FAQ
IvySage FAQs
IvySage FAQs
What makes IvySage tutors the best?
IvySage recruits from the top universities in the US, and we hire only the top 5% of these terrific applicants. All of our test prep tutors scored in the top 5% on the test they tutor, with most in the top 2%! When vetting potential IvySage tutors we insist that they have several attributes: total subject mastery, excellent communication skills, extensive tutoring experience, and proven results.
IvySage recruits from the top universities in the US, and we hire only the top 5% of these terrific applicants. All of our test prep tutors scored in the top 5% on the test they tutor, with most in the top 2%! When vetting potential IvySage tutors we insist that they have several attributes: total subject mastery, excellent communication skills, extensive tutoring experience, and proven results.
Why should I choose IvySage tutors instead of teachers and school counselors?
Teachers and counselors are invaluable resources, and you should of course seek guidance and help from them. However, they are not always available at the best times for busy students, nor are they necessarily experts in everything with which you might need help (like standardized test preparation). Whether you want additional personalized attention in a given subject, help navigating the admissions process, or personalized assistance with standardized test prep, you will benefit from the help of an IvySage expert.
Teachers and counselors are invaluable resources, and you should of course seek guidance and help from them. However, they are not always available at the best times for busy students, nor are they necessarily experts in everything with which you might need help (like standardized test preparation). Whether you want additional personalized attention in a given subject, help navigating the admissions process, or personalized assistance with standardized test prep, you will benefit from the help of an IvySage expert.
When are IvySage experts available?
Tutors are available 24/7 and on-demand in most subjects. For specialized areas, such as acoustics or game theory, students may need to contact IvySage to find the best time for their schedule. If you are looking at the schedule for any subject and do not see what you need or need it sooner, click the contact link at the bottom of the page and we will work with you to accommodate your request.
Tutors are available 24/7 and on-demand in most subjects. For specialized areas, such as acoustics or game theory, students may need to contact IvySage to find the best time for their schedule. If you are looking at the schedule for any subject and do not see what you need or need it sooner, click the contact link at the bottom of the page and we will work with you to accommodate your request.
What are the advantages of online tutoring over 'physically-in-person' tutoring?
The advantages are numerous. No driving to a tutoring center or other location, no hosting the tutor in your home - travel and distance are never an issue. If you are in Washington, DC and your perfect tutor attends school at Stanford in California, our platform allows you to work together. We offer flexibility to get help when you need it - IvySage experts are available throughout the day and night. And we provide learning with staying power - all sessions are recorded and available for replay from your dashboard so you never forget what you learned.
The advantages are numerous. No driving to a tutoring center or other location, no hosting the tutor in your home - travel and distance are never an issue. If you are in Washington, DC and your perfect tutor attends school at Stanford in California, our platform allows you to work together. We offer flexibility to get help when you need it - IvySage experts are available throughout the day and night. And we provide learning with staying power - all sessions are recorded and available for replay from your dashboard so you never forget what you learned.
Can I have the same tutor for multiple sessions or different subjects?
Once you have had a session with a tutor, that tutor will appear in the My Tutors link on your dashboard so that you can easily find them again. You can book as many sessions as you would like with any tutor. Also, tutors often teach more than one subject, and you can see the other subjects your favorite tutor teaches by looking at his/her profile.
Once you have had a session with a tutor, that tutor will appear in the My Tutors link on your dashboard so that you can easily find them again. You can book as many sessions as you would like with any tutor. Also, tutors often teach more than one subject, and you can see the other subjects your favorite tutor teaches by looking at his/her profile.
How can I find the right tutor for me?
The Tutor Match link on your dashboard will help you find the best tutor for you based on subjects of interest, extracurricular activities and/or the school they attended. When you get the results from the matching algorithm, you can explore the tutors' profiles, see their ratings, and schedule a session with your favorite. Of course, you can also always browse through all of our tutors, or contact IvySage if there are specific qualifications that you are looking for.
The Tutor Match link on your dashboard will help you find the best tutor for you based on subjects of interest, extracurricular activities and/or the school they attended. When you get the results from the matching algorithm, you can explore the tutors' profiles, see their ratings, and schedule a session with your favorite. Of course, you can also always browse through all of our tutors, or contact IvySage if there are specific qualifications that you are looking for.
What results can I expect from working with an IvySage expert?
Most IvySage students show great results after just a few sessions. Many students have demonstrated significant grade improvement (for example jumping from a class grade of B- to a B+) after about 5 sessions. Students studying for the SAT have seen a 250+ point jump in their score after only 6 sessions with an IvySage tutor. We are proud of these results, and look forward to helping you reach beyond your goals.
