Key Tips For Learning How To Teach Kindergarten Students

Key Tips For Learning How To Teach Kindergarten StudentsIf you are interested in learning how to teach at the kindergarten level, it can be very helpful to know which of the most popular tutoring subjects are out there. This article will provide some helpful advice. First, some key words you need to know are 'typical topics'key' topics. A typical topic is a subject that is covered often enough that you can expect students to ask you questions about it.The most common for kindergarten is by reading. It is not the most critical part of the core subject for pre-school. Core subjects include phonics and reading, which are usually taught along with language and math. In today's world, reading and grammar can be taught later, in kindergarten. Core subjects are also often included in kindergarten because they can be taught in class and are a foundational skill for students, so they are helpful for bringing up to date.For the most popular tutoring subjects, the key words are 'interaction'lan guage.' These two have been updated in recent years. They should be included in a core subject, since they teach the student what they need to know and learn in order to function at their grade level. Interaction includes reading aloud, writing things down, listening, and spelling words. Language includes reading, writing, speaking, reading, writing, listening, and writing.The most popular tutoring subjects are English, mathematics, and reading. English is the most important subject of all. Because English is such a popular subject, teachers tend to teach it in early childhood. Mathematics is another key subject that should be taught at the early stage of child development. When it is taught early, the child learns better than when it is learned later. Reading also provides the building blocks of the other subjects.Interactivetutoring is an activity that involves interaction between the student and the teacher. The activity could be watching a video or playing an activity, like colo ring or painting. These activities can be as simple as observing from the side.Special classes may also be added for those with disabilities. The key word for these classes is 'special.' The student needs to demonstrate that they can carry out the instruction given.A successful lesson plan will always include these three core subjects, interaction, language, and special classes. The key to a successful lesson plan is teaching the student to do all the basic tasks and skills first, before moving on to more complex ones.

