Below are answers to the most common questions I get about tutoring. As I’ve mentioned in my “tutoring” section, I’m direct, transparent, I don’t sugarcoat things, and I’ll always be honest with you. If you’ve got more questions after reading this, feel free to bring them up during our intro meeting or send me a message.
I would love to collaborate/help you promote your Instagram/TikTok/YouTube etc.
If I ever need help promoting my content, it’s not going to be from a random guy DMing me on the internet
Can you help me with X? Can you explain me Y? Can you tell me more about Z?
If you want my help, schedule a meeting.
I just have a quick question. Can you answer just this once?
No, I cannot. I get over 50 messages a week from strangers just like you asking ‘just one quick question.’ If I spent 15 minutes on each of them, that’d be 12+ hours a week. When I have time, I answer questions in the comments under my tutorials, YouTube videos, or on Discord. If you want my full attention−schedule an appointment.
I have an exam in two weeks. Can you help me prepare for it?
I dunno 🤷♂️ It depends on your and my current schedule and how much help you need. I rarely have “last minute” availability, and if I do, I’ll always prioritize my current regular students. If I have an opening, you can schedule a meeting here.
I have an exam in 3 days. Can you help me ace it?
Let’s be candid here, we both know what you’re asking for. Can I guarantee you’ll get an “A” on the test if I “help” you with that? Absolutely. Am I willing to jeopardize my reputation by doing so? Unless your offer allows me to pay off my mortgage, put my kids through college, and retire tomorrow, then no.
How much do you charge?
My current rate is $250 for a 60 min appointment.
So, you’re an organic chemistry tutor, right? What is your experience with organic chemistry tutoring? How do you approach teaching organic chemistry?
I’ve been tutoring college-level organic chemistry since 2004. I focus on building problem-solving skills. You can read more about my approach on my tutoring page.
Can you provide references or testimonials from past students?
You can read some of my recent students’ testimonials here.
Is it still possible to only schedule meetings when I need help without committing to a semester/term package?
Absolutely. However, I always prioritize my regular students and their schedule. Chances are, I won’t have openings when you want—my regulars book out most of my schedule, especially during finals. So, you’ll have to book your meetings at least 1-2 weeks in advance.
Do you offer discounts?
I understand that I’m not a cheap tutor. However, my fees are non-negotiable. When you work with me, you work with one of the top organic chemistry tutors in the US.
Can I adjust the number of meetings/hours later in the semester?
Sure. Adding more meetings later might be tricky once my semester schedule is full.
Can I schedule an additional meeting from time to time, like before exams or for extra reviews?
Yep, provided I have an opening in my schedule.
Are we going to be a good match?
The reality is: not every tutor and their personality and style works for every student. The personality, the style, the expectations, and the “vibe” needs to match up for a good and productive collaboration. That’s why I always insist on the initial meeting before you commit to the semester or a whole year with me.
Can I do a trial meeting before I commit to regular meetings?
That’s precisely what the intro meeting is for! I don’t do “free trials” of any sort. If you want to see whether we’re a good match, you should schedule a one-off meeting. That’s why I always start with a one-off intro meeting—no pressure, just a chance to see if we click.
What are your expectations from students you work with?
I’m not here to be a substitute for your class, your textbook, and your professor. If you expect me to lecture you the material and learn about the concepts from me instead of learning them in class, I’m not your guy. I’ve made literally hundreds of tutorials specifically so I don’t have to lecture the same material over and over again. And yes, I do expect you to watch my tutorials on the specific topic you wanna discuss before the meeting. Ultimately, my job is to help you systematize and make sense of the information you’ve already seen. So, I expect you to go to your lectures, read your textbook, watch my tutorials, and bring questions!
What materials or resources do you use in your tutoring sessions?
I have access to a large collection of unique practice questions. In addition, I keep copies of recent editions of most common textbooks used in organic chemistry classes.
How do you assess progress and adjust your teaching approach as needed?
I give my students plenty of practice questions to master their skills. I regularly give my students feedback on their work and adjust the tutoring based on their progress. The more “homework” you do, the better I can tune the meetings to work on any gaps in your understanding.
How do you meet with students?
I’m a 100% online organic chemistry tutor. I use zoom for my online meetings for video and audio conferencing support. I also use GoodNotes for notes, feedback, and collaboration tools. I typically do minimal lecturing and emphasize practical skills in my meetings, so you must have a way for drawing on the screen (iPad) to be able to fully participate in the meetings and benefit from them. I only offer in-person tutoring at my local college and if it’s your college you’d already know where and how to find me on campus 😜
Can I do tutoring together with a friend or a classmate?
Absolutely! Unlike most other tutors, I don’t charge extra for additional students. If you want to bring a friend, you’re welcome to do so! Group meetings open an opportunity for the peer-to-peer discussion and brainstorming. Just keep in mind that group sessions naturally come with less one-on-one time.
What if I can’t come to my regular meeting and need to reschedule?
Let me know how your schedule looks like for the rest of the week and we can find another time in the future or come up with some sort of arrangement. I’ll do all I can to accommodate your schedule (within reason and my current availability) when life happens.
Do you tutor general chemistry or biochemistry? Do you tutor other subjects?
I specialize in organic chemistry and graduate-level organic chemistry. I very rarely accept biochemistry students and only take biochemistry students who took organic chemistry with me. I exceptionally rarely (read “never”) accept general chemistry students. I do not tutor other subjects.
Can you guarantee I’ll pass the class after tutoring with you?
Nope!—and if someone says they can, that’s a red flag. Organic chemistry isn’t something you can “hack.”
Tutoring isn’t a shortcut either, and it’s definitely not autopilot that drives you through the course while you nap. Think of me as your organic chemistry GPS: I’ll help you navigate the tricky turns, avoid dead ends, find the best route, and stay on track. But I’m not the one driving. Your progress depends on your effort, consistency, and willingness to engage. I’ve helped many students go from barely hanging on to feeling confident and in control. But success in organic chemistry takes both of us showing up and doing the work together.