From Brain-Rot to Game-Changer: How to Use AI to Help You Learn

As artificial intelligence technology becomes impossible to avoid, praise and panic of its capabilities can be found in equal measure. Educators around the world fear the damage Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT can do to students’ academic integrity. Whether it is writing essays for them, doing their math homework, or being a primary source in research, LLMs and other AI systems offer a myriad of ways for students to cheat. On the other hand, AI can provide valuable aid to students and scholars, both in the classroom and out. In the end, it comes down to intent. AI is a powerful tool and, as the saying goes, there is a responsibility that comes with that power. For those who wish to use AI for good, here are some ways you can turn the ever-improving cheat machine into your favorite and friendly study buddy:

Ask “Why?” or “How?”

As a student, focusing on every word in every class can be an overwhelming task. Whether it is a poor night’s sleep, waking up early for practice, the teacher’s lullaby-esque voice, or the subject material making you wish you were getting teeth pulled, it is easy for pieces of the school day to blur and fade from your mind. That said, you still need to keep your grades up, which may be tough if you dozed off during Mr. Smith’s lecture on “everything that will be on the upcoming test”. You stare at your textbooks and empty notebooks, wondering why nothing makes sense but knowing the answer. All alone, dreading next week’s test, you pull up ChatGPT and ask it for help.

A perfectly good way to start is by asking for it to explain whatever material you missed in class. You are likely to get a detailed answer, but how can you be sure the answer is right? Ask follow-up questions! What did ChatGPT mean when it told you that Nick Carraway’s introduction to the world of Gatsby echoes Plato’s Allegory of the Cave? Can ChatGPT elaborate on the historical impact of the “Plessy v. Ferguson” ruling? What are magnets, and how do they work? Keep ChatGPT talking. Keep asking questions.

Once you have answers to your standard of completeness, verify, verify, verify! LLMs have a mixed track record of providing accurate and correct responses, versus making up information that sounds correct. Double-check your textbooks. Perform your own research using reputable sources. Make sure that Wikipedia agrees at least.

What have you just accomplshed? You engaged with the material, asked meaningful questions, and improved your understanding. You LEARNED! You did everything your teacher would love to see you do in class, and you weren’t even in school!

Pretend to Teach ChatGPT

Throughout my career as a tutor, I have become a true believer in the idea that explaining information to somebody reinforces it for both you and your student. This is a power that anybody with access to an LLM can wield. Phrase your prompt in a form similar to, “I have a test coming up and I need to make sure that I understand the material. Can you pretend to be a student in my classroom and ask me questions as I explain?” As the AI digs deeper into the subject matter, it will become apparent what you know and what you need to study more. Maybe ChatGPT starts to sound more like a toddler asking “Why?” to every question than an engaged student. That is a good time to tell it that you have everything you need for this section of the test and that you will be moving on.

By the end of this exercise, you will have gained a clearer picture of what you still need to study and you have increased your confidence in the material you don’t. Use this as a jumping-off point for more targeted study.

Have it Test You

The most frequent advice I’ve heard and given to students about the ethical use of LLMs is to have your LLM of choice build a quiz for you to study with. It has been my experience that many students take the questions generated for them, write them down, look up the answer, and move on. I disagree with this approach. You have the opportunity to get real-time feedback on your answers, and you should use that to your advantage. Input your answers into the software, and see how it responds. Remember, LLMs are still capable of being confidently wrong, so verify, verify, verify!

The benefit of this approach is that you have a set of study materials that is more personalized than online flashcards, and takes less time to create than handmade flashcards. Verification adds an extra layer of reinforcement to your studying that you may not have received in your own independent study (and the potential for smug satisfaction if you are able to prove the AI wrong).

The creative potential of AI as a learning tool is vast, so long as you treat the technology with care and ethics. The educational world is reluctant to embrace AI because it is so easy to cheat with it. If you want to see more wide-spread adoption of AI in your school, you need to be the one to prove the doubters wrong. Discuss other creative uses for AI amongst your classmates. Try the techniques I outlined in this article, and let us know how it went. No matter what, if AI isn’t working for you, know that we at College Tutors are always here to help.

Why Summer Tutoring Is the Secret Weapon for High School Success

When families think of summer, they often envision lazy mornings, weekend getaways, and a much-needed break from the school year grind. And while rest and fun are important, summer also holds a powerful, often overlooked opportunity especially for high school students.