A Guide to Drawing Techniques

A Guide to Drawing Techniques Drawing Techniques to Suit You ChaptersWhat is Observational Drawing?What is Caricature Drawing?What is Editorial Cartooning?What is Technical Illustration?Discovering Drawing TechniquesDrawing is something everyone does at some point in their lives.We learn to paint and draw from a very young age, even before we learn to talk.From the basics of our first stick figures to the moment we learn how to draw animals more realistically and get used to gesture drawing, as a means of expression and communication, drawing can provide a basis for a variety of careers.Art and drawing can take many forms, but the basis is the same for all of them: being able to draw basic shapes, use basic techniques, colours and put a piece together.Contrary to what some people may think, drawing isn’t a talent you’re born with â€" it is something you can learn at any age.This is probably the most important thing to bear in mind. Drawing is universal and anyone can learn how to do it.As the French sculptor, Auguste Rodin said:  There is no one beautiful style, beautiful drawing, nor beautiful colours: there is only one true beauty, the beauty of the truth which reveals itself.What are the different types of drawing? What are their characteristics? FernandoDrawing Teacher 5.00 (8) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EmmaDrawing Teacher 5.00 (5) £75/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DavidDrawing Teacher 4.75 (4) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NatashaDrawing Teacher 5.00 (7) £37/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LorrenDrawing Teacher 5.00 (2) £18/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Julia janeDrawing Teacher 5.00 (5) £60/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EvelinaDrawing Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ZangmoDrawing Teacher 5.00 (6) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsWhat is Observational Drawing?Let’s begin by looking at observational drawing.Why?Because it forms a basis for so many disciplines in drawing.Your art teacher wil l start teaching  basic drawing lessons in techniques through exercises involving simple objects in class.How can observational drawing help beginners?Learning to master control of your drawing toolsDeveloping observational skillsFaithfully reproducing real-life objectsGetting used to artistic techniques including working with one point perspective, proportion and light and shadeObservational drawing is hard work and can take a lot of time.The objective of observational drawing is to reproduce an identical representation of the model on paper. In order to achieve this, you have to learn to ‘disconnect’ your brain and focus on how the thing in front of you actually looks, rather than interpreting it a three-dimensional object.Sketching a landscape demands an eye for detail as well as a good amount of patience ¦ source: Visualhunt - Aidan MeyerConsider your hand as an extension of your eyesight.Learning how to draw the human body, a face, and even a still life drawing are all dif ficult exercises the first time you attempt them, however, practicing them is essential to becoming a skilled artist.Getting the hang of representing characteristics of an object opens up the diverse world of art to you.Having the ability to perfectly reproduce a portrait, landscape or another object gives you the means to express yourself through your art and explore your creative side further.Coming up with ideas is one thing, but knowing how to materialise them on a blank sheet of paper is another.Regularly practicing your observational drawing skills will allow you to work on new techniques and styles that you will use throughout your artistic career.What is Caricature Drawing?Once you’ve learnt how to draw a portrait of a person, you can start to have a bit of fun by exaggerating their features  in a move away from realism to produce a caricature portrait drawing. Not only will this give you a chance to use your imagination, the person you draw will also appreciate your effor ts!Drawing caricatures has a long history spanning several centuries.The traces of caricature drawing on Greek vases show that the practice may go back to antiquity.Caricatures, like most styles of drawing, began as engravings, but the development of printing (which came about during the Renaissance) facilitated the distribution of satirical drawings.The birth of satirical drawing is strongly linked to a major event in European history: the French Revolution.Drawing became a means of criticising society and condemning the abuse of power.Satirical newspapers started to develop and the caricature became a universal method of expression.The reason for this was that anyone could understand a drawing, so a shocking picture which ridiculed a certain person had a greater impact than words when it came to changing someone’s image.Does the idea of creating amusing portraits appeal to you?In order to be able to do this, you’ll need to have mastered the drawing basics.Drawing a caricatured portrait requires the artist to have good observational skills which will help them to decide which characteristics should be exaggerated in their picture.You should also work on your figure drawing and portrait drawing abilities in particular, as learning how to draw people will provide a firm foundation for learning to draw faces and how to sketch caricatures.Whether you learn about the art of drawing through step by step drawing tutorials, extra-curricular art instruction or an online drawing course, the pencil is yours to master!With any portrait, you should start by tracing the main characteristics of the face whilst ensuring a resemblance to the person you are drawing.Next, work on the details which will make your caricature an exaggerated piece rather than a portrait.Do they have sleepy eyes?A particularly wide smile?An interesting hairline?It all depends on the appearance of the person you’re drawing.Drawing a caricature is an opportunity for you to have fun with your art through exaggerating small details whilst keeping your portrait recognisable as the person you’re drawing.Drawing caricatures doesn’t just mean drawing what you fancy. The people who look at your finished piece should be able to recognise the person in the picture upon first glance.To learn how to create art like this, try to sketch celebrities and members of your family, as drawing faces you know well will give you the means to analyse their appearence. FernandoDrawing Teacher 5.00 (8) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EmmaDrawing Teacher 5.00 (5) £75/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DavidDrawing Teacher 4.75 (4) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NatashaDrawing Teacher 5.00 (7) £37/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LorrenDrawing Teacher 5.00 (2) £18/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Julia janeDrawing Teacher 5.00 (5) £60/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EvelinaDrawing Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ZangmoDrawing Teacher 5.00 (6) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsWhat is Editorial Cartooning?There is only one step when going from caricature drawings to editorial cartoons.Editorial or political cartoonists are caricature specialists.Their job is to give their opinion on a news item through their humorous pencil drawings. They usually achieve this by criticising aspects of society or political affairs without a sitter to pose for their painting.Political cartooning is particularly prevalent in France, where the controversial right-wing satirical comic, Charlie Hebdo, was born.The 2015 attack on the makers of Charlie Hebdo put political cartoonists at the heart of current affairs and demonstrated the risks associated with their profession.Editorial cartooning aims to provoke a reaction from those who look at the drawing and encourage a newspaper’s readership to ask questions. In order to do this, editorial illustrators use dark humour, stereotypes and irony.E ditorial cartooning is less about the drawing and more about the subject it depicts. What should shock readers isn’t the cartoon, but the story that has inspired it.Editorial illustration is all about the message behind the caricature ¦ source: Visualhunt - DonkeyHoteyEditorial illustrators don’t think up the horrors they depict by themselves, rather they find them in society.We must also remember that an editorial cartoonist is above all a type of journalist who analyses and produces criticism. Instead of writing an article, they send a message through a quick drawing.The most effective cartoon satire is funny as well as thought-provoking!What is Technical Illustration?Is your mind more mathematically-oriented?Are you a scientist at heart?Technical drawing can be considered to be the opposite of creative drawing. This style of realistic drawing is essential to engineering and concerns representing all kinds of prototypes of products through drawing.It is particularly important as a means of communication, as finished drawings should aid the transmission of essential information which can help developers with new concepts and products.Here are a few examples of the uses of technical drawing:ArchitectureVehicle designElectronicsThe key word in technical illustration is precision.Before producing a specific piece, a concrete representation of all of its angles is required.Drawings from numerous angles, with cross-sections and scaling create an exhaustive representation of the product which includes useful information for the manufacturer.Technical illustrations are usually created by a team of professionals working on a project.Each technical illustrator must strictly conform to several characteristics of the product they are drawing, such as:The format of the drawingsCharacteristics  depicted in the drawingKey points to highlight on the drawingThe number of angles the product is drawn fromYou may picture a technical illustrator sitting in front of a desk, working with their pair of compasses and a protractor. Today, the discipline of technical drawing has changed significantly since these days, and professionals now work on computers with design software.Technical illustration demands a great deal of attention to detail and self-discipline, and its practitioners are rewarded by their ability to work in a variety of fields.Discovering Drawing TechniquesWe’ve looked at the main types of drawing. Before finding your feet in the world of art and discovering your personal drawing style, you should learn some drawing techniques.If you’re still at school, your art teacher will introduce you to the different drawing materials used by artists.Getting to know your drawing tools will open up a world of creation ¦ source: Pixabay - pixel2013Depending on the type of sketches you’re aiming to produce, you’ll be able to choose from a range of methods, and some with suit your project sketchbook better than others.By now, you’ll have alrea dy gained some experienced sketching with a graphite pencil on paper. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your materials, tools and techniques and see how your work varies depending on these things.Here are a few things you may come across when trying out new ways of creating art:Charcoal: Charcoal is something you’re bound to encounter as an artist. It is created from burnt shrub branches and it particularly suited to portraiture.Red Chalk: As its name suggests, this chalk is pigmented with earthy reds as well as ochre and even orange tones. Red chalk is ideal for creating depth in pictures.Graphite: Graphite is the proper name for the lead found in everyday pencils. It is usually the first drawing tool we encounter and especially useful for creating contrast with shading techniques.When it comes to producing your own drawings, you’ll quickly find that you can change the style of your drawings by changing your drawing technique.You may use thick strokes to sharpen an outline, use negative space, blending, doodle and experiment with textures, hatching, contour, use different types of drawing pencil and paper, learn to create shadows in a perspective drawing, or even try digital drawing and learn about rendering!So, whether you choose to draw with a ball-point pen, oil pastel, coloured pencils or watercolor paints, experimentation is the best way to find your personal drawing and painting style!Search for a private tutor to begin taking drawing lessons:drawing courses Londondrawing courses Leedsdrawing courses Glasgow

