Frequently Asked Questions

All private tutoring sessions at TBU are conducted one-on-one between the student and an expert tutor who specializes in the relevant curriculum. Sessions are scheduled at times that suit the student's availability and can be held either online or in person depending on your location. Each session typically lasts 60 to 90 minutes and follows a structured lesson plan tailored to the student's current level, learning pace, and academic goals. Our tutors regularly assess progress through practice problems and mock assessments so that both the student and parents can see measurable improvement over time. You can learn more about our approach on our private tutoring page.

The IB Diploma Programme is one of the most rigorous and internationally recognized pre-university curricula, and our tutors understand every aspect of its unique assessment structure. TBU provides specialized support for all six IB subject groups as well as the core components including Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, Service requirements. Our tutors help students develop the critical thinking and analytical writing skills that IB examiners look for in top-scoring papers. We also guide students through Internal Assessments with structured timelines and detailed feedback on drafts, ensuring they submit polished work that maximizes their marks. Visit our IB tutoring page for more details.

TBU offers tutoring for a wide range of AP subjects including AP Calculus AB and BC, AP Physics, AP Chemistry, AP Biology, AP Statistics, AP Psychology, AP Macroeconomics, AP Microeconomics, AP English Language, and AP English Literature among others. Our AP tutors are intimately familiar with the College Board's exam format, scoring rubrics, and the specific content knowledge required for each subject. Preparation involves a combination of concept mastery, timed practice with official AP exam questions, and detailed review of free-response techniques that earn maximum points. We track each student's progress with diagnostic assessments and adjust the tutoring plan accordingly so that by exam day, students feel confident and well-prepared. Learn more on our AP tutoring page.

We generally recommend that students begin structured test preparation at least six months before their target test date, although the ideal timeline varies depending on the student's baseline scores and target scores. Starting early allows sufficient time for foundational skill building, multiple rounds of practice tests, and targeted improvement in weaker areas without the stress of a looming deadline. For the SAT and ACT, many students begin in their sophomore or junior year of high school, while TOEFL and IELTS preparation timelines depend on the student's current English proficiency level. Our initial diagnostic assessment helps determine exactly where the student stands and how much preparation time is needed to reach their goals. Visit our test preparation page to explore your options.

Our SAT preparation program is comprehensive and tailored to each student's strengths and areas for improvement. The program covers both the Reading and Writing section and the Math section in depth, with particular attention to the question types and strategies that yield the highest score gains. Students work through official College Board practice materials alongside our proprietary problem sets that target commonly tested concepts. Regular full-length practice tests under timed conditions help students build stamina and learn effective time management. Our tutors provide detailed score analysis after each practice test, identifying specific skill gaps and adjusting the study plan to ensure continuous improvement. Learn more on our SAT preparation page.

While both the SAT and ACT are widely accepted by universities, each test has its own structure, timing, and content emphasis that requires a distinct preparation approach. The ACT includes a Science section that the SAT does not have, and its Math section covers a broader range of topics including trigonometry. ACT questions tend to be more straightforward but the test is significantly faster-paced, requiring students to develop speed and efficiency in answering. Our ACT tutors focus heavily on pacing strategies, section-specific techniques, and building comfort with the test's unique format through extensive practice with official ACT materials. We also help students decide whether the ACT or SAT is a better fit for their skill set before they commit to a preparation path. Visit our ACT preparation page to learn more.

TBU offers three distinct consulting services designed to support students at every stage of their journey toward studying abroad. Our Academic Coaching service helps students build strong study habits, improve their GPA, and develop the academic skills needed to thrive in competitive educational environments. Our Overseas Education Consulting service provides comprehensive guidance on choosing the right country, university, and program based on the student's academic profile and career aspirations. Finally, our College Counseling service guides students through the entire university application process including essay writing, interview preparation, and application strategy.

While private tutoring focuses on mastering specific subject content and preparing for particular exams, academic coaching takes a broader approach to developing the student as a whole learner. Our academic coaches work with students on time management, study strategies, organizational skills, goal setting, and building the self-discipline needed to maintain a high GPA throughout their school years. Academic coaching is especially valuable for students who have strong intellectual ability but struggle with consistency, motivation, or managing the demands of a rigorous curriculum. The coach serves as a mentor and accountability partner, meeting regularly to review progress, adjust strategies, and ensure the student stays on track toward their long-term academic goals. Learn more on our academic coaching page.

We recommend starting the college counseling process no later than the beginning of the student's junior year of high school, although earlier engagement in sophomore year can provide a significant advantage. The early start allows time for strategic course selection, extracurricular planning, standardized test scheduling, and building a compelling applicant profile before the application season begins. Our counselors work with families to create a detailed timeline covering every milestone from initial university research through final application submission. We help students identify reach, match, and safety schools based on their academic profile, personal interests, and career goals. The earlier you begin, the more options you will have and the less stressful the application process will be. Visit our college counseling page for details.

Our overseas education consultants have extensive firsthand experience with international university systems and guide families through every aspect of planning an education abroad. We begin with a thorough assessment of the student's academic background, language proficiency, career interests, and family preferences regarding location and budget. Based on this assessment, we develop a personalized roadmap that includes country and university shortlisting, application timeline planning, visa guidance, and pre-departure preparation. Our consultants maintain up-to-date knowledge of admission requirements, scholarship opportunities, and program rankings across universities in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Europe. We work closely with families to ensure that every decision is well-informed and aligned with the student's long-term goals. Visit our overseas education consulting page for more information.