Frequently Asked Questions | NYU Tandon School of Engineering

Frequently Asked Questions

Picture of PTC Front Desk Staff

How do I sign up for tutoring?

The PTC is a drop-in tutoring center, so no appointment is necessary. This means that students can come into the PTC in 2 MetroTech Center, Room 983 any time during our operating hours and speak with a tutor right away. Come as often as you like for as long as you like.

Tutors are available to answer questions or get you started on a homework problem. Tutors can go over material you are not clear on, either from class or from the textbook. They can also show you a variety of problem solving methods.

Does it cost anything to get tutoring?

No. The Tutoring Center is open free of charge to all enrolled the School of Engineering students. Our service is included in your tuition, so take advantage!

How can I get help for exams?

Sign up for exam review sessions for your midterms and finals in computer science, physics, and chemistry.

Exam review sessions are 2-3 hours long. Students take a mock exam first. Then the tutor goes over the mock exam, showing correct solutions and answering questions. Space is limited, so sign up in advance when the link is posted.

Note: Mock exams are written by our tutors, based on experience, and not by your instructors. We have no advance knowledge of questions on your actual exam.

Does tutoring work?

Good question! The answer is that it depends on you – are you willing to work?

Try to bring specific questions and problems from your class. Ask lots of questions! Your questions help the tutor understand what gives you the most trouble.

Bring energy to tutoring! If you’re tired, wake yourself up. One way is to take a little walk outside. Some students like to drink a cup of coffee or a soda. Do what works for you!

Bring your tools! For computer science and physics: bring your calculator and your laptop.

Why won’t the tutors give me the answers? Isn’t that what they are here for?

Sometimes students get frustrated at tutoring because the tutors won’t just give out the answers. Instead, tutors will help you get started, and then they may ask a lot of questions to help you figure things out. That’s their job. They are not allowed to do your work for you.

Sometimes, when things are busy, it can be hard to get the attention you need. Please ask to speak with the director, with one of the head tutors, or with the person at the front desk. They will help you resolve the problem.

Are there other places at the School of Engineering to get tutoring?

Individualized, weekly tutoring is offered by TRIO/Special Services and HEOP for students enrolled in those programs. To find out if you qualify for the TRIO program, contact them in LC 253, or at 646.997.3560. Math tutoring is available through the Brooklyn Math Resource Center in 2 MetroTech 829. You can visit their web page by click HERE.

If I'm in the TRIO Scholars or HEOP program, can I also come to the PTC?

Yes! TRIO and HEOP students are invited to use the PTC, come to exam review sessions, and get additional tutoring help during drop-in hours.

Are tutors available after Tutoring Center hours?

PTC tutors are only available during scheduled hours.

What if the tutoring schedule does not fit my schedule?

Please contact John Paul Cleveland, jcleveland@nyu.edu, 646.997.3902. We will try our best to accommodate you.

Who are the PTC Tutors?

Our tutors for biology, chemistry, physics and computer science are the School of Engineering students who have good mastery of the subjects that they tutor. Our Writing Center consultants include writers, instructors, and graduate students.

All of our tutors are good communicators who want to help you take that leap from "Huh?" to "Oh, I get it."

Do you have additional questions?

Please contact us at polytechnictutoring@nyu.edu, call us at 646.997.3425, or stop in at 2 MetroTech Center, Room 983..