. Since graduation, I have worked in the computer software space and as a tutor for over 6 years (both in person and virtually). I have tutoring experience with all grade levels, including undergraduates, in subjects ranging from english and essay writing to ACT/SAT test prep. I love working with students of all ages and personalizing my teaching style to create the most positive and productive learning environment.

I have a Bachelor of Arts from Duke University and a Master of Arts from the University of Chicago. At Duke, I studied both English Literature and Environmental Sciences and Policy; at the University of Chicago, I received a degree in Social Work. My teaching experiences have been broad and enriching -- I've taught elementary and middle school students in Sanxia, Taiwan; college students in Toamasina, Madagascar (where I lived in a lemur reserve!); and middle and high school students from across the US who participated in experiential education and leadership conferences in Washington, DC. While I tutor a broad range of subjects, I am most passionate about Literature, Writing, and ESL. I love helping students gain the confidence and skills to excel on the Critical Reading and Writing portions of standardized tests. My teaching approach is individualized, positive, warm, respectful, and fun. I encourage students to not be afraid to take intellectual risks or make mistakes, as that's when much learning happens! In addition to tutoring, I work as a researcher at the University of Chicago, with plans to pursue a PhD in the near future. In my spare time, I love reading novels and ethnographies, writing fiction and music, traveling, and exploring the outdoors as a backpacker, fly fisherman, and naturalist.

I am earning dual Bachelors of Science from Duke University and Duke Kunshan University (located in Kunshan, Jiangsu, China) in Behavioral Science-- intended to graduate in 2023. As a former Varsity Tutors student myself, I can confidently say that our services not only allow students to be proud of what they can achieve (for myself it was an SAT score and college admissions essays) but also who they are. Tutoring had a huge impact on my confidence in the classroom and other academic settings (i.e. testing, presentations, etc.) My greatest wish is to pay it forward.I am a passionate learner of developmental and abnormal psychology, with aspirations to become a clinical child psychologist in the future. I have years of volunteer and work experience as a camp counselor, lifeguard, science fair leader, babysitter, tutor, seminar leader, and child caretaker. I love to aid in the process of learning, my approach always being patient and enthusiastic.

Hello there! I'm a physician by training and educator with a background in psychology and public health. I earned my B.A. in Psychology from Columbia University and received my M.D. from Duke University School of Medicine. Across clinical training, research, and teaching, I've learned that confidence grows when students feel understood, not rushed. My tutoring style is structured, supportive, and practical. I like to start by identifying what's actually getting in the way (content gaps, test strategy, organization, or anxiety), then build a clear plan with small, doable steps and lots of practice. I aim for sessions that feel calm, focused, and encouraging, with measurable progress each time. Whether you're strengthening fundamentals, preparing for an exam, or building study habits that finally stick, I'll meet you where you are and help you move forward!

I am a graduate of Duke University( undergrad) where I majored in Philosophy and minored in Theater Studies. During my summers in college, I worked with EducationUSA Nairobi, an advising center for Kenyan students who wish to pursue higher education in the US. When I worked for them, I tutored high school graduates on SAT stuff and also helped them write better personal statements. After graduating from Duke last year, I started tutoring high school students in my neighborhood. I mainly taught math subjects such as Pre-Algebra, Algebra, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, Trigonometry, Geometry, Basic Math and Problem Solving but I'm well versed in Reading and Writing subjects as well. I'm vastly experienced and very patient with all my students. In my free time I enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking etc.

I am a rising freshman at Duke University, where I will be majoring in Economics and Public Policy. I have extensive tutoring experience through opportunities such as Kumon, local educational summer camps, and serving with my school's National Honor Society (NHS) club. I am most passionate about helping students through classes English, Literature, and History, especially Advanced Placement (AP) courses. As a recent high school student, I hope to use my relevant experiences to help students prepare for the Reading and Writing portions of Standardized Tests (SAT, PSAT), as well as to tackle the college admissions essay. I am a firm proponent of the value of education, and believe it to be crucial in allowing for a brighter and better future.

