Rebecca: SAT tutor
Certified SAT Tutor
...with a minor in Religious Studies. I am currently pursuing a masters degree in social work at the University of Chicago's School of Social Service Administration. I am passionate about tutoring because I want everyone to be able to perform academically at their highest possible level. I also think it is important that learning is not just for one assignment or one test, but rather that it sticks with you to build a solid foundation...
Education & Certification
Northwestern University - Bachelors, Psychology
University of Chicago SSA - Masters, Social Work
Molly: SAT tutor
Certified SAT Tutor
...quiz, but to help build a foundation that allows him or her to find success on their own in future units of study. In each lesson, I use a variety of methods - stories, games, worksheets, writing, manipulative activities, etc. - to ensure (1) a deep understanding of academic content and (2) an engaging, fun, authentic interaction with each subject area. Likewise, as a Teacher and Tutor, I focus on problem solving; developing real, concrete...
Education & Certification
Columbia University in the City of New York - Bachelor in Arts, History
Northwestern University - Masters, Elementary Education
Sean: SAT tutor
Certified SAT Tutor
...a relaxed tutor who will still push you to achieve personal as well as academic goals, don't hesitate to contact me. I am a computer science major currently pursuing my Bachelor's degree. I have tutored ACT prep and SAT prep previously on many occasions, and I am willing to work with and help you reach your full potential on these tests. I really enjoy teaching test preparation, as there are so many aspects to taking...
Education & Certification
Brown University - Current Undergrad, Computer Science
Brianna: SAT tutor
Certified SAT Tutor
...majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing Analytics and a minor in Mathematics. I have worked with kids of all ages, ranging from elementary school to college students through various subjects. I have also worked extensively with special needs children, doing everything from teaching special education to one-on-one in-home mentoring. Through my experiences, I have continued to carry my passion for working with children and have developed my skills in making successful and...
Education & Certification
University of Richmond - Current Undergrad, Business Administration and Management
Don: SAT tutor
Certified SAT Tutor
...others struggled to reach and motivate, oftentimes at-risk students, and I found this one of the highest compliments of my career. I find it my greatest goal to make sure that all students, from those seeking the highest standards to those struggling with basic skills, can understand themselves, can define their abilities, and can work forward to becoming all that they are meant to be. My years of teaching experience have helped prepare me with...
Education & Certification
Dordt College - Bachelors, English
Concordia University-Saint Paul - Masters, Education
Earnest: SAT tutor
Certified SAT Tutor
...(tutor + mentor) struggling freshman engineering students. The success that I helped them achieve was so rewarding that I made it a point to return to tutoring after graduation! My tutoring style is heavily influenced by my problem-solving-oriented engineering background. In school, I learned how to break down problems, analyze each component, and then proceed step-by-step to a solution. This same approach has helped me excel as a tutor because breaking down problems for students...
Education & Certification
University of Pennsylvania - Bachelors, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
University of Pennsylvania - Masters, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Rachel: SAT tutor
Certified SAT Tutor
...be for my students. I've spent many hours working individually with students long after the school day ends to help them prep for the ACT, polish their English papers, or understand a math concept. I know that every student learns differently, and as a teacher and tutor I aim to give my students a diversity of learning approaches so that we can figure out which one works best for them. I love getting to know...
Education & Certification
Brown University - Bachelors, History
Antioch University New England - Masters, Environmental Education
Charles: SAT tutor
Certified SAT Tutor
...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 describe my tutoring style as one that adapts to each students' needs. For example, I have always tried to frame questions in a different way so that the student can better understand the question. Some students need...
Education & Certification
Yale University - Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering
John: SAT tutor
Certified SAT Tutor
I graduated from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in NYC in 2008, the oldest English speaking acting conservatory in the world. I graduated Summa from University of St Thomas with a BA in English, and just wrapped up a MS in Data Science from Northwestern. I'm a huge Red Sox fan and love watching detective shows when I have free time.... Positivity. Always. I believe that if a student is given positive tools and is...
