Frequently Asked Questions (For Students)

Find answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs). If your question isn't here, give us a call and we'll be happy to help.

What makes us different?

At Tutor Lim, we recognise that a strong rapport and good chemistry between tutor and student is essential to the effectiveness of one-on-one tutoring. Our tutors are highly motivating, personable, well-rounded and skilled to create an environment which encourages students to achieve academic success. Tutors strive to excite their students about the learning process; instilling in them a sense of confidence, which in turn makes them much more productive in the classroom or workplace. 

 

How does tutoring work?

We offer both in person and online tutoring. 

  • In person
    Your tutor will be in touch with you directly to discuss specific date, time and/or location as soon as you book-in a session with us. There is usually a lead time of 24-48 hours upon booking. We use this time to plan out your first tutoring lesson with us! 
  • Online
    We use Lesson Space, Zoom, Skype and/or Google Hangout. All our tutors are trained to navigate and to use these tools, and we have a dedicated resource to guide you through who to set up and get optimal experience from our virtual classrooms. You can also opt to use Zoom or Skype based on preference and our tutors are flexible on that too. The sessions are always live, in real time and interactive.

Where can the tutoring take place?

Tutoring can take place in either the convenience of your own home, online, or at an agreed location with the tutor such as a library.

 

Where are you located?

We service across Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Canberra, Brisbane and Perth. You may select a location from the menu to see if tutors provide tuition in your area or check out Where We Operate for more information.

 

What days and hours can I schedule the tutoring for?

You can schedule sessions anytime between 7am and 10pm, Monday to Sunday. Our student support team is available from 9am to 9pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 6pm on weekends.

 

What type of tutors do you have available?

We have a large range of tutors registered with us to fit most peoples needs. Tutors are qualified teachers, university graduates with relevant degrees or university students undertaking study in related disciplines. Meet our tutors? click here.

 

Are tutoring sessions with a group or 1-to-1?

We take a range of approaches to suit different student.

  • High School
    For High School students we offer 1-to-1 (Years 2-12) and small group (Years 2-12) tutoring. You have the option to choose which mode best suits you (or your child’s) needs.
  • University Bachelors
    For University students in their Bachelors degree/s, tutoring sessions are 1-to-1. We offer 1-to-2 tutoring session but the minimum engagement per lesson is two hours. 
  • University Masters and PhDs
    For Masters and Phd students tutoring sessions are 1-to-1. Your tutor will be focused solely on your learning during the session, maximising your results.
  • Industry Training
    For avid learners who wish to learn any industry related courses, our tutoring sessions are bespoke, 1-to-1. Your tutor will be focused solely on your learning during the session, maximising your results.

 

How much is tutoring?

It depends on what the student needs and the individualised learning program that we design. Our flexibility means you can step-up the number of sessions when there is an immediate need, and reduce frequency when required. You have several options, including whether you pay-as-you-go or purchase a package of sessions. And we never make you commit to any long term contracts. Once we understand you (or your child’s) needs, we help you work out the best package that will work for you.

 

How do I know I'll get assigned a quality tutor?

Our tutors include teachers, engineers, researches and doctors - top ATAR achievers, High Distinction scholars and subject matter experts who are located throughout Australia. Before becoming a tutor at Tutor Lim, every tutor goes through a rigorous selection process to ensure we recruit the best people, with only 2% of tutors who apply making the grade. Thereafter, we train, support, develop and constantly review our tutors to ensure they provide consistently good quality teaching that’s right for you (or your child).

 

How do you assess my study level and know where to start them?

Instead of doing a formal assessment that’s often stressful for you (or your child), we get straight into tutoring. As the lessons progress, your tutor, supported by our learning platform, determines where you (or your child) is at in each area, and personalises the learning plan and upcoming tutoring sessions specifically to meet their needs. We refer to this as continuous assessment.

 

Can I try just a few sessions to start with?

Yes, you can start by committing only to two sessions. But keep in mind that a reasonable part of the first session revolves around getting to know your tutor, introducing the platform and learning content, and your tutor understanding your needs. The first session is less content intensive than subsequent sessions, hence students should do at least two sessions to start with. Regardless, you are never locked into a long term contract at Tutor Lim and you can choose to have as much or as little tutoring as you desire.

 

Can I speak to the tutor first?

Absolutely. Once you booking in for your first session, your tutor will call you to introduce him/herself and to discuss your requirements. You and the tutor make the decision to proceed.

 

Will I get information about my tutor before my session? Can I see the tutor's CV?

Once we’ve matched the student to the best available tutor, our team can provide you with specific information on that tutor.  You can also read about our tutors on our website at: Meet Our Tutors - Matching is conducted only after your booking payment is confirmed. 

