Award-Winning AP Physics Tutors
serving Chicago, IL
AP Physics
Tutors in Chicago
Private 1-on-1 tutoring, weekly live classes for academic support, test prep & enrichment, practice tests and diagnostics, and more to elevate grades and test scores.
Based on 3.4M Learner Ratings
UniversitiesSchools & Universities
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A chemical and biomolecular engineering degree means Steve spent years applying thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and electromagnetism to real systems — the same core principles that drive AP Physics 1 and 2. He's particularly sharp at teaching students how to connect free-body diagrams to Newton's laws and energy bar charts to conservation principles, building the kind of physical intuition the exam's qualitative questions demand. Rated 5.0 by students.

I am eager to help students wrestle with and master concepts in their math and physics classes. I have extensive experience tutoring students in both math and physics at the high school and college level in one on one and larger group settings. During my PhD I was awarded a teaching fellowship which allowed me to continue teaching while I continued to perform research and carry out my dissertation work.
I am an incoming medical student at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine. I graduated cum laude from Vanderbilt University majoring in Biomedical Engineering. I'm passionate about teaching STEM topics and making sure my students truly understand the material. I have 4 years experience teaching and tutoring elementary, middle, high school, and college students in STEM topics through a program called VSVS. Looking forward to meeting you!
I am a graduate of Cornell University's College of Arts and Sciences. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry with Distinction in 2015. Since graduation, I was a physics/chemistry teacher and soccer coach at a private school in Virginia for a year, where I led the soccer team to an undefeated season. Before teaching and coaching professionally, I was a Teaching Assistant for the Cornell Math and Physics Departments, where I taught many subjects including calculus, mechanics, electromagnetism. Throughout my time at Cornell and as a teacher, I tutored subjects ranging from the SAT to AP Physics and Algebra II, which is where my true talents lie: in small group or one-on-one settings where I can give students the full attention they deserve and tailor my approach specifically to their learning styles. This is why I am now pursuing tutoring as a part-time occupation at Varsity Tutors. I embrace teaching all math and science subjects, especially physics and calculus, at both the college and high school level and will go above and beyond to make sure all of my students succeed, according to their definition of success. In my spare time, I enjoy playing league soccer, basketball, tennis and guitar, and also like to travel and see as much of the world as I can.
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.
I am a student at the University of Chicago majoring in mathematics & comparative human development. I sing in an acapella group, play violin, and on weekends I love to go for bike rides or long runs, see local theater and music performances, and explore the city of Chicago. Through my studies and bike rides and runs, I enjoy working hard and building personalized, step-by-step plans for pursuing the goals I set. Nonetheless, I also believe in the importance of having fun and finding enjoyment in my day-to-day life, which I do through music and geographic exploration. I believe that this enthusiasm, curiosity, and steady work ethic are the keys to achieving goals once thought impossible, and I hope to inspire such a mindset in the people with whom I work.
I'm thrilled to work with anybody on any subjects of interest, reach out with any questions!
I am a graduate of the University of Notre Dame. I received my Bachelor of Science in Physics. Next fall, I will begin pursuing a Ph.D. in electrical engineering. Math and Physics make up the inner core of my expertise. However, I know what it takes to achieve high scores in all sections of standardized tests. I developed a passion for helping students achieve their academic goals after tutoring students in my mother's fifth grade classroom. This experience has also led me to tutor high school and college students. Therefore, I enjoy tutoring students of all ages and abilities. In my opinion, problem solving is a learned skill that is widely applicable in many areas of life. My tutoring philosophy is to develop students into better problem solvers while assisting them in particular courses or standardized tests. My hope is that by developing these fundamental problem solving skills they will eventually no longer need my help in future courses or standardized tests since they will have the necessary tools to succeed on their own.
I am currently a graduate student at the University of Chicago. I have been tutoring for over four years, with hundreds of hours of experience in various subjects. The reason I love being a tutor the most is because I can relate with my students. I myself once had to go through the same learning process for each subject that my students now face as well, and so I know what that feels like, and love to help guide others through it. Likewise, I truly understand where those confusions often lie, and--most importantly--how to best overcome those obstacles to reach the a proper understanding of the material at hand.
I am a recent graduate of MIT. I will be pursuing a PhD in the fall and have some time off this summer. While at MIT, I came to really enjoy teaching.
I am a bit of a nerd and play many table top board games.
I am a Northwestern University graduate and received my Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering with a concentration in Robotics. I have an extensive background tutoring middle and high school students in Standardized Tests as well as helping incoming freshmen acclimate to the college environment as a Peer Advisor. Due to my concentration in STEM, I am well-adept in teaching Math and Physics, though am open to tutoring outside those subjects. I believe that working on one's education outside of regular school hours shows a strong initiative to learn, and I want to encourage this drive for learning in my students.