Certified Teacher. Hi! My name is Lukas Brazdeikis and I have a strong background in computer science, physics, math, and designing course material. I will help your student learn as effectively as I can while also showing them the practical value of the knowledge they learn. I recently graduated from Duke University with a Master's in computer engineering. I also have an education minor from my undergrad. My course load has included computer science, computer skills, physics, math, chemistry, biology, geology, history, English, and business. I have plenty of experience in teaching and designing course content. I have designed my own 30-hour online course and have excellent communication and motivation skills. My advanced degree tells you I have the academic background to teach most STEM or business subjects depending on the age range. My teaching style is focused on being effective. I am effective by learning what motivates my students, finding ways to personalize teaching material, and demonstrating the practical value of the knowledge they learn. I specialize in the following: GRE quantitative,high school math, high school computer science, and college computer science.

I have taught high school mathematics for the past 7 years and have loved every minute of it. Throughout those seven years I earned my second Masters in Math Education and began pursuing my PhD in the field. I have had the pleasure of being nominated as a honor teacher five times by the top ten students during various years. I am a teacher leader in my community and I enjoy sharing the wealth of knowledge.

I am a recent graduate of Duke University in Durham, NC where I obtained my Bachelor's of Science degree in Mathematics and Economics with a concentration in Finance and a French minor. I am originally from Rock Hill, SC, but I am a new Financial Analyst at IBM in Armonk, NY. I was a Calculus I and II tutor through the Academic Resource Center at Duke for two years, and I developed much experience in this role. I learned that in order to be an effective tutor, the I must not only teach the materials learned in a clear manner, but must also be able to teach beneficial study habits for the student to apply throughout his or her coursework.I am a very analytic person with a diverse learning background. I have learned many disciplines, and thus I am a tutor for a wide range of subjects in Mathematics, Economics, and French up to the level of French II. Math has been a passion of mine since I was able to count, and my interest my other subjects of knowledge have developed over the years.Outside of academics, I am a musician. I have played percussion from sixth grade and throughout college, and I hope to continue this passion in a more informal setting. I played snare drum on the drumline throughout high school and college, and that was a major highlight of my educational experience. I also enjoy arts and crafts, running, and exploring New York City.

Hi! My name is Michelle, and I am an incoming CSE PhD student at the University of Michigan. I graduated from Duke University with a B.S. in Computer Science and Sociology in May 2025. I am passionate about making meaningful connections with students and helping others understand high-level concepts!

I graduated from Duke University with a B.A in International Comparative Studies/Pre-Med and a minor in Cultural Anthropology. I love to see students finally have that "ah ha" moment. That is when I see that a student has gained confidence in a particular subject and when they are ready to take on more difficult problems!

I am a current graduate student at Duke University in the Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, and I am a graduate of Assumption College with a Bachelor of Arts in Biotechnology and a minor in Chemistry. I was a tutor for the past three years at Assumption College. Working with students one-on-one and leading large group reviews has developed my ability to explain complex material to students in a simple and understandable manner. I have always enjoyed explaining material to others, and I find it satisfying when the students finally understand the concepts. I learned that in science it is crucial to be able to articulate concepts to people of diverse backgrounds. I also believe that it is essential to pass my knowledge and passion to others so they can make their own contribution to the scientific community. In my spare time I enjoy being active. I usually swim, run, and attend boxing classes.

I am a rising junior at Duke University pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy Studies. Over the course of my studies, I have developed an extreme interest in education policy. I’ve had the great opportunity to work with the BOOST program at Duke University to use science and technology to inspire economically challenged and underrepresented students in Durham’s public schools. Although I am capable of tutoring a wide variety of subjects, I am most passionate about English and writing. In addition to my major, I’m pursuing minors in English and History, for I consider the arts and humanities to be a crucial part of a holistic and fun education. I’m a kind and easygoing person who relates well to others. In addition to being a tutor for students, I plan on being a mentor; I plan on being someone that students can turn to for advice on admissions, college life, and more. At Duke, I’m an active member of many organizations, including social life, a cappella, and political clubs. In my free time, I enjoy reading, exercising, cooking, singing, and spending time with friends.

I graduated from Duke with double majors in Biology and Spanish and a minor in Chemistry. I have extensive experience working with children of all ages, in both childcare and tutoring. In high school, I launched a book club in a local elementary school, where I helped tutor elementary school students in reading comprehension. I also tutored a middle school student in Spanish and helped improve his knowledge of vocabulary and grammar. Since coming to college, I've continued to help elementary school students with reading, writing, and math.