At College Tutors, we work with families who aren’t just looking to keep pace, they’re looking to get ahead. And there’s no better time to do that than during the summer.

The Summer Slide: What’s Really at Stake?

Research shows that students lose an average of two to three months of academic progress over the summer, a phenomenon known as the summer slide. This learning loss builds up year after year and can make the transition into fall more difficult, especially in high school, where academic demands ramp up significantly.

The good news? This slide isn’t inevitable. With the right support, summer becomes a springboard for success.

Why Summer Tutoring Works

We’ve seen firsthand how summer tutoring gives students a head start. Free from the daily pressure of school assignments, pop quizzes, and after-school activities, students are more open to learning. They can slow down, ask thoughtful questions, and revisit concepts that didn’t quite stick during the school year.

Summer tutoring also allows for personalized, focused growth. Whether a student needs to close skill gaps or wants to level up for honors or AP courses, the relaxed pace of summer offers the perfect environment for deeper learning and real progress.

Tailored Support for Every High School Stage

What students need during the summer depends on where they are in their high school journey. Here’s how tutoring can make an impact at each stage:

Rising 9th Graders: A strong start is everything. We focus on building foundational skills in math, reading comprehension, and study habits, so students walk into high school feeling ready and confident.
Rising 10th Graders: This is the time to solidify core subjects and begin exploring academic interests. Targeted tutoring helps students strengthen weak areas and begin discovering where they shine.
Rising 11th Graders: Junior year is pivotal. With no school distractions, summer is ideal for SAT/ACT prep, college readiness, and crafting strong academic habits.
Rising 12th Graders: Seniors can use summer to prepare for final testing opportunities, fine-tune their skills for college coursework, or work on scholarship goals, all while avoiding last-minute stress.

Results That Last Beyond Summer

We’ve seen students go from barely keeping up to leading their classes in just a few months. We’ve watched confidence replace anxiety during testing season. And perhaps most rewarding of all, we’ve seen students rediscover their love of learning—not because they had to, but because they were given the time and support to succeed at their own pace.

Summer tutoring isn’t just about remediation. It’s about momentum—the kind that carries students into the school year sharper, stronger, and ready to thrive.

Ready to make this summer count? Let’s work together to unlock your student’s potential.

The Power of Patience in Learning

We live in a world that celebrates speed. The fastest runner wins the race, the first in line gets the best seat, and quick answers are often praised. But when it comes to the classroom, is being a fast learner really the ultimate goal?

While there’s nothing wrong with efficiency, learning isn’t just about how quickly a student can absorb information. In fact, patience, persistence, and a focus on the learning process are often more valuable than instant results. Speed only matters if it leads to meaningful, lasting understanding—and that’s where patience comes in.

The Problem with Prioritizing Speed

As a society, we often equate intelligence with how quickly someone can respond: quick answers in class, rapid recall during quizzes, or timed tests. But this focus on speed can create a high-pressure environment for students.

How often do we stop to ask: What is this doing to our learners?

For many students, the fear of being wrong—or not being fast enough—leads to shutdown. They internalize the message that if they can’t get it right the first time, they’ve failed. This mindset discourages risk-taking, curiosity, and perseverance. But in reality, learning is rarely a one-and-done event. It takes struggle, repetition, reflection—and most importantly, time.

What Patience in Learning Actually Looks Like

Bringing patience back into the learning process starts with slowing down. That means giving students the time and space to ask questions like “why?” and “how?”—questions that move learning beyond surface-level memorization into deep understanding.

When a concept is challenging, review it again. Spend two days on it instead of one. There’s no rush when mastery is the goal.

Here are a few simple strategies to cultivate patience:

Create space for mistakes and revision. Instead of a pop quiz, try a revision session where students revisit their past work and make improvements.
Begin lessons with open-ended prompts (e.g., a phrase or image) that spark exploration. Ask students: What do you notice? What do you wonder? There are no wrong answers—only opportunities to think critically.
Offer low-stakes opportunities to try, revise, and try again.

The Benefits of Patient Learning

When students are encouraged to grow at a pace that works for them, the benefits are lasting:

Deeper comprehension replaces surface-level cramming.
Improved retention occurs because the brain isn’t being trained to “grab, hold, and release” facts for a test.
Greater resilience emerges through productive struggle.
Reduced academic anxiety follows because students no longer feel “behind”—they’re simply on their own path.

