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I am a licensed physician from Florida who is currently changing careers. I graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 2009 and have extensive tutoring and editing experience. While a student, I became a certified writing tutor through the Critical Writing Department. Since I completed my writ...
Nova Southeastern University
PHD, Medicine
University of Pennsylvania
Bachelors, History
University of Pennsylvania
undergraduate
Certified Tutor
9+ years
Jai
I'm a recent Stanford graduate (Electrical Engineering and Computer Science), and have been working at a major Management Consulting firm for a few years now. I personally scored a 2360 (out of 2400) on the SAT and 35 on the ACT and was successful in gaining admission to several top universities. I'...
Stanford University
Bachelors in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Certified Tutor
Kate
I'm available to tutor biology, chemistry, physics, math from Algebra up through AP Calculus, SAT test prep, and French. I've been tutoring students in science and math for 7 years. I also spent 8 months working and studying in France, and have tutored high school and adult students in French. When ...
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Masters, Environmental Engineering
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Bachelors
Certified Tutor
Erika
I am available to tutor middle and high school math, history and test prep. I have tutored math and history in the past and I previously taught a test prep course at a school in Hanoi, Vietnam. I have a lot of experience teaching all the need-to-know tricks to doing great on the SATS/ACTS! When I am...
Harvard University
Master of Public Policy, Public Policy
Certified Tutor
6+ years
Rhea
I am a current student at the University of Chicago. I am working towards a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences, and I am on the pre-medical track. I am extremely passionate about tutoring, and I have several years of experience tutoring students in my high school's learning center in various...
University of Chicago
Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Certified Tutor
6+ years
Jeffrey
I am enrolled in the Mechanical Engineering PhD program at Rice University which will begin Fall 2020, and I am hoping to return to academia as a professor after earning my PhD. In the meantime, I am looking to share my passion for gaining knowledge, specifically in STEM, by educating the up and com...
University of Notre Dame
Bachelor of Science
Rice University
Doctor of Philosophy, Mechanical Engineering
Certified Tutor
9+ years
Sami
I am a Duke University graduate in Economics and Computer Science. I am currently pursuing an MBA degree at the Yale School of Management. I have worked in the financial field, both at a management consulting firm and a fortune 500 company. My hobbies include playing and coaching soccer.
Duke University
Bachelor of Science (Economics and Computer Science)
Yale School of Management
Current Undergrad Student, Business Administration and Management
Certified Tutor
9+ years
Sharon
I am a graduate of the University of Chicago, and I will be starting a graduate program at Columbia in August. I am about to complete a year of service with City Year, an education non-profit that places young adults into under-served schools. As a City Year member, I worked full-time in the classro...
Columbia University in the City of New York
Master of Science, Journalism
University of Chicago
Bachelor in Arts
Certified Tutor
9+ years
Annie
I am currently a second year medical student. I was a Physiological Sciences major at UCLA (class of 2015), and pursued research during my gap year between undergrad and medical school.
University of California Los Angeles
Bachelors, Physiological Sciences
Drexel University College of Medicine
Current Grad Student, MD
Certified Tutor
Tony
I am a recent graduate of Yale University and incoming first year medical student at Columbia University. Originally from the DC area, I have always had a passion for science and medicine and pursued a degree in Biology while at Yale. During the 2008-2009 academic year, I tutored science, math, Engl...
Yale University
Bachelor of Science in Biology
Top 20 English Subjects
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Matthew
Pre-Algebra Tutor • +39 Subjects
I'm a highly creative person who works best with visual thinkers. Very recently graduated from Stanford University, I majored in Human Biology with a concentration in Bioinformatics and Stem Cell Science. Technical though my background may be, I am currently gigging as a singer/songwriter/composer in NYC and tackle even the most hard-science of problems with a top-down, big-picture, holistic approach. If you have a propensity to look at problems in a cross- or inter-disciplinary manner (or want to learn how to do so), I'm the tutor for you!
Charles
AP Calculus AB Tutor • +25 Subjects
I am a junior Mechanical Engineering major at Yale, and I hope to become a Naval 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 visual representations of numbers and systems to understand them, and others benefit more by understanding the concepts behind each formula. I prefer to tutor in math and physics, and especially with real world application problems. I hope to help students improve their standardized test scores and their understanding of the math and sciences so that they can achieve their academic goals! Hobbies: art, books, running, reading, music, writing
Tiffany
Pre-Algebra Tutor • +56 Subjects
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MaryAnn
Calculus Tutor • +21 Subjects
I am a published author who has enjoyed “coaching” our daughter, as she navigated through high school, college and graduate school. I mentor college juniors who are seeking careers in financial services, and I serve as a peer resource to professionals who are transitioning from private industry to the nonprofit sector. Hobbies: reading, cooking, writing, books, music, art, travel
Samuel
AP Calculus AB Tutor • +29 Subjects
I am a freshman at Caltech majoring in Applied and Computational Mathematics. My favorite subject to tutor is math because I find it very rewarding to simplify complex topics to aid in understanding. I have lots of tutoring experience. In high school, I ran and taught an SAT prep class and was vice president of my school's NHS chapter where I ran our tutoring program, and I, myself, tutored. I also was a teaching assistant in the summer of 2020 for a class in discrete mathematics through a program called PACT (Program in Algorithmic and Combinatorial Thinking). I love learning and hope to make the process enjoyable for you!
