How does Tutor.com work?
At Tutor.com, we partner with colleges and universities, K–12 schools and districts, libraries, employee benefits programs, and the U.S. military to provide learners with no-cost, personalized online tutoring in English and Spanish. We also offer drop-off review services for writing, math, and cover letters/resumes. We help learners of all ages and stages—from kindergarten through college, graduate school, continuing education, and career.
Where does tutoring take place?
Tutoring sessions take place in our easy-to-use online classroom, which runs in your web browser. Learners can also connect with a tutor or utilize our drop-off review services via our mobile app, Tutor.com To Go.
What can I get help with?
You can get on-demand or scheduled tutoring in hundreds of subjects and test-prep areas, including AP® subjects, algebra, writing, programming languages, world languages, web design, and NCLEX®. If there’s a subject in which you need help—or just want an extra boost—we are here to support you. All of our most popular subjects are available in Spanish, too.
How do I connect with a tutor?
Check out our Students page for detailed information about how to connect with a tutor, whenever and wherever you need help. Learners typically connect through a school LMS or through their personal Tutor.com account. You can connect with a tutor on demand, or you can schedule a session for a future date.
Are tutors qualified in their subjects?
Our tutors are highly qualified. They go through a rigorous vetting process, including education verification and multiple background checks. They also have to pass a subject matter exam and complete an interview. Plus, we have a quality specialist team that reviews sessions to ensure our tutors are always providing the highest level of support.
What is available in the online classroom?
You can typically choose to connect with a tutor via two-way text-chat or voice—whichever is more comfortable for you. Our virtual classroom has all the tools you need to make the most of your session: two-way whiteboard, code editor, text editor, and graph paper—plus a range of drawing tools, graphing calculator, formulas, file sharing, and emoji.
What should I expect from my session?
Our expert tutors provide encouraging, empowering support. We follow a Socratic method of teaching that helps guide students through the learning process. Your tutor will work with you to help you understand how to solve problems on your own. In the vast majority of our tutoring sessions, tutors will work with you on an individual basis. In some limited cases, your tutor may conduct two independent tutoring sessions at the same time; however, we do not anticipate that this would affect your learning experience or the personalized instruction you receive. We've been supporting students for decades, and learners regularly report that their tutors are patient, supportive, helpful, and kind. After your session, you’ll be equipped with knowledge to help you with future assignments. And if you ever need help, you can always connect with us.
Can I work with the same tutor again?
Absolutely! You can add tutors to your Favorites list so that you can schedule a future time to work together—or check to see if they’re available for on-demand tutoring.
Can I review my previous sessions?
Yes again! Just click “View your previous sessions” on your account page to see transcripts of your previous sessions. You can also replay past sessions.
Is my session safe?
Yes. We comply with all applicable safety and security regulations. Our tutors are rigorously vetted, and our quality specialist team ensures the integrity of our sessions. Your tutor does not receive any personal information about you, and your sessions are anonymous and secure.
How do I contact Customer Support?
Please reach out to us via our Contact page or call us at 800-411-1970. We’re available Monday–Friday from 8 a.m.–midnight, and Saturday–Sunday from 8 a.m.–10 p.m. Eastern Time.
AP® is a registered trademark of the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse, this product. NCLEX® is a registered trademark of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc.
How do I communicate with my tutor?
When you connect with your tutor, you can choose to communicate via two-way text-chat or voice—whichever is more comfortable for you. Our virtual classroom has all the tools you need to make the most of your session: two-way whiteboard, code editor, text editor, and graph paper—plus a range of drawing tools, graphing calculator, formulas, file sharing, and emoji. You’ll also be able to share files in real time. Your tutor will ask you guiding questions to help you figure out how to complete whatever you’re working on with confidence and understanding.
How do I draw on the whiteboard?
Select one of the drawing tools, and draw away! You can draw lines and shapes, and you can also write with the pencil tool. In addition, you can type, fill, and erase. You can also change from a plain whiteboard to graph paper (small or large) or lined paper. (If it sounds like using the classroom is fun, that’s because it is!)
Can I erase things on the whiteboard?
