San Jac Tutoring Offers Options

San Jac Tutoring Offers OptionsSan Jac Tutoring offers a variety of post-secondary course offerings from its brick and mortar locations around the country. Some are only available for evening classes and some are only offered on weekends. There are day and evening programs available that can fit your schedule.What is the most important component to this type of classroom experience? Practical, hands-on learning. Sure, you can enroll in class online but the benefit is that you do not really get to get out of the classroom environment. On the other hand, if you enroll in a classroom where the students get the chance to interact with one another and can take turns being in the class, it's hard to get that real sense of being in a classroom.One benefit of this is that most people, especially those with children, don't want to leave the house when there are classroom settings that are too far away. A smaller, more intimate setting will allow students to socialize with one another and make friends.San Jac Tutoring offers many online programs as well. Many of these can be found through their Facebook page or the various educational websites that offer their curriculum. You can view the class schedule, find out what the syllabus entails, get a feel for the type of student you will be working with, and check out the teacher for the program.If you are interested in the opportunity of learning with San Jac Tutoring, or any tutoring for that matter, you will want to learn as much as you can about the company. See if you can talk to someone from the company directly about any concerns or questions that you may have.Talk to your local community school board to see if they have any recommendations for any tutoring programs. Have your questions answered by someone who is trained in the way that you need to be taught. Ask them about accreditation so that you know that you are receiving the best instruction possible.With all of the tutoring opportunities that are available onlin e, there is no excuse for not having an interaction with a tutor. When you can physically meet with a teacher face to face and meet with others that are working with the same student, then you know that you are getting the most value possible.As you look into the tutoring experience, see if there is a classroom setting that works best for you. If so, you will want to find out if the classroom setting has the right amenities and materials. Once you know that you are looking at a tutor that has all of the things that you need, then you can choose your program accordingly.

Listen and Learn French Animal Alphabet Flashcards

Listen and Learn French Animal Alphabet Flashcards Sign up successful A is for abeille, or bee. B is for baleine, or whale. C is for chat, or cat. D is for dauphin, or dolphin. E is for éléphant, or elephant. F is for furet, or ferret. G is for girafe, or giraffe. H is for hippopotame, or hippopotamus. I is for iguane, or iguana. J is for jaguar, or jaguar. K is for kangourou, or kangaroo. L is for lapin, or rabbit. M is for mouton, or sheep. N is for narval, or narwhal. O is for ours, or bear. P is for pingouin, or penguin. Q is for quiscale, or grackle. R is for renard, or fox. S is for singe, or monkey. T is for tigre, or tiger. U is for urubu, or vulture. V is for vache, or cow. W is for wapiti, or elk. X is for xerus, or African squirrel. Y is for yak, or yak. Z is for zèbre, or zebra. Now you know your ABCs!  For a fun French alphabet reminder, save and print the full alphabet chart below: Share this Image On Your Site pstrongPlease include attribution to TakeLessons.com with this graphic./strong/pbr / pa href=/blog/french-alphabet-flashcards-z04img src=/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Learning-the-Alphabet-in-French.jpg alt= width=720px border=0 //a/pbr / p Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher

Should My Child Transfer Schools

Should My Child Transfer Schools The following piece was written by Liz Perelstein. Liz has been featured in ourAdmissions Expert seriesand is the Founder of School Choice International. There are many reasons you may consider changing your childs school, but often, parents dont act on these instincts. Many parents are afraid to trade the devil they know for the one they dont know. Even though a child may be unhappy, struggling academically, or feeling under-challenged, parents typically are worried about their childs transition. If the child is not thriving, parents often think it could be worse in a different environment. If a child is thriving in certain respects for example, socially but not academically parents may be concerned about recreating a positive social life in a new school. While I generally view mid-course adjustments as a good thing, I never advocate changing schools before first trying to work with the teacher, the guidance counselor, and even the head of school to rectify the situation. And, if a child shows prolonged misery before going to school, frequently feigns illness, vomits, is unusually tearful, or has major appetite or sleep changes, things may be serious enough to consult a professional. A change of school is not necessarily the answer, and should not be made without addressing the other issues. In this post, I will address times that a change may be a good idea, and also seek to dispel some of the myths that prevent parents from acting. Why change your childs school: A child may attend a school that doesnt suit his or her learning style. Some children learn best in a structured environment where the teacher directs learning. Other children do their best by learning concepts through experience. If you find that your childs learning style is mismatched with the schools philosophy, you may be trying to fit a round peg into a square hole and a transfer may be worthwhile. Many schools are ill equipped to handle a child