FAQs
Academic Coaching FAQs
- What is the difference between tutoring and academic coaching?
- Do you provide tutoring in addition to academic coaching?
- What kind of students need an academic coach?
- Do you work with learning disabled students?
- Should I wait until I get a poor grade on a test or paper before getting assistance?
- How often does each student meet with you?
- How many semesters does a typical student work with you?
- Can a student hire you to work with them on a particular project rather than meeting with you on a weekly basis?
College Admissions Consulting FAQs
Responses
What is the difference between tutoring and academic coaching?
Tutors typically help students with the content of a particular class or subject. Academic coaches focus mainly on helping students develop skills applicable to a variety of classes. If you are having problems in one class but are doing well in all your other classes, you probably need a tutor for the problem class. However, if you are having problems in all of your classes or in a few classes with similar characteristics (classes that all require a lot of textbook reading or classes that all require a lot of writing), you probably need an academic coach rather than a tutor for the problem classes.
Do you provide tutoring in addition to academic coaching?
In addition to academic coaching, I provide tutoring for most English and communication classes. I also provide writing and public speaking tutoring for any class. Students who work with me as an academic coach will get this tutoring along with my other services as the need arises.
What kind of students need an academic coach?
Academic coaching will benefit any college student who is underperforming in college. It is especially helpful for first-year students, non-traditional students, and students who have learning disabilities since these often need support adapting to the new demands of college life.
Do you work with learning disabled students?
Yes I do. I have experience working with students diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder, Executive Function Disorder, and Dyslexia. I can help students get the accomodations that they need and then assist them in developing skills and routines that will help them succeed in the classroom.
Should I wait until I get a poor grade on a test or paper before getting assistance?
No. You should seek out an academic coach when you first sense that you are lost or falling behind in your classes. It is much easier to help you improve in a class if you do not already have a low grade hanging over your head. That is why I encourage students to start working with me at the beginning of the term. However, if you are in a situation where you already have a low grade, I can still help.
How often does a typical student meet with you?
That depends on the student. For many students, one hour a week with a few additional meeting here or there is frequent enough. Others find that they need to meet three or more hours per week. It all depends on what skills the student needs to develop and how the student is progressing. Because Meeting of the Minds does not require you to commit to any length of time or a particular number of meetings, you can change how often you meet or stop meeting at any time.
How many semesters does a typical student work with you?
Many students find that working with me for a semester or two is all that they need to learn the skills necessary to succeed in college. Other students, particularly ones with learning disabilities, may need to meet with me longer. If a student decides to stop meeting regularly, he or she can always make appointments here and there when the need arises.
Can a student hire you to work with them on a particular project rather than meeting with you on a weekly basis?
Absolutely. If a student is just looking for someone to help them out on a paper or a particular project, I am willing to help as long as I have appointment slots available.
How early should a high school student start working with an admissions consultant?
I think most students should begin working on their college search at the beginning of their junior year in high school. Doing so provides plenty of time for the student to look through college promotional material, prepare for the ACT or SAT, and plan college visits.
How often do you meet with a typical student?
I typically meet with students a two or three times to help them develop a profile of colleges that are right for them and then another two or three times to help them develop a list of specific colleges that should visit and consider applying to. When working with students on ACT preparation, application essays, or interview practice, I generally work with students regularly for a couple hours per week for as long as they need assistance. ACT preparation generally takes about four to six weeks. Applications essays and interview practice generally take 2-4 weeks each.