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Award-Winning OAT Physics Tutors
Certified Tutor
8+ years
Sanjul
Medical school sharpens one skill that translates directly to OAT Physics: quickly reasoning through multi-step problems under time pressure. Sanjul applies that same discipline to the OAT's optics and thermodynamics questions, teaching students to sketch the physical setup first — ray diagrams, fre...
Cleveland State University
Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
University of Medicine and Health Sciences
Doctor of Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
Certified Tutor
4+ years
Abrahim
As a medical student who scored a 34 on the ACT and earned a cum laude biology degree from UCLA, Abrahim knows what it takes to perform under timed, high-stakes science exams. He breaks OAT Physics problems — particularly optics and electricity — into quick conceptual checks that eliminate wrong ans...
University of California Los Angeles
Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Medical College of Wisconsin
Doctor of Medicine, Premedicine
Certified Tutor
Kevin
Optics, vectors, and thermodynamics dominate OAT Physics, and most pre-optometry students haven't touched these topics since introductory coursework. Kevin tackles each concept by connecting it to real scenarios — how lenses refract light, how energy transfers in biological systems — making the form...
University of California-San Diego
Bachelor of Science, Human Biology/Education Studies
Certified Tutor
9+ years
Carsen
I'm a 2016 graduate of Pepperdine University with my Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry. Currently I'm preparing to apply to optometry school; I hope to be accepted for the 2018-19 academic year. During my time in college, I was involved as a teaching assistant for General Chemistry I and II laboratory, ...
Pepperdine University
Bachelor in Arts, Chemistry
Certified Tutor
9+ years
Noah
The OAT Physics section covers mechanics, optics, thermodynamics, and electricity — all territory Noah navigated extensively through his mechanical engineering degree. He tackles the conceptual reasoning and unit-analysis shortcuts that let students move through OAT physics problems quickly and accu...
The University of Alabama
Mechanical Engineer, Mechanical Engineering
Certified Tutor
2+ years
Engineering coursework gave Phillip daily practice with the exact mechanics, optics, and thermodynamics problems that make up the bulk of OAT Physics — and his experience teaching AP Physics 1 and 2 means he's used to translating those concepts for students who haven't worked with them in a while. H...
University
Bachelor's
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
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
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
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
Top 20 Graduate Test Prep Subjects
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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!
Jeffrey
Pre-Calculus Tutor • +29 Subjects
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 coming members of such a great field. I have experience tutoring both Calculus and Physics at Notre Dame, as well as experience as a Student Assistant for Differential Equations and Mechanics. I believe the key to learning is much deeper than learning to solve problems and that seeking knowledge is one of the best means for personal improvement.
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!
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
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.
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
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
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
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!
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 :)
Top 20 Subjects
Frequently Asked Questions
Score improvement depends on your starting point, commitment level, and how long you've been studying. Most students see meaningful gains—often 2-4 points on the 1-30 Physics scale—within 4-8 weeks of focused tutoring, especially when working with a tutor who can identify and target your specific weak areas. The real advantage of personalized instruction is that tutors help you spend study time efficiently, eliminating gaps in conceptual understanding rather than just drilling practice problems. Realistic timelines matter: if you're struggling with foundational physics concepts, allow more time than if you're fine-tuning test strategy.
The most common struggles include:
- Conceptual gaps: Many students memorize formulas without truly understanding the physics principles behind them, which becomes a problem when questions test application rather than recall
- Pacing: OAT Physics questions require careful reading and often multiple calculation steps, making time management critical
- Question interpretation: The OAT uses complex, multi-part scenarios that test whether you can identify what physics concept applies and which variables matter
- Bridging theory to practice: Understanding optics or mechanics in a textbook is different from recognizing those concepts in a clinical scenario
A tutor can help you strengthen conceptual understanding, practice efficient problem-solving strategies, and build confidence interpreting unfamiliar question formats.
The best OAT Physics tutors combine deep subject knowledge with practical test expertise. Look for tutors who:
- Understand both the physics content AND the specific ways the OAT tests it—these aren't always the same
- Can explain concepts clearly from first principles, not just show you how to solve problems
- Have real experience with the OAT format and timing constraints
- Adapt their teaching style to your learning needs and identify your specific weak areas quickly
- Help you develop test-taking strategies (like how to approach multi-part questions or when to skip and come back)
Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who meet these standards and can personalize their approach to your goals and timeline.
Most students benefit from 6-12 weeks of focused Physics preparation, depending on their starting knowledge and target score. A realistic weekly schedule might look like 3-5 hours of tutoring or focused study, with additional practice problem work in between sessions. The key is consistency rather than cramming—spacing your study over time helps concepts stick and builds the problem-solving fluency you need on test day. If you're starting with significant conceptual gaps, you may need longer; if you're refining test strategy for an already solid foundation, you might need less. A tutor can help you create a timeline that fits your specific situation and adjust as you progress.
Test anxiety often stems from uncertainty—not knowing if you'll recognize question types, manage the clock, or remember concepts under pressure. Tutoring helps because it builds the confidence that comes from actually understanding the material and practicing realistic scenarios. Specific strategies include:
- Working through full-length practice tests under timed conditions so test day feels familiar
- Developing a systematic approach to each question type so you have a reliable process when anxiety strikes
- Identifying your actual weak areas (versus imagined ones) so you can stop worrying about everything
- Practicing pacing strategies specific to Physics so you know you can finish in time
Many students find that combining tutoring with consistent practice test experience significantly reduces anxiety because they've proven to themselves they can handle the material.
Practice tests are essential—they serve multiple purposes. They help you identify which physics concepts and question types challenge you most, they build stamina and timing skills, and they give you realistic feedback on your actual performance versus where you need to improve. Most students should aim to complete at least 3-4 full-length practice tests throughout their prep, spacing them a few weeks apart so you have time to address weak areas between attempts. A tutor can review your practice test results with you, showing you patterns in mistakes (conceptual misunderstanding vs. careless errors vs. timing issues) and helping you adjust your strategy. The OAT's question formats and pacing demands are specific enough that practice tests are much more valuable than generic physics problem sets.
Start by categorizing your mistakes: Are they due to not understanding a concept, misinterpreting the question, running out of time, or careless calculation errors? This is crucial because the fix is different for each. A tutor can help you analyze this systematically by reviewing your practice problems and tests with you. Once you've identified patterns—maybe you struggle with optics concepts, or you consistently rush through multi-step kinematics problems—you can target those areas with focused practice and review. The most efficient approach is to strengthen conceptual understanding first (so you actually know the physics), then practice application in test-like formats, then work on pacing and strategy. Jumping straight to more practice problems without addressing the root cause wastes study time.
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