who is not mainstream not only academically, but on any dimension. Not every private school has resources to deal with children who have special educational needs. On the other side of the spectrum, profoundly gifted children may not receive the support they need to prosper when teachers focus on children who are not doing well. You may wish to consider a change of school based on your childs interests. Often, when parents choose the first school, they know little about their child. As his/her interests develop, the school s/he attends may not offer courses or extracurricular activities that will support his or her growth. Your child may not fit in socially. Every school, and each cohort within a school, has a personality. If your child isnt accepted or is bullied, these are issues, first, to be addressed with the school administration. However, sometimes s/he will fit in better in a different environment where s/he can find a more natural peer group. If a family moves to a new area, distance can be a good reason to change schools. Not only is the school far away, spending time with friends or participating in sports and cultural activities can be an effort. Finally, if a child requests to change schools, take this very seriously. Few children want to make a significant life change unless they really are out of step. When my daughter started high school and came home saying it isnt cool to be smart here, we honored her desire to change schools and she had a wonderful high school experience as a result. If an educational change makes sense for any of these reasons, dont be afraid to make the switch. Parents often think it is impossible to get a place in a school in a non-entry-level grade. This simply isnt true. People move from one city or country to another, families move from the city to the suburbs or vice versa, and chance vacancies occur. There may not be the same number of options as there are during an entry-level year, but the competition isnt as fierce either. Children are resilient. While we never like to see our children go through difficult times, flexibility and the ability to adapt to new environments are valuable skills to teach children and an important part of their education. Changing a childs school when things arent working teaches them problem-solving skills. After working with thousands of families in transition over the past 15 years, I am convinced that getting the right fit far outweighs the costs of the transition itself. VisitSchool Choice Internationalfor more information. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Why its Important for Introverts to Become Emotionally Intelligent - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / Why it’s Important for Introverts to Become Emotionally Intelligent - Introvert Whisperer Why it’s Important for Introverts to Become Emotionally Intelligent Introversion exists on a spectrum: there are varying degrees of introversion. People who identify as introverts gain their energy from within themselves, and often feel overwhelmed or exhausted after social encounters that require a lot of outward facing energy. As a result, it can be hard for introverts to know how to expel that energy in a way that doesn’t leave them feeling physically and mentally drained. Enter emotional intelligence: one’s ability to be aware of and control their own emotions, and interact with people in an empathic way. Reduce the Energy Output   Introverts can benefit from becoming more emotionally intelligent because it can reduce the amount of energy they need to exert in a social situation. For one thing, when an introvert has to worry about interacting in a social situation, it can take away from the interaction because all of the mental capacity is focused on the situation; however, if introverts focus on their emotions, and interacting with the emotions of others, they can enjoy interactions more and be able to engage in them more effectively. Connect in an Empathic Way Being emotionally intelligent means being able to connect with people in an empathic way. Empathy refers to a person’s ability to not only understand what someone is going through, but they have lived it themselves, or they can so fully immerse themselves in the feelings of another person that they can feel the experience with them. This is a helpful skill for introverts to learn because it means that their energy can be spent building up another person, rather than trying to keep up with them. Change Their Minds About You Because introverts are sometimes thought to be cold or standoffish, becoming emotionally intelligent can lead to more fulfilling relationships with a better understanding from both parties. For people who are not introverted, it can be difficult to read introverts or understand why they need to be by themselves for long periods of time. But if an introvert is able to properly communicate their needs, and explain their emotions in a way that does not put people off, they can spend more time enjoying relationships rather than trying to find their place in them. Have Better Conversations Emotional intelligence can also allow you to label your emotions in a productive way so that you can work through your own feelings, rather than taking them out on other people. People who have strong emotional intelligence can use labels in conversations to describe their feelings; for example, an introvert might retreat when they are feeling overwhelmed by a difficult conversation, but an introvert with developing emotional intelligence will be able to declare their feelings of overwhelm and clearly articulate why they feel that way. This can provide more opportunity for agreement, settlement and more. Change Perceptions and Influence Others While introverts are often unassuming and stick to themselves, introverts with high emotional intelligence can actually influence the way others see them, and have a