And perhaps most importantly, students begin to develop a growth mindset, where effort and persistence are seen as the true markers of success.

How Parents and Tutors Can Support Patient Learning

Patience doesn’t just happen in the classroom. Parents and tutors play a vital role in modeling a calm, curious approach to learning.

Respond to mistakes with questions instead of frustration.
Celebrate progress, not just achievement. Growth often happens between milestones.
Use encouraging language like:
“It’s okay to take your time.”
“Let’s figure this out together.”
“You don’t have to be perfect to be learning.”

By emphasizing that learning is a process, not a performance, adults can create an environment where students feel safe to explore, struggle, and succeed on their own terms.

Practical Tips for Students

Here are a few actionable ways to help students build patience in their learning:

Break tasks into small steps and celebrate each one—even simple wins deserve acknowledgment.
Keep a learning journal to track both progress and challenges.
Use timers for focused, slow-paced work sessions (try the Pomodoro Technique).
Practice growth-oriented self-talk, like:
“I don’t get it yet,” instead of “I can’t do this.”

Final Thoughts

Learning isn’t a race—it’s a journey. And like any worthwhile journey, it takes time, effort, and yes, patience. When we shift our mindset to value the process over the pace, we give students the freedom to grow deeply, not just quickly.

Education is a long-term investment. Trust the process, take the time, and know that patient learning leads to confident, capable learners.

Curious whether your child could benefit from a more thoughtful, patient approach to learning?
We’re here to help. Reach out to learn more about how our tutoring support fosters growth at every step.

Is it Time for Tutoring? Signs Your Student Might Benefit from Help

There are many ways that students learn and hone their capabilities outside of the traditional classroom environment. In addition, there are different models of support that work well for each student. One way for students to receive academic support outside of the classroom is through tutoring. Tutoring is beneficial for all types of students, whether they are struggling and need help getting caught up or they are a high achiever looking for an extra challenge. There are typically signs that students need some extra academic support, which we will cover in this article.

The first, and perhaps most noticeable, sign that a student needs extra support is when their grades are lower than expected. If a student is failing exams or classes, they likely need some extra support. Another sign is if they are taking a long time to complete homework or if they feel frustrated while doing it. This likely means they don’t understand the content and could benefit from some extra explanation of the concepts. They may be struggling due to gaps in foundational skills, or they may just need some more personalized attention.

Another sign that your student may need some extra support is if they are feeling stressed out or anxious about school. It’s normal to feel some level of stress about schoolwork, but if the anxiety is overwhelming or affecting other areas of their life, it may be time for some one-on-one intervention. Anxious students might engage in negative self-talk, or they may act out in class and become disengaged from the learning process.

While students can need extra support at any point in their academic life, there are certain times when struggles are more common. One of these times is during major life changes. Whether that is a move to a new city, switching schools, or changes at home, it can interrupt a student’s academic life. Events such as illness or trauma can also greatly affect a student’s academic performance. Additionally, transitions into middle school, high school, or college are times when students may begin to struggle, even if they haven’t before. It’s important to keep an eye on your student during these transitional periods and difficult life events.

Another sign that your student needs some extra support is if they are having difficulty with executive functioning. While organization and executive functioning are skills that all students struggle with to some degree, but if they are not making the progress you expect, it might be time for a tutor to step in to provide some individualized coaching. Some specific signs are: trouble keeping track of homework and/or test dates, not understanding how to get started on or complete longer term projects, procrastination, and taking longer than expected to complete work. Tutors can provide different tips and time management skills that aren’t always taught in the classroom.

So, what can you do if you notice any of these signs that your student is struggling? Start by talking directly with your student to get their perspective and see how they’re feeling. It’s also helpful to check in with their teacher to see if they have any insight on how your student is doing. They can share if the struggles are new or if they are ongoing. Sometimes school counselors can connect you with different resources based on what their teacher recommends. Tutors can provide students with more personalized support than what they receive in the classroom. They can experiment with different strategies, time management approaches, and ways of explaining concepts. They can test out different strategies, time management approaches, and explanations of concepts. Tutoring can be beneficial for many different types of students, and we hope this article has helped outline when it may be time to consider tutoring for a struggling student.

