Online Tutoring
These days, everything is being done online. From taxes to groceries, anything can be done over the internet – but are the online tutoring equivalents as good as their in-person counterparts? We see parents struggle with this question when it comes to online SAT/ACT tutoring. The truth is there are many benefits to online tutoring. Cost, flexibility and a high degree of personalization are helping to make online tutoring an increasingly attractive option. Here are four key advantages of choosing an online tutoring program:
Access to the Best Tutors
Online tutoring companies that are able to accept applicants from across the country (and world) receive a high volume of applicants in comparison to traditional tutoring companies. Increased applicants means more competition, and more competition means online companies are only hiring the best of the best when it comes to tutors. The travel logistics, cost of gas and cost of rent/overhead of traditional test prep centers lead to bloated hourly tutoring rates that absorb significant costs beyond simply the time the tutor spends with your student. In fact, even the most expensive SAT/ACT tutor in the country ($1,000/hour!) will only work with clients via Skype. All of this means you are no longer constrained to only the small network of SAT/ACT tutors who live within a 30-minute drive of your home.
Flexible, Efficient Scheduling
Online tutoring sessions mean less driving and less traffic for everyone. No commute means online tutors are better able to handle tutoring sessions back to back, and are open to taking on additional tutoring customers at a lower cost. High school students these days are busier than ever with sports, clubs, school, etc. so more options means online tutoring can be integrated seamlessly in your child’s schedule.
Track Your Student’s Progress
With 1:1, in-person tutoring, it is often hard to know until test day if the tutoring has been helpful. With most good online programs, you’re given access to meaningful tools and technology which provide transparency. Take ScoreBeyond, for example. Their Parent App allows for up-to-date progress tracking, with predicted test day scores, and comprehensive tutor notes. Parents can even view the questions their child has been practicing and follow along with their tutoring assignments. Online tutoring means more accountability for tutors, and thus more results for your student.
High Degree of Personalization
Online tutoring programs are often integrated with other types of technology and tools to further their impact on your child. Online programs are often matched with online practice, the results of which are sent straight to your student’s tutor. This access to information allows online tutors to constantly adjust their syllabus and plan for your student, making sure the time spent during tutoring sessions is effective and targeted. In person tutors often spend time going over old answers or catching up, with online tutoring, this is no longer a necessity. ScoreBeyond has students practice in between tutoring sessions on a convenient app, allowing tutors to stay up-to-date on the comprehension and accuracy levels of your student.
Online communication is the way of the future. Our children have grown up in this culture, and have adapted to these advancements – why shouldn’t the way we help our students with test prep do the same? Don’t be afraid to give online tutoring a chance; you might love it!
Nimrit Sidhu’s experiences as both a student and peer tutor cemented the value of personalized learning. In her role at ScoreBeyond, she aims to bring the power of customized tutoring to thousands of students as they gear up for the SAT/ACT. When Nimrit isn’t working she is cooking, reading, or road-tripping across California. To learn more, please contact Nimrit Sidhu at nimrit@scorebeyond.com or by calling (650) 549-1143.
