Award-Winning High School Applications
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Award-Winning High School Applications Tutors

Certified Tutor
2+ years
Alana
Getting into a competitive high school requires more than good grades — the application needs to reveal a student's personality and potential in a very small space. Alana walks applicants through every component, from short-answer responses to interview prep, drawing on her own experience navigating...
Yale University
Bachelor's

Certified Tutor
10+ years
Aaron
I'm not tutoring or buried in my textbooks, you will either find me rock climbing at the Triangle Rock Club, playing Ultimate Frisbee, working on my car, or enjoying the great outdoors (beaches, mountains, forests--you name it, I love it). On rainy weekends I enjoy tinkering with computers and old e...
The University of Texas at Dallas
Bachelors, Mechanical Engineering
Duke University
Current Grad Student, Mechanical Engineering
Certified Tutor
6+ years
Mimi
I am an interdisciplinary educator with an Ed.M. from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and a B.A. from Dartmouth College. My background is primarily in integrated arts learning and museum education and I specialize in visual arts, history and art history, and object-based learning. In all su...
Harvard University
Masters in Education, Education
Dartmouth College
B.A.
Certified Tutor
10+ years
Nina
I am a recent graduate from a masters program in biostatistics at Columbia University. I received my Bachelor of Arts in biological sciences, with a focus in neurobiology at Northwestern University. In August, I will be starting a doctoral program in biostatistics at NYU. I was a teaching assistant ...
Columbia University
Masters in biostatistics
Northwestern University
Bachelor of Arts in biological sciences (focus in neurobiology)
Columbia University in the City of New York
Current Grad Student, Biostatistics
Certified Tutor
I am a graduate of Wesleyan University, where I received my Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with High Honors. With eight years of experience working in education, I've tutored students in math, science, history, and English, as well as helped students prepare for standardized tests. I've guided adults...
Harvard University
PHD, Education
Wesleyan University
Bachelor in Arts, Sociology
Certified Tutor
Christopher
I am a rising sophomore at Harvard College and am about to declare as a Mechanical Engineering concentrator, working towards a Bachelor of Science degree. I've always enjoyed sharing my knowledge with my peers and those around me and have done so in both formal and informal settings. I've been a tut...
Harvard College
Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering
Certified Tutor
Charles
I am a junior Mechanical Engineering major at Yale, and I hope to become a Naval Aviator after college. I am also a varsity sailor, and enjoy playing music with friends when I can get some free time. I have been tutoring my fellow students throughout my entire academic career, and I would best descr...
Yale University
Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering
Certified Tutor
8+ years
Solange
I'm Solange - a recent graduate from Harvard where I studied Sociology & Women's Studies. I've been tutoring for eight years now, and have worked with a wide range of ages and in a wide range of subjects. Some of my specialties are college prep/test taking II worked in the admissions office on campu...
Harvard University
Bachelor in Arts (Sociology & Women's Studies)
Certified Tutor
Michelle
I am proud to be a part of Varsity Tutors! I am originally from San Antonio, TX; I completed my undergraduate education at Rice University in Houston where I received a bachelor's degree in Biochemistry and Cell Biology. Currently, I am in my second year of medical school at Baylor College of Medici...
Baylor College of Medicine
Current Grad Student, M.D.
Rice University
Bachelor's in Biochemistry and Cell Biology
Certified Tutor
Liz
I am a graduate of Washington University in St Louis, where I received my Bachelor of Arts in History with minors in Humanities and Anthropology. Since graduation, I have worked as a tutor, teacher, and director of tutors at a charter public middle school in Boston. During this time I also received ...
Simmons College
Masters, Special Education: Mild to Moderate Disabilities 5-12
Washington University in St. Louis
Bachelor of Arts in History (minors in Humanities and Anthropology)
Top 20 Other Subjects
Meet Varsity Tutors Experts
Connect with highly-rated educators ready to help you succeed.
Clara
Pre-Algebra Tutor • +31 Subjects
I am tutoring I tend to ask my students to try to "teach" me concepts they are struggling with, or walk me through a problem that is challenging them, so that any conceptual mistakes or assumptions they are making become clear. In addition, I am a firm believer in never providing the answer to a specific problem, but instead empowering students to work toward it by asking directed questions and teaching them to use their resources.
