DIY preparation
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Re: DIY preparation
We DIY-ed and achieved first choice school.
It was obviously lots of tenacity and effort - but I think that it has a lot to recommend it over tutoring.
From what I've heard - the 'successful' tutors often achieve inflated looking success figures because they rigorously pre-screen students (i.e. value added is not that much). My friend also had a nightmare where the tutor and her son just didn't click - and they lost masses of time before they discovered it.
Study this forum, have a browse in WH SMith for books, take a cold and dispassionate assessment of your DC current strengths and weaknesses. Get your DH involved so one parent isn't always tutor.
Most of all - make sure your DC is onboard with the plan. If deep down they don't want the place - it'll be miserable whichever route you choose.
It was obviously lots of tenacity and effort - but I think that it has a lot to recommend it over tutoring.
From what I've heard - the 'successful' tutors often achieve inflated looking success figures because they rigorously pre-screen students (i.e. value added is not that much). My friend also had a nightmare where the tutor and her son just didn't click - and they lost masses of time before they discovered it.
Study this forum, have a browse in WH SMith for books, take a cold and dispassionate assessment of your DC current strengths and weaknesses. Get your DH involved so one parent isn't always tutor.
Most of all - make sure your DC is onboard with the plan. If deep down they don't want the place - it'll be miserable whichever route you choose.
