Make the Most of Your First Tutoring Session

Test Your Equipment

Plan to Be on Camera

Consider Your Goals

Prepare Materials  ​

Nothing is worse than trying to join your session and finding out that something doesn't work.  Technical problems take time out of your session that would be better spent in other ways.

Obviously, not all technology programs can be avoided.  I'm always happy to help with troubleshooting.  There are a few simple steps that you can take to avoid major headaches.

• Make a plan.  Think about what technology you will need for your session.  At minimum, a computer and microphone are necessary.  You may also want headphones, a mouse, and a webcam.  I don't recommend using a phone for tutoring.  The small screen size can be challenging if we need to review text together.  Whatever you choose, make sure this technology will be available during your session.
• Check Zoom.  I use Zoom for all my sessions.  Zoom does not require you to download their software to join a meeting.  However, downloading the software does tend to make things better.  Either way, it's helpful to double-check that it runs on your chosen device.  If you haven't run Zoom recently, it may also need to update.
• Check parental and school controls.  Some of these controls black Zoom, screen share, or your webcam.  We can work around these issues, but they can reduce the quality of your session.
• Gather chargers and extra batteries.  Make sure you've bot power for your devices!  Running out of power in the middle of a session is not ideal.
• Backup plan.  It's not always possible, but a Plan B is helpful.  If you've got a backup device, headphones, and so on that makes it easier to overcome disruptions.  ​
  

I recommend being on camera whenever possible.  I don't require it.  I do understand that there are many valid reasons for not wanting to be on camera.  I have opted not to be on camera during illnesses and technical problems.  If you or your child choose not to be on camera, I respect that decision.

However, I have also found that students who are on camera tend to get better results.  Your family is making a significant investment in tutoring.  I want you to have the best experience possible, so I feel obligated to mention this. It is much easier to notice when students are confused or frustrated when cameras are on.  These nonverbal cues help me adjust instruction to meet your needs.  ​

It is helpful to consider what you'd like to get out of tutoring.  People have different aspirations and goals.  Here are some of the most common goals.

• Improve on a specific type of question.  For example, you may want to focus on stimulus-based multiple choice questions or the Document Based Question.
• Understand content.  AP classes cover a lot of material in a short period of time.  Many students focus on getting questions answered during their session.  Others like to preview or review content.  This can be particularly helpful if it's been challenging to identify the most important points or ideas.
• Feedback on written response.  Essays can be challenging!  Tutoring is a great place to get feedback on writing.  We can also discuss strategies for maximizing the score under timed conditions.
• Complete practice problems.  It can be extraordinarily helpful to complete practice problems during a session.  You get the benefits of accountability and instant feedback.
• Earn a specific letter grade or score on the exam.  If you have a number in mind, let me know!  We can work on tailoring your sessions to build the specific skills that align with that score.
• Develop study skills.  Many students find that the skills they used to excel in previous classes no longer get the desired results.  We can use our sessions to develop new skills and habits that work for AP.

Before the session, it's helpful to gather resources that may be useful during the session.  This one is tricky because what's helpful varies based on what you'd like to accomplish during the session.  Let's say you want to improve your scores on the Document-Based Question.  It is helpful if you have your scores from previous essays, feedback from your teacher, or you've documented what points you're missing.  You may not have all of those things, but what you do have is helpful.

So it's worth thinking about what information might help bring clarity to your specific situation.  Here are some things to consider:

• Test and Assignment Scores.
• Dates for Assignments and Exams.
• Directions for Projects.
• Study Guides and Assignments.
• Scored Tests and Essays.

I help ambitious students improve their skills and master the AP exam.  Learn more here! 

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This material is based on my experience working in education for the past decade.  The views expressed on this page are my own.  AP® and Advanced Placement® are trademarks registered and owned by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse, this site.