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Certified Tutor
9+ years
Thomas covers both the quantitative and verbal sides of the GRE, drawing on a math-heavy science background that spans calculus through statistics and a graduate education built on reading and writing analytically. For the Quantitative Reasoning section, he digs into probability, number properties, ...
Columbia University in the City of New York
AM
Dartmouth College
AM

Certified Tutor
11+ years
Elizabeth scored 730 Verbal and 770 Quantitative on the GRE and teaches exclusively from ETS materials, since those mirror test-day question styles more closely than third-party prep books. She built her approach over years of classroom instruction at American University and Princeton Review, creati...
Vanderbilt University
AM
Certified Tutor
6+ years
Ruth has taken the GRE from both sides — as a test-taker entering her PhD program in Criminology and as someone who now teaches all three sections. Her doctoral training sharpens the Analytical Writing component, while her math teaching background means she can break down Quantitative Reasoning prob...
University of Pennsylvania
PhD
Moravian College and Moravian Theological Seminary
PhD
Certified Tutor
10+ years
Preparing for the GRE as a whole means juggling Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical Writing — three sections that reward very different skills but share a common thread of logical reasoning. Irina's science background covers the quantitative side, while her years of teaching English abroad and earn...
New York University
Undergraduate Degree
Certified Tutor
12+ years
I am a graduate of Grinnell College, a private liberal arts college located in Grinnell, Iowa. I have a Bachelor of the Arts in Computer Science from Grinnell's Department of Math and Computer Science. Since graduation I have tutored students of a wide variety of ages and background in a number of...
Grinnell College
AB
Certified Tutor
9+ years
Scoring 5s on both AP English exams and the AP Psychology exam, Destiny knows how to dissect reading passages under pressure and construct tight analytical arguments — two skills that drive GRE Verbal and Analytical Writing scores. Her psychology background at Howard University also built the quanti...
Howard University
BS
Certified Tutor
15+ years
Reviews from students: "I loved how you explained math. You were able to explain formulas so they made sense and it was engaging. Thank you for making math interesting." - Ferol Conklin "I have published over 20 articles, and no one has ever edited my articles as thoroughly or as helpfully as you...
University
Bachelor's
Certified Tutor
2+ years
Darnell
As a passionate educator with a Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from Liberty University, Dr. Barnett brings 20 years of tutoring and classroom experience to his role. His specialties in Elementary School English, Math, Reading, Science, and Social Studies enable him to create engaging, inter...
Liberty University
Doctorate (PhD)
Johns Hopkins University
Master's/Graduate
University of Maryland
Bachelor
Certified Tutor
10+ years
I am an entrepreneurial travel-loving media professional living in New Orleans. I have a Master in Business Administration from Tulane University and I love teaching all sorts of subjects, especially math. In terms of hobbies, you can find me long-distance running, studying data science, exploring ...
Tulane University of Louisiana
MS
Northwestern University
MS
Certified Tutor
2+ years
Sophia
"BYE TO AI" DISCLAIMER: At a time when so many tutors use AI to create lesson plans, conduct research, and even grade students' work, I must disclaim that I do not and will not use AI in our work together. The humanities are fundamentally, well, human, and AI has no place here. Hi! I'm Sophia, a wr...
Vanderbilt University
Bachelor
Certified Tutor
11+ years
I am a Yale University Berkeley College graduate of the Yale Class of 2012 with an Intensive B.S. in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology. Eager for tutoring opportunities, I welcome any of you who wishes to undergo SAT/PSAT or ACT Test Preparation that will get you the scores you need for...
Yale University
BS
Certified Tutor
2+ years
Zoe
Hello, I hold two soon-to-be three Ivy League degrees, an undergrad and graduate degree from the University of Pennslyvania and I am currently getting a second Masters from Harvard in Education Leadership. I know what it takes to write an essay or application to get into your dream school and specia...
Harvard University
MED
University of Pennsylvania
MED
Certified Tutor
2+ years
When I was young, I used to hate swimming at the beach. The idea of sharks moving around under the waves where I could not see them made me scared to go into the water. As I grew up, however, and began to learn about the different sharks that lived off the shores of my home in Massachusetts, USA, I ...