 

Will I get the same tutor for my sessions?

By default, yes! Once we allocate a tutor for you, he/she will support you throughout the term/semester. If your tutor is on leave or your availability changes, we’ll match you with another suitable tutor and update them on students’ progress. We keep in touch regularly to discuss your tutor preferences, and any potential changes.

 

I am looking at the package deals, how are the package hours calculated?

All package deals are flexible-use. This means if you use an hour this week, and halt next week, you hours will not be deducted. We do, however, encourage our students to commit to weekly tutoring sessions to keep on top of their studies at school/uni. Package deals has a retention of six months prior to expiry. 

 

Can I send my questions in advance and the tutor will prepare the answers; solve for me and then start the tutoring lesson i.e. the time will start to count? 

Generally, if the task you provide prior to your class is something we can pick up and do within 10-15 minutes we don't charge preparation time for it. However, if you share the task and it's something that will take 1-2 hours, we will then seek prep-time charges which will be taken out from the tutoring hours you purchased. Before we do so we will work with you to do such evaluation ie. case to case basis.

 

Can I ask my tutor to do my homework for me?

All tutors adhere to strict company policy where homework is to be driven/completed by the student. Our tutors will provide high quality tutoring support and guidance.

 

Do you offer any free trials?

We don’t offer free trials, but we offer a Starter Pack discount.

 

Are there any additional costs?

No. You only pay for each learning session. If you decide to reschedule or skip a session, you may incur the full charge of your session as outlined on our Service Fees page.

 

Could I use the package for two subjects?

We categorised our service types into five: (i) Hourly, (ii) Bronze, (iii) Silver, (iv) Gold, (v) Platinum, and (vi) Black

Hourly, Bronze and Silver package are only subjected to one subject (with a maximum of one tutor allocation) per booking.

Gold and Platinum package are subjected to a maximum of two subjects (with a maximum of two tutor allocation) per booking.

Black package is subjected to a maximum of three subjects (with a maximum of two tutor allocation) per booking.

 

How often should I have a tutoring session?

It depends on your learning requirements and their current level of knowledge. We recommend once a week to start with and reassessing as your study progresses. But all hours purchased are Flexi-use.

 

How do I track my study progress?

After each tutoring session, your tutor will share a report highlighting topics covered in the session, areas you (or your child) did well in or needed extra help with, and their  overall progress. You can access these reports and session recordings at any time. If you have any concerns, you can discuss these with the tutor at the start or end of a session, or speak with our student support team.   

 

Do the tutors tailor the content and personalise my learning?

Yes. During your first Tutor Lim session, your tutor will gauge your level of skills and knowledge and identify any strengths and weaknesses they have. We then customise a personalised learning plan for the student, tailored to his/her areas of need. This plan can be updated after every learning session. 

 

Does the content align with my studies at school/uni's syllabus?

Yes. Our education team maps all our content to the Australian Curriculum in each state. All content is relevant to students' school/uni syllabus and what they’re covering in the classroom.

 

What subjects and levels do you offer?

Tutors cover most subjects, levels & abilities. Read more to see what we offer.

 

I signed up to online tutoring, but how does it work? Do I need special equipment?

We use Online Lesson Space, Zoom, Skype and/or Google Hangout. All our tutors are trained to navigate and to use these tools, and we have a dedicated resource to guide you through who to set up and get optimal experience from our virtual classrooms. You can also opt to use Zoom or Skype based on preference and our tutors are flexible on that too. The sessions are always live, in real time and interactive.

 

How do you ensure the sessions are effective? If tutoring is online - won't my child get distracted on an online learning platform? 

Generally, children of all ages respond very well working with their personal tutor on our online platform as most of them already use similar technology at school. Our personalised approach and regular reporting after each session provide students (and parents) with confidence. You can also track your child’s progress and engagement through session recordings, available via a private link that we can email to you.

 

Is online tutoring as effective as face-to-face tutoring?

Every tutoring session is designed to be very interactive with their professional expert tutor guiding the student through theory, worked examples and practice questions. Integrated video and audio communication is two way, which is the most effective method of learning. Our tutoring platform encourages high levels of engagement and focus for student of all ages.

 

What if the student doesn't get along with the tutor (or vice versa)?

Let us know what went wrong and we’ll recommend a replacement tutor. 

👉🏻 How to Request A Tutor Replacement

What do other people say about Tutor Lim?     

Click here to read our testimonials and Google reviews.

 

I want to enrol - how do I do that?

Great! You can click the link here to get in touch with us today.

👉🏻 How to Contact Tutor Lim