FAQs : EducationCoaching.com : Vancouver Subject Tutoring : Tutor Toronto : College Test Preparation : Academic Coaching Service

In most schools, the ratio of students per faculty academic advisor is very high. Usually in the 1000's:1 or more. Technovate Scholastic's Academic Coaching program maintains a much lower client to coach ratio, ensuring your coach has time and energy to spend on you.

While academic advisors typically focus on helping students decide on their course schedules, and make them aware of internships and job options, our Academic Coaches are there to raise your grades. Academic advisors rarely become involved with a student's performance unless there is a notable problem. Academic Coaches are primarily concerned with a student's performance – making that student extremely competitive, and making sure they stay at the top of the class.

How does academic coaching differ from tutoring?

Academic Coaching should not be confused for a tutoring service. We do not deal in specific subject matter, as tutors do. Rather, Academic Coaching looks at the big picture view of a student's entire approach to learning itself, not any specific subject (although we will offer guidance where one subject is particularly more of a problem than others). An academic coach does not teach you your course material, as a tutor does, but teaches you how to be a better student.

My goal is to get into graduate school. How early should I start working with an academic coach to reach that goal?

It's never too early to get coaching. In fact, if graduate school is your goal, we recommend that you get attached to an Academic Coach during your first year of your undergraduate program. If your coach helps you develop the skills and habits to earn a 4.0 GPA early, on, you won't lose those attributes, and you'll be able to maintain that level of excellence throughout your academic career.

In short, the earlier you experience our coaching program, the longer you can enjoy the success it will bring you.

Will I be working one-on-one with a coach?

Yes. All of our coaching services are carried out one-on-one between you and your coach.

Our proprietary diagnostic questionnaires are designed first to ascertain your unique needs, strengths and weaknesses, and then to provide your coach with the details he or she will need to get you into A+ shape. The questionnaires tell us enough about you for us to select a coach who is an expert in working with a student with your particular attributes.

What can I expect in my first session with my coach?

Your first session will be a "get to know each other" session. Your coach will be reviewing your responses to the questionnaire, recommending some of the aspects of your learning techniques you could improve upon. Your coach will outline a plan for the coming weeks, and give you one or two things to do differently in the week after your first session.

Our proprietary questionnaires will provide your coach with all the information he or she should need. When you are filling out any of the forms we provide, it's vitally important that you are completely honest and candid in your answers. Don't worry, the questions aren't too personal, but be prepared to talk about the commitments you have outside of school, the amount of time you spend on schoolwork, your attendance, and other subjects like these.

How will you develop an individualized coaching plan for me?

Our process begins with a comprehensive questionnaire that will help your coach determine in which areas of academic discipline you have room for improvement. After your coach interprets your responses to the questionnaire, he or she will discuss the results with you, and recommend various areas to work on. You and your coach will agree upon the prioritization of your improvement areas, and set up a schedule to work on them.

That depends entirely on you. If you have a positive attitude about the coaching process, it's likely you will see improvement as soon as you and your coach determine your improvement areas, because you will be more conscious of them. The amount of improvement you see will ultimately depend on how much effort you put into your coach's recommendations. The more you put into it, the more you'll get out of it – just like a fitness program.

Do you offer subject-specific coaching for specific courses or majors?

At this time, Technovate Scholastic does not offer any tutoring services. However, when you enrol in our Weekly Coaching program, the courses you are currently taking are considered when assigning you to a coach. We'll always try to match you with a coach who has some knowledge of your area of study.

Every student can benefit from Academic Coaching. We can help you bump up your grades to get on the honor roll, or give you the skills to take more knowledge away from your education. Whatever your goals, Academic Coaching can help you reach them more effectively.

Will Academic Coaching give me a competitive edge?

Yes. You will learn skills that will make every aspect of school life easier for you to handle. We'll turn you into a super-student, one week at a time!