Colleges and universities in the US offer high-quality education, increasing your competitiveness in the global job market. While international students thrive too, others struggle due to various circumstances, regardless of academic ability. Fortunately, these institutions offer free college tutoring services that students can take advantage of. Such resources can be invaluable for first-generation immigrants or ESL (English as a second language) learners.
At Remitly, we care about your quality of life abroad. In this article, we’ll show you how to use your school’s tutoring center. So, if you’re new to the US or unfamiliar with its higher ed system, we hope this guide helps you find the academic support in college to complete your studies successfully.
What is a college tutoring center?
A college or university tutoring center is a support service that provides students with academic help outside of class. Everyone struggles sometimes, no matter your academic ability, and college tutoring centers let you access the help you need without judgment.
These free tutoring resources on campus aim to boost collaboration, increase confidence, and improve learning and retention. They are open to all enrolled students, whether you want assistance with time management, figuring out your coursework, or developing stronger writing and study skills.
Understanding tutoring and how it works
Tutoring is extracurricular academic help in a subject or concept that a student finds especially hard. For international learners, this difficulty may be compounded by the new environment, unfamiliar teaching styles, differing writing or research expectations, or simply not knowing local cultural references. However, working with a tutor can help you close these gaps.
So, how does it work? Tutoring is often individualized and one-on-one support, but it’s sometimes offered in small groups. The personalized approach lets tutors focus on your specific needs, unlike in traditional class settings, where college faculty don’t often have the time or resources to do so.
Which tutors will you find at a college tutoring center?
College tutoring centers are often staffed with different kinds of experts. Typically, you’ll find three main types of tutors there:
Peer tutors: Usually undergraduates who have successfully completed a degree and are tutoring the same subject area. To work in the US at such a center, you must attain a high GPA and be recommended by the faculty. In some cases, peer tutors should also be certified through organizations like the College Reading & Learning Association (CRLA).
Professional tutors: Non-student staff with bachelor’s degrees or higher, formally trained and experienced in the education sector.
Faculty: Serve as a bridge between a college’s academic departments and the tutoring center.
What services are usually offered?
Seeking a tutor’s help doesn’t mean you’re failing academically. It’s just extra support in areas that contribute to your overall success. Whether in-person or online, individually or as a group, you can expect to get diverse services such as:
- Writing help
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) support
- Test preparations
- ESL coaching
- Subject-specific help
- Note-taking tips
- Study strategies
- Reading comprehension assistance
- Time management advice
- Foreign language studies
To provide students with the right academic support in college, tutoring centers deliver these wide-ranging services in several ways:
One-on-one tutoring
Most US institutions offer tutoring services in this format.
If you opt for one-on-one tutoring, you’ll receive individualized sessions with a tutor. They will work with you to assess your strengths and weaknesses, then design a customized study plan to help you overcome specific challenges.
Some advantages of one-on-one tutoring include the following:
- It’s the best way to receive intensive, personal help tailored to your pace and needs.
- Focus on specific questions, assignments, or skills relevant to your interests.
- You’ll easily build confidence in a private setting.
- Cultivate a strong relationship with your tutor, sometimes essential for motivation, promoting learning, and gaining stronger social skills.
Group tutoring sessions
Group tutoring is when one tutor works with a small group of students who have the same needs and agenda. It’s an excellent option if you’re looking for a broad subject review or a more collaborative, peer-to-peer learning environment.
Working with a group has its own benefits:
- Enjoy peer collaboration and discussion.
- Build a sense of community.
- Boost confidence, especially when you notice that you aren’t the only one struggling in an area.
- Gain a different perspective on concepts through the question-and-answer sessions.
- Prepare for tests better by supporting one another.
Online or virtual tutoring options
Whether you opt for group tutoring or one-on-one sessions, both can be held in-person at the college tutoring center or online using digital platforms. However, tutoring is feedback-heavy, and how this works online depends on you and the tutor.
- You can meet in real time through digital tools like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, or school e-learning platforms. Sessions will be via video, audio, and/or screen sharing, if necessary.
- Sometimes, meeting asynchronously is best. You’ll submit questions, papers, or problems, and the tutors will reply later via written feedback. Learning Management Systems (LMS) like Canvas, Blackboard, and Moodle, as well as online tools like Tutor.com, facilitate the process.
Virtual meetings are convenient and flexible, offering help during both office and out-of-office hours. You can reach tutors from anywhere in the world and even record sessions for later review.
