Join us this week for Demystifying the College Application Workshops.
We are proud to be able to partner with companies and schools eager to help students get the best chance possible of realizing their college dreams.
Our free Demystifying the College Application Workshops online workshop is a great opportunity for high school sophomores, juniors, and family members to learn about the current college admissions landscape. The pandemic has had a long-lasting impact on higher education and college admissions, and it’s important to stay informed about the latest developments.
One of the most important steps in the college application process is building a college list. This workshop will provide valuable insights into how to build a college list that is tailored to your needs and preferences. Another important consideration is whether or not to take standardized tests. The workshop will explore this topic in depth and provide guidance on how to make an informed decision.
The essential components of the application process will also be covered, including how AI can both help and hurt a student’s college applications. Additionally, the workshop will explain what colleges mean when they look for “rigor.”
Useful resources for researching colleges will be provided, along with key information about financing. It’s important to understand the financial aspects of college applications so that you can make informed decisions.
Our online workshop is an excellent opportunity to learn about the college application process and gain valuable insights into how to succeed in this competitive landscape.
Why Executive Functioning Matters
At Liddane, we want our tutors and our students to develop and share skills that will support the efforts of each. That is why most of our tutors are trained in executive function and why we work with many adults and students on how to make the most of their brains.
Executive function skills are a set of cognitive processes that help individuals plan, monitor, and execute their goals. It is a crucial aspect of our daily lives that enables us to think, act, and solve problems. Foundational skills such as response inhibition, working memory, emotional control, flexibility, sustained attention, and task initiation are essential for developing executive functioning abilities. These skills allow us to focus on relevant sensory information, organize our environment or schedule, inhibit behavior that flouts social expectations and norms, plan for the future, mentally evaluate the possible outcomes of different problem-solving strategies, choose actions based on the likelihood of positive outcomes, estimate time and effort necessary to achieve an outcome, and initiate tasks necessary to carry out decisions.
Advanced executive functioning skills such as planning, prioritizing, organization, time management goal-directed persistence, and metacognition are necessary for living independently and competently. These skills enable us to learn new information, keep new or recent information in our minds, and use this information to solve problems of everyday life. They also help us improve our abilities to stay focused, plan ahead, regulate our emotions, think flexibly and creatively. In conclusion, executive functioning is a vital aspect of our cognitive abilities that helps us all thrive.
Support for Students with Busy Schedules
Tutoring can be an effective way to help students stay on track with their schoolwork, especially for those who have other commitments such as sports or theater performances. Our tutors work with athletes and other busy students to understand their learning style, identify areas of improvement, and provide exam preparation. Having expert support can help alleviate stress for families and for students.
Tutoring can be beneficial for students who are involved in any extracurricular activities. One on one work with a tutor can help students improve their grades on assignments and stay on track with scheduling and completing assignments. Tutors can also offer additional individualized learning to support the classroom experience.
At Liddane, we offer one-on-one learning that allows tutors to establish unique relationships with students and families, enabling them to be trusted mentors, teachers, and coaches. We provide short-term support for students working under tight deadlines, without requiring a packaged commitment or minimum number of sessions. Contact us for a free consultation to get started.
How Young is Too Young for a Tutor?
Parents often wonder if their young children in first or second grade need a tutor. Teachers and child development experts suggest that young children continue reading, writing, or practicing math outside of school hours and while on break. However, in busy families, making time for this can be difficult. A tutor can help provide lively, learning-based enrichment and reinforce lifelong skills such as patience, self-advocacy, and goal setting.
Tutoring is flexible and can focus on the specific needs of each child and family. Whether it is best to start tutoring right away or wait to see how a student does on their own will depend on the individual student. Reach out to us to see how we can help your elementary student lay a strong foundation, easing stress for your whole family.
Components of the College Application
Hello Juniors, now that fall is officially in full swing, it’s time for the Class of 2025 to think about college applications. There are many facets to the college application, all of which are unique and important to pay attention to. Sign up now for our free webinar on Demystifying the College Application Process.
