Algebra 2 is one of the most important math courses in a student's high school career. For many students, it will be the highest-level math course they take in high school. Algebra 2 also factors prominently on both the SAT and the ACT, and actually represents the most advanced concepts on the SAT. The ACT includes trigonometry, while the SAT does not. Students apply concepts they learn in Algebra 2 in their high school chemistry courses, and the material is also essential for high school physics.
Success, skill, and confidence in Algebra 2 are essential in college for students who pursue a course of study in math, science, or engineering. In addition, non-STEM majors will also implement a vast array of the class concepts. Social sciences such as economics and psychology require many of the graphing skills that a student learns in Algebra 2, as well as the ability to create functions, simplify expressions, and solve equations.
While it is a class that teaches concepts that will be applied to a great variety of subjects and classes, Algebra 2 is very difficult for many students. In many cases, this is due to an incomplete mastery of Algebra 1 concepts. The basic concepts of Algebra 1, such as writing and solving equations, graphing, and calculating slope, continue to appear in Algebra 2 in more elaborate forms. Lines give way to parabolas and, eventually, circles, ellipses, and hyperbolas as well.
Students learn how to simplify quadratic expressions, and thus must be comfortable with exponents and radicals. To complicate matters for students struggling with Algebra 2, they often have to apply these concepts to the PSAT, SAT, or ACT the same year in which they learn the material. Additionally, Algebra 2 is often the first time that students are required to use a graphing calculator. Having to learn how and when to use this technology can add additional stress to the course for some students.
Varsity Tutors can help students connect with Algebra 2 tutoring that provides expert instruction focused on their specific needs. Algebra 2 tutoring can help students shore up algebra concepts that they never mastered, and teach them how to apply those skills to solve more difficult problems. Algebra 2 tutors are skilled, focused, and patient math instructors who can provide support to students looking to increase their grades or simply to build confidence in their math studies.
A highly skilled and talented tutor will also evaluate a student's abilities and then customize their tutoring sessions to focus on their unique strengths and weaknesses. This is a major benefit over classroom instruction because teachers often don't have the time to focus on individual students. But a private tutor can spend the necessary time to identify strengths, weaknesses, and learning styles, which can go a long way in helping a student devise a study plan that will provide them with the most benefit.
The individualized attention a student can receive from a private tutor is also helpful because this allows them to move at their own pace. If a student falls behind in their class, it can be difficult for them to ever catch up because it is unlikely that their teacher will be willing to slow down. Likewise, if a student is ready to move on to a different topic, there is no guarantee they will be able to because their classmates may not be ready. But when they work with a private tutor, these potential issues can be eliminated.
Tutoring sessions offer flexible scheduling, so students can meet with their tutor at a nearby convenient location, in the comfort of their own home, or even have face-to-face online sessions through our live learning platform. Contact Varsity Tutors' educational directors to get connected to a private Algebra 2 tutor today.