keen ability to influence the feelings of others as well. Emotional intelligence is not only about controlling and influence your own emotions, but the emotions of others. This seems tricky and maybe a bit sly, but really, it’s because introverts with strong emotional intelligence can label emotions for themselves and others. They can help put words to feelings that not all people can do for themselves. There is an interesting implication here, where introverts with strong emotional intelligence could manipulate others into feeling a certain way, but emotional intelligence is meant as a positive superpower and not a negative one. Becoming a Better Leader Introverts often make good leaders because of the deep level of introspection and reflection they engage in on a regular basis, but because they are often closed off to people, it can be difficult for them to take on leadership roles. Developing a stronger level of emotional intelligence could help an introvert become a strong leader because they would have the vocabulary and skill to describe and control their emotions, which helps during heated conflict-based situations. They can also help employees and other co-workers to identify and manage their own emotions on the job. How Can You Develop Strong Emotional Intelligence? If developing your emotional intelligence sounds like something that you might be interested in, there are a number of ways to practice getting better at it. One way is to start paying attention to how you are feeling during different times of the day. Do you feel optimistic or down in the morning? Do you feel hopeful or resent for in the evening? What about when you get angry? How long does it last? Another way to try and develop emotional intelligence is to see the subtle differences in how you respond to someone, rather than react to everything they say. This can help you keep pace with someone so you don’t become overwhelmed, and create more opportunity for rewarding relationships. Responding shows that you are listening to the other person, reacting is a personal expression that takes away from your energy levels. Finally, remember that you can’t become more emotionally intelligent overnight, but if you stick with it, pay attention to your emotions and be honest about how yo u are feeling with others, you’ll be on your way to developing a strong emotional intelligence level in no time. Author Bio:   Bottom-line â€" I want to help you accelerate your career â€" to achieve what you want by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my 4 Building Blocks to Relationships eBookâ€" the backbone to your Networking success and fantastic work relationships.  Grab yours by visiting here right now! Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleashing your professional potential. Introvert Whisperer

German Lessons in Leeds

German Lessons in Leeds Honing German Language Skills in Leeds ChaptersGerman Speaking Opportunities for StudentsStudy German Through Private TuitionTake a German Language Course in a Training CentreLearn German with CactusAt the height of summer, it is admittedly difficult to think about Christmastime, when our German Christmas market is open for business.Maybe you ran across some pictures you took of it last year, which forced your recall...On the other hand, summer is the perfect time to think of a holiday abroad; are you planning to visit Berlin, Bremen or some other city in Germany?The Yorkshire-Germany ties reach far back into history; at one point in time, we were neck and neck in industrial output, innovation and socio-cultural ideas.Leeds’ fascination with German expressionism in art and culture made her unique in British society. The appeal was such that the region produced Jacob Kramer and Bruce Turner, expressionist artists directly influenced by the German movement.Do you need more incentive to seek out German lessons?One of our s ister-cities is Dortmund, herself a former industrial powerhouse in the Ruhr Valley of Germany.That city was nearly totally levelled during the bombing raid of 1945, an event that holds the dubious record for the most bombs dropped on a single target.Today, Dortmund is known as one of the most sustainable and digital cities in all of Germany. She has turned away from heavy industry and now is a leading producer of biomedical technology â€" the same as us!It's no wonder we have partnered with her.Maybe you are currently planning your holiday to Germany; wouldn’t it be great to talk with native speakers of German while you’re there?Or perhaps you are relishing the prospect of Oktoberfest when, for two weeks, when you can treat yourself to an authentic bratwurst and beer â€" while not necessarily having to wear lederhosen or a dirndl.Before all of those events come to pass, you have time to apply yourself to German lessons!Your Superprof is right on task; we now find the best Germa n courses in an around Leeds.speaking German in a more relaxed, natural environment.Yorkshire is home to some pretty dynamic German clubs and they all have one overarching goal: to promote German language and culture through a host of engaging activities.Wharfedale German Circle meets once a month but they also host many student events and gamesHuddersfield German Circle has their agenda planned through Spring of next year!They meet with other German groups in the area for the most fun and learning possibleBradford Circle for Foreign Language actually has members who are native German; they don’t offer lessons but they provide an opportunity for you to use your communication skills in a live settingAre there such German clubs in Birmingham?Granted, none of these language clubs provides formal language lessons but the opportunity for you to immerse yourself into a German-speaking environment will do wonders to help you become fluent, faster!Disclaimer: when we said ‘students’, we didn’t mean just school