Thursday, April 2, 2020

ChemSci Tutor Review

ChemSci Tutor ReviewIn the interest of quality teaching, many people who are keen on science, have used software like ChemSci Tutor to help them study for their chemistry tutor test. The software has just been improved to make things easier for students.With the help of the computer, it is now easier to organize the study of chemistry. The software is capable of managing assignments and solving problems.The main difficulty is in the categories used. The category used in the test is Nomenclature and I don't mean the names of the molecules themselves. Students are now taught how to analyze those molecules and relate the data so that they understand what the sample is trying to tell them.When a student has been taught how to develop the groups in a problem, the courses need to be developed using the names that the student has learnt. The students cannot be too open with the spelling of the word when students just want to answer the question that they have been given.The interaction with the English words are needed in order to identify the compounds and molecules that are present in the problem. Also, when a student is taught to use the symbols and calculations that are used in chemistry, the level of understanding will have increased and the teaching will be more effective.Students who are at the intermediate level will find the ChemSci Tutor Tests a good improvement on their teaching experience. The software provides many different options for the students.Students who do not want to pay the fee can also use ChemSci Tutor in order to prepare for their chemistry tutor test. The teachers and administrators are happy with the results.

Sunday, March 22, 2020

Ask an Admissions Expert Kofi Kankam

Ask an Admissions Expert Kofi Kankam Varsity Tutors brings you insider tips and advice straight from nationally recognized admissions experts. Kofi Kankam is the co-founder of Admit Advantage, a leading admissions consulting company that provides admissions assistance for college, MBA, and law school applicants. He received both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Harvard University as well as his MBA from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. He is a former admissions interviewer for Wharton and has been actively coaching students through their application processes since 2004. VT: How far ahead of time should a student begin working on his or her college application? Kofi: Truthfully, you should begin work on your college application from the moment you start high school as the process of achieving exceptional grades, amassing standardized test scores, and participating in extracurricular experiences that will comprise your application begins. In terms of actually completing the online or paper application, we recommend getting started as soon as applications are released generally sometime in August. We also encourage students to familiarize themselves with the Common Application during junior year, including a practice run at essay writing. VT: What are the best ways to go about selecting a terrific essay topic? Kofi:When beginning the essay writing process, think initially of breadth of topics rather than depth. There is a time for brevity in writing, but the idea-generating stage is not it. We have students brainstorm possible topics by reflecting on people, experiences, events, etc. that have shaped their lives. We additionally encourage them to cull through old photos, thumb through old books, and talk to people who have been an integral part of their lives in order to spark some ideas about possible topics. In general, we advise students to avoid topics that may be too intimate, controversial, or publicized. Many of the most eloquent and memorable essays I have ever read are about mundane topics with a personal spin. VT: Are there any essay topics you get tired of seeing or would warn students to stay away from? Kofi:We tire less of particular topics and more of unsophisticated writing. Too often, applicants write generic essays that fail to differentiate them as candidates. We also warn students against pursuing the controversial topics which are difficult to effectively manage in a college essay. Its one thing to take a stand on an issue; its another thing entirely to take that stand in your essay only to offend or alarm the gatekeepers of the university. There will be plenty of opportunities for debate once the student has earned admission. VT: What is the biggest mistake a student can make on a college application? Kofi:Being disingenuous. This could be in the form of a blatant lie or in a more subtle manner: assembling an application that is incongruous in different parts. VT: What is the typical process an admissions officer goes through to evaluate applications? Kofi:Admissions processes vary widely, especially depending upon the number of applicants, size of admission committee, selectivity of the institution, etc. But, in general, colleges will review the hard data: GPA, class rank, standardized test scores. In addition to the statistics, admission committee members will read supporting documents: student essays, recommendations, resumes, portfolios, etc. In general, the statistical information and supporting documents are the driving force behind some sort of group classification: Admit; Deny; Undecided/Possible. Many schools prefer