In contrast to the generalist, jack-of-all-trades agencies such as Varsity, Tutor Doctor, Tutor Chase, UniversityTutor, QETutoring, and many others in the K-12 space, we focus exclusively on the high-stakes IB curriculum throughout Vancouver and the Lower Mainland.

Our tutors are, therefore, not just subject area experts. They are specialists in the IB program as taught within the leading local schools, such as Mulgrave International School, Stratford Hall School, West Vancouver Secondary School, and Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School.

But even this increased focus is just the starting point. The real difference is in our high level of support.

• Stringent Hiring: Only a small fraction of our applicants is accepted through our rigorous selection process. We only choose professional vetted educators in North America who demonstrate not only deep mastery of a subject but also exceptional mentorship and teaching abilities.
• Proprietary Resources: We provide our tutors with over a decade of proprietary materials and resources developed to help them deal with specific challenges and intricacies of the IB curriculum.
• Active Quality Control: Stringent quality control is achieved through 'active' management of the tutoring relationship, as we do not simply match and forget, but rather supervise the working relationship to meet our high standards.

It is this unmatched methodology that has earned us the trust of more than 190 families in North America, resulting in 5-star Google reviews. https://www.trustindex.io/reviews/hackyourcourse.com/lang/en

The IB program is one of the most challenging programs a student can take. While most students in the area perform independently and earn good grades, the IB curriculum is harder to master, and unlike most other programs, the pressure is intense. There are multiple areas where a specialist could help; these are the areas where students most often seek help in their IB program and include:

• Mastering of IAs, EEs, and TOK: These are all components of the IB, and each has a complex mark scheme, which an IB specialist tutor could help with. Unfortunately, tutors who do not specialize in the IB often lack the local mark scheme knowledge to help students reach the levels required by the IAs.
• Exam Preparation: Getting a good score in an IB exam can be more than just knowledge of the material; exam strategies and mastery of the topics being tested often make students more confident and can help them achieve better scores.
• Building Foundational Skills: For subjects where the course is HL and academically challenging, a tutor can help students not only prevent issues from becoming serious and growing, but also ensure that students have a solid understanding of the topics.

It should be noted that this is not an expense but a strategic investment so that these students can make it through the IB program without their grades suffering to the levels that are not reflective of the students' actual capabilities.

We are in the age of technology. There are many tools that can assist with tutoring, such as AI that can highlight grammatical errors in essays and provide one-off overviews of concepts, provided the student understands how to use them effectively. For example, our tutors are encouraged to use AI to augment their teaching.

That said, AI has no pedagogy. There is no depth, no skill, no ability to form and evolve the type of one-on-one teaching relationship to guide a student through the complexities of the IB markschemes with their own specific style of learning that a real live teacher can provide. We do not advocate using AI as a substitute for thinking and understanding real issues, and certainly not as a substitute for using it as it was designed—to assist, not to do the work for you. The responsible use of AI as described is something we advocate thoroughly.

Hack your course tutors are vetted, North America-based professionals. Many have advanced degrees (M.Sc., PhD, B.Ed.) from top-tier Canadian institutes like the University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, University of Victoria, University of Toronto, and McGill, and have tutored IB students for years. We do not hire peer tutors. In order to bring on only top-tier professionals, our acceptance rate is on the lower end (single digits). Some are fully accredited teachers; others are IB-certified. Regardless of who you end up with, the quality of work you will receive is second to none at HYC.

Certainly, you are fully in control. Of course, our specialists' pairing expertise is top-notch—matching the best educator to the student based on our extensive experience with IB programs in the Vancouver area—but feel free to choose your preferred tutor.

All families in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland receive a First Session Satisfaction Guarantee. If you do not think the first session is a good fit, you don't have to pay. Here is how it works in regards to tutor selections.

