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Award-Winning IB Physics Tutors

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

A PhD in Computational Mathematics from the University of Chicago, built on top of dual bachelor's degrees in physics and math, means Justin has worked through every derivation and proof underlying the IB Physics syllabus — not just memorized the results. He's especially sharp on the quantitative mo...

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
Phillip

Certified Tutor

6+ years

Phillip

Bachelor of Science, Biomedical Engineering
Phillip's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Middle School Math
Geometry
Calculus

Biomedical engineering at Brown means Phillip works through mechanics, thermodynamics, and wave physics in the context of real biological systems — the kind of applied problem-solving that makes IB Physics concepts stick instead of feeling abstract. He's especially strong at teaching students how to...

Education

Brown University

Bachelor of Science, Biomedical Engineering

Test Scores
SAT
1560

Certified Tutor

8+ years

Mackenzie

Bachelor in Arts, Economics
Mackenzie's other Tutor Subjects
AP Calculus BC
Pre-Algebra
College Algebra
Trigonometry

Economics might seem like an odd route into IB Physics, but Mackenzie's quantitative training at Northwestern — modeling systems, interpreting data, and working through calculus-heavy problem sets — maps onto the analytical reasoning IB Papers demand, particularly in mechanics and energy topics. Her...

Education

Northwestern University

Bachelor in Arts, Economics

Test Scores
SAT
1510
ACT
35

Certified Tutor

8+ years

Dylan

Bachelor of Science, Physics
Dylan's other Tutor Subjects
AP Calculus BC
AP Calculus AB
Pre-Algebra
Pre-Calculus

Graphical intuition is Dylan's secret weapon for IB Physics — he teaches students to sketch force diagrams, energy curves, and field lines until the abstract math behind mechanics and electromagnetism becomes something they can actually see and reason about on Papers 1 and 2. His physics degree at V...

Education

Vanderbilt University

Bachelor of Science, Physics

Test Scores
Perfect Score
ACT
36

Certified Tutor

8+ years

Anna

Bachelor of Science
Anna's other Tutor Subjects
Middle School Math
Geometry
Calculus
Algebra

Neuroscience training covers a surprising amount of physics — optics, electrical circuits in neural signaling, wave mechanics, and fluid dynamics all showed up in Anna's undergraduate coursework, giving her a cross-disciplinary intuition for topics that IB Physics tests on Papers 1 and 2. She's espe...

Education

Brown University

Bachelor of Science

Test Scores
SAT
1510

Certified Tutor

5+ years

Florence

Bachelor of Science, Computer Science
Florence's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Trigonometry
Statistics
Pre-Calculus

Having TA'd Electricity and Magnetism for engineers at Duke while minoring in physics, Florence knows the exact mathematical depth IB Physics expects on topics like fields, circuits, and electromagnetic induction — and where students lose marks by skipping steps in their reasoning. Her computer scie...

Education

Duke University

Bachelor of Science, Computer Science

Test Scores
Perfect Score
ACT
36

Certified Tutor

Matthew

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

Studying physics at the university level while simultaneously working in a biomedical research lab gave Matthew an unusually broad view of how physics concepts apply in the real world. He tackles IB Physics topics like mechanics, waves, and energy systems by emphasizing the problem-solving framework...

Education

Washington University in St. Louis

Bachelor in Arts

Test Scores
SAT
1540
ACT
35

Certified Tutor

5+ years

Zhengdong

Doctor of Philosophy
Zhengdong's other Tutor Subjects
AP Calculus AB
Middle School Math
Calculus
Algebra

Two physics degrees — a BS and a PhD — mean Zhengdong has worked through every layer of the IB Physics syllabus at a depth most tutors simply haven't reached, from classical mechanics through quantum physics and beyond. That depth pays off most on the theoretical derivations and multi-concept proble...