Education & Certification
American Academy of Dramatic Arts - Associates, Acting
University of St. Thomas - Bachelor of Fine Arts, English/Drama
Daniel: SAT tutor
Certified SAT Tutor
...look at a problem on the board and just figure it out in seconds. I hate asking that guy for help because he doesn't know how to explain somethinghe just gets it right away. He's never sat down and broken it down. I never was that guy and I will never be that guy. I will always be that guy that stays after class to asks questions because I didn't get it right away. I...
Education & Certification
Yale University - Current Undergrad, Applied Mathematics
Josh: SAT tutor
Certified SAT Tutor
...using limited information. These skills are valuable and likely what you will retain throughout your life. This is why I care about helping people think about problems not just solve them. I care about showing them the paths to solving problems or writing essays so that they can walk them themselves rather than rummaging around in their memories for disconnected facts and formulas. I do not just want to give you the car keys--I want...
Education & Certification
Stanford University - Bachelor in Arts, Music, Concentration in Composition
University of Washington-Seattle Campus - Masters, Music Composition
Alex: SAT tutor
Certified SAT Tutor
...and could also include reaching out to school teachers to learn more about the material being covered. This also allows both the student and parents to give me feedback if a certain style of teaching helped a lot or not as much. A big support system around the student is incredibly important to creating a productive environment. I love seeing that aha moment on students faces, and Id love to see one on yours! I...
Education & Certification
Drexel University - Bachelors, Biomedical Engineering
Drexel University - Current Grad Student, Biomedical Engineering
Taariq: SAT tutor
Certified SAT Tutor
...Mathematics in 2014. I am primarily a math tutor but I also enjoy teaching chemistry and physics. Math was always my favorite subject in high school and I continued my love of math at Duke. I have also been a middle school and high school tutor throughout my time at Duke through the Program in Education. One of my crowning achievements at Duke was winning the DT Stallings Award, which is awarded to a Duke...
Education & Certification
Duke University - Bachelors, Mathematics
Ariela: SAT tutor
Certified SAT Tutor
...is my ability to organize information. It's a skill I use both in my academic life, as well as professionally; as a stage manager, it is often my job to take in complicated and conflicting pieces of information (the blocking, a quick change in costumes, changes in a script) and quickly organize that information so that I can convey it to someone else. I enjoy and excel at condensing and re-communicating facts or tasks, so...
Education & Certification
University of Chicago - Current Undergrad, Theater & Performance Studies
Gabrielle: SAT tutor
Certified SAT Tutor
...After winning the Boren national scholarship, I spent the past year and a half studying abroad. During my time traveling throughout Asia, I worked and volunteered as a teacher for students of all ages, gaining significant experience in tutoring a wide variety of subjects. From ESL to public speaking, I have had the chance to help students make remarkable advancements in both confidence and competency levels. I am particularly passionate about tutoring English, Mandarin, and...
Education & Certification
Arizona State University - Bachelor in Arts, Chinese Language & Global Studies
Nicolas: SAT tutor
Certified SAT Tutor
...Political Science. I'm currently working towards a J.D. at Columbia Law School. Before joining Varsity Tutors, I tutored the LSAT for a private company, both as a classroom teacher and in one-on-one tutorials. Building off that experience, I will be working for Varsity Tutors, helping people prepare for the LSAT as well as the SAT and the ACT. I have really enjoyed my experience assisting students in test preparation. In my experience, students first approach...
Education & Certification
Duke University - Bachelor in Arts, Philosophy
Ben: SAT tutor
Certified SAT Tutor
...also a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Academic Honors Society. Throughout my time in school I was a teaching assistant and grader for many economics classes where I tutored students in groups and one on one in both mathematic and theoretical concepts. I also have experience teaching musical lessons such as jazz bass, piano, and music theory to younger students. Experience in these different teaching environments has helped me cultivate a teaching style that...
