Award-Winning ACCUPLACER Elementary Algebra Tutors

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Award-Winning ACCUPLACER Elementary Algebra Tutors

Kashish

Certified Tutor

Kashish

Bachelor of Science, Engineering
Kashish's other Tutor Subjects
College Algebra
Algebra 3/4
Arithmetic
Competition Math

Placement into college-level math often hinges on the ACCUPLACER Elementary Algebra section, where topics like linear equations, inequalities, and operations with polynomials need to be second nature. As a Brown engineering student who took advanced math courses early, Kashish can quickly diagnose w...

Education

Brown University

Bachelor of Science, Engineering

Test Scores
SAT
1570
ACT
34
Brett

Certified Tutor

9+ years

Brett

Bachelor in Arts, Communication, General
Brett's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Pre-Calculus
Middle School Math
Calculus

Placement into the right college math course can save a semester's worth of time and tuition, which makes the ACCUPLACER Elementary Algebra section genuinely high-stakes. Brett zeroes in on the specific skills the test emphasizes — solving linear equations, working with polynomials, and interpreting...

Education

Northwestern University

Bachelor in Arts, Communication, General

Test Scores
SAT
1450
ACT
34
Madeline

Certified Tutor

10+ years

Madeline

Bachelors
Madeline's other Tutor Subjects
1st-10th Grade math
3rd-8th Grade Science
5th-9th Grade Reading
6th-9th Grade Writing

Engineering coursework at Johns Hopkins means Madeline uses algebra daily in applied settings — so the linear equations, polynomial operations, and expression translation on the ACCUPLACER feel like second nature rather than distant high school material. She walks students through each problem type ...

Education

Johns Hopkins University

Bachelors

Test Scores
SAT
1510
Bridget

Certified Tutor

8+ years

Bridget

Bachelor of Science, Teacher Education, Multiple Levels
Bridget's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
PSAT Writing Skills
SAT Reading

The ACCUPLACER Elementary Algebra section covers ground from signed number operations to factoring trinomials, and placement scores determine which college math courses a student can enter. Bridget's math minor and daily classroom teaching give her a clear sense of which foundational gaps cause the ...

Education

Texas Christian University

Bachelor of Science, Teacher Education, Multiple Levels

Test Scores
SAT
1460
Bill

Certified Tutor

Bill

Bachelors, General Sciences, Theater
Bill's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Middle School Math
Geometry
Calculus

Bill's science background means he's comfortable with the applied side of algebra — setting up equations from real scenarios, manipulating formulas, working through signed-number operations — which maps directly onto what the ACCUPLACER Elementary Algebra section actually tests. He's especially effe...

Education

SUNY Empire State College

Bachelors, General Sciences, Theater

Test Scores
SAT
1510
Samantha

Certified Tutor

9+ years

Samantha

Current Undergrad Student, Psychology
Samantha's other Tutor Subjects
Applied Mathematics
AP Calculus BC
AP Calculus AB
Pre-Algebra

Linear equations, inequalities, and translating word problems into algebraic expressions — these are the core skills the ACCUPLACER Elementary Algebra section tests, and Samantha breaks each one down into repeatable steps. Her two years tutoring math through Princeton's McGraw program gave her a sha...

Education

Princeton University

Current Undergrad Student, Psychology

Test Scores
SAT
1480
Neil

Certified Tutor

10+ years

Neil

Bachelors
Neil's other Tutor Subjects
1st-12th Grade math
3rd-5th Grade Science
Pre-Algebra
Geometry

The ACCUPLACER Elementary Algebra section covers ground that trips up many returning students: translating word problems into equations, working with linear expressions, and manipulating basic polynomials. Neil's teaching experience — including years of exam prep courses — gives him a clear sense of...

Education

Northwestern University

Bachelors

Sahar

Certified Tutor

10+ years

Sahar

Current Undergrad, Political Science and Psychology
Sahar's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Middle School Math
Calculus
Algebra

The ACCUPLACER Elementary Algebra section tests exactly the skills that gatekeep college math placement: solving linear equations, working with polynomials, and translating word problems into algebraic expressions. Sahar zeroes in on the question types that trip students up most, drilling the specif...

Education

Emory University

Current Undergrad, Political Science and Psychology

Test Scores
ACT
34
Sabrina

Certified Tutor

6+ years

Sabrina

Masters in Education, Urban Education and Leadership
Sabrina's other Tutor Subjects
Middle School Math
Geometry
Calculus
Algebra

Solving linear equations, working with inequalities, translating word problems into algebraic expressions — the ACCUPLACER Elementary Algebra section tests skills that trip students up when they've been away from math for a while. Sabrina teaches these concepts in small, concrete steps, rebuilding c...