Hi! I'm Palmer Blackstock, a passionate tutor with a Bachelor's degree in Physics from the University of Chicago and over two years of experience in tutoring high school and college students. My primary focus is on Physics at both introductory and advanced levels, with an additional focus in math subjects like Algebra, Pre-Calculus, and AP Calculus. In my past tutoring I've helped students grasp complex concepts in mechanics, waves, and electromagnetism, as well as math concepts in trigonometry and calculus. I believe in a collaborative, student-centered approach, where I'll ask the student what they know, what they don't know, and what they want to get out of our tutoring sessions. I always tailor my lessons to meet a student's individual needs. I'm dedicated not only to enhancing a student's understanding of math and science concepts but also fostering a love of science by providing engaging content and real-world examples. In addition to my passion for education, I also love writing and journalism, especially finding engaging methods for science communication. I enjoy reading books and listening to science podcasts. But I'm also an avid video game and board game player.
I'm currently a medical student at Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine. I graduated summa cum laude in April 2020 from the University of Pittsburgh with a B.S. in Neuroscience, B.S. with honors in Psychology, B.A. in French, minor in Chemistry and certificate in Conceptual Foundations of Medicine. I love teaching and tutoring people in topics of all kinds and have done so since freshman year of high school when I began working as a private tutor and a junior teacher at a local learning center. Working with students is a passion of mine since I love learning, teaching and getting to know new people as well. I believe education is an important part of life and strive to give all my students a solid foundation to the best of my ability.
I'm extremely patient and will always take the time to ensure students understand the concepts in a way that is clear to them.
I am actively working in this area I have constant practice with the fundamentals of math and physics.
I am a second-year student at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor and I am in the College of Engineering. I am not exactly sure as to what I want to do after College, but I do know that I would like to do something that involves Physics, Chemistry, and Computer Science. In High School, I would teach/tutor elementary school students at a tutoring center in Chicago called Ivy Garden. I tutor many High School Math and Science subjects (including AP courses) as well as Math and Science test prep for the ACT. My favorite subjects to tutor are Calculus and Physics because they are applicable with many things in your daily life. I am inspired to tutor those who are struggling in Math and Science courses because people are very discouraged while studying these subjects and I feel that, with the proper instruction, not only will people get better at those subjects; but they will become more confident in themselves. I believe that understanding something conceptually is ten times more valuable than knowing how to use an equation and I like using real world examples when I am tutoring. On my free time I enjoy playing NBA 2K and actual basketball.
I'm a friendly and dedicated tutor with a PhD in Physics from the University of Notre Dame and over five years of experience helping students at the middle school, high school, and college levels. I work with a wide range of subjects, including all levels of physics, algebra, calculus, linear algebra, differential equations, statistics, and general problem-solving. My approach is straightforward: meet students where they are, explain ideas clearly, and work together through examples until everything clicks. I value building confidence just as much as building skills. Every student learns differently, so I adapt explanations to match the way they think. The most rewarding part of tutoring for me is seeing students go from "I'm stuck" to "I've got this." If you're looking for someone patient, supportive, and genuinely invested in your progress, I'd be happy to help.
I'm a sophomore at Harvard studying Applied Math, Economics, and Computer Science. I've tutored in a variety of subjects throughout high school and currently work part-time as a Course Assistant for an Introductory Calculus course at Harvard. I especially love tutoring math and making it a more accessible subject for students to learn. Aside from academics, I'm passionate about community service (I'm a director for a student-run homeless shelter!), music, digital design, and baking!
I am a 2023 graduate of the University of Notre Dame with a Finance/Economics major and a minor in Innovation and Entrepreneurship. I am a passionate student in the math and business realms, as I enjoy the intuitiveness of the former and the real-world potential of the latter. During classes in middle and high school, I developed a reputation of being a good source of help within my classes in a non-tutor capacity, and grew that into a peer tutor role a couple times a week during lunch my senior year of high school. What I hope to accomplish with my tutoring is ensure that you not only achieve your desired grade/score, but see how the different concepts relate to each other in the bigger picture. The more important part is to critically think about the subject matter in other, more unfamiliar contexts. Also, in my math subjects, I seek to provide personal secrets in realms including quicker computation strategies, unique acronyms for certain rules, and other intuitive shortcuts.