for each application to be given multiple reads to ensure that candidates are accessed thoroughly and equitably. Unfortunately, some schools, particularly larger institutions, do not have the capabilities to employ such rigorous efforts for large applicant pools and therefore rely on an automated system based on statistics for admission. VT: What do you think is the single most important thing a student should make sure they present in the best possible way on their application? Kofi:By the time students apply to college, much of the data students will report is already fixed (GPA, class rank, standardized test scores), however, the essay remains very much in a category of its own. This is the one element of the application over which the student can exercise control up until the moment of submission. As such, view the essay as potentially your greatest advocate and a true differentiator. VT: How should students go about determining the culture of a university, and whether they would be a good fit? Kofi:To the extent possible, make the visit as authentic as possible: visit while classes are in session, attend an information session, take a tour, and sit in on a class. And dont be afraid to deviate from the script. Student ambassadors and tour guides are trained to highlight the assets of a university, so try to engage students beyond the formal part of your visit. Stop students in the cafeteria or on the green to get a different perspective. One question to always ask on campus visits: If you could change one thing about this school to make it better, what would it be? Every college has areas of weakness, and this question encourages students to hone in these areas. Also, during your visit, be mindful of whatever visceral reaction you have to the campus. Did you immediately fall in love with the campus? Were the students warm and engaging (and not just the tour guides)? Did the students seem miserable or stressed out? Were the students dressed in their Sunday best or still in their pajamas as they headed to class? The more campuses you visit, the more the experiences may start to bleed into one another, so take notes and pictures to help the experience last beyond your visit; limit visits to two maximum per day. Finally, reach out to students you may know who attend schools in which you are interested. Ask them about their experiences, both positive and negative. And ask them if they had it to do over, would they choose the same school? VT: Early-action, early-decision, binding/non-binding, regular decisions...With so many choices when applying, what do you recommend to students? Kofi:Early Decision should be reserved for students who have a clearly defined number one choice school. It is a binding agreement and should be treated as such. Students should also be aware that Early Decisions are made well in advance of financial aid packages being awarded, and if the cost of college is an issue, ED candidates generally have fewer financial aid options given the timing of ED acceptance and aid letters. Early Action provides students with far more options, as acceptances under this provision are not binding, and students have the peace of mind knowing they have been accepted well in advance of decisions that are mailed under regular admission. We never suggest that the type of application, i.e., ED, EA, etc., be the driving force behind a candidates school selection, but rather they should consider the overall fit as the top priority. That being said, we do encourage students to consider applying to schools that will be a good fit and have some sort of Early Action admission. This early planning allows for more application work to be completed early in the school year, decision letters to be mailed earlier, and more time to enjoy some of senior year without the stress of waiting for every decision to come in the spring. VT: How important are grades and standardized test scores when admissions decisions are being made? Kofi:For many schools, they are the two most important criteria considered for admission, with the nod of importance given to the former considering it measures performance over a number of years and not just a single test sitting. If possible, we encourage all students to take some sort of test prep course; not doing so will almost always place students at a disadvantage considering the number of students who now take these courses, particularly if applying to competitive colleges. One thing to keep in mind regarding grades: colleges dont just want to see a strong GPA; they want to see that you have maintained a strong GPA while taking a rigorous course load. VT: What tips do you have for students asking their teachers for letters of recommendation? Kofi:Foremost, dont be afraid to ask teachers if they are able to write a strong letter of recommendation for you. A lukewarm letter of recommendation can certainly undermine your candidacy. Also, we encourage students to provide teachers with a copy of their resum as well as samples of work that they have completed in that teachers class. This will aid the teacher in writing a more personalized and comprehensive recommendation. Once the letter of recommendation has been submitted, remember to send the teacher a hand-written thank you note. For more information, visit AdmitAdvantage.com. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Friday, March 6, 2020

