The Value of Online Algebra Tutoring Services

The Value of Online Algebra Tutoring ServicesThe availability of online algebra help is another major reason that students like to use online algebra tutoring services. They find it easier and quicker to access the help they need from the convenience of their own home.You might be thinking, how in the world can I expect my child to learn the material better if I can't access their algebra class online? Well, before you run for the hills, keep in mind that not all online algebra tutoring services offer similar learning opportunities. If a specific service is in place, this will make it easy for the tutor to deliver the same set of instructions and materials to all students, regardless of where they are located in the world.Some of the resources that can be accessed online have nothing to do with books or the traditional methods of teaching help. These programs offer one-on-one tutoring via the Internet. The work load that can be delivered by the student is limited to a particular less on plan, in most cases. Many online algebra tutors offer assessments and practice tests that can be accessed anytime from the comfort of the student's home.There are some benefits that can be derived from an online algebra tutor, regardless of where the student happens to be located. Students that travel to other states or even other countries are able to benefit from some of the tools that are commonly used in schools and universities. Students that need help with homework or with other types of work are often overlooked, simply because they are outside of the curriculum.Online tutoring helps to prevent this situation from happening, and makes it much easier for the student to focus on what they need to get done. This is why it is so important to choose a good online algebra tutoring service. You want a service that can deliver the same skills and materials to students around the world without any distractions.These are among the major reasons why students use online algebra tutori ng services. The value that these services offer to the students who use them can be very significant. The help is intended to assist students to achieve their learning goals, and they also see the power in being able to utilize the tools that are available in their own homes.Algebra is one of the most difficult subjects to grasp, yet it is also one of the easiest to understand. Students, even those who are trying to retain the knowledge required to pass the course, may feel a little overwhelmed with the concepts that are presented. It is important for students to remember this and to make sure that they get all of the help they need in order to achieve their goal.Algebra can be difficult. It is important that students understand that when they are working towards achieving a particular grade that the work they put into the project can actually be helpful to them and their classmates. Having the ability to quickly access help at any time from the comfort of your own home is one of t he benefits of using online algebra tutoring services.

19 Bilingual Songs That Bring the World Closer

19 Bilingual Songs That Bring the World Closer you canBilingual music is the language lover’s dream realized.Its a pure, joyful celebration of the diverse world we inhabit.And, as it turns out, it’s pretty freaking coolâ€"bilingual music is starting to both dominate the charts and capture our hearts.Now it’s only a matter of time before kids are rocking multiple languages for kicks.Bilingualism, until now, has been either a fact of life (you live in a place where multiple languages are used) or a uniquely fascinating (albeit somewhat nerdy) talent.Being bilingual might just be the next big trend that takes the world by stormâ€"and wouldn’t that be awesome?The answer is yes, it would be awesome. And heres why!Why Bilingual Songs Are Great for Language LearnersThere are just so many beautiful ways to look at it (or, rather, listen to it): Multiple languages are respected as forms of expression, bridges are connected and people from different backgrounds can sing along to the same tune. As they say, languages arent just diff erent sets of words for the same objects and ideasâ€"different languages are actually totally different ways of seeing the world and expressing thought. By engaging in musical expression with multiple languages, bilingual songs are intrinsically more nuanced than monolingual songs.Not to mention, bilingual songs are powerful pieces which capture glimpses of bilingual culture. For example,  Chicano  music blends English and Spanish to reflect the natural mix of languages found in Mexican-American communities.Bilingual music is also the best recipe for high-powered learning. When music and multiple languages collide, your brain kicks into overdrive. There’s so much complex information entering your brain that the gears automatically get whirring.Music boosts brainpower and language retention, while bilingualism boosts your hearing and attentiveness. That means the more music you listen to, the better your brain is at absorbing language. The more time you spend becoming bilingual and learning languages inside and out, the more receptive your brain becomes to music and other input. Now, imagine what your brain is capable of when you feed it  both language and music together!Then theres the obvious benefit of listening to bilingual songs: Its  fun.  