Education & Certification
Oberlin College - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
Malcolm: SAT tutor
Certified SAT Tutor
...area. I graduated cum laude from Temple University in 2012 with degrees in English and Italian. After graduation, I moved to Sardinia to teach English as a Foreign Language and work as a freelance Italian-to-English translator. Since returning to the United States in mid-2013, I have taught SAT Prep for a local nonprofit, worked as a copy editor for the Italian branch of Google Ads, and performed a year of national service with the City...
Education & Certification
Temple University - Bachelors, English; Italian
Matt: SAT tutor
Certified SAT Tutor
...as well as minors in creative writing and computer science. While I do not have any formal experience with teaching, I have spent much of my academic career tutoring friends and family to help them succeed in school, and I have personally improved the grades of many of my peers through studying sessions with me by as much as 30%. I am a friendly and casual tutor, but my enthusiasm for helping others to learn...
Education & Certification
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities - Current Undergrad, Mathematics
Valerie: SAT tutor
Certified SAT Tutor
I am currently a student at Ithaca College pursuing a degree in physics. I am very passionate about math and science especially, and I have found that teaching students is another passion. I have experience tutoring high school students in areas including algebra, algebra 2 and AP Physics 1. I love working with students to help them achieve their goals, and finding exactly what teaching style works best for which students.
Education & Certification
Ithaca College - Current Undergrad, Physics-engineering 3-2
Private SAT Tutoring
Receive personally tailored SAT lessons from exceptional tutors in a one-on-one setting. We help you connect with the best tutor for your particular needs while offering flexible scheduling to fit your busy life.
Connect with an expert SAT tutor who can help your student learn the techniques and find the confidence to master the SAT. Study smarter, not harder.
The concepts students learn with an SAT tutor
- Effective tips for better time management and test pacing
- Trusted SAT math strategies like "Number Picking" and "Plug in Numbers"
- Question teardowns to understand what's said, how it's said, and why it's said
- Methods specific to prepping for the SAT’s optional essay section
- Techniques to identify common grammar mistakes
- Strategies to analyze and solve reading comprehension challenges
What advantages can SAT tutoring provide?
Perhaps the best thing about the one-on-one attention from an SAT tutor is that it can give your student the advantage of receiving personalized materials, practice sessions, and learning methodologies that should help in improving their scores. Students can spend as much time as they need on content they find particularly challenging, without using up unnecessary time reviewing subjects they’ve already mastered. Additionally, working with a private SAT tutor allows a student to develop a trusting study relationship, which can then provide a number of benefits.
Secondly, a student may feel more comfortable during their SAT tutoring sessions, which can lead them to asking questions as they arise. Another benefit is that their SAT tutor can gain an understanding of the student's attributes such as their most effective learning styles, their personal strengths and challenges, their goals, and what motivates them. This allows SAT tutors to provide precise, customized lessons based on your student's unique set of needs. They also have the flexibility to change each lesson when necessary based on their close observation of your student’s progress.
How much does SAT tutoring cost?
The cost of a private SAT tutor depends on a variety of factors, including the subject matter you want to go over, the point in the process of studying of which you or your student are at, and the goals you are trying to achieve. Other factors are time, location, and amount of tutoring.
How do we know you’ll get a great SAT tutor or instructor? Well, we only choose to work with the absolute best, which starts with an intensive vetting process (interviews, background checks, simulated tutoring sessions). Then we use uber-smart algorithms to pair you with the right one.
The purpose of the SAT is to provide an assessment of your student’s level of preparedness to take on college-level studies that they can include with their application materials. Most colleges and universities accept SAT scores as a part of an applicant’s admissions packet, because it provides a common data point they can use to compare all potential students. Admissions boards use SAT scores as one of the pieces of information they consider when making admissions decisions.
Here’s a quick overview of the SAT:
- 3 hour exam
- 50 extra minutes for the SAT Essay
- Content Areas
- Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
- 50% of exam
- Reading Test
- Writing and Language Test
- Math
- 50% of Exam
- Calculator allowed sortion
- No calculator section
- Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
The SAT exam is made up of three required sections and an optional essay. The required sections include the Reading section, Writing and Language section, and the Math section.