I am planning on entering medical school at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in the fall. Throughout high school and college, I have fallen in love with tutoring and seeing so many new faces in the process. I especially love to tutor in math, chemistry, MCAT, and chemical engineering topics, and have experience tutoring students of all ages - from elementary school to fellow college students. When I am not tutoring or in school, I am an avid lifter and love to bake with friends!
I am a student at Rice University in Houston, Texas, currently earning my BS in Physics. Ever since I was little, I've had a passion for learning and understanding how the world works through the enlightening lenses of the sciences. I believe that in order to build a solid base of knowledge, an intuitive feel for analytical thinking is a must, and I hope to share this with my students, mainly through Physics and Mathematics. In my teaching style, I prefer to use a firm but gentle approach to learning, starting with a general principle before working step-by-step through its practical applications so that the student can properly understand and internalize the material. In my spare time, I greatly enjoy playing Super Smash Bros., listening to music, noodling on my guitar, and watching movies.
I am currently a rising Junior at Northwestern University studying Electrical and Computer Engineering. In my studies I am focusing on Robotics and Control Systems (think developing robots like Boston Dynamics or designing algorithms that allow rockets to land on their own like SpaceX.) I also am a member of Northwestern's solar car racing team, NUSolar, and I am the academic chair for the Tau Delta chapter of the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity. In my experiences as a student I have realized how important it is to have individuals that are able to help as you progress through school, especially when you are struggling. To this end I want to be a great academic resource for students and help them solidly the concepts which will help them succeed in their academic endeavors and beyond.
I'm a third year at Northwestern studying Physics. I really care about communicating in a precise and clear way. I will constantly gauge your understanding of the material with problems and by asking you to explain your understandings. I will try to emphasize important understandings and habits necessary for long term success and enjoyment.
I am a research chemist at Northwestern University with ten years of experience as a tutor, teacher, or mentor. I have experience tutoring collegiate physics, calculus, and chemistry. I have also taught introductory college chemistry courses (both as a TA and head instructor). I am best suited as a chemistry tutor since I am a chemist by training. However, I also enjoy tutoring physics and math. I try to promote a growth mindset in my tutoring sessions and aim to help students build confidence in math and science. I received a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from UC Berkeley and a B.S. in Chemistry and Physics from Haverford College.
I am currently studying Computer Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I have had experience tutoring students of all ages through programs at my school and the local library. I also teach private percussion lessons to help students prepare for auditions and concerts. While I tutor many subjects, I especially enjoy helping students with math, physics, computer science, and music. In my free time, I enjoy playing percussion (much to my neighbors dismay) and tinkering with robotics. I also enjoyed scouting as a kid and still love hiking and exploring the outdoors.
I'm a recent graduate from high school and am attending University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign for a dual degree in Chemical Engineering and Physics. I am also currently a research volunteer at Loyola University Medical Center. I have tutored four students through my high school years, with subjects ranging from math and physics to SAT Test Prep. My favorite subjects to tutor are physics and English, which might seem like an odd combination, but they are more similar than one might think. I love learning and inspiring others to love learning as well. My goal is not only to help, but to spark interests in multitudes of subjects. The best part of tutoring is seeing a student not only understand but become intrigued.
I am a recently graduated Mechanical Engineering major from Carnegie Mellon University. I tutored for three years before starting with Varsity, and I can't wait to help you!
I am a senior at Brandeis University. I am on the pre-health track majoring in Health: Science, Society, and Policy and Biology and minoring in Hispanic Studies. I am also President of a Brandeis Volunteers Around the World, which aims to bring volunteering opportunities to students at Brandeis, as well as providing services to underserved countries internationally. In addition, I am also a part of General Tutoring in which I voluntarily tutor a high school sophomore every week in mathematics. Although I am comfortable in tutoring a variety of subjects, I am most interested in Mathematics and Science. From my experience in teaching, I have found that the most successful method for a student's success is additional practice. I believe that every student has the opportunity for success given the appropriate resources. My future plans include attending medical school and my hobbies include biking and reading.
Unlock your academic potential with a tutor who bridges the gap between elite performance and foundational mastery. As a National AP Scholar with advanced coursework in Multivariable Calculus and Data Structures, I bring high-level expertise to your studies. Whether you are tackling complex algorithms or advanced math, I provide the precise guidance you need to excel. My experience at Kumon and Mathnasium taught me that even the most complex goals start with strong basics. I believe in both individual learning as well learning through guided practice, so whatever your way to learn I can accomodate to help you do the very best.
I am fully invested in their progress and growth, so I care that all the material learned really clicks, makes sense, and is applicable. In addition to standardized exams, I also can help with college admissions, including editing essays.
