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Award-Winning Narrative Writing Tutors

Gabby

Certified Tutor

2+ years

Gabby

Undergraduate Degree
Gabby's other Tutor Subjects
10th-12th Grade Writing
Evolutionary Biology
ASVAB
SAT Reading

Hello! I've been a private tutor and writing coach for over five years for both teenagers and adults. My primary focus areas are: writing (academic, nonfiction and fiction), literacy, study skills/organization and academic/career planning I also specialize in the college application process, having...

Education

University of Oregon

Undergraduate Degree

Jai

Certified Tutor

9+ years

Jai

Bachelors in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Jai's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
Electrical Engineering
ACT Writing

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'...

Education

Stanford University

Bachelors in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

Test Scores
SAT
1590
ACT
35
Jessica

Certified Tutor

Jessica

PHD, Medicine
Jessica's other Tutor Subjects
College Algebra
Calculus
Algebra
Honors Chemistry

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...

Education

Nova Southeastern University

PHD, Medicine

University of Pennsylvania

Bachelors, History

University of Pennsylvania

undergraduate

Test Scores
SAT
1540
Kate

Certified Tutor

Kate

Masters, Environmental Engineering
Kate's other Tutor Subjects
AP Calculus BC
AP Calculus AB
College Algebra
Pre-Calculus

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 ...

Education

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Masters, Environmental Engineering

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Bachelors

Test Scores
SAT
1580
Rhea

Certified Tutor

6+ years

Rhea

Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Rhea's other Tutor Subjects
AP Statistics
AP Calculus BC
AP Calculus AB
Pre-Algebra

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...

Education

University of Chicago

Bachelor of Science, Biology, General

Test Scores
Perfect Score
SAT
1550
ACT
36
Jeffrey

Certified Tutor

6+ years

Jeffrey

Doctor of Philosophy, Mechanical Engineering
Jeffrey's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Calculus
Geometry
Calculus
Algebra

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...

Education

University of Notre Dame

Bachelor of Science

Rice University

Doctor of Philosophy, Mechanical Engineering

Test Scores
ACT
34
Erika

Certified Tutor

Erika

Master of Public Policy, Public Policy
Erika's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Middle School Math
Calculus
Algebra

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...

Education

Harvard University

Master of Public Policy, Public Policy

Test Scores
ACT
32
Charles

Certified Tutor

Charles

Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering
Charles's other Tutor Subjects
AP Calculus AB
Pre-Algebra
Algebra 3/4
Trigonometry

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 descr...

Education

Yale University

Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering

Test Scores
SAT
1440
ACT
34
Sharon

Certified Tutor

9+ years

Sharon

Master of Science, Journalism
Sharon's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Middle School Math
Calculus
Algebra

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...

Education

Columbia University in the City of New York

Master of Science, Journalism

University of Chicago

Bachelor in Arts

Test Scores
SAT
1550
Tiffany

Certified Tutor

5+ years

Tiffany

Juris Doctor, Legal Studies
Tiffany's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Calculus
Algebra
Elementary School Math

I am available to tutor a broad range of subjects, I am passionate about test preparation, Accountancy, and Algebra.

Education

University of Notre Dame

Bachelor in Business Administration, Accounting

University of Chicago

Juris Doctor, Legal Studies

Test Scores
SAT
1440
ACT
31

Meet Our Expert Tutors

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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!

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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!

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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

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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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Tony

Calculus Tutor • +28 Subjects

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, English, history, and Mandarin Chinese part-time with a DC-based tutoring company. At Yale, I worked as a freshman counselor to provide academic and career advice to incoming freshmen. I have taken both SAT and MCAT test prep classes and am familiar with both tests as well as the preparation necessary to score well. My personal career goals include attending medical school to pursue either immunology/infectious diseases or psych/neurology, teaching biology at the university level, and working in public/global health with either the CDC or the WHO.

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Annie

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +28 Subjects

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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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Sami

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +19 Subjects

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. Hobbies: reading, writing, art, books, music

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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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