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 letâs be honest, sometimes weâd rather take just half a step and thatâs 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. Letâs 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 childrenâs 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. LâArabe 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 âgoâ.However, there is an upside when it comes to studying English spelling and grammar: you learn to expect the unexpected.Thankfully, yo uâre 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, thereâs 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 âdefinitelyâ, the frequent misspelling of âseparateâ is down to the subtle difference between its pronunciation and spelling.People often mistakenly only use one âAâ, spelling it âseperateâ â" which doesnât look wrong.You have to learn to catch yourself out when writing it, and make sure you use two âAâs.Some people use the phrase âan R separates the two Aâsâ to remember the spelling.ConsensusThis word isnât a part of an English speakerâs e veryday vocabulary, but when it does come up, itâs usually spelt incorrectly.This is probably because of the number of possible pronunciations of the letter âCâ, which is often pronounced as an âSâ sound.For this reason, people become confused as to whether the first âSâ sound is indeed a âCâ or an âSâ.To English speakers, the final âUâ may also cause confusion, since they are used to an âo-uâ combination to represent this sound.BusinessâBusinessâ 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 theyâre 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 âYâ for an âIâ - and you'll be speaking business English in no time.A lotTechnically, âa lotâ doesnât count as a word, but its misspelling is so common that we simply had to include it on our list.âA lotâ can mean âveryâ, âmuchâ, âmanyâ, ânumerousâ, âseveralâ, 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 âalotâ.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 Whatâs 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 donât. 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.
English Food Phrases and Idioms Advanced English Expressions
English Food Phrases and Idioms Advanced English Expressions We all love food.We love eating it of course but we also like cooking it and talking about it. Here are some English Food Phrases and Idioms for advanced English learners.There are many English expressions linked to the theme of food. Of course, they are metaphorical meanings and have a very different meaning than the food items that they may refer to.Scroll down to watch a video lesson. English Food Phrases and Idioms AS EASY AS PIEWhen we are planning a task or have a job to do perhaps that we are not looking forward to someone may tell us âdonât worry it wonât take you long, it is as easy as pieâ. (this expression has a similar meaning to a piece of cake something is easily achieved)A pie is a very popular and common dish in England.Pies come in all shapes and sizes and are made with different ingredients. We have fish pie, shepherds pie and steak and kidney pie which the most well known. (this expression has similar meaning to a piece of cake something is easily achieved).My favourite has always been Shepherds pie! If I can cook it anyone can!THE APPLE OF ONES EYEWhen someone has a favourite person (for example, a child or grandchild) who they are very proud of and always happy to see, we refer to this person as the apple of ones eye.Example: The grandfather had four grandchildren. Two boys and two girls. He was fond of all of them but the first born grandchild was his favou rite and he always told her (Mary) that she was the apple of his eye.SPILL THE BEANSBeans are a favourite food of many. Easy to make.Tasty to eat and cheap to buy.However, if you drop them or spill them it can be a little bit messy (tomato sauce everywhere!) When some one has a secret or some information that we really want we keep asking them to tell us. We ask them to âspill the beansâ or give us the information.We constantly urge them (encourage them):âCome on, spill the beans, you know you want to!â English Phrases about Food - Infographic Enjoyed this infographic? Hereâs what you can do next: FULL OF BEANSStill on the theme of beans. Lots of food is well known for giving us energy. Beans in particular offer one of the best sources of energy.If someone is full of beans, it means they are full of energy, they are very active.Example: When children are jumping and running and screaming and shouting we often hear the parents saying: âDonât worry, they are full of beansâ.BUTTER SOMEBODY UPSometimes it is difficult to persuade someone to do what you want them to or to get them to agree to your request.To help we often have to find their âgood sideâ (something that will help in persuading him/her more easily).Often praising them or flattering them works quite easily and we refer to this as buttering them up (like putting lots of butter on toast.it makes the toast very smooth).Example: Juan wanted Ana to cook his favourite meal (paella). Ana said she was busy and did not have the time. Juan told her over and over again that she was a great cook and her paella was well known to be the best in the family. âCome on, you know your paella is the best. Letâs have a beautiful evening paella, wine and musicâ. He continued this for several minutes until she eventually agreed. His buttering up had worked. He got his paella. HAVE YOUR CAKE AND EAT ITWe all love cakes. The sweet taste of a rich chocolate or gateaux is a very warm experience. To have your cake and eat it is used when somebody wants everything.Not happy with one thing he/she wants it all.Example: Michael had been asking his boss for many months about promotion. When finally his boss called him in and told him he was being promoted he was of course very happy. However, he immediately asked for an increase in his salary and a company car. His boss was a bit surprised. âYou really want your cake and eat it donât you.â TO BE IN A PICKLEWhen we want to preserve some vegetables (like cucumbers or onions) we often use vinegar. These are then referred to as pickled.We all have difficulties at times in our lives. Some are more difficult than others. When we have a problem that is not easy to solve we say âoh we are in a pickle here.â Example: David had a problem. He had lost his job and needed to repay his bank loan. He owed th em money for his car loan. He phoned his father to see if he could help. âDad sorry to ask but I am in a bit of a pickle. I lost my job and need to repay my bank . Could you help for a few weeks please?â
Too Old For The Internet No - Listening Exercise
Too Old For The Internet No - Listening Exercise The oldest student LOI English ever taught was 76. He was from Iceland and a former war time journalist. Sometimes it was difficult for him to open our lessons, but he managed Skype well and our classes were awesome. He was preparing for a vacation in Florida and wanted to polish his English before he arrived. So if you think that you are too old to learn a language, it is NOT true. You are never too old to learn something new. Dont believe me? Watch this video.1. What is the first question that the seniors ask about the internet?2. Who will be teaching the seniors how to use the internet?3. There are three internet related topics that are discussed by the seniors, can you name them?4. What do the elderly women think about the internet? One of them, Shirley, has a particular interest, what is it?5. What is the contest between the seniors?6. Youre never ___ ___ to _____ something new.7. What do the seniors think is the best part about the program?8. We need a ______ for getting up in the morning.Do you have parents or grandparents that use the internet? Do you think they could learn how? Also, many of these seniors use some interesting idioms and vocabulary words. You can take the quiz here.
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