Justin
AP Calculus BC Tutor • +48 Subjects
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 Computational and Applied Mathematics. I've tutored introductory physics students for three years and enjoyed it thoroughly, as a chance to help other students while revisiting fundamental concepts to enhance my own knowledge. I'm eager to continue reaching out and helping students of math and physics to succeed and, furthermore, to appreciate the beauty and power of these subjects.
Andrew
Pre-Algebra Tutor • +26 Subjects
I am comfortable tutoring math subjects up to multivariable calculus and differential equations, as well as college physics. Hobbies: books, music, art, reading, writing
Isabella
Pre-Algebra Tutor • +27 Subjects
I am a graduate of MIT. I received my Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with minors in Management Science and Ancient and Medieval Studies. Since graduation, I have started my PhD at Georgia Tech in Operations Research. Throughout my career I have TA'd several math and computer science courses at the college level. I have also taught at summer programs for gifted middle school and high school students. I am passionate about tutoring kids in math and science because I think that a strong foundation in STEM at an early age can set the tone for their future. In my spare time I like to engage in athletics, and was a Division 1 rower in college. Hobbies: reading, swimming, writing, books, music, running, art
Elena
Calculus Tutor • +32 Subjects
I am a graduate of McGill University (BA First Class Honors) and the University of Edinburgh (MSc First Class Honors with Distinction) with over eight years of tutoring experience. I am currently a curriculum developer for a company which creates relatable and culturally-literate courses for middle and high-schools, and am particularly adept at communicating and explaining concepts in a quirky, engaging, and intelligent manner. I was named Scotland International Young Thinker of the Year 2014 for exactly that sort of work. Much of my tutoring background is in test-prep and essay coaching, which I enjoy because it allows the tutor and student to think strategically together, and work as a team to achieve concrete results. I have worked with students ranging in age from 6-32, and believe that, in an educational context, a few jokes never hurt anybody. I love reading and learning, and my educational approach is centered around making the material just as engaging to students as it is to me. I think J.K. Rowlings, the writer of Harry Potter, is just as brilliant as Stephen Hawking, and in my free time, I manage my (terrible) fantasy baseball team, write songs for my comedy band, and crack jokes about terrible science-fiction movies with my friends.
Asta
Pre-Algebra Tutor • +74 Subjects
I am a graduate of the University of Chicago where I received my undergraduate degree in political science. Right after graduation, I worked as an academic and test prep tutor as well as admissions consultant in Hong Kong. For the past two years, I worked with a number of students to help prepare them for college in the United States.
Justin
Calculus Tutor • +38 Subjects
I am a graduate of the University of Chicago where I received my Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy. Currently, I am in the master's program at the University of New Mexico where I am continuing my education in philosophy. Ultimately, I hope to go on to earn a PhD in Philosophy so that I can continue engaging in my passions for learning and teaching. While in school, I have spent countless hours coaching high school speech and debate both in person and working online with students across the country. My focus in coaching has been to emphasize philosophy and critical thought to prepare students to think through novel arguments on their own. I am passionate about teaching and tutoring because I love seeing students learn to be intellectually independent and think through problems on their own terms by developing their critical thinking skills. I have devoted my life to education because I am passionate about it, and I try to share some of my passion for learning with the students I work with. I tutor all sorts of Standardized Tests, and I particularly enjoy working on logic-based problems like analogies and math sections. When I am not tutoring or reading for school, I enjoy strategy games (both board games and video games), listening to music, hiking, playing basketball, and just relaxing with friends.
James
AP Calculus AB Tutor • +41 Subjects
I am currently a senior at Harvard College where I study chemistry, and I'll be attending Columbia Medical School next year. I have years of experience tutoring college students in math (mostly calculus) and chemistry including both general and organic chemistry. In addition, I am very familiar with all sections of the SAT and ACT having prepared several high school students for these tests. I believe that every student is capable of boosting his or her baseline score on these tests, so long as he or she works hard to get to know the format of the tests and the most popular types of questions. I tutor because I love seeing students develop a genuine passion for the subjects they once disliked (such as math and science), once they understand the power of these subjects and their applications to the real world.
Daniel
Pre-Algebra Tutor • +26 Subjects
I am excited to be home and help fellow straphangers on their educational paths! My largest wealth of tutoring experience is in foreign languages--particularly French--but I also feel very comfortable editing essays of any kind and working through standardized test concepts. My availability is extremely flexible, and anywhere in New York City works for me. I look forward to working with you.