TOP 8 MOST IMPORTANT PARTS OF THE COLLEGE APP
Top 8
What is it?
Rigor/curriculum
The classes a student takes that are available to them in their school. Colleges look for students who are taking and excelling in challenging classes that are available to them. Colleges will weigh this against the level of classes available at the student’s high school.
GPA
Every college has their own algorithm to calculate a student’s GPA. Often this will remove elective classes and be calculated solely on the student’s academic subjects (math, English, science, etc.)
Test Scores
Due to COVID, most colleges have gone test optional, meaning that a student is not required to submit a test score, but may do so if they have taken the SAT or ACT. Students submitting test scores should do so if their test score is in the 50th percentile or higher of the college’s requested score range.
Extra-Curricular Activities
Student’s extracurricular list for sports, clubs, service activities. This is a great place for students to show their ingenuity during COVID and how they were able to still participate in their activities under social distancing rules.
Personal Statement
“The Big Essay,” a 650 word max personal statement where the student is asked to share a personal story which gives colleges insight about their life, personality, and personal values.
Supplemental essays
Colleges will ask the students supplemental questions such as “Why have you chosen our college?” or “How can you help add to the diversity of our institution?” This is a further chance for students to give colleges insight into their lives, and to express why they are a good fit for the college and vice versa. Usually 250-300 words max.
Additional/Optional essays
Colleges may ask students “Is there anything else we should know about you?” or “Are there any life circumstances which have impacted your grades and/or curriculum?” This is where a student can express any extenuating circumstances that may have impacted their high school career, such as an illness or injury.
Letters of Recommendation
Colleges will expect students to submit letters of recommendation as a part of their application. It’s best practice to get 1 letter from a counselor, 1 letter from a humanities teacher, and 1 letter from a STEM teacher. Students should ask teachers who can speak best to their character and work ethic, and remember, it may not even be the class in which you got your best grades. Also remember that these letters are written for students as favors from teachers, so be sure to ask early, be deliberate in your ask, and to thank your teachers for their letters of recommendation.
MORE ABOUT THE PERSONAL STATEMENT
The student will be asked to submit a narrative style essay personal statement to give colleges more insight into their lives and values. This essay is usually 650 characters max. This style of writing is to be done in the first person, and should center around events in a student’s life, lessons learned, obstacles and challenges they have encountered and growth that has come from experience. This essay is where the student should show some vulnerability and give the schools insight into their character. With testing now being optional or even test blind (not requested at all), and extra-curricular activities disrupted, the importance of essays has taken on more significance for many college admissions committees.
WHERE CAN I FIND HELP?
LB Kussick from Kussick College Coaching and Liddane Tutoring & Learning Services both provide support for college applications. LB offers college coaching and support for the whole application, while LTLS offers college application tutoring, as well as SAT and ACT test prep and mock tests.Lastly, we feel so strongly about getting a good start on college applications and essays, that if you are unable to work with us, we will refer you to someone who can support you! Give us a call or shoot us an email if you have questions!
Planning for SAT ACT Changes Fall 2023
Students who will be taking the ACT/SAT this year know there will be some major upcoming changes to testing.
We are here to help navigate the process. We believe fall will get booked up early. The SAT is filling almost as soon as it opens.Given that the SAT is going digital this winter/spring, we understand that people will be rushing to take the SAT/ACT this fall before the changes kick in. The best way to manage this sometimes-challenging process is to stay on top of it. We are here to help.
Beginning the School Year with a Tutor- What to Consider.
Parents often struggle in deciding whether to begin the year with a tutor on board or to wait to see how their student does in school and then make the decision. For student athletes with practices, or drama rehearsal after school, the fall can start to feel very full. Our recommendations on what to consider:
What grade is the student entering?
For elementary or middle school students, we encourage families to make a decision based on what works for the family. Struggles in early grades can often be reframed as a learning experience by a parent or teacher and may not require engaging a content expert early on. If a parent has the bandwidth to find extra support or challenge inside school or at home and also feels they are able to monitor progress, then we recommend holding off on tutoring. A trained elementary or middle school tutor can step in later, if needed.