Education

University of Science and Technology of China

Bachelor of Science, Physics

Princeton University

Doctor of Philosophy

Certified Tutor

Kinjal

Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Kinjal's other Tutor Subjects
IB Mathematics SL
IB Mathematics HL
IB Mathematical Studies SL
College Algebra

Going through the full IB programme herself — not just one or two courses — means Kinjal knows the specific pressure points: the way Paper 2 structured questions demand precise reasoning chains, the time crunch on Paper 1 multiple choice, and the IA's expectation that students evaluate their own exp...

Education

Texas A & M University-College Station

Bachelor of Science, Biology, General

Test Scores
SAT
1550
ACT
33

Certified Tutor

10+ years

Nicolas

Current Undergrad, Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
Nicolas's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Pre-Calculus
Middle School Math
Geometry

Mechanical and aerospace engineering at Princeton means Nicolas is solving the exact mechanics, thermodynamics, and wave problems that IB Physics covers — except at a higher level, which lets him show students where each concept is headed and why the IB approach works the way it does. His 1580 SAT c...

Education

Princeton University

Current Undergrad, Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering

Test Scores
SAT
1580

Certified Tutor

8+ years

La

Bachelor of Science
La's other Tutor Subjects
Middle School Math
Calculus
Algebra
IB Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches

I am a recent graduate of Princeton University's Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department. I am passionate about teaching and mentoring and have done so in multiple capacities over the last four years, including a fellowship during which I taught pre-algebraic math to a group of middle school...

Education

Princeton University

Bachelor of Science

Test Scores
ACT
32

Certified Tutor

James

Bachelor of Science
James's other Tutor Subjects
Geometry
Calculus
Algebra
Quantitative Reasoning

Three biology degrees might seem like an unusual path into IB Physics, but James built substantial physics fluency through the biophysics and quantitative methods woven through his coursework — mechanics, energy systems, and wave behavior all ground biological science at the university level. His 15...

Education

Duke University

Bachelor of Science

Test Scores
SAT
1500

Certified Tutor

8+ years

Sidharth

Engineering in Computer Science, Computer Science
Sidharth's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
IB Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches
IB Physics

The jump from textbook physics to IB Physics often trips students up on data analysis questions and multi-concept problems where mechanics, waves, and energy all intersect. Sidharth approaches each topic by tying equations back to physical intuition — explaining not just how to use F=ma, but why a f...

Education

University of Pennsylvania

Engineering in Computer Science, Computer Science

Test Scores
ACT
35

Certified Tutor

16+ years

John

Bachelor of Fine Arts, English/Drama
John's other Tutor Subjects
AP Calculus AB
College Algebra
Middle School Math
Geometry

IB Physics Paper 2 questions reward students who can build an argument from first principles — and John's background teaching across calculus, AP Physics 1, AP Physics C: Mechanics, and chemistry means he tackles mechanics, energy, and electromagnetic problems from multiple entry points rather than ...

Education

University of St Thomas

Bachelor of Fine Arts, English/Drama

American Academy of Dramatic Arts

Associates, Acting

Test Scores
Perfect Score
SAT
1420
ACT
36

Certified Tutor

7+ years

Madeline

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

As a physics PhD candidate at Carnegie Mellon, Madeline is still actively doing the kind of experimental reasoning and derivation work that IB Physics tests — from propagating uncertainties in lab data to building arguments about electromagnetic and thermal systems from first principles. She brings ...