The Reading section presents your student with text passages followed by questions about them. The questions measure skills like their command of evidence, ability to understand words in context, and ability to analyze historic or scientific passages, among others. The Writing and Language section also presents text passages, but this time your student must fix mistakes and weaknesses they find. This can include grammar, punctuation, word usage, paragraph organization, and more.
The Math section focuses on algebra, data analysis and problem solving, advanced math using more complex equations, and other math topics like geometry and trigonometry. The Math section is further divided into a sub-section that allows your student to use a calculator and another sub-section that does not. Finally, although the Essay section is labeled optional, your student’s SAT tutor can help them find out if any of the programs they’re applying to require it. When they take the Essay section, they’ll be given a passage and then required to explain how the writer builds their argument, and support their explanation with evidence found in the passage. Students don't need to provide their own thoughts or opinions on the topic, as they only need to analyze how the author made their position persuasive.
In addition to acting as a college admissions exam, the SAT provides benchmarks that help school administrators and college admissions offices know how to help students. The list below shows what the SAT benchmarks can do:
- Identify students who are thriving and require greater challenges.
- Identify students who require additional academic support.
- Inform instructional and curricular enhancements throughout an institution.
How can SAT tutoring near me help my student improve their test-taking skills?
Most of the questions on the SAT are presented in multiple-choice format. There are some grid-in questions on the Math section, and of course the Essay involves writing. One important way their SAT tutor can help your student is by providing them with examples of the types of questions they’ll find on the exam. SAT tutoring includes instruction on how to take a standardized exam. By helping your student become familiar with the structure and question format, their SAT tutor can give them tools to study for future standardized exams, both during college and for any licensing or credentialing exams throughout their career.
- Reading Test
- 65 minutes
- 52 questions
- Multiple-choice
- Tests reading comprehension with text passages and questions about them.
- Writing and Language Test
- 35 minutes
- 44 questions
- Multiple-choice
- Tests ability to correct and improve written sentences and passages.
- Math Test
- 80 minutes
- 58 questions
- Multiple-choice
- Grid-in
- Tests ability to solve problems in algebra, geometry, data analysis, trigonometry, and related areas.
- Essay Test
- 50 minutes
- 1 writing prompt
- Read a passage and write an essay about how the author built their argument.
How can SAT tutors near me help my student perform to their ability on the exam in time?
As mentioned, SAT tutoring involves more than just reviewing content. That’s probably going to be the biggest part of your student’s tutoring sessions, but there are other important ways SAT tutors can prepare students for the exam. Standardized tests like the SAT are different than the tests your student takes for their high school classes. A variety of content is covered all in one day, and each section has time limits. This can make demands on your student’s stamina that they're not used to, and they may have difficulties answering all the questions within the time limits.
Therefore, tutors may demonstrate time management strategies your student can use during the exam. For example, if they can't decide between two answers that seem equally correct, it’s better to make their best guess than to leave the question blank, because there’s no penalty for wrong answers on the SAT. Their SAT tutor may even know of strategies to determine which answer is most likely correct. Many tutors will regularly administer full, timed practice sections, or even full exams, to discover any pacing issues your student has so they can work together on solving those issues before test day.
Can SAT tutoring near me help my student understand questions worded in a confusing way?
Another difference many students notice on the SAT exam is that questions are worded differently than other test questions they've seen so far. Some students may even feel the questions want to “trick” them into choosing the wrong answer. That’s why many SAT tutors spend a lot of time showing students how to read an SAT question in such a way that they understand what the test is asking of them. This may include seemingly obvious things, like the necessity of reading every word. If your student misses a “not” in the middle of a question, that can lead them to the exact opposite of the correct answer.
In addition to carefully reading each question, your student’s SAT tutor can provide examples of questions that could be considered confusing and go through them with your student to show what phrasing twists are likely to show up and how to interpret them. This is another way your student can benefit from various practice sections their tutor may provide. Once they've gotten enough practice answering sample questions with the same type of wording found on the SAT exam, your student may come to easily recognize what questions are asking. If not, they'll have strategies they can utilize in order to figure them out.
How can studying with SAT tutors near me help my student in the long run?