Education

Southeastern University

Masters in Education, Urban Education and Leadership

Test Scores
SAT
1450
Kaitlyn

Certified Tutor

8+ years

Kaitlyn

Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Kaitlyn's other Tutor Subjects
6th Grade math
6th Grade AP Language Composition
Pre-Algebra
College Algebra

Before medical school, Kaitlyn spent years teaching math at every level from elementary through calculus — so she can pinpoint exactly which algebraic skill (integer operations, expression simplification, equation setup) is causing a student to stumble on the ACCUPLACER. Her biology training means s...

Education

Fairfield University

Bachelor of Science, Biology, General

Test Scores
SAT
1500
ACT
33

Meet Our Expert Tutors

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

Stanley

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +46 Subjects

I am a graduate of The University of Pennsylvania. I received my Bachelor of Arts History. Since graduation, I have worked in organizations that seek to enrich and empower the lives of students regardless of their age, skill level, and, I have tutored the children of immigrants in Brooklyn and Manhattan while working with private clients all over New York City. While I tutor a broad range of subjects, I am most passionate about Science, Mathematics, and History. In my experience helping struggling students prepare for Standardized Tests, we always seem to have the most fun (with remarkable advancements) prepping for the Critical Reading and Writing portions of the exams as well as the math component. I am a firm proponent of education, believing it to be absolutely necessary for an improved quality of life, and I try to impart this appreciation to all of my students. I make it my mission to impart to my students with the idea that they have the potential for greatness. I let them know with my words and actions that with the right nurturing, mentoring, and guidance they can become the best versions of themselves. I know that if they receive the necessary assistance and encouragement, they can achieve their fullest potential. In my spare time, I enjoy reading that which enriches my life, walking in the park, and the odd game of American Football.

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Mackenzie

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +28 Subjects

I'm Kenzie! I'm a Mechanical Engineering student at UT Dallas and I've been tutoring online for 4 years now. My favorite subjects to teach are math and science, but reading and writing come in a close second.

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Andy

12th Grade math Tutor • +55 Subjects

I'm a certified math teacher, professional sous chef, and budding comedian willing to tutor in my spare time! A graduate from the University of Texas at Dallas in 2013, I have a multitude of both professional and private teaching/tutoring experience and skills. The teaching certification program I completed is heavily focused on STEM education and creating well-rounded students for today's technology centered world. Our lesson plans were both hands-on and thoroughly engaging while ensuring efficacy in education. I firmly believe that every student has the potential for "math literacy"; with a little help, anyone can be a math-confident person. I am most comfortable teaching math subjects (from preschool to BC Calculus), but I do have some background in reading/writing tutoring. I currently work as a sous chef four nights a week, but otherwise my schedule is open. I prefer online but am willing to travel up to 20-25 miles if needed. Contact me with any questions; I am here to help.

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Nayeon

12th Grade math Tutor • +47 Subjects

I'm pursuing a double major in Mathematics and English at Vanderbilt University. I have been tutoring math since High School and have native proficiency in Mandarin Chinese. I am dedicated to helping students explore the study methods that will fit their individual needs.

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Cole

AP Calculus AB Tutor • +44 Subjects

I am a graduate student at the University of Wisconsin- Madison, currently purusing a Masters degree in Industrial Engineering. I received my Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering, along with a Certificate in Business, from UW as well. Education has always been important to me, and tutoring allows me to share that passion with others. I first got into tutoring through a volunteer program in high school, and I continued to tutor during my undergraduate studies, which was some of the most rewarding work I've ever done. My engineering background has allowed me to take a wide variety of math and science courses, including Caclulus, Physics, and Chemistry, a few of my favorite subjects to tutor. I enjoy helping students prepare for standardized tests, as these tests require not only knowledge, but quick thinking and strong decision making skills. During my free time, I like playing Ultimate, reading, and playing an occasional game of Cribbage with friends and family.

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Kellyann

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +54 Subjects

I am a Physician Assistant in Primary cafe but have tutored for the past 9 years for students in elementary through college ages. I specialize in science courses but can do high school or earlier math, English and social science courses!

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Courtney

11th Grade math Tutor • +99 Subjects

I am happily employed at Carleton College in Northfield as an evening supervisor in the library I love it! My plan is to eventually go on to get my Ph.D. in Sociology.

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Remington

12th Grade math Tutor • +70 Subjects

I am about to begin graduate school as a PhD Student in Condensed Matter Physics. I am currently working at an experimental physics lab at the University of Maryland, College Park.

