Here are some frequently asked questions:
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How are advisors selected? |
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One of our senior advisors meets with each student and his or her parents at their home.
This initial session identifies goals, expectations, and current academic status. The student is then carefully matched with an
advisor (tutor)
based on subject, learning style, and personality.
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What are the advisors' credentials? |
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Each
of our extremely select advisors is chosen because of expertise
in a specific subject area and his or her ability to establish
a solid working rapport with the student. Our advisors offer
a young and energetic perspective and provide the opportunity
for students to see the real-world relevance of difficult and
complex concepts.
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What are the costs? |
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We have two hourly rates for our services: academic advising and standardized test advising. The minimum session length is one
hour and is billed pro rata at fifteen minute increments thereafter. Contact Empire Edge today for more information.
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How are the sessions structured? |
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Academic
sessions are most frequently one hour per subject, twice a week.
Standardized test sessions are generally
an hour and a half per subject, once a week. While these are the most common arrangements, Empire Edge will modify session frequency and length
to accommodate student need.
A true dialogue develops between advisor and student wherein
trust and compatibility reinforce the teaching of both basic
and advanced skills. Problems are analyzed and explained thoroughly,
areas that require additional practice are indentified, and
follow-up exercises are provided. Additionally, expert guidance
in study habits, homework preparation, and general organizational
skills are essential components of our program.
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Can
I have a advisor come "as needed"? |
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While
we do provide advisors "as needed", we strongly recommend scheduling
weekly sessions. Regular studying, organization, and reinforcement
have proven most effective in achieving the desired results.
Our advisors always try to accommodate last minute requests, although
it is best if parents and students anticipate an "as needed"
session many days in advance to increase the probability of
booking the requested time and advisor. It is Empire Edge's
policy to honor regularly scheduled sessions before those on
an "as needed" basis.
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Do you work with students who have learning disabilities or difficulties? |
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Empire
Edge has had much success with students who have varying learning
difficulties and disabilities. These include dyslexia, ADD,
ADHD, dyscalculia, and others. Empire Edge can work with a family's
learning specialist or psychiatrist to determine strategies
and techniques that work best for each individual student. We
are determined to help each student find his or her own way
to a solid comprehension of even the most difficult concepts.
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Where do the sessions take place? |
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Most
frequently, sessions take place in the students' homes. We ask
that parents provide an open space with ample light such as
a dining room or kitchen table. Such a setting gives advisors
and students room to spread out and have multiple books and
binders open at once. It also allows parents to listen to the
session periodically, although we recommend that they keep noise
and interruptions to a minimum.
In the event that a student lives outside of New York City or that a student wants to meet during a free period, Empire Edge
can arrange sessions at a public library or quiet coffee house. Some schools allow tutors to meet students on school grounds.
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Do advisors work on weekends? |
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Most
advisors are available all weekend. Sessions are most frequently
scheduled Sunday through Thursday. For standardized test preparation,
Empire Edge strongly recommends at least one session per week
be scheduled on Sunday. In this way, we are able to minimize
conflict with weekly academic commitments and responsibilities.
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What if the advisor doesn't seem like the right match? |
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Each advisor is qualified to provide assistance in a given course. If a good rapport does not seem to exist after the
first session and a new advisor is assigned, the initial session will be credited. Please note that each advisor uses techniques for
accommodating different learning styles. A strong advisor/student relationship often takes several sessions to develop fully.
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Is there a cancellation policy? |
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We
ask that you give your advisor a 24-hour minimum notice of cancellation
to avoid a 50% charge of the scheduled session length. If the
advisor is not immediately reachable, please call the office
to cancel. Sessions cancelled within 2 hours of the scheduled
appointment are billed at the full rate.
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What is Empire Edge's confidentiality policy? |
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Empire Edge is committed to your comfort and privacy. Advisors are strictly prohibited from mentioning names of students to anyone,
including both personal and professional acquaintances. There is no communication with teachers, administrators, or other students unless
explicitly requested by the parent or student.
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Will Empire Edge collaborate with the school, if need be? |
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As needed, we will confer with guidance counselors and classroom teachers
to collaboratively devise ways to improve a student's performance and reach his or her personal goals. We maintain that education is a team effort
and is most efficient when all lines of communication are open. Nonetheless, advisors will not speak about the student with anyone
unless given explicit instructions to do so by the student or parent.
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What is Empire Edge's commitment to academic integrity? |
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Academic
integrity means responsibilty, honesty, and professionalism
in scholarship. Empire Edge takes this commitment seriously.
Advisors will not write anything on a student's behalf, nor
may they provide direct help on any assignments that a teacher
has asked a student to complete alone. Advisors are also not
allowed to work with students on take-home tests and quizzes.
Empire Edge aims to help explain, clarify, and enrich a student's
scholastic experience. Empire Edge vows that no unfair advantage
will be given to any of its students.
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