Working with Providers
Once you're matched with a provider, it's time to start working together. This guide covers how to make the most of your sessions and relationship.
Getting Started
After your match is confirmed:
Initial Contact
- You'll receive provider contact information
- Introduce yourself via email
- Share any additional context
- Begin scheduling
First Session
Your first session typically covers:
- Getting to know each other
- Reviewing your goals
- Understanding your current status
- Planning your work together
Setting Expectations
Discuss with your provider:
- Session frequency and duration
- Communication preferences
- What you want to accomplish
- How you'll track progress
Tutoring Sessions
For tutoring relationships:
What to Expect
Sessions may include:
- Content review and explanations
- Problem-solving together
- Practice question analysis
- Test-taking strategy discussion
- Progress assessment
Preparing for Sessions
Before each session:
- Review material since last session
- Note questions or confusion points
- Complete any assigned practice
- Have materials ready
During Sessions
To get the most value:
- Be engaged and ask questions
- Take notes
- Be honest about what you don't understand
- Practice actively, not passively
Between Sessions
Continue learning:
- Complete recommended practice
- Review session notes
- Prepare questions for next time
- Track your progress
Advising Sessions
For advising relationships:
What to Expect
Sessions may include:
- Strategy discussions
- Document review
- Application planning
- Career guidance
- Decision support
Document Revisions
For document review (essays, statements):
Submitting Documents
- Navigate to your relationship
- Click "Submit Document" or "Request Revision"
- Upload your document
- Add specific questions or focus areas
- Submit
Receiving Feedback
- Provider reviews your document
- Provides comments and suggestions
- You're notified when complete
- Download and review feedback
Iterating
- Make revisions based on feedback
- Submit again for another round
- Continue until satisfied
Preparing for Advising
Before sessions:
- Have documents ready if applicable
- Prepare specific questions
- Think about decisions you're facing
- Be ready to discuss openly
Communication
With Your Provider
Good communication includes:
- Timely responses to messages
- Clear scheduling communication
- Honest feedback about sessions
- Prompt notification of changes
Rescheduling
If you need to reschedule:
- Notify provider as early as possible
- Propose alternative times
- Understand cancellation impacts
- Be respectful of provider's time
Giving Feedback
Help your provider help you:
- Share what's working
- Mention what could be better
- Be specific and constructive
- Ask for adjustments if needed
Tracking Progress
Sessions Completed
Your dashboard shows:
- Number of sessions completed
- Total hours used
- Remaining hours
Reviewing History
Look back at:
- What you've covered
- Progress made
- Areas still to address
Adjusting Approach
If something isn't working:
- Discuss with your provider
- Adjust session focus
- Change frequency if needed
- Consider different strategies
Managing Your Time
Balancing Sessions
Consider:
- How many hours you have
- Your timeline (exam date, deadline)
- Optimal session frequency
- Time between sessions for work
Planning Ahead
Think about:
- How many sessions you need
- When to schedule them
- Buffer for extra help
- When you might need more hours
If Issues Arise
Communication Problems
If you can't reach your provider:
- Try alternative contact methods
- Allow reasonable response time
- Contact support if no response
Scheduling Conflicts
If you can't find compatible times:
- Be flexible if possible
- Discuss alternative arrangements
- Contact support for help
Quality Concerns
If sessions aren't meeting needs:
- Discuss directly with provider first
- Be specific about concerns
- Give opportunity to adjust
- Contact support if unresolved
Requesting a Change
If the relationship isn't working:
- Contact support or admin
- Explain the situation
- They'll assess options
- New matching may be possible
Running Low on Hours
As your balance decreases:
Monitor Your Balance
- Check dashboard regularly
- Note remaining hours
- Plan final sessions carefully
Need More Hours?
If you need to continue:
- Purchase additional package
- New hours added to balance
- Continue with same provider
Wrapping Up
If you won't add more:
- Plan final sessions strategically
- Focus on most important topics
- Get provider's recommendations
- Prepare for independent work
Completing Your Relationship
When you've finished:
Natural Completion
- You've used your hours productively
- Goals achieved or exam passed
- Relationship marked complete
- Provider freed for others
Feedback
You may be asked:
- Rate your experience
- Provide comments
- Suggestions for improvement
Future Services
If you need help again:
- Purchase new package
- Request same or new provider
- Go through matching again
Tips for Success
Be Proactive
- Take ownership of your learning
- Come prepared
- Do the work between sessions
Communicate Openly
- Ask questions
- Share struggles
- Provide feedback
Stay Consistent
- Regular sessions
- Steady effort
- Long-term planning
Trust the Process
- Your provider is experienced
- Follow their guidance
- Be patient with progress
Related Documentation
- Finding Providers - How you got matched
- Sessions - How sessions work
- Revisions - Document review process
- Managing Grants - Your balance and usage