What to Ask Before Hiring a Tutor

Struggling with a subject and need to pass? Want to hire a tutor but don’t know where to start? Well then this is the blog post for you.

Not everyone is a genius and can make the grade without a little extra help. Tutors are a great resource to call on when you need that extra push to make it over the finish line. Like a personal trainer, a tutor can keep you motivated and on track. With hard work and determination, you will reach your goal and pass that class.

Tutors can be a little pricey for those on the college budget. So choose wisely. Below are some things to ask your potential tutor before giving them the green light. Remember, you are the one in the drivers seat.

Credentials

First and foremost you need to ask this person what qualifies them to teach you and they need to show you proof. Ask for a full resume and any evidence of certification they have. If they themselves are still a student, and there is nothing wrong with that, ask them to show you their transcript. You need to see they are doing well in the subjects you want them to teach you.

You could even go one step further and ask them for a letter of recommendation from one of their professors. If you don’t ask, then beware!

Fees

Once you have determined if the tutor is someone you would like to work with, then the next step is to ask them about their fees. Make sure you do your research here – ask others what they are paying their tutors and make sure you determine what the average rate for a tutor in your area costs. Make sure you agree on the price and the payment method and that you both have a clear understanding when that payment will be delivered. For example, at the start or end of every session, weekly, or monthly.

Action Plan

Outline to your tutor your goals and what you want to achieve. Now may also be a good time to let them know how long you wish to work with them for. Say you only need their help to get you through one semester –  better to be upfront with your timeline.

When discussing an action plan determine how many times a week you will meet with them and for how long. Also, decided on a location and time. Having a routine leaves little room for scheduling conflicts on their end.

Let them know what you want to achieve, as that is the only way they are going to be able to get you there.

Don’t Settle For Second Best

When initially meeting with your potential tutor for the first time and you feel something is amiss or there are any red flags, cut your losses and skip to the next candidate. There are plenty of great tutors out there ready and willing to help you achieve your academic goals.

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