students. All language students can benefit from participation in these clubs, whether you have been learning German online or in a language school.That means that you, too, can build fluency while having fun with like-minded friends!Find out what German learning opportunities exist in Edinburgh...Study German Through Private TuitionHere again, is a solution to language learning that applies to students of all stripes.It might be especially viable for those who have put off language classes because there is simply no time or energy to dash off to language school after a busy day of work and family concerns.A private tutor is also an ideal solution for school students looking for supplemental language instruction outside of their German language courses, or perhaps just a shot a practising their conversational skills.The advantage of learning German with a tutor is that s/he will customise the curriculum to your needs.Maybe your speaking and listening ski lls are satisfactory but your writing skills need a boost? What if you’re cruising along in your studies but your partner has trouble grasping new language?Or, it could just be that you are getting ready to holiday abroad and would like a bit of intensive language training before you go?Tutors are up to the task in all of these situations and more.You might baulk at the cost of such lessons; would they exceed what you might pay for a language course in a formal setting? That might be the case... unless you learn with a Superprof tutor.On average, Superprof tutors in the Leeds area charge £16 per hour of instruction.Besides having your first hourlong lesson at no charge, what do you get for that money?You might choose to work with Tobias, who is a native speaker of German and has taught others how to speak German for the past five years.Emily has recently graduated from Leeds; she now holds a First Class degree in German (and French).She prefers tailoring her lessons to your prefe rences; if you need help with your German pronunciation, your lessons will consist of mostly oral exercises but if grammar is your trouble area, that is where her focus will be.Superprof has 16 German tutors in the Leeds area and thousands more ready to engage in online language learning with you.Do Superprof tutors also work in the Belfast area?So, if your life is hectic or you simply would rather learn at home â€" online or face to face, engaging a private tutor is not such a bad idea, especially not a Superprof tutor.Personal tutors are a great idea for homework help or practising speaking German Image by Gerd Altmann from PixabayTake a German Language Course in a Training CentreWe are quite fortunate that, all across the UK, there are several language training franchises with branches in just about every major city.Are there such centres teaching German in Glasgow, as well?Their vast proliferation means proves a point: they are good at what they do. We now present them in with n o particular recommendation or endorsement.Language TrainersThe teachers at Language Trainers know why people want to learn German: for business, for travel and for intellectual curiosity.With those bases well covered, you could sign up for classes with them secure in the knowledge that you won’t waste a lot of time discussing the academic aspects of the German language â€" verb conjugation and dissertations of works by Goethe, for example, if all you need is conversational German.If you can already speak German at the intermediate level or are in doubt about your level of German, you should take a placement test to see which of the Language Trainers’ classes you would best fit in with.Obviously, if you are an absolute beginner, there is no reason to test your level.You can take this test for free on their website, where you will also find their contact details.With the two-to-one class structure offered at many language schools, you and your partner can study German together Im age by StartupStockPhotos from PixabayListen and LearnWith a slightly different model but equally successful as their competitor, Listen and Learn offers German lessons to individuals or groups, in Business German or General German.Here too you may choose one-to-one instruction or two-to-one private lessons â€" an arrangement that would be perfect for you and your partner to learn German together. You may also join a larger group (provided you are on the same level as them) or you may choose to take lessons strictly online, with or without your partner.This company also offers a free placement test online and, right now, they are promoting their language training service by offering a summer discount.Did you know that Cardiff also has a Listen and Learn centre?Learn German with CactusThe Cactus language school is staffed by experienced teachers, most of whom have at least travelled abroad, if not worked and lived there.Their evening courses last for ten weeks and are arranged by lev el â€" beginner, elementary, intermediate and advanced. Here again, you may take a placement test on their website to determine your level of language proficiency.You may also be interested to know that Cactus provides Business language courses; they work directly with companies, conducting classes at select firms around the country.If you work for an international company, you may suggest to your training manager that such lessons would be of great benefit!You can believe that people looking for German courses in London would benefit from such classes!Loiners are lucky to have such a strong connection with Germany.Through their German appreciation clubs, with the many facilities that promote learning German as a second language, as well as the degree programmes offered at the University of Leeds, one might say that the Yorkshire region is certainly making a rich investment into their ties with Germany!Now discover where you could find German lessons all over the UK...