What is a circle graph

What is a circle graph A circle graph is a graph of a circle whose chords, when drawn from one point on the circle to another point on the circle intersect each other within the circle. Circle graphs are also known as pie graphs or pie charts, and the intersection of the chords in the circle is used to represent different proportions or statistical data of certain information. Circle graphs or pie charts are very useful and helpful in organizing information and to compare and represent ratio of a part with respect to the whole. Example 1: In a basket of fruits there are 2 apples, 4 oranges and 2 peaches. Show the percentage of the fruits in a circle/pie graph. Total number of fruits in the basket = 8 Number of apples= 2== % of apples = 2/8 * 100% = 25% Number of oranges= 4== % of oranges = 4/8 * 100% = 50% Students in dance club= 1==% of them= 1/10 * 100% = 10% Number of apples= 2== % of apples = 2/8 * 100% = 25% Number of oranges= 4== % of oranges = 4/8 * 100% = 50% Number of peaches= 2== % of peaches = 2/8 * 100% = 25% Therefore the percent of each fruit is shown in the circle graph. Example 2: In a class of 10 students, 4 students are in science club, 5 students are in sports club and 1 student is in dance club. Show the percentage of students in each club in a circle/pie graph. Total number of students in the class= 10 Students in science club= 4==% of them= 4/10 * 100% = 40% Students in sports club= 5==% of them= 5/10 * 100% = 50% Students in dance club= 1==% of them= 1/10 * 100% = 10% Therefore the percentage of students in each club is shown.

