FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Prices vary based on type and length of tutoring program. Generally, prices range from $60 an hour for basic academic tutoring -$125 per hour for college counseling and essay writing. I invoice through PayPal. The entire cost of the program is usually divided into 2-3 monthly installments. The first installment is due in advance (at the time of booking) in order to secure the spot in my schedule and ensure commitment on student's/family's part; remaining installments are due approximately every 30 days following the first payment. Cancellation of the program is allowed anytime before the 2nd tutoring lesson; I will refund the entire amount of the first installment minus the hours worked and the 3% PayPal fee. I work very hard to accommodate any reasonable changes in schedules, and I allow some room in my schedule for flexibility. However, any late cancellations not due to illness and/or emergency will result in half-charge (1st offense) or full-charge (2nd+ offense) for that session.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
When working with test prep students, I start by looking at prior scores (if any) and gathering information about academic course work. Based on the student's history and score goal, I order books and plan out the course program. I use several different books to customize the program for each of my students. The books that I use most frequently for ACT prep are: Wiley's "The Official ACT Prep Guide", Barron's "ACT, 2nd Edition", and The College Panda Series. For the SAT, I use College Board's "The Official SAT Study Guide,” Kaplan's "SAT Premier," and The College Panda Series. I use these books for timed drills, practice tests and homework. I have worksheets that I use during the lessons and assign homework that reinforces what was covered. My students and I exchange homework and practice tests in a shared Google Drive folder which I set up. Homework can either be printed out or completed on an iPad using an app called "Notability"... I let my students choose the method with which they are most comfortable. In a 30-hr program, I assign a minimum of three full-length practice tests. These are official ACT/SAT exams that have been used in the past. I try to keep them as relevant and up-to-date as possible.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a Bachelors in Biology from CU-Boulder. I have been tutoring off-and-on for more than 20 years and full-time for the past 5 years. Although I do not have a teaching certificate, I constantly endeavor to be a better tutor and remain current with all of the changes in curriculum. I have also started classes for working with students with special needs.