Elaine Bellucci
Statistician, Mathematician, Tutoring Services
36263 Castellane Dr. Murrieta, CA 92562
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are your qualifications?
I possess a B.S. degree in Statistics with Options in Quantitative Management from The University of
California, Riverside.
I am a National Science Foundation Scholar, and member of the MENSA High IQ Society (intelligent quotient
within the top 2 percent of the population) and I’m currently pursuing my actuary fellowship, while performing
various research and project activities in the academic and scientific fields.
Are you credentialed?
No, I do not hold a teaching credential. I feel my time is better spent on research and applied mathematics.
And, most students who use my services are referred by their credentialed teachers. I do not believe a teaching
credential is necessary to convey the concepts and applications of mathematics. My knowledge and experience
are better conveyed through my actual accomplishments.
How much do you charge?
My regular rate is $30.00 per hour. Other rates apply for SAT and test preparation and I do offer discount
rates to various schools and institutions. Please call me for more information.
Do you require contracts?
No, I do not require contracts or any additional assessment or “hidden” fees. However, I do recommend
contracts for students who require more than a few sessions of tutoring so that I may schedule a set day and
time each week for their sessions. Without a contract, I can’t guarantee the same day and time week to week.
Contracts are negotiable with each client. Contact me for more information.
Do you come to my house?
I do not come to a student’s home. Past experience with this practice has not been good. Often I show up and
the family is not home, or for whatever reason the appointment needs to be cancelled at the last minute. This
results in lost time and money for me. Currently I tutor from my home in Northeast Murrieta, so if a tutoring
appointment is cancelled, I can work on my research or other projects. I will be moving my business into an
office space in the near future.
Why should I get private tutoring instead of going to a learning center?
Learning centers are excellent for those who need to learn basic math skills. However, as much as learning
centers advertise one-on-one tutoring with specialized programs, the programs are still “programs”. Individual
students have individual problems and a cookie cutter program that is meant to teach the masses may not
always work. Therefore, much time and energy is wasted on learning things that are not necessary for a
particular student’s needs. Private tutoring is more efficient and effective. Why pay for 6 months of tutoring
services to see results? There is no better way to truly individualize a program than with a private tutor.
What subjects do you tutor?
All mathematics subjects (including calculus, statistics, financial mathematics). I tutor all levels although I
prefer middle school and above.
Physics, all levels through college.
English Composition. I am a professional writer, and currently write an opinion page column for The
Californian newspaper. For the nuts and bolts of English grammar and structure, I can refer you to some great
English tutors.
I may be available to tutor other subjects as well, or refer you to someone who can help. Please contact me for
more information!
Do you perform an initial assessment?
Absolutely! However, my initial assessment is done during the initial tutoring session. I will look over the
student’s material with him or her, and we will discuss problem areas. I will be able in the first session to
pinpoint weak areas and offer techniques for improvement. There is never a charge for the assessment, and I
can notify the parent of the student’s needs, in writing if so desired.
Do you tutor older and re-entry students?
I was one myself! Yes, I love tutoring the “more mature” student! Older students have great motivation and
desire to achieve their goals, which makes them a pleasure to work with. Additionally, I understand that there
are many time constraints on an older student; family, work, etc. so I can offer special study techniques that
may help.
How long does it take for your average student to see results?
Most of my students see results within a couple of weeks, if not immediately. I have had students improve from
D’s and F’s to A’s and B’s in one month, although not all of my students do that well that fast! However, if a
student does not see any improvement after the first month, then I would question the process. There should be
no reason for a student to attend six months of sessions to see improvement. Indicators of progress are better
understanding of homework and improved test scores.
Here is a tip. Do your homework once through with your reference materials, but keep track of the
troublesome problems (the ones you needed to use references for). Then do those problems a second time,
trying not to use your references, but use them if you absolutely have to. Then repeat the process with the
problems that gave you trouble the second time around. Repeat until you can do all of the problems without
reference materials.
The next day, take those hardest problems and try them out again to make sure you remembered how to work
them. If any of them give you grief, perform the procedure as given above. Yes this takes time, but you will
improve and you will be confident during your test.
I have other helpful tips for test taking, and can go over them in a session or two with a student. Contact me for
more information.
I just need to do a review for a test this Friday. Can you help me in just one session?
Probably not if it is Thursday evening. But, students have utilized my services early in the week to prepare for
tests at week’s end or the following week. I have had a few students call me and ask for a quick review
session. If I have an opening I will definitely try to fit you in! Just remember math knowledge takes practice, I'm exceptional but I can't work miracles overnight. I am a mathematician, not a magician.
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