Everyone can benefit from tutoring, but only 15% of high school students get tutored.* Most students wait until they are struggling to ask for help, but by then, it’s often too late.
The truth is, even successful students are just one missed day, one confusing concept, or one difficult transition (like changing schools or moving to an AP class) away from falling behind. Once you slip, catching up can feel nearly impossible.
That's why we champion the strategy of Preemptive Help Seeking—getting support before you think you need it. This simple but powerful approach ensures successful students maintain their edge and helps struggling students close the gap quickly.
Preemptive Help Seeking means shifting your mindset from reactive to proactive:
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You ask the teacher to re-explain a concept—not because you're confused, but because you want to lock it in and confirm your understanding.
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You review notes with a top-performing friend—to catch any errors and solidify the material before the test.
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You consider tutoring—even when you have a good grade, to develop advanced study techniques and stay ahead of the curve.
The 3 Core Beliefs of Preemptive Help Seeking
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Everyone Needs Help: Help is not a sign of failure; it’s a strategy for success. No one is perfect. Acknowledging your limitations empowers you to fix small weaknesses before they turn into big problems.
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Waiting is Losing: By the time you realize you need help (usually when a low grade hits your transcript), the damage is already done. Recovering from even one poor test grade can take significant effort. Don't wait for your grades to drop to take action.
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Guaranteed Success Through Preparation: Students who practice this principle often get ahead of the class. By the time the teacher is introducing a new topic, you are already reviewing it. When you study ahead, falling behind is nearly impossible, making good grades a near certainty.
How to Start Preemptive Help Seeking Today
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Ask All the Questions. Make it a habit to ask for clarity. Your teacher is there to help, and they will almost always take the time (before, during, or after class) to explain a concept until you are 100% sure you understand it.
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Form a High-Achieving Study Team. Find reliable classmates who are excelling. Work with them to review notes, discuss challenging concepts, and prepare for exams. (Remember: discussing is smart; copying is cheating.)
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Invest in Strategic Tutoring. A great tutor does more than just homework help. They identify your hidden weak spots, instill rock-solid study habits, and can help you study ahead of your class schedule. Even a few sessions can give you the leverage you need to gain and maintain a significant edge.
* ConsumerAffairs. “Tutoring statistics 2025 [2024]” ConsumerAffairs.com. Jun. 26, 2024, https://www.consumeraffairs.com/education/tutoring-statistics.html
