1. Do you provide individual attention to students?
We understand that each child has a different aptitude for a subject. Since each child responds to different teaching methods and paces differently, we believe in personalised attention.
The purpose is to provide the most efficient environment for quiet and concentrated learning, guided by our most sincere tutors, without any ordinary distractions (vis-à-vis socializing and social networking). To this end, we allot tutors to students. Managers, in turn, supervise the tutors during class hours. At every level we take conscious care, in real-time and after-classes, to assess the effectiveness of the teaching methods.
Tutors will be shuffled and teaching methods revised, to adapt to the needs of individual students. No need or doubt of any student will go unaddressed.
2. How good are your teachers?
All our teachers go through rigorous training for a period of three to six months before beginning their tutoring at USOL.
Following the initial months of training, they continue to receive training, concurrent with their tutoring lessons. Furthermore, an additional supervisor, an expert in the subject at hand, manages every group of eight full-time teachers.
Our teachers possess both expertise in the fields that they teach, as well as invaluable experience teaching those subjects. We assure our students the very best.
3. What syllabi do you cater to?
We have students from UWC, OFS, SAS, Tanglin, CIS, Chatsworth, AIS, GIIS, DPS, NPS, Raffles, ACW, Hwa Chong and several other local schools.
The Syllabi that we are catering to:
| International Schools | – IB, IGCSE (CIE & EDEXCEL ) |
| Local Schools | – ‘O’ Level, ‘A’ Level, PSLE, IP Programme |
| Indian Schools | – CBSE, ICSE, ISC |
| American Schools | – AP Curriculum |
| Australian Schools | – Australian Syllabus |
| Common tests | – SAT, ACT, UKCAT, GMAT |
| Competitive Exams | – UNSW, AEIS, 11+, 13+, IEO etc |
4. We do not prefer a fixed teacher.
Is there any solution for this at your centre?
Of course, yes! We always work with a team of teachers for a child, instead of a fixed teacher. We believe that this system of teaching offers several advantages:
1) Each tutor has a distinct forte and a specialization.
For every topic you learn, we will ensure you are tutored by the very best in that scope of learning.
2) This system allows different teachers with distinct perspectives to evaluate each student.
This gives us a more nuanced understanding of a student’s learning ability and progress. The team of full-time teachers can then cohesively draw a game plan to collectively address a child’s needs.
3) The tutors each strive to perform to the best of their ability.
Our tutors don’t like to be outdone by tutors elsewhere. Nor do they like to be outdone by other tutors within the organization! This helps both students and teachers stay on top of their game, availing every opportunity to show off their skills!
5. What if a student requires a change of teacher, mid-way through a session?
We operate a very transparent and friendly environment. Should a change of teacher be required, a student only needs to raise his hand. A supervisor will immediately come to the student’s avail and provide an alternate tutor.
Every tutor recognizes that the tutor-tutee relationship operates on an intangible chemistry that may very well vary from student to student. No tutor takes it personally if a change is asked for.
The student should feel free to request a change whenever it is desired. There will be no questions asked.
6. When a student lacks academic motivation, do you suggest any remedies?
Our tutors are trained, not only to teach theory and learning material, but also to inspire interest within a child for the subject at hand. We aspire, not only to improve grades and examination scores, but also to evoke a sense of commitment for a subject, born out of his her sheer curiosity.
We ardently believe that fun learning is effective learning. Refer to Public Speaking for more on what we do.
7. Are there online teaching facilities in your Centre?
We currently provide online teaching for students residing in the following countries – The United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, America and Canada. If you are a resident of any other country, please email us with your requirements and we will gladly respond to your requests at the earliest.
8. Is a student tested? How regularly?
Yes, we conduct tests regularly. There are three kinds of tests:
- 15-20 minutes test during every session.
- A test on a particular topic before the school quiz or test.
- Two compulsory semester exams will be conducted in the month of March and November. Refer to Essential Academic Tests.
9. What is the procedure for feedback to parents and guardians?
After every session with a student, we will send feedback via text message to the registered parent/guardian. We will inform you of your child’s progress, the learning material covered during the course of the class and the assignments that are due before the next session.
Should you wish for further information, we are only an SMS away.
10. What external examinations do you train students for?
We understand that external examinations are ways in which the more ambitious among students can gauge their standing at the international level. It is also a very good way to boost student confidence. With this in mind, we work with students towards the following examinations:
- AEIS
- UNSW
- IEO
- 11+
- 13+
- SAT
- ACT
- TOEFL
- IELTS
Alternatively, if there are any other competitions that a student wishes to partake in, you can rest assured that we are equipped to train a student to perform to the best of his/her abilities. Let us know of your needs and we will devise a program to get you kick-started!
11. Do you help students with preparations for entrance examinations into prestigious schools in the US?
Many of the best schools in the U.S allow for entry based on entrance examinations, IB scores, the PSAT and so on. There may be those among you that wish to take the Scholastic and College Ability Test. In addition, many states in the U.S have tests for Gifted and Talented Students (the GATE). We do indeed help students prepare for these examinations by providing rigorous and planned learning programs, to ensure that they achieve their fullest potential. Come to us with any aspirations whatsoever you may have, we have a wealth of study and test materials, and teachers to get you there!
