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Become a Subject Tutor

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CTL subject tutors are trained Stanford undergraduate/co-term students who use their academic expertise on a subject to coach students so that they can succeed on their own after the session. Tutors can provide help through either drop-in sessions or appointments.

The CTL Peer Tutoring program is internationally certified through the College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA) International Tutor Training Program Certification (ITTPC). Tutors have the opportunity to be certified through our program. 

Applications for Subject Tutor positions are now OPEN. Applications are due Wednesday, November 6th.  

Application Link

Appointment Tutoring Subjects OfferedDrop-In Tutoring Subjects Offered
  • Biology/Bioengineering
  • Chemistry
  • CME
  • Computer Science
  • Economics
  • Engineering
  • Human Biology
  • Math
  • MS&E
  • Physics
  • Statistics
  • CME
  • Chemistry
  • Math
  • Physics

Why Should I Become a Subject Tutor?

  • Competitive Pay: Starting pay for undergrad tutors in 2024-2025 will be $21/hour and pay for graduate tutors will be $33.50/hour. Continuing tutors make an additional $1 per year (3 full quarters) of service.
  • Flexible Schedule for Appointment Tutors: Appointment tutors create their own schedule through TutorTrac with approval from the Assistant Director. They are required to post at least five hours per week of availability between the start of week two and the last day of classes each quarter.
  • Flexible Schedule for Drop-in Tutors: Drop-in tutors create their schedules within their subject teams and work two two-hour shifts per week. Drop-in tutoring takes place in the evenings, Sunday through Thursday, and for some subjects on Sunday afternoons.
  • Build New Relationships: In addition to meeting students individually, you will also work closely with instructors in your subject and make short, paid visits to each class you will support.
  • Professional Development: All new Subject Tutors are expected to attend paid, weekly training workshops and complete occasional pre-training work during the first quarter of their first year of hire. Read the Job Agreement [PDF].
  • Support and Leadership Opportunities: Tutors meet several times a quarter with their subject team to discuss course content and best tutoring practices. Experienced tutors can become Lead Tutors, who organize their subject team and lead team meetings.
  • Subject Development: As you help others learn your subject, you will also grow more proficient in the material.

Application Requirements

  • Must be a currently enrolled Stanford undergraduate or co-term student. See below for hourly limits.
  • Must be legally eligible to work in the United States
  • A minimum 3.0 GPA overall, and a minimum grade of A- in the courses you want to tutor. *In some cases, tutors may be approved to tutor a course if they have taken identical coursework elsewhere and have taken a higher-level course at Stanford.
  • A strong commitment to helping peers learn
  • Outstanding interpersonal skills, time management, and have attention to detail
  • See the Undergraduate employment guides for hourly limits.
  • For further information regarding regulations for international students, contact the Bechtel International Center.

Application Process

  1. Application: Complete an online application (which includes submitting a short essay and official transcripts)
  2. Interviews: Candidates will be contacted to participate in a half-hour one-on-one interview with the Assistant Director and a half-hour role-play interview with current tutors.
  3. Paperwork: Refer to emails from the Assistant Director to learn about what documents you will need for completing your hire.
  4. Training: New Subject tutors must attend one paid, mandatory training prior to starting work (normally scheduled for the first Saturday of Week 1). New Subject Tutors are also expected to attend paid, weekly training workshops and complete occasional pre-training work during their first quarter of hire.