Molar Mass

Molar Mass Molar Mass Chemistry deals with the compositions of atoms and molecules. There are innumerable number of reactions where the atoms and molecules react with each other and form products. Molar mass of molecules and compounds play a very important role in different stoichiometric calculations. Every atoms or compound have both physical and chemical properties. Molar mass is one the physical property of the given substance. It can also be referred as the mass of the given molecule or compound. Difference between amu (Atomic mass Unit) and grams/mol. The Atomic mass unit or the amu is the units that is used for measuring the mass of each atom. Periodic table is often referred to find mass of the atoms. In the periodic table the mass of each atom is given in terms of amu. This atomic mass unit of an individual atom is taken to find the molar mass of a compound or a molecule. The unit of molar mass is however grams/mol as its the combined mass of the atoms. Shown below are examples related to the calculation of the molar mass. The Molar mass of one mole of CuSO4. Given is one mole of Copper Sulfate CusSO4. Follow the steps below for finding the Molar mass: One mole of CuSO4 consists of 1 Copper atom, 1 Sulphur atom and 4 atoms of oxygen. Refer to the periodic table get the atomic mass number of Copper (Cu), Sulfur (S) and Oxygen (O) atoms. For finding the molar mass of CuSO4 add the masses of the atoms as shown below: Mass of CuSO4 = (Atomic mass of Copper) + (Atomic mass of Sulfur) + 4 (Atomic mass of Oxygen) The periodic table is always used to find the mass number of the given atoms. Cu has a mass number of 63.456 amu, Sulfur S has a mass number of 32.065 amu, and Oxygen has a molar mass of 15.9994 amu. Adding all the atomic mass units gives the following: Molar Mass = 1(63.456) + 1(32.065) + 4(15.9994) = 63.456 + 32.065 + 63.9976. = 159.6086 g/mol. The Molar mass of 1 moles of NH3. Given is 1 moles of NH3 which is also called as Ammonia. Steps for finding the Molar mass of Ammonia: One mole of NH3 consists of 1 Nitrogen atom, and 3 atoms of Hydrogen. Refer to the periodic table get the atomic mass number of Nitrogen (N), Hydrogen (H). For finding the molar mass of NH3 add the masses of the atoms as shown below: Mass of NH3 = (Atomic mass of Hydrogen) + 3 (Atomic mass of Hydrogen) The periodic table is always used obtain the atomic mass number of the given atoms. N has a mass number of 14.0067 amu, Hydrogen has a mass number of 1.00974 amu. Molar Mass = [1(14.0067) + 3(1.00974)] g/mol = [14.0067 + 3.02922] g/mol = 17.03592 g/mol. Rounding the answer to two decimal places. Follow the steps below: Relation between Molar Mass and Number of Moles: The molar mass of a substance is independent of the number of moles. This is because molar mass of the substance weighs according to the composition of its atoms. The total mass of the substance however increases with the increase in the number of moles. The Moles and Molar mass of a substance are connected by the formula stated below: The units for the mass of a substance is grams and the units for the moles is mol. This also implies that the units for the molar mass of a given substance is grams/mol. Shown below are some solved examples to find the number of moles for different substances. 1) Find the molar mass of a 3 mole of an element weighing 60 grams. Mass of the substance given = 60 grams. Number of moles = 3 moles. Using the formula: Molar mass = 60 grams/3 mol = 20 gm/mol. 2) In a lab experiment the chemist used 9 moles of Fe2O3. Find mass of Iron Oxide consumed if the mass was totally consumed. For calculating the mass of Iron Oxide Fe2O3, its molar mass is required. One mole of Fe2O3 consists of 2 atoms of Iron and three atoms of Oxygen. Refer to the periodic table to obtain the atomic mass unit for Iron and Oxygen. The atomic mass unit of Iron is 55.845 amu and the atomic mass unit of Oxygen is 15.9994 amu. Adding the atomic mass units gives: Molar mass of Fe2O3 = 2 (55.845) + 3 (15.994) = 159.6882 g/mol = 159.69 g/mol (approximately.) Using the formula: Mass of Fe2O3 = 159.69 x 9 = 1437.21 grams. 3) Calculate how many number of moles of H2O molecules weight 36 grams. Given is the mass of H2O molecule = 36 grams. Now find the Molar mass of H2O in the following steps below: The H2O molecule has two Hydrogen atoms and one Oxygen atom. For finding the molar mass of one H2O molecule look for the atomic masses of Hydrogen and oxygen. Hydrogen atom weighs 1.00794 amu and Oxygen weighs 15.9994 amu. Molar Mass of H2O = [2(1.00794) + (15.9994)] g/mol = [2.01588 + 15.9994] g/mol = 18.01528 g/mol. = 18.0 (On approximation.) Use the Molar mass formula mentioned above for finding the number of Moles: Substituting the values gives: Moles = 36/18.0 = 2.0 moles.