Yes. You can undo your last action, cut an object using the scissor tool, or erase something with the eraser tool.
How do I view previous whiteboards and add new ones?
Every time you open a new interface during a session, you’ll see the number for that interface at the top of your screen. You can click on the window you’d like to view.
How do I share a file or document with my tutor?
Click the “Share File” button at the top of the classroom, and select the document you would like to share. We accept the following file types: .DOC, .DOCX, .PDF, .PPT, .TXT, .XLS
Can I add formulas, equations, or 3-D shapes to the whiteboard?
Absolutely! A vast library of objects is available, and you can select what you’d like and drag it over to the whiteboard. Select the image icon to open the menu.
Are there other interfaces besides the whiteboard?
Yes! You may open one or more additional screens featuring a graphing calculator, code editor, or text editor. To toggle from one interface to another, click on the appropriate number at the top of your screen.
Can I change the look of my avatar?
Yes again! Click on “Settings” to select from an array of avatar options.
Am I able to view or print a transcript of my session?
You can print the transcript of your session right away by clicking the “Print” button at the top of the classroom. You can also review and print a session later. Just click “View your previous sessions” on your account page to see transcripts of your previous sessions. You can also replay past sessions.
How can I use audio to communicate with my tutor?
In addition to text-chatting with your tutor, you can use voice over IP (VOIP) or your telephone to speak to your tutor during your session. To start audio, click the “Turn On Audio” button at the top of the chat box and follow the directions for your preferred method of communication.
Can I see the classroom features without launching a tutoring session?
Absolutely. You can experience our online classroom here
How do I contact Customer Support?
Please reach out to us via our Contact page or call us at 800-411-1970. We’re available Monday–Friday from 8 a.m.–midnight, and Saturday–Sunday from 8 a.m.–10 p.m. Eastern Time.
Why can't I sign in to my Tutor.com account?
Try signing in via the Sign In button in the upper right. If that doesn’t work, you might need to connect to Tutor.com via a library or company website, or through a Learning Management System utilized through your school. If you know you have Tutor.com through an institution but aren't sure how to sign in, please contact us for further instructions.
What if I get the message, “Please close your current classroom window”? I don’t have one open!
If you’re having trouble starting a session with one of our tutors, please follow this checklist: 1. Make sure you’re using one of our supported web browsers: Microsoft Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari or Google Chrome. 2. Turn off your web browser’s pop-up blocker. Our online classroom opens in a new browser window when you click “Get a Tutor”, so a pop-up blocker could prevent it from launching correctly. 3. Clear your browser’s cache. 4. Restart your computer.
The classroom is slow, unresponsive, or it disconnects me frequently. What can I do?
Clear your browser's cache and cookies and ensure you have the latest version of your browser. You can also check your network speeds and connection stability, and reset your modem or router if necessary. You should also close other browser tabs or applications that may be utilizing bandwidth or system resources or try a wired connection if you are on a wireless network.
What do I do if I see a white page when trying to access the tutoring service?
Clear your browser's cache and cookies. Disable any active browser extensions that might be causing conflicts (if Tutor.com loads just fine in a Private or Incognito browser window, an extension or add-on might be the problem.) Make sure your browser is updated to the latest version.
Why can’t the classroom detect my speakers or recording device?
Make sure your sound peripherals are plugged in and switched on. If they are working in other applications, check your browser settings and make sure tutor.com has permission to use your speakers, microphone, and/or camera.
Others can't hear me, or I can't hear them. What's wrong?
Check your device's microphone and speaker settings, and make sure the browser you are using has permission to use your speakers and microphone.
I can see but not hear my tutor during a video session. How do I fix this?
Check your computer's sound settings and ensure your speakers are not muted or set at low volume.
I can’t share files in sessions because my Locker is full. How do I delete old files?
Once signed into Tutor.com, navigate to My Account->Locker and choose one or more files to delete.
Why didn’t I receive my reviewed document back?
Please allow up to 12-24 hours for a drop-off document review to be completed. Check your email (including Spam or Junk folders) for any alerts that may have come in, and in Tutor.com navigate to your Completed Sessions list to retrieve any finished review documents.
