Many students realize they need some extra help and start by reaching out to their T.A.’s and attending the extra sessions they provide.  They go through all of the materials provided by their course and speak to their professor, but still they find they could use some extra help.  Whether the extra help is needed to master a course in order to achieve a high grade or simply essential to passing the course, many students find themselves in this dilemma.  The student has decided to find a tutor – but where to find one?

Now there are several ways of finding a tutor.  If you are a University student you could talk to your professor and see if they can recommend someone.  Also, most schools have some Academic Support establishment – either school wide or by department.  This type of academic support unit would usually have recommended tutors and information on other sources of help available (including free help).  Now, just because a tutor is recommended by the school it doesn’t mean they are going to be the best tutor out there – it is not very difficult for tutors to get on that list – usually they just submit some information on their background and experience.  However, it does usually mean these tutors have experience teaching in the areas they say they can teach – and they usually have a maximum they can charge.

For elementary and secondary students, you can see what resources your child’s school offers to start – they too will have recommended tutors to suggest. Study centers in wide variety exist to help students at these years.  Some of the centers are more like ‘homework’ or ‘group’ style setting, where the students are watched after school while they do their work – but there can be very little one-on-one help.  Other centers offer more personalized help, one-on-one is the most expensive, but having just a few students to a tutor can also prove very helpful.

For all ages of students, you can search on kijiji.ca, craigslist.ca, and on google searches (could type in “city”, “grade level”, “subject”, Tutor so for example “Waterloo University Economics Tutor” or “Toronto Math Elementary Tutor) to find a tutor quickly.  There are also many websites that list tutors in your area. You will want to see what kind of background check (if any) the website does before listing a tutor. There are some agencies or websites that actually subcontract to tutors, and may offer up more guarantees, background checks, or assurances than an individual tutor.  However, be weary – many of the best tutors work for themselves because they don’t have to split their pay with an agency, and they have a good enough reputation they get enough clients on their own.

Don’t limit yourself to finding a tutor to meet face to face. There are many online tutoring options or other online materials that you might find very useful and cost efficient. For instance, if you go to my Store you will find tutoring videos at a very low cost, which teach common concepts that students have difficulty with.  The best method is usually to use every resource you have available to you – learning from many different formats will really help you master a concept or entire course.  Look at “Who Needs a Tutor” and “How to Choose the Right Tutor” for more helpful information.