For high school or higher, however, beginning the year with a tutor is often a better choice. We are frequently contacted by families whose student’s grades have dropped significantly. Playing catchup for the remainder of the marking period can be stressful and overwhelming. While we believe that experiencing a bit of failure can lead to growth for many students, for others, it is counterproductive or even damaging to their confidence as learners.
Will the student be going through a transition in fall?
When a student has been receiving tutoring and is getting ready for a transition to a new level in school (e.g. middle to high school or high school to college) or going through a significant challenge (e.g. illness or divorce), we recommend that families keep tutoring in place for the first part of the school year. Typically, this means through October or the first marking period.
Does the child have learning differences or other issues that will impact their education?
Students can benefit from some time to establish a trusted tutoring relationship at the start of the school year if they have a learning difference, executive skills deficits, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, significant medical issues, or mental health struggles. When a student with such challenges becomes overwhelmed by school content and organization, finding a tutor and establishing a network of support on top of their workload can compound stress. Therefore, in such cases, we advise that students begin the year with tutoring in place and lessen the support once it is apparent that it’s no longer necessary.
How does the student handle stress?
Finally, consider how the student reacts to stress and their ability to push themselves when life is challenging. Do they shut down, ignore homework, avoid school altogether, or become withdrawn? Or do they dig in, meet with teachers regularly, or form study groups? Having a tutor in place can help guide a student through turbulent times as they develop resilience and solidify healthy habits.
At Liddane, our goal is to be honest and encourage families to do what’s best for their child. We value being a part of students’ lives and want the absolute best for each of them. You can be assured that we will give you a genuine answer if you choose to discuss this with a tutor or with Andrea. We are always willing to be a sounding board - reach out if you need anything. And have a great back to school season!
Stressed About School Restarting? We Can Help.
The approach of the upcoming school year can cause students and families stress. Coming out of the pandemic, many report gaps in the understanding of subjects that keep students feeling perennially behind, particlularly in math and science. One way to get a handle on stress before the school year starts is to begin working one on one with a tutor now to address these gaps in learning. Liddane tutors work with students across disciplines and subjects in an effort to get a real understanding of where the student is and to address areas where the student needs to practice skills that will allow them to catch up.
Students working from home over the Covid years also lacked the opportunity to practice social and emotional learning with their peers. For many this has resulted in a diminished ability to focus during school with so much going on around them. Teahers are stretched and have limited resources to address each student's gaps, thus leaving students feeling overwhelmed and frustrated.
If you or your family is experiencing stress over the upcoming school year, please reach out to talk with Liddane's intake professionals. We have helped- and are helping- students from elementary to college age get back on track and stay there.
Summertime and the College Essay
For high school juniors and seniors, summer can be a rush of jobs, practice, friends and needing down time to explore interests and ideas. It can also be a really generative time for thinking about college application essays. A student’s college application checklist contains all of the obvious pieces: grades, scores, activities, coursework. However, the overall picture, including essays, personal statements, and supplemental questions, can be challenging to pin down. Who is the student? What are their strengths and interests? What will they bring to the campus community? How will they contribute to the culture and mission of the school? Summer is a time when students have experiences they want to write about for their essay. Combining experience with navigating the application process is what our team at Liddane does so well.
Representing these more subtle aspects of a person can make writing a college application essay challenging for strong students as well as those who struggle with executive functioning skills or a less than “perfect” story to tell. Showing the true nature of oneself in a way that is compelling can be an incredible hurdle for many.
LTLS college application tutors have been trained to draw out the best elements that represent the student. Many people know how to write a good essay, but the expectations for college applications are unique. Having a qualified outside person step back and look at the entire application helps focus the writing and elevate the application toward a multi-dimensional view of the student. A trained eye can direct students toward distinctive topics and divert them from those that are overused. In an effort to tell a more complete story, college application tutors coach students to use their precious word count carefully and effectively. We want your student to feel positive about the story they are bringing to the table. Our one-on-one tutors are here to work with them. Fall dates for our Demystifying the College Application Process webinars about the entire process are open for registration now.
