Ask an Admissions Expert Dr. Joan Martin

Ask an Admissions Expert Dr. Joan Martin Varsity Tutors brings you insider tips and advice straight from nationally recognized admissions experts. Joan Martin, Ph.D., has been helping students gain admission to their first choice colleges in the U.S. and Europe for two decades. She is the founder of CollegeStartOnline.com and has written two eBooks, Writing the Common Application and How to Jumpstart the College Application Process. Dr. Martin holds degrees from the University of Michigan, Harvard University, and MIT. VT: How far ahead of time should a student begin working on his or her college application? Joan: My best suggestion is to start writing the Common Application essay a few days after the junior year has ended. The few days will give the student time to decompress and relax. If the student sets up a well-defined time to write the Personal Essay early in the summer, he will be able to give it a weeks rest and then go back to edit it. Magical things happen when the essay is given a rest; the student brings new ideas to the subject and can also better edit it without being pressed for time. The bonus to this schedule is the student can enjoy his summer because the stressful writing phrase has been completed. Essays should not read like they have been rushed; start early and you will have well-conceived and written essays, the best chance for writing Essay Gold. VT: What are the best ways to go about selecting a terrific essay topic? Joan: Essay Gold occurs when the student is truly passionate about a subject because the excitement about the topic shines through. Usually students have one story or experience that is sticking in their mind. They should analyze the story to make sure it is positive and will bring out their best traits. So, prior to any writing, the students should list these traits and then analyze the original story to see if those traits are evident, if not, go to another experience. The way in which the student analyzes the experience and makes his personality shine are what makes an essay purposeful and Essay Gold. The topic is important but not as important as the passion and analysis. VT: Are there any essay topics you get tired of seeing or would warn students to stay away from? Joan: In my eBook, Writing the Common Application, I list 21 essay topics to avoid. Always avoid anything that is negative such as drinking, eating disorders, or getting into trouble in any way, even it becomes a turning point. What you write is what they will remember about you. The best advice I can give though, is not to use an experience that your parents have paid for, use an experience that you have created through initiative and determination. The new Common Application, 2013, asks very specific questions, so you must be able to use an experience that can be crafted to answer the question. VT: What is the biggest mistake a student can make on a college application? Joan: The biggest mistake a student can ever make when writing an application is not sounding like a 17-year-old has written it. When a students parent edits his essay, it sounds like a 48 year old lawyer, teacher, or businessman. Those essays jump out when read by an admissions officer and are promptly marked DDI (Daddy Did It) and go to the reject pile. Sound your age, include your quirkiness, but do correct spelling and grammar. VT: What is the typical process an admissions officer goes through to evaluate applications? Joan: The application is first scanned for GPA and SAT/ACT scores; if they fall into the colleges acceptance range, the application is further read. The rigor of the courses the student has taken is also considered. What comes next is subjective. Does the application read like their typical, successful student? This question is answered by the essays, the extracurricular activities, and the recommendations. Admissions officers know what type of student can be successful within their curriculum and then go on to become outstanding citizens and alumni. They can literally smell a great candidate even if they are reading the application at 1 am, eating pizza, and have read 50 others prior to this. 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? Joan: Consistency, initiative, and passion are the traits that should be presented in a students application starting with the extracurricular activities right through the Personal Essay and the Supplement Questions. Declare how you have stayed with a project or organization through many years, put your own stamp on it, and truly loved doing it. That is the definition of leadership and determination. VT: How should students go about determining the culture of the university, and whether they would be a good fit? Joan: The best way to determine the culture of a college is to visit it during the school year, sit in the cafeteria, look around at the students and talk to them. Additionally, the student should contact other students from his high school who are currently enrolled; those students tend to give the best inside information. Websites today provide an excellent way in which to determine the fit between the students college goals and the mission of the college itself. If the student can successfully answer the question, why do I want to go there, it is probably a good fit. Within this answer is usually some program, professor, or courses that the student is attracted to this is what determines a good academic fit. VT: Early-action, early-decision, binding/non-binding, regular decisionsWith so many choices when applying, what do you recommend to students? Joan: I recommend that the student apply to his first choice college as Early Decision and several safety colleges as Early Action. If the student does not get accepted Early Decision to his first choice, but does get accepted to Early Action colleges, a lot of pressure will be eliminated he will be going someplace. The other colleges on his list can be Regular Decision. If a student needs financial aid, never apply to any binding decision option. Wait until all acceptances and financial aid packages have been presented in order to make a decision. VT: How important are grades and standardized test scores when admissions decisions are being made? Joan: Grades are the number one criterion, then SAT/ACT scores. A minimum Academic Index, GPA/SAT/class rank, is enlisted at all colleges. Once a student has passed that threshold, essays and extracurricular activities demonstrating consistency, initiative, and passion come into play. If a student can make the written part of the application truly sparkle, he can beat out someone with a higher SAT score. Make the essay shine! VT: What tips do you have for students asking their teachers for letters of recommendation? Joan: Present each teacher with a large envelope containing a copy of your Common Application (extracurricular activities and essays), a list of the colleges to which you are applying, and a short paragraph about your goals for college and career. Ask the teacher politely (in person and not through email) if he would write a recommendation. If he accepts, the teacher will be impressed that you have organized everything into one envelope and will probably give you an even better recommendation than he would have before. Always send a hand written thank you note. Visit CollegeStartOnline for more information. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Marine Decomposers Online Biology Tutors Tutorpace

