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Award-Winning Speed Reading Tutors

Annette

Certified Tutor

2+ years

Annette

MED
Annette's other Tutor Subjects
K-12th Grade Reading
1st-7th Grade math
8th Grade Accelerated Math
Arithmetic

I believe that all individuals are capable of learning and making progress. It is up to the educator to establish rapport with that individual, identify their learning style and IGNITE the desire to acquire knowledge.

Education

University of Central Florida

MED

Michelle

Certified Tutor

2+ years

Michelle

MBA
Michelle's other Tutor Subjects
K-12th Grade Reading
Middle School Math
Algebra
Elementary School Math

I have several years of experience working with young children and adult learners with special needs in Westchester County New York as an assistant teacher. I received a Bachelor of Arts in African Studies with a minor in history from Hofstra University. I received a Masters of Business Administrati...

Education

Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs

MBA

Hofstra University

MBA

Latondra

Certified Tutor

2+ years

Latondra

Master's/Graduate
Latondra's other Tutor Subjects
K-4th Grade Reading
K-3rd Grade math
Elementary School Science
Phonics

Hello! My name is Latondra Ward, and I am thrilled to be your tutor, specializing in Elementary School English, Math, Reading, Writing, and Phonics. With almost 25 years of teaching experience, including my current role as the lead teacher and school test coordinator, I am passionate about helping s...

Education

Walden University

Master's/Graduate

Danielle

Certified Tutor

2+ years

Danielle

Bachelor
Danielle's other Tutor Subjects
K-5th Grade Homework
9th-12th Grade English
10th-12th Grade German
10th-12th Grade Spanish

I am passionate about helping students because I believe that education is a valuable tool. I like to watch my students grow as they learn new concepts and overcome challenges. I aim to create a positive learning environment and help my students reach their full potential. I received my education at...

Education

Western Carolina University

Bachelor

Karthikeyan

Certified Tutor

2+ years

Karthikeyan

Bachelor's
Karthikeyan's other Tutor Subjects
K-12th Grade Reading
K-12th Grade math
K-12th Grade Science
K-12th Grade English

I earned my Bachelor of Science in Biomedical and Biological Sciences with a 3.96 GPA, and I am currently continuing my academic journey through advanced medical and graduate-level coursework. My education has given me a strong foundation not only in the life sciences but also in interdisciplinary f...

Education

Central Washington University

Bachelor's

Alexandra

Certified Tutor

2+ years

Alexandra

Bachelor's
Alexandra's other Tutor Subjects
K-12th Grade Homework
1st-12th Grade Writing
1st-12th Grade Social Studies
1st-8th Grade math

Hi! I'm Alex. Friendly and patient educator with over three years of experience helping students from 3rd through adulthood build confidence in science, writing, social studies, math, and study skills. Lessons are personalized, easy to understand, and designed to keep learning fun while building str...

Education

University

Bachelor's

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
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
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
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

Meet Our Expert Tutors

Connect with highly-rated educators ready to help you succeed.

Rhea

AP Statistics Tutor • +49 Subjects

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 subjects as well as tutoring private clients in Standardized Test preparation. Given that I graduated high school recently, I have taken several Standardized Tests and high school subjects myself, so I have a comprehensive understanding of not only how to tutor these subjects and exams, but also what it is like to take them. While I have a wide range of interests and am able to tutor various subjects, I am most passionate about tutoring in Standardized Test preparation (including ACT, SAT, SAT Subject Tests, and AP Exams), Biology, Chemistry, Math, and Spanish. I truly believe that students should have the opportunity to learn in the way that works best for them, and I love being able to help them succeed by creating a comfortable tutoring environment in which we can best assess their particular needs and use strategies specific to them. My passion for learning drives everything that I do, and tutoring is the platform that I use to try to spread that passion to others. In my free time, you can find me playing badminton, listening to music, or baking something (hopefully) delicious.

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Erika

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +36 Subjects

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 not in school myself, I love rowing, equestrian and exploring my new city of Boston! I look forward to meeting and working with you soon!

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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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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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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 :)

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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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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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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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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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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Many students believe speed and comprehension are opposites, but they're actually connected. Poor reading habits like subvocalization (saying words in your head) and regression (rereading passages) slow you down without helping understanding. A tutor can teach you to eliminate these habits while building active reading strategies—like previewing text structure, identifying key ideas, and asking yourself questions as you read—that actually strengthen comprehension. The goal is efficient reading, not just fast reading.

Reading speed is crucial on timed tests. The SAT allows roughly 8-9 minutes per passage with questions, while the ACT is even tighter. Students who read slowly often run out of time or skip questions entirely. Speed reading techniques—like strategic skimming, recognizing question types in advance, and focusing on main ideas rather than every detail—help you manage time more effectively. A tutor can show you which techniques work best for different passage types and how to balance speed with the accuracy needed for strong scores.

Reading faster doesn't mean forgetting more—in fact, focused speed reading often improves retention. The key is moving from passive to active reading. Techniques like chunking (reading groups of words instead of single words), identifying text structure before diving in, and connecting new information to what you already know all help information stick. A tutor can guide you through these strategies and help you practice them until they become automatic, so you're retaining key information even when you're moving quickly.

Absolutely. Reading a novel requires different pacing than reading a science textbook or news article. A literary analysis might need slower, more careful reading to catch themes and tone, while scanning a math problem set for key information benefits from strategic skimming. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who can teach you to adjust your approach based on your purpose—whether you're reading for pleasure, studying for an exam, or gathering information. This flexibility is what real speed reading is about.

Yes. Faster, more focused reading exposes you to more diverse writing styles, vocabulary, and sentence structures—all of which influence your own writing. When you read actively and efficiently, you're also analyzing how writers organize ideas and develop arguments, which directly applies to your own essay writing. Additionally, reading more broadly helps you build stronger research skills and find better sources for papers. A tutor can help you connect your reading improvements to your writing development.

No. While some people think speed reading is purely a visual skill, it's actually about how your brain processes information. Eye movement is just one small piece. The real work involves eliminating mental habits that slow you down—like subvocalization—and building cognitive strategies like recognizing patterns, previewing structure, and maintaining focus. A tutor won't just teach you where to look; they'll help retrain how you think about reading, which is what creates lasting improvement.

It depends on your current speed and what you're reading for. Average adult readers move at 200-250 words per minute with decent comprehension. Many students can reach 400-600 wpm with strong comprehension through focused training. Some advanced readers reach 800+ wpm, though extremely high speeds typically trade some comprehension for coverage. Rather than chasing a specific number, a tutor will help you set goals based on your needs—whether that's tackling thick textbooks faster, speeding through test passages, or simply reading more in less time.

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