10 Tips for Choosing an Effective Tutor
- Make sure they speak a language you understand (if they do not, get an interpreter).
- Ask how their previous students are doing. If they are currently on probation, ask why.
- Be clear about your objectives. Set realistic goals and monitor them closely. Ask the tutor for feedback on your progress each session.
- Avoid tutors who like to tell unbelievable stories to impress you, "... I crammed for Calculus, all of differential equations in one night...." or other such delusions.
- Also avoid tutors with a tendency to show up late for your session, drunk, or in a late-model Ferrari. They are not always to be trusted.
- Also avoid tutors who don't show up at all.
- Check for tutoring at the "academic assistance office" or whatever they call it on your campus. Such tutors are often free, which can be an advantage, at times.
- Find a tutor who seems to know the subject and can explain it well.
- If you can't find the tutor described in 8. above, try to (at least) find one who is currently not wanted by the police or FBI.
- With the best tutors, you will find that you are often still awake when they are finished explaining something of great importance to you. Try to find a tutor like this.