Thursday, April 2, 2020

Tutoring Jobs - Who Has Them?

Tutoring Jobs - Who Has Them?Tutoring jobs are for students in the community to attend, whether it is paid or not. For every student attending, the mentor, teacher, or director will pay a stipend to help with expenses. However, there are some rules that will apply to all of the following tutoring jobs, whether they are for students or community members.Schools are one of the first places tutors go to in the community. In fact, the majority of tutoring jobs in the community are at the public school level. Because most schools do not have enough teachers on staff, there are many schools throughout the community who are willing to hire tutors to teach their students. This makes for a very nice system of paying to tutor students.Those working at Miller Place Elementary School are most likely teaching their students by becoming a part of the school in a different way. Teaching students as an assistant to the teacher of the day, or by taking the students out of school for lesson plans. The school has two areas for people who would like to become a part of the teaching staff, and both areas are very welcoming.Miller Place Middle School is also a very welcoming place for tutoring jobs. They are accepting a few, but only few can actually become full time tutors at the middle school. It takes quite a while to get accepted into the school, so when a tutor applies for a job at the middle school, they are usually declined.While students are going to Miller Place Middle School, there are many tutoring jobs available, because the school has students from kindergarten up to high school. However, the students that take their classes at the middle school may not want to tutor them. Many middle school students are not ready to sit down and work on their homework and do other studies.So, Miller Place High School offers an incredible option for those that want to work at home. Teachers can have a tutor during the hours that they work, without having to be there during their normal hours. The school is very welcoming to tutors, so if someone does want to apply, they will find no problems.Miller Place Community College is a great choice for many tutoring jobs. The college has several departments for tutoring, which makes it very convenient for those who want to take the classes to help children out. There are some rules about Tutoring Jobs in the Community, because the colleges offer such different class offerings that the students have to remember to check each department.People who are interested in working at home for Tutoring Jobs can find great opportunities for this type of work. Some of the colleges offer many different choices for tutoring, which makes it easier for tutors to find their own classes that fit with their learning style. Others offer the students an option, in which they can get tutoring anywhere that they would like to tutor, but it is not required. The Miller Place Educational Center in particular offers many choices for tutoring at the M iller Place Elementary School.

Sunday, March 22, 2020

An Introduction To Drawing With Chalk And Pastels

An Introduction To Drawing With Chalk And Pastels Tips on how to Draw With Chalk and Pastels ChaptersThe Rich Colours Of PastelsChalk And Chalkboard ArtExamples Of Chalk And Pastel Uses In The Art WorldChalks and oil pastels are the perfect techniques to create colourful yet soft illustrations, with the first being the paler of the two.Not only are they easier to apply than some other art mediums, they are also relatively cheap and don't create a huge mess. For beginners or those turning to art as a hobby or pastime, the idea of not having to wash up equipment after every use is a big positive.Though cheap and clean, chalk and pastel can be used to create images with a professional finish. While there are no rules on how to use them, you may appreciate some tips on the different ways you can manipulate the mediums. Chalk and pastel techniques can really spark creativity and produce vivid and layered results.Using Conte pastels, you can create beautifully intense colours like in this piece. Photo credit: mbtphoto (away a lot) on Visualhunt.Being thinner and harder than other pastels, they are well-suited to works requiring more precision, like detailed sketches. (If you like sketching, you might also enjoy drawing in ink.)Chalk And Chalkboard ArtYou may be used to the idea of using chalk on a blackboard, but such materials are really inconvenient for artists as they only offer a temporary surface. Instead, artists might like to try applying chalks to paper adapted for chalks or pastels (or any paper with a slightly textured surface).The beauty of chalk is that you can either apply the medium straight onto the paper or you can scrape some of the pigment onto a piece of scrap paper and use the powdery substance as a secondary tool, with each offering different finishes. Chalks often come in a slim format but jumbo chalks are also available and are sometimes better as they aren’t so prone to breaking.While some artists might prefer to work with more traditional materials like paper or card, others like to use blackboards, chalk paper applied to other sur faces (like cafe or restaurant signs and labels) or paths and sidewalks (just one variety of the field known as 'street art').How Chalk can Be UsedIt is hard to walk down the high street without noticing the colourful specials boards that are often displayed outside restaurants in a bid to lure customers in.No longer are chalkboards used to scribble on with white chalk, restaurants are employing artists to come in and create beautiful, bespoke designs and fonts on their marketing boards. This is just one example, among many, of how art overlaps with our everyday lives.Other uses for chalk are on the street, to decorate our dreary concrete pavements - a bit like graffiti art which sometimes gets given a bad name but is more often than not created by very talented artists.Artists across the world have experimented with chalk on the streets, creating huge masterpieces that draw in the crowds. The beautiful chalk drawings created by Dick Van Dyke's character Bert in the original Mary Po ppins movie is an example of this in popular culture.Examples Of Chalk And Pastel Uses In The Art WorldOil pastels are the first choice for children’s picture book illustrator Lynne Chapman, who creates truly stunning images designed for young readers. Not only are her pieces high in energy, they are also of a supreme quality and are explosive in colour.This is Muller's amazing piece of chalk art named The Crevasse. Photo credit: tati01691 on VisualHunt.comAt the opposite extreme, there is street artist  Edgar Müller who was born in Mülheim/Ruhr in 1968, and grew up in the rural city of Straelen in Germany. A talented painter, he enjoyed painting the rural scenes of his hometown until one day, aged 25, he decided to actually draw and paint on the landscapes that were once his subject. He now travels the world creating chalk street art.In 2008, he attended the 2008 Festival of Culture where he wowed visitors with his work titled 'The Crevasse'. Müller transformed a huge slice of a pier into a fascinating ice age scene, which resembled a real life icy crater in the earth.Are you looking for drawing lessons with a tutor?Find a drawing class LondonFind drawing classes in LeedsFind drawing lessons in Scotland