3 Questions to Ask Your College About Financial Aid

3 Questions to Ask Your College About Financial Aid Learning to navigate financial aid can be challenging, and it is not a topic that is always forefront in students minds as they prepare for schoolafter all, academics, extracurricular activities, and social opportunities are of great interest to students! In order to better understand the system at your institution, here are three questions to ask your college about financial aid: 1. What are the financial aid deadlines, and how can I ensure I have submitted the necessary paperwork? Many students believe that because they submitted their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and indicated their school of choice, they are finished with the financial aid process. However, this is not the case. The college or university you choose to attend may maintain its own deadlines, and in many cases, there are additional steps to address, documentation to provide, and forms to fill out before your financial aid application is considered complete. Ensure you speak to your financial aid office about any next steps after you fill out your FAFSA. Certain offices post information and checklists online, but if you have any questions, call or visit in person for in-depth assistance. Often, schools create student portals for their financial aid system. Students must log in to electronically complete forms, update their information, and submit their financial aid files. Ask your college or university if it will contact you if you need to fill out additional forms or provide documents, or if you will need to check an electronic portal or online student system. Double-check that your contact information, including your email address, is current and accurate. Some schools rely solely on electronic communication, so it is imperative that you have a working email that you check frequently. Here is some great information on colleges that address financial needs. 2. What additional forms of financial aid are available, and how do I go about applying for them? In addition to the funding available through the federal government, there are other types of aid available to students, such as state funds, grants and scholarships for specific colleges or universities, or programs that pertain to certain groups of students (such as education majors or freshmen). Often, these funds require a separate application. Inquire with your financial aid office to determine what other options are available, as well as how you can apply for them. In addition, financial aid offices can frequently direct you to places where you can apply for scholarships, programs, or grants that can provide assistance with school expenses (i.e. textbooks) depending on your specific circumstances. 3. When will I be notified of my financial aid award? Not knowing how much or what types of financial aid you will receive can be stressful. Ask the financial aid office when you will be notified of your award, as well as how you will be notified. If you have not heard back from the financial aid office by the date it notes, contact the office to ensure your award notification was sent. Knowing when you will hear about your financial aid award can help ease your mind, as well as allow you to better plan for your college experience. Financial aid can sometimes be confusing and difficult to navigate, but by asking questions of your financial aid office, you can be sure you have the most information possible. Become as informed as you canabout the financial aid process at the college of your choice, and remember that the staff is there to help you succeed in your academic career!