Education

Siena College

Bachelor of Science, Physics

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La

Middle School Math Tutor • +32 Subjects

I am a recent graduate of Princeton University's Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department. I am passionate about teaching and mentoring and have done so in multiple capacities over the last four years, including a fellowship during which I taught pre-algebraic math to a group of middle school students from traditionally underserved backgrounds in Saint Paul, MN. I love interacting with students and seeing them grow over the course of their studies. I'm ecstatic at the opportunity to learn alongside them as we venture into educational rabbit holes and uncover key concepts about math, science, and everything else. Hobbies: art, books, dancing, reading, music, writing

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James

Geometry Tutor • +29 Subjects

Three biology degrees might seem like an unusual path into IB Physics, but James built substantial physics fluency through the biophysics and quantitative methods woven through his coursework — mechanics, energy systems, and wave behavior all ground biological science at the university level. His 1500 SAT and strong quantitative reasoning background mean he's comfortable with the math-heavy derivations IB Papers demand, and he's especially useful for students who need someone to connect physics concepts to tangible, real-world systems rather than leaving them as abstract equations on a whiteboard.

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Sidharth

Calculus Tutor • +20 Subjects

The jump from textbook physics to IB Physics often trips students up on data analysis questions and multi-concept problems where mechanics, waves, and energy all intersect. Sidharth approaches each topic by tying equations back to physical intuition — explaining not just how to use F=ma, but why a free-body diagram tells you which version of Newton's laws actually applies.

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John

AP Calculus AB Tutor • +88 Subjects

IB Physics Paper 2 questions reward students who can build an argument from first principles — and John's background teaching across calculus, AP Physics 1, AP Physics C: Mechanics, and chemistry means he tackles mechanics, energy, and electromagnetic problems from multiple entry points rather than a single textbook sequence. His 36 ACT confirms the quantitative sharpness IB mark schemes demand, and his drama training gives him an unusual ability to make abstract derivations vivid and memorable in real time.

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Madeline

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +48 Subjects

As a physics PhD candidate at Carnegie Mellon, Madeline is still actively doing the kind of experimental reasoning and derivation work that IB Physics tests — from propagating uncertainties in lab data to building arguments about electromagnetic and thermal systems from first principles. She brings that researcher's instinct to the IA process especially, where students need to design rigorous experiments and evaluate their own methodology. Rated 4.8 by students.

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Jay

Calculus Tutor • +30 Subjects

Teaching 7th grade science in New York City means Jay spends every day figuring out how to make physical concepts — forces, energy, motion — click for students who are encountering them for the first time, and that skill translates directly to breaking down IB Physics topics where the core ideas are the same but the mathematical demands are higher. His economics degree also sharpens his approach to the quantitative reasoning and graph interpretation that IB Papers lean on heavily, since economics training is built around modeling systems and reading data carefully.

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Roni

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +34 Subjects

Rocket engineering isn't a distant dream for Roni — it's the reason she's studying mechanical engineering at Brown, and the mechanics, thermodynamics, and wave concepts she works through daily map directly onto IB Physics Papers 1 and 2. Her 1520 SAT and 33 ACT confirm the quantitative precision IB mark schemes demand, and she brings an engineer's instinct for connecting equations to real physical systems, which is exactly what separates strong IB responses from formulaic ones.

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Jacques

AP Statistics Tutor • +59 Subjects

Twenty-five years teaching physics in Massachusetts public schools means Jacques has watched hundreds of students work through the exact kinds of multi-step derivations and conceptual reasoning questions that IB Papers 1 and 2 demand — and he knows precisely where the common breakdowns happen. His Princeton chemical engineering degree grounds him in thermodynamics, mechanics, and energy systems at a level well beyond the IB syllabus, so he can explain the deeper 'why' behind topics that often feel like disconnected formulas. Rated 4.8 by students.

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Remington

12th Grade Math Tutor • +70 Subjects

Between the core topics, option modules, and the demands of the IA, IB Physics requires a tutor who understands both the content and the exam structure. Remington brings active research experience from his experimental physics lab to every session, breaking down mechanics, electricity, and data analysis in ways that map directly onto how IB questions are framed.