Most IvySage students show great results after just a few sessions. Many students have demonstrated significant grade improvement (for example jumping from a class grade of B- to a B+) after about 5 sessions. Students studying for the SAT have seen a 250+ point jump in their score after only 6 sessions with an IvySage tutor. We are proud of these results, and look forward to helping you reach beyond your goals.
Does IvySage offer a guarantee?
We stand fully behind the quality of our service with our no-risk guarantee. If you are not happy with your first session, IvySage will give you a full money-back refund, and if you are unhappy with any subsequent session, we will refund in full the credits used to purchase that session.
We strongly believe, however, that it is disingenuous to offer 'guaranteed' results (and we note that many of these 'guarantees' come with oodles of small print exceptions). Our goal is to ensure that you receive the highest quality tutoring experience, and spare you the fine print.
We stand fully behind the quality of our service with our no-risk guarantee. If you are not happy with your first session, IvySage will give you a full money-back refund, and if you are unhappy with any subsequent session, we will refund in full the credits used to purchase that session.
We strongly believe, however, that it is disingenuous to offer 'guaranteed' results (and we note that many of these 'guarantees' come with oodles of small print exceptions). Our goal is to ensure that you receive the highest quality tutoring experience, and spare you the fine print.
How does IvySage ensure student safety and confidentiality?
All tutors are thoroughly vetted and trained, and undergo a third-party background check. Our rules prohibit tutors from sharing personal information with students, and students' personal information is never shared with tutors. Finally, all sessions are recorded and available to student, parent, and IvySage staff for review.
All tutors are thoroughly vetted and trained, and undergo a third-party background check. Our rules prohibit tutors from sharing personal information with students, and students' personal information is never shared with tutors. Finally, all sessions are recorded and available to student, parent, and IvySage staff for review.
How does the tutor access the student's course materials and homework?
Many teachers are now placing coursework and notes online, making access simple. Students can also easily write or type questions on the screen for collaboration, or simply read them to the tutor. For long passages, students can scan their documents to their computer and share the file during the session. On our platform, students can share pdf, word, powerpoint and excel documents with their tutors. All online, scanned, or tutor/student generated documents can be edited in real-time, highlighted, notated and saved at the end of the session.
Many teachers are now placing coursework and notes online, making access simple. Students can also easily write or type questions on the screen for collaboration, or simply read them to the tutor. For long passages, students can scan their documents to their computer and share the file during the session. On our platform, students can share pdf, word, powerpoint and excel documents with their tutors. All online, scanned, or tutor/student generated documents can be edited in real-time, highlighted, notated and saved at the end of the session.
What subjects does IvySage tutor?
IvySage offers a wide variety of subjects. For a full list, please click below.
IvySage offers a wide variety of subjects. For a full list, please click below.
See Subjects & Tutors
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Do you offer test preparation?
Do you offer test preparation? Absolutely. IvySage offers preparation for all major standardized tests, such as the SAT, ACT, AP Exams, TOEFL, MCAT, LSAT, GMAT and GREs. For a full list, please click below.
Do you offer test preparation? Absolutely. IvySage offers preparation for all major standardized tests, such as the SAT, ACT, AP Exams, TOEFL, MCAT, LSAT, GMAT and GREs. For a full list, please click below.
See Tests & Tutors
Do you offer admissions counseling and application prep?
Admissions counseling is one of our core offerings. Our admissions advisory team is an elite group of experienced experts dedicated to the success of their advisees. All have successfully advised applicants at the college and grad school level. We walk each student through a personalized set of steps to help every individual identify and most effectively present the attributes, passions, and achievements that make him/her an exceptional candidate. To meet our team and get started, click below.
Admissions counseling is one of our core offerings. Our admissions advisory team is an elite group of experienced experts dedicated to the success of their advisees. All have successfully advised applicants at the college and grad school level. We walk each student through a personalized set of steps to help every individual identify and most effectively present the attributes, passions, and achievements that make him/her an exceptional candidate. To meet our team and get started, click below.
See Admissions Experts & Availability
Can you help me with my college essays?
Whether you have no idea where to begin, or want to polish a final draft, our Admissions Experts will help you to plan and craft your essay to best tell your unique story in your own voice. While we will never, ever write an essay for a student, working with an IvySage expert can help a student determine, hone, and refine their message, and deliver it powerfully and effectively.
Whether you have no idea where to begin, or want to polish a final draft, our Admissions Experts will help you to plan and craft your essay to best tell your unique story in your own voice. While we will never, ever write an essay for a student, working with an IvySage expert can help a student determine, hone, and refine their message, and deliver it powerfully and effectively.
I am an international student. Can IvySage help me prepare for entrance to US colleges and graduate schools?
Of course! Many of our tutors and admissions experts are bilingual and uniquely suited to help international students navigate the testing, application, and admissions process. To ensure that you are getting the support you need, email us at info@ivyage.com, and we will work with you to select an specialist experienced with international applications.