A Student Review of University of California, Irvine

A Student Review of University of California, Irvine The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teachtheyre sharing their college experiences as well. Allison earned her bachelors degree in cognitive sciences at University of California, Irvine and earned a juris doctorate from Thomas Jefferson School of Law. She lives in Sacramento and specializes in algebra tutoring, English tutoring, psychology tutoring, and several other subjects. See what she had to say about her experience at University of California, Irvine: Describe the campus setting and transportation options at University of California, Irvine. Allison: University of California, Irvine has a great campus setting. There are plenty of transportation options. Although I lived on campus the first year in the dorms (so I didnt need to worry about transportation because I walked to class), my remaining three years I lived off campus. University of California, Irvine provided shuttle buses for students outside of campus and even to some of the surrounding cities. I had friends who biked and carpooled as well. One of the reasons I loved UCI was that Irvine was voted one of the safest cities in America. I never had any issues and I found the campus and city safe, welcoming, and clean! How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Allison:I loved the staff at University of California, Irvine. All of my professors and teaching assistants were not only willing, but eager to help. They were always an email, if not a meeting, away, and they really seemed to appreciate students who asked questions and took the time to meet with them outside of class. I also found that my academic advisors were knowledgeable, communicative, and helpful. How would you describe the dorm liferooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Allison:Dorm life was pretty great. We had lots of different options. I personally lived in Mesa Court, but I also had friends who lived in Middle Earth. I felt that I met students with similar interests, but I also had the opportunity to meet students with different backgrounds and goals. The dorms were pretty close to one another and to school, and it took about 5-10 minutes to get to class (walking) from either one. I loved all of the different options for using your meal card. I definitely bought one the first year and it saved my lifeespecially during midterms and finals. The dorms, as well as the student body and organizations on campus, always had something to do. I felt that there was always a place for anyone and everyone on campus. Which majors/programs are best represented and supported at University of California, Irvine? Allison:I think we are known more for biological sciences, and I met a lot of students who were pre-med my first year. With that being said, I was not pre-med; I was part of the Social Sciences School, but I felt that that was represented as well on campus. I had friends who were involved in different majors and programs, and we were all happy with our experience. University of California, Irvine really does go above and beyond, because they provide multiple opportunities and avenues for students to succeed. From professors, TAs, tutors, and even life coaches provided and sponsored by the Counseling Center, University of California, Irvine offers every opportunity for students to achieve their goals. 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? Allison:I thought it was very easy to meet students and make friends as a freshman. For one, University of California, Irvine offers SPOP, which was the student parent orientation program that allowed students and their parents an opportunity to stay in the dorms for a night and meet some of the new freshman. I was so excited to start because I had already made friends before I even started school. I personally didnt feel that Greek life was extremely significant, but thats because I didnt rush my first or even second year of college. I did rush my third year of college and I discovered that Greek Life could be whatever you wanted it to be. If you wanted to be super involved or just a little, finding a sorority or fraternity that respected or met your needs was easy, attainable, and fun. I loved my sorority sisters, but I am glad that I didnt rush until I was sure that it was something that I wanted to pursue. How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services? Allison:I thought our Career Center was great. The staff was helpful and I enjoyed taking the personality assessment tests to find the right career for me. I also really liked our Counseling Center, as they provided opportunities for those in psychology to get involved and harness their public speaking and/or people skills. I didnt utilize the on-campus recruitment options like I wish I would have, but there are so many opportunities, and I had friends who worked at Fortune 500 companies right after graduation. How are the various study areas such aslibraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Allison:From the libraries, common hall, outside lounges, student lounges, and coffee houses, there are so many places to study on campus. The libraries could sometimes get crowded during midterms or finals, but as a whole there was always a seat or desk available when one needed it. And the lounges near Crystal Cove seats are so comfy! Try not to fall asleep! Describe the surrounding town. Allison:Irvine is in the heart of the OC. I lived in Irvine for 4 years, and eventually after school I moved to Costa Mesa and the Laguna Beach. I had friends who lived in Newport Beach, Long Beach, and Huntington Beach and commuted. There is always something going on, whether its at the beach, a music festival, or cook-off. Some students did stay near Irvine, but Irvine as a whole is a pretty quiet town. Some of us traveled outside of Irvine if we wanted to go to the beach or go shopping, but I really liked hanging out in Irvine and trying the different cuisines. How big or small is the student body of University of California, Irvine? Allison:Personally, the student body was overwhelming for me. I came from a school where my entire student body was the size of a full lecture hall. It felt a little too big, initially, but Im so happy that it was such a large class size because I felt thats what made our school so diverse. Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Allison:I worked with the Counseling Center for the last two years of my college career. I was a C.O.A.C.H. (aka a student life coach), and it was myself and 13 other students participating in the program. We all had different majors, experiences, and goals, but we all had one thing in common: we wanted to help people. The purpose of C.O.A.C.H. was to help students struggling with social, academic, and personal goals. Although we worked with students with their problems, we also were able to share our own personal history and life stories with each other. I would have never guessed I would have become so close with the other coaches, but we were all so sad to leave by the end. Our mentor and professor set the tone for our group and required that we be honest, respectful, and thoughtful, not only with our clients, but ourselves. This life lesson is something I still use today while working with clients in the legal setting, and I am forever grateful for everything she taught me. Check out Allisons tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