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Allison

AP Calculus AB Tutor • +54 Subjects

Eight years of tutoring physics across middle school through university levels means Allison has seen exactly where the conceptual gaps form that trip up IB students — particularly in mechanics and waves, where the jump from intuitive understanding to formal derivation catches people off guard. Her physics degree from Colgate gives her the theoretical grounding, and her architecture training at Columbia adds a spatial reasoning instinct that's surprisingly useful for teaching fields, vectors, and force diagrams. Rated 5.0 by students.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Students often find circular motion, simple harmonic motion, and electromagnetic induction conceptually challenging because they require visualizing invisible forces and rotational dynamics. Additionally, the transition from kinematics to dynamics—understanding how to apply Newton's laws to complex scenarios—trips up many students. Thermodynamics and the behavior of gases also present difficulties, particularly when students need to connect macroscopic observations (like pressure and temperature) to microscopic particle behavior. A tutor experienced with IB Physics can break down these abstract concepts with diagrams, analogies, and step-by-step problem solving.

The Internal Assessment (IA) and practical work make up a significant portion of IB Physics grades, so experimental design and scientific reasoning are just as critical as content knowledge. Tutors can guide you through designing controlled experiments, identifying variables, minimizing systematic errors, and collecting reliable data—skills that go beyond memorizing formulas. They can also help you write clear, evidence-based conclusions and understand how to evaluate the limitations of your experiments, which directly impacts your IA score and your ability to think like a physicist.

Vectors require both magnitude and direction, and many students struggle to resolve vectors into components or add them correctly—mistakes that cascade through mechanics problems. Unit conversions are equally tricky because IB Physics mixes SI units with derived units (like converting between m/s and km/h, or understanding how to work with joules, watts, and electron volts). A tutor can help you develop a systematic approach: breaking vectors into x and y components, double-checking unit consistency before solving, and practicing problems that reinforce these foundational skills so they become automatic.

IB Physics exams test both—you need to understand why a formula works and when to apply it, not just plug numbers in. Many students memorize equations without grasping the physics behind them, which backfires on questions that ask you to explain phenomena or apply concepts to unfamiliar situations. Tutors help bridge this gap by asking you to explain your reasoning, working through problems conceptually first (What forces are acting? What's conserved here?), and then handling the math. This approach builds deeper understanding and makes you more flexible when facing novel problems on the exam.

Beyond helping with the physics content itself, tutors experienced with IB Physics can guide you on experimental technique: how to use equipment accurately, record data systematically, identify sources of uncertainty, and design experiments that actually test your hypothesis. They can also help you analyze your results critically—spotting anomalies, calculating percentage uncertainties, and drawing conclusions that are supported by evidence. Strong IA work requires both solid experimental skills and clear communication, and a tutor can help you develop both so your practical work reflects genuine understanding.

Energy and momentum problems are deceptively tricky because students often confuse when to use conservation of momentum versus conservation of energy, or forget that kinetic energy depends on the square of velocity while momentum depends linearly on it. Tutors help you develop a problem-solving strategy: identify what's conserved in the situation, draw free-body or system diagrams, and set up equations carefully. Working through collisions, explosions, and multi-step energy transformations with a tutor reinforces when each principle applies, so you can confidently tackle these problems on exams.

Fields are abstract—you can't see them directly—so many students struggle to visualize how field strength varies with distance, how forces arise from fields, or how to apply field concepts to real situations like planetary orbits or capacitor behavior. Waves add another layer of complexity with concepts like interference, diffraction, and standing waves that require spatial reasoning. Tutors use diagrams, simulations, and analogies to make these invisible phenomena tangible, then connect field and wave theory to practical applications (like how radio waves propagate or how gravitational fields affect satellite motion) so the concepts stick.

IB Physics exams require not just knowledge but strategic thinking: knowing which questions to attempt first, how to show work clearly for partial credit, and how to manage time across multiple sections with different question types. Tutors can help you practice past papers under timed conditions, identify which question types you tend to rush or overthink, and develop a personal strategy for tackling the exam. They also help you understand the command words (explain, deduce, calculate) so you know exactly what level of detail examiners expect, which directly impacts your marks.

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