Of course! Many of our tutors and admissions experts are bilingual and uniquely suited to help international students navigate the testing, application, and admissions process. To ensure that you are getting the support you need, email us at info@ivyage.com, and we will work with you to select an specialist experienced with international applications.
How do students and tutors work together and share materials?
IvySage uses the latest technology available to assist in document sharing. At all times, both the tutor and the student have the ability to share and collaborate real time on any document or application on their computer. Working on an essay? Your tutor can be typing suggestions and comments as you are typing your edits - the possibilities are endless!
IvySage also utilizes a state-of-the-art whiteboard for writing, drawing, or composing.
This aids the tutor and student to seamlessly solve a math problem, outline an essay, or deconstruct a complicated formula.
For students interested in standardized test preparation, we also have recommended materials and study guides to aid in the learning process.
IvySage uses the latest technology available to assist in document sharing. At all times, both the tutor and the student have the ability to share and collaborate real time on any document or application on their computer. Working on an essay? Your tutor can be typing suggestions and comments as you are typing your edits - the possibilities are endless!
IvySage also utilizes a state-of-the-art whiteboard for writing, drawing, or composing.
This aids the tutor and student to seamlessly solve a math problem, outline an essay, or deconstruct a complicated formula.
For students interested in standardized test preparation, we also have recommended materials and study guides to aid in the learning process.
What do I do if the Internet goes down?
Tutors can often help resolve a minor technical issue, and our technology offers a chat feature, so if audio or video is ever lost, you always have the ability to communicate with your tutor in real time. If you experience any major technical issues during your IvySage session, we have a toll-free number you can call any time for assistance (1.877.4.IVYSAGE).
Tutors can often help resolve a minor technical issue, and our technology offers a chat feature, so if audio or video is ever lost, you always have the ability to communicate with your tutor in real time. If you experience any major technical issues during your IvySage session, we have a toll-free number you can call any time for assistance (1.877.4.IVYSAGE).
Can younger students use the technology?
Absolutely. Our technology is intuitive and simple to use. Please note that in accordance with the United States Federal Trade Commission's COPPA regulations, IvySage does not permit users under the age of 13 to create an account without parental supervision. This means that the parent must create an account and then add their child to it. If you have created a free account and wish to test out the technology before your session, let us know, and we will be happy to help.
Absolutely. Our technology is intuitive and simple to use. Please note that in accordance with the United States Federal Trade Commission's COPPA regulations, IvySage does not permit users under the age of 13 to create an account without parental supervision. This means that the parent must create an account and then add their child to it. If you have created a free account and wish to test out the technology before your session, let us know, and we will be happy to help.
What programs do I need to install?
None. When you launch your first session, there will be a 10-60 second window of time while the technology launches on your computer. After that you are ready to have your IvySage session anytime, anywhere!
None. When you launch your first session, there will be a 10-60 second window of time while the technology launches on your computer. After that you are ready to have your IvySage session anytime, anywhere!
Can I use IvySage if I don't have a microphone and/or webcam?
If you don't have a webcam, or choose not to use one, you can still have a robust experience with an IvySage expert. We have found that the face-to-face interaction helps to personalize the experience, but it is not requisite for a successful session.
You do need a microphone to communicate with the tutor. Our technology has a (typed) chat feature in addition to voice technology, but we have found that sessions are most successful and beneficial when the student and tutor have the ability to speak to each other.
If you don't have a webcam, or choose not to use one, you can still have a robust experience with an IvySage expert. We have found that the face-to-face interaction helps to personalize the experience, but it is not requisite for a successful session.
You do need a microphone to communicate with the tutor. Our technology has a (typed) chat feature in addition to voice technology, but we have found that sessions are most successful and beneficial when the student and tutor have the ability to speak to each other.
How do I reach the tutor outside of IvySage?
For security reasons, we do not share the personal emails or contact information of our tutors and students. If you would like to reschedule, cancel, etc., please let us know and we will make sure your tutor is aware of the situation. If you would like your tutor to be aware of anything before your session begins, please contact us. We will be happy to assist in any and all communication - just call us or email info@ivyage.com!
For security reasons, we do not share the personal emails or contact information of our tutors and students. If you would like to reschedule, cancel, etc., please let us know and we will make sure your tutor is aware of the situation. If you would like your tutor to be aware of anything before your session begins, please contact us. We will be happy to assist in any and all communication - just call us or email info@ivyage.com!
How do parents get involved and communicate with the tutor?
