College Prep Zone
The College Prep Zone is committed to helping RRCC students in early-level math and English classes build a foundation for lasting academic success.
Our Mission
Our mission in the College Prep Zone is to provide a safe, comfortable, and supportive environment in which students can receive help with improving their basic math and English abilities. CPZ tutors help students to gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence necessary to succeed in their college courses. We support students through a variety of services including tutoring, group study sessions, test preparation, study skills, and much more.
At the CPZ, we believe that every student has the intelligence, ability, and desire to be successful. Accordingly, we strive to create a welcoming, respectful, and collaborative learning community, where all levels of learners can grow, succeed, and achieve their goals.
What classes/topics can you get help with in the CPZ?
Tutors are always available in the CPZ to help students with assignments for their math & English courses, including but not limited to:
- The Reading Process:
- Pre-reading
- Note-taking
- Analysis
- The Writing Process:
- Pre-Writing
- Drafting
- Revision
- Editing
- The Reading Process
- The Writing Process
- Rhetorical Appeals (ethos, pathos, logos)
- Summary/Response
- Writing Concepts:
- Audience
- Purpose
- Argumentation
- Writing types
- Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division
- Ratios, Proportions, Percentages
- Fractions & Decimals
- Solving Equations
- Graphing & Linear Relationships
- Exponents
- Polynomials
- Factoring
- Integers (Positive & Negative Numbers)
- Word Problems
- Geometry
- Basic Algebra
- Basic Statistics (Mean, Median, Mode)
- Radicals
- Linear Systems
- Polynomials
- Factoring
- Functions
- Quadratics
- Rational Equations and Expressions
- Word Problems
- Sets and Set Properties
- Logic and Truth Tables
- Basic Financial Math
- Simple Interest
- Compound Interest
- Linear Equations
- Exponent Rules
- Counting Rules
- Histograms and Box Plots
- Measures of Center
- Measures of Variation
- Sampling & Study Design
- Histograms & Box Plots
- Measures of Center
- Measures of Variation
- Basic Probability Rules
- Categorical Variables
- Quantitative Variables
- Scatter Plots
- Regression Lines & Equations
- Skewness & Normality
- Excel Basics
Tutoring Formats
Tutoring services will be available in the following formats:
- In-person walk-in tutoring with an RRCC tutor (Lakewood campus only). Students can drop in and meet with a tutor at any time during normal hours of operation (listed below). The College Prep Zone is located in the Learning Commons, just across from the Library
- Zoom math tutoring by appointment with CPZ tutor (Click Here to access those directions)
- Online, 24/7, through TutorMe (Click Here to access those directions)
Who Are the Tutors?
All of our CPZ tutors are trained professionals who are respectful, friendly, and very helpful.
They are not only knowledgeable about math and English, but they are patient and passionate about meeting students where they currently are in their academic journey and helping them to grow in their academic skill-sets and to set themselves up for long-term college success.
Our tutors come from many backgrounds and roles. We have:
- Tutors who are current or former instructors of early-level math/English classes
- Peer tutors who have excelled with math and English coursework
- Professional tutors with years of experience working with early-level students
All tutors complete specialized orientation & training, enabling them to provide excellent tutoring assistance for every student they serve.
Test Preparation & Academic Success Skills
Our tutors prepare students for upcoming tests and develop effective academic skills.
Test Preparation
Tutors also help students prepare for upcoming tests with helpful resources, including:
- Test Reviews--free, walk-in test reviews (with complimentary snacks!) are held throughout the semester for certain math classes. Check with CPZ staff or your instructor to see if test reviews are offered for your class.
- Test Taking Strategies
- Test Anxiety
Academic Success Skills
Tutors can also provide guidance with honing important academic success skills, such as:
- Productive and Efficient Studying
- Organizing Study Materials
- Managing Study Time Effectively
- Note-taking
- Preparing for Exams and Managing Test Anxiety
- Active Reading
- Building a Growth Mindset
- Crafting an Effective Scholarship Essay
Additional Resources
- Computers are available in the College Prep Zone for general student use.
- Accessibility Services provides students with assistance to students with diagnosed learning disabilities.
- The Assessment Center provides information for students who are preparing to take the academic placement test.
- Free tutoring is available for other college classes as well.
- Handouts and other supplemental resources are available in the College Prep Zone:
- Writing/reading handouts
- Math handouts
- Practice exercises
- Note-taking tips
- Study tips
- Test-taking tips
Location & Hours
Math Tutoring Hours
Fall/Spring
- Monday - Thursday: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Friday: 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Summer
- Monday - Thursday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
English Tutoring Hours:
Fall/Spring
- Monday - Thursday:
- 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
The College Prep Zone is CLOSED on Saturdays and Sundays.