Celebrating Women in Education: Inspirational Female Educators Who Shaped Learning

Women have long been present in the world of Education, yet not always celebrated or remembered. Despite their challenges, these women have laid the foundation to much of our youth’s education and rights today. In celebration of Women this month, read below to learn about 9 influential game changing women in Education.

Maria Montessori (1870 -1952)

Known for creating the self-motivated philosophy of education self titled: Montessori. The Montessori Approach focuses on teaching young children through self exploration and a child-centric model. Students are encouraged to learn at their pace and move freely in their instruction. Montessori believed in providing students with an alternative to high-pressure traditional schooling approaches with emphasis on grades and tests. Her approach has proven to elicit a high quality, and intrinsic motivation for learning.

Mary Jane McLeod Bethune (1875 – 1955)

Mary Jane McLeod Bethune was an American educator, stateswoman, humanitarian, and civil rights activist. While she has many different and diverse accomplishments, here are a few to remember this month: Bethune founded the National Council for Negro Women in 1935 – helping pave the road for advocacy and empowerment of African American women, she led the National Association for Colored Women, was appointed as a national advisor to FDR, founded the Federal Council on Colored Affairs, widely known as the Black Cabinet. Through these accomplishments, Bethune has rightly earned her title as “First Lady of Negro America” and the “Female Booker T. Washington”. Her contributions do not stop with congress as she also made waves in the education world. Bethune fought to support the education of Black youth, setting the standard for quality education for Black communities through starting her private school for African-American students in Florida. Her school would later become Bethune-Cookman University, a college that continues to set the high standards for Black colleges and education.

Patsy Mink (1927 – 2002)

An American attorney and politician from Hawaii and a third-generation Japanese American, Patsy Matsu Takemoto Mink fought for her place in congress and education. Mink’s journey began with a great deal of rejection as she was first denied from medical school because of her gender, and then passed on for job after job because she was a mother. Refusing to settle, Mink set her sights on Congress, going on to become the first woman of color elected to the U.S. Congress, where she served 13 sessions in the House of Representatives. Mink is recognized as the major author and sponsor of Title IX, legislation that today works to fight the very discrimination she faced. Mink did not stop there as she went on to play an instrumental role in passing the Women’s Educational Equity Act in 1974, providing funding to help end discrimination in education programs.

Michelle Obama (1964 – present)

During her time as First Lady, Michelle Obama founded and launched Let Girls Learn, a government initiative designed to support and aid young girls in receiving a quality education. Sixty-two million girls around the world are not in school, despite the knowledge that education leads to later marriages, higher salaries, and healthier families. Michelle saw the facts and spread them to raise awareness of female education, citing the Global Partnership for Education stating how “a one-percent increase in female education in a county raises the average gross domestic product (GDP) by 0.3% points and raises annual GDP growth rates by 0.2% points.” She believed in the power held by educating young girls and called upon countries around the globe to increase access to education and work for girls to foster new leaders both in the United States and the rest of the world. She launched her initiative in schools through programs and competitions across the US, demonstrating the value of educating our girls and just how much they can do when given the right support.

Malala Yousafzai (1997 – present)

Raised in Pakistan, Malala Yousafzai grew up under a Taliban reign and lost many of her rights as a young girl. At the age of 10, the Taliban gained control and banned girls from going to school. In 2012, 15 year old Malala risked her life to speak out publicly against the Taliban and fight for her and her fellow girls’ right to learn, placing a large target on her back. She was shot on her way home from school as a gunman boarded her school bus and attempted to take her life. Fortunately, she awoke 10 days later in England, and has since dedicated her life to fighting for girls’ education across the world. She went on to receive her degree from Oxford University and continues to fight every day for girls’ rights to education through her organization the Malala Fund.

Nikole Hannah-Jones (1976 – present)

Nikole Hannah Jones worked to ensure proper and inclusive history education in public schools. She is a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter, a Macrthur Fellow, and the creator of the 1619 Project dedicated to education reform. She works through this project to revolutionize, deepen, and complexify the education history students receive in public schools. Hannah-Jones also uses her work to write about racial injustice and call for reform while identifying the basis of racial segregation in schools and highlighting its current presence in our schools. She continues to fight for greater educational equality through being informed and educated.