Marine Decomposers Online Biology Tutors Tutorpace Marine ecosystems are basically aquatic areas of life. They can be oceans, ponds, marshes, lagoons, or any area with water that supports life. Decomposers are saprotrophic microorganisms which obtain nourishment from organic remains. Decomposers do not ingest the organic matter but pour their digestive enzymes over the same. Extracellular digestion occurs. The organic remains are completely degraded. It liberates organic nutrients. Because of this phenomenon, thedecomposers are also called mineralisers.The phenomenon is essential for biogeochemical cycling. Dead producers and consumers and their wastes sink to the bottom, and form organic debris. Here, it is broken down by the bacteria and fungi of decay to simple organic and inorganic substances. The simple organic compounds are absorbed by the decomposers themselves. The inorganic substances are released to the environment for reuse by the producers. There are numerous decomposers in a marine medium primarily the bacterias, which change the bodies of dead organisms to inorganic and simple organic compounds. The density of bacteria in water ranges from less than per liter in the open ocean to a maximum in shore. Thebacteria, fungi and flagellates serves as decomposers in a marine ecosystem. They are distributed throughout in the water medium. Underfavorableconditions, the decomposition occurs rapidly in water and their broken pieces are consumed by the combined action of detritus feeding animals and microorganisms and their nutrients are released for reuse. A food chain has a beginning and an end. It begins with plants which are the primary producers and ends with a large animal that is not preyed upon by any one. The final link in a food chain is subject to the action of parasitic or decomposer organism.

Listening and Writing Exercise Planning Like a Chipmunk

Listening and Writing Exercise Planning Like a Chipmunk An English listening exercise that hopefully will make you laugh and think. Planning for our future isnt a strength of Americans nor of my generation. Perhaps we can learn a little from the chipmunk. Pay close attention to the connecting words in this exercise.Watch this video:Answer the questions below in comments and we will respond:1. ______ to a study released Thursday by the Princeton University Department of Biology. 2. Reporters spoke to citizens to get their ______ on the study. 3. _____ this chipmunk is pretty impressive. 4. He has to make a borough in a tree stump thats _______ what he does. 5. He doesnt pause, and have a snack, and _____   _____ for a few hours. 6. What did most respondents think of the Chipmunks planning for his future? 7. This chipmunk is carrying around a lot of _____. 8. What does the above sentence mean? 9. What happened to his electricity? Why?Writing Exercise:So what about your future? What things are you doing to plan for your future? Do you feel s ecure about your future or do you think you should plan more? Do you have a retirement plan, a will, a life insurance policy? Are you saving money? Working on furthering your career? Are you doing better than the chipmunk? André Dertrudes de Macena I want more exercices André Dertrudes de Macena Preciso melhorar muito meu inglês, por favor ajudem-me Laura Mullokandov 1. According 2. View 3. Clearly 4. Exactly 5. Lay around 6. Most of respondents are very impressed by the Chipmunks ability being prepared for the future and think that they can learn a lot from him. 7. loads 8. The sentence means that the chipmunk has a lot on his plate (many tasks) 9. Electricity went off his home, because hed forgot to pay his bill. Went off means stopped, there was no electricity more. LOIEnglish LauraGreat! You have a grammar problem in Question #6. ability to be prepared or ability to prepare; ability is followed by to + verb.Good use of an idiom! A lot on his plate! Question #10.this is i nteresting because when I listened to it originally I thought he said went out which is what is usually used in these circumstances. However, I think that you might be right. I think he does say went offthis isnt very typical and I would like to caution against using went off in these circumstances; went out is a better choice. Went off can also mean something to make soundi.g. The fire alarm went off.or it can also mean exploded. The bomb exploded but no one was hurt.Thanks for answering! LOIEnglish Thanks Petar! You are correct. Question #6: continued display of FORESIGHT. The ability to think ahead.