How to Navigate Summer, High School Students and the College Application Process
Applying for college can be a stressful time for both students and their families. You may feelburdened by the many choices, requirements, and deadlines that come with this important decision. How can you balance summer downtime, academic goals, interests, and economics without feeling overwhelmed? This especially applies to families who do not want to be hovering around their teenagers' heads all summer but know that this important process should be happening right now.
We can help navigate through the college application tasks (and, hopefully, take the edge off of the stress) with our Demystifying the College Application webinars as well as our college application tutoring. Using our team of experienced tutors to work with students over the summer to prep and be ready for the process and the school year takes the pressure off of families and provides support for this very important summer work. Let us know how we can help!
Student Success with College Applications
Student Success with College Applications
At Liddane Tutoring, we acknowledge that applying to college is complex. We believe the college application process should be less about stressful conversations and more about self-discovery. We understand there is no one-size-fits-all package which is why our goal is to support families of diverse means and backgrounds. We provide a variety of services to ease the stress of the college application process including group workshops, informational sessions, test prep, multi-year individualized support packages, and hourly task-specific troubleshooting. Here is what one of our previous students had to say about their experience with Liddane Tutoring:
“Working with Liddane Tutoring was the best decision I made when it came to college applications. I believe I have accomplished some of my best work with their guidance. I felt so encouraged and supported during the entire process, and even after our first session, I noticed an improvement in my writing. Working with them gave me the confidence to tell my truth in my writing, and I know the applications I submitted stood out because of that. My tutor believed in me and for that I’m beyond grateful. I highly recommend working with Liddane and I’m so thankful for the help they’ve given me!”
- Grayce C.
Get a head start on your college applications this summer! Come work with our college application experts to utilize summer to its fullest potential. With most schools going test optional or test blind, the written portion of applications has become even more critical. Sign up for our virtual application workshops to experience a small group dedicated to supporting students in their college essay and application process. Students review all components of the application process including essays, activity lists, and recommendations. REGISTER NOW.
College Prep Success
The Liddane Tutoring family is proud of all recent high school graduates and honored to be part of their college application process. Luke is a recent high school graduate who along with his mother Shannon, were thrilled with his college selection. He was accepted into Hofstra, Arizona State, Loyola Chicago, UW Bothell, and the University of Illinois with merit scholarships! Parents have seen the growth in their students from working with Liddane Tutoring. Tanya has been a client of ours since 2012 and has seen how our tutors have established a relationship and adapted to the specific learning needs for all of her children:
“Our tutor navigated our oldest through high school and into college and is now guiding our youngest through high school in a similar fashion. They adapt to his unique learning needs and help him develop his behavior and social skills, while teaching him empathy and awareness of the larger world around him."
- Tanya B.
Listen to the advice of others and get a head start on your college applications this summer! Come work with our college application experts to utilize summer to its fullest potential. With most schools going test optional or test blind, the written portion of applications has become even more critical. Sign up for our virtual application workshops to experience a small group dedicated to supporting students in their college essay and application process. Students review all components of the application process including essays, activity lists, and recommendations. REGISTER NOW.
The Digital SAT
As you may have heard, the SAT is going digital. The PSAT will switch to a digital platform in the fall of 2023, and the SAT will change to digital in the spring of 2024. While you may have some concerns about this new format and what your student can expect to see, there are some exciting changes we are looking forward to! This new test will be shorter, 2 hours and 24 minutes rather than 3 hours and fifteen minutes, which means less cognitive endurance will be required. Students will be able to take the test multiple times without as much mental strain or fatigue as before. It will also allow students more time per question and the ability to receive their scores faster than ever. While the testing content will remain relatively the same, in the verbal section, reading passages will be significantly shorter. On the other hand, the questions will be tougher. Another change is that, in the math section, a calculator (Desmos!) will now always be available. Compared to the ACT, the digital SAT will allow a 60.5% increase in the amount of time per question on the verbal section and 59% more time on math. There are considerably fewer reading problems in the math section, and the percentage of questions from geometry and trigonometry will increase. Accommodations will also be better and they will be linked to your student’s access code. Accommodations include text to speech; talk to text; the ability to change the speed of speech, font, and color; extra breaks; and time and a half to complete the test. Some other tools available to students with or without accommodations are a testing timer, reference sheet of commonly used formulas, a mark for review feature, and the ability to annotate text. For students who cannot test on a computer, a paper test will still be available.
