Jan 31 2009
What’s the big deal about getting a tutor?
Time and time again, I see students resist the need to use a tutor. Students, it seems, would rather see their grades spiral downward rather than use a FREE tutor provided by the school. Often, students seem embarrassed to work with a tutor, thinking that it makes them look stupid.
Well let me tell you, those failing grades aren’t doing much for a student’s self esteem. So why not suck it up and get a tutor? Athletes have coaches and homeowners seek out help to finish renovations. What’s the big deal about getting a tutor to help boost your grades for something as important as succeeding school and getting a good job?
Top myths about getting a tutor:
- Using a tutor will make me look stupid. Uh, what’s smarter than getting the right help at the right time? It’s smart to develop a strategy so you can succeed – not just in school but at anything.
- Tutors are expensive. Most schools have FREE tutoring services of some kind, and even if you have to pay, it’s usually cheap.
- All tutors will treat me like I’m stupid. Get over it. Tutors are overworked and underpaid. They don’t sit around talking about stupid students. And if you get a bad vibe from one tutor, just go to another one. It’s not like you’re married to them.
- A tutor hasn’t worked if I don’t get an “A.” What? Just because you get a tutor doesn’t mean you’re automatically going to start getting perfect scores. Why would anyone expect that? When you go to the gym to lose weight, do you expect to reach your ideal size after one visit? Come on. It takes work over the long term. Anything important takes effort and commitment.
- Signing up for tutoring will automatically put me in the “slow” category at school. Typically in college, there is no slow category. You either make it on the regular track or you get out. Getting a tutor does not put a black mark on your record, and most of the time, your professors are totally unaware of your life outside their classroom.
If you’re really freaked out about getting a tutor, don’t use a professional at first. Use a friend or family member who is really good at your weak topic. Join a study group with other people in your class who are star performers. Either way, get down and get the job done. Too much pride can hold you back.