AP Tutoring What You Need to Ace Your AP Exams Now - Private Tutoring

AP Tutoring What You Need to Ace Your AP Exams Now Anna L Oct 20, 2018 Find a Top Rated AP Tutor Near You! It's Simple and Secure - Get Real Results Fast. Find Expert Private Tutors at Reasonable Rates Today! InPerson or Online Online InPerson AP tutoring help is one of the most common areas where students need assistance! Taking AP, or Advanced Placement, courses are some of the most challenging courses available to high school students.   Successful results on the national exam is a 3 or better score (the goal for most students) and requires thorough knowledge of the topic in detail and frequently some AP tutoring as well. Advanced Placement, or AP exams provide an opportunity to show what you know and what you can do. They come at the end of a usually arduous AP course and can be stressful, causing plenty of anxiety.   These tests are some of the standardized exams that often help gain college admission and over 3 million students will be taking at least one exam this year! Your best shot at success is to approach exam preparation early, thoroughly and with professional help. Lets learn more about AP exams, AP tutoring and how you can achieve the best results possible! What are AP Exams? AP exams are a little more extensive than your ordinary high school examinations. They are lengthy,   cover a range of material and aim to measure how well you have mastered the course content. In general, AP exams have the following features: They are usually 2-3 hours in length. This can be quite difficult to concentrate and focus for that length of time, particularly if you have more than one exam in a day. The first section generally comprises of multiple choice questions. The answers are completed on paper and marked by a computer. You get a mark for each correct answer, but don’t have to worry about losing marks for incorrect answers. Don’t be fooled by the fact that the correct answer will be available to your, the other answer options often closely resemble the correct answer, so you really have to know your stuff. The second section is a free response section.   The style of questions will vary depending on the subject being tested. Possible question types include essays, solutions to problems and spoken responses. This section gives you a good chance to demonstrate your knowledge and you need to learn to structure your answers effectively. Some AP exams are computer-based and others use traditional pen and paper. Each AP exam covers content that is specific to the course being taught. It is crucial that you attend all classes and adequately prepare for the exams prior to taking the test. List of AP Tests by Subject: The list of AP subject tests has definitely grown from the initial group that started out in the 1950s.   At the outset of the program, there were only 10 courses that were included.   Now that list has grown to the following all encompassing subjects: AP Research AP Seminars Art History Biology Calculus AB and Calculus B Chemistry Chinese Language Culture Computer Science A Computer Science Principles English Language Composition English Literature Composition Environmental Science European History French Language Culture German Language Culture Government and Politics (Comparative) Human Geography Italian Language Culture Japanese Language Culture Latin Macroeconomics Microeconomics Music Theory Physics 1: Algebra-Based Physics 2: Algebra-Based Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism Physics C: Mechanics Psychology Spanish Language Culture Spanish Literature Culture Statistics Studio Art Drawing Studio Art 2-D Design Studio Art 3-D Design US Government Politics US History World History AP Tutoring How to Study for AP Exams AP exams can definitely be more stressful than your average high school exam, so your study approach should differ slightly. Successful completion of AP exams can alleviate a lot of stress when it comes time for high