Tutoring for College Entrance Exams

When you compare the test scores of students that did not have any extra help studying for the college entrance exams to those that had some tutoring, the results are intriguing. Generally, those that have some to a lot of help studying will do better overall on college entrance exams of all types.

Perhaps it seems obvious that a tutor can help a student excel on exams. Yet, most families don't take the time to employ someone for their children in the months and years leading up to the tests. If people understand how the process helps students, why aren't they scheduling or hiring them? Everyone has their reasons and mostly it lays in common misunderstandings of tutoring in general.

The answer lies in a basic misunderstanding of the jobs of tutors. Most people do not understand the role a tutor can play in their child's life. Others think that tutors are only for students that are failing in school. Still others think that hiring a study partner is an expense that doesn't really pay off. If you aren't sure about the positive reasons to hire a tutor, do a little research and you will quickly see the pros.

Each of these misunderstandings is easily deciphered. First, what is the role of tutoring? In the case of college entrance exams the person hired is responsible for helping your high school student study the essentials for the test. Generally, these people are well versed in many subjects and are familiar with the design and layout of both the SAT and the ACT tests. They work to prepare your student for the test with the idea that your student will score higher because of their efforts.

Another common misunderstanding in the world of tutoring is that they are only necessary for students that are failing subjects. While it is true they are very helpful to students who struggle in school, there are many reasons families can hire a tutor. Perhaps a child is an A average student that is looking to get into a top engineering school. Hiring someone to help with math and sciences to give the student an edge may make all the difference in scholarships.

Which brings us to the next misunderstanding. Many people think that for the cost, the dividends don't match up. If you think of the hired help as an hourly employee, compare their overall wages for a semester or a year to the possible increased scholarship amount that your student could make and you will quickly realize the worth. Just five points higher on the ACT can mean thousands of dollars difference in scholarships available for your child.

There are many reasons to hire a tutor, make sure you fully understand your misgivings before choosing not to hire one for your student. Just a little research will show you the positive results a tutor can have on your child's future.