As a tutor for several college level subjects, many students aren't prepared when they come to me for help. It is often difficult for a student to remember everything that a tutor needs to tutor them effectively, so making a list of the materials that are needed is helpful. If you want to get the most out of your tutoring sessions, follow the suggestions below and you will enable your tutor to be more valuable to you and to the outcome of your course. High school students can also benefit from these guidelines.

Instructors provide their students with the necessary information for the class, but that information does not always reach the person that is helping you. Provide your tutor with a copy of your syllabus, and with copies of any additional instructions and handouts that your instructor provides to you. By keeping your tutor informed of your instructor’s expectations, he or she can advise and guide you more successfully.

Do as much of your assignment as you can do yourself before asking for help. It is frustrating for you and your tutor if you don't understand something because you didn't read the instructions, or you didn't attempt to try to figure out what needs to be done. If the instructions are too confusing, try looking up similar instructions on the Internet.

When meeting with your tutor, make sure that you have the material with you that will be needed for the assignment that you are seeking help with. For example, if you need help with an essay but you left the instructions at home and you don't know what the requirements for the essay are, valuable time is wasted and nothing gets done.

Don’t expect your tutor to do the work for you. Most tutors won't because doing the work for you doesn't teach you anything, and it doesn't help you in any way. Your tutor is there to help you understand the subject and learn. Doing the actual work is your responsibility.

If assignment deadlines are not included in the course syllabus, provide your tutor with a list of due dates for your assignments. This allows for last minute proofreading and editing, and allows your tutor to prioritize.

Don't ask for help to start the assignment the day before it is due. Start your assignment early to allow plenty of time to get together with your tutor for any suggestions or corrections. Procrastination will affect your grade because you won’t be doing the best work that you can do. Waiting until the last minute stifles your creativity. A mind that is inspired produces high-quality work.

Share all feedback from your instructor with your tutor. Telling your tutor what your instructor says about your assignments, even if it is negative, will help both of you to figure out how to fix what your instructor doesn't like about your work.

Attend class every class period unless extenuating circumstances prevent you from it. Class lecture and discussion are a supplement to your textbook. If you miss class, you miss things that are not in the textbook or other class materials, and your tutor won’t be able to help you efficiently without the missing information.

Stay focused on your assignment. It is very easy to slip into chat mode and whittle the time away talking, but this doesn't get you the help that your tutor provides. Staying focused and on task will help you to better understand what needs to be done for your assignment and how to accomplish it.

The time that you and your tutor spend on your assignment should be utilized in a way that will give you the maximum benefit. Success in your class is up to you. Your tutor is there to help you make it happen.