Friday, March 6, 2020

A Day in the Life at Marquette University

A Day in the Life at Marquette University Meaghan earned her bachelors degree in secondary education from Marquette University. She specializes in elementary math tutoring, test prep tutoring, and a number of other subjects. Below, she shares her experience at Marquette University: Describe the campus setting and transportation options. Meaghan: The campus is an urban setting, which is one of the reasons I personally loved it. I did feel safe on campus, but you have to be careful when traveling alone. Make sure you know where all of the blue light phones are on campus and how you could quickly reach someone in an emergency. In terms of transportation, Marquette is pretty accessible on foot. Walking to class would take no more than 10 minutes, depending on where you live. If youre trying to go anywhere else in Milwaukee, the city bus is a great and reliable option. The only time I felt as though a car might be nice is when grocery shopping. How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Meaghan:In my experience as an education and English major, I had smaller class sizes with readily available professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants. The thing thats different about any university from high school is the fact that you generally do have to seek out help if you want it. I had a few professors who would require we meet during office hours once or twice a semester. Academic advisers meet with you a minimum of once a semester to plan for the following semester. If you want any other attention or support, you have to take it upon yourself to get it. However, I had professors and advisers that were happy to support me. I forged a lot of relationships with professors that I still keep in touch with and go to for career advice now that Im a teacher. How would you describe the dorm liferooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Meaghan:The dorm life is honestly a lot of fun. At Marquette, youre required to live in the dorms for two years. Most of the dorms have rooms that are a little cramped and dont have air conditioning, but it provides you with the easiest possible way to make friends. I personally loved my cramped dorm experience and I wouldnt change it for the world. Marquette has a lot of great dining options. Most of my lunches were at the Alumni Memorial Union on campus, which has a big food court with a number of options such as salad, sandwiches, a grill, and sushi. The food there is really good and there are always options that fit within your meal plan. There are also a couple of Brew Bayous on campus, which is a coffee shop that has all your standard offerings. Which majors/programs are best represented and supported? Meaghan:I think Marquette is well represented by their business school and nursing school. Most of my friends were in one of the two. I personally studied secondary education and English, because I have always loved the idea of teaching high school English. I definitely felt as though my university did a good job supporting my area of study. Its a newer program, but there were many opportunities that were offered for education majors and a lot of support in the school itself. I had smart, helpful, experienced professors and a lot of opportunity to get involved in clubs that catered to my interests. 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? Meaghan:I personally found it fairly easy to meet people and make friends as a freshman. There are a lot of opportunities that my RA put together to make friends on my floor. I was not involved in Greek life, but I had a few friends that rushed and seemed to really enjoy their experience. I didnt think Greek life was as visible at Marquette as it might be at many other schools, but my friends that did it seemed to really enjoy it. Basically, I feel like either choice still ensures a fun college experience where you feel like part of the school. How helpful arethe Career Centerand other student support services? Meaghan:The Career Center at Marquette is extremely helpful. While I never utilized them directly, I had a number of friends that went to them for resume and application help for summer internships. Many reputable companies recruit on campus. While my experience was a little different, many of my friends who were in the business school attended multiple career fairs over their four years. Marquette partnered with Milwaukee Public Schools for our field experiences, which actually led to my decision to remain in Milwaukee as part of the MPS system. How are the various study areas such aslibraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Meaghan:I never struggled to find a space to study. During finals week, you do have to be strategic about finding and reserving a space in the library. I actually preferred to do most of my work in my dorm room or in my off-campus house junior and senior years. Each dorm building has a common room on each floor, as well as a basement that has ample study space. There are a variety of spaces on campus that fit whatever vibe youre looking for. Describe the surrounding town. Meaghan:Milwaukee is such an underrated city. There are so many restaurants, shops, and concert halls to keep you occupied, as well as a beautiful lakefront. There really is a lot to do, especially during the summer. When the weather is nice, theres a different festival almost every weekend. How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Meaghan:Marquette is relatively medium-sized. My classes were smaller because my major was smaller, but I know even my friends in the business school still had many classes with no more than 50 students. I liked Marquettes size because there were always friendly faces on campus. Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Meaghan:One of my favorite professors was one that I still stay in touch with. She taught a class that was all about being literate across multiple disciplines and what it meant to be digitally literate. We explored the term multiliteracy through a semester-long, student-led project that culminated in the creation of a digital version of our textbook of the same title deconstructed and reconstructed. Although the project was really difficult, I loved the way she put ownership of the class on us. I feel as though many of my Marquette professors took a similar approachthey encouraged us to explore our boundaries and learn through experience. Check out Meaghan'stutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Thursday, March 5, 2020

