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Frequently Asked Questions

Students who participate in tutoring are more likely to successfully complete the course. Just one hour per week of tutoring can positively impact a student's grade in class. In addition, tutoring helps students build confidence and connects them to all of Allan Hancock College’s resources. Students report feeling more confident in their classes and having improved their study skills as a result of attending tutoring. 

Tutors help students become independent learners and develop their study skills and subject matter knowledge they need to be successful in all their college classes. Tutors do not do the work for students, rather they help students gain the skills they need to be successful learners. Tutors receive training in supporting students with study skills and how to connect them to campus resources. 

Tutors are available all semester, but students benefit the most when they visit early and often. We recommend that regular tutoring should be built into a college student’s weekly schedule regardless of their academic performance. You can visit a tutoring center to meet with a tutor as early as the first week in the semester all the way up through finals week.

Tutoring is available at the following centers: 

Language Lab 

Math Center 

MESA/STEM Academic Success Center 

Tutorial Center 

Writing Center

Online tutoring is provided by the Language Lab, Math Center, MESA/STEM Center, Tutoring Center, LVC Tutoring Center and the Writing Center.

Always bring all your course materials (textbook, lecture notes, assignments, instructions) to your tutoring session. Also, come to your tutoring visit with specific questions for the tutors. Your session will be most helpful if you have already attempted the homework.  Then, the tutor can help you through areas where you are getting “stuck.” 

Bilingual tutors are generally available in the Language Lab, Writing Center, Tutorial Center, and Math Center. 

A tutor works in a tutoring center providing tutoring to any student who visits the center. An embedded tutor (or peer mentor) works as an in-class tutor. Embedded tutors are assigned to some English, ESL, math, and science courses. In addition to attending their assigned class, embedded tutors/peer mentors provide tutoring in class and outside of class. 

Drop-in tutoring means you can receive tutoring in the center without making an appointment. You can work in the center for as long as you like, requesting help as often as you need. Tutoring makes the most impact on student success when students participate in tutoring at least one hour per week.

No appointment is needed for drop-in tutoring. Students can visit the centers during their open hours and receive tutoring assistance.  All tutoring centers (Math Center, MESA/STEM Center, Language Lab, Tutorial Center and Writing Center) offer drop-in tutoring. The Tutorial and Writing Centers also offer appointment-based tutoring. Students make appointments at least two days in advance and receive a dedicated 50 minutes to work with a tutor on a weekly basis. Students can also sign up for one-time appointments.  

Students often form study groups with their peers or participate in study groups coordinated by their class peer mentor/embedded tutor, especially when preparing for an exam. A workshop (called a “review session” in the MESA/STEM Center) is generally a prepared presentation that is offered by a faculty, staff, or tutor on a specific topic. Workshops are offered regularly by the Language Lab and the Writing Center.