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How Students Should Prepare for Tutor Sessions (So Every Hour Counts)

Before, during, and after checklist for students — questions to bring, how to use trial sessions, and habits that make tutoring worth the time (and your parents' trust).

Mentr Editorial Team10 min read

A tutor costs money and time — yours and your parents'. Yet many students show up without textbooks, without questions, and wonder why the hour feels wasted. Whether you found your tutor through Mentr, a school referral, or a neighbour, the students who improve fastest treat sessions like practice matches, not passive watching. This checklist works for Class 6–12, online and offline, and for subject tutors as well as coding mentors.

Before the first session: what to send your tutor

After a tutor accepts your connect request on Mentr and WhatsApp opens, send a short intro message before the first call or visit. Include your class, board, school test dates if known, and 2–3 specific chapters you struggle with. Attach a photo of your latest test paper if your parents agree — it saves 20 minutes of guessing on day one.

  • Subject, class, board (CBSE / ICSE / State)
  • Chapters or question types that feel hardest
  • Preferred session length (60 vs 90 minutes)
  • Online link or address confirmation for home visits
  • Parent contact for students under 18

The 24-hour prep routine before every session

  1. Attempt homework from school — circle questions you could not solve
  2. Open textbook to the pages you will discuss — not a blank desk
  3. Write 3 questions to ask — no question is too basic
  4. Charge laptop / check Wi-Fi for online sessions; keep water nearby
  5. Tell family the session time so you are not interrupted

During the session: habits that respect everyone's time

Sit upright, camera on for online classes if the tutor asks, and take notes by hand when possible — typing distracts and boards still require handwriting. Ask the tutor to pause while you try the next step yourself. If you only watch them solve, you will forget by tomorrow.

  • Phone on silent — not on the desk face-up
  • Repeat the method aloud in your own words before the hour ends
  • Agree on homework for next session before disconnecting
  • If confused, say so immediately — tutors prefer honest 'I don't get it' over nodding

After the session: the 48-hour follow-through

Revision within 48 hours locks in what you learned. Redo the same problems without notes. If you got assigned extra questions, do half before next session — tutors notice effort and adjust pace. Send one WhatsApp message if a problem still fails after honest attempt — but do not expect 24/7 instant replies unless agreed.

Trial sessions and switching tutors

It is normal to trial two or three tutors before committing monthly. Pay per session until you are sure. On Mentr, searching and connecting stays free — switching tutors does not cost platform fees. Tell your parent if teaching style does not match: too fast, no homework, or poor punctuality are valid reasons to keep looking.

Common questions

What should I bring to my first tutoring session?
Textbook, recent test papers, notebook, pen, and a list of specific chapters or problems you already tried. For online sessions, a charged device, stable internet, and headphones help.
How long should a tutoring session be for school students?
60 minutes works for Class 6–8; 60–90 minutes for Class 9–12 and entrance prep. Shorter daily touchpoints beat one exhausted 3-hour marathon.
Should parents sit in on tutor sessions?
For first sessions with younger students, yes — especially online. Older students may study alone but parents should know timing and tutor identity.
How do I tell my tutor they are going too fast?
Say it directly: 'Can we slow down on this step?' Good tutors adjust. If they repeatedly dismiss you, discuss switching with your parent.
Is finding tutors on Mentr free for students?
Yes. Search, connect requests, and posting requirements are free. You pay tutors directly for sessions — Mentr takes zero commission.

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