Frequently Asked Questions

Who will my tutor be?

That depends on you. We understand that all students are different in the way that they learn, which is why our tutors are all different in the ways that they teach. Our tutors are not only outstanding academically, but are also trained to adapt their own personal affinities to the narratives of their students. The average score of our tutors is above 770 on each SAT section, and 35 on the ACT - in the national 99th percentile of scores.

Can I pick my tutor?

Based on the information you provide with your request, we will match you to the best possible available tutor. We take multiple factors into consideration such as academic background, shared areas of interest, and possible scheduling conflicts. As a result of this process, we cannot guarantee that you'll be matched with a specific tutor, but if a student feels like their tutor is not well-suited to their personal learning style, we can always match them with a different tutor more aligned with their needs.

Can I get tutored on weekends/evenings?

Yes. In fact, most of our tutors prefer weekends and evenings since they are full-time students too. We are happy to work with you and find a schedule that accommodates your needs.

Where does tutoring happen?

Tutoring can take place on Harvard’s campus, online via video conference, or off-campus within a 30 minute drive of Harvard’s campus; when requesting your tutoring, you can indicate which of these three options works best for you. The tutor will let you know the location of the specific classroom/meeting spot before the session.

Where are group courses held?

Group courses are held on the Harvard College campus as well as online.

After I request a tutor, when do I get started?

All tutoring requests are processed and tutor matches are completed in 3 business days. Within these 3 days, a tutor will introduce themselves and suggest some times that may work for scheduling your first meeting.

How many hours of tutoring do I need?

The amount of hours that a student needs depends greatly on their current level of confidence and the level of expertise that they would like to reach. Whether the student requires a foundational overview of a subject or a more focused, specialized examination of the material, each of our hour offerings reflects different goals and teaching styles.

What subjects can I receive tutoring for?

Our tutors are equipped to teach any K-12 school subject, as well as SAT subject test and AP test material. For other standardized tests, tutors teach the SAT, ACT, ISEE, SSAT, and TOEFL. In addition to one-on-one tutoring, we also offer comprehensive group courses inthe SAT and ACT.

What is the private tutoring refund policy?

At HSA Tutoring, we understand that education is not transactional. That is why we guarantee that if students do not show improvement, we will fully reimburse them for all their hours.

Can a student try a different tutor or subject part way through a package they have already purchased?

Yes. If a student feels like their tutor is not well-suited to their personal learning style, we will first work to match them with a different tutor more aligned with their needs. Students can also transfer their purchased hours between all subjects. A student may continue with the same tutor they were assigned if the tutor feels comfortable teaching the new subject, or we can find a different tutor with greater expertise in the new field.

COVID-19 FAQs

Is HSA Tutoring still operational?

Yes! Though our in-person operations will be suspended until further notice, we are still offering private tutoring, group courses, and Crimson Coaching online via Zoom.

Where will tutoring happen?

Tutoring will now solely take place online via the video conference software Zoom. Your tutor will be in touch about how to access/schedule Zoom meetings.

Where are group courses held?

Group courses, including those that were previously conducted on Harvard’s campus, will now only be held online.

What subjects can I receive tutoring for?

All of our tutors are still active and remain diverse in the subjects that they can cover. Our tutors are equipped to teach any K-12 school subject, as well as SAT subject test and AP test material. For other standardized tests, tutors teach the SAT, ACT, ISEE, SSAT, and TOEFL. In addition to one-on-one tutoring, we also offer comprehensive group courses in the SAT and ACT.

Can I get tutored on weekends/evenings?

Yes. In fact, most of our tutors prefer weekends and evenings since they are still full-time students attending classes remotely. If your circumstances have changed and you would like to change what time you would like to meet your tutor, we are happy to work with you and find a schedule that accommodates your needs.

Do I now have to purchase my own prep books?

All of our SAT/ACT private tutoring and group courses still include a free prep book, and we will continue sending purchased books to SAT and ACT students.

Can a student try a different tutor or subject part way through a package they have already purchased?

Yes. If a student would like to match with a different tutor, we can renew the matching process. Students can also transfer their purchased hours between all subjects. A student may continue with the same tutor they were assigned if the tutor feels comfortable teaching the new subject, or we can find a different tutor with greater expertise in the new field.