How to Get Top Quality Assignments at the Lowest Cost

How to Get Top Quality Assignments at the Lowest Cost 0SHARESShare Assignments give a lot of pressure to students today’s academic scenario. Whether it is a class test, assignments, project or final exams. Everything contributes towards the GPA these days and it is important to bring your ‘A’ game every single time. Some students may be adept at class tests and homework. While others may also be good at assignments. A student who excels in all of these is quite rare. It becomes extremely difficult to score well in assignments with all the added pressure. Projects where presentation, creativity, theme is chosen and research are given a lot of importance also becomes difficult. In such a scenario, online assignment help is extremely handy. Now many students are increasingly turning towards such platforms for help. Why is Online Assignments help advantageous? Apart from the typical advantages of the online platform such as round the clock access, studying from home, time saving and global connectivity, online platforms are turning out to be very cost effective too. With access to  expert online tutors who specialize in the subject, students find it easy to get all the input required. Some students may require only guidance and nudging in the right direction. While others might require extensive help such as clarification of doubts, multiple revisions of the paper. In some cases sessions on the topic to help them get a firm grasp of it. And all of this is possible with online assignment help. Assignment help experts sometimes offer services wherein they write most of the paper and handhold the student through the entire process. It helps them come out with a great paper that is sure to fetch them top grades. With the online platform, the cost too is minimal and you end up spending way lesser on assignment help. Also, with such a medium, it is very easy to connect to your tutor or expert. As their availability is round the clock and you can get help from across the world! Given the advantages of this medium, many students are employing this medium to come up with standard assignments. Also the projects that help them score top grades. Also, these days online homework help, project help and tutoring sessions too are available for those who require them. With such reach across the globe and given its rising popularity. The medium is set to grow and cement its place in the education sector.