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Jessica

12th Grade math Tutor • +95 Subjects

I am a recent graduate of Indiana University. I majored in Human Biology with an area of concentration in Human Growth and Development, as well as minored in Chemistry and Psychology. I am currently applying to medical school. My tutoring experience has been tutoring English in Austria, and I have been a student of the Kaplan MCAT course. Outside of academia I enjoy reading, running, and rock climbing. I look forward to hearing from you! Hobbies: reading, writing, art, books, music, running

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Kevin

12th Grade math Tutor • +42 Subjects

I am a chemical and environmental engineer of long experience who has a knack for explaining science and math concepts in ways that students can understand, helping them to get the concepts. I also help students with their homework in all those areas. While my strong suit is math and science, I can also help explain concepts in English, writing, history, and social studies, as well as edit/proofread papers as needed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Students preparing for ACCUPLACER Elementary Algebra most commonly struggle with linear equations and inequalities, especially when variables appear on both sides of the equation. Rational expressions and operations with polynomials also trip up many test-takers, particularly when simplifying complex fractions or factoring trinomials. Additionally, many students find word problems challenging because they require translating English into algebraic expressions—a skill that demands both reading comprehension and algebraic fluency. A tutor can identify which of these areas are holding you back and focus intensive practice there.

The ACCUPLACER Elementary Algebra section is computer-adaptive, meaning the difficulty adjusts based on your answers—so rushing through early questions to "save time" can actually hurt your score. A strong approach is to work carefully through each problem, double-check your setup before solving, and use scratch paper to organize your work rather than solving mentally. If you encounter a particularly difficult problem, it's often better to make an educated guess and move forward than to spend several minutes on one question. A tutor can help you practice this pacing strategy with timed practice tests so it becomes automatic on test day.

Word problems require you to extract relevant information from text, decide which operations to use, and set up equations correctly—all before you even start solving. Many students skip steps like defining variables or checking if their answer makes sense in context, which leads to careless errors. The key is to develop a systematic approach: read carefully, identify what you're solving for, write out your equation explicitly, solve, and verify your answer fits the scenario. Tutoring helps you practice this method repeatedly with different problem types so you build confidence and consistency rather than relying on guessing patterns.

Factoring is foundational for ACCUPLACER Elementary Algebra because it appears in simplifying rational expressions, solving equations, and word problems. Many students try to memorize factoring patterns without understanding why they work, which causes them to freeze when they see an unfamiliar form. The most effective approach is to understand factoring as the reverse of distribution, practice recognizing common patterns (difference of squares, trinomials, grouping), and work through progressively harder problems. A tutor can break factoring into digestible chunks, show you how to check your work, and give you targeted practice on the specific types that appear on ACCUPLACER.

Test anxiety in algebra often stems from past negative experiences or feeling lost during instruction, which creates a cycle of avoidance and lower confidence. A tutor works at your pace, explains concepts multiple ways, and celebrates small wins—building evidence that you can actually do this work. Seeing consistent improvement on practice problems and understanding the "why" behind each step rebuilds confidence far more effectively than cramming. Additionally, working through timed practice tests with a tutor present helps you experience the test environment in a supportive setting, which significantly reduces anxiety on the actual exam.

Most students benefit from taking 4-6 full-length practice tests spread across their study period rather than all at once. The first practice test establishes your baseline and reveals weak areas; subsequent tests let you track improvement and adjust your study focus. Spacing these out over 2-4 weeks gives you time to study between tests and see real progress, which is motivating. A tutor can administer and score these tests, pinpoint exactly which question types or topics are costing you points, and create a targeted study plan based on the results rather than reviewing everything broadly.

Rational expressions (fractions with polynomials in the numerator and denominator) intimidate many students, but they follow the same rules as numeric fractions. The key is to factor both the numerator and denominator completely, then cancel common factors—but you must identify restrictions (values that make the denominator zero) before you simplify. Many students skip the restriction step or forget to factor completely, leading to incorrect answers. A tutor can teach you a consistent process: factor first, identify restrictions, simplify, then verify your answer, so you handle these problems systematically rather than guessing.

An effective schedule typically involves 3-4 tutoring sessions per week over 4-8 weeks, depending on your starting level and test date, combined with 30-45 minutes of independent practice between sessions. Each session should focus on one or two specific topics deeply rather than skimming many topics, and independent practice should include both skill-building problems and mixed review to build automaticity. In the final 1-2 weeks before the exam, shift toward full-length timed practice tests and review of your weakest areas rather than learning new content. A tutor can create a personalized schedule based on your diagnostic test results and adjust it as you progress.

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