Too Late To Start Tuition Now?

Hi, I’m currently a JC2 student studying at XJC. Just happened to chance upon your website a few days back, and I just wanted to ask if it’s too late to request for tuition? I dropped from an A in my promos last year to a C in this year’s batch of common tests, then to an S for my mid-year assessment (which I reckon happened due to a sheer lack of practice), and my prelims are around the corner so I highly doubt that miracles can happen within such a short time.

I have been practicing sporadically due to time constraints and the need to focus on my other subjects as well, yet somehow I just can't seem to consolidate and organize my thoughts when I'm attempting Maths questions (especially the harder ones). Also, sometimes I don't really know where to start when revising topically; granted the TYS serves as a somewhat useful guide, however the questions posed are of varying difficulty and on occasion might entail concepts from other topics which I am not familiar with thus far. So yeah, just wondering are you actually free/willing to conduct tuition so late in the year? Thanks for reading this!

Student  X  (through contact form)

Good Day, 

                           If it is any comfort, your situation is not unique; I have encountered and helped quite a few students who came to me at a very late stage in the past. Given that you have previously scored an A, I reckon your Math ability isn't all that terrible, regardless I shall reserve further judgment till I get the opportunity to assess you personally. Indeed I am very busy at present, therefore to be fair to my other existing students, I will only consider arranging something contingent on certain conditions, which include you being willing to devote time and extreme diligence towards resuscitating your Math grades ( I won't wish to waste my time helping someone who is ambivalent about making necessary sacrifices to improve), as well as adhering to my tight timetable.

Also, you may wish to take note that my fees are $XXX/hr for late intakes, and I would strongly advise you to consult your parents and arrive at a decision quickly given time is not on your side.

You can also call me directly should you wish to discuss matters with me ( though an SMS first would be appreciated since I might be teaching). At this particular instance when I am drafting this, my door is still slightly open, but it won't remain so for long. Let me know again.

Best Regards,

Mr Koh 

Addendum: This exchange occurred during the end of August 2011. The student was about to sit for his preliminary examinations then and I have since taken him under my wing.