We have several features to facilitate parental involvement. Parents have the option to speak with the tutor before the first session. Parents with accounts linked to their student's account will also receive the 'Summary, Feedback, and Next Steps' email from the tutor after every session. In addition, we offer parents an optional 15-minute feedback session with their child's tutor after every 3rd one-hour session the child has completed. If you would like to schedule your feedback meeting with your child's tutor, please let us know at info@ivyage.com.
We have several features to facilitate parental involvement. Parents have the option to speak with the tutor before the first session. Parents with accounts linked to their student's account will also receive the 'Summary, Feedback, and Next Steps' email from the tutor after every session. In addition, we offer parents an optional 15-minute feedback session with their child's tutor after every 3rd one-hour session the child has completed. If you would like to schedule your feedback meeting with your child's tutor, please let us know at info@ivyage.com.
How far in advance should you sign up to prepare for an exam?
An exciting feature of IvySage is that students can receive tutoring sessions anytime. Perhaps your child was feeling confident about an upcoming exam, only to discover she feels shaky after the final review session. She can sign up to receive a tutoring session whenever she needs it - even if it's the night before the test!
That said, we have found students to have the most success with their tutoring sessions when they complete regularly scheduled sessions with the same tutor. These students have seen significant increases in their test scores, grades, and confidence.
An exciting feature of IvySage is that students can receive tutoring sessions anytime. Perhaps your child was feeling confident about an upcoming exam, only to discover she feels shaky after the final review session. She can sign up to receive a tutoring session whenever she needs it - even if it's the night before the test!
That said, we have found students to have the most success with their tutoring sessions when they complete regularly scheduled sessions with the same tutor. These students have seen significant increases in their test scores, grades, and confidence.
How does payment work?
Payment is simple and flexible. We use a credit purchase system to afford you the greatest simplicity. The credits that you purchase are usable for any IvySage service - so if you have had some sessions in Algebra and are feeling confident, you can use your remaining credits for some French tutoring, or admissions essay help. You can purchase credits when you are scheduling a specific session, or from your My Account section of your dashboard. This way, parents can purchase credits for their students to use whenever they need them - and with our package options, you are able to buy bundles of credits and save!
Payment is simple and flexible. We use a credit purchase system to afford you the greatest simplicity. The credits that you purchase are usable for any IvySage service - so if you have had some sessions in Algebra and are feeling confident, you can use your remaining credits for some French tutoring, or admissions essay help. You can purchase credits when you are scheduling a specific session, or from your My Account section of your dashboard. This way, parents can purchase credits for their students to use whenever they need them - and with our package options, you are able to buy bundles of credits and save!
How does IvySage ensure that my account information is secure?
IvySage does not store or keep any account information. All transactions are processed through a market-leading secure processing platform used by many Fortune 500 companies and banks. We take security very seriously, and we are focused on ensuring that all information and transactions are as safe and secure as possible.
IvySage does not store or keep any account information. All transactions are processed through a market-leading secure processing platform used by many Fortune 500 companies and banks. We take security very seriously, and we are focused on ensuring that all information and transactions are as safe and secure as possible.
Do parents and children have separate accounts?
Parents can have accounts that link completely to the account of their child. The linked parent account allows parents to access their child's account, schedule sessions, and make payments on their behalf. Parents can do everything on IvySage except launch a session scheduled for their child - the ability to join the session will only appear on the child's dashboard (though parents can of course sit in on any session). We encourage all IvySage users less than 18 years of age to include a parent on their account.
Parents can have accounts that link completely to the account of their child. The linked parent account allows parents to access their child's account, schedule sessions, and make payments on their behalf. Parents can do everything on IvySage except launch a session scheduled for their child - the ability to join the session will only appear on the child's dashboard (though parents can of course sit in on any session). We encourage all IvySage users less than 18 years of age to include a parent on their account.
Who do I contact if there is a problem (e.g. site or session issues)?
If you are experiencing any issues with which you need help, feel free to call our toll-free number any time (1.877.4.IVYSAGE).
If you are experiencing any issues with which you need help, feel free to call our toll-free number any time (1.877.4.IVYSAGE).
What if I need to cancel a scheduled session?
This is easy to do on the IvySage website - simply go to the page of your tutor (you will see the link on your dashboard) and remove the session from the calendar.
Please note that IvySage has a strict 12-hour cancellation policy. If you cancel your session prior to the 12-hour cutoff, you will receive a full refund of the credits for that session. However, if you cancel less than 12 hours before your scheduled session, you forfeit the credits for that session.
This is easy to do on the IvySage website - simply go to the page of your tutor (you will see the link on your dashboard) and remove the session from the calendar.
Please note that IvySage has a strict 12-hour cancellation policy. If you cancel your session prior to the 12-hour cutoff, you will receive a full refund of the credits for that session. However, if you cancel less than 12 hours before your scheduled session, you forfeit the credits for that session.