How to Cope with Stress During the Working Day - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / How to Cope with Stress During the Working Day - Introvert Whisperer How to Cope with Stress During the Working Day In the world where people need to work hard to get by, it is important to separate work from ordinary life. Sometimes hardworking people have a hard time not to bring their work home to their families, but it is even more often when people find it difficult to keep their everyday troubles from interfering with their professional career. Depending on the occupation, the source of the majority of anxiety and stress comes from the places not related to the job at all. The appearance of such issues may result in lower productivity, worsening of the relationship with colleagues and authority and even losing the job.   So, what should one do if confronted with something like that? We already touched upon the subject of relaxation after the work, so we shall look at the measures that one should take so that the work result will be unaltered. We are also excluding the bad habits, such as smoking and eating unhealthy food. Here are a few strategies that might help in a stressful situation on work. More Work It may sound a little bit ironic, but for many people, increasing the effort on their job can help them to get through with troubles that they face while working. They build walls around themselves and find salvation in multiple hours of hard work. Though we definitely don’t encourage anyone to ignore their life issues, concentrating all forces on working for some period of time may be helpful. Figuratively speaking, one can ‘rest’ from the bothering issues, while putting as much as they can into work, so that they wouldn’t even have time to think about anything but the job. Knowing that there are issues that are waiting for some kind of resolution, one will try and redirect thoughts and efforts on the tasks of the job. In this case, working environment can work as some kind of retreat from troubles. Then, after finishing the working day, it will be easier to bear with various disturbances, as the mind will already be set for thinking and finding solutions. However, it is not always a perfect solution and a person should be careful enough not to ignore any issues when working. While everyday problems shouldn’t be a priority over work (in most cases), work definitely shouldn’t be more important than those issues as well. Everything should be balanced out an appropriate amount of time should be spent on one subject, then on the other. Socializing Communication with other people is crucial not only for dealing with bad situations, but also for preventing stress and depression. Many psychiatrists argue that conversation is the best cure for any mental or psychological problem. That’s why the therapies with experts in those fields are on high demand. While working, however, it is not always possible to chat with a colleague any time you’d like, that’s why the breaks are obligatory. During the breaks, a person should not smile and pretend that he’s happy, when he’s not. Every member of the staff should feel free to speak up about his or her difficulties in life, especially if those occur while working. Even if nobody will be capable of giving a proper advice, a person will feel more relieved after saying everything that he/she has to say. The situation is not always that simple. A lot of times, bosses don’t think about the anxiety of their employees. If that is the case, workers should approach the managers or supervisors with the idea that the collective listening of people’s worries might increase the productivity and the mood of workers. Engaging in Action Instead of Worrying Many believe that some people are less emotional and stressful than the others and are very puzzled about their ability to always find an escape from stress. The truth is, each one of us is emotional and full of feelings, but the most significant issue about any stressful situation is not the event itself, it’s our attitude towards it. A lot of people, when confronted with a sudden trouble, feel confused and that they’re not controlling the situation. They often find it difficult to manage their behavior and outburst of emotions as well. It is crucial not to let the situation overwhelm you, you should always be the master of the situation. That’s why it is important to teach oneself to act and not react. Instead of shouting or throwing your hands in the air out of rage, one should think about the things that he/she can do in the situation and what aspects are possible to control. Although the situation can be so daunting that it may seem hopeless, the reality is often better than it seems. Some psychologists argue that if people decide to carefully and calmly organize their actions in anxious situations, they can at least control themselves, which is roughly 50% of the solution. It can vary from on issue to another, but it is still highly advisable to be reasonable, before being emotional. Analyze the Sources of Stress If some problems occur not once, or stress is bothering you at work time and time again, it would be advisable to find out why is it happening and get to the bottom of it. The reasons for stress are usually connected with ordinary life issues, such as family matters. In those cases, it would be wise to find the best way of dealing with this kind of stress, by analyzing each of its occurrences. Analyzing those situations are also great for getting to know yourself a little bit better. By looking at the situation after some time, in a calm environment and at peace with oneself, it is easy to compare what was done and what should have been done. After doing so, you have to come to a certain conclusion and repeatedly remind yourself about it. By keeping all that in mind, one can gradually adjust oneself to the situation and reduce the negative impact of it on work. Balance At the end of the day, the most important thing about managing your day at work is the balance. A worker should be working hard, but not too hard, enough amount of time should be spent on resting, but not an extensive amount. The same with stress, it can sometimes be harmless or pretty usual when working, but a constant experience of stress is never fine. Appropriately, the cause of many stress situations at work is the lack of the topic of this clause balance. When confronted with anxiety at work, one should firstly determine whether it is caused by it or not. If it is caused by work, it’s vital to reorganize your daily schedule, so that you wouldn’t over-commit yourself and feel even more stressed out than you already are. At the same time, a lunch break or coffee time shouldn’t be longer than the time needed for you to be recharged for work again. By balancing all the necessary activities at work between each other, workers will find it easier to work during dark periods in their lives and will be able to prevent any further work-related stress. Conclusion   To conclude, there are many ways to deal with stress without sacrificing your productivity and work effort. The main thing is to find a will to try any of these strategies (or all of them) and get through with stress, depression, everyday life and your occupation. Stress at work can be devastating, but giving up should never be an option. Guest Author:  Ilya Lakisevs Author bio: Ilya Lakisevs,  the author of this text does not encourage people who experience stress at work to limit themselves with only these options. If a worker feels like the situation is more serious than he or she is capable to handle, a specialist should be contacted immediately. Do you know what your next career step is?   Many people don’t. I want to help you accelerate your career by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my eBook on how to construct your Career SMART Goals â€" that will help you put together your actions and keep you accountable.   Get your copy now and start your action plan today: CLICK HERE