school finals and college applications. While your teachers will do their very best to prepare you, a large bulk of the responsibility falls on your young shoulders. The fact that there is so much content and that the exam style is different than what you are used to, it definitely pays to enlist in the help of a professional as well as take the time needed to prepare. There are many options available to you aside from a local tutor or informal study group. Check out AP tutoring online options, AP test prep classes and review classes. AP courses are full of extensive and comprehensive subject matter so it is wise to break each subject into manageable chunks and set yourself a study schedule. Take note of the following advice: Focus on one subject each night. Don’t try and cram your brain full of information. Stick to one subject or topic and focus solely on it, this way you are more likely to take on board the information and retain it for recall later during the exam. (Check out our How to Study Tips for even more ideas!) Be specific with your schedule. By writing down exactly what you will study when, will insure all topics are covered and that you aren’t leaving anything until the last minute or leaving gaps in your learning. Complete lots of practice papers, it’s the best way to familiarize yourself with the format and type of questions that are asked. Have someone, ideally your teacher or tutor, grade the paper to give you beneficial, specific feedback. Constantly review old material. Sure, you have to learn the new stuff, but make sure you revisit topics studied at the beginning of the course. By doing this regularly you are more likely to commit the content to memory and it will save you cramming a ton of information in the final days before your exams. Use an AP tutor to help learn the format and style of questions. A tutor also provides valuable one-on-one sessions where you can focus on your weaknesses and any topics that you struggle with. You wont be alone in this!   There are thousands that type ‘AP tutoring near me’ each year, looking for the help and support that they need to get positive results. If all else fails, you can find plenty of AP tutoring online resources.   How to Get Yourself Prepared Preparing for AP exams is no small task, in fact, you should start your preparations as early as possible. One to three months ahead of your exams is sufficient time, but this will depend on how busy your usual schedule is and what subjects you are studying, some may require more time than others. Your personal expectations and goals will also play a part in how far in advance you should start your preparations. During this time, your preparation should include the following factors: Get the right resources to help you prepare.   That can include books, study guides, AP tutoring help, team up with classmates or take a course. Look after yourself. Yes, these exams are important, but you will be able to study much more effectively if you get enough sleep. Make sure your schedule is arranged so that you get at least eight hours every night. Your diet is also important. Eat a range of fresh fruit and vegetables, and include plenty of protein. Candy, caffeine and sugary snacks are okay occasionally, but don’t make them a regular pairing with your study sessions. Make sure you spend time relaxing, socializing, exercising, or doing whatever it is that you love in order to remain calm and relaxed. And remember, its only a test that, while important now, will not be important a decade from now.   So do your best and then let it go! There you have it â€" your guide to successfully completing AP exams, and doing so relatively stress free! By following these tips you will be sure to ace the exams and gain the academic success and rewards that you deserve. Find the Best Private Tutors At Reasonable Rates - Get Real Results Fast! Choose Your Subject - Add Your Zip Code - Find Top Rated Tutors Today InPerson or Online Online InPerson

