5 Things to Watch Out For When Selecting a Tutor

Finding a tutor when you're up late frantically Googling "VCE English Tutors" can feel like navigating a minefield. Before you hand over your academic future (and your parents' money), watch for these red flags disguised as promises.

Number 1: Teaches every subject under the sun

When a tutor claims they can teach physics, literature, biology, and three different maths subjects, it's time to question how deep their knowledge actually goes. These jack-of-all-trades tutors typically offer surface-level insights when you really need someone who can dive right into the nuances of your subject.

Look for tutors who specialise in one subject or a few related subject areas. For English help, find someone who eats, sleeps, and breathes English—not someone who's teaching chemistry in their next session. At Lindsey's, we're English purists for a reason: our singular focus means we pour all our expertise, resources, and passion into one subject. When crunch time comes and you need those detailed insights your teachers don't mention, you'll thank yourself for choosing a specialist.

Number 2: Overpromises and underdelivers 

If a tutor sounds like they're selling miracle pills ("Get a perfect score, no hard work required"), your skepticism is well-placed. The best tutors know that real results come from honest work, strategic preparation, and consistent effort—not magical shortcuts. 

Quality tutors set realistic expectations and present honest assessments of what you can achieve together. They'll tell you what's possible based on your starting point, work ethic, and timeline—not what sounds good in their marketing emails. Remember: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably belongs in the spam folder.

Also, if the company promises 24/7 access to the tutor, and unlimited feedback at $30 per week, you have to question, are the tutors available 24/7 willingly? What about their own life? Honestly, you should probably check if they’re okay…

Number 3: Destructive feedback and vague comments

Feedback that tears down without building up is just criticism, not teaching. Some tutors think pointing out every flaw in your work counts as helping, but if they can't explain how to fix those issues, they're just making you feel bad about your efforts.

A good tutor balances honest assessment with clear direction. They don't just circle your mistakes in red; they show you specifically how to transform those weaknesses into strengths. Your one shot at Year 12 deserves better than vague criticisms and deflated confidence.

For example, getting feedback that says “describe more here” isn’t very helpful. Compare it to “Here you could add something about the environment, show how he becomes hyper-aware of his surroundings, as people sometimes do when they're uncomfortable, can he feel the plastic chair sticking to his skin? Is the breeze carrying dirt with it that makes him itchy? Focus on small details to bring the scene alive.” Can you see the difference?

Number 4: Guarantees any student who signs up raw 50s

We all dream of perfect scores, but tutors promising guaranteed raw 50s are selling fantasy, not education. Even the most brilliant students and dedicated tutors can't control every variable in the examination process. On the day the VCAA might decide to do an entirely new and unfamiliar prompt - which no one could have predicted, the stimuli might be completely left field, you might be sick, there might be some loud (and distracting) construction right outside your exam room, someone could be sniffling the entire time. Although you can try and prepare as much as possible, you won’t always be able to control every single variable, and your tutor won’t be able to either!

When tutors make bold claims about results, ask for evidence. How many students have actually achieved those outcomes under their guidance? Also question selection bias (see red flag #5).

At Lindsey’s, we believe in informed investments (from our parents). Simply put, we want to be loved for the right reasons, so emphasis is placed on the quality of our testimonials, not promises made. We're proud of our track record, but we'll never promise what we can't deliver.

Number 5: Only teaches Year 11 duces and top scorers

If a tutor would like to see your Year 11 scores before taking you on, they're likely trying to find students who'll succeed regardless of how good (or bad) their teaching is. These tutors want to profit off high-achievers who would excel anyway, and take credit for your hard work. This is when teaching ethos truly comes into play.

Year 11 results don't define your Year 12 potential. The best tutors focus on your growth, not your starting position. They're interested in how far they can take you, not whether you're already on track for success. A tutor's value lies in the progress they help you make, not in selecting students who make them look good.

We won’t lie: Lindsey’s naturally attracts a lot of great students. These are students who have great foundations and want to ensure that they leave no stone unturned. However, this is not because we cherry-pick students based on IQ or Year 11 results, it is because our programs, by design, make sense for students with the right mindsets. We don’t shop for high achievers, we vibe-check. 

See our students’ kind reviews here: ranging from A turned raw 50 students to C+ students reaching for mid 40s.

Don’t settle for less; good things take time

When those endless Google results for "VCE English Tutors near me" start to blur together, keep these red flags in mind. The right tutor won't just direct your existing talents—they'll help you discover capabilities you didn't know you had. They'll challenge you, support you, and genuinely invest in your success.

Remember: you only get one Year 12. Choose a tutor who's as committed to your results as you are.

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