Search
Allison S.'s Photo

MIT Physics Grad and Experienced Teacher for College and AP Physics
Allison S.

5.0 (156 ratings)

1,360 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Instant Book

Hourly rate: $415

Claim a session with Allison S. that fits your schedule

See more options
Meet Allison S.
Report Video

About Allison

Bio

Hello, I'm Allison, and I would love to help you enjoy physics! I accept students for all physics and related courses such as AP Physics 1 and 2, AP Physics C Mechanics and E&M, college physics, and standardized test prep.

I provide services ranging from teaching summer courses, guiding independent study, help in specific areas of difficulty, exam preparation, and assisting teachers new to physics. I am an experienced physics teacher of 10 years teaching a range of physics classes, and...

Hello, I'm Allison, and I would love to help you enjoy physics! I accept students for all physics and related courses such as AP Physics 1 and 2, AP Physics C Mechanics and E&M, college physics, and standardized test prep.

I provide services ranging from teaching summer courses, guiding independent study, help in specific areas of difficulty, exam preparation, and assisting teachers new to physics. I am an experienced physics teacher of 10 years teaching a range of physics classes, and about 90% of my AP Physics C students score a 5 on the Mechanics and E&M exams. I also have created my own curricula for each of my classes, including conceptual, honors, AP, and quantum physics, which allows me to provide many student resources.

I received my Bachelors of Science in Physics from MIT in 2014 and began a PhD in particle physics. During that time I began teaching classes and tutoring, and I found that helping students gain confidence and overcome difficulty in physics is a true passion of mine. I especially enjoy working with students in a one-on-one setting, so I became a high school physics teacher to reach more students this way. I have spent well over a decade of my life living and breathing physics and am very familiar with the misconceptions students have when learning physics. This makes it easy for me to meet students at their level, correct misconceptions, and build from there.

When working with a student my primary goal is to build their understanding, confidence, and independence through explanations, worked examples, cooperative problem solving, and finally student-led solutions. My cornerstone tactic is to guide students through questions, so they learn what to ask themselves when solving problems independently. I strive to make this process as relevant and fun for the student as I find it to be. Physics governs our daily lives, and understanding it enriches everything we do!

Please contact me if you are interested in working together or if you have questions about my teaching style.

Read more

Education

Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Physics
  • Licensed teacher

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $415
  • Rate details: Cancellations with less than 24 hours' notice incur a $75 fee. Session time is charged as scheduled, even if the student is late.
  • Lesson cancellation: 24 hours notice required

  • Background check passed on 12/31/2021

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

Loading...

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Approved Subjects

ACT Math

ACT Math

I have loved math all of my life and scored a 36 on the ACT, as well as on the math section. I went on to complete a degree in physics from MIT and have spent 10+ years teaching physics and other math based science classes at both the high school and college level. I know that when preparing for the math section of the ACT, it can be overwhelming to tackle the variety of problems represented within the given time constraint. Test taking strategies to maximize efficiency and reduce stress are key to success. When coaching for this exam, I integrate these strategies into my content based instruction.
ACT Science

ACT Science

I have loved science all of my life. Regardless, the ACT science section was not what I expected, as it does not test any specific knowledge of science but rather science reasoning and data analysis skills. I practiced and scored a 36 on the ACT, as well as on the science section. I went on to complete a degree in physics from MIT and have spent 10+ years teaching physics and other science classes at both the high school and college level.
Chemistry

Chemistry

I have experience teaching both chemistry and physical science to high school students with a huge range in mathematical background. I have found visualization to be a crucial tool for teaching these concepts as well as solving problems, allowing students who may be less comfortable with math to understand these problems.
Painting

Painting

I have been an artist all my life, but I chose to pursue physics as my degree and profession. As such, I take a simultaneously scientific and creative approach to every subject matter, playing with both highly realistic detail and heightened color to convey an underlying experiential truth. I can provide assistance ranging from advice on the use of specific watercolor and oil techniques to full instruction and step-by-step guidance in creating a painting of a specific subject.
Physics

Physics

I have a degree in physics from MIT. I have taught both high school and college level physics for 10 years. Of my students who take AP Physics C Mechanics or E&M, 90% score a 5 on the exam.
Quantum Physics

Quantum Physics

With a strong academic background in physics and extensive experience tutoring advanced students, I specialize in teaching quantum physics at both the high school and college level with clarity and depth. I have guided numerous students through complex topics such as wave functions, quantum operators, and the Schrödinger equation, adapting my approach to suit each student's learning style. My expertise lies in breaking down abstract concepts into intuitive, visual explanations while maintaining rigorous mathematical treatment. I particularly enjoy helping students connect quantum theory to broader physical principles and real-world applications. I received my Bachelors of Science in Physics from MIT.
SAT Math

