Studypool is a website created to help students with academic questions. Started in 2014 by Richard Werbe and Jimmy Zhong, the site connects students with well-qualified tutors. These aren’t just any tutors, mind you. They’ve got solid credentials like bachelor’s, master’s, and even Ph.D. degrees. Plus, they’re associated with top-notch schools.

Studypool can help you with a boatload of subjects—36 to be exact. Whether you’re struggling with math, programming, or even rocket science, there’s a tutor for you. The site also offers more than 30 million study resources in its Notebank for you to browse through.

If you’re looking to earn some extra cash, Studypool has got you covered.

You can upload various educational resources—study guides, old homework, you name it. These resources then become available to a vast network of students. Every time someone views your upload, you make money.  You can also tutor via an instant messaging platform where you can help answer questions.

In today’s review, I wanted to talk about Studypool and how you can potentially make money with your educational resources and knowledge.  I will also let you know how it works.  As in all of my reviews, I’m 100% honest, only recommending what I feel is worth your time.

Let’s begin!

How Studypool Works

Studypool is a handy resource for students who might be struggling with some subjects. It’s not just for teachers; anyone who’s got a strong grasp on a subject can earn some steady income here.

After you sign up as a student, you can post questions freely, even without revealing your identity. If you’re in a real jam, you can flag your post as a “study emergency” to get a faster answer. You also set a price range that you’re willing to pay for an answer.

Once your question is out there, tutors will bid on it, letting you know how much they’d charge to help you. From there, you can pick a tutor based on their reviews and how well they fit your needs, or you can let Studypool pick the best match for you. After that, you’ll chat directly with your tutor to get the help you need, all before any set deadline.

Succeeding as a Tutor

Once a student chooses you as their tutor, it’s essential to kick things off on the right foot. A good introduction is the first step. Let the student know a bit about yourself and why you’re the right person to help them out. This is also your opportunity to get a sense of where the student is coming from—feel free to ask them questions to gauge their level of knowledge on the subject. Remember, the better the rapport you build with your students, the more likely they are to seek your help in the future.

When it’s time to address the student’s questions, the more detailed you can be, the better. A thorough, well-explained answer not only helps the student but also boosts your chances of getting good ratings and more tutoring gigs. Also, be meticulous about avoiding typos or other errors; Studypool has a live messaging feature to double-check any unclear points. Once the student is satisfied with your answer, you’ll both be added to each other’s friends list, making future interactions even easier.

Timing matters when you’re a tutor on Studypool as well.

Peak tutoring times usually line up with the school year. Think February to June and September to mid-December. Mid-December to mid-January is usually a slow period. During these busy months, you’re likely to see more questions and activity on the platform. When it’s slow, you might want to raise your rates a bit to maintain a steady income. The off-season is also a good time to build relationships with students, which can pay off later.

How to Become a Tutor

If you’re considering sharing your expertise on Studypool, know that the platform is picky about who gets to tutor. You don’t need to be a certified teacher, but you do need to show that you know your stuff. Usually, proof comes in the form of educational credentials such as your degree, certifications, etc.

First, you’ll need to confirm your email and agree to their rules. Then comes the application, which takes about half an hour to an hour. Don’t worry if you’re new to teaching; you don’t need experience. You do, however, need to be in college or have a degree.

After you apply, Studypool will send you an email within about 12 to 24 hours to tell you if you’ve been approved, although some reviews say it might actually take about five to seven days.

If you decide to go for it, be ready to provide documents that prove you know what you’re talking about. And be careful, because certain things will definitely disqualify you—like poor grammar, plagiarism, using a fake ID, or not following the application instructions properly.

Applying to be a tutor here isn’t complicated.

You’ll head to Studypool’s website, hit “Apply Now,” and then fill out the application form as noted. You should be prepared to take a knowledge test and might be asked to write one to three essays. Remember, you only get one shot at applying, so give it your best effort and provide all the information they might need.

Studypool wants to make sure you know your stuff, so you’ll answer three short questions about your expertise.

NOTE:  Applicants report a burdensome application process, including writing multiple essays, only to face rejection. Some suggest that the company might be using this as a cover for ghostwriting.  Even if you get accepted, the struggle continues with competing against top tutors for bids and dealing with demanding students.