• When we assign a tutor to you: The Satisfaction Guarantee is in full effect. This is the route we advise you to take as it allows us to use our experience to find the best long-term match for your child, with no risk.
• When you decide on a tutor, you are more than welcome to handpick a tutor. In this occurrence, we do advise that the Satisfaction Guarantee will be voided. We do this in the name of transparency and we will be more than happy to explain this to you during the booking. Your lack of surprises is our priority.

If, for any reason, you feel the match is not working out, we will be more than happy to find a new tutor from our team.

Session reports completed by each tutor are consolidated by our management team to analyze progress and provide management reports to families to assist them on an ongoing basis. This is how we service families across Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. We are continuously engaged Participants in Your Child's Success, and thus do Continuous Quality Control.

Yes, for sure. We proudly showcase our verifiable, positive Google reviews, most of which are five stars, and we have over 191 of them! For Reviews, we adopted and continue to use a transparent Google page, a method that many of our competitors do not employ, as they prefer to display documents on their sites that have unverified testimonials. For our reviews, we suggest you visit our Reviews page, where you will find aggregate reviews from our three branches.

Of course. We have many years of practical expertise working with people in Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Coquitlam, New Westminster, and all the other nearby communities. Our regional specialization enables us to appreciate the specifics of IB local institutions and programs, such as the IB offerings of the Vancouver School Board and other programs in Surrey and Burnaby school districts, something international agencies cannot do. We work with families in all major areas, including Kitsilano, Point Grey, Kerrisdale, Shaughnessy, West End, Yaletown, and elsewhere.

Yes. Our specialists have deep experience with the distinct requirements of both HL and SL courses across the IB curriculum. We ensure your tutor is an expert in the specific level your student is taking and familiar with how these courses are taught in Vancouver-area schools across British Columbia.

Our instruction is precisely aligned with official IB mark schemes. Our tutors are trained to teach students what actually earns marks on these critical components. We go beyond simple content review to focus on the structure, formatting, and analytical depth required by the IB to achieve a high score. Our experience with local IB schools helps us understand common strengths and challenges among Vancouver-area students.

Yes. Staying current with curriculum changes is a core part of our specialist focus. Our educators are required to be up-to-date on the latest syllabus requirements, exam formats, and markscheme adjustments to provide the most accurate and practical instruction for IB students in the Vancouver area and across British Columbia.

This is the most important question for Grade 10s. Overall, Canadian engineering and other difficult sciences (like UBC or Waterloo Engineering) require Math AA HL since it is the most calculus and theory-heavy. Math AI HL is accepted more often for business and social sciences, but is not enough for most STEM majors. We assist students in aligning with target universities and mapping their correct math courses to help avoid scenarios where admissions are rejected and no help can be provided.

Usually no. Competitive engineering programs in Canada (like UBC, McGill, Waterloo) require a calculus-heavy background, which means Math AA HL is mandatory (or, in rare cases, Math AA SL with high grades). Math AI SL is considered a non-calculus track, suitable mainly for arts and humanities.

Math AI HL would be more appropriate when it comes to student's strengths in statistical analysis and modeling. However, it is important to check what your university requires. A common concern is that students think Math AI HL is 'easier' but that is not the case. This math involves complex statistical testing and matrices that Math AA would not cover. At the time of your intake, we consider all of the students' strengths in order to recommend a path that would give the students the best chance of achieving the grade that they would need in order to study the desired subjects at university.

This is a myth that is quite dangerous. A lot of Canadian universities (like UBC and U of T) do consider Grade 11 marks. This is also applicable to your predicted grade (PG) in your university application, which is primarily affected by your grade 11 performance. We do not consider Grade 11 as just another year, we consider it the most important part of your university application.

AA (Analysis and Approaches) is more about algebra, functions, calculus, and the more pure aspects of mathematics, whereas AI (Applications and Interpretation) is more focused on modeling, statistics, and the practical application of mathematics in the real world. If you want to study engineering, the sciences, economics, and computer science, you should take AA. If you want to study one of the social sciences, business, or the arts then AI is enough.

