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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
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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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6+ years
Pinelopi
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...
Duke University
Bachelor in Arts in Psychology

Certified Tutor
10+ years
Earnest
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!
University of Pennsylvania
Masters, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
University of Pennsylvania
Bachelors, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

Certified Tutor
5+ years
Tiffany
I am available to tutor a broad range of subjects, I am passionate about test preparation, Accountancy, and Algebra.
University of Notre Dame
Bachelor in Business Administration, Accounting
University of Chicago
Juris Doctor, Legal Studies
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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
Sharon
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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 classroom with middle-school students who were in approximately the 10th percentile for math (meaning they score lower than 90% of students). One-fourth of those students were able to grow around 15 percentile points by the end of the year! Hobbies: reading, cooking, gardening, music, art, nature, books, writing
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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.
Quinn
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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.
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!
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
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!
Zachary
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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.
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
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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Frequently Asked Questions
Pre AP English Literature requires students to analyze complex texts and develop sophisticated literary arguments—skills that don't always come naturally. Common challenges include:
- Close reading: Identifying subtle themes, symbolism, and authorial intent across varied texts
- Essay structure: Moving beyond plot summary to craft analytical arguments with textual evidence
- Pacing: Managing time across multiple texts and essay prompts during class assessments
- Comparative analysis: Drawing connections between different works and literary periods
Personalized tutoring helps students tackle these obstacles systematically, building confidence in literary analysis one skill at a time.
Strong Pre AP essays blend thoughtful analysis with clear, evidence-based arguments. Key improvements typically focus on:
- Thesis development: Crafting specific, defensible claims rather than general observations
- Textual support: Using quotes strategically and explaining their significance (not just inserting them)
- Literary terminology: Accurately naming techniques (metaphor, juxtaposition, tone) and explaining their effects
- Organization: Structuring paragraphs so each idea builds toward your main argument
Tutors can review your drafts, identify patterns in your writing, and teach you revision strategies that stick.
Deep literary analysis requires moving beyond surface-level observations. When examining symbolism, ask: What object or image recurs? What does it represent, and how does its meaning shift throughout the text? For tone, consider: What is the narrator's attitude toward the subject? How do word choice, sentence structure, and imagery create that emotional atmosphere?
The key is connecting these elements to the author's larger purpose—what is the work trying to communicate? Tutors can guide you through this analytical process, helping you develop questions to ask texts and practice finding evidence that supports your interpretations.
Most students benefit from consistent, focused practice rather than cramming. A realistic timeline depends on your starting point and specific goals, but many students see meaningful progress with 1-2 hours of tutoring per week combined with independent reading and writing practice.
Early in the course, tutoring often focuses on building foundational skills (annotation strategies, essay structure). As you progress, sessions become more targeted—perhaps refining your analysis of a specific text or revising challenging essays. The best approach is personalized: tutors assess where you need help most and adjust the focus accordingly.
Expert Pre AP English Literature tutors combine subject mastery with excellent teaching skills. Look for tutors who:
- Know the curriculum deeply and understand what Pre AP classes emphasize
- Can explain literary concepts clearly and model strong analytical thinking
- Read student work carefully and give specific, actionable feedback
- Help you develop your own analytical voice rather than dictating "right answers"
- Are enthusiastic about literature and can make texts feel relevant to you
Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who specialize in Pre AP English Literature and understand how to help students develop the critical thinking skills this course demands.
Pre AP English Literature builds the foundational skills you'll need for success in AP Literature and Composition. Both courses emphasize close reading, literary analysis, and essay writing—but AP takes these skills to a higher level of sophistication and speed. In Pre AP, you're developing your analytical toolkit; in AP, you're refining it under timed conditions with more complex texts.
By mastering Pre AP concepts now—how to identify literary techniques, construct evidence-based arguments, and write polished essays—you'll enter AP with confidence and a strong foundation to build upon.
Test anxiety in English Literature often stems from uncertainty about how to approach an unfamiliar text or worry that your interpretation is "wrong." Building confidence helps: the more you practice analyzing varied texts and defending your interpretations with evidence, the more assured you'll feel during assessments.
Practical strategies include practicing timed essay writing, learning to annotate efficiently under pressure, and developing a mental checklist for approaching any text (What's the setting? Who's the narrator? What's the central conflict?). Tutors can help you practice these strategies repeatedly until they become automatic, reducing anxiety and improving your performance when it counts.
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