Frequently Asked Questions

The in-person PTC is appointment-based.  This means that students can come into the PTC in JAB 373 or call us at 646-997-3425 to make an appointment.  Students can make up to three appointments per day in different subjects and up to 15 appointments per week, but we do not allow back-to-back appointments within the same subject area.  Students’ access to appointments will be restricted if they exceed five cancellations or no-shows within a semester.

We offer drop-in tutoring online using Zoom.  Students need the Zoom link and passcode for their subject in each semester.  Drop-in tutoring means that you may log on without an appointment, at any time during the scheduled PTC hours. 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. You may attend drop-in online Zoom tutoring as often as you'd like.

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!

Sign up for exam review sessions for your midterms and finals in computer science, physics, and chemistry. Come for extra drop-in hours before math exams.

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 at JAB 373.

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.

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.

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.

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 Tutoring Cat 2 MetroTech 829.  You can visit their web page by click HERE.

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

PTC tutors are only available during scheduled hours.

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

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."

Please contact us at polytechnictutoring@nyu.edu, call us at 646.997.3425, or stop in at 373 Jacobs Academic Building.