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Award-Winning ACT Reading Tutors serving New York, NY

Sarah

Certified Tutor

4+ years

Sarah

Bachelor in Arts, Neuroscience
Sarah's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Calculus
Algebra
Math 3

I am a Neuroscience and Behavior major at Columbia University. Although my major is centered in the STEM field, I am also passionate about human rights work, global engagement, and local outreach. While my future plans are subject to change, I see myself continuing in academia, going to medical scho...

Education

Columbia University in the City of New York

Bachelor in Arts, Neuroscience

Test Scores
ACT
35
Justin

Certified Tutor

9+ years

Justin

Doctor of Philosophy, Computational Mathematics
Justin's other Tutor Subjects
AP Calculus BC
AP Calculus AB
Pre-Algebra
Multivariable Calculus

I am an aspiring applied mathematician, with particular interest in image processing and climate science. I graduated in May 2017 from Washington University in St. Louis with a bachelor's in physics and mathematics, and am beginning a PhD program in September 2017 at the University of Chicago in Com...

Education

Washington University in St. Louis

Bachelor's in Physics and Mathematics

University of Chicago

Doctor of Philosophy, Computational Mathematics

Test Scores
SAT
1560
ACT
33

Certified Tutor

5+ years

Vivian

Bachelor in Arts
Vivian's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
PSAT Writing Skills
SAT Mathematics

Scoring a 36 ACT composite means Vivian didn't just read the passages — she learned to dismantle them, distinguishing between what the author states explicitly and what's merely implied. Her approach to the Reading section zeroes in on how to handle the dual-passage comparisons and inference questio...

Education

Yale University

Bachelor in Arts

Test Scores
Perfect Score
SAT
1530
ACT
36

Certified Tutor

Richard

Bachelor in Arts, Government
Richard's other Tutor Subjects
AP Calculus BC
AP Calculus AB
Pre-Algebra
Linear Algebra

A government major at Harvard, Richard spent his coursework doing exactly what the ACT Reading section rewards: rapidly digesting competing political arguments, identifying an author's central claim, and distinguishing stated evidence from implied conclusions — skills that map directly onto the soci...

Education

Harvard University

Bachelor in Arts, Government

Test Scores
Perfect Score
SAT
1600
ACT
36

Certified Tutor

Michelle

Bachelor in Arts
Michelle's other Tutor Subjects
Middle School Math
Calculus
Algebra
PSAT Writing Skills

The ACT Reading section gives students just 35 minutes for four dense passages, which means most score gains come from learning how to read strategically rather than thoroughly. Michelle teaches a passage-mapping approach — identifying the author's argument, tone shifts, and key evidence before touc...

Education

Yale University

Bachelor in Arts

Test Scores
ACT
35

Certified Tutor

5+ years

Aaron

Bachelor in Arts, Biochemistry
Aaron's other Tutor Subjects
AP Calculus BC
AP Calculus AB
Middle School Math
Calculus

The ACT Reading section punishes students who read every passage the same way; a science excerpt and a humanities narrative require different strategies for locating evidence under time pressure. Aaron, who earned a 36 composite, walks students through passage-mapping techniques that cut re-reading ...

Education

Columbia University in the City of New York

Bachelor in Arts, Biochemistry

Test Scores
Perfect Score
SAT
1570
ACT
36

Certified Tutor

5+ years

Grace

Bachelor in Arts, American Studies
Grace's other Tutor Subjects
AP Calculus BC
Pre-Algebra
Middle School Math
Calculus

The ACT Reading section isn't really about comprehension — most students understand the passages just fine. The challenge is locating evidence and eliminating wrong answers in under nine minutes per passage. Grace, who scored a 35 composite, teaches a passage-mapping strategy that turns each reading...

Education

Columbia University in the City of New York

Bachelor in Arts, American Studies

Test Scores
ACT
35

Certified Tutor

Alexandra

AB
Alexandra's other Tutor Subjects
Elementary School Science
ACT
Elementary School Writing

Hi! My name is Alexandra, and I am a Princeton University Neuroscience major with 5+ years of tutoring experience. I specialize in SAT/ACT/PSAT prep and have successfully taught topics ranging from computer science and basic sciences to elementary reading and writing and college essay writing. In hi...

Education

Princeton University

AB

Test Scores
Perfect Score
ACT
36

Certified Tutor

5+ years

Vansh

Bachelor of Science, Finance
Vansh's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Trigonometry
Pre-Calculus
Middle School Math

I am an incoming student at Washington University in St. Louis. I have been passionate about teaching ever since I had the opportunity to teach at an Indian public school in 2018. It's one of my favorite activities the gives me genuine joy. Hopefully, I'll be able to make teaching fun for you too! L...

