Frequently Asked Questions

General FAQ

How do I pay for services?

Aristotle Circle accepts payment via credit card. In order to begin tutoring, we will need a card on file. You can enter or change this card by logging into your account, clicking “My Profile,” and going to the “Billing” tab. 

Aristotle Circle also accepts payment for tutoring packages and admissions counseling services via wire. For wire instructions, please contact us at info@aristotlecircle.com.

How much do services cost?

Aristotle Circle offers services at a variety of price points. Because our services are personalized and designed around student needs, our price points fluctuate based on what services we are providing to each student. For information about pricing for your educational needs, please reach out to info@aristotlecircle.com or 212-360-2301.

Is my information secure?

Aristotle Circle takes client security extremely seriously. We pride ourselves on our discretion, and you can rest assured that your information will not be shared with any third parties, full stop. Aristotle Circle does not sell data to anyone, ever. 

Our payment processing is encrypted, and all credit card numbers are invisible to anyone except the processor - including you. This is why your credit card number appears as a series of X’s in your client profile. 

Admissions FAQ

What is included in the college counseling package?

The college counseling package is inclusive of the following services:

  • Academic strategy and positioning for college applications
  • Summer activity and extra-curricular activity planning
  • Activities resume creation 
  • University/college list development 
  • School visit planning (virtual and in person)
  • Preparation and completion of up to 10 applications and required supplements, including all essays (all of this is done in partnership with the student)
  • Interview preparation, if needed
  • Wait-list strategy, if needed
  • Provision of deadlines and admissions timelines for all needed standardized exams and application submission

Tutoring is a separate service and not included in the price of the college counseling package.

I only want help with essays. Can you do that?

Yes! Aristotle Circle provides Pay-As-You-Go options for admissions counseling as well as tutoring. Whether you are writing a parent essay for admission to a selective K-12 school for your child or a senior in high school who needs guidance on your college essays, we have admissions experts and tutors to meet your needs.

We also have a network of subject tutors who are available to help strengthen writing skills, either in general or for specific courses such as AP English Literature & Composition. We can also provide assistance for large end of year projects, such as Theory of Knowledge essays in the IB curriculum.

Does Aristotle Circle help college students with transfer applications?

Yes. Aristotle Circle’s college counselors are extremely well-versed in the challenging process of transferring into selective colleges and universities. “Transfer” College Counseling Packages are available. Inquire at info@aristotlecircle.com or by phone 212-360-2301 to find out more.

When should I purchase college admissions counseling services?

Aristotle Circle takes on admissions clients as early as 8th grade and as late as Fall of Senior year for high school students. Academic positioning and extracurricular activities suggestions are important elements in college admissions considerations, and these occur throughout a student’s high school career. Our goal is to help students find their passions and pursue them in a way that will benefit them in their search for the perfect-fit college, and afterward, their career. Starting early is important, but it is never too late.

Tutoring FAQ

What is a tutoring package and how does it work?

Tutoring packages are a pre-paid group of 10 hours connected to your client account, to be used within one year of purchase. Packages of 10 hours are available at a 10% discount. Payment for the full ten hours is made after the first tutoring session occurs. Tutoring sessions do not need to be one hour each, and are reported in increments of 15 minutes. For example, a student with a 10 hour package can have: 10 sessions of 1 hour each, 5 sessions of 2 hours each, or a combination of session lengths, e.g. 1 session of 1 hour, 3 sessions of 45 minutes, 4 sessions of 1 hour and 15 minutes, and 1 session of 30 minutes. Tutoring packages offer flexibility and bulk pricing for clients, and are a great option for those who are looking to have regular sessions.

My schedule no longer works with my tutor’s availability. What should I do?

If, for any reason, you need a different tutor, please reach out to your local REA or our main office at 212-360-2301. We will find another tutor to better meet your needs.

How much tutoring does my child need?

Aristotle Circle’s tutors provide personalized, one-on-one tutoring. No two students are exactly alike, and therefore no two tutoring sessions will be, either. Our tutors meet students where they are - whether that means advanced or extremely behind grade level. The best person to direct this question to is your student’s tutor. After an initial session, they should be able to give you a response suitable to your child.

How do I schedule a tutoring session?

Sessions are scheduled directly with your tutor. When you are matched with your perfect-fit tutor, you will receive an email with their contact information. They will also receive an email with your contact information. Feel free to reach out to your tutor at any time to schedule, cancel, or ask questions about a session.

What is your cancellation policy?

Aristotle Circle respects the time of students, parents, and our tutors. For this reason, we ask that students cancel sessions with at least 24 hours notice. Sessions canceled within a 24 hour window will be billed as if they occurred. 

What do I need to apply to Aristotle Circle?

        Aristotle Circle prides itself on selecting the best of the best to be a part of our network of professionals, from the peer level all the way to career counselors. Our hiring process is multi-step, and we vigorously screen our applicants. The hiring process is slightly different for each position.

Peer tutors must have at least an A- average GPA, be a junior in high school or above, and some tutoring experience. Potential tutors will need a resume and a parent’s permission to begin the application process. 

Pro tutors must have at least a Bachelor’s degree and tutoring and/or teaching experience, as well as specialty work within the subjects you are looking to tutor. Please send your resume to info@aristotlecircle.com for consideration and further instruction.

Experts must have experience in admissions, ex-missions, and/or college counseling certifications in order to work with Aristotle Circle. Please send your resume and a writing sample to info@aristotlecircle.com for consideration and further instruction. 

Test Prep FAQ

How do I register for a test?

Aristotle Circle provides counseling, tutoring, and test preparation services. We are not creators or administrators of any tests. We are not proctors, and we do not provide any test-taking services. To register your child for a test, you can visit the websites of the organizations that write and administer the tests to find a test center near you:

ACT: act.org

PSAT, SAT, AP: collegeboard.com

ISEE, AABL, CTP: Erblearn.org

SSAT: ssat.org

GRE, TOEFL: ets.org

GMAT: mba.com

IELTS: ielts.org

DuoLingo English Test: englishtest.duolingo.com

How do I prepare for the SAT or ACT?

Aristotle Circle suggests working with a tutor for at least three months before your planned SAT or ACT date. Depending on the goals, ability, and schedule of availability of the student in question, this time can be longer or shorter as needed.