Singing along to music sneakily gives us language learning practice. Its even ideal for raising bilingual children, as theyll simply be enjoying themselves while learning languages in the process. Same goes for you, grown-ups. Youre so busy jamming along to the tune that you dont even realize youre deftly swapping between languages.Mastering the Spanish rap interlude in your favorite pop song adds an element of challenge to the experienceâ€"and when you finally master that bit of the song, the satisfaction and pride you feel is beyond compare. Like, how cool are you?How to Learn Languages with Bilingual  SongsFind songs that blend languages.  Many songs use two (or more) languages equally, switching back and forth thr oughout. These are great for training your brain to work with both languages at once. Sure, you may tell yourself that you dont want to speak  Denglish  (Deutsche  +  English) better than pure German, but it can be pretty freaking useful.What if youre translating for a party of German and English speakers? What if you someday need to translate for your English-speaking parents and your German-speaking mother-in-law so they can get to know each other? Maybe someday youll even become an ambassador, professional translator or tour guide.Listen to  songs with two different versions, one for each featured language.  Many bilingual artists record multiple versions of their hit songs. For example, youve probably been rocking  out to Enrique Iglesiass Bailando  on the Top 100 channel over the past year. Well, hes got a 100%  Spanish version of the song which is arguably even better.Try listening to both. Favor the version in your target language until youve mastered those lyrics. Once you c an sing along perfectly in your target language, switch over to the English version and compare and contrast the lyrics. How has it been changed?Check out  covers in your target language.  Take your favorite English songs and search for them in your target language. If its a popular song, chances are good that theres a sweet cover out there on YouTube or Soundcloud in your target language.I fell in love the first time I heard this Japanese rendition of Tomorrow from Annie.  The first time I heard Seu Jorges Portuguese version of The Life Aquatic album by David Bowie?  Pure magic!Get down with the remix.  Explore the Internet by searching for your favorite song remixed in your target language.  For example, are you a Spanish learner who loves (or gets some guilty pleasure from) Rihanna?Then a search for Diamonds Spanish remix will take you to the original RiRi favorite overlaid with a Puerto Rican artists original rap.  Now you get your favorite song mixed in with some Spanish learni ng time.Try some bilingual songs for kids.  The following resources are designed for bilingual kids who are growing up learning English and another language. Use them as a starting place!French: Globe Toddlers  |  Sarah Jordan English-French bilingual collection  |  Alaine le Laitâ€"French Songs for Kids  | Songs for TeachingGerman: German: A bilingual music programSpanish:  Sarah Jordan English-Spanish bilingual collection  |  Mariana IranziChinese:  Sarah Jordan English-Mandarin bilingual collectionJapanese: MamaLisaCheck out songs in your target language on FluentU.Bilingual songs are beautiful, but they can be rarer than is convenient for a tune-loving language learner. Luckily, FluentU takes real-world videosâ€"including music videosâ€"and, with the help of interactive captions and quizzes, turns them into personalized bilingual language learning experiences.19 Bilingual Songs That Bring the World CloserIts finally time to listen to some great songs!The songs Ive got for you  b elow  are grouped by the languages in which theyre sung. Well start off with a couple multilingual musical works (sung in 3+ languages). Then well move on to a few  English and French bilingual songs, followed by songs sung in German, Spanish, Japanese and more.1. L-O-V-E by Nat King ColeLanguages:  English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, JapaneseWhat its all about:  Love, of course! Multilingual, international love (no, not the kind Pitbull sings about). This song sings the same upbeat message about love in six languages.Nat King Coles accent is perhaps a bit  off in some languages, but give the guy a break while he tries to spread the love, okay? Anyway, it feels darn good to see an American showing off his linguistic chops.2. Album: eXtraOrdinary rendition by Rupa the April FishesLanguages:  English, French, Spanish, HindiWhat its all about:  The song above,  Une americane a Paris, is only sung in French, but it comes from the extraordinarily multilingual eXtraOrdinary rendit ion album, which is like one longâ€"sometimes tormented, sometimes joyfulâ€"love song to the world.The song itself captures one brief experience had by the lead singer, an American with Indian roots, while living abroad in France. If youve traveled  or lived  abroad, even if youve never had an  experience similar to whats told in this story-cum-song, youll probably relate to the lyrics to some degree.The frontwoman of this musical group, Rupa, is a lifelong multilingual, part-time doctor, part-time musician and all-around  fascinating human being. Her parents hail from India, she was born in San Francisco and the whole family relocated to France when she was still quite young. So, she has grown up with a beautiful mix of languagesâ€"and also some confusion about her roots and identity.While no one song on the album is bilingual, you can  purchase the full album and take a look at the multilingual track list.  