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Award-Winning Puzzles and Brainteasers Tutors

Hassan

Certified Tutor

4+ years

Hassan

Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Hassan's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
College Algebra
Pre-Calculus
Middle School Math

I am a medical school student of the Class of 2028 at New Jersey Medical School through being accepted

Education

Rutgers University (New Brunswick)

Bachelor of Science, Biology, General

Test Scores
SAT
1500
ACT
35
Lydia

Certified Tutor

2+ years

Lydia

Master's/Graduate
Lydia's other Tutor Subjects
Elementary School Math
English Grammar and Syntax
Phonics
Essay Editing

I have been an early childhood educator for 25 years, with a degree in early childhood education and development. I am also just personally a good test taker. I would love to help your child prepare for kindergarten with personalized lessons based on their goals and interests. I can also help your e...

Education

Erikson Institute

Master's/Graduate

Vanderbilt University

Bachelor

Emma

Certified Tutor

3+ years

Emma

Bachelor of Science, Computer Science
Emma's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Middle School Math
Calculus
Algebra

I am above all passionate about Computer Science, Mathematics, English, and the Arts.

Education

Stevens Institute of Technology

Bachelor of Science, Computer Science

Test Scores
ACT
34
Mohammed

Certified Tutor

2+ years

Mohammed

Bachelor
Mohammed's other Tutor Subjects
AP Calculus AB
Pre-Algebra
Trigonometry
Statistics

Hi all! My name is Mohammed Elbouanani, but you can call me Moe! I'm here to help with any common core and STEM courses you may find trouble with.

Education

CUNY Hunter College

Bachelor

Jessica

Certified Tutor

Jessica

PHD, Medicine
Jessica's other Tutor Subjects
College Algebra
Calculus
Algebra
Honors Chemistry

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...

Education

Nova Southeastern University

PHD, Medicine

University of Pennsylvania

Bachelors, History

University of Pennsylvania

undergraduate

Test Scores
SAT
1540
Jai

Certified Tutor

9+ years

Jai

Bachelors in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Jai's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
Electrical Engineering
ACT Writing

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'...

Education

Stanford University

Bachelors in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

Test Scores
SAT
1590
ACT
35
Kate

Certified Tutor

Kate

Masters, Environmental Engineering
Kate's other Tutor Subjects
AP Calculus BC
AP Calculus AB
College Algebra
Pre-Calculus

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 ...

Education

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Masters, Environmental Engineering

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Bachelors

Test Scores
SAT
1580
Erika

Certified Tutor

Erika

Master of Public Policy, Public Policy
Erika's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Middle School Math
Calculus
Algebra

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...

Education

Harvard University

Master of Public Policy, Public Policy

Test Scores
ACT
32
Jeffrey

Certified Tutor

6+ years

Jeffrey

Doctor of Philosophy, Mechanical Engineering
Jeffrey's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Calculus
Geometry
Calculus
Algebra

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...

Education

University of Notre Dame

Bachelor of Science

Rice University

Doctor of Philosophy, Mechanical Engineering

Test Scores
ACT
34
Rhea

Certified Tutor

6+ years

Rhea

Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Rhea's other Tutor Subjects
AP Statistics
AP Calculus BC
AP Calculus AB
Pre-Algebra

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...

Education

University of Chicago

Bachelor of Science, Biology, General

Test Scores
Perfect Score
SAT
1550
ACT
36

Meet Our Expert Tutors

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

Matthew

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +39 Subjects

I'm a highly creative person who works best with visual thinkers. Very recently graduated from Stanford University, I majored in Human Biology with a concentration in Bioinformatics and Stem Cell Science. Technical though my background may be, I am currently gigging as a singer/songwriter/composer in NYC and tackle even the most hard-science of problems with a top-down, big-picture, holistic approach. If you have a propensity to look at problems in a cross- or inter-disciplinary manner (or want to learn how to do so), I'm the tutor for you!

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Samuel

AP Calculus AB Tutor • +29 Subjects

I am a freshman at Caltech majoring in Applied and Computational Mathematics. My favorite subject to tutor is math because I find it very rewarding to simplify complex topics to aid in understanding. I have lots of tutoring experience. In high school, I ran and taught an SAT prep class and was vice president of my school's NHS chapter where I ran our tutoring program, and I, myself, tutored. I also was a teaching assistant in the summer of 2020 for a class in discrete mathematics through a program called PACT (Program in Algorithmic and Combinatorial Thinking). I love learning and hope to make the process enjoyable for you!