Most Canadian universities say they prefer AA HL for engineering, computer science and some of the more science programs that have a lot of math (UBC, Waterloo, McGill, Toronto). Some will take AA SL but if the overall application is strong. But for STEM, AA HL is the safest route.

Yes, AI SL or HL is acceptable for the humanities, business, and psychology, as well as for many life science programs. However, programs that really require calculus will usually prefer AA.

Most of the time, medical programs are more concerned with your undergraduate performance than your high school math. Usually AA SL is enough, but AA HL is probably a good idea for biochemistry and physics in undergrad.

Deciding whether to switch levels should focus on their work with functions, algebra and introductory calculus. If they seem routinely stressed, struggle with quizzes even when they study, or have other significant foundational gaps from Grades 9-10, they may be better suited to SL. A tutor can inform parents in as few as 1-2 sessions by evaluating the student's conceptual understanding and the speed at which they solve problems.

Take HL if they enjoy math, feel confident when learning new skills, have goals to pursue a STEM major, and have strong algebra skills from Grades 8-10. Choose SL if they seem stressed, cannot keep up with a fast pace, or do not plan to major in math-intensive fields.

Of course, academic integrity is essential. A tutor cannot write the student's IA; however, at Hack Your Course, we are "academic coaches." We assist students with topic selection, check their mathematical reasoning, ensure the complexity is appropriate for HL/SL level, and coach on the different criteria in the rubric, especially Criterion E: Use of Mathematics. We assist you by polishing the finished product. We do not actually do the assessment for you.

"Personal Engagement" (Criterion C) is the biggest area students lose marks for, mainly due to the selection of bland, elementary textbook questions. Another area is poor "Mathematical Communication" (Criterion B), as evidenced by incorrect or undefined notations and/or variables. Our tutors, most of whom are IB graduates or examiners, know best what the rubric requires because they've had first-hand experience.

Tutors can explain concepts, assist with organization, demonstrate mathematical methods, and analyze the IA for clarity, but they can never do the IA for the student. Ethically, IB tutors can teach skills, not make pieces of the IA. It is the student who is fully accountable for the complete IA.

Tutors help students understand how to choose appropriate topics, how to effectively arrange the exploration, how to articulate the math and its application correctly, how to do the math without being overly complicated, and how to fulfill the requirements set by the rubric. The student is the sole owner of the project, and all tutoring does is amplify the knowledge that the student has.

AA HL is the only non-college course that combines the speed of AP Calculus BC with the abstract proof requirements of university-level Real Analysis. It requires not just the ability to calculate quickly, but the ability to deeply understand the material on a conceptual level. To get a 7, the student must solve "Paper 3" investigations that require them to apply the math in a context they have never seen, and real memorization will not get them there.

IB Math is challenging overall, and achieving a strong understanding of the material, rather than just memorizing it, is essential. It is a subject with a lot of reasoning, explaining, and computing, multi-step problems, and a lot of problem solving to get through it, and explaining things will ultimately be a problem at the end. IB demands much explaining, justifying, and modeling a lot of strong math students from earlier high school. They get used to math being very static and end up completely failing IB math.

Because IB is very particular with the way they do their math. They want very precise reasoning, good notation, and clear, structured steps that the student explains and gets the math. They have to be experts in the IB way of communicating, and with that in mind it is very easy to lose marks due to misplaced math. A lot of students know how to compute but end up losing marks for having to lose the math in a certain form. This is very fixable with tutoring of the right kind.

To get a 7, a student must have near flawless math fundamentals, reasoning, articulation, and time management skills. There is usually a polishing of exam technique to help students get past the last hurdle according to tutors.

Yes, it is unavoidable. The GDC is needed for Papers 2 and 3, either the TI-84 Plus CE or the TI-Nspire CX II. "Calculator fluency" is part of the math skills that we focus on at Hack Your Course. Marking GDC usage absence is a common reason students lose marks in addition to the pressure of exam time.