The colorful, soulful music really  manages to capture the ups and downs o f an international life that crosses every border imaginable.3. Je Ne Sais Pas Pourquoi by Kylie MinogueLanguages:  French and EnglishWhat its all about:  We kids of the 90s sometimes forget that Kylie was around, pumping out dance tracks well before our time. This late-80s pop hit is upbeat, catchy and wonderfully dance-able.Im jamming to this at my desk right now, so I say this from firsthand experience. It doesnt offer any complex language lessons, but it will stick the titular French phrase in your brain for all eternity.4. Michelle by The BeatlesLanguages:  French and EnglishWhat its all about: Here we have a classic tale of international, bilingual love.  Paul tries to woo his French lover in the little French he knows, as she doesnt seem to know much English. Im willing to bet you know the song, and the French is easy to understand by context alone.5. Bongo Bong by Manu ChaoLanguages:  French and EnglishWhat its all about:  This song humorously depicts Manus bohemian existenc e. Its in French and English, yes, but Manu sings in so many languages its  kind of  hard to keep count. Off the top of my head, I know Ive heard songs from him in English, French, Spanish, Portuguese and Arabic.6. Dont Leave Me (Ne Me Quittes Pas) by Regina SpektorLanguages:  French and EnglishWhat its all about: Regina is well-known for her multilingual lyrics and albums. She sings in English, French, Russianâ€"and she occasionally throws in a Latin verse or two. If you loved this song, then check out Après Moi  which also has both  French and English lyrics.7. If Thats What It Takes / Por Que Tu Maimes Encore  by Celine DionLanguages: French and EnglishWhat its all about:  Its all about Celine, naturally. This diva is ripping her heart out for you in two languages. While she usually has the two versions separate, this mash up is ideal for language learners and  fans of bilingual music.8. Mentirosa by Mellow Man AceLanguages:  Spanish and EnglishWhat its all about:  This Chicano hip hop songs music video displays English translations along with all its Spanish-sung lyrics. Its almost as if they wanted non-Spanish speakers to be able to access their musicâ€"lets take advantage of this!9. Stand By Me by Prince RoyceLanguages:  Spanish and EnglishWhat its all about:  Youve undoubtedly heard  the original RB hit Stand By Me by Ben E. King.  Well, this is a Spanglish version by the New York Dominican King of Bachata, and it has every bit as much soul. The first time around it might seem tricky to guess when hell switch from Spanish to English and vice versa, but after a couple listens Im  willing to bet that youll be singing right along.This song took Latin America by storm when it was first releasedâ€"you couldnt leave the house without hearing it playing somewhere. Put it on constant replay in your house until you master the Spanish!10. Promise by Usher feat. Romeo SantosLanguages: Spanish and EnglishWhat its all about:  Youd never expect Usher to thrive in a  bachata  song, but the two urban crooners find a lot of common ground as they plead their lovers to stay with them. Its also funny to hear each artist plug himself, as Usher whispers his name repeatedly in the background and Romeo jumps in with an almost subliminal  escucha las palabrasde Romeo (listen to the wordsof Romeo). Ill give them a pass because the song is just so lovely to listen toâ€"and all the dancing in the video is so pleasant to watch.11. Latinoamérica by Calle 13Languages:  Portuguese, SpanishWhat its all about:  Wow. Just, wow. Calle 13 is an eclectic Puerto Rican band which integrates virtually all styles of Latin music into their songs, everything from reggaeton to salsa, cumbia and bossa nova.  They jump around, they rap, they denounce power-hungry governments and spit rhymes on every major social issue under the sun. Theyre an extremely empowering musical act all aroundâ€"but this song might just be their most potent.Combining Spanish and Portuguese lyrics, a s a way to unify Latin Americas primary spoken languages, Calle 13 sing about exactly what it means to be Latin Americanâ€"and what you have to endure and rise up against having been born there. While the song batters us with social, cultural, political and economic issues facing this influential region of the world, it also gives us hope in the strength of the people native to it.This all culminates in the final lines of the song, when the group repeatedly sings about how nobody can buy or control the sun, the wind, the rainâ€"we have to love and respect the natural environment we live in, or no man can be free.12. Ilusion by Julieta Venegas feat. Marisa MonteLanguages:  Spanish and PortugueseWhat its all about: This lovely duet is a melodic dreamland thats bound to charm you.  Julieta Venegas herself grew up bilingual in Spanish and English, but notes that she feels in Spanish. This certainly comes through in her Spanish-language musical performances.Loved it? Try another Spanish- Portuguese song by Julieta featuring Lenine (a bigshot in Brazilian music): Miedo.  The Spanish and Portuguese are actually overlaid in this song, giving it a fascinating, textured quality.  Listen to how the accents combine, blend and contradict one another during the chorus. Cool stuff!13. We Are One (Ole Ola) by PitbullLanguages:  English, Spanish and PortugueseWhat its all about:  Ah, just leave it up to the World Cup to unite us in song! This song is the very epitome of what multilingual music is striving for. Even if you dont see it as a musical masterpiece, just think about the sheer number of people who were exposed to this song worldwide.Everyone had their eyes and ears glued to the games, in every part of the world, and this song traveled the globe as the official song of the last World Cup. It carried the spirit of the games in English, Spanish and Portuguese, united as one to spread a message of excitment, national pride and international cooperation.14. Somos Sur by Ana Tijoux featuring Shadia MansourLanguages:  Spanish and ArabicWhat its all about: Oh. my. God. If you havent heard of one (or both) of these kickass lady rappers, then youre in for an amazing treat.  