Alumni tutors understand the specific challenges of STEM coursework because they've navigated them successfully themselves. They can share proven study strategies, explain how foundational concepts connect to advanced topics, and help you avoid common pitfalls. Their direct experience with rigorous problem-solving and technical thinking gives them insight into how to build both competence and confidence in challenging subjects.

These tutors excel in mathematics (calculus, linear algebra, differential equations), physics, chemistry, computer science, and engineering disciplines including mechanical, electrical, civil, and chemical engineering. They also provide strong support in geology, metallurgy, and other specialized sciences. Because their degrees come from a school with a deep focus on STEM and technical fields, they bring specialized expertise that goes beyond general high school or introductory college tutoring.

Your first session is a chance to connect with your tutor and establish a personalized learning plan. Your tutor will assess your current understanding, identify specific challenges or gaps, and learn about your goals—whether that's improving grades, preparing for exams, or mastering difficult concepts. Together, you'll determine the focus areas and approach that work best for your learning style, so subsequent sessions can be as productive as possible.

Yes. Alumni tutors can offer genuine perspective on the academic rigor, course sequences, and study demands you'll encounter at the school. They can discuss how to prepare for specific challenges, what professors and programs are like, and how to develop the problem-solving mindset that SDSM&T emphasizes. This insider knowledge can be invaluable whether you're preparing for admission or already enrolled and wanting to succeed.

One-on-one instruction allows your tutor to focus entirely on your needs, pace, and learning style—something impossible in a classroom. Your tutor can slow down to clarify confusing concepts, speed up when you're ready to move forward, and use examples tailored to your interests. Research in educational psychology consistently shows that personalized instruction accelerates learning and builds deeper understanding compared to group settings.

With consistent personalized tutoring, students typically see improved grades, stronger problem-solving skills, and increased confidence in challenging material. Many students move from struggling with concepts to understanding how to approach complex problems independently. The specific outcomes depend on your starting point and goals, but the combination of expert guidance and focused practice creates meaningful progress in both mastery and test performance.

Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who match your subject needs and learning goals. When you're interested in working with someone who attended South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, we take that into account as we find the right fit. Once matched, you can discuss your specific challenges and goals in your first session to ensure the tutoring relationship is productive from the start.