Avoid the Musical Plateau Trick Yourself Into Practicing Longer

Avoid the Musical Plateau Trick Yourself Into Practicing Longer Suzy S. The dreaded plateau is not just a fitness concept most musicians, at some point or another, are forced to face it as well.   Its when many students decide to give up and end their music lessons, because theyre convinced they are unable to learn any more.   The key?   Have a plan of action. As any pro musician (or athlete, at that) can tell you, its just a matter of breaking through that barrier and keeping the inspiration alive.   And maybe the extra oomph that you need is a matter of adding a few more minutes of practicing each day.   Who knows you might discover a new source of motivation as you dissect certain passages or try out different warm-up exercises. If youve already hit the plateau and feel frustrated with a lack of progress, consider these 5 ideas for extending your practice sessions, as published on The Collaborative Piano Blog: 1. Work in more detail. Take apart each phrase and discover what you need to do in order to make it fit into the whole. Once youve finished working on one phrase to your satisfaction, go on to the next one. 2. Repetition. Once youve got a passage worked out, repeat it several times to solidify it in your playing. Having longer practice sessions can accomplish this very nicely. Bear in mind that this doesnt mean running whole pieces several times and calling it a practice session, unless the detail work is already in place. 3. Come back to each piece youre working on every day. Day-by-day repetition is what can add tremendous reliability to your performance. That passage that almost worked in the first session of the week can usually be played with ease if attended to daily. Theres something about working hard on a passage, setting it aside and then returning to it the next day that builds confidence and command to what seemed initially unplayable. 4. Warm up properly. Consult with your music teacher as to how you should warm up every day. Try out several different types and styles to keep things interesting. 5. Add more diverse activities to your daily practice session. Changing gears several times can lessen any chance of boredom practicing. Activities such as technical exercises, sight reading, transposition, reviewing old pieces, playing in a different musical style and improvising can make your time spent practicing more rewarding. Remember: Musicians of all levels can experience the feeling of hitting a wall.   When that happens, its important to look back on what motivated you in the first place and keep that momentum going.   And of course, let your music teacher know how youre feeling.   Maybe all you need to break through the plateau is a shift in focus, exposure to some other creative outlets or some new music!   (If you dont have a private teacher, sign up for lessons here.) Have you reached a plateau in your own music studies?   How did you keep your   motivation up?   Share your story leave a comment below, or head on over to our Facebook page! You might also like 5 Excuses for Not Practicing And How to Overcome Them Practice Makes Perfect, But Are You Doing it Right? Stuck In a Musical Rut?   Heres How to Get Out Photo by puzzledmonkey.

Thursday, March 5, 2020

5 Graphic Novels that Will Help You Learn French

5 Graphic Novels that Will Help You Learn French Megan L. Learning to speak French  can be a daunting task, so why not make it fun? Watching and reading French material is a fantastic way to study the language. In this article, teacher  Walker P.  introduces you to the wonderful world of French graphic novels One of the biggest steps we can take in our foreign language learning is reading in French. But let’s be honest, sometimes we’d rather take just half a step and that’s okay! Instead of staring at a  block of text and feeling intimidated, we can begin our journey to literacy with the engaging world of comic books and graphic novels. Furthermore, France has a rich world of illustration that we can enjoy beyond our studies. Whether you want to help your child learn French or learn it yourself, these novels have something for everyone. Let’s take a look at five publications of different skill levels that all have a unique story to tell. 1. Histoire de Babar: le petit éléphant, Jean de Brunhoff The Story of Babar: The Little Elephant After his mother is killed by hunters, young Babar escapes the jungle and arrives in a city where he is befriended by an old woman. She hires him a tutor and dresses him with an heir of sophistication. What we end up with is a charming and refined young elephant who brings civilization to the land of elephants. This children’s book with full-page illustrations is perfect for beginners and anyone who wants a relaxed, immersive experience with French. 2. Les Aventures de Tintin: On a marché sur la Lune, Hergé The Adventures of Tintin: Explorers on the Moon, Hergé Tintin is an adventurous young reporter and main character of this very popular series. Loved for its slapstick humor, realistic world, and well-researched plotlines, this series is perfect for anyone just beginning to develop their French vocabulary skills. This time, on a trip to the moon to explore stalactite caves, Tintin and his companions face stowaways, depleting oxygen, and the challenges of survival in space. Its a simple and fun science fiction jaunt to warm up your brain to the French language. 3. Titeuf, Dieu, le sexe et les bretelles, Zep Titeuf, God, Sex and Suspenders, Zep The most popular comic series in France currently, Titeuf, stars an inquisitive eight-year-old who really just wants to understand life. Standing at the edge of puberty, Titeuf explores the questions of what lies ahead  and invokes a playful, honest attitude toward growing up. This series is perfect for younger French students that can relate, as well as for those more advanced who want to laugh as they learn. 4. L’Arabe du Futur, Riad Sattouf The Arab of the Future Born to a Syrian father and white French mother in the 1980s, Riad grows up between two cultures. Drawn to art and having a gentle disposition, the male-centered, aggressive worlds of Libya and Syria challenges Riad as a young child. This graphic novel is written from his perspective but makes many observations on the politics of France and North Africa, as Riad navigates the culture of his father and of Islam. A great choice for people at a high school or college reading level. 5. Persepolis, Marjane Satrapi Ranked by Newsweek as the fifth-best fictional book of the decade, Persepolis explores the childhood and adulthood of its author during and after the Islamic Revolution in Iran. The protagonist, Marji, fights for what she believes in and explores her cultural identity throughout this wonderful series. Anyone looking for a more advanced read and still wants an engaging, beautifully-illustrated experience need look no further than Persepolis. As an added bonus, once you finish you can watch the animated adaptation and practice your French listening skills and oral comprehension. Welcome to the world of French graphic novels, or as we would say in this case: bandes dessinées. Now take these skills that you learn from the novels and try to have a French conversation with someone. As always, practice with consistency, and study often! Post Author:  Walker P. Walker P. teaches English, Japanese, and French in Chicago, IL. He received a bachelors degree in English and French at DuPaul University. Walker has edited thousands of formal essays for his peers and enjoys one-on-one conversations to improve others English skills.  Learn more about Walker here! Photo by morebyless 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