Bumping beat, wild, bombastic sounds, a cacophony of instruments from around the worldâ€"and two pissed off, multilingual, revolutionary social activists who are speaking for the voiceless people in their home regions.During their joyful dancing rebellion, they shout out a list of nations too often ignored, undermined and oppressed by the empire of the countries that colonized them. Whether or not you agree with their statements, you have to admitâ€"they rage over a hot beat.Ana Tijoux raps about political justice and revolutionary ideals in both Spanish and French, having been  born in France to Chilean parents who left during a traumatic time of upheaval in their countrys history. Shadia Mansour is a British Palestinian rap goddess. Enough said?15. Stirb Nicht Vor Mir (Dont Die Before I Do) by Rammstein feat. Sharleen SpiteriLanguages:  German and EnglishWhat its all about:  Rammstein is one of those rare bands that can get their messages across with their  sound  alone. The sound of buzzing guitars and a deeply booming voice remains constant, as do the bands dark, brooding, morbid and often violent lyricsâ€"but youll find a lot of diversity in the languages they use. This one uses German and English, but others combine German with Spanish, Russian or  French.16. 99 Luftballons by GoldfingerLanguages:  German and EnglishWhat its all about:  We all know it, we all love itâ€"Ill just give you a minute while you replay (for the 1,000,000th time) this anti-war song that brought German music into 80s vogue. This English version is a punk rock favorite, but keep in mind that Nena, the artist behind the original German song, never liked the English translations.In case you never heard the plot to this imaginative song, it illustrates the effect of wartime paranoia by t elling a story: 99 balloons float up gently into the sky, the  nations sharing the airspace get engaged in a 99-year war after failing to properly identify them as harmless objects. Oops.17. Picture This by Kero Kero BonitoLanguages:  Japanese and EnglishWhat its all about: This is one of the most recently-released tracks on the whole list, so you may not find it surprising that its all about selfies and posting on social media. Its a weirdly universal idea now, isnt it?The soft Japanese rap in the middle of the song introduces a lot of useful, common  Japanese phrases clearly and cleanly. If you listen to this song (and their other releases) as obsessively as I do, youre bound to pick up a few things.18.  Sumahama  by The Beach BoysLanguages: Japanese and EnglishWhat its all about:  Did you know that the Beach Boys sang something in Japanese? Well, they did. This is  a slow, melodic, poetic song about love and loss in Japan, worth a listen on a rainy day.19. Party Poison by My Chem ical RomanceLanguages:  Japanese and EnglishWhat its all about:  I had to wake you up after that last song. Were going from romantic to aggressive at full speed here. While My Chemical Romance screams about parties and dance floors and darkness (you know, all the usual stuff) a Japanese girl pipes in and loudly encourages listeners to join in the party madness.Thats where our bilingual music journey ends for today!Im leaving you with some great places to start if you want to keep searching for more of the same.When I started this, I just wanted to share all my favorite songs from around the world. But you cant listen to so much powerful music without starting to dig a little deeper.One big takeaway from all this musicâ€"boasting topics and genres as diverse as its languagesâ€"seems to be that we all have more in common than we think we do.No matter where we come from, we love to rock out, we love to groove, we love to sing about lost loves, we love to dance, we love to scream at the top of our lungs.Sometimes all it takes is a great beat to break down our boundaries.And One More ThingIf youre digging these songs, youll love using FluentU. FluentU makes it possible to learn languages  from music videos, commercials, news and inspiring talks.With FluentU, you learn real languagesâ€"the same way that natives  speak them. FluentU has a wide variety of videos like movie trailers, funny commercials and web series, as you can see here:FluentU App Browse ScreenFluentU has interactive captions that let you tap on any word to see an image, definition, audio and useful examples. Now native language content is within reach with interactive transcripts.Didnt catch something? Go back and listen again. Missed a word? Hover your mouse over the subtitles to instantly view definitions.FluentU Interactive TranscriptsYou can learn all the vocabulary in any video with FluentUs quiz mode. Swipe left or right to see  more examples for the word you’re learning.FluentU Has Quizzes f or Every VideoAnd FluentU always keeps track of vocabulary that you’re learning. It uses that vocab to give you a 100% personalized experience by recommending videos and examples.

Organic Chemistry Tutor - Finding The Right One For Your Needs

Organic Chemistry Tutor - Finding The Right One For Your NeedsA certain discovery about organic chemistry is the fact that it is an interesting subject and all of us aspiring to become chemistry