The results of the SAT can have a significant impact on the path your student’s academic career takes. If they don't reach the score required by the pre-med or fine arts program they’re applying for the first time they take the SAT, it’s not a huge problem because they can take it again. However, unless they make changes in how they prepare for the exam, they may face the same frustration no matter how often they retake the test. The stakes are high, and it’s important to do whatever is necessary to help them work towards the future they dream of for themselves.
The following table shows 2018 SAT scores nationwide:
| Total mean score | 1068 |
|---|---|
| Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (ERW) mean score | 536 |
| Math mean score | 531 |
| Met Both Benchmarks | 47% |
| Met ERW Benchmark (480+) | 70% |
| Met Math Benchmark (530+) | 49% |
| Met No Benchmarks | 27% |
This is another reason to be glad that your student’s SAT tutor can provide much more than customized content review. Part of preparing for the SAT can definitely include researching career choices, the appropriate college and university programs, and what requirements your student must meet, including any involving SAT scores. Rather than give up on their future plans, your student can work closely with their tutor on first setting the appropriate goal score, and then taking each step they need to towards reaching that score. Because SAT tutors are familiar with the exam, they can spend time assisting your student as they work on overcoming each challenge until they feel confident they’ve worked their hardest, conquered their obstacles, and that they're ready to reach their goal.
Varsity Tutors makes every effort to set your student up with an SAT tutor who’s available when it’s most convenient for your family’s schedule. Since they’ll be meeting online using the Varsity Tutors Live Learning Platform, you'll probably find more room for flexibility. Contact Varsity Tutors today to learn more about how a professional SAT tutor can help your student prepare for the test, and we can get them started right away.
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If you're having a hard time finding quality SAT tutoring, Varsity Tutors can help set you up with an exceptional SAT tutor to assist you in preparing properly for the exam. When you sign up for private SAT instruction, you can receive the assistance needed to take your test prep sessions to the next level. Your SAT study sessions can help you refresh your knowledge of the content found on the exam, provide useful tactics to use during the test, and assist you in honing your overall academic skills for future standardized tests. There's no reason for you to try to study alone because we can connect you with an instructor to meet your particular SAT prep needs.
The purpose of the SAT is to provide schools with an assessment of your level of readiness to take on college-level courses. This exam is accepted by all United States colleges and universities as part of the applications process. This is because it can provide an equitable source of data to compare potential students. The SAT is a three-hour exam that consists of four assessments: Math, Reading, Writing and Language, and an optional SAT Essay. When you elect to take the Essay, you will receive an additional 50 minutes to complete the SAT. The three required sections consist of multiple-choice questions, plus some grid-in questions on the Math assessment. Your score is based on the number of correct answers and there is no penalty for guessing, so you'll want to answer every question. For each section, you will receive an individual subscore. This can provide you with insight into your personal areas of opportunity and academic strengths.
Although it is not the only factor taken into consideration by colleges and universities for admissions purposes, it is important to put your best foot forward by working hard to earn your best possible SAT score. With hard work and an exceptional SAT coach, you can work towards your academic goals.
What skills and content can be covered by an SAT tutor?
The SAT is a fairly comprehensive exam and can be overwhelming for students when they first start to review. SAT tutors can help with this by providing guidance in creating an effective study plan and assisting you in reviewing the various content and skills found in each section of the exam. Let's take a closer look at each section and the content you will want to review with your instructor in order to pursue your potential.
The Math assessment consists of two separate portions, and you will only be able to access a calculator for one of them. This part of the SAT measures your problem-solving and analytical abilities as well as your algebraic skills. This section focuses specifically on algebra, data analysis and problem-solving, advanced math with complex equations, and other mathematical content such as trigonometry and geometry. This is your opportunity to demonstrate your concept of different mathematical concepts, relations, and operations.
The SAT Reading section assesses your reasoning skills as well as your ability to comprehend written text. You will need to be able to answer questions based on the given passages. Your SAT instructor can help you practice using context clues to surmise a word or phrase's meaning. You may also want to review how word choice can affect the style, tone, and meaning of a passage. Content in the passages of this section can come from various literature, historical documents, or social science selections and will require you to be able to draw inferences and conclusions.
