Are you falling behind in math? Or maybe you want to get an edge in college admissions. There are lots of reasons that people get personal one-on-one help. Here are some things to consider if you're thinking of using a tutor:   

• Tutors aren't just for people having trouble in school. Most students get a tutor because they are falling behind in a particular subject such as math or reading. But many others work with a tutor so they can get advanced instruction in foreign languages, complex areas of science and math, and other subjects.
• You and your parents should talk to your teachers before you get a tutor. Some types of academic problems can be solved with the help of a tutor, but for some students a tutor would be a waste of time. If you're considering a tutor to get ahead in school, your teachers will be able to suggest the best areas for you to focus your efforts. In either case, you and your parents should discuss tutoring with your teachers.
• Your parents probably aren't the best place to turn for tutoring. Your parents can certainly help out with your homework, but if you're really having trouble in school, your parents are probably too emotionally involved to tutor you effectively. You'll be better off if you find someone who is more objective about you and your needs, even if your mom is a math professor.
• Tutors can be expensive, but free help may be available. Private tutors may charge $35 an hour or more. Your school district may offer free tutoring services, and some local colleges and universities have outreach programs that offer tutoring. Ask your guidance counselor or school principal, or contact the local colleges directly.
• Not all tutors are equally skilled. It's important to interview a potential tutor to make sure the tutor has the training and experience you need. Has the tutor worked as a classroom teacher? If you are interested in math, did the tutor major in math in college? Does the tutor have references from at least three satisfied clients? Ask hard questions before you put down any money or sign any agreements. It's fine if the tutor is not a professional (sometimes neighbors or family friends are great tutors), as long as the person has the background to help and is willing to make a regular time commitment.
• Realistic goals and expectations are the key to success. Beware of big promises of improvement: that you'll quickly be getting As instead of Cs, that you'll be able to spend less time on your schoolwork, or that you'll be able to get into any college you want. Aim for more modest goals, such as improving your test scores by five or ten points, and then build on these small successes. Whatever your plan, it's important that you, your parents, and your tutor share the same goals.