is a tutor worth it for chemistry ocr a - a level?

Hello,
I've been doing last minute revision for my Chemsitry mock a-level and am feeling discouraged and a bit overwhelmed, especially because I did little to no revision over the Christmas break. I want to feel more confident in Chemistry as I average at around a 70% grade. The main reason I would like a chemsitry tutor is because of the acountability. Its difficult though because my college offers workshops (essentially free tutoring) where you can turn up and ask questions and do some work but I've only been once because its not timetabled and I am clearly not very disciplined..

Should I just lock in and attend weekly workshops at college or splash the cash and have dedicated tutors with whom I am obliged to meet weekly?
I've never had any tutoring experience before so would appreciate any experiences with tutoring, esepcially in late year13.
Thanks, ella

Reply 1

The :3

Hiya,

I'd recommend first asking your college if they can put workshops on your timetable, my college has something very similar with scheduled workshops that aren't timetabled (although it differs by department, comp-sci doesn't do them, chemistry has 3 times a week iirc) but they will put them on your timetable if you ask or if you are struggling, I definitely wouldn't recommend immediately going for a tutor, even if you are extremely flush with cash, because your teachers will know you better and exactly what you need help with, obviously if it doesn't work, then absolutely go for a tutor

Best of luck :smile:

Reply 2

University of Bradford

Official Rep

Original post

by ella123444

Hello,
I've been doing last minute revision for my Chemsitry mock a-level and am feeling discouraged and a bit overwhelmed, especially because I did little to no revision over the Christmas break. I want to feel more confident in Chemistry as I average at around a 70% grade. The main reason I would like a chemsitry tutor is because of the acountability. Its difficult though because my college offers workshops (essentially free tutoring) where you can turn up and ask questions and do some work but I've only been once because its not timetabled and I am clearly not very disciplined..
Should I just lock in and attend weekly workshops at college or splash the cash and have dedicated tutors with whom I am obliged to meet weekly?
I've never had any tutoring experience before so would appreciate any experiences with tutoring, esepcially in late year13.
Thanks, ella

Hi @ella123444. Hi! From what it sounds like ,you are being rather honest with yourself which is a great starting point. Given the fact that your approximately 70%, this is not in regards to structure but about confidence and accountability happens to be the problem for you here. If you are aware that the key struggle is discipline then i would recommend that a tutor is very helpful given that the normal commitment forces you to interact and provides you with specific feedback particularly this late in your year. However, before committing and spending money you could maybe attend college workshops? I hope this helped!

Kiran

Reply 3

NachoChes

Original post

by ella123444

Hello,
I've been doing last minute revision for my Chemsitry mock a-level and am feeling discouraged and a bit overwhelmed, especially because I did little to no revision over the Christmas break. I want to feel more confident in Chemistry as I average at around a 70% grade. The main reason I would like a chemsitry tutor is because of the acountability. Its difficult though because my college offers workshops (essentially free tutoring) where you can turn up and ask questions and do some work but I've only been once because its not timetabled and I am clearly not very disciplined..
Should I just lock in and attend weekly workshops at college or splash the cash and have dedicated tutors with whom I am obliged to meet weekly?
I've never had any tutoring experience before so would appreciate any experiences with tutoring, esepcially in late year13.
Thanks, ella

For me personally I found it helpful to have a tutor, because it actually forced me to stay on track and keep up to date with work etc. Its smth i defo struggle with, and if you do to then i'd highly recommend it!

Reply 4

McGinger

You do not need 'a tutor' - you probably just need to be talking to your Chemistry teacher and doing some more work and work out your 'discipline' problem.

Tutors are not a magic bullet, they cannot immediately improve your actual ability or your sense of motivation - and you also need to be aware of the very real risks : Call to tighten law enabling sex abusers to work as tutors - BBC News

There are private colleges that offer Easter revision courses, if your family can afford the fees. This is only useful if you are motivated enough to put in the work - again not a magic bullet where you can just coast along and it will somehow still improve you grades just be being there. And its cheaper easier etc if you can just get your head in the right place and do the work yourself. Sort out your discipline issue, go to the school workshops etc.