SAT Math

I have loved math all of my life and scored 800 on the math section of the SAT. I went on to complete a degree in physics from MIT and have spent 10+ years teaching physics and other math based science classes at both the high school and college level. I know that when preparing for the math portion of the SAT, it can be overwhelming to tackle the variety of problems represented in the given time constraint. Test taking strategies to maximize efficiency and reduce stress are key to success. When coaching for this exam, I integrate these strategies into my content based instruction.
Thermodynamics

Thermodynamics

With a strong academic background in physics and extensive experience tutoring advanced students, I can provide a strong foundation in classical and statistical thermodynamics. My instruction emphasizes both conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills, guiding students through challenging topics such as entropy, the laws of thermodynamics, and thermodynamic potentials. I tailor explanations to meet individual learning needs, using visualizations and real-world analogies to make abstract ideas more accessible. I am passionate about helping students gain confidence in applying thermodynamic principles across physics, chemistry, and engineering contexts.
Algebra 1
Calculus
GRE

Examples of Expertise

Allison has provided examples of their subject expertise by answering 2 questions submitted by students on Wyzant’s Ask an Expert.

See all of Allison ’s answers ›
Allison S.'s Photo

Questions? Contact Allison before you book.

Still have questions?

Contact Allison
Response time: 2 minutes

Ratings and Reviews

Rating

5.0 (156 ratings)
5 star
(155)
4 star
(1)
3 star
(0)
2 star
(0)
1 star
(0)

Reviews

The Reason I Succeeded in Physics I & II

I cannot overstate how grateful I am to have worked with Allison. She is, without question, the reason I was able to succeed in Physics I and II this summer. Physics II in particular was one of the most challenging courses I have ever taken, and at times I felt completely overwhelmed. Through it all, Allison was a steady source of clarity, encouragement, and support. She always made time for me, even rearranging her personal and work schedule when I needed extra help. She explained concepts with incredible clarity, breaking down even the most advanced material into something manageable. After each session, she sent me detailed notes and often created practice problems on the spot that perfectly illustrated what I needed to understand. She never rushed me: if I was still struggling at the end of a scheduled session, she would stay late without hesitation, patiently working with me until I felt confident. What made her stand out even more was her genuine investment in my success. She would check in with me after quizzes and exams to see how things went, and when I wasn’t sure how to approach the course or how to handle a situation with the professor, she gave thoughtful, practical advice that made a real difference. Thanks to her, I not only built a much stronger foundation in physics, but I also gained confidence in tackling material I never thought I could handle. She is, without exaggeration, the best tutor I have ever worked with. I recommended her to several of my peers in the same physics course, and they came back with the same glowing feedback. I seriously cannot recommend Allison enough.

Rachel, 36 lessons with Allison
Tutor responded:

Thank you so much, Rachel. I had so much fun working with you this summer.

Exceptional tutor for physics

My daughter was having difficulty with AP Physics and we reached out to Allison for assistance. My daughter has been very happy working with Allison. She is efficient and very accommodating to our scheduling needs. I recommend Allison highly and without reservation if you are looking for a physics AP tutor.

Gd, 25 lessons with Allison

Super help

My son was in need of a tutor to prepare for an upcoming AP Physics C exam where he still had questions on some concepts. We appreciated Allison making time super quickly and helping him to work through the concepts. Super helpful.

Wendy , 1 lesson with Allison

Very knowledgeable, and organized

Alison teaches my son AP Physics 1. He is very happy with how his first lesson went. She was flexible in scheduling time for the lesson. Ge is looking forward to more lessons

George, 30 lessons with Allison

Great Tutor

Allison is great at explaining things in a way that makes it easy to understand. Goes in depth with every topic. Makes sure you really understand things. Helped me do better on tests.

Kassie, 33 lessons with Allison

excellent initial physics lesson

Allison did an excellent job is assessing my son’s challenges and then addressing how to approach problems methodically. I believe Allison will be very effective in assisting my son materially improve his performance in AP physics.

Paul, 25 lessons with Allison

Loved it!

Loved it! The instructor explained complex things in simple term! I did not take physics before take physics C. Helped me a lot during my journey in Physics C. Will continue to having classes!!

Cynthia, 32 lessons with Allison

Fantastic

My daughter said Allison helped make many of the concepts she was struggling with very clear. We are very thankful we have found someone to help our daughter become more successful in AP Physics. Thanks, Allison!

Lani, 23 lessons with Allison

Exceptional

Professional, very knowledgeable patient! Has the ability to quickly assess the learning needs and able to effortless formulate a lesson plan. At conclusion made sure material was understood and copies of problems worked was promptly email for future reference.

ALANNA, 7 lessons with Allison

AP Physics

Allison was able to help last minute when another tutor got sick. She helped my son get ready for an AP Physics test in a way he understood the concepts. She was very knowledgeable

Karen, 1 lesson with Allison