Dr. Bettina L. Love (1979 – present)

Dr. Bettina L. Love is a Professor in Education at the University of Georgia, where she has focused her work in abolitionist teaching. As a pioneer in its establishment, Love focuses her teachings on restoring humanity for children in schools. Dr. Love’s work is dedicated to bringing education reform, anti-racism, queer studies, and carceral studies to the classroom.

Sally Ride (1951 – 2012)

An inspiration and advocate for women in STEM, Sally Ride is known as the first American woman astronaut as well as the first known LGBTQ+ astronaut. She was selected from 1000 other applicants to go through an intense training program and eventually head to space. She took two trips to space before her third was cancelled due to safety concerns. After leaving NASA, Ride worked as a professor and directed the California Space institute. She didn’t stop her as she went on to found her own company, Sally RIde Science, created to be a platform to inspire young women to pursue science and math related educational and career fields.

Stephanie Bravo

Last, but certainly not least, we celebrate Stephanie Bravo, co-founder of StudentMentor.org, a non-profit dedicated to providing low-income college students with access to industry professionals. Their mission is to help these students build relationships and connections with professionals in the fields they want to go into without the barrier of generational wealth and privilege. Today, the program has and continues to serve thousands of colleges all across the country. Bravo is recognized as one of the few women of color in corporate social responsibility at a leading technology company in Silicon Valley where she continues to support and advocate for social programs such as Girls Who Code, Girls in Tech, Black GIrls Code, Latinas in Tech, and more.

The Power of Positive Feedback

There are many different ways teachers and tutors can affect students’ experiences in the classroom and their ability to learn. One influential practice for improving students’ learning is the use of positive feedback. Students are constantly adjusting their learning style based on feedback from educators, parents, and classmates. According to Câmpean et al. (2024), positive feedback is a “deliberate and tactical form of praise that accentuates the specific abilities of each learner” (paragraph 4). We’ll examine the benefits of positive feedback, how to give it, and some examples.

Let’s explore why an educator would want to focus on positive feedback, as there are many benefits. The first advantage of positive feedback is that it builds student confidence and increases their sense of accomplishment. By pointing out what a student has already achieved, it makes the student feel good and reduces their anxiety. Positive feedback can remind students of how rewarding it feels to work hard and accomplish something. Another benefit of positive reinforcement is that it reinforces desirable behavior rather than punishing undesirable behavior. According to Stump et al. (2009), positive feedback is the stimulus or trigger for students developing productive values about their learning style and efforts. This helps students develop a growth mindset, which is “the belief that intelligence and skills can be developed through engagement and hard work” (Câmpean et al., 2024). When students believe they can improve their knowledge and abilities in this way, they are much more likely to become independent learners who need less guidance overall.

There are many different ways that educators can give positive feedback to students. The general idea is to recognize and point out when a student is showing effort, improving their academic skills, or using problem-solving skills. It’s also a great idea to praise behavioral skills like students communicating well, working in a group, or persevering through difficult situations. Feedback should be specific and sincere. Avoid giving praise that is too generic or could apply to any student, as it won’t be as meaningful or beneficial. One example of positive feedback would be pulling a student aside after class and saying, “I loved seeing you participate in our group discussion today. Your contributions added a lot to the class and introduced some ideas that the rest of the group hadn’t considered. Keep it up!”

According to current research, the power of positive feedback on students is significant. Positive feedback from educators can change a student’s mindset by pointing out success, improving motivation, reinforcing positive behaviors, and encouraging a growth mindset. Teachers and tutors should give specific and sincere feedback to students on a regular basis. The result is students who are more independent, resilient, and flexible.

Reference List

Câmpean, A., Bocoș, M., Roman, A., Rad, D., Crișan, C., Maier, M., Tăușan-Crișan, L., Triff, Z., Triff, D.-G., Mara, D., Mara, E.-L., Răduț-Taciu, R., Todor, I., Baciu, C., Neacșu, M.-G., Dumitru, I., Colareza, C. C., & Roman, C. E. (2024). Examining teachers’ perception on the impact of positive feedback on school students. Education Sciences, 14(3), 257. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci14030257

Stump, G., Husman, J., Chung, W.-T., & Done, A. (2009). Student beliefs about intelligence: Relationship to learning. 2009 39th IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference, San Antonio, TX, USA, pp. 1-6. https://doi.org/10.1109/FIE.2009.5350426

Winter Slump: How to Stay Motivated

It’s easy for there to be a dip in students’ motivation. Shorter days, colder temperatures, and post-holiday fatigue combined with a long winter break from school all contribute to students losing focus in school. Here are some tips to stay focused and energized:

Set new goals: “SMART” goals (e.g. goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) are a good way to keep students’ goals manageable. Students can refresh their goals heading into the next semester.

