Peer Tutoring Student FAQs
Getting Started/Process Questions
How do I request a tutor? You can request a tutor by completing our Tutor Request Form.
How quickly will I be matched with a tutor? Our goal is to match you with a tutor within 48 business hours. Keep in mind that we don't always monitor the Request Form and email over the weekends.
Can I request a specific tutor? Absolutely! The Tutor Request Form provides a space for you to recommend a specific tutor. You can also browse our tutors' profiles on the Staff page to find someone who might be a good fit.
What if my tutor and I don't click? That's totally normal and easy to fix! Just complete the Tutor Request Form again and mention that you'd like to be paired with someone else.
How far in advance should I request tutoring? The best tutoring is proactive rather than reactive. If you're worried a class might be challenging, you can request a tutor early and set up a regular meeting schedule. Since you'll need to coordinate both your schedule and your tutor's availability, it may take some time to arrange your first meeting. Our recommendation is to request a tutor as soon as it crosses your mind.
What happens in a typical first session? Your first session is all about getting to know each other and understanding what you'd like to work on. Your tutor will ask about your goals for the course, what's going well, and where you'd like support. You'll look at course materials together and create a plan for future sessions. It's a relaxed conversation focused on setting you up for success.
About the Tutors
Who are the peer tutors? Peer tutors are your fellow students who have successfully completed the courses they tutor in. Our tutors come from a variety of majors, minors, and backgrounds. Check out the Staff page to get to know our tutors.
How do I know my tutor actually knows the material? Most tutors are recommended by faculty, and all tutors must have completed the courses they tutor in with a 3.25 or better.
Will my tutor have taken the exact same course with my professor? We do our best to match you with tutors who've taken the same course with the same professor. While matching doesn't always work that way, your tutor will definitely have taken the same course, even if they had a different professor.
Are tutors trained? Yes, tutors complete initial pre-semester training and receive ongoing professional development throughout the year.
Logistics
How long are tutoring sessions? We typically hold 60-minute individual sessions or small group sessions (3-4 students) that can run up to 120 minutes.
Where do we meet? That's up to you and your tutor to decide together. Most tutoring happens in the ODY Library, the Sullivan Student Center, or Johnson Hall.
How often should I meet with my tutor? Many students find it helpful to have regular, typically weekly meetings with their tutors. Others prefer to meet before quizzes and tests. You and your tutor can figure out what schedule works best for your learning style and course demands.
Can I do group tutoring with friends? Yes, we offer group tutoring with small groups (3-4 students). Group dynamics can vary, so think about whether your friend group tends to stay focused when studying together. Your tutor can help keep the group on track regardless.
Is there a limit to how many sessions I can have? There's no official limit, though this will depend largely on your tutor's availability. Most tutoring relationships involve meeting once or twice per week.
Academic/Course Related
What subjects/courses do you offer tutoring for? Our course offerings change every semester based on tutor availability. Check the current semester's course offerings to see if your class is covered.
Do you only help struggling students? Not at all! We find that everyone, even those who don't feel like they're struggling, can benefit from working and talking with a peer about class material. Peer tutoring is about enhancing your learning experience, not just fixing problems.
Will my tutor do my homework for me? Tutors work with you on your homework rather than doing it for you. They'll walk through assignments step by step, explain the material, and provide additional problems or examples when helpful. The goal is to build your understanding and confidence.
Can tutors help with exam preparation? Absolutely! Tutors are excellent resources for improving your exam preparation strategies and helping you review material effectively.
What if I'm doing well but want to challenge myself further? Peer tutoring is perfect for you! Our tutors are genuinely interested in their subject matter and would welcome the opportunity to explore concepts more deeply with you.
Concerns/Misconceptions
Will using a tutor make me look like I can't handle college? Not at all. There's a reason why tutoring resources are so widely available on college campuses—most students benefit from working with a tutor during their college career. It's a sign of being proactive about your learning.
Will my professor know I'm getting tutoring? No, we keep tutoring sessions confidential.
Is peer tutoring different from professional tutoring? Yes. The biggest—and we think most important—difference is that your tutor is a St. Lawrence student who knows the courses, professors, and assignments you're working with. They bring that insider perspective that comes from recent experience in your exact situation.
What's the difference between this and study groups? Study groups can be great when all members are committed and focused. Peer tutoring provides that same collaborative learning but with the added benefit of working with someone who has already mastered the course material and can provide guidance and structure to your study sessions.
Practical Concerns
How much does it cost? Peer tutoring is free (included in your tuition), so meeting with a peer tutor costs you nothing but time and effort.
What should I bring to my first session? Bring all relevant class materials, any homework or problems you're working on, specific questions about the content, and an open mind ready to learn.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule? Just email your tutor to let them know. Since tutors prepare for your appointments, giving them 24 hours notice is greatly appreciated. If you need to reschedule or cancel frequently, you may be reassigned to another tutor to ensure consistent support.
Can I get help the night before an exam? If you've already requested a tutor and made arrangements to meet with them, then absolutely! However, if you're looking for last-minute help without having established a tutoring relationship, we likely won't be able to connect you with someone on such short notice. We encourage you to reach out early so we can support you throughout your exam preparation process.