12. Do you help students with preparations for entrance examinations into prestigious schools in the UK?
Many of the best schools in the U.K allow for entry based on entrance examinations. These examinations are taken at various ages – 11+, 13+, 16+ and so on. We help students prepare for these examinations by providing rigorous and planned learning programs, to ensure that they achieve their fullest potential. We have compiled all the learning material relevant to specific examinations. You only need to avail of our resources to have all the help you need at hand!
Should a student have ambitions of applying to a school with such requirements, we are here to help make his/her dreams come true!
13. My child is not sure how to go about his/her Common App essay or personal statement. Do you provide any help?
Yes definitely. We offer one-on-one essay writing sessions for high school juniors and seniors. We will help your child strategize, brainstorm ideas and develop a structure that works. But we will not write his/her essay for him/her. We will respect his/her voice, because it must always remain his/her essay.
We are happy to help at any stage of the process. However, the ideal time to start planning the essay is the spring of junior year. Students who complete their personal essays during the summer before senior year will find twelfth grade and the college application process much less stressful.
14. When should my child start with the essay?
During summer, we offer one-on-one essay writing sessions for juniors and rising seniors who want to complete their personal essay over the summer. Sessions include everything from choosing the prompt and brainstorming essay ideas to structuring an engaging piece and editing it. Completing this all-important essay over the summer is a great way to get a head start on a student’s senior year.
15. My child is already in his/her senior year but has not yet started with the essay. Can you help?
Definitely. We help seniors develop their ideas, structure their essays and finally polish them. For students who haven’t started this process during junior year or over the summer, this process can be intense. Be sure to allow enough time in your child’s schedule to accommodate this important process. Seniors who haven’t done so already are encouraged to start on their essays in September. From the initial brainstorming sessions to the final edits, we provide guidance, advice and support.
16. Which schools are your students usually from?
We have students from UWC, OFS, SAS, Tanglin, CIS, Chatsworth, AIS, GIIS, DPS, NPS, Raffles, ACW, Hwa Chong and several other local schools.
17. What do you teach?
Critical Thinking and Creative Writing, the most essential skills integral to the learning process, are significant to one’s success in life. We teach English Language and Literature from Grade K1 to Grade 12. We also help students in college application essays, personal statements, Common Application essays, UCAS application, and many more!
18. A student is currently at an IB school. He/She wants to go abroad to attend University after high school.
How does one recommend preparing for the IB examinations?
The IB examinations cover topics learned over the course of two years. In order to do well in IB, the student needs to:
1) Prepare for the external assessments, such as Paper 1: Commentary writing, Paper 2: Essay
2) Prepare for the internal assessments, such as IOP/FOA, IOC
3) Prepare for the written works, such as written assignment (world literature essay), written tasks (critical and creative), extended essay.
Examinations in school test commentary writing skills and essay writing skills. We endeavor to inculcate in students the ability to learn and retain concepts for longer spells of time. Particularly for students who have had to travel and or change schools, our method of testing ensures a certain continuum in knowledge accumulation. We believe in testing cumulative knowledge, periodically. Both past and current learning material are to be tested in an examination environment from time to time to ensure that come examination season, the student doesn’t have to bear the brunt of topics and concepts long-forgotten.
If a student wants to travel abroad to attend university, then it is of particular importance that he/she maintains high grades consistently through the last few years of high school. Universities look at student’s predicted scores more critically than a student’s actual IB scores. In order to have a high predicted score, performing well at school examinations are of paramount importance.
To this end, regular and periodic revision of schoolwork must be performed with due diligence.
19. How may a student enroll?
It’s very simple: text the name of the child, grade, school and required subject on 65+ 83993969. Also, mention whether you would like to register as a Guest Student or a Regular Student. We will respond to you at the earliest opportunity.
20. Can a student start the sessions immediately after registration?
Usually, we have a waiting list.
You can expect to wait for 2 weeks to 6 months depending on the current rush of students. We promise to accommodate you at the very earliest.
21. What are the Centre timings?
| Days | Timings |
| Monday to Fridays | 12:30 PM – 7:30 PM |
| Saturdays & Public Holidays | 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM |
We are open on all Public Holidays except Diwali Day, New Year’s Day (1st of January), Chinese New Year and Singapore National Day.
22. Do you provide study material?
Yes, we do provide extensively researched material to our students. Registration plus admin plus material charges are as follows:
| Grade 1-10 | SGD 120 plus GST for each subject annually that a student is registered in |
| Grade 11-12 | SGD 180 plus GST for each subject annually that a student is registered in |
This nominal charge is in the interest of ensuring that all registered students have access to materials for which they are registered, at all times. These charges are charged on an annual basis regardless of the date of joining.