?? Help! My Child Didnt Get the A-Level Results they Expected!

?? Help! My Child Didn’t Get the A-Level Results they Expected! Help! My Child Didn’t Get the A-Level Results they Expected! It’s Results Day, and for some it can be memorable for all the wrong reasons.If your child didn’t get the results they expected, then a natural reaction is to go into meltdown and start panicking.The trouble is, panicking is the worst possible thing you can do at this stage. So we’re here to help you keep calm, assess your options, and come away from Results Day unscathed.The next steps you take will vary depending on the results your child received.Try to calm down. Take a deep breath, count to three, and relax. You need to be thinking clearly.If you’re struggling to cope with the stress, consider bringing a friend or family member on board to lend a hand. If they’re less personally involved, they’ll have a clearer perspective, and will be able to better communicate with the relevant people.Always keep in mind that university isn’t the only option. There’s always an alternative.Here’s what you can do if your child didn’t get the A-Level results they expected...Ta lk to your UniversityIf your child only missed out on the grades they needed by a few marks, then it may be worth taking the time to speak to somebody at the university of their choice.In some cases, the university may reconsider their decision and allow your child to attend. Otherwise, they may well offer your child a place on a different course. Whether or not your child wants that place, however, is a different question.If you’re planning on appealing a grade (see ‘Appeal the Grades’ below), then you should make the university aware. They may be able to put your child’s place on hold, or at least defer entry until next year.No matter what circumstances you find yourself in on Results Day, it’s well worth talking to the university about it. You never know what might happen!Appeal the Grades If you or your child believes a paper was marked incorrectly or unfairly, then there is an appeals process you can go through.We advise starting the process as soon as possible, as it can take a while to review your child’s grade. There may be a university place at stake, so it’s important to act quickly.You’ll have to go through your child’s school to appeal a grade. The school will generally have members of staff to talk to when your child receives their results, and they should be able to point you in the right direction.You should also make sure to alert your child’s chosen university. If they’re aware of the appeal, they may reserve your child’s place on the course. However, they’re under no obligation to do so which is why it’s best to check beforehand. Always make sure to get anything in writing, as well.It’s worth bearing in mind that appealing a grade may actually end up making things worse. Grades can be moved downwards as well as upwards.So if you are g oing to appeal a decision, perhaps consider consulting with your child’s teacher. If they expected a better grade too, then you may have a case. If they didn’t, then maybe it’s not worth the risk.Go Through ClearingIf your child doesn’t have the grades they need for their chosen universities, and you aren’t planning on appealing, then your next best option is to go through clearing.Essentially, universities will often have undersubscribed courses. As a result, they will often have lower grade requirements, and be more willing to accept your child.In 2018, over 60,000 kids received a university place through clearing.You can see a list of all the available courses on the UCAS website. These are updated regularly so keep checking back if nothing takes your child’s fancy.You’ll need to apply for clearing in much the same way your child applied to their original choices. Make sure to have details of your child’s GCSE and A-Level grades to hand, as well as access to their personal statement. You’ll then be given a clearing number and invited to the “Track” service. You can then provide the university your child is applying to with that clearing number and a personal ID number. A verbal offer will then be given. You should only accept one clearing offer. You can then apply through UCAS, following the steps that you’ll be given.Bear in mind that if your child does end up studying at a different university, they will need to update their student finance details so that they still receive their loan. You should do this as soon as you know which university they’re attending.Take a Gap Year Gap years are a popular way of taking some time to yourself and developing extra skills before you commit to a university course.If your child doesn’t have the grades they need, and had their heart set on a particular course, then a gap year could be a viable option.A gap year can take any number of forms. Your child could go and spend some time working in another country, or simply go travelling on the other side of the world.Ideally, your child should choose gap year activities that offer something in return. Taking a year to develop their skills, gain work experience, or even just make some money looks far better on the CV than simply having a big holiday.While it’s fine for your child to spend a bit of time relaxing (after all, they’ve had a stressful few months!) they should really look at the various opportunities open to them if they want to make the most of their time.Taking a gap year will also give your child the time they need to decide whether they still want to att end university. If they do, then they can reapply as normal next year.Other OpportunitiesEven though your child might have had their heart set on going to university, it doesn’t mean it’s the only option.There are lots of other opportunities that your child could pursue.Apprenticeships, for example, have been steadily growing in popularity over the last few years. They offer the opportunity for your child to enter the world of work, earn some money, and gain a vocational qualification at the same time.Some apprenticeships even enable your child to work towards a degree while they work. UCAS has a list of available apprenticeships. If your child isn’t interested in any of those, do keep checking back as more opportunities will be added.It’s also possible for your child to simply start working. A lot of jobs don’t require a degree, and some don’t even require A-Levels. If your child was going to uni without any idea of career choices, then they should take the time to thin k about what they might want to do. It might turn out that they can pursue their chosen career without going to university at all.It’s Not the End of the WorldResults Day can be extremely stressful and emotions can run wild. Try not to get carried away and start panicking. Don’t make any rash decisions.It might seem awful now, but it’s not the end of the world. There are always alternatives to university.Try to focus on the positives. No university means no massive student debt to worry about, it means not having to cook your own meals and iron your own clothes. It means your child might just be staying with you for a little while longer. We’ll let you decide whether that’s good or bad!Hopefully this has made you feel a little better about the various options available to your child.Whatever your child decides, we wish them all the best!

