For college I have pretty much No EC’s (I have some community service but not really even that many hours.)
I’m pretty good at math (I’ve gotten A’s in math through high school including in AP Calculus, I scored 690 on my SAT Math) And I’m looking to tutor students in math up to the Algebra II level over the Summer.
My two questions are this
1)Will this help me a lot so I have something to put on a college app for EC’s?
2)How should I get my name out there so people can contact me if they are interested?
It won’t unless if you are planning to pursue a career in math or something else related/math-intensive. Universities (who look at extracirriculars) want to know you, they don’t want a list that doesn’t describe you.
I would advertise throughout the school through posters, e-mail, etc. If it doesn’t work you can always volunteer at summer school to help students for math (I’m sure there’s a school floating around you that will have summer school), it could be elementary school, middle school, high school, etc.
Being as someone who’s tutored math while in HS, unfortunately opportunities are somewhat limited since you’re in HS. But there are various tutoring companies, for example, Mathnasium, Kumon, etc. which you can look into. As elefish92 said, you can also look into advertising throughout your school.
Just a side note, I suggest working on your SAT math to near 800; lots of algebra 1/2 students might also be asking for advice for the SAT, just so you know. Tutoring algebra or other subjects calls for a very solid understanding of the subject.
@MITer94 That was partly my reasoning behind tutoring math. It would sharpen some basic things that come up on the SAT that I have forgotten. (Mostly things from Geometry) I’m trying to get my SAT math as high as possible, I seem to always make stupid mistakes on that test for whatever reason. @elefish92 I want to major in economics. That’s kind of math heavy I guess. Not like engineering or anything but still. I’m trying to get into a middle tier UC School if that makes any difference. (UC Davis, Irvine, Santa Barbara or San Diego)
Agreed with MITer94, I’ve heard several times that Economics is VERY math-intensive for grad school. It is one of the most math intensive majors for undergrad though, also I see a lot on here that people pursue a double major in Economics & Mathematics. I would definitely therefore go for the tutoring then, it will look great.
Also if you’re a resident of California, look into Cal States - some institutions are the best (for example…San Diego State, they’re very superior).
I think I would have to commute to San Diego State from home if I went there I think because I’m actually from San Diego. (Both myself and my parents want me to live away from home when I go to college) But what other Cal State’s would you suggest?
IT will help more than not tutoring, but I’m not sure I would expect it to open too many doors.
A couple of things you could do:
Around here, kids interested in Catholic high schools take an entrance exam at the end of October. You could do a little research on what happens near you, then send a letter to the local Catholic elementary schools, asking them to recommend you as a tutor to any interested parents this summer.
In my school, NHS kids tutor kids having trouble in academics. Do you already tutor? If so, you could speak to the kids you're working with for possible summer work.
Ask in guidance. But the problem is that anyone who fails a course isn't going to want a peer tutor over the summer; he or she will want to work with a teacher. That's why I think you should concentrate on younger kids. Get your name out to local middle and elementary schools. (Type up a letter of introduction, and include the resume you used for the teachers who wrote your college recommendations. Ask them to keep you in mind in the event that any of their kids need a tutor.)
-It’s kind of old-school, but print up flyers with detachable tabs with your first name and phone number, and post them at local supermarkets, churches and synagogues.
@bjkmom I understand that it will look better that not tutoring. To elaborate on that would it look better on it’s own as opposed to volunteering at the Food and Clothes closet 2-3 more hours a week than I would if I do tutor. If that makes sense. And I’ll keep that in mind about younger kids thank you.
