General Questions About Tutoring

How do I apply for a tutor?

It's easy. You can apply for a tutor in person.

For tutoring in college-level science courses, drop by the Science Learning Center in Gillet Hall, Room 133 and fill out a tutor request form.

For tutoring in all humanities and social sciences, writing and literacy skills, and the CUNY Assessment exams in reading and writing, drop by the Academic Center for Excellence in the Old Gym Building, Room 205, and fill out a tutor request form. You may also complete an online version of the form and fax it to the ACE at 718-960-7831.

Please note that if you need basic math tutoring (e.g. for the CUNY ACT Basic Skills Test in Mathematics), you must contact the Math Department's Math Lab for tutoring (718-960-8878).

Index

What if I need a tutor immediately?

Both the Academic Support Center for Excellence (ACE) and the Science Learning Center (SLC) do accept walk-ins; however, we cannot guarantee a tutor will be available at a given time. Sometimes a tutoring slot becomes available if there is a cancellation.

We suggest calling ACE (718-960-8175) or the SLC (718-960-7707), to check if an appointment can be arranged at short notice. We will do our best to accommodate you, depending on tutor availability.

Index

Who are ISSP's tutors?

The ISSP has both undergraduate and graduate peer tutors who work with studetns. In addition, we have several volunteer and professional tutors on our staff. All tutors have attained excellent academic records in their fields of tutoring, and participate in regular training sessions certified by the College Reading and Learning Association.

Index

How long is a tutoring session?

In general, sessions last one hour. Most tutoring at ISSP is one-on-one; students meet with their tutors once a week, and sometimes more frequently.

Index

Is there group tutoring?

Yes, group tutoring is available in some subjects, such as statistics and economics.

If you would like to form a small study group that meets with a tutor for a group session, e.g. before midterms or finals, we will do our best to accommodate you. Please call the Science Learning Center at 718-960-7707 to inquire about group tutoring in mathematics or the sciences. For all other subject areas, please call the Academic Support Center at 718-960-8175. Also, check our workshop page for ongoing workshops and review sessions.

How do I prepare for tutoring sessions?

Come to the session prepared with questions. Before your session, as you're studying or working on an assignment, write a list of questions about what you don't understand in the reading, your notes from class, and/or assignments from your professor.

Index

How do I know what questions to ask my tutor?

As you're studying or working on an assignment, jot down questions about what you don't understand in the reading, your notes from class, and/or assignments from your professor. Bring this list with you and ask your tutor your questions.

Index

What is the best way to start a tutoring session?

Plan your session. At the beginning of your session, talk with your tutor for a few minutes about what you and he or she will work on during the session.

Index

What should I do if I don't understand concepts or materials my tutor and I are working on?

Tell your tutor if you don't understand something, before you move forward to new material. Ask questions or try to put into clear words what you don't understand. State your understanding to check it with your tutor before moving forward.

Index

How can I increase my motivation to work on assignments I don't find interesting or relevant?

Make your assignment more interesting or relevant by connecting it with what you already know, and your day-to-day life. Talk with your tutor about how textbook chapters and assignments relate to your thoughts and every day, memorable experiences. Engage in dialogue with your tutor about relevant ideas and implications of your assignments that interest you. Talk with your tutor about what you already know relating to the assignment. Ask your tutor how you can tie in what you already know to the work you're doing on your assignment.

Index

Can I ask for certain tutors, if I find someone I work well with?

Yes. Get to know your tutor. Once you find a tutor you feel comfortable working with, meet with that tutor regularly. Our tutors care about you. You can let your tutor know about things in your life that affect your schoolwork, so they can offer support and advice.

Index

How can I help myself remember what I worked on with a tutor?

Review. Before the end of the session, review the work you did with your tutor. Then plan ahead. If you are going to meet with your tutor again, before the session ends, talk with him or her about what you will work on next time.

Index

What should I do in between my tutoring sessions?

As soon as you can after a session, review what you have accomplished and use what you have learned, in conjunction with the strategies and tips your tutor provided. Make a well thought out study schedule, and remember to maintain it. Remember that preparing to study can often be as important as studying. Review the course material for 45-60 minutes, and allow for 5 -10 minute breaks in between to relax your mind. Practice, practice, practice.

Index

If I have questions or concerns about my experiences in the SLC or the ACE, what do I do?

Ask the person at the front desk to direct you to a staff member who can help you.

Index

Updated: 10/18/2011