I'm Kshitij and I study at the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business. The best feeling in the world to me is helping other people reach their dreams by conquering barriers like testing that stand in their way. I believe that the process of learning precedes the end goals-- that means that I focus on teaching students how to learn and to autonomize problem solving skills and processes they can apply to all problems rather than just helping them get the answer they need on a specific problem. This is the approach that my teachers used with me, and I've found it to be successful in teaching others as well. In fact, a student I tutored is now a tutor herself at Varsity Tutors! I'm well versed in tutoring for standardized tests like the SAT/PSAT/ACT/AP, as well as things like essay writing and public speaking. If you have any questions about me or my background, feel free to ask!
I am an undergraduate student at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Grainger School of Engineering. I am working to receive my Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering along with a minor in computer engineering. I not only tutor but am passionate in physics and mathematics as they are both the keys to clearly understanding how our world works. I understand every student has many different and optimal ways to learn so I tutor in a way that meshes well with each individual's personality.
I am currently a sophomore at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign majoring in computer engineering. I am really excited about tutoring and show great interest in helping other students learn.
I am attending graduate school at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to receive my PhD in Analytical Chemistry. Someday I want to work for a biotech or pharmaceutical company. My tutoring experience has been unique because I have tutored students ranging from second grade to senior year college students where I primarily cover STEM (Science, Math, Engineering, and Technology) concepts. Recently, I have been a TA in chemistry and biology college level courses. My hands on experience has helped me become a better teacher because I use many different types of real world examples for students to learn and grasp concepts. I know every student can achieve greatness through hard work and when someone supports them along the way. In my spare time, I enjoy going for walks, listening to music, watching Netflix, and being outdoors.
I am most passionate about chemistry, physics, biology, and math. In my experience helping struggling students is a matter of time and mentoring before they dominating a topic. I am a strong believer in preparing students in the science, technology, and engineering fields. In my spare time, I enjoy reading journals and viewing historic documentaries, music, and basketball.
I am Noah and I'm an actuarial science major at Illinois State University. I'm pretty good at math and science. I also have experience teaching English abroad.
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Frequently Asked Questions
AP Physics courses cover mechanics, thermodynamics, waves, electricity and magnetism, and modern physics. The two main AP Physics exams are AP Physics 1 (algebra-based) and AP Physics 2 (algebra-based continuation), plus AP Physics C (calculus-based), which goes deeper into mechanics and electricity/magnetism. The curriculum emphasizes both conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills, with heavy emphasis on free-response questions that require you to explain your reasoning and show your work.
Score improvement depends on your starting point and how consistently you engage with tutoring. Students who work with tutors typically see gains by clarifying misconceptions, mastering problem-solving strategies, and practicing with actual AP exam questions. Many students jump from a 2 or 3 to a 4 or 5 within a few months of focused preparation, especially when they identify and target their weakest topic areas early.
The main hurdles are translating word problems into physics equations, understanding when to apply which concepts, and managing the time pressure of the exam. Many students struggle with free-response questions because they require clear explanations alongside calculations—you can't just show an answer. Additionally, the conceptual reasoning required in AP Physics is different from lower-level physics courses, so students often need help shifting their problem-solving approach.
Most students benefit from starting tutoring 3-4 months before the May exam, though this varies based on your current understanding. If you're struggling with foundational concepts, starting earlier (6 months out) gives you time to build a solid base before diving into practice exams and test-taking strategies. Even 6-8 weeks of consistent tutoring can help you identify weak areas and improve your approach to problem-solving.
Your first session focuses on assessment and goal-setting. A tutor will review your current understanding of key physics concepts, identify which topics are causing confusion, and learn about your test timeline and score goals. This helps create a personalized study plan that targets your specific weaknesses rather than reviewing material you already know well.
Practice tests are essential—they help you get comfortable with the exam format, practice pacing (you have 3 hours for 50+ questions), and identify which concepts you need to review. Taking full-length practice exams under timed conditions reveals whether your struggles are conceptual or timing-related. A tutor can review your practice test results to pinpoint patterns in your mistakes and adjust your study strategy accordingly.
Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or unsure about problem-solving strategies. Working through practice problems repeatedly builds confidence and automaticity, so you spend less mental energy on "how do I solve this?" and more on actually solving it. Tutors also help you develop a test-day strategy—like which questions to tackle first, how to manage your time, and techniques for staying calm when you encounter a difficult problem.
Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors in Chicago who specialize in AP Physics and understand the specific demands of the exam. You can describe your goals and challenges, and get matched with a tutor whose expertise and teaching style fit your needs. Whether you're aiming for a 3 or a 5, or you need help with specific topics like circuits or kinematics, tutors can tailor their instruction to your goals.
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