Using a planner is a great way for students to manage their goals and stay on track. Although most students opt for a digital planner, this doesn’t work for every student, so exploring pen and paper options is a must. This can help students stay motivated by breaking down large tasks into smaller, manageable steps. This could be anything from completing math homework in “chunks” of problems completed each night to studying for a test a few nights in advance to limit the amount of information entering the brain at once. Setting specific, achievable goals can help students feel on track and motivated.

Embrace consistent routines: A planner can help with this tip as well. Routine creates stability that students need to stay on track during the winter. Shorter days and cold, depressing weather can make losing track of time easy. Students should plan regular study time and incorporate short breaks along the way to make studying feel like a natural part of the day. Students should plan their routines around a time they are alert and have energy to get things done. If the student is a morning person, perhaps waking up early to study is better.

Use a tutor as a source of motivation: Tutors are excellent at giving consistent instruction, support, and motivation. They keep students on track during a session, hold students accountable for their own work, and can help them organize all the work they need to do. Tutors also help build students’ confidence in subjects with which they struggle (and therefore are unmotivated to tackle).

Stay active, social, and energized: It’s easy for symptoms of depression to hit; we want to curl up and stay warm inside. Staying physically active boosts energy levels and clears the mind. Use a study break to get some exercise (even a short walk or stretching) to help combat depressive symptoms and get your brain ready to get your work done.

Depressive symptoms can also be a result of isolation, which is easy to let happen when the weather is colder. Students should stay connected to friends and family. Students can try forming study groups, so they maintain their social lives while staying on task and motivated to complete schoolwork or to study—win-win!

Reflect and celebrate progress: Students should avoid focusing on what’s left to do, especially if they’re feeling a lack of motivation and falling behind. Students should take a moment to reflect on their progress during the school year, and use this as a way to reignite their motivation. This is the time for students to look back at their goals and what they;ve accomplished throughout the year so far. Celebrating these accomplishments by rewarding them keeps students motivated and helps them “push through” the winter season. The reward can be anything from some phone/screen time or video games to hanging out with friends or taking a night off from studying.

There’s an uphill battle with staying motivated during the winter, especially since it’s easier for depressive symptoms to loom. By maintaining and keeping a routine that is in line with goals while staying active and social, students can make it through the dreary winter season motivated and on track.

How to Start Studying for the ACT

For many students, preparing for the ACT is daunting. Most students know that it can be an important piece of their college application but don’t know where to start. Here are a few tips to help relieve the overwhelming feeling of studying for such a big test:

Understand the test structure: Knowing the structure of the ACT is a major part of knowing how to study for it. Currently, the test has five sections: English, math, reading, science, and optional writing. There are some big changes happening to the ACT soon which will render the science section optional as well. Students need to know the timing, content, layout, and types of questions that are asked. The best part is that because the ACT is a standardized test, it has the same structure each time.

Take a diagnostic test: By taking a diagnostic test, students can see their strengths and weaknesses. This isn’t limited to the content of the test itself (i.e. math concepts, grammar, etc.); students can also get a feel for how fast the test moves and gain insight to what strategies may work for them.

Some College Tutors locations even offer a free diagnostic test to help students pinpoint the areas on which they need improvement!

Create a study schedule: It’s very important to consistently study for the ACT. Even taking a week-long break from studying can set a student back. “If you don’t use it, you lose it” is an applicable adage to preparing for the ACT. Not only is the content itself difficult, but the timing and pacing are major aspects that need practice as well. Practice makes perfect, and the ACT is no different. Tutors who specialize in helping students prepare for the ACT help hold students accountable for practicing consistently which is perfect for those who aren’t self-motivated.

Use quality resources: Practice concepts, like grammar and math, using textbooks or online worksheets to hone in on the problem areas. Using an ACT prep guide book (the official guide would be our recommendation) is an invaluable resource as it contains some common strategies and explains questions. An ACT tutor is also a great resource as they tend to have ample experience with many ACTs and can help students identify types of questions and work on individualized strategies to maximize their score.