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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

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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

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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.

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Sami

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +19 Subjects

I am a Duke University graduate in Economics and Computer Science. I am currently pursuing an MBA degree at the Yale School of Management. I have worked in the financial field, both at a management consulting firm and a fortune 500 company. My hobbies include playing and coaching soccer. Hobbies: reading, writing, art, books, music

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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!

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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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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.

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Quinn

Calculus Tutor • +17 Subjects

I am willing to address any issue with an open mind and I try to develop strategies that play to a student's strengths. I would like to think I am very approachable and personable, and I have had very positive experiences with many students in the past using this philosophy. Outside of academics, I love playing basketball and watching sports, as well as chilling with friends, listening to music, and keeping up with politics and current affairs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Regular engagement with puzzles and brainteasers strengthens critical thinking, pattern recognition, and spatial reasoning—skills that directly support performance in mathematics, science, and problem-solving across disciplines. Working through challenging puzzles also builds persistence and develops metacognitive awareness (the ability to reflect on your own thinking process), which research shows enhances overall academic performance. Students who develop strong puzzle-solving skills often show improved confidence in tackling unfamiliar problems, not just in puzzles but across their academic work.

In a classroom setting, puzzle instruction typically moves at a fixed pace that may not match individual learning speeds. With personalized tutoring, tutors can identify exactly where a student gets stuck—whether it's visualizing spatial relationships, breaking down multi-step logic puzzles, or recognizing patterns—and target instruction accordingly. Tutors can also tailor puzzle difficulty to maintain an optimal challenge level, which research shows is key to sustained engagement and deeper learning. This individualized approach means students spend less time on concepts they've mastered and more time building skills where they actually need support.

Many students struggle with patience and systematic approaches—jumping to conclusions rather than working through puzzles methodically. Others have difficulty visualizing spatial relationships or rotating objects mentally, which is essential for geometry-based puzzles. Some students also get discouraged by initial failure and give up before developing the resilience that puzzle-solving requires. Additionally, students often don't recognize underlying patterns or principles that connect different puzzle types, so they approach each puzzle as a completely new problem rather than building a toolkit of strategies.

Elementary students typically start with concrete puzzles like simple jigsaw puzzles, pattern completion, and logic grids that develop foundational spatial and deductive reasoning. Middle school students progress to Sudoku, more complex spatial reasoning puzzles, and introductory logic problems. High school students work with advanced brainteasers, cryptarithmetic puzzles, mathematical logic problems, and competition-style puzzles that require multi-step reasoning. The progression follows natural cognitive development—moving from visual and concrete thinking toward abstract reasoning. Tutors ensure students work at their appropriate level while building toward increasingly sophisticated problem-solving strategies.

Yes. Tutors help students develop the specific strategies and pattern recognition skills needed for competitions like MATHCOUNTS, Science Olympiad, or local puzzle competitions. Beyond learning puzzle types, tutors teach time-management strategies, how to eliminate wrong answers efficiently, and how to recognize which approach will work fastest for different puzzle categories. They also help students build confidence and reduce test anxiety, which significantly impacts competition performance. With targeted practice on competition-style puzzles and feedback on strategy, students typically show measurable improvement in both speed and accuracy.

Progress can be tracked through multiple metrics: solving time (completing similar puzzles faster), accuracy (fewer mistakes on specific puzzle types), consistency (successfully solving harder variations), and strategy sophistication (using more efficient approaches). Many tutors use benchmark puzzles at the start and periodically throughout tutoring to show concrete improvement. Students often notice personal outcomes too—increased confidence tackling unfamiliar problems, greater willingness to attempt challenging puzzles, and the ability to explain their reasoning. Competition results, if applicable, provide another clear measure of progress.

Expert tutors in this area combine strong problem-solving skills with the ability to break down their thinking process so students can learn the underlying strategies. They understand different puzzle categories deeply and can recognize which approaches work best for different problem types. Great tutors are also patient and curious—they ask probing questions to understand why a student chose a particular approach, rather than just correcting answers. They create a supportive environment where struggling with a puzzle is seen as valuable learning, not failure. Finally, they continuously introduce new puzzle types and challenge levels to keep students engaged while building their problem-solving toolkit.

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