Applying for University

Applying for University Clarifying the University Application Process ChaptersHow to Apply for UniversityHow to Beat Application DeadlinesChoosing Your Course of StudyWriting an Effective Personal StatementFor the Chinese, it’s called the Gao Kao and in the US, they’re called SATs. The International Baccalaureate final exam process is called the DP Assessment; DP representing Diploma Programme.Here, in the UK, we sit A-Levels, rigorous exams in subjects of our choosing for the same reason that students in other countries do: to mark our readiness (and eligibility) for higher education.For some, a good A-Levels result means three to four more years of study (more, if you plan on graduate and postgraduate studies); for others, it signifies that they are well and truly done with academia.Whichever side of that fence you stand on and especially if you’re currently straddling that fence, you might want to hedge your bets by registering with UCAS to see what’s available to you.Doing so doesn’t necessarily signal an intent to enrol at university; it merely shows that you are clever in examining every option open to you before discarding anything that might benefit you, now or down the road.That’s true even if you have no intention of pursuing higher education.In that spirit â€" the idea that, for perhaps the only time in your life, all choices are laid out before you, your Superprof talks about going to university.If only to be well-informed, we invite you to join this discussion.Through UCAS, we can see what schools are open for enrolment and what courses they have to offer. We can see enrolment requirements and draft the dreaded personal statement.We can even find out our A-Level results! It wasn't so long ago that students had to write each university's office of admissions to request a place in their degree programs Image by stempow from PixabayIt wasn’t so long ago that prospective university students had to apply to each institute they hoped to attend, endure the agonising wait for an acceptance (or rejection) letter and, upon accepting one university’s offer, having to write letters declining all other offers.Or not. That’s what made university enrolment such a mess: nobody knew, until courses started, who was actually going to be there. What a nightmare!UCAS has made life so much simpler: you register for your UCAS account, fill in your personal details on the UCAS application (mindful of following application instructions), draft your UCAS personal statement, and pay your application fee of £20 ( £25 if you are applying for more than one course of study).And then, you get to sit back while UCAS does all of the work. You only have to log in occasionally t o check your application status.If you are an international student hoping to attend university in the UK, you would apply for admission in much the same way. However, you will have to provide an acceptable IELTS score when you register.You will also have to provide proof that you have money to cover your living expenses.Naturally, there is plenty of other things you should know about applying for university…How to Beat Application DeadlinesOur online application system is generous in its information sharing; among other pertinent facts about university applications, UCAS maintains a calendar of dates and deadlines that you should keep an eye on if you want your admissions application to be seen in the best light.On the whole, that means registering and applying as soon as you meet the admission requirements; you shouldn't wait until you receive your A-Level test scores.Filling out the common application in UCAS is generally not a problem; most students apply online fairly quickly and easily. If you are an international student, you may have a bit more to information to furnish but you too can make quick work of it.The extra admissions requirements are what slow most people down: getting letters of recommendation from someone who knows you academically, choosing courses of study and writing a personal statement.Of all the application requirements, those two seem to stymie applicants the most. We’ll go over them briefly later in this article.If you are undecided about applying for admission to university, you may choose to wait past the mid-January application deadline; in fact, many students wait to choose any areas of study until early July, when Clearing opens, to see which courses are leftover.That’s when they make their selection.There are other tactics you can use to maximise your undergraduate admissions advantages; we’ve listed them all in our companion article. Many new students want to know what life will be like at university before accepting an offer Image by StockSnap from PixabayChoosing Your Course of StudyDegree-seeking students sometimes know exactly what field they’d like to study; others are all over the board.Biology might appeal, but then Drama and Literature are so stimulating! And then, there are those fields of study that virtually guarantee financial success later in life...Out of the wealth of degree programs on offer, how is anybody supposed to choose?You may opt to:go with your passion â€" which topic is closest to your heartgo with your interests: if you are full of curiosity, you might broaden your horizons while slaking your thirst for knowledgebet on your skills: whether your talent lies in drawing or maths, you can find courses to further develop your talentgo with what might be most rewarding: aim for the career field that will bring you the most satisfaction in the long runfind flexibility: consider degree plans that offer the broadest employment potential rather than narrow degrees that don’t translate well into other fields.don’t forget the financial returns: always consider your future earning potential when selecting your course of study.These are all individual points to consider in the wide spectrum of concerns that every university applicant thinks of â€" or has pointed out to them by friends, relatives and other concerned parties.Believe it or not, some undergraduate students actually select their course of study by the reported quality of student life at any university.The wise undergraduate student considers all of those points and more when selecting university courses; they also talk with people outside of their immediate circle to get a bigger picture of what each course has to offer.You may talk with your school counselor and maybe even an admissions counselor to get an idea of the potential of interesting courses â€" employability, financial reward and your chances of bei ng given a place in that study programme.You may also talk with people who work in those fields to find out if their experiences are what you’re looking for before you begin the admissions process.And, before you submit your application, you should get more advice on how to select your courses.Writing an Effective Personal StatementHow is it that universities can boldly make unconditional offers to students they know practically nothing about?Think about it: when UCAS forwards your application package to every university you’ve selected, A-Level results aren’t yet published.Those schools know next to nothing about you. They’re not looking at your academic transcript or attendance record to see if you’re a good student. They don’t know about your financial aid requests (if any) or if you are SEN when they offer you an unconditional place in their school. The admissions office makes their application decisions largely based on students' personal statements Image by free stock photos from www.picjumbo.com from PixabaySure, it could be that some recruitment restrictions have been lifted and now it’s an all-out race for universities to attract students; some schools even offer enticements for accepting unconditional offers, such as a new laptop or a possible scholarship.Still, that would account for only a portion of the unconditional offers made by universities to prospective students.If you receive an unconditional offer of enrolment, it’s far more likely that your personal statement has struck a chord with the admissions committee and they really want someone like you to attend their school.How do you write a statement that convinces total strangers, people whose careers centre on reading such expressions by the thousands… how do you write a statement that impresses a body who has likely ‘read it all’?First, by being sincere .Many students believe that coming on ‘wow’ - with hyperbolic statements or humour as an attention-getter will put them atop the heap but soon find themselves at the bottom of the selection pile.What really grabs the attention of the selection committee is a well-phrased statement with a ring of truth pervading it.Authenticity is the second criterion to weave your personal narrative out of.It goes without saying that plagiarising is out of the question but the quality of being original goes beyond merely copying another’s words.Incorporating well-known quotes into your statement would seem like a no-brainer â€" wouldn’t it show how well-read you are? On the contrary; you may well be erudite but you’re still spouting someone else’s words; the admissions body wants to hear your words, not others'!Likewise with trite phrases and tired words: you may well be passionate about your academic pursuits but, for a refreshing change, why not describe why you’re passionate rather than simply saying ‘… and it awoke in me a passion...’ or some variation thereof.For a university to make an admission decision based purely on an admission application and a roughly 700-word narrative, that narrative has to be really good.It would behove you to pick up more tips on how to write your personal statement…

