Tutor.com Review (2023): Scam or Legit?

Are you in need of a reliable online tutoring service? If so, you may have come across Tutor.com in your search. But before you jump in, you might have some concerns or questions. Is Tutor.com a scam? What are the advantages and disadvantages of working with Tutor.com? 

In this review, we will explore the ins and outs of Tutor.com, providing you with an honest and unbiased assessment. So, sit back and relax as we take you through the world of online tutoring.

What is Tutor.com?

Tutor.com is one of the pioneers in the online tutoring industry, having been launched in 1998. It connects students in need of tutoring with private tutors who work from home. 

Over the years, Tutor.com has grown to become one of the most successful online tutoring services, employing more than 3,000 teachers and working with universities, corporations, and even the U.S. military.

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How Does Tutor.com Work?

To become a tutor at Tutor.com, you need to go through an application process that can take up to three weeks. The process includes finishing your application, taking exams in subjects of interest, participating in practical tutoring sessions, and undergoing a background investigation. 

However, it’s worth noting that even if you follow all the instructions, there’s no guarantee that you will be immediately accepted. If there is already a high demand for tutors in your chosen subjects, you may be placed on a waiting list.

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What Kind of Tutors Does Tutor.com Have?

Tutor.com offers tutoring in over 40 subjects, including math, science, art, English, languages, business, Advanced Placement, and standardized test preparation. As a result, they employ a diverse range of tutors, including teachers, specialists, professionals, and students. 

Tutor.com puts a strong emphasis on vetting their teachers and hiring those with excellent teaching credentials. Prospective tutors are required to pass subject proficiency tests, which are known to be demanding and detailed compared to other tutoring companies. They are also tested on their pedagogical skills and mastery of the tools used in the virtual classroom.

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Does Tutor.com Offer Tutoring for Learning Disabilities?

While Tutor.com does a good job vetting its tutors, and many of them have experience working with students with learning difficulties, the platform does not have a specialized section for students with special needs. 

Choosing a tutor with expertise in a specific learning disability can be challenging, and the pricing structure may not be designed to accommodate the extensive, long-term sessions that certain students require.

Tutor.com Pay

The pay at Tutor.com has been a topic of concern among tutors. Estimates vary, with some tutors claiming to earn a few dollars per hour, while others report earning up to $15 per hour when bonuses and incentives are factored in. It’s important to note that during the probationary period, the pay can be as low as $2 to $3 per hour when factoring in wait times, exam preparations, and other non-tutoring activities. 

However, recent comments suggest that Tutor.com now pays probationary tutors the state’s minimum wage during downtime, regardless of their status. The pay during waiting time can vary depending on the state, with some tutors claiming to earn at least $12 per hour. It is uncommon for tutoring services to compensate for breaks, so this can be seen as a positive aspect of working with Tutor.com.

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Tutor.com Requirements

To work at Tutor.com, you need to live in the United States or Canada and be legally allowed to work in your home country. You must have a social security number (in the United States) or a social insurance number (Canada). 

Additionally, you should be enrolled in or have graduated from an accredited university or college in the United States or Canada. A solid education in core subjects such as English, math, and science is necessary, and you should be available for tutoring at least five hours per week.

General and Technical Requirements

To work as a tutor with Tutor.com, you need a computer with Windows 10, Windows 8/8.1, or Windows 7, with a minimum of 4.0 GB RAM. The processor speed should be at least 1.8 GHz, and you should have high-speed internet access (at least 256 kbit per second) in both directions. 

Tutor.com requires the use of Microsoft Internet Explorer 11 and Microsoft Word 2007 or higher. 

Additionally, you need a headset with a microphone, a screen with a minimum vertical resolution of 720 pixels, and a distraction-free environment. Mac users must have a Windows simulation environment and the required Microsoft software installed.

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Flexible Scheduling

One of the advantages of working as an online tutor is the flexibility it offers. At Tutor.com, you can set your own hours and work whenever you want, seven days a week.

However, if you want to maximize your earnings, it’s recommended to be available between 4 and 8 pm, as that’s when many students seek tutoring. If those hours don’t suit you, you can consider online English as a Second Language (ESL) tutoring for students in different time zones. The length of your workweek is not fixed, and you can work anywhere from five to 29 hours. 

Keep in mind that as a probationary tutor, the first few months may be challenging, as more experienced tutors tend to attract the busiest and most committed students.

Tutor.com Reviews and Complaints

When looking at reviews and complaints about Tutor.com, it’s important to consider the overall sentiment. While there are some negative comments, the majority of Tutor.com tutors have positive experiences working with the company. 

Common issues raised include frustrating feedback from mentors, time-limited sessions that can feel rushed, occasional encounters with abusive or rude students, and scheduling difficulties. 

