Tutorial Services Room (TSR)

The OME’s Tutorial Services Room (TSR) offers free tutoring services to interested undergraduate MIT students. Student-organized and student-managed, the TSR provides one-on-one tutoring sessions, question and answer sessions, test reviews, and final reviews. These services are ideal for students in search of individual academic assistance.

The TSR staff maintains a database of available tutors in a variety of subjects, with an emphasis on core curriculum courses and popular electives. A student seeking a tutor must place a request with the TSR staff—either in person or on line—preferably at least 48 hours before the desired appointment. Students are matched with a tutor for future appointments. The tutors are graduate students and upper-class undergraduates who have demonstrated proficiency in a particular subject area and who are selected through an interviewing process. In general, all tutoring sessions take place in the TSR, in room 12-124, around the corner from the OME. Question and answer sessions (which resemble TA office hours) are offered frequently in response to student demand. These sessions, as well as test reviews and finals reviews, are usually held in the classrooms adjacent to the TSR.

Students who take advantage of tutoring services tend to improve their academic performance as well as their self-esteem. Tutoring enables students to clarify materials covered in class, complete assignments more quickly, and prepare for exams more thoroughly. For many students, tutoring is also an opportunity to develop better study skills. The tutors often experience benefits as well, ranging from greater competency within a subject to improved communication skills, a more interesting resume, and valuable insights into the teaching profession.

Encouraging Success

The TSR has been serving minority students for more than 20 years and is dedicated to making its support services and resources accessible, convenient, and useful. Its staff welcomes feed-back and suggestions from students and tutors.