Top 5 Books College Students Should Read this Summer

Top 5 Books College Students Should Read this Summer Ah, summerone of the most beloved times of the year for students. Unless youre taking a full load of summer classes, you can say goodbye to textbooks, quizzes, and essays for awhile. You may have a part-time job or an internship, but with summer always comes a lot more freedom, and with that comes a lot more free time. While there are tons of great ways to fill this time, reading a good book is one of the best ways to sharpen your skills while also simply enjoying yourself. Before you argue that you arent going to crack a book open again until the first day of the new semester, consider the benefits that reading gives you, regardless of the book youve chosen. Reading expands your vocabulary (without flashcards!), gives you a new perspective of the world around you, and entertains you. Whether youre in the car on a road trip, laying out on the beach, or spending a quiet day inside, a good book is a great option. The following books are not textbooks, but can definitely teach you a thing or two. 1. For an old classic: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald Many students read great books in middle school or high school, but some of the greatness can be lost in a book when it becomes required reading. Revisiting a classic book from your early schooling is a great way to take a trip down memory lane, and since it isnt for class, you wont have to worry about the tests or essays. Theres a reason these books, like The Great Gatsby, are often required reading for students. This book, set in the 1920s, follows the wealthy Jay Gatsby while detailing the parties he throws in his mansion. The plot focuses on his love for Daisy Buchanan and the conflicts it creates. While reading The Great Gatsby, youll not only be transported back to the Jazz Age, but also to your high school English class when you first learned about character foils and rising action. The reminder of these possibly forgotten literary elements can help you refine your reading comprehension skills. Other classics to take you back in time: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Lord of the Flies by William Golding, The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger 2. For a memoir that teaches a great lesson: Yes Please by Amy Poehler Light-hearted memoirs are not only enjoyable to read, they also can teach you valuable lessons. Memoirs can give you a different perspective on the world as you learn about other peoples experiences, which may be completely different from your own. Memoirs are also a great way to start the process of self-reflection, while reading the lessons that successful people learned can put you ahead of the game. Yes Please by Amy Poehler is an inspirational read that details her life as a woman in comedy, and you better believe Amy brings her comedic A-game with this bookbut it will have you thinking as much as it has you laughing, as you learn some of the most interesting life lessons she has to offer. Other memoirs for a lesson on life: Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? by Mindy Kaling, My Beloved World by Sonia Sotomayor (for a more serious read). 3. For a book that really makes you think: The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates by Wes Moore The best part about a great piece of literature is the way it challenges you to think hard about the world around you. The Other Wes Moore is a true story of two children with the same name who grew up in poverty in Baltimore. As you follow both of them throughout their lives, one becomes a Rhodes Scholar, while the other serves a life sentence in prison. This book challenges you to think about how your choices can impact your entire life and how ones upbringing can play a major role in their future. Other books to challenge your perspective: Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, The Giver by Lois Lowry 4. For a little self-help: Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking by Malcolm Gladwell Reading a book meant to influence your lifestyle is always an intriguing learning experience. Think of these books as enjoyable and entertaining self-help books that leave you with actionable steps to improve some aspect of your life. Blink is about the choices we make on instinct without thinking, and how some people are strong at making the correct choices while others choices can lead to unintended consequences. Blink reveals how to be a great decision-maker while profiling some experts and some failed situations. This is a great book for any college student to read, as decision-making is one of the biggest skills you will need in the real world. Another book to help you get a fresh start: The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg 5. For a hidden history lesson: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak When you pick up a great book that is set in a historical time period, you learn about history without even trying. The Book Thief follows a young girl who lives in Germany during World War II with her foster parents. The book describes her experiences with the Nazi regime and the political situation in Germany at the time, particularly the destroying of books by the Nazi party. Not only is this a beautifully written book, narrated by death, it also gives detailed insight into the past. Other hidden history lessons can be found in: Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden, The Help by Kathryn Stockett, All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr Any topics you want to know more about? Let us know! The Varsity Tutors Blog editors love hearing your feedback and opinions. Feel free to email us at blog@varsitytutors.com.

