Frequently Asked Questions

What is tutoring?
Tutoring is individualized instruction designed to help you take control of your learning. Your tutor will help you set, clarify, and achieve your academic goals; plan and organize your work; and understand course materials, professors' expectations, and your academic progress.

What type of student gets tutoring?
Tutoring is for anyone who needs extra help or support in any class. We serve freshmen through seniors in courses ranging from basic math through Capstone honors theses. Whatever your needs may be, we are here to help you find appropriate assistance.

I never needed extra help in high school; why would I need it in college?
The transition to college is a difficult one for many students. The course work, teaching styles, and required study hours are likely to be vastly different from what you experienced in high school. Our tutors have been through this transition and can help you adjust to the academic and extracurricular demands of college life.

How often do students meet with tutors?
While some students prefer to meet with a tutor once or only occasionally - such as to review for a specific assignment or to build their confidence before an exam - others find that they benefit from the mentoring relationship that develops from regular meetings with the same tutor. Students can schedule appointments on an as-needed basis or may set up weekly meetings for the duration of the semester.

Who are the tutors and what do they have to offer me?
Most of our tutors are peer tutors, meaning that they are currently enrolled at St. Edward's. They have done well in the courses for which they tutor and are skilled at explaining material to their peers. They are also familiar with our professors' teaching styles and understand different instructors' approaches. They can give you helpful tips on talking with faculty members and offer guidance on how best to prepare for exams in a particular course.

For which classes do you offer tutoring?
We work hard to provide tutoring for any student in any course. While our core staff of peer tutors is designed to cover high-demand, lower-division courses, we are not limited to their areas of expertise. Whenever a student requests assistance with a course for which we don't have a tutor on staff, our office works with the course instructor to identify a good peer tutor and bring them on board to help.

What can I expect from a tutor?
When you work with a tutor, you can expect to have the undivided attention of someone who is knowledgeable in the subject matter and dedicated to helping you understand it. A tutor's job is not to do the work for you or to teach material for the first time. Rather, a tutor's job is to listen carefully to you and answer your questions, clarify course material, and help you develop better time-management, test-taking, and study skills.

What will the tutor expect of me?
Simply meeting with a tutor does not guarantee success. The better you prepare for a tutoring session, the more productive and helpful it will be. Bring your textbook and any relevant course materials to your appointment, and do as much of the assigned work as you can beforehand. Ultimately it is your responsibility to learn and apply course materials; our tutors are here to help you to that end.

Is all tutoring one-on-one, or are group sessions available?
We offer sessions to both individuals and small groups of two to three students. Evidence shows that students do better when they study with their peers. Find a study partner in that difficult class and attend tutoring together. You'll both get more out of it.

Where and when does tutoring take place?
Tutoring takes place in Moody 122 between 11 am and 7 pm , Monday through Thursday.

How much do tutoring and other activities cost?
Our rates are a fraction of those charged by private tutors. For details, please contact us.