What is it Like to Attend University of Colorado Boulder

What is it Like to Attend University of Colorado Boulder The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Erin is a Denver tutor and 2011 graduate of University of Colorado Boulder. She holds a Bachelors degree in English Literature and tutors several subjects specializing inEssay Editing tutoring, Literature tutoring, and Writing tutoring. Check out what Erin had to say about her time at University of Colorado Boulder: VT: Describe the campus setting and transportation options.How urban or safe is the campus?Are there buses or do you need a car/bike? Erin: University of Colorado Boulder is a much smaller campus than I originally expected when I first arrived. Because of this, it is very easy to walk from class to class, even if you have to cross to the opposite side of campus. Public transportation at University of Colorado Boulder is great; the school provides you with a bus pass every semester, which enables you to take any of the RTD buses (around Boulder, to Denver, or even to the airport) for free. With that said, University of Colorado Boulder and the town of Boulder are very pedestrian-friendly. Plenty of people buy bikes to get around, but it is not a necessity. The campus is very safe, but it is still important to be vigilant, especially when walking around campus at night. I personally never experienced a situation in which I felt unsafe on campus, but at any school, it is important to remain alert when alone and at night. VT: How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Erin:All the professors and teaching assistants I had at University of Colorado Boulder always made themselves available during office hours, and they were flexible if students were not able to meet at those times. For example, I worked a part-time job immediately following my classes, so meeting during office hours was sometimes difficult. However, my instructors were always willing to find time to meet with me. I would say that the academic advisers are less than helpful, at least in my tenure at University of Colorado Boulder. I imagine it is challenging to keep track of so many students, but I encourage students to monitor their own academic schedules and to use their advisers as soundboards. My adviser told me during my junior year meeting that I would not graduate on time and that I would need to take summer classes. Unsure how that was possible, but heeding his advice, I stacked my summer with classes and did the same with my fall schedule. When I met with my adviser again to figure out how I could still graduate in four years, he laughed and told me he made a mistake I was eligible for graduation that semester, ahead of my expected (and on-time) graduation date. With that said, I would have gladly spent the spring semester taking more classes, if only my adviser had informed me that if I took two more courses, I would be graduating with not only my major in English, but also a minor in Womens Studies and a certificate in LGBT Studies. Keep an eye on your requirements, and always look for those opportunities, because I know my experience with my adviser matches that of many of my peers. VT: How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Erin:I loved my dorm, Farrand Hall. It is considered the most popular choice at University of Colorado Boulder, often because it overlooks the scenic Farrand Field and Flatirons. It also has its own dining hall, which was nice because I did not have to trudge to other dorms or dining halls in the colder months. Many of my best friends to this day are people who lived on my floor, and I know we would not have met had it not been for Farrand Hall. VT: Which majors/programs are best represented and supported?What did you study and why? Did the university do a good job supporting your particular area of study? Erin:I originally started as a pre-Journalism major. After I was accepted into the Journalism major, it was announced that following the graduating class of 2013 (the year after mine), the department would be disbanded. Knowing that many of their jobs would not be around for long, many of the best professors left, and the department did not seem to be the best fit for my education any longer. I transferred to English Literature, and I believe I got one of the most interesting educations possible. I took classes that taught subjects ranging from multicultural and race relations, to zombies and LGBT literature. All of my professors were insanely intelligent, and I loved being able to learn from them. English Literature may not be Business or Engineering (both highly rated and supported tracks at University of Colorado Boulder), but I felt always supported, and I took classes that people today are still jealous they did not sit in on. VT: How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Does Greek life play a significant role in the campus social life? Erin:Full disclosure: I did rush my freshman year, and my core group of girlfriends came from that brief sorority experience. After one year, I dropped out, but I do not feel like that hindered my social life. I made friends through classes, the dorms, and neighbors once I moved to the Hill neighborhood. Greek life does have benefits during the initial meeting experience, but if it is not your style, do not feel pressured to rush. I was lucky to have a great friend group that included Greek and non-Greek people, but I do know some Greek organizations are very tightly knit, and they try to keep friendships solely within the house. VT: How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services?Do many reputable companies recruit on campus? Erin:I never took advantage of University of Colorado Boulders Career Center. The few times I perused the website, I felt that many of the options were directed toward Engineering or Business students. VT: How are the various study areas such aslibraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Erin:I