What is it Like to Attend Chatham University

What is it Like to Attend Chatham University Alexandra earned her bachelors degree in English and cultural studies from Chatham University. She specializes in writing tutoring, study skills tutoring, and a number of other subjects. Below, she shares her experience at Chatham University: Describe the campus setting and transportation options. Alexandra: Chatham University is an arboretum located in the city of Pittsburgh. As a student, you enjoy a lush, beautiful campus full of history and old mansions established as the Chatham College for Women in 1869. Now a co-educational institution, its nestled between the Shadyside and Squirrel Hill neighborhoods, two very popular and trendy places to live for students who attend the surrounding schools. Chatham is one of many schools in Pittsburgh that provides free public transit to their students by using their ID cards. Chatham also has shuttles available to take students grocery shopping and into town. The campus feels rural, but is located in an urban setting popularly and endearingly referred to as the Chatham bubble. I have never felt unsafe on campus, as Chatham is very much a community, and security is taken very seriously. Transportation options include free bus and shuttle access, ample space for parking bikes, as well as Zipcars on campus for student use. How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Alexandra: Chatham doesnt have separate academic advisers from faculty; instead, the faculty who you work with in classes on a daily basis serve as your academic advisers and mentors. Professors are readily available during their posted office hours and are incredibly open to finding time to meet with you to talk about school and life. They also help you choose and schedule your classes each semester. You get, if you choose, to have a lot of personal interactions with professors at Chatham, and each and every one of them is invested in helping you succeed and reach your goals. Teaching assistants are graduate students in the MFA and science programs and are also readily available to help. How would you describe the dorm liferooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Alexandra: The dorm life at Chatham is as social as you want it to be. Woodland Hall is the biggest dorm on campus and most central to the other facilities on campus with about four floors, housing 20-30 people on each floor. Fickes Hall is just down the hill from Woodland Hall and is the second biggest with three floors, housing about 20-40 people on each floor. The rooms and bathrooms in these two buildings have a lot of character. Rea House and Laughlin House are two smaller, but beautiful old mansions. Rea House includes residents who are involved with environmental issues, while Laughlin House includes international students and residents that are involved with cultural immersion and international issues. There are also apartments available on Fifth Avenue for undergraduate and graduate students. I was the Resident Assistant for Rea House and Apartments on Fifth Avenue, and I can honestly say that you can be as involved or not involved in the community as you wish to be. The fur thest housing, Apartments on Fifth Avenue, has a private walkway that leads up to campus. To get to classes and other facilities on campus is less than a 15 minute walk. The main campus is small and self-sustaining. Dining options are greatthere is a coffee shop on the main campus and a huge dining hall with amazing, mostly locally-sourced food. You are also a short walk away from the Shadyside and Squirrel Hill neighborhoods, home to amazing coffee shops, restaurants, and diners. Student Affairs at Chatham is a strong force and there are always programs happening. Again, you can choose to be as involved or not involved in the thriving academic and extracurricular Chatham community as you like. Which majors/programs are best represented and supported? Alexandra: Chatham has some really unique and amazing programs, including the newest food studies program for undergraduate and graduate students. Professors at Chatham have strong ties to the Pittsburgh community and around the world, so no matter what your professional goal is, they are able to provide strong insights and mentorship. The strongest programs at Chatham are their science programs, psychology, English, and marketing. I studied English and Cultural Studies at Chatham because I had an amazing high school English teacher that studied at Chatham and inspired me to attend. There are many intersections between the English and Cultural Studies programs, so adding the Cultural Studies major was a natural extension of the English major. Professors definitely push students to do graduate-level work and have an incredibly high acceptance rate for getting students into prominent graduate programs. 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? Alexandra: It was incredibly easy to meet people and make friends as a freshman at Chatham. As a student in the Chatham Scholars program, I took the same classes with the same group of people, so we were able to foster strong relationships that have endured long after graduating. There are many events and organizations on campus that allow you to meet people as well as get involved off campus. Student Affairs, particularly working in resident life, actually led me to meet some of my best friends. Chatham does not have Greek life; however, Student Affairs invites Greek life from the surrounding universities to attend events. How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services? Alexandra: The PACE Center on campus is in one central location inthe Jennie King Mellon Library. It houses many services, including the Writing Center, Tutoring Services, and Career Center. The Writing Center is where graduate students work with undergraduates of all levels to complete writing assignments. Tutoring Services allows students to set up tutoring appointments and request note takers for classes. At Career Services, students can set up internships and attend career workshops. Chatham is really good at bringing in alumni that have achieved significant career goals and who love to work with current students to help them achieve their professional goals. How are the various study areas such aslibraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Alexandra: At Chatham, any type of study area that you could imagine is available, and all are in beautiful facilities. You can work individually in study cubbies in the library or in spacious conference rooms with a group. You can also work individually or with friends at the coffee shop. The dorm lounges are all spacious and comfortable, and never over-crowded. You can go off campus to one of many coffee shops and diners in Shadyside, Oakland, or Squirrel Hill. All of these spaces are never too crowded, are easily available, and spacious. Describe the surrounding town. Alexandra: Chatham is nestled between the Shadyside and Squirrel Hill neighborhoods of Pittsburgh. Many of the universities in Pittsburgh are all located along Fifth Avenue, including Chatham. Directly outside of the Chatham campus are small, residential streets with beautiful mansions that lead to the popular Ellsworth Avenue and Walnut Street in Shadyside and to Murray Avenue and Forbes Avenue in Squirrel Hill. Both of these places include stores and restaurants. Downtown, you can watch a Pittsburgh Penguins game across the street from Duquesne University at the PPG Paints Arena. You can also attend a play, symphony performance, or musical in the Cultural District where all of the theaters are located. If youre feeling adventurous, you can cross one of the many bridges to the North Shore and attend a Pirates game, Steelers game, or even visit the Andy Warhol Museum. Whether youre into the arts, sports, food, hiking, or biking, Pittsburgh has something for you. How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Alexandra: Chatham is a small liberal arts school where faculty members are incredibly invested in your success. My common core classes had 20-25 students, which was incredibly effective and comfortable since the professor easily learned our names and mediated fascinating and enlightening conversations among the group. Some of my English classes had 10 people, while some had up to 25. Regardless of the size, professors were always incredibly attentive to students' needs. I was really pleased with the typical class sizes, and these sizes are pretty much the same across majors. Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Alexandra: Every class that I had at Chatham was incredibly enlightening and helped me to become the professional I am today. One of the many memorable moments during my time as an undergraduate student at Chatham has to be my Tutorial defense. I had three amazing professors who were on my committee and encouraged me throughout the process. The head chair of my committee was a professor I knew even before I started at Chatham, the chair of the English department, who had taught and inspired my high school English teacher. The second chair of my committee, the Director of the Food Studies program, had directed my study abroad trip to Italy. The third chair of my Committee, the Director of Cultural Studies, was and remains a dear friend and mentor who I had worked as a research assistant to. The moment when they told me I had passed and that they couldnt wait to see what the future had in store really exemplified the entirety of my educational experience at Chatham. Check out Alexandras tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Examples of Phrasal Verbs with UP and their meanings