Quinn
Calculus Tutor • +17 Subjects
I am willing to address any issue with an open mind and I try to develop strategies that play to a student's strengths. I would like to think I am very approachable and personable, and I have had very positive experiences with many students in the past using this philosophy. Outside of academics, I love playing basketball and watching sports, as well as chilling with friends, listening to music, and keeping up with politics and current affairs.
Zachary
Trigonometry Tutor • +35 Subjects
I am passionate about teaching and tutoring and I thoroughly enjoy helping students gain an understanding and a drive for their studies. I have a long history of working with students of all grade levels and abilities (elementary school through college), and I have a good understanding of strategies to excel in both general academics and standardized tests.
Pinelopi
Pre-Algebra Tutor • +25 Subjects
I am a Duke University graduate with a Bachelors degree in Psychology. I have experience tutoring all levels of Spanish language, all sections of the SAT, as well as algebra, pre algebra, geometry, and pre-calculus! I love kids & I have a very flexible schedule and a lot of patience! Let me help you :)
Earnest
Pre-Algebra Tutor • +26 Subjects
I am comfortable with either setting. I'm confident that I can help you (or your student) achieve to the best of their ability, so please don't hesitate to get in touch!
Samantha
Pre-Algebra Tutor • +38 Subjects
I'm a first-year medical student and recent graduate from Duke University, where I studied Global Health Determinants, Behaviors, and Interventions. From running a piano program at a nonprofit children's theatre to private tutoring in math, science, and standardized test prep, I enjoy helping my students become confident and self-sufficient learners! Hobbies: photography, travel, reading, music, writing, running, art, books, traveling
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Frequently Asked Questions
Narrative writing tells a story, either from personal experience (personal narrative) or fiction. Unlike argumentative essays that make claims and provide evidence, or expository essays that explain a topic, narrative writing focuses on creating a compelling account with vivid details, dialogue, and character development.
The key elements include a clear sequence of events, a point of view, sensory details that bring the story to life, and a resolution that shows what the narrator learned or how they changed. Narrative writing appears across many contexts—college application essays, creative writing assignments, memoir excerpts, and even professional storytelling.
Most narrative essays follow a clear arc: an engaging introduction that sets the scene and hooks the reader, rising action that develops the conflict or tension, a climax or turning point where something significant happens, and a resolution that wraps up the story and reveals its meaning.
Beyond this basic structure, strong narrative writing includes sensory details woven throughout, realistic dialogue that reveals character, and a clear narrative voice. Many students struggle with pacing—showing rather than telling what happened—which is where personalized feedback on your drafts helps you strengthen your storytelling technique.
'Show, don't tell' means using concrete details, dialogue, and action to let readers experience the story rather than simply stating what happened. For example, instead of saying 'I was nervous,' you might write: 'My hands trembled as I stood backstage, and my stomach churned with every sound from the audience.'
Showing makes narrative writing more engaging and believable. Instead of telling readers that a character is angry, describe their clenched fists, sharp tone, or the way they slam a door. Tutors can review your drafts and point out where you're telling rather than showing, then help you craft vivid scenes that let readers feel the story's emotions alongside your characters.
Narrative voice is the personality and perspective you bring to your story—it's how you tell the story, not just what happens. Your voice comes through in word choice, the kinds of details you notice, your sense of humor, and the rhythm of your sentences. Reading your work aloud helps you hear your natural voice.
Many students worry about sounding 'formal enough,' but the best narratives balance clarity with authenticity. Whether you're writing a college essay or a creative narrative, your unique perspective is what makes your story memorable. Working with a tutor on voice development means getting feedback on how your personality comes through in your writing, and learning techniques to strengthen it.
Common pitfalls include: starting too early or with unnecessary backstory, jumping through events too quickly without sensory details, using vague language instead of specific descriptions, including dialogue that doesn't sound natural, and losing focus by including events that don't connect to the main point of the story.
Many students also struggle with 'sagging middle'—the part after the hook where the story drags. Others rush the resolution and don't show what the experience meant to them. Personalized tutoring helps you identify which of these patterns shows up in your writing, so you can develop the revision skills to fix them and strengthen your narrative technique.
Effective revision happens in stages. First, look at the big picture: Does the story follow a clear arc? Do all events connect to your main point? Then focus on scenes—are they vivid enough? Do they show rather than tell? Finally, polish grammar and word choice.
Many writers benefit from reading their work aloud to catch awkward phrasing and rhythm issues. Asking a reader 'What was the most memorable moment?' or 'What did you learn about me from this story?' shows you whether your narrative landed as intended. A tutor can guide you through this revision process, asking the right questions to help you strengthen your story's impact and develop revision strategies you'll use in future writing.
Strong narrative writing skills transfer across many contexts. You'll be able to write compelling college application essays that admissions officers remember, craft engaging personal statements for job or graduate school applications, and tell stories in professional settings that persuade and inspire.
You'll also develop the ability to give detailed, engaging accounts in any writing—whether that's lab reports with clear methodology narratives, case studies, or creative projects. Most importantly, you'll strengthen your overall writing foundation: learning to use specific details, develop a strong voice, and structure ideas clearly are skills that improve all your writing.
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