does tutoring help an application?

[organichemistry]

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i plan on being a tutor this upcoming fall, and possibly spring as well, for my university's freshman level general chemistry class.

basically, the way it works is the university assigns me an auditorium section of chemistry to attend, take lecture notes, do the homework problems, etc and then hold 2-3 supplemental instruction classes where students can come, ask questions, have me work problems, etc

it is a service for students run by the university and it is a paid position (~$1000 a semester; a little better than minimum wage).

do you guys think this would look really strong on an application, be a footnote, or not taken into account at all?

 

[balance]

i plan on being a tutor this upcoming fall, and possibly spring as well, for my university's freshman level general chemistry class.

basically, the way it works is the university assigns me an auditorium section of chemistry to attend, take lecture notes, do the homework problems, etc and then hold 2-3 supplemental instruction classes where students can come, ask questions, have me work problems, etc

it is a service for students run by the university and it is a paid position (~$1000 a semester; a little better than minimum wage).

do you guys think this would look really strong on an application, be a footnote, or not taken into account at all?

It'll be part of your extracurricular activities and you can talk about either on your personal statement or interview.

Also, it will help you with the chemistry section of DAT, since you'd have to understand that stuff rather than memorizing it. For sure, it is not going to hurt you.

 

[dexadental]

Yeah tutoring can only help. I'm a big nerdo and tutor students in math and chemistry for free...I knew it would only help for the DAT, though those are my worst sections...strange huh? Its definitely nice to put this on your app.

 

[Sprgrover]

Yes, it will help as it demonstrates not only a willingness to help but a desire to get involved with your student body and school as well.

 

[AOM]

i plan on being a tutor this upcoming fall, and possibly spring as well, for my university's freshman level general chemistry class.

basically, the way it works is the university assigns me an auditorium section of chemistry to attend, take lecture notes, do the homework problems, etc and then hold 2-3 supplemental instruction classes where students can come, ask questions, have me work problems, etc

it is a service for students run by the university and it is a paid position (~$1000 a semester; a little better than minimum wage).

do you guys think this would look really strong on an application, be a footnote, or not taken into account at all?

I have a different take on this. I don't think it will help you that much. This is why, you're already very strong academically. Even though you're helping out other students, it is still an academic activity. I think you should go outside of your core strengths to find additional values, such as volunteering in the community or tutoring with high school kids. That would show a much broader interest and focus than just school and grades

 

[mvs04]

it will not help you unless you incorporate it into your overall application as a major point. If you just list it in that box they give you --- "state extracurricular activities here".... ain't gonna do much.

Of course if you've got the time and inclination, it's not going to hurt.

 

[ISU_Steve]

Personally I don't know if it will help much, but I don't think it could hurt.

Oh and Dex, you're apparently a much better person than I for doing that tutoring free of charge.....my chemistry tutoring services run from $10 an hour up depending on the class and the number of people.

 

[Jess_SB]

I feel that my years of tutoring really did strengthen my application, it was brought up at every interview I had. I work for a program at my school that is very well respected by the students and faculty, and it is also rather intensive. I have four groups of ~20 students each that I meet with twice a week for the entire quarter. I need to make handouts, lesson plans, etc aside from simply attending lecture.

In my application I emphasized the time management and organizational skills required, and most importantly my commitment to helping students learn (esp those from underprivilaged backgrounds - as it is a free service to students). I think that having the experience of a tutor/student relationship, and being able to stand up and talk for hours in front of 100+ students (at reviews) will only help you in your dentist/patient relationships. I would definitely no longer consider myself to be shy!

Great experience if you have the time.

Jessica

 

[dexadental]

Wow...I simply put how I enjoyed tutoring the two subjects I really like. No BS...just straight to the point, and how I got other people to like those subjects as well, even if they didn't in the first place. I pride myself on being an unorthodox gruntly bum-sheffe-esque dentist, and don't like to hear alot of bull@#$% reasons as to why one tutors. Tutor if you really like it, otherwise you'll be hurting the other students. I think you should do it...and maybe I should start charging too! 🙂

 

[wammmy]

Go ahead and do it. The more you stress it in you app the more potential it has to help. I did quite a bit of tutoring and lab assisting, and it seemed to help my app. However, it helped the most with the DAT. Even if it was just intro classes I was surprised how concrete I learned the info and it way helped even in my advanced classes.

 

[MSZ]

I think tutoring is a great if you enjoy teaching. You just need a lot of patience and flexible time, but I think it is a commendable activity to talk about. Plus, you can make a lot of money which is an added incentive. At school, I tutor students in gen chem and organic and the department pays me $10 an hour. But, throughout the year, I've gained a bit of a reputation and people have sought me out for private tutoring...which makes me a lot of money ($30 an hour!). Of course it is always nice to volunteer your time as well. I also tutor for free every friday to local kids at a community center. Just do what your heart desires.