University of Tasmania
Doctorate (PhD)
University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth
Master's/Graduate
Swarthmore College
Bachelor
Certified Tutor
2+ years
I am a current undergraduate student at Cornell University. I began tutoring 4 years ago because I am passionate about helping students become confident in their academic skills and reach their academic goals. Each session with a student consists of consistent, guided instruction that fosters indepe...
Cornell University
Bachelor
Certified Tutor
Christian
I am a graduate of Harvard college. I received my degree in neuroscience while I also enjoyed having a minor in energy/environmental studies. Following my graduation, I have predominantly spent my time working with students, whether it be college prep, ACT tutoring, or even general academic assistan...
Harvard University
Bachelor
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Top 20 Graduate Test Prep Subjects
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Zach
SAT Reading and Writing Tutor • +6 Subjects
I am a Yale University Berkeley College graduate of the Yale Class of 2012 with an Intensive B.S. in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology. Eager for tutoring opportunities, I welcome any of you who wishes to undergo SAT/PSAT or ACT Test Preparation that will get you the scores you need for admission to the college of your choice. As for my experience, I have tutoring experience in both one-to-one settings, going as far back as high school, and group/classroom settings, especially from my 4 years of tutoring with Yale MATHCOUNTS. As a likely future graduate student myself, it is my general goal in life to continue the tradition of passing forth knowledge. Not surprisingly, I have always considered tutoring and education among the most noble of professions where both parties, student and teacher, benefit and learn. What makes me an excellent tutor? Over the course of my life I have had the good fortune of cultivating a variety and number of skill sets, some of which are academic and social in nature. While I certainly consider academic prowess important for the success of any instructor, I would say the most important skill set I have developed is that of adaptability. If a tutor can adapt him/herself to the mode and manner of thinking of another, the tutor, as well as the tutor's audience, will have especially effective and enriching transactions.
Zoe
Elementary School Math Tutor • +5 Subjects
Hello, I hold two soon-to-be three Ivy League degrees, an undergrad and graduate degree from the University of Pennslyvania and I am currently getting a second Masters from Harvard in Education Leadership. I know what it takes to write an essay or application to get into your dream school and specialize in college application support. I guarantee if your student has a complete essay draft we can polish it in a single two-hour session. Additionally, I am a licensed elementary school teacher with a Master's in elementary education I have educational experience as a kindergarten teacher, second-grade reading tutor, and college readiness tutor. I am skilled in reading and math help in the lower grades K-2 for children who need support in those subjects.
Sofia
High School Science Tutor
When I was young, I used to hate swimming at the beach. The idea of sharks moving around under the waves where I could not see them made me scared to go into the water. As I grew up, however, and began to learn about the different sharks that lived off the shores of my home in Massachusetts, USA, I became less and less scared and more and more fascinated with how and why sharks move around in this underwater world. I began to ask questions like, what do sharks do under the water when we cannot see them? and, where do sharks like to go and why? As a marine scientist now I try to answer these questions. Because sharks live and breathe under the water and can swim long distances and go deep into the ocean, further and deeper than I could follow by myself, to study how these animals move and behave underwater I have to use lots of different types of technology. Sometimes I use underwater robots that can follow the sharks down deeper than humans can go, and that can carry things like cameras so I can directly see what the sharks are doing. In my work now, I use special tags that send out signals every few seconds with a unique name that identifies individual sharks. When the shark swims close enough to receivers placed out in the ocean, these receivers are able to hear and record the tag name, telling where and when individual sharks are present in different areas of the ocean. One thing I love about being a shark scientist is that I can follow sharks all over the world. First, I followed the movement of sharks all the way over in the Atlantic Ocean off the east coast of the USA. Then I moved to Tasmania, Australia, and I followed young sharks as they move around off the coast of New South Wales. Now I am back home in Massachusetts and working on publishing my research.
Victoria
Pre-Calculus Tutor • +2 Subjects
I am a current undergraduate student at Cornell University. I began tutoring 4 years ago because I am passionate about helping students become confident in their academic skills and reach their academic goals. Each session with a student consists of consistent, guided instruction that fosters independence and confidence in their skills. While I can instruct in many subjects, I love to tutor in math and English.
Christian
Expert Tutor
I am a graduate of Harvard college. I received my degree in neuroscience while I also enjoyed having a minor in energy/environmental studies. Following my graduation, I have predominantly spent my time working with students, whether it be college prep, ACT tutoring, or even general academic assistance. When I am teaching, my favorite subjects are those that are STEM or STEM-adjacent. I find that subjects such as math or science aren't always taught best in large settings, so being able to sit down with a student who is struggling in those regards and help them understand the material fully is a really rewarding thing. I am a firm believer in the value of education and think that one-on-one instruction is one of the best modalities there is in terms of learning potential.