The 10 Most Common Spelling Mistakes in English

The 10 Most Common Spelling Mistakes in English How to Avoid the Most Common English Spelling Mistakes ChaptersA Mismatch Made in Heaven: English Pronunciation and Spelling10 Nightmare Spellings You Will Encounter in Your English LessonsFor English native speakers as well as those who learn English as a foreign language, getting the hang of English grammar and spelling is a frustrating task.Sadly for some, every learner has to study English spelling in addition to their English listening comprehension, literacy skills, speaking skills, reading and writing skills as well as practicing their knowledge of slang and idiomatic phrases to improve their overall proficiency and language skills.With an international status, few irregular verbs, no gendered nouns and adjectives that don't change depending on tenses or number, English may seem an attractive second language  to a  non-native  English learner, but it causes nothing but trouble from the word ‘go’.However, there is an upside when it comes to studying English spelling and grammar: you learn to expect the unexpected.Thankfully, yo u’re not alone in your struggle.The average native English speaker regularly has trouble spelling certain words which seem simple at first, and the interesting spelling of English vocabulary reflects its rich history.And for every problem, there’s a solution â€" starting to learn English spellings of new words as you improve your vocabulary is all part of the fun!De-finite-lyThis takes care of the vowel mix-ups in the middle, and then all you need to remember is the starting and finishing letters.Separate Like ‘definitely’, the frequent misspelling of ‘separate’ is down to the subtle difference between its pronunciation and spelling.People often mistakenly only use one ‘A’, spelling it ‘seperate’ â€" which doesn’t look wrong.You have to learn to catch yourself out when writing it, and make sure you use two ‘A’s.Some people use the phrase ‘an R separates the two A’s’ to remember the spelling.ConsensusThis word isn’t a part of an English speaker’s e veryday vocabulary, but when it does come up, it’s usually spelt incorrectly.This is probably because of the number of possible pronunciations of the letter ‘C’, which is often pronounced as an ‘S’ sound.For this reason, people become confused as to whether the first ‘S’ sound is indeed a ‘C’ or an ‘S’.To English speakers, the final ‘U’ may also cause confusion, since they are used to an ‘o-u’ combination to represent this sound.Business‘Business’ is a prime example of an English word that looks nothing like its pronunciation.Even some adults find spelling it a challenge, probably because it is such a common word that they’re used to seeing, so never think about the spelling irregularity.Good spelling is everyone's business ¦ source: Visualhunt - Olu EletuThe best way to remember this spelling is easy: just picture its meaning â€" busy-ness!After that, all you have to do it swap the ‘Y’ for an ‘I’ - and you'll be speaking business English in no time.A lotTechnically, ‘a lot’ doesn’t count as a word, but its misspelling is so common that we simply had to include it on our list.‘A lot’ can mean ‘very’, ‘much’, ‘many’, ‘numerous’, ‘several’, the list goes on.This word features in everyday vocab, but is more common in spoken English, as it one of the less formal among these expressions.For this reason, English speakers rarely see it written down, and therefore misspell it as it sounds in English speaking, as ‘alot’.This is why, for those aiming to become fluent in English, spelling is so important.Even simple spellings can be lost when speaking English, so be sure to pay attention to every aspect of your skills with quizzes and grammar exercises so you don't get caught out in written exams!This is just one of the ways you can improve your English speaking fluency, English writing and listening skills when you learn to speak English as a second language. Learn the difference between UK a nd US spelling.

