Hiring a Test Prep Tutor

We usually think of hiring a tutor when someone is just generally doing badly in a subject, and needs someone to show him how to improve in that course. However, more and more students, especially college students and high school students, are hiring test-preparation tutors>. This is someone they hire, either on a short-term basis to help prepare for one major test, like a High School Test, or College Entrance Exam, or someone that they hire intermittently, whenever there’s a test, to assist them with the study process. Should you hire a test-prep tutor? Here’s a good rule of thumb: If you feel like you understand the material but are just bad at taking tests, then a test-prep tutor might be for you. Here’s how to find and hire one.

Do you just need help for one major life-changing exam? Or do you freeze up on every test, and want an ongoing relationship? There are tutors who specialize in things such as GED or CHSPE preparation, and other more generalized tutors who can help you with your regular classroom exams.

Teaching style and learning style are important. Different tutors have different teaching styles. Some may be more hands-on, while others may be more focused on self-study. Consider your learning style and choose a tutor whose teaching style complements your strengths and weaknesses. Find your learning style

 Today, there are literally hundreds of tutoring who assist students on the Internet. For someone who only wants a tutor to help him with exams, this is often an excellent option, because there is not the expectation from the tutor that you will necessarily be hiring him every week for several months. Online tutoring also tends to be more affordable. However, even the most affordable tutor in the world won’t help you if you simply can’t learn from an online service.

You can find dozens of services near you by simply doing a Google or Bing search for “tutors” or “test preparation tutors.” Or you could often find someone local by looking on sites such as Craigslist.

Tutors often advertise there. If you’re in college, then you might find a tutor on the university bulletin boards. If not, then post your own announcement, stating that you’re looking for a tutor.

Get referrals and recommendations from friends and family  Ask for referrals from friends, family members, or other students who have successfully prepared for the same test with the help of a tutor.

 Instead, ask for some proof that they are capable. This could be in the form of some sort of certification or testimonials from previous students. Testimonials are more helpful, though, if they come with phone numbers and / or e-mail addresses so that you can follow up on the reference yourself.

Tutoring is worth it but can be expensive, so make sure you choose a tutor who fits within your budget but don’t compromise on quality for the sake of cost.

When you have your first session with the tutor, make sure he understands that your goal is not to learn a lot of unrelated material, but material that pertains directly to your next test. This will help keep you both on track.

Look for experience A good test prep tutor should have a track record of success in helping students achieve their desired scores. Look for someone with several years of experience in tutoring for the specific test you’re preparing for.

Check for qualifications Look for a tutor who has the relevant qualifications and certifications to teach the specific test you’re preparing for. For example, if you’re preparing for the SAT, look for a tutor who is a College Board certified instructor.

Flexibility is important Ensure that the tutor’s availability fits your schedule, and they can accommodate your test date and can accommodate you generally.

Ask for a trial session A good tutor should be willing to offer a trial session to evaluate their teaching style and determine if there is a good fit.