Thomas
Middle School Writing Tutor • +4 Subjects
I love literature and reading and writing -- they've been central to my life since early childhood -- and I hope as a tutor not only to help students improve their skills in these areas but to instill in them a similar kind of lifelong affection for these pursuits. I believe that reading and writing are key not only to enjoying a broadly fulfilling and exciting life but also to performing effectively in virtually any kind of serious job. As a kid, my dream was to become a writer of fiction -- novels and stories -- and I majored in English and creative writing in college. But then it was literature that led my life to take a different, unexpected path. At Princeton, I had to write a senior thesis, and the topic I chose was native American prose literature -- novels, poems and other writings that hugely enhanced the love of nature and wilderness that I had already acquired through hiking and camping trips with my father. Instead of wanting to write fiction, I became an environmental advocate, and wanted to write about wilderness and environmental issues. So, I moved from the East Coast to Montana for graduate school, where I studied wilderness and wildlife management issues and earned a Master's degree in natural resource conservation. For decades ever since I have made my living primarily as a communicator, through writing as well as public speaking. Every job I've had depended on my ability to write well, from working as an editor of technical research papers for the US Forest Service; as communications director for an environmental protection group; as a press secretary in a Presidential campaign; as an international publicist for a PR firm in New York City; as an aide in the Montana Governor's Office; and as a self-employed lobbyist and campaign manager for numerous large corporations and small nonprofit groups. I also taught public and media relations at Carroll College in Montana and have done a fair amount of freelance writing along the way, with essays published in diverse outlets including Western Wildlands, the Journal of Soil & Water Conservation, Range magazine and Playboy. My love of reading and literature has never ceased. I am always reading at least one good book at a time, and I still write almost daily. On the side, I recently have edited two books for publication and have written several grant proposals. I look forward to sharing my passion for learning with students through the Varsity Tutors program.
Tallulah
PSAT Tutor • +3 Subjects
I recently graduated from Northwestern University with a BA in Communications and a minor in Business. Since 2020, I have had the privilege of tutoring students of all ages, forming meaningful connections that I deeply cherish. While I tutor a diverse array of subjects, my passions lie in Math, English, and Writing. I also love helping students with college admissions! I firmly believe that learning should be an enjoyable and enriching experience for everyone, so I strive to make each tutoring session unique and engaging.
Ezra
Expert Tutor
I am a rising junior at Carnegie Mellon University studying Mechanical Engineering and Robotics, and I am passionate about helping students build confidence in STEM subjects, standardized testing, and college admissions. My teaching philosophy focuses on understanding concepts rather than memorizing formulas. I believe every student learns differently, so I adapt my teaching style to fit each student's needs and create an environment where questions feel encouraged. Through my experience tutoring, teaching robotics, and coaching students academically, I have learned how to break difficult topics into simple, manageable steps. What makes me a strong tutor is not only my technical background, but also my patience, communication skills, and genuine investment in student success. My goal is always to help students become more confident, independent learners who feel capable of overcoming academic challenges.
Ashley
AP Biology Tutor • +2 Subjects
Teaching has been a lifelong passion of mine. What drives me is sharing knowledge while genuinely connecting with others. I discovered my love for tutoring in high school and have been dedicated to it ever since. At Stanford University, I earned a BS in Human Biology and Chemistry while continuing to tutor throughout, advancing to Lead Tutor. After graduation, I spent a year as a Teaching Associate, designing and delivering course content which significantly broadening my pedagogical approach. What sets me apart is my versatility. Having served as both tutor and instructor, I can adapt my teaching style to each student's unique needs, whether that be building up foundational skills or pursuing advanced mastery. I'm now pursuing graduate studies at The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, staying engaged with cutting-edge science while maintaining my commitment to education. I look forward to helping you achieve your academic goals!