Ways to prepare: Taking a mock test can help establish a baseline. After the baseline is determined and areas for improvement are identified, students can work with a tutor to study efficiently and learn test taking strategy. If your student is a junior next year, they will have the unique opportunity of being able to take the paper AND the digital test to see which medium they prefer. One thing you can currently do is download the Bluebook app from the College Board. This is the official app for taking the SAT, and College Board currently offers four full digital practice tests (with promises of more to come!). The digital SAT is being administered now internationally, which will bring even more information about the new test in the future.Let us help you navigate this change. Learn more.
Grade by Grade College Prep Timeline
GRADE 10
Prioritize getting good grades in the most challenging classes you can handle.
Take the PSAT/PLAN for practice.
Hone in on 2-3 activities that you like best and think about how to pursue them in greater depth throughout high school. Step up and engage!
Make a plan for your community service hours so that are productive and don't look like you are checking off a list. It’s more fun and rewarding doing it this way too!
Plan your summer: relax and have fun but think about doing something productive as well:
Summer camps
Volunteer
Summer academic programs
Take a class
Explore an interest
Work
Practice your sport or special talent
If you are an athlete and want to play college sports, you may want to start reaching out to coaches now, depending on your sport.
If you want to pursue the visual arts, fashion, or any degree that might require a portfolio, start saving pieces for your portfolio now.
Don’t stress; make it fun and commit to what you love to do.
GRADE 11
Same as grade 10, and …
If you think you might be interested in a specific college degree program as a direct admit freshman, such as business, engineering, architecture, computer science, nursing, physical therapy, etc., research what the requirements are and make sure you have taken the highest-level courses in the relevant subjects. Explore extra-curriculars and electives that offer insight into these areas of study, or shadow a professional.
If you will be applying to selective colleges, or Honors Colleges within a large university, make sure your classes match the requirements, such as foreign language, 4 years of lab science, etc.
Attend college fair programs in Seattle.
Attend college representative meetings at your school.
Show demonstrated interest to colleges you think might be on your list.
Start thinking about what you are seeing and hearing and what is important to you. What are your values? What kind of academic and social environment aligns with your values?
Start visiting school campuses and explore different kinds of campuses. You do not need to travel to do this. For instance, Seattle University is modeled similarly to other Jesuit universities. Their mission and approach to education is similar throughout. UW is similar to other state, flagship, research universities. University of Puget Sound is a great example of a small, liberal arts education.
Build relationships with teachers so that they know you when you ask them for recommendations. Ideal time for asking for recommendations is at end of Junior year.
Decide if you want to test and, if so, decide which test, ACT/SAT, is better for you. Register early to take the tests (they fill up!)
If you need accommodations for standardized testing, apply for them months in advance. It can take 10 weeks to get approval.
Prepare for ACT/SAT (on own or test prep), take first test in Feb/March.
Other exams: AP, IB. Consider timing so that all testing isn’t happening at the same time.
Don’t stress: you WILL find a best fit college for you!
Summer: make it productive, and begin your applications! Have drafts of your essays completed by start of Senior Year. It will alleviate a lot of stress and anxiety.
GRADE 12
Continue to take challenging courses and don’t let your grades fall.
Make decisions regarding ED, EA, Regular Decision and Rolling Decision.
Finalize your essays, activity lists, brag sheets into counseling office, teacher recommendations, etc. Your first application deadlines will likely be the beginning of November.
Re-take ACT/SAT if needed/wanted.
Arrange to have standardized test scores and high school transcript sent to colleges by their deadlines.
Financial aid forms (FAFSA and PROFILE) can be submitted as early as October 1.
