How Tutoring Works
Tutoring is a free, low-pressure way to stay on top of your classes and feel more confident with the material, especially as you make the transition from high school to college.
It’s not just for when you’re struggling—many students use tutoring to better understand concepts, practice problem-solving, and study more effectively.
At UW–Madison, tutoring is offered through our various learning centers across campus. Each provides tutoring for the subject areas and courses they support. Tutoring is available for more than 75 courses at UW-Madison.
Types of Tutoring on Campus
Most tutoring through UW-Madison’s learning centers is offered in one of two formats: drop-in tutoring during regularly scheduled hours or small-group tutoring that you sign up for early in the semester and attend on a consistent basis.
Drop-in tutoring
Drop-in tutoring is available for a variety of subjects listed on our “Find Tutoring” page and offers a flexible way to get help when you need it. These spaces provide a dedicated environment for studying, allowing you to work independently, while still having access to support.
You can go with a specific question for a tutor, or just for a space to study—if questions come up, a tutor is there to assist! Explore your subject area and review the drop-in options available at the learning centers that support it.
Small group tutoring
Small group tutoring offers a structured and consistent learning experience, with regular meetings alongside the same tutor and group of students. This option is ideal if you prefer routine and want ongoing support in a specific course.
Participation in these groups usually requires an application or registration, and groups fill very early each semester. Explore your subject area and review the options available at the learning centers before the semester begins.
Getting Started with Tutoring
Question 1: When should I get tutoring?
Tutoring is a valuable resource at any point, not just when you’re falling behind. Starting early helps you build strong habits, stay on track, and feel more confident in your classes. It’s a built-in UW–Madison resource, so getting connected with a learning center early can really support your success.
If you do hit a bump—like a tough exam or falling behind in a course—tutoring is there when you need it. Drop-in sessions can help you review material, clear up confusion, and get back on track quickly.
Question 2: Where should I go for tutoring?
There are quite a few learning centers on campus, and deciding where to go for tutoring can seem overwhelming. Fortunately, you can quickly find the subject area and course you would like tutoring in on our Find Tutoring page.
Any student who is enrolled in a course listed on our Find Tutoring page is eligible to receive tutoring at any learning center that supports that course. To simplify it, we suggest you to start by checking out tutoring at your school or college’s learning center.
Are you part of a scholarship program? Scholarship programs often provide tutoring services, so make sure to ask your program contact about tutoring.
Question 3: How can I prepare for tutoring?
If you attend drop-in tutoring and are looking for immediate assistance from a tutor, it can be helpful to review your notes from lectures, labs, or discussions, and any readings or assignments you would like to discuss.
There’s no need to have questions or problems prepared when attending drop-in tutoring. You can use it as a study space and ask for help from the tutor when questions arise.
If you are part of small group tutoring, you will have a structured weekly program and your tutor and group will help you understand how to come prepared each week.
Ready to check out our tutoring options?
Search for tutoring by subject area and find the learning center and tutoring option that works best for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
If you need assistance finding tutoring for a course that is not listed on our Find Tutoring page, you can contact a learning center that tutors similar courses through their general contact information to see if they offer tutoring by request. You can always reach out to info.learningsupport@wisc.edu with any questions about tutoring or academic support resources.
Office hours are also one of the best next steps if you aren’t able to find tutoring for your exact course. Instructors and TAs hold office hours to answer questions, explain material in a different way, and help you work through challenging concepts. While it can feel intimidating at first, office hours are meant for you, and coming prepared with a few questions or examples can make a big difference.
Taking advantage of office hours is a direct way to get support, build connections with your instructors, and stay on track in your course.
At many learning centers, you can expect to work with peer tutors who are undergraduate students who have received an A or AB in the course they are tutoring. Every tutor receives training from their learning center and participates in ongoing professional development throughout the academic year.
Learning centers don’t typically offer one-on-one tutoring opportunities outside of drop-in tutoring. Make sure to check out the subject area you are looking for on our Find Tutoring page to see the options available to you!