Finding Providers

After completing your intake questionnaire, Matchpal's matching system finds providers who fit your needs. Here's what to expect from the process.

How Matching Works

The matching process is largely automatic:

  1. You submit your intake questionnaire
  2. System analyzes your needs and preferences
  3. Algorithm matches you with qualified providers
  4. Proposal sent to recommended provider(s)
  5. Provider responds by accepting or declining
  6. You're notified when matched

What the Algorithm Considers

The matching system looks at several factors:

Your Requirements

  • Service type - Tutoring or advising
  • Specific needs - Exam type, specialty area
  • Preferences - Scheduling, communication style
  • Preferred provider - If you named someone

Provider Capabilities

  • Qualifications - Can they help with your exam/area?
  • Availability - Do they have capacity?
  • Location - Regional alignment if relevant
  • Current load - How many students they have

Match Quality

The algorithm produces the best matches by:

  • Prioritizing exact capability matches
  • Considering regional preferences
  • Balancing provider workloads
  • Respecting your stated preferences

See Matching Algorithm for technical details.

Preferred Provider

If you specified a preferred provider:

  • They receive first priority
  • Must still meet your requirements
  • If unavailable, alternatives are found
  • You're notified either way

The Proposal Process

When a match is found:

Proposal Created

  • Match identified by algorithm
  • Proposal sent to provider
  • Grant hours held from your balance

Provider Reviews

The provider receives your proposal with:

  • Summary of your needs
  • Your background (relevant parts)
  • Hours allocated

Provider Responds

The provider will either:

  • Accept - Relationship begins
  • Decline - Another provider is tried

Timing

  • Providers typically respond within a few days
  • You may receive reminder updates
  • System may timeout after extended delay

Getting Notified

You'll receive updates at key moments:

When Matched

  • Email notification
  • Dashboard update
  • Provider information shared

If Declined

  • Notification that a new match is being sought
  • No action needed from you
  • Process continues automatically

When Confirmed

  • Relationship is active
  • Provider contact details provided
  • You can begin scheduling

What You See

Before Matching

Your dashboard shows:

  • "Awaiting match" or similar status
  • Your submitted questionnaire
  • Grant balance with holds

After Matching

Your dashboard shows:

  • Matched provider's name and info
  • Relationship status (Paired)
  • Hours allocated to this relationship
  • How to proceed

Multiple Relationships

You might have multiple matches:

  • One for tutoring, one for advising
  • Different providers for different needs
  • Each is a separate relationship

All appear in your dashboard.

If You're Not Getting Matched

Possible reasons:

No Available Providers

  • Providers with your needed specialty may be full
  • Regional constraints limiting options
  • Temporary capacity issue

What to do: Wait for availability or contact support.

Incomplete Information

  • Missing intake questionnaire responses
  • Unclear requirements
  • Profile not complete

What to do: Review and complete all required information.

Specific Constraints

  • Very narrow requirements
  • Preferred provider unavailable
  • Unusual combination of needs

What to do: Contact support to discuss alternatives.

Can You Change Your Match?

Before Working Together

If matched but not yet started:

  • Contact support with concerns
  • Explain the situation
  • Re-matching may be possible

After Starting

If you've begun working together:

  • Discuss concerns with provider first
  • Many issues can be resolved
  • Contact support if needed
  • Re-matching is possible but takes time

Requesting a Specific Change

To request a different provider:

  1. Contact support or admin
  2. Explain your situation
  3. They'll assess options
  4. New matching may be initiated

Tips for a Good Match

Complete Information

  • Answer all questionnaire questions
  • Be specific about your needs
  • Include relevant background

Realistic Expectations

  • Popular providers may be busy
  • Perfect matches take time
  • Be open to provider recommendations

Communicate Early

  • Share concerns promptly
  • Don't wait if something feels off
  • Good communication enables solutions

After You're Matched

Once you have a confirmed provider:

  1. Review their information
  2. Reach out to introduce yourself
  3. Schedule your first session
  4. Begin working together

See Working with Providers for next steps.

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