If you have accommodations, make sure your testing and evaluations are current within three years.
Do not slack off after submitting or getting acceptance letters. Colleges can rescind these offers and often will put students on notice if their grades fall off.
Plan to visit colleges between April 1 and April 31 if you will be needing to make a choice, or between January and April if you were accepted Early Action.
Co-authored by our friends at Kussick College Coaching.
Proud Partner of Rainier Scholars
Andrea Liddane at Rainier Scholars Luncheon
I was recently delighted to recognize and celebrate the work of Rainier Scholars at their BOLD MOVES Luncheon. This powerful organization continues to do amazing work in the community. We have partnered with Rainier Scholars for many years. Their mission is to “cultivate the academic and leadership potential of underrepresented students of color through rigorous, transformative opportunities that increase college graduation rates and empower new generations of leaders."
I am proud of the work they are doing and glad to be able to use our strengths together to help “envision a more just and inclusive society with equitable representation of people of color at all levels of leadership and influence.” Learn more about our partnerships and how we work in collaboration with organizations to support learning through all ages and communities.
Final Exam Season : Tips for Student Athletes
The demands and realities of student athletes’ schedules and being the best student possible can be a challenging juggling act, especially during finals. Intentionality delivers results. Here are some of our tried-and-true tips for exam season success. The Liddane Tutoring team believes you can navigate these challenges more easily using suggestions below, with support from coaches, teammates and study support people to kick it out of the park! If you need individual support, let us know how we can help. Good luck!
Plot out a study calendar. Spend 15 minutes writing down the steps for what you need to do and when. Be as specific as possible.
Consciously map out team practices, extracurriculars, and whatever else you have going on, especially prior to tests. Add to your calendar for visual reminders.
Set meetings with teachers now. Keep a running list of questions so meetings can be as productive as possible.
Figure out your study support people. Reach out to a classmate or bring together a group of friends who will truly help you study. Create a team study group of other players who will encourage you to use your time wisely at tournaments or away games. Encourage them back.
Tutors can really help before tests. If you decide to work with one, set those appointments. Keep a running list of questions going and send it ahead of time if you can so your tutor can be best prepared for you.
Review the class syllabus to understand what will be asked on the tests. What are the big questions?
Make flash cards/study cards (Quizlet or paper–whatever works best for you).
Review and explain the content to someone else.
Take care of yourself during exam periods. As much as you are able, eat well, drink water, get enough sleep, deep breathe, and move your body.
Seattle United and Liddane Team Up!
The Liddane Tutoring team is proud to be a sponsor of Seattle United, a competitive youth soccer program that inspires players to develop to their highest potential, and experience the rewards of pursuing excellence, teamwork, and sportsmanship. We are confident this partnership will support both of our missions to better serve students and their families.
Update Your Payment Information
We are updating our payment system to GoCardless. We still accept payments via check and credit card. If, however, you would like to pay by ACH, here are the details and updated information:
How To:
1. If you would like to set up ACH (Direct Debit), please select “Authorize Direct Debit Payments” via your email invite. If you did not receive one, please let us know.
2. This will take you to our new ACH (Direct Debit) provider, GoCardless.
3. From here you will be prompted to enter your address, routing number, and account number.
4. Once your bank details have been entered, GoCardless will securely save these details to your client account.
5. Congrats! Now you can pay invoices online with no fee.
What does this mean for you?
- Similar to Plaid (our previous provider), GoCardless allows you to make secure online payments via your bank account from your Liddane Tutoring client account.
- Paying online is free.
- If your bank details have been previously saved to your client account, these will need to be updated in order to pay via ACH (Direct Debit) for future invoices.
- You will receive an invite from us to authorize ACH (Direct Debit) payments for your account in the next week. Do let us know if you do not receive an invitation.
Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you.
“IS SUMMER TUTORING RIGHT FOR MY STUDENT?”
We often get questions about summer tutoring, but the most common is, “Is it right for my student?” While we believe that summer should ideally be spent frolicking through fern-lined streams and chasing butterflies between daisies, academic enrichment in an individualized setting can be a valuable addition to summer’s long days. See if these top benefits of summer tutoring apply to your student.