enjoyed Norlin Library, but during finals, it is more of a place to see and be seen. By that I mean that it can be more distracting. My favorite secret place to study was Wolf Law, the graduate building for law students. It was never very crowded during finals time, and it was across the street from Starbucks and Einstein Bros. Bagels (which are nice to have nearby while studying for hours on end). The University Memorial Center, the student union, was nice when I was a student, and it has only gotten better since. I never did much studying there it was often a place where people met to discuss group projects or to grab something to eat before classes, so it always had a dull roar from the many people who occupied it. The new community building, the Center for Community, is an absolutely beautiful building with many resources, but since it was erected after my time at University of Colorado Boulder, I cannot attest to its study options. As far as dorm lounges go, I never spotted any that were ever really in use, mostly because lounges were simply an old couch and not much else. VT: Describe the surrounding town. What kinds of outside establishments / things to do are there that make it fun, boring, or somewhere in between?To what extent do students go to the downtown area of the city versus staying near campus? Erin:Boulder is an amazing city. There is something for everyone. Hike the Flatirons or lounge at Boulder Creek on warm spring days. Go shopping, or grab lunch on Pearl Street when you need to get away from campus for a bit. That does not really do Boulder justice, but the best way to understand how amazing the city is is to get out and explore it. Freshman year, I definitely did not spend as much time downtown as I did in subsequent years, but it was nice that it was only a short walk away. The Hill, where many students live after freshman year, is also a great way to stay close to campus while leaving the dorms. There are plenty of food options, a great music venue (The Fox), and downtown is often where people go out on the weekends. VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Erin:I had a few classes that were about 400 people, but those were core lecture classes everyone had to take, and they were supplemented by a recitation once per week. Recitations were 50-minute classes with about 20 people, which allowed you to delve deeper into the content. It also enabled you to ask questions freely. The rest of my classes ranged from 10 people to 25, and I always felt like I was able to ask questions and get the attention I needed. As far as the student body goes, undergraduates totaled about 25,000, which was a perfect size for me. I liked that I could always meet someone new, but when transferring between classes, I would always see a familiar face. VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Erin:In my class, Pop Culture in Literature, we focused on zombies for the semester. My teacher was a well-known writer in the field, and throughout the course, we had a zombie defense team come in and teach us how to protect ourselves during the apocalypse. One extra credit assignment was to attend and dress up for the popular Zombie Crawl in downtown Denver. While many people thought this was not a good use of education or resources, I have to scoff at them. In this class, I learned zombie literature (The Walking Dead and World War Z were both written before their film counterparts hit screens) was much more than just entertainment with gore it was a comment on social status and dissatisfaction with society. We learned how zombie literature has punctuated Americas history of social change, and what that means for us as a society. Also, the class was offered solely to English students, and it was meant to only be a one-semester offering. After my small class of 25 raved about our professor and the coursework, the class was picked up as a 400-person lecture and opened up to the entire student body. Take that, naysayers! Check out Erins tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

3 Important Study Skills for College Students

3 Important Study Skills for College Students Suzy S. Ready for college? Make sure your study skills are on track with these tips from Honolulu tutor Jinan B... Doing well in college is often a balancing act: you are learning so many new things, being exposed to new ideas and people, making friends, and having fun. Having good study skills will ensure that you both succeed in your classes and also make the most of your study time, so you also have time to experience the many other facets of life that college offers. As a professor at a large university, here are some tips I offer my students to enhance their study skills for college. 1. Confusion is good. That’s right, I said it. College is a time of great exploration, and learning requires making errors and experimenting. The key is to use any confusion you encounter as a jumping off point for digging deeper into the material. Welcome confusion as a chance to understand something more profoundly instead of becoming frustrated and giving up. College is an opportunity to develop a true sense of curiosity in learning, rather than simply memorizing material. You can also use confusion as a stimulus to engage and get to know your professor. As a professor, I am always appreciative when students bring me challenging questions with the desire to further their knowledge and understanding. It is also very clear to me that students are deeply invested in learning the material if they visit me during office hours to discuss any questions they have about the material. 2. Make use of all the resources you have. Colleges and universities offer an incredible network of support to students. This includes librarians, study skills centers, teaching assistants, and other students. Consider these individuals part of your path of learning, and you will reap great benefits from their advice, knowledge, and experiences. If you’re struggling with an assignment, reach out to another student or the teaching assistant in the class to troubleshoot. If you’re studying for an exam and don’t know how to approach the huge amount of material, sign up for a session at the study skills center. Or, perhaps you’re writing a paper and need help finding rich source material; check in with the librarian who may have excellent ideas for how to locate good materials. You can also find a private tutor to help you. 3. Study for the midterm and final from day one of the class. By learning the material in an organized, methodical way you will be in very good shape when exam time rolls around. Most college students wait until the last minute and then try to cram a few days before exams, but if you put in a few minutes a day of focused learning, you will be much better able to learn large amounts of material. When you are reading the assigned material, make it a point to write down the key ideas. This is one of the best study skills for college students to establish, as your notes will serve not only as a study guide later, but also as a way to concretize your understanding by writing the ideas in your own words. This makes you an active learner rather than simply passively reading the material. If you’re having trouble finishing the reading assigned for all of your classes, consider taking a speed reading class, which may be offered at your study skills center. Remember, college is a unique experience, so make the most of it by studying efficiently so you can both succeed and have time for extracurricular activities as well. With these tips, you will be poised to learn, succeed, and enjoy the journey! Jinan B. tutors in Life Science in Honolulu, HI. She is currently an  Assistant Professor in the Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Sciences at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, teaching various courses including  Community Nutrition, Concepts in Nutrition Education, and Advanced Child and Adolescent Nutrition.  