Hi there Serenity

I know exactly what you mean!

What I would recommend is asking teachers (that's what I did), asking friends ( a lot of people I know found tutors this way), and also looking in the papers.

What I would do, since as you pointed out, there is SO many, is to look for "1st lesson free" or something like that, so you can see if they are suitable.

Also, have you considered Kumon? They offer specialized lessons to suit YOUR level, and are located in many convenient locations, with quiet competitive prices.

I hope this helps, and I am sure more people may be able to provide other suggestions.

But remember, in VCE your teachers are your friends!

Hi Phresh,

I know what you mean, it can be really hard to find a good tutor that is safe and well qualified. One option is contact tutoring agencies as they generally screen their tutors and conduct personal interviews when hiring. However, their tutors can be expensive. Alternatively, look for a private tutor as they are generally cheaper. Perhaps, consider searching a free, online tutoring directory as they list both tutors and tutoring companies.

I recall they had some tips on what do ask a potential tutor in their FAQ section.

Finally, don't forget teachers are a very important contact point for your studies.

Hope this helps.

The advice Asa.hoshi gives is golden - ask people you trust for recommendations before you try anything else.

You should check that your tutor is up to date with the current study design for English, since all three areas of study have changed significantly over the past few years.

Avoid recent graduates that were "good at English" unless they can describe the marking criteria accurately. Also avoid anyone that offers to write your essays for you but is unable to advance your SKILLS (in my opinion, this is the most important role of a tutor).

VCE teachers teaching the current study design are excellent tutors. Training teachers could also be very good, try and nab one when they are on their teaching rounds at your school!

Ask the teachers at your school. One might work with you after hours. We need extra money sometimes you know! You can also contact the student unions at the universities, they will often have an employment agency or department. I know Monash has MONSEACS -they refer tutors (or did back in the stone age when I was at Uni!)