The Writing and Language section of the SAT measures your sentence structure, punctuation, grammar, and other conventional English skills. This part of the exam is not testing you on your prior knowledge of the information in the passages. Rather, it is assessing your ability to change words, sentences, punctuation, or clauses in order to improve the clarity of a sentence or paragraph. You will also want to practice improving word choice through context clues and your ability to sharpen argumentative writing.
If you decide to take the SAT Essay, you will only need to answer one question. You will read a given passage and consider whether you believe the author has made adequate use of the evidence to support his or her claims. You must use reasoning skills to develop ideas and connect the author's case with evidence. This is not an essay in which you explain whether you agree with the given argument. You simply need to be able to assess an argument.
Your SAT instructor can assist you in working through practice questions for each of these sections. Your instructor can also assist you in becoming more familiar with the question formats and the structure of the exam. Knowing what to expect on exam day can help you walk in feeling confident in your abilities.
In addition to reviewing the specific content found on each of the sections, your instructor can help you with basic test-taking strategies. For example, you may wish to devote several study sessions to working on time management strategies or practicing stress reduction. Your instructor can help you with strategies such as the process of elimination to help you work through multiple choice questions more efficiently and improve your chances of choosing the correct answer. Many instructors will even assist you by delivering a full practice exam to assist you in working on your pacing before the actual test day. Additionally, many students struggle with stress during exams. If you find yourself having anxiety in the middle of the test, it could cause you to do poorly. This can inaccurately reflect your potential to do well in college. SAT tutors can help you with different stress reduction strategies, such as positive self-talk or deep breathing techniques. These are skills that you can take with you into future exams as well.
How is SAT tutoring different than being in a typical classroom setting?
Perhaps the biggest advantage of tutoring is the opportunity to receive one-on-one attention from an SAT coach. This gives you the advantage of personalized study sessions. You have the ability to spend as much time as you need on any content you find especially challenging and do not need to spend additional time reviewing subjects you have already mastered. In addition, when you work with private SAT coaches, you will be able to develop a personal relationship with your instructor, which can provide a number of benefits. One benefit of this tutoring relationship is your SAT instructor's ability to take the time to determine your personal strengths and weaknesses, your goals, and your preferred learning method. Your instructor can also learn about what interests you and what motivates you. All this information combined can allow your instructor to provide personalized lessons based on your particular set of academic needs. Since you are the only student, you also have the flexibility to adjust lessons as necessary based on your specific progress.
Another one of the benefits of working with private SAT tutors is the ability to schedule sessions at your convenience. Varsity Tutors can provide the option to meet with your instructor either online or in person. Students who decide to meet with an instructor online will be able to attend face-to-face instructional sessions using our Live Learning Platform. This unique learning environment brings private instruction to your favorite study spot as long as you have access to a computer and Wi-Fi. The online option also opens up the number of tutors available since you are not limited to working with an instructor in your immediate area. Of course, you prefer to meet with your instructor in person and have the opportunity to select the time and location of your choice. This means you can schedule your study sessions for the evening at the local library, in the morning at your favorite coffee shop, or on the weekends in the comfort of your own home. With the option of fitting private instruction into your schedule at your convenience, there's no reason why you shouldn't be able to work with a private teacher.
How can I get signed up to work with exceptional SAT tutors?
The SAT is one of the first hurdles you will face when attempting to earn admission into the college or university of your choice. Many students dread taking this exam, but if you prepare properly and effectively, you can prepare to put your best foot forward with your SAT scores. No matter where you are in your SAT prep journey, we are here to support you. All you need to do to get started is to contact Varsity Tutors and speak with one of our educational directors. We will assist you in signing up and will do our best to set you up with a knowledgeable instructor so you can make the most of your SAT tutoring sessions. Pick up the phone right now and call Varsity Tutors so we can connect you with an exceptional SAT tutor to help you reach for your academic goals.