Learn more about Jinan here!   Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher Photo by Richard Rosalion

The Art of Being Productive in High School to be a More Attractive College Applicant (Part 1)

The Art of Being Productive in High School to be a More Attractive College Applicant (Part 1) ACT SAT Prep and College Admissions Blog Most students know they need to be productive, because getting into an excellent college requires much more than good grades nowadays. It now requires a well written application highlighting many interests and accomplishments, including a high GPA. Webster defines productivity as “the effectiveness of productive effort, especially in industry, as measured in terms of the rate of output per unit of input.” Indeed, students today are expected to do a lot in high school. How and why has the concept of productivity become so important for motivated high school students? Let’s start by acknowledging that high school (and college) and indeed the learning process in general can be negatively affected by too many concerns around productivity. Part of the “magic” of learning is engaging deeply with material, struggling hard to learn some things, really enjoying other things, and getting exposed to new ideas. The fact of the matter though, is that the college application process is competitive, and students do need to find ways to do a lot in high school to position themselves well in the eyes of top colleges. While it is tempting to just take for granted that motivated high school students must excel at multiple things to gain admission to highly selective colleges, it can be helpful to step back and remember how this situation came to be. The answer lies in how much more competitive and global the economy has become. Consider a high school student today vs. 30 years ago. 30 years ago, in far more parts of the country than is the case today, a large percentage of high school students did not plan on applying to college. There were well paying local jobs available for high school graduates in a variety of fields, most notably manufacturing. Much of the training required occurred on the job. This meant that in high school many students could opt to focus on maybe three major things: getting good enough grades to graduate, enjoying the high school experience (sports, social life, music, etc.) and perhaps working to start saving money. Of course, 30 years ago, many other students were indeed applying to college. But at that time, the number was lower, because of the other group of students I mentioned above. There were also fewer students from other countries applying to U.S. colleges and universities. The net effect was that competition to get into a good college was less intense. There just weren’t as many people applying. Contrast that with today. A very good college today might have a similar number of available spots in its freshman class, but 2 or 3 times as many applicants vs. 30 years ago, which simply creates a far more selective admissions process. Applicants have more people to “beat” for each slot. Whereas the primary criteria for admission in the past was grade point average, today GPA is just one of many factors. To be able to differentiate and choose amongst applicants, colleges today must look at all of the other things a student has been able to accomplish, both to identify applicants most likely to thrive in college, but also simply as a means of ranking students with otherwise similarly impressive GPAs. But, a word of caution; quality probably matters more than quantity. While students today do need to accomplish more in high school to stand out in the college admissions process, the quality of what you accomplish still matters. And, demonstrating that you put yourself in leadership positions is also very important. If you have a good but not great GPA, take 7 AP classes but get a B average in them, play three sports, are in three clubs, were in the school play, and are in the band, that’s impressive because it’s a lot of stuff. However, it might be more impressive if you had a higher GPA, took 4 AP classes and aced them all, and were the captain of one sports team as well as the president of a club. Remember, if two students take the same AP class and one gets an A while the other gets a B, one way to describe the situation is that the student getting the A was more productive with his or her time. He has an A to show for his efforts. Of course, if one student takes an AP class and gets a B and the other student doesn’t even take that AP class, that is also an example of one student being more productive in high school. So, how can high school students start to be more productive? Now, while being productive is important, let’s acknowledge that high school students are kids, and it’s important to enjoy the high school experience and have fun. Stressing yourself out by trying to join a bunch of activities you think you must join is a recipe for failure. You are less likely to excel at something you don’t enjoy. And as we’ve stated above, quality matters more than quantity. So, a productive high school student accomplishes more things per year, yes, but they also need to be the “right” things. As a college admissions officer, you’d also like to see a resume full of activities that hang together somehow logically. If you took AP biology, chemistry, and physics and were involved in some sort of pre-medicine or health careers club, that hangs together well. I think students should think about a six-step plan to becoming more productive and building a high-quality college resume: Identify the activities and subjects you value and are genuinely interested in Identify key areas of alignment between what you value and what colleges would also value to create “leverage” Set goals and build a plan to meet them Get organized Prioritize and re-prioritize Get help when you need it In our next blog post, we’ll dive deeper into each of these six steps.