7 Tips to Start Your New Job Right - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / 7 Tips to Start Your New Job Right - Introvert Whisperer 7 Tips to Start Your New Job Right What’s one thing that would make you feel most comfortable as you start your  new job? Share your thoughts in the comments! 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! Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleashing your professional potential. Introvert Whisperer

5 Things to Know About Business School Before Applying

5 Things to Know About Business School Before Applying Deciding to apply to business school is a big step in your life. Youre on your way to either advancing your career or starting a completely new one. With essays, recommendations, interviews, and the GMAT, so much is involved before you start your first class. Here are five things you should know about business school before applying. 1. Everyone goes to business school for different reasons And those reasons will not necessarily match yours. Some students are more focused on academics, some only want to concentrate on building their careers, while others find the social activities most appealing. You will encounter a multitude of personalities through your MBA program, and each personfrom classmates and professors to recruiters and administratorswill have his or her own agenda. Though it can be tough, navigating these personalities is part of the process, a management skill that will serve you well as you move throughout your career. While learning what motivates other people, figure out what motivates you, too. Knowing who you are will help you find the MBA success you are seeking. 2. Dont measure your achievements by how successful you think your classmates are Everyone comes to business school with different backgrounds, skills, privileges, connections, and baggage. You may think you know, but sometimes you have no idea whats going on in the lives of your new friends. Dont make assumptions about your peers. Keep your focus on where you want to go. For instance, you might overhear that your classmate Jodywhose daily contribution to your Brand Management class is a series of prolonged snoreshas job offers from three Fortune 500 CPG companies, while youre still waiting to land an interview in finance. You presume she must be well-connected, or lucky. But what you dont know is Jody has been working in brand management for a Fortune 100 company since her sophomore year of college, and she is only applying to opportunities in the same industry and function. Instead of gauging your progress against Jodys, take her out for coffee, congratulate her on her success, and pick her brain about the culture of the finance department at her previous company. You build better networking relationships with honey than with jealousy. 3. You will have very little downtime But you still will be having a lot of fun! Let your friends and family know this before you apply. They might start to realize how busy you will be when you start the application process, with your calendar full of studying for the GMAT, wrangling recommendations, writing and rewriting essays, and attending MBA recruiting events. Once your student orientation begins, free moments will seem like a thing of the past. Classes, mixers, study groups, conferences, info sessions, and new peers will consume much of your schedule, minimizing free time outside of those endeavors. Adjust expectations accordingly and make the effort to pencil in time to catch up with your old friends and family over academic breaks. 4. Like college, students often change their concentration Even though you initially intended to enter consulting as a new career, a conversation with a second-year student who had a grueling consulting internship over the summer may change your mind. Its okay to adjust your path; dont be afraid to create a new plan. Explore new industries and functions that you had not previously considered or heard of. Find something you like, and discover how to achieve MBA success in a new way. 5. An MBA program lasts a short period of time As most alumni will tell you, business school goes by quickly, so enjoy your one-, two-, or three-year program while youre in it! Write down the goals you want to accomplish before you start, or else you might not get to them before graduation. There arent enough hours to complete all of your classwork, lead every club, participate in every case competition, attend every MBA conference, develop relationships with all of your classmates and professors, interview with every company, and start your new career in the period allotted. Pick a few significant things across those categories to maximize your experience, and add or subtract along the way. Business school is an exciting journey filled with new friends, new experiences, and a rigorous education inside and outside the classroom. Its also a brief moment in your career that wont last forever. You have the rest of your life ahead of youbut first, you have to apply and get in, of course! Do your research, and let your knowledge of who you are and what you want inform both your applications and your MBA life.