Education

Washington University in St. Louis

Bachelor of Science, Finance

Test Scores
SAT
1550
ACT
35

Certified Tutor

9+ years

Jai

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

Most ACT Reading mistakes come from spending too long on dense passages and rushing through easier ones. Jai scored a 35 composite and developed a pacing strategy that matches passage type to time allocation, so students learn to identify inference and tone questions quickly without misreading what ...

Education

Stanford University

Bachelors in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

Test Scores
SAT
1590
ACT
35

Certified Tutor

9+ years

Emma

Bachelors in Neurobiology (minor in Economics)
Emma's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Finite Mathematics
Middle School Math
Geometry

Between a neurobiology major and an economics minor at Harvard, Emma spent four years toggling between scientific research papers and policy-driven arguments — the exact mix of passage types the ACT Reading section throws at students in 35 minutes. She teaches students to identify what each paragrap...

Education

Harvard University

Bachelors in Neurobiology (minor in Economics)

Test Scores
SAT
1550
ACT
32

Certified Tutor

9+ years

Jamie

Juris Doctor, Legal Studies
Jamie's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
AP English Literature and Composition
College Essays

I am originally from Alabama and graduated from Birmingham-Southern College with a BA in English Language and Literature. Immediately after undergrad, I relocated to New York City to pursue my law degree at Fordham University. After earning my Juris Doctor and passing the NY bar exam, I worked for f...

Education

Birmingham Southern College

Bachelor in Arts, English

Fordham University

Juris Doctor, Legal Studies

Test Scores
SAT
1490
ACT
34

Certified Tutor

9+ years

Mo

Bachelor of Science, Finance
Mo's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Trigonometry
Middle School Math
Geometry

I am very comfortable tutoring any subject that is listed on my profile.

Education

NYU Stern School of Business

Bachelor of Science, Finance

Test Scores
SAT
1510
ACT
35

Certified Tutor

Matthew

Bachelor in Arts
Matthew's other Tutor Subjects
AP Calculus BC
AP Calculus AB
IB Mathematical Studies SL
College Algebra

The ACT Reading section gives students 35 minutes for four dense passages, which means raw reading speed matters less than knowing what the questions actually ask. Matthew's self-study approach to the ACT — he scored a 35 composite — taught him to categorize question types (detail retrieval, inferen...

Education

Washington University in St. Louis

Bachelor in Arts

Test Scores
SAT
1540
ACT
35

Certified Tutor

6+ years

Sam

Bachelor of Science, Labor and Industrial Relations
Sam's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
PSAT Writing Skills
PSAT Mathematics

I'm Sam! I am a sophomore at Cornell University where I study the world of labor and employment and work as a volunteer EMT. I am motivated to help students learn new things and overcome challenging obstacles. I have experience tutoring, working with kids in one-on-one and group settings, and I am d...

Education

Cornell University

Bachelor of Science, Labor and Industrial Relations

Test Scores
ACT
35

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Frequently Asked Questions

Most students improve 2-4 points with consistent, personalized instruction focused on their specific weaknesses. The national average ACT Reading score is around 21 out of 36, so improvement depends on your starting point and how much you practice between sessions. A tutor can identify whether you're struggling with pacing, comprehension, or question-type strategy—then target those areas systematically.

Most students see measurable improvement within 4-6 weeks of consistent tutoring combined with practice between sessions. If you're preparing for an upcoming test, starting 8-12 weeks before your test date gives you the best chance to build both strategy and confidence. The key is practice testing and reviewing errors regularly—your tutor will guide you through both.

The most common struggles are managing the 35-minute time limit (9 minutes per passage), distinguishing between similar answer choices, and understanding what the test makers are actually asking. Many students also underestimate the importance of reading strategies before diving into questions. A tutor can teach you efficient previewing techniques, help you identify question patterns, and build the pacing skills that separate strong readers from test-takers who rush.

Aim for one full practice test every 1-2 weeks, plus shorter 1-2 passage drills 2-3 times weekly. This spacing lets you apply new strategies and catch patterns in your mistakes without burning out. Your tutor can help you analyze each practice test to identify whether your errors come from comprehension, timing, or strategy—then adjust your studying accordingly.

Yes. Test anxiety often stems from uncertainty about strategy or past performance—both things personalized tutoring directly addresses. When you understand the test format, practice under timed conditions regularly, and experience score improvement, confidence naturally grows. Tutors can also teach you pacing and breathing techniques to manage stress during the actual test.

Look for someone with strong ACT expertise who understands not just reading skills but test-specific strategy—they should be able to explain why certain answers are correct and help you spot traps quickly. It's also important that they focus on your individual weak areas rather than generic test prep. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors in New York who can customize their approach to your exact needs and timeline.

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