Henry
Calculus Tutor • +41 Subjects
I'm eager to help you in your education. I'm a recent graduate of Harvard College looking to apply to law school. My senior thesis was written on John Dewey's ideas of education, which I deeply believe has incredible power to transform individuals and society.
Top 20 Subjects
Frequently Asked Questions
Students typically struggle with three core areas: crafting authentic, compelling personal essays that stand out to admissions officers; strategically positioning their academic record, test scores, and extracurriculars within their target schools' contexts; and managing the logistics of multiple applications with different requirements, deadlines, and essay prompts. Many students also underestimate how to effectively communicate their "why" for each school and fail to present a cohesive narrative across their application materials. A tutor experienced in applications can help students identify their strongest stories and present them strategically across essays, recommendation letter guidance, and activity descriptions.
A skilled applications tutor helps you move beyond surface-level storytelling by identifying moments that reveal character, resilience, or growth—not just recounting achievements. They guide you to answer the real question admissions officers are asking: "Who are you, and what will you contribute to our campus?" Rather than writing the essay for you, they ask strategic questions to help you uncover authentic narratives, organize your thoughts coherently, and revise for clarity and impact. They'll also help you avoid common pitfalls like trying to impress with vocabulary, over-explaining your accomplishments, or choosing topics that don't genuinely reflect who you are.
Each school has distinct values, culture, and priorities reflected in their prompts and "Why Us?" essays. A tutor helps you research what makes each school unique—beyond rankings—and authentically connect your goals, interests, and values to specific programs, professors, or campus communities. This involves crafting different versions of your story that remain true to yourself while emphasizing different strengths for different contexts. For example, your emphasis on research opportunities might be central to your MIT application but secondary to your community service focus in your application to a service-oriented school. Tutors help you develop this strategic flexibility without compromising authenticity.
The best applications tutors have direct experience with college admissions—either as admissions counselors, former admissions officers, or educators who've guided many students through the process successfully. They should demonstrate deep knowledge of how different schools evaluate applications, understand the psychology of admissions essays, and have a track record of helping students gain admission to their target schools. Look for tutors who ask thoughtful questions rather than dictating content, who understand that applications are about authentic self-presentation rather than "gaming the system," and who can speak specifically about how different schools evaluate applications. Experience with students from diverse backgrounds and toward varied school types (Ivies, state schools, specialized programs) is also valuable.
Ideally, start in the summer before senior year or early fall so you have time to brainstorm, research schools thoughtfully, and draft essays without rushing. This timeline allows your tutor to help you develop a strategic approach to your list of schools, identify your core narratives before you start writing, and revise multiple drafts with meaningful feedback. If you're already mid-fall, starting immediately is still valuable—tutors can help you prioritize your most important essays first, manage your timeline efficiently, and ensure quality over quantity. Starting too late (November or December) limits your ability to revise meaningfully and can result in rushed, less authentic applications.
A tutor helps you understand how different schools weight standardized tests and GPA relative to other factors, and how to address any weaknesses contextually without making excuses. For example, if your SAT score is below a school's typical range but your GPA is strong, a tutor helps you ensure your essays and activities demonstrate academic engagement and intellectual curiosity. They also guide you on whether to submit scores (especially with test-optional policies), how to explain grade trends or dips honestly, and how to highlight rigorous coursework (AP, IB, honors classes) that might not be reflected in raw GPA. The goal is presenting the most complete, honest picture of your academic potential and fit for each school.
Many students list activities but don't explain their impact or what they learned. A tutor helps you move from "I was president of debate club" to "Through debate, I developed the ability to research complex issues, articulate nuanced arguments, and listen to opposing viewpoints—skills I'll bring to [specific school's] community." They guide you to identify 2-3 "spike" activities that show depth and genuine passion rather than padding your list with surface involvement. They also help you use activity descriptions and essays to show how your involvements connect to your values, goals, and what you'll contribute to a college community—not just what you accomplished.
A strong application demonstrates genuine self-knowledge, strategic fit with target schools, and authentic voice—not perfection or impressive-sounding claims. A tutor helps you evaluate whether your essays answer the actual prompts, whether admissions officers will understand who you are and what you value, and whether you've made a compelling case for why you belong at each school. You should feel that your application reflects your real strengths and interests, that you've done genuine research about each school, and that someone reading your materials would have a clear sense of your potential contributions to campus. Success ultimately means admission to schools where you'll thrive—and a strong application, guided by a tutor, positions you authentically for that outcome.
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