Choosing the right academic tutor can have a life-changing impact. A great tutor can help you open doors to college, scholarships, financial aid, and job opportunities down the road. And since the pandemic, the demand for tutoring has skyrocketed. With so many private academic tutors and tutoring companies available, figuring out how to choose the right academic tutor can be an anxiety-inducing experience. With a few tips and a solid plan, however, you can feel confident in your search for the right tutor.
How to Choose the Right Academic Tutor: The Six Most Important Considerations
1. Experience and Qualifications
The most important thing to consider when choosing an academic tutor is experience. Does your tutor have experience teaching or tutoring the subject you are interested in? If a tutor has been successful in tutoring a specific topic or teaching that subject in a classroom, chances are they will have the skills necessary to help you understand difficult ideas and to help you build a solid study plan. Every great tutor will possess these skills, and they can really only be gained through experience.
Another thing you should consider is your tutor’s qualifications. If a tutor has a degree in education or a degree in the subject you are studying, this is a great sign. If somebody has studied your subject in depth, or if they have studied different methods of lesson planning and teaching, this increases the possibility that your time working with them will be enriching and engaging.
But be aware: While having an advanced degree is a good indication that a potential tutor is knowledgeable in a particular field, it does not necessarily mean they will be a great teacher. Teaching is a separate skill, and proven experience is usually a better indication of a great teaching ability than academic credentials.
If you’re working with a tutoring company, you should inquire into the standards that they maintain for their tutors. How selective is the hiring process? Do their tutors complete a training program before they start working with students? If a company holds its tutors to a high standard, you can feel more confident no matter which tutor you are paired with.
2. Personality Fit and Teaching Style
The next most important thing that you need to consider when choosing a tutor is personality fit and teaching style. Even a highly knowledgeable tutor with a proven track record might not be the best fit for a particular student if their personalities clash. One-on-one tutoring is a highly personalized endeavor, and a strong tutor-student relationship can make all the difference for student success.
Here are a few things to consider: Is your potential tutor personable and easy to talk to? Do you feel comfortable asking them questions? Do they seem patient and receptive to your individual needs? Would you feel comfortable working closely with your tutor during a particularly stressful time or on a particular challenging assignment?
It is always a good idea to try and meet your potential tutor before making your decision. Most tutoring companies offer free consultations with tutors or a free tutoring session to see how well you work with a tutor before making a commitment.
To learn more about the academic tutoring services at HelloCollege and the process by which we match students, contact us to schedule your free consultation.
3. Communication
The next thing to consider is communication. This is especially important if you are tutoring virtually. Does your potential tutor prefer email, text message, phone, or some other medium of communication, and will that work for you? Does it seem like your tutor responds to messages quickly, or do they take many days to get back to you? Do they have a policy of sending out meeting summaries, resources and homework in a timely manner?
Ask your potential tutor what their communication policies are, and pay attention to the way they communicate with you when you are first getting to know them. It’s not always the first thing people think about when choosing a tutor, but solid communication is absolutely essential to smooth experience.
4. Company Reputation, Reviews, and References
Another important consideration when choosing a tutor is company reputation, reviews, and references. A tutor might sound great when you meet them for the first time, but what do former students think? Would they describe your tutor as reliable and trustworthy? Did they follow through on everything they promised when you first started?
If you are considering a tutoring company, look at their Google reviews and see if former students are satisfied. Also, look to see if the company has any testimonials on its website that can help you understand what the student experience is like.
If you can’t find many reviews or testimonials, or if you want additional information, you can also ask your tutor for references. Most tutors will be happy to provide you with contact information for their former students, and by reaching out to them directly, you can hear a firsthand account of what it’s like to work with a particular tutor.
5. Scheduling and Availability
Another important thing to consider when choosing a tutor is scheduling and availability. If you are like most tutoring students, you probably have an extremely busy schedule. The demands of school and extracurriculars might mean that you are only available during evenings, nights, or weekends. Ask your tutor upfront what their availability looks like to ensure that you will be able to meet with them at a convenient time.
Additionally, you should ask your potential tutor what their scheduling policies look like. Are they flexible in moving meeting times around if your schedule requires it? What is their cancellation policy like? How early does your potential tutor ask you to schedule meetings? Do they have a booking system, or will you be scheduling meeting times with your tutor directly? (If the latter, make sure they are easy to get in touch with!) Understanding these details upfront can help you decide if a potential tutor will be a good fit, and it can also help you familiarize yourself with the logistics of working with a particular tutor, helping everything run smoothly should you choose to work with them.
6. Cost
The last thing to consider is the cost of an academic tutor. You want to make sure you are getting your money’s worth when choosing a tutor. Oftentimes, you get what you pay for: The rate of an exceptional tutor with a proven track record will usually be higher than the rate of a tutor with little experience. When deciding which tutor to choose, it is good to make a budget and know how much money you are willing to spend.
It is important to remember that investing in a tutor now can lead to scholarships, financial aid, and higher-paying jobs in the future. And of course, spending a little more money on a great tutor who will help you succeed is always better than spending a little less money on a tutor who isn’t able to help you.
Conclusion
The bottom line is that understanding how to choose the right academic tutor is all about being informed. Before hiring a tutor, always reach out for a consultation. Make sure you have questions prepared that you plan to ask potential tutors. Before making your choice, ensure that you feel comfortable in all six areas that I’ve discussed above. This will ensure that you feel more confident in your choice and that you will find the perfect tutor for you!