Practice time management: Time-management is a HUGE aspect of the ACT. This test goes fast, and building speed goes hand-in-hand with understanding the test format and layout. There are many ways to handle the pacing of the ACT, from splitting up timing among passages to skipping questions. Don’t forget: each section of the ACT has a different number of questions and time limit, so it’s important to know how to pace yourself.

How Parents Can Help: Study Habits and Test Preparation

Have you ever wondered why some students struggle in school, while other students seem to excel and do well with minimal effort? One of the hallmarks of a successful student is a parent who actively sets them up for success. A few of the ways parents can support their child in school are to set up a study space at home, helping them develop study skills and time management skills, taking a step back when needed, collaborating with teachers, and ensuring their child is getting enough sleep and proper nutrition. We’ll cover these ideas in more detail below.

One of the important foundations for a productive student is their study space. The difference between trying to work in a busy, loud environment and a focused, distraction free space is significant. Pick a place in your home that is dedicated to study and work. Make sure the space is relatively quiet, calm, and well lit. Having a dedicated study space set means your child can jump right into studying with minimal setup and fewer distractions.

Another way parents can set their children up for success is helping them to develop strong study skills. These skills will be important for their life after school and in the workplace. Here are some ways to encourage good study skills:

Encouraging regular, small study sessions rather than cramming for tests.
Regularly reviewing material to cement the concepts.
Trying out different study methods – flashcards, practice tests, summarizing, review of notes, etc.
Explaining how to prioritize different assignments based on due date and importance.

As a parent, it can be tempting to lead your child in each step of their education. At a certain point, it is important for parents to take a step back and let their children apply concepts on their own. Allowing children to take the lead can make them more active and engaged participants in their learning. Parents can encourage students to self assess which study habits work well for them and adjust if needed.

A child’s education is a team effort between teachers, tutors, parents, and the child. A parent can help set their child up for success by collaboration with their child’s educators. Checking your child’s school portal regularly for upcoming test dates and assignment dates is an easy way to stay informed. If you notice your child struggling, it can be a good idea to talk to their teacher about additional resources or extra practice at home. Many issues can be fixed by some collaboration between parties.

The final way parents can help their child develop good study habits is to ensure your child is getting enough sleep each night and is eating a nutritious diet. Good sleep and proper nutrition helps your child stay focused and energized through school and after school activities. Getting a bit of physical activity every day can help your child manage any stress they may be feeling. Additionally, parents can help their kids develop a positive mindset towards school by modeling a positive attitude about learning and problem solving overall.

Keep these actionable steps in mind as your child learns and grows throughout their time in school. While these steps may seem difficult at first, they will become second nature with time and practice. Stay involved and don’t be afraid to try a new strategy if one isn’t working or becomes outdated for the child. Your efforts will be instrumental in setting them up for success in school and beyond.

The Gift of Tutoring

Education is a powerful gift, and a bit of extra support can make all the difference in one’s learning journey. With guidance from our tutors, students can develop better study habits, feel more in control of their learning, and even begin to enjoy subjects they once struggled with.

One of the most crucial services a tutor can provide for your child is one-on-one, personalized instruction to supplement in-class learning. In a one-to-one setting, our tutors are able to navigate different learning styles and other obstacles that may be overlooked in traditional classroom settings. For example, working on a whiteboard alongside a tutor can help students break down complex problems, provide visual solutions to word problems, and correct errors that they may have been making. Our tutors work to better understand how students learn in order to guide how they talk through different concepts as well as personalizing study and organization tools.

Working with a tutor also gives your child the opportunity to improve their organization skills and independence. Students learn to identify weak spots in their curriculum throughout the week to bring to their tutor’s attention, encouraging them to take control of their learning experience to work towards greater understanding. During the session, the student chooses which assignments to prioritize and works with the tutor to maximize their time spent together.

Tutoring also provides a support system for students working through challenging courses and balancing extracurriculars, exams, work, and more. School can be hard and knowing that you have someone in your corner to provide help and understanding eases stress and anxiety. Our tutors celebrate the little victories and notice the harder times. Acting as a sounding board for concerns about school, advice on organization, and more, our tutors provide support to students in more ways than just homework help.

With the right support, students gain not only academic success but also essential life skills that they can use well into the future. Investing in tutoring is an investment in a child’s growth, confidence, and potential.

Our Tutors