However, this method is highly dependent on technology. Issues like poor connectivity, camera or microphone problems, and unreliable power supply could make it harder to access services. Other challenges—such as a lack of private space to attend online meetings or differing time zones—may affect your experience, too.
Drop-in and appointment-based sessions
These scheduling sessions work best for one-on-one tutoring, particularly with college faculty, but they can also apply to group forums.
For appointment-based tutoring, you’ll schedule a session in advance, either in person at the tutoring center or online. When booking, indicate the time and specific reason for the session.
Planning makes it easier for you and the tutor to organize yourselves accordingly, especially if the center is busy and getting personal tutoring is a hassle. Another advantage is that you’ll give the tutor enough time to plan for your individual goals.
Drop-in sessions are also welcome in many colleges. You can visit the center any time during open hours. It’s convenient, great for quick questions, and less pressured because the meeting feels more informal. However, prepare to wait in line if the center is swamped or your favorite tutor is already in session.
How to find and access the tutoring center
Finding a tutoring center near you is easy, but knowing where to look will help you get started.
- Your college website will usually have information about the on-campus tutoring center, such as location, opening times, and phone number or email address. It might even outline the method of service delivery, such as in-person or online, and the supported or contracted third-party tutoring services your school uses.
- Check the student portal for your school for more details on bookings, sessions, tutor availability, and more.
- Ask your professors or a student advisor for relevant information about the available academic support in college.
To access these college tutoring services, simply make an appointment or drop in to the tutoring center at your convenience. If you choose online tutoring, you’ll have to log in to your college’s proprietary or third-party digital platform. So, make sure that you have the proper credentials beforehand.
When to go: why sooner is better
We understand there are barriers to visiting your college tutoring center, like a lack of knowledge about available services. The stigma associated with seeking help is another factor we can’t ignore, especially among students from underrepresented and minority populations.
However, study help for college students isn’t something bad or shameful. You gain a lot when you utilize free tutoring resources on campus:
- You’ll notice improved academic performance via expert, personalized feedback.
- Retain more of what you learned in class by listening to different perspectives or receiving clarification on confusing topics.
- Enjoy the freedom to ask questions you’d otherwise think are obvious and embarrassing because you’re in a private and safe space.
- Tutors cover more than academics, sharing life skills like organization, time management, and study strategies to make you a better student.
- Understand the value of being proactive. In your sessions, you’ll notice that people who seem to have it all figured out in school—like honors students, athletes, and grad school applicants—all seek college tutoring services.
- You’ll realize that striving for academic excellence isn’t a weakness.
So, don’t wait until you’re failing to start. Visit the center as soon as the semester begins, and as much as you wish. With consistent help, school will be less stressful and you’ll post stronger grades.
Tips for making the most out of your tutoring sessions
Before beginning your sessions, you need to take several steps to prepare.
- Start by having a goal in mind and a method of measuring your success. You can set them at your first meeting with your tutor, who will assess you and determine what your objectives will be for the semester.
- To achieve these goals, be specific to benefit from every tutoring session. Carry your textbook, assignments or any other relevant course material, ask questions, and be honest about where you’re stuck.
- Take notes during your meeting with the tutor and review them afterward. Record the session if possible, and consider scheduling follow-ups to assess growth.
- Respect your tutor’s time to maintain a healthy professional relationship. Observe simple etiquette, like cancelling beforehand if you can’t attend a meeting.
Asking for help shows strength, not weakness
Your tutoring center is one of the most powerful tools you have for academic success. You can access free individual or group support in all academic areas, including important life skills like time management.
These services aren’t just for failures, but for students who seek excellence and to improve their college experience—even the best performers visit the tutoring center. And by leveraging technology, you can enjoy the convenience of online tutoring.
Check out your campus tutoring center this week. There’s so much support waiting for you.
FAQ
Is tutoring just for students who are failing?
Not at all. Tutoring is available for any student who wants to ensure holistic growth and success. You can seek help for everything from perfecting your English skills to managing time or solving math problems.
Do I have to pay for tutoring at my college?
Tutoring services are free in most colleges. However, you may pay for the service when using some third-party tutoring providers.
Can I get help with papers or math assignments?
Yes, you can. Visit the tutoring center at your college and work with a peer tutor, student advisor, or faculty member who’ll guide you on your assignment and help brainstorm ideas.
What if English isn’t my first language?
That’s not a problem. There are many ESL learners in the US who are thriving in their studies and are supported by tutoring centers. Take extra lessons to polish your English and consider using online writing tools to improve your skills further.