Subjects Available

Studypool offers help in a ton of subjects, way more than just your basic math and science. Here’s a quick rundown if you’re interested in offering your services:

• Business: Whether it’s accounting, marketing, or even PowerPoint presentations, you can find assistance in over 35 business-related topics.
• Math: From algebra to number theory and even more complex stuff like differential equations, there are over 15 math topics you can explore.
• Programming: Studypool has 39-plus programming topics. You’ve got everything from HTML and Python to app development and WordPress.
• Science: Biology, physics, and even rocket science—you name it. There are more than 25 different science topics you can delve into.
• Engineering: From aerospace to biomedical and mechanical engineering, they’ve got around 25 topics under this category for you to choose from.
• Writing: If you need help with anything from resume writing to songwriting, Studypool can assist you. They cover over 25 topics related to writing.

How Much Can I Earn?

Your earning potential on Studypool is directly related to how actively you bid on student questions. Once you’ve successfully answered a question, you’ll get paid the agreed-upon amount, minus Studypool’s commission fee.

New tutors get a break with a lower commission rate of 15%, which jumps to 32.5% after your first withdrawal from the platform. Some tutors just pick up a bit of extra money, while others earn a full-time income—some making $300 to $600 a week. And if you’re super active and answer over 100 questions, you could even get a reduced commission rate.

After commission, your earnings can vary with each question, with bids ranging from as little as $1 to over $40+, depending on the subject.  Use this as a range.

If you’ve got old notes or quizzes, you can sell them on Studypool to make some extra money without much effort. The process is pretty straightforward. You upload your materials, and then Studypool checks them out to make sure they’re up to snuff. This usually takes about two days. Once they’re approved, students can see them, and you get paid every time someone looks at your stuff.

It might take some time to learn how to bid effectively, but as you gain experience and repeat clients, you’ll find it easier to secure jobs.

One of the best parts about Studypool is the flexibility it offers. There’s no set schedule, so you can log in and work whenever it fits into your day. But remember, you do have deadlines to meet. You agree on a time frame for each question you take on, and sticking to it is crucial for building a good reputation and securing repeat clients.

Getting Paid

Studypool offers multiple payment options like Transferwise, Payoneer, Western Union, and PayPal. You can withdraw your earnings whenever you’re ready, but you’ll need a minimum of $50 in your account.

Payment is released either after the student reviews your answer or 72 hours after the time limit for the question has passed.

The payment process usually takes around three business days.

What People Say About Studypool

While Studypool does sponsor some reviews, my own research led me to TrustPilot, where I found a mix of opinions. Some users had great experiences, while others voiced concerns. So, it may be a good idea to read reviews and do your own research before diving in.

When I did, this is what I mainly found out…

The Good

Highly qualified tutors:  Students are impressed with the quality of education and personalized learning that the platform provides. Many have found the tutors to be highly qualified and helpful in a wide range of subjects, from notes and textbooks to exam preparation. The platform is also praised for its flexibility and commitment to student success.

Good income for some:  Tutors too have a positive outlook; they find Studypool to be a reliable platform for growing their tutoring career and earning a good income. The site is user-friendly and offers an efficient, high-quality service. In some cases, bilingual tutors are available to help students in multiple languages.

The Bad

Data piracy: Some users suspect the website of being a data pirate, collecting detailed information without ever following up.

Non-payment: Numerous tutors complain that they have uploaded documents but haven’t been paid for them. One user specifically mentioned that despite his students subscribing and opening documents, no payment was made.

Bad customer service: Users say the phone number for Studypool is disconnected, and they do not respond to emails. There are also complaints about poor support and rude moderators.

Faulty subscription: Several users mention being unable to cancel subscriptions and being charged continuously even after they’ve stopped using the service.

Low-quality content: Some users complain about the lack of useful or relevant documents on the site. One mentions that the information provided was bad.

General scam accusations: Multiple users outright accuse the site of being a scam, stealing work, and not offering any legitimate way to earn money.

Manipulative practices: Some users report being punished or barred for unclear reasons, and accuse the company of manipulative practices.

Final Thoughts

In short, Studypool can be a great entry into online tutoring. It offers flexibility, decent pay, and a chance to help students academically. Once you’ve made a name for yourself on Studypool, you could even branch out to other tutoring platforms or advertise locally. Online tutoring is getting more popular, making it an excellent time to join in. While Studypool’s reviews are mixed, it’s smart to do your own research to see if it’s the right fit for you.

In the end, remember that they don’t accept everyone, either.  If you’re lucky to get on board, you’re then faced with stiff competition.  However, you may succeed if you’re in a niche subject.   Just don’t expect to get rich.

That’s going to wrap it up.

If you want to add to this or reflect on your experience, feel free to do so below.