Sara
SAT Tutor
I'm a rising sophomore at Columbia University, majoring in Mechanical Engineering. My journey as a tutor began in 10th grade when I ran volunteer tutoring labs in math, physics, and chemistry. I had classmates struggling with stoichiometry, peers needing an algebra refresher, or a group of panicked kids with a trigonometry test the next morning. With a wide range of needs and urgencies, I learned how to break down complex ideas into approachable steps, fill in gaps in their understanding, and tailor each session to meet individual needs. I've guided high schoolers through personalized ACT and SAT prep, sharing my tips/tricks and improving their current test-taking strategies. I completely understand that tough subjects can be overwhelming when one is confused; the learning journey typically leaves you confuzzled/frustrated. However, I'm here to clear the fog. I focus not just on getting the right answers, but on building real understanding. I'm prone to using odd analogies, clear explanations, and customized study strategies that meet students where they are. My goal is to make students feel confident in their knowledge and problem-solving strategy.
Top 20 Subjects
Frequently Asked Questions
Pacing is one of the biggest challenges GRE test-takers face, especially on the Quantitative section where you have roughly 1.5 minutes per question. A tutor can help you identify which question types consistently slow you down—whether that's data interpretation, geometry, or complex word problems—and teach you strategic shortcuts specific to those formats. Practice with timed sections is essential; tutors often use full-length practice tests to pinpoint where you're losing time and help you develop realistic strategies for skipping difficult questions strategically rather than getting stuck.
GRE Reading Comprehension passages are dense and often feature unfamiliar academic topics, making it easy to get lost in details. Effective tutors teach active reading techniques like annotating for main idea, author's tone, and argument structure—skills that differ significantly from how you read for pleasure. They also help you practice the specific question types (inference, detail, main idea, author's purpose) so you recognize what each question is really asking, which is often the key to avoiding trap answers designed to catch careless readers.
Many test-takers struggle with algebra (especially manipulating equations and solving for variables), word problems (translating English into math), and data interpretation under time pressure. Geometry and coordinate geometry also trip up students who haven't seen these topics since high school. A tutor can assess which of these areas are holding back your score and focus on building conceptual understanding rather than just memorizing formulas—this approach helps you tackle unfamiliar variations of familiar topics, which is what the GRE tests.
The Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) is often neglected, but it's highly improvable with targeted practice. Most students can gain 1-2 points (on the 0-6 scale) by learning the specific structure GRE graders expect: a clear thesis, relevant examples, logical reasoning, and error-free writing. A tutor can provide feedback on your essays that goes beyond grammar—helping you develop stronger arguments, anticipate counterarguments, and manage the 30-minute time constraint. Since many programs weight the AWA less heavily than Quant and Verbal, tutors often help you decide whether to prioritize it based on your target schools.
Most students see measurable improvements within 4-8 weeks of consistent tutoring and practice, though the timeline depends on your starting point and target score. If you're aiming for a 10-15 point increase, you might achieve that in 6-10 sessions; larger jumps (20+ points) typically require longer commitment and more independent practice between sessions. The key is combining tutoring with regular full-length practice tests—tutors use these to track progress and adjust strategy, so you're not just studying harder but studying smarter based on what's actually holding your score back.
Test anxiety on the GRE often stems from unfamiliar question formats, time pressure, or past experiences with standardized tests. Tutors build confidence by demystifying the test structure, teaching you exactly what to expect in each section, and running timed practice drills so the format feels familiar on test day. They also help you develop a realistic pacing strategy and permission to skip hard questions—knowing you have a plan reduces panic. Many tutors discuss mindset and test-day logistics (sleep, timing, breaks) to help you approach the exam as a manageable challenge rather than a high-stakes threat.
Taking full-length, timed practice tests under realistic conditions is non-negotiable for GRE prep—they reveal your true score, not just your ability on untimed questions. A tutor helps you use practice tests strategically: taking one early to establish a baseline, then using subsequent tests to track progress and identify patterns in your mistakes (Are you missing inference questions? Running out of time on Quant?). The real value comes from thorough review afterward—tutors help you understand not just what you got wrong, but why the right answer is correct and how to recognize similar questions in the future.
While the GRE does test vocabulary, memorizing a 5,000-word list is an inefficient approach. Modern GRE questions often provide context clues, and the test focuses more on your ability to understand how words function in sentences and arguments. A tutor can teach you to use word roots, prefixes, and suffixes to decode unfamiliar words, and help you focus on high-frequency GRE vocabulary (words that actually appear repeatedly). They'll also help you practice reading comprehension and text completion in context, which is far more effective than flashcards alone for building the vocabulary skills the GRE actually tests.
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