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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
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
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
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
Charles
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...
Yale University
Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering
Certified Tutor
13+ years
MaryAnn
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 t...
University of Pittsburgh
Bachelor of Science, English, Psychology
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
Certified Tutor
Matthew
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 i...
Stanford University
Bachelors in Human Biology (concentration in Bioinformatics and Stem Cell Science)
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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!
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.
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
Tiffany
Pre-Algebra Tutor • +56 Subjects
I am available to tutor a broad range of subjects, I am passionate about test preparation, Accountancy, and Algebra.
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.
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 :)
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.
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
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!
Sharon
Pre-Algebra Tutor • +29 Subjects
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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Frequently Asked Questions
Story writing focuses on narrative elements—character development, plot structure, dialogue, and setting—rather than persuasion or information delivery. While essays argue a point and informational writing explains facts, stories immerse readers in experiences through vivid descriptions and meaningful character arcs. Story writing also emphasizes "showing" rather than "telling," using sensory details and actions to reveal character motivations and emotions.
A tutor can help you break through writer's block by working with you to identify what's causing it—whether it's perfectionism, unclear plot direction, or character confusion—and providing targeted strategies. Personalized 1-on-1 instruction allows tutors to ask probing questions about your story idea, help you develop a loose outline, and encourage low-pressure writing exercises that build momentum. Many students find that talking through their story with a tutor clarifies fuzzy ideas and reignites creative confidence.
Your first draft should prioritize getting the story down without self-judgment—focus on plot, character actions, and dialogue rather than perfect grammar or polished prose. During revision, shift your attention to structure, pacing, and consistency; then tackle sentence-level refinements like word choice, tone, and grammar. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who can guide you through each stage, providing feedback on different elements at the right time so you don't overwhelm yourself.
Strong characters need clear motivations, internal conflicts, and growth throughout the story. Rather than listing traits, show character through their choices, dialogue, and reactions to challenges. A tutor can help you explore your character's backstory, stakes, and emotional arc—asking questions like "What does your character want?" and "What are they afraid of?"—so these dimensions feel authentic. Personalized feedback on your character scenes helps you identify what's working and where you need deeper development.
A compelling plot typically follows an arc: exposition (introducing the world and character), rising action (obstacles that build tension), climax (the highest stakes moment), and resolution (consequences and change). However, different story types—flash fiction, fantasy epics, literary short stories—may vary this structure. Tutors can help you understand classic frameworks like the three-act structure or the Hero's Journey, then adapt them to fit your unique story and genre.
Dialogue is crucial—it reveals character, advances plot, and breaks up narrative exposition. Realistic dialogue doesn't mean transcribing how people actually talk (which includes "um" and repetition); instead, it captures how characters speak while remaining purposeful and engaging. Pay attention to voice differences between characters, use action beats and dialogue tags effectively, and cut unnecessary small talk. A tutor can review your dialogue scenes and help you distinguish between characters' speech patterns while maintaining readability.
Your story is ready to share when you've revised multiple times, the plot holds together logically, characters feel distinct and motivated, and you've edited for clarity and grammar. Have a trusted reader (or tutor) provide feedback on whether the emotional arc lands and if any scenes feel confusing or dragging. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who can give you detailed, constructive feedback on your complete draft, helping you identify remaining gaps before you share it more widely.
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