Tutors help students visualize functions efficiently to save time and reduce the likelihood of mistakes in Paper 2. There will be time saved and less mistakes made with good GDC habits.

The "MYP to DP shock" is real. MYP focuses on inquiry and criteria-based grading, while DP shifts to rigorous, exam-heavy content. We bridge this gap by focusing on algebraic speed and foundational calculus rules early in the Grade 11 year (DP1), ensuring the student isn't overwhelmed when the pace accelerates.

Mock exams are the best measure of how students will perform at the end of the course. We do mock exams and other forms of assessment and try to have at least two intensive review sessions where we assist students on their time management, and provide them with strategies on how to answer questions quickly and efficiently to ensure they get the most points for the time they spend on the questions.

Paper 1: No calculator — tutors focus on algebra, functions, trigonometry, and calculus fluency.

Paper 2: For this one, a calculator is allowed. Tutors teach GDC (Graphic Display Calculator) shortcuts, graph analysis, and model interpretation.

Paper 3 (For those in HL only): We have tutors who equip students on the extension problems, proofs, unusual structures, and advanced reasoning.

Terms such as, 'show that', 'hence', 'justify', 'interpret', and words of that nature, point towards specific response expectations, and many points get lost on misunderstanding command expectations. Students learn, from tutors, how to respond specifically to IB exam expectations.

Absolutely. Justification, explanation, and reasoning, are more heavily emphasized with IB than regular math classes. Marks also get lost when students don't explain, but are correct in their answers.

Functions and transformations, derivatives and their applications, integrals and their areas, trigonometric equations, algebraic manipulation are the highest-leverage topics. Mastering these positively impacts performance in papers one and two immensely.

Functions and transformations, trigonometry and identities, calculus (derivatives, integrals, optimization), and vectors (especially at the HL level), along with the modeling and real world applications, are the most commonly reported pain points. These topics often require systematic explanation and multitudes of practice, and so tutoring tends to help a lot.

It is common. IB math as a course is structured to move through material faster than most school systems expect. Even advanced students encounter the feeling of being behind on a unit. Students recover this feeling with structured weekly support.

Studying should be split into the following sections: lesson pre-studying, lesson documentation, practice, timed practice from past papers, and ongoing reviews from the unit. Working with a tutor can offer a custom pathway through this.

General math tutors often teach the "how," but IB graders require the "why." A generic tutor from generic tutoring companies like varsity, tutordoctor, tutorchase, Kumon or mathnasium might teach you to solve an integral, but an IB specialist knows how to structure that solution to maximize method marks on an IB exam. Furthermore, general tutors often fail to support the Internal Assessment (IA) effectively because they don't understand the specific marking rubric.

Yes. For Canadian clients in the Greater Vancouver area, we offer premium in-person tutoring. For our US and international clients, we utilize a specialized online platform with shared interactive whiteboards that mimics the in-person experience.

We offer a First Session Satisfaction Guarantee for all long-term recurring clients. If the fit isn't right after the first hour, you tell us, and we waive the fee and rematch you. The tutor-student relationship is the single biggest predictor of success, and we take matching seriously based on learning style and personality.

Yes. IB Math tutors must understand IB command terms, markscheme logic, GDC techniques, modeling interpretations, and exam-style structured responses. They also need familiarity with AA/AI changes after IB's curriculum updates. This specialization and broader teaching experience must result in higher rates.

Students typically make visible progress with 1–2 sessions per week. Steady improvement usually appears after 3–6 weeks, depending on starting level. Students who are failing may need short-term intensive support to rebuild foundations first.

The most effective approach is: diagnose foundational gaps, rebuild functions and algebra, learn exam structure + markscheme logic, practice timed questions with GDC efficiency, and master the top 5 high-weight topics. Students can often jump from a 3 to a 5, or 5 to a 6/7, with structured help.