5 Ways to Survive Spring Semester of Senior Year

5 Ways to Survive Spring Semester of Senior Year Spring Semester of Senior Year: 5 Ways to Survive Spring Semester of Senior Year: 5 Ways to Survive Spring semester of senior year in high school is now underway. This can be a time of mixed emotions and huge life changes that can strongly affect a students ability to concentrate. Although it seems like high school is pretty much over, its important for students to be able to survive and thrive through this last term so they can keep their grades up and maintain stability. If seniors can look at a few of the common problems they may face, theyll have a better idea of how to survive spring semester. 1. College letters One of the things that will affect high school seniors the most this term is the arrival of college acceptance (and denial) letters. This will be a big issue for any student who applied to a college or university. Once students know their options for attendance, they will have the big decision of narrowing down their choice to just one school. Each student will have a different experience, and its important that they are able to maintain their concentration throughout the anticipation and decision-making process (READ: Tips from a Fullerton tutor: how to overcome senioritis). 2. Maintaining focus One way students can maintain focus is to get a little bit of help with organization. This may come from any number of apps, their classroom teacher, a parent, tutor, or study group. Its important that students think about both the small picture and the big one. Students will have any number of assignments, tests, and quizzes that they have to complete this week but they should also look at the remainder of the academic year as a whole and make sure theyre meeting all of their goals. Most seniors will be enrolled in an AP course, and will still have to maintain their focus so they can perform well on that exam in May (READ: Best 5 math apps for high school students). 3. Staying within a routine Seniors are encouraged to stick to the routine that has been working for them up until now. Once students know they have been accepted into college, it can be easy to give into the temptations of senioritis and stop trying altogether. However, students who have a strong dip in GPA right at the end of their high school career may be denied the opportunity for scholarship-based financial aid or graduation honors. Additionally, seniors are encouraged to remember that their university acceptance is conditional; meaning that if their GPA changes significantly, the college may revoke their acceptance. Students can stay within their routine by continuing to meet with their tutor and study group, continuing to participate in any volunteer or after school clubs, and arranging for social time on the weekends. 4. Getting ready for next year At this point, seniors shouldnt look too far into the future when it comes to making specific plans because it may distract them from their current applications. However, there are a few things seniors need to look at sooner rather than later. Financial aid and scholarship applications will require immediate attention and students will need to make sure they have done everything required to enroll in their chosen university. Other than that, students are encouraged to make a checklist with due dates for everything they need to do during the summer so they can get started as soon as high school ends (READ: 4 differences between high school and college that may catch you by surprise). 5. Spend quality time with friends and family One of the most important things seniors can do is simply spend quality time with friends and family who they wont see as much next year. Most college freshman will be making all new friends in a few months so its nice to enjoy current high school friendships so they can survive the distance of college life. Additionally, when students are off at college, they may miss their family more than they think. Spring semester is a great time to participate in social activities with family and friends before going off to the big adventure that is the university experience. All blog entries, with the exception of guest bloggers, are written by Tutor Nerds. Are you an education professional? If so, email us at pr@tutornerds.com for guest blogging and collaborations. We want to make this the best free education resource in SoCal, so feel free to suggest what you would like to see us write.

Happygoal KIDS English

Happygoal KIDS English Happygoal KIDS English Happy Goal Kids English is one of Chinas leading providers of English tuition to young learners. With over 43 centers across the country, we are currently looking for a number of teachers to fill some exciting young learner positions over the next few months, including some immediate starts. We currently have almost 20 centres in Shanghai alone, with more scheduled to open throughout 2017. We are also opening more schools across China, providing teachers with great opportunities to work in Chengdu, Chongqing and Shenzhen, among others. We are looking for fun, friendly, self-motivated teachers with a keen interest in teaching young learners. Our students are aged from 3 to 12 years old, and are usually taught in groups of 10-12 for 45 minute periods. We provide all the course materials, technology, and a Chinese Teaching Assistant for each class. All our course materials are provided by Oxford University Press and follow a simple yet fun and effective curriculum, with a focus on production of language and communicative skills. Beyond this, we encourage our teachers to use their own passion and creativity in delivering the lesson content.