1. PRRVENT IOSING KNOWLedDGE OVER THE SUMMER MONTHS
Summer may create a void in which academic prowess is stunted and, at best, slight slippage is inevitable. Engaging with a tutor on a weekly basis will help maintain intellectual agility and keep students engaged in the learning process.
2. PREVIEW NEW SUBJECTS TO COME
Providing a preview of material can help students feel more confident when they return to school. This is true for all types of learners! If a student is facing a particularly challenging class in the fall or is seeking exposure to content from a weaker subject area, summer tutoring helps them tackle their questions early so they feel prepared to succeed.
3. FILL IN THE GAPS AND LAY THE BUILDING BLOCKS
Setting a strong foundation and layering strong teaching on top of it will lead to success. In reality, however, students often have gaps in their knowledge. These gaps can add to future lack of confidence or struggle. Filling the gaps with individualized tutoring can reverse negative trends and turn students toward mastery.Gaps in executive skills can be just as important to shore up as gaps in knowledge. For students wanting to improve their academic planning but are not sure how, summer tutoring can be the answer.
4. SUPPORT STUDENTS WITH LEARNING DIFFERENCES
When academics are hard, a two-month absence from engaging in more challenging subject matter can bring about a significant loss of content understanding. Individual summer teaching can also focus on skills that students with learning differences require for being successful during the school year.
5. MOTIVATE RELUCTANT READERS
Whether working from a school-assigned summer reading list or providing suggestions to students, the goal is to inspire interest in books. Students often enjoy talking about their reading in a one-on-one setting. Tutors will set goals with them so that they can finish assignments before school begins again and spend time reading books for the joy of reading.
6. PURSUE AND EXPLORE INTERESTS
Learning to love a side of education that is self-driven and focused on interest rather than on a syllabus is one of the most valuable gifts of life. Pursuing passions and curiosities is the stuff that dreams should be made of. Summer is one of the few times in life when this can be cultivated and curated. Tutoring is the perfect way to encourage such learning.If any of these apply to your student, please contact us to get a personalized consultation.
Online Tutoring 101 Guide
Work with your tutor to create a personalized plan for online school help, and stay engaged in learning.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
Online tutoring works essentially like in-person tutoring. Meetings are primarily one-on-one and are co-led by the tutor and the student.
Expect to set ground rules, such as around areas of focus, breaks, and keeping an audio/video link. These will help you stay on track in a virtual meeting.
Keep the communication lines open about what works and what doesn’t.
Students in Seattle can be paired with local tutors, so in-person sessions are an option in the long-term.
Just as you would bring your backpack and plan your travel to the tutoring office, bring what you need and plan ahead for virtual tutoring.
WHERE TO MEET
Find (or make) a quiet space where you can hear and be heard by your tutor.
A school-like spot (with a desk, for example) helps put you in a school mindset.
Follow the link to the meeting provided by your tutor.
TutorCruncher Video or Google Meet can be used in a browser with no download.
Zoom may be downloaded here: https://zoom.us/download
WHAT TO BRING
Schoolwork:
Your digital work can be shared on your screen.
Your notebook, papers, or planner can be shared through the camera on your phone or computer.
For students without assigned schoolwork:
Expect to work with your tutor on your learning goals. That may mean reviewing suggested materials, planning a personal project, or working on an “elective!”
Save the digital work you do with your tutor in bookmarks or an online folder so that you can bring it to other sessions.
Continue work similar to each of your current classes, including review of especially difficult topics from past units.
Work with your tutor to create a structured plan that will allow you to keep your brain engaged in learning.
Your phone:
The camera is handy for sharing your work!
You can always call your tutor as a backup to help troubleshoot your connection. Your tutor’s phone number can be found in their email signature.
HOW TO FOLLOW UP
Let us know if you need help with some aspect of online tutoring.
For audio/video help, you can also check out these support websites:
To get started with online tutoring, simply choose the tutoring office closest to you, or contact our main office.