Examples of Phrasal Verbs with UP and their meanings We have already looked at Phrasal verbs using the preposition AROUND earlier this week. There are many more prepositions in English we can use to form phrasal verbs. So today lets take the preposition UP and study phrasal verbs with UP.UP is a very commonly used preposition in English. UP usually refers to something above us.The ceiling is  above my head. I am going up the stairs to my room.But when used in a phrasal verb it has many  different meanings.  Here are some examples of English Phrasal verbs with UP and their meanings. Examples of Phrasal Verbs with UP BREAK UP  The usual meaning here is to destroy or dismantle something.Examples:I broke up the Lego model I  made.  I broke up the old wooden table we had in the garden. However, to break up can also mean to end. Usually it refers to  relationships. When a relationship goes badly we say that couple who lived next door have broken  up. He has moved out of the house.Example: The pop group who had all those major hits a few years ago have announced that they are breaking up. They will have their own careers now.SEX UP  When someone wants something to look or sound a little more modern then we can use  this phrasal verb.Example: Irina had to make a very important presentation to her bosses the following week. She spent 2 days writing it and showed it to her boyfriend for his comments. He said it was ok but a little bit boring. He suggested to sex it up a little to make it more interesting. He suggested inserting (putting in) a few graphs and charts and a couple of pictures to make it look attractive.PICK UP  Literally this means to lift something off the floor/ground or from the table and carry it somewhere  else.ex. I picked up the package and put it in the cupboard.Several other meanings of PICK UP are:1. to improveex. The weather has been terrible, rain and winds for at least 10 days. However the weather  forecast says it will pick up by the weekend and the temperature will rise considerably.2. to collect someone from somewhereex. If you tell me what time your flight is arriving I will come to the airport and pick you up.3. to catch an illness or a bugex. Last week John picked up a stomach bug and missed 2 days of work. Phrasal Verbs with UP - Image to share CUT UP  Literally to  CUT UP  something is to take a knife or scissors and cut something in to pieces.ex. I  cut up that old dress as I never wear it now. I can use it to clean the windows.However, it can also  have some metaphorical meanings.ex. Sergei has broken up (split) with his girlfriend. They were  together for ages. He is very cut up about it (very upset).DO UPThis is quite informal and refers to improving or renovating something.ex. Peter  and Jane and been living in the house for 6 years. They hadn’t done any decoration in that time. As  spring was approaching Jane got some paint and designs and they decided to do up (decorate) the  house one room at a time before the summer.MAKE UPto become friends again after a quarrelex. We made up after our argument but it still feels like there is some tension.Next time when you are speaking English try and use some of the phrasal verbs with UP in your conversation.   English Phrasal Verbs with WORK - Video Lesson