However, it’s crucial to keep in mind that these are individual experiences and may not reflect the overall quality of Tutor.com. 

Given the number of positive feedback and the company’s long-standing presence in the industry, it’s reasonable to assume that these issues are not inherent to Tutor.com’s structure. Aspiring tutors should not be discouraged from applying based solely on these reviews.

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Pros of Tutor.com

There are several advantages to working with Tutor.com, including:

1. Comprehensive Virtual Classroom: Tutor.com provides all the necessary tools for effective tutoring, including live chat, a whiteboard, a text and code editor, a graphic calculator, and file sharing capabilities.
2. Established Reputation: Tutor.com has been in business since 1998, which indicates their experience and reliability. While no company is flawless, Tutor.com has overcome the challenges that come with long-term operation.
3. Flexibility: Tutors can log in and out at their convenience, and there are no time restrictions imposed by Tutor.com. This flexibility allows tutors to balance their work with other commitments.

Cons of Tutor.com

While Tutor.com has its merits, there are a few drawbacks to consider:

1. Low Pay: According to some tutors, the pay at Tutor.com can be relatively low, especially during the probationary period. Tutors may find the first few months exhausting, with long hours and limited compensation.
2. Limited Schedule Flexibility: Although Tutor.com offers flexible scheduling, it may not be the best option for those who require complete flexibility in their work hours. Tutors who want to maximize their earnings may need to be available during specific peak hours.
3. Trading Hours for Money: Tutoring with Tutor.com, like most traditional jobs, involves trading hours for money. This means there is no potential for passive income, and your earnings are directly proportional to the time you invest.

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Is Tutor.com a Scam or Legit?

Given the abundance of online scams, it’s understandable to have concerns about the legitimacy of Tutor.com. However, Tutor.com has been around for decades, has received numerous academic awards, and even has a contract with the United States Department of Defense. These factors indicate that Tutor.com is indeed a reputable company.

That being said, there have been some negative reviews regarding working at Tutor.com. The primary complaint revolves around the low wages paid to probationary tutors. 

During the probationary period, tutors are expected to tutor at least five hours per week, but since the best tutoring slots are already taken by more experienced tutors, probationary tutors often end up spending a significant amount of time waiting without compensation. This can result in a drop in their hourly salary from the required $10 to a much lower figure, around $3. While this is a notable issue, it does not make Tutor.com a fraudulent company. 

The majority of tutors, after completing the probationary period, receive positive feedback and fair compensation. It’s essential to distinguish between customer service issues and scams. While there may be valid concerns, labeling Tutor.com as a complete scam is misleading.

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Tutor.com Review: Final Verdict

Tutor.com can be a viable option for individuals looking to make a living through online tutoring, particularly if their financial needs are modest. However, it’s important to consider the potential challenges, such as the initial low pay and the time commitment required during the probationary period. It may be advisable to supplement Tutor.com with other sources of income when starting out. For those seeking a more substantial and potentially higher-income opportunity, starting an affiliate marketing business online could be a better choice. Affiliate marketing allows for passive income generation and can be pursued alongside working with Tutor.com or other online jobs.

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Best Alternative to Tutor.com For Making Money Online

Affiliate marketing offers a stable and secure stream of passive income and is an excellent option for those looking to work from home. Compared to other online business models, affiliate marketing is relatively easy to learn and has rewarding potential. With affiliate marketing, you can build a business with little to no initial capital and start earning sustainable passive income to cover your expenses.

If you’re interested in learning affiliate marketing and starting a business from scratch, we recommend Wealthy Affiliate. Wealthy Affiliate is an all-in-one platform that provides comprehensive training and tools for building your affiliate marketing business. They offer a free starter membership, which includes access to a wealth of training modules on SEO (free traffic methods) and a free website. With Wealthy Affiliate, you can get started in affiliate marketing without spending a dime.

You can check out my full review of Wealthy Affiliate here.

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To join Wealthy Affiliate, you can sign up for a free starter membership, which requires no credit card information. This will give you access to the community, live chat, over 500 training modules, networking opportunities, and more. Experience the value and potential of affiliate marketing by registering for a free account with Wealthy Affiliate today.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Tutor.com is a reputable online tutoring service that has been in the industry for many years. While there are some concerns about low pay and certain challenges faced by tutors, the overall feedback is positive. Tutor.com provides a comprehensive virtual classroom, offers flexible scheduling, and employs a diverse range of tutors. 

However, if you’re looking for a substantial and potentially higher-income opportunity, starting an affiliate marketing business online could be a better option.

Wealthy Affiliate is a recommended platform for learning affiliate marketing and building a successful online business. With their free starter membership, you can begin your journey in affiliate marketing without any upfront cost. Consider your needs and goals, and choose the path that best suits you.

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