Typically 6–12 weeks of consistent work, depending on effort, gaps, and exam-prep discipline. Some students progress faster if foundations are strong. At the end of the day though, it all depends on the effort that student puts into studying and practicing.

Yes. Teachers base predictions on demonstrated improvement, consistency, and assessment performance. Tutoring strengthens these areas, giving students a better chance at higher predictions.

Yes. Many students enter IB Math without the required prerequisites. A qualified tutor can rebuild these quickly, which often leads to dramatic improvements across the whole course.

Yes. A supportive tutor can rebuild confidence, simplify complex concepts, and help reduce math anxiety with structured learning. Our tutors have done it again and again, making students interested in math and science, and even sometimes changing students' university goals.

Videos and AI help with explanations, but they cannot diagnose gaps, correct misunderstandings, or train exam techniques. Tutoring provides structure, accountability, and personalized correction that AI cannot replicate.

Most students use 1–2 sessions per week from September to March, and 2–3 sessions per week from April to May before exams. This ensures adequate paper practice and review. However, the situation can vary among students. For those who have gaps in their knowledge, particularly those at the 2-3 IB level, it is often beneficial to begin with a higher number of tutoring sessions. As they become more confident and improve their understanding, they may be able to reduce the number of sessions later on.

Yes. Online tutoring is often more efficient because tutors can share notes, annotate questions live, and review past papers easily. Many Canadian students now prefer online learning because of flexibility and higher tutor availability. When it comes to niche courses like the IB, finding the right tutor is more important than settling for an average tutor who only offers in-person tutoring and finding great tutors is not easy for these courses.

Partially, but be careful. AP Calculus focuses heavily on computation. IB Math AA HL includes topics AP ignores, such as complex numbers, induction proofs, and vectors. Relying solely on AP materials will leave significant knowledge gaps for the IB exams.

Paper 3 is an "investigative" paper. It presents a single, long-form problem that guides you through a mathematical discovery. It tests mathematical intuition and perseverance rather than rote memorization. Our tutors use past papers to train students specifically on how to break down these multi-step "scary" problems into manageable parts.

We work on a straightforward and open pay-as-you-go system, and work on earning your business every session.

We don't believe in pre-paid packages because our philosophy is simple: it is our work and no one is locked into a contract that keeps them with us.

Our pricing is made because along with our work comes a premium value, and it is important to us to invest where it matters:

• Our tutors are paid appropriately to ensure that we can support and hold on to quality professional educators.
• We develop and deploy proprietary educational materials to both support our tutors, and our students.
• We actively manage and invest in quality control.

Rates are on par with quality tutoring providers and much less than high-end tutoring companies. We purposely work with lower margins which is a company philosophy, and to continue to provide outstanding service value to your family.

Our rates are offered in a fully transparent system where rates become known when applying: please book a free consultation.

Yes. While we strive to uphold the guarantee to the best of our abilities, the guarantee works best when there is the potential for long-term working relationships, rather than relationships that are solely focused on exam preparation, essay reviews, IA help, EE checks, etc. It also does not apply to cases when a client has a specific tutor in mind.

Tutoring sessions that are canceled without 24 hours notice will be charged. This policy is in place so that we can fairly account for the time our tutors schedule for each individual client, which includes the first session.

Once matched with a tutor, you will directly coordinate scheduling with them, so you have the flexibility to figure out a time that is most suitable to your family and the educator, whether you are Pacific time or working with tutors from different regions. Our tutors are skilled and accustomed to handling Vancouver and Lower Mainland family scheduling.

We provide high quality remote tutoring as well as live sessions. Most of our remote sessions are done so that we are able to provide you with the best qualified specialized tutor in our network from all over Canada. This is especially beneficial to families that want high tier IB expertise, no matter the location. In-person tutoring is offered in parts of Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. Please ask during your consultation.

First, you need to book a short, obligation free consultation with our management team. Call us at 888-717-2533 or go to hackyourcourse.com. This will help us understand your student's particular requirements so that we can assign the perfect specialist from our network.