Simple Steps to a Higher GRE Score

Simple Steps to a Higher GRE Score GRE/MAT Graduate School Blog There are many different ways to study for the GRE. But most GRE prep classes, GRE prep courses, and GRE tutors have the following 5 step process in common: Invest in some type of test prep material that is clear and easy to understand. Nowadays, there are more than 10 high quality options for almost every standardized test. Your chosen GRE prep materials should include: Descriptions of the major areas of the GRE Key concepts being tested in each area GRE testing strategies Several full length GRE practice tests Lots of practice GRE problems Complete a diagnostic test to understand strengths and weaknesses before you really start studying Plan in advance regular study time each week AND what you’ll review during each week Complete lots of actual practice problems, covering all of the major conceptual areas of the test Complete at least 5 different practice tests, and ensure your score is increasing each time. However, beyond that generic plan, a customized approach based on the starting point of each individual student can truly increase GRE scores. For example, here was our approach with one particular student: One Customized Approach Student was doing well with the quantitative sections of the GRE, but needed to improve verbal and writing scores dramatically. His objective was to get admitted into top graduate school programs, which required GRE scores in the 90th percentile or better. (1) Designed a study plan for GRE vocabulary (2) Intensive student-specific preparation created to help the student maximize success for questions where he was familiar with words or phrases (3) Direct observation of timed testing sections, to help improve time management and manage stress/frustration. Results Achieved We observed significant increase in GRE verbal score on second test date, with stated improved confidence, time management, and ability to overcome challenges during the test. You can read a full case study on our approach with this particular GRE test-taker (coming soon). How To Customize a Study Plan? Developing a customized GRE study plan doesn’t need to be difficult. The first step is simply identifying where you are strong vs. weak. If your percentile score in GRE Quant is 85th percentile (meaning you scored better than 85 out of 100 GRE test takers on your practice GRE), but your GRE Verbal score is 50th percentile, then you should consider layering in an extra week or two of GRE Verbal prep. If necessary, that may mean investing in additional test prep materials focused on whatever section you need extra help in. Just keep doing extra practice and reviewing problems you miss. However, you do need to keep monitoring your performance across all sections as your test prep process progresses towards your test date. We’ve seen many students who are apparently very strong in verbal but weak in math spend 2 months straight focusing on improving their math score. Sure enough, come test day, their math score is much better. However, lo and behold, now their verbal score is much worse. Why did this happen? Well, even if you are very good at GRE-verbal, you need to keep the concepts and the problem types fresh in your mind. You can easily make a bunch of small errors, even though you know the main concepts pretty well, and end up bombing the actual test due to those small errors piling up. Summary Like any standardized test, the GRE can be mastered with intelligent, careful practice that starts with basic test taking study plan development and strategy, and layers on a customized approach based on any given student’s starting point, strengths, and weaknesses. With a calm, steady, planned approach to studying for the GRE, most students observe significant improvement, regardless of the specific prep strategy they chose: GRE class, self-study, or private GRE tutor. What are your experiences studying for the GRE?