The Making of a Stellar Score on the GRE

The Making of a Stellar Score on the GRE GRE/MAT Graduate School Blog I often hear people wonder whether it is possible to increase one’s GRE score. They believe that a standardized test score is more or less set in stone, one’s score changing plus or minus two points depending on the day. This line of thinking is actually woefully inaccurate; with a combination of diligence, resources, and the proper approach, you can greatly increase your score. Indeed, I’ve seen a couple of Magoosh students increase their scores by 29 points. Mind you, I’m not trying to shamelessly promote our brand. Instead, I not only want do away with the thinking that one’s GRE score is immutable, but also show you how to make significant point increases to your current score. An Important Question So what is a good GRE score? Well, it is one in which you improve dramatically. What this means differs wildly on the situation. To illustrate, imagine two students who have gone up by 12 points. One goes from a 145 in both sections to a 151 in both sections; the other goes from 164 in both sections to a perfect score. Clearly, the latter is far more impressive, since any point increase you can attain once you are over 165 is amazing. The first student, by contrast, hasn’t really done too much for his competitive edge. Had that student increased by 24 points, on the other hand, then he has achieved a great score. He need not feel like he has to get in the mid-160’s to make his effort worthwhile; his scores will help him get into some decent programs. The reason I mention this hypothetical student is I don’t want to give the impression that the only good score is one in the high 160’s and that everyone is capable of achieving that score. My experience has shown me that certain point increases are difficult to come by. Anything over a 30-point increase is exceedingly rare on the GRE. How Do You Get Your “Good” GRE Score? Diligence You’ve hard it countless times before, but it’s true: hard work is the only way to make big things happen. The GRE is no exception; you’ll need to apply yourself day and night, making sacrifices in your social life or your Netflix viewing. Relaxing to your favorite music might have to be replaced by listening to GRE vocabulary podcasts. Resources There is a plethora of bad material out there. Really speaking, anyone with a blog can start writing questions or pitching strategies. Always exercise caution and stick with trusted names and questions. (For helpful book reviews: Magoosh’s GRE book reviews). Approach This is, in many ways, the most important facet to improving your score; yet, it is often the subtlest. First off, don’t just do practice question after practice question. Understand your mistakes, and how the test writers create question. Learning the kind of answer choices that tempt you is important as well. Try out the strategies in a few different prep books to find out which one(s) suit you best. Finally, take plenty of practice tests so you can constantly see how you are improving and, more importantly, which parts of the test you need to focus on. Takeaway By combining the three elements above, you can witness dramatic increases in your GRE score. Of course, you will need plenty of time to see this happen. But during those periods where you aren’t improving, or aren’t improving as much, know that it is possible. About the Author This post was written by Chris Lele, resident GRE expert at Magoosh, a leader in GRE prep. For help with GRE vocabulary, check out our free flashcards and Vocab Wednesday videos on the Magoosh GRE Blog.