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2+ years
I'm a current medical student at Rush Medical College with a deep appreciation for the process of learning. I know from personal experience that mastering new material doesn't always come easily it takes patience, structure, and persistence. My own journey has taught me the value of steady progress...
University of Chicago
Bachelor's

Certified Tutor
2+ years
Alana
I graduated from Yale University in 2021 with a B.A. in the History of Science, Medicine, and Public Health. Following my graduation, I attended Imperial College London on a Fulbright Scholarship to complete my Master of Public Health. Tutoring has been a joy for me over the years, as I've worked w...
Yale University
Bachelor's

Certified Tutor
2+ years
Alicia
As a dedicated tutor with a Master's degree in Social Work from Columbia University, I am passionate about fostering personal growth and academic success in my students. I employ a student-centered approach that emphasizes empathy and understanding. My goal is to create a supportive learning environ...
Columbia University
Master's/Graduate
University of Saint Joseph
Bachelor's

Certified Tutor
2+ years
Bilge
As a passionate Neuroscientist with a PhD from Wesleyan University, I have over 6 years of experience in tutoring subjects such neuroscience, neural systems, molecular biology, genetics, general biology, and scientific writing (AP level, college level, and high school level). My teaching philosophy...
Wesleyan University
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Middle East Technical University
Bachelor's

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I am a licensed physician from Florida who is currently changing careers. I graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 2009 and have extensive tutoring and editing experience. While a student, I became a certified writing tutor through the Critical Writing Department. Since I completed my writ...
Nova Southeastern University
PHD, Medicine
University of Pennsylvania
Bachelors, History
University of Pennsylvania
undergraduate

Certified Tutor
9+ years
Jai
I'm a recent Stanford graduate (Electrical Engineering and Computer Science), and have been working at a major Management Consulting firm for a few years now. I personally scored a 2360 (out of 2400) on the SAT and 35 on the ACT and was successful in gaining admission to several top universities. I'...
Stanford University
Bachelors in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

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Kate
I'm available to tutor biology, chemistry, physics, math from Algebra up through AP Calculus, SAT test prep, and French. I've been tutoring students in science and math for 7 years. I also spent 8 months working and studying in France, and have tutored high school and adult students in French. When ...
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Masters, Environmental Engineering
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Bachelors

Certified Tutor
6+ years
Jeffrey
I am enrolled in the Mechanical Engineering PhD program at Rice University which will begin Fall 2020, and I am hoping to return to academia as a professor after earning my PhD. In the meantime, I am looking to share my passion for gaining knowledge, specifically in STEM, by educating the up and com...
University of Notre Dame
Bachelor of Science
Rice University
Doctor of Philosophy, Mechanical Engineering

Certified Tutor
6+ years
Rhea
I am a current student at the University of Chicago. I am working towards a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences, and I am on the pre-medical track. I am extremely passionate about tutoring, and I have several years of experience tutoring students in my high school's learning center in various...
University of Chicago
Bachelor of Science, Biology, General

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Erika
I am available to tutor middle and high school math, history and test prep. I have tutored math and history in the past and I previously taught a test prep course at a school in Hanoi, Vietnam. I have a lot of experience teaching all the need-to-know tricks to doing great on the SATS/ACTS! When I am...
Harvard University
Master of Public Policy, Public Policy
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Tony
Calculus Tutor • +28 Subjects
I am a recent graduate of Yale University and incoming first year medical student at Columbia University. Originally from the DC area, I have always had a passion for science and medicine and pursued a degree in Biology while at Yale. During the 2008-2009 academic year, I tutored science, math, English, history, and Mandarin Chinese part-time with a DC-based tutoring company. At Yale, I worked as a freshman counselor to provide academic and career advice to incoming freshmen. I have taken both SAT and MCAT test prep classes and am familiar with both tests as well as the preparation necessary to score well. My personal career goals include attending medical school to pursue either immunology/infectious diseases or psych/neurology, teaching biology at the university level, and working in public/global health with either the CDC or the WHO.
Sharon
Pre-Algebra Tutor • +29 Subjects
I am a graduate of the University of Chicago, and I will be starting a graduate program at Columbia in August. I am about to complete a year of service with City Year, an education non-profit that places young adults into under-served schools. As a City Year member, I worked full-time in the classroom with middle-school students who were in approximately the 10th percentile for math (meaning they score lower than 90% of students). One-fourth of those students were able to grow around 15 percentile points by the end of the year! Hobbies: reading, cooking, gardening, music, art, nature, books, writing
Charles
AP Calculus AB Tutor • +25 Subjects
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 describe my tutoring style as one that adapts to each students' needs. For example, I have always tried to frame questions in a different way so that the student can better understand the question. Some students need visual representations of numbers and systems to understand them, and others benefit more by understanding the concepts behind each formula. I prefer to tutor in math and physics, and especially with real world application problems. I hope to help students improve their standardized test scores and their understanding of the math and sciences so that they can achieve their academic goals! Hobbies: art, books, running, reading, music, writing
Earnest
Pre-Algebra Tutor • +26 Subjects
I am comfortable with either setting. I'm confident that I can help you (or your student) achieve to the best of their ability, so please don't hesitate to get in touch!
Samantha
Pre-Algebra Tutor • +38 Subjects
I'm a first-year medical student and recent graduate from Duke University, where I studied Global Health Determinants, Behaviors, and Interventions. From running a piano program at a nonprofit children's theatre to private tutoring in math, science, and standardized test prep, I enjoy helping my students become confident and self-sufficient learners! Hobbies: photography, travel, reading, music, writing, running, art, books, traveling
Tiffany
Pre-Algebra Tutor • +56 Subjects
I am available to tutor a broad range of subjects, I am passionate about test preparation, Accountancy, and Algebra.
Pinelopi
Pre-Algebra Tutor • +25 Subjects
I am a Duke University graduate with a Bachelors degree in Psychology. I have experience tutoring all levels of Spanish language, all sections of the SAT, as well as algebra, pre algebra, geometry, and pre-calculus! I love kids & I have a very flexible schedule and a lot of patience! Let me help you :)
Annie
Pre-Algebra Tutor • +28 Subjects
I am currently a second year medical student. I was a Physiological Sciences major at UCLA (class of 2015), and pursued research during my gap year between undergrad and medical school.
Zachary
Trigonometry Tutor • +35 Subjects
I am passionate about teaching and tutoring and I thoroughly enjoy helping students gain an understanding and a drive for their studies. I have a long history of working with students of all grade levels and abilities (elementary school through college), and I have a good understanding of strategies to excel in both general academics and standardized tests.
MaryAnn
Calculus Tutor • +21 Subjects
I am a published author who has enjoyed “coaching” our daughter, as she navigated through high school, college and graduate school. I mentor college juniors who are seeking careers in financial services, and I serve as a peer resource to professionals who are transitioning from private industry to the nonprofit sector. Hobbies: reading, cooking, writing, books, music, art, travel
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Frequently Asked Questions
A compelling application essay typically follows a clear arc: an engaging opening that hooks the reader, a body that develops your main idea with specific examples and reflection, and a conclusion that reveals something meaningful about who you are. Strong essays avoid generic templates and instead show authentic voice through specific details, genuine moments, and personal insight. Rather than listing accomplishments, the best essays demonstrate your character, values, and thinking through concrete storytelling.
The best topics are those that reveal something true about you that the admissions committee won't learn from your grades or test scores. Look for moments that shaped your perspective, challenges you've overcome, passions that drive you, or experiences that changed how you think. Avoid topics that feel like you're checking a box (like "winning the big game") and instead focus on what you learned about yourself. Many students benefit from brainstorming sessions where they explore different moments and ideas before committing to one that feels both meaningful and unique.
Your voice emerges when you write honestly rather than trying to sound "smart" or impressive. Use vocabulary and sentence structures that feel natural to you, include specific sensory details and dialogue that bring moments to life, and let your personality shine through word choices and humor if it fits. Many student writers accidentally adopt a formal tone they think sounds "academic," but admissions officers want to hear from the real person behind the application. Tutors can provide personalized feedback on where your authentic voice comes through strongest and where you might be reverting to generic language.
Common pitfalls include trying to impress rather than connect—using overly complex language, name-dropping achievements, or telling rather than showing. Many essays also lack specificity; saying "I learned to work hard" is forgettable, but describing exactly how you struggled with a problem and what that struggle taught you is memorable. Other frequent issues include unclear focus (trying to cover too much), repetition of information that's already in the application, and missing the essay's core purpose: helping readers understand who you are beyond your resume.
Most strong essays go through at least 3-5 meaningful revisions, each with a different focus. Start with a "discovery draft" where you get ideas down without worrying about perfection. Then revise for clarity and structure, ensuring your main idea comes through and examples support your point. Next, focus on voice and style—cutting clichés, varying sentence length, and strengthening word choices. Finally, do a careful edit for grammar and flow. Personalized feedback during this process can accelerate improvement; tutors can identify patterns in your writing and guide you toward stronger choices rather than just fixing surface errors.
"Telling" is stating a conclusion directly ("I am a good leader"), while "showing" is using specific examples and vivid details that let readers reach that conclusion themselves (describing a moment when you took charge during a group project, including dialogue and specific actions). Showing is more powerful because it's concrete, memorable, and lets admissions officers see your character in action rather than just hearing claims about it. Strong application essays balance reflection with specific scenes—you need both the moment itself and your insight about what it meant.
A tutor works with you on the specific challenges in your writing—whether that's finding your authentic voice, tightening your focus, developing stronger examples, or strengthening your argument. Rather than generic writing tips, personalized instruction means feedback tailored to your essay and your growth areas. Tutors can help you brainstorm authentic topics that feel fresh, guide you through the revision process by asking questions that deepen your reflection, and provide ongoing feedback that helps you recognize patterns in your writing. This individualized approach accelerates improvement and helps you submit an essay that truly represents you.
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