23. Should students come at a specific time?
It is good for students to schedule their classes (which ‘day’ and what ‘time’) so that they can plan their own week. At the same time, we understand that School and CCA commitments vary from week to week.There may be holidays one month, and intense school examinations another. We also understand the nightmarish scheduling conflicts of parents. With these logistical imperatives in mind, the centre allows the students to fix their days and timings according to their convenience. Also, at any time, if your child needs an extra class, he/she can come for the class by messaging us a few hours in advance.
24. What are the recommended minimum hours that a student needs to come?
| GRADE | SUBJECT | MINIMUM TIME PER SUBJECT |
|---|---|---|
| K1,K2 | English | 4 sessions per month (6 hours/month) |
| 1-2 | English | 4 sessions per month (6 hours/month) |
| 3-8 | English | 4 sessions per month (8 hours/month) |
| 9-10 | EnglishPSAT | 4 sessions per month (8 hours/month) |
| 11-12 | EnglishACTSAT | 4 sessions per month (8 hours/month) |
25. A student wants to be regular at the Centre. However, there may be compulsions that will render him/her unable to come during a particular month, or have more time during another month. What is the recommended solution to this conundrum?
The student must aim towards completing the requisite number of hours per subject per month at the institute. However, we understand that there may be difficulties due to travel plans, examinations, illnesses and so on. In such cases, the student must ensure that he/she compensates by completing the requisite number of hours from the time of his/her admission till 4 months after that.
This means that for the period of 4 months starting from the time the student is admitted with us, he/she must complete the minimum number of hours as follow:
| GRADE | SUBJECT | MINIMUM TIME PER SUBJECT |
|---|---|---|
| K1,K2 | English | 20 sessions per semester (30 hours/semester) |
| 1-2 | English | 20 sessions per semester (30 hours/semester) |
| 3-8 | English | 20 sessions per semester (40 hours/semester) |
| 9-10 | EnglishPSAT | 20 sessions per semester (40 hours/semester) |
| 11-12 | EnglishACTSAT | 20 sessions per semester (40 hours/semester) |
For example, a grade 5 student is recommended to complete 4 English sessions per month. If, however, she is not able to take all 4 English sessions in a particular month, then she must ensure that within the next 4 months, she has completed at least 10 sessions (20 hours of class). The student’s account will be charged accordingly.
We will allow students their flexibility in choosing the days of the week and times that they wish to attend. Our centre is open on all days except Sunday. We are open on public holidays and during school term breaks. Our team of 20 dedicated full time teachers is on call at all times during open hours.
Students may even choose to come in daily during holidays, or with greater regularity. This is to ensure that students are coming to the institute regularly, are being tested regularly and are achieving consistency and discipline in their work ethic.
We understand that the mandatory number of sessions that the student is required to come for every 4 months may present an inconvenience to some. However, our aim is to ensure the very best for our students. We want them to excel – and there are no short-cuts to excellence. Once a student enrolls at USOL, it becomes our responsibility to assertively guarantee their academic well-being. Our prerogative is neither to expand the capacity of the centre, nor is it to actively seek out new students. Our purpose is to dedicate ourselves wholly to our devoted student base. To this end, we exercise our right to predicate a minimum number of hours for students who are willing to devote themselves sincerely in their academic growth with us. We hope you appreciate and respect the spirit behind this rule.
If a REGULAR STUDENT is unable to complete these nominal number of hours, he will be considered a GUEST STUDENT and charged accordingly. A guest student has no minimum hours condition.
26. A student does not want to enrol as a full-time student at USOL. However, he/she would like to take few classes at the Centre over a short period of time. Does USOL allow for that?
We do accommodate Guest Students. Please refer to our tab about Guest Students for further understanding.
27. What is your fees structure?
Our fees structure and payment modes vary for different grades/syllabus/subjects.
Please Whatsapp (strictly) Ms. Richa Mahajan on 83993969 for these details.
28. What do you do when my child is not satisfied with the Centre and wants to discontinue?
Our refund policy is in your favour.
Each child is personally monitored and our best efforts are invested to ensure that he/she benefits from the class. However, if at any point of time your child is not satisfied with us, please message us. Your available credit will be refunded in 24 hours, no questions asked.
Some tuition centres provide free trial classes before enrolling. We believe that even after enrolling, the student should be eligible for a refund in case of dissatisfaction. We stand by that belief. While we offer no trial classes, you may request a refund at any time at all. We will gracefully comply. Our refund policy is also explained on the receipt you will receive at the time of payment.
Should you feel inclined to re-enrol at USOL, we will gladly accept the student back into the program.
29. Is your refund policy one sided?
In the interest of fairness, we may also refund a received payment in the following scenarios:
- We are not comfortable with a student/parent’s demands.
- Excessive use of mobile phones by the student during class hours.
- In case of disciplinary violations.
- The student does not come regularly for the classes and only comes during the exam period, leading to disappointment at examination results.
- A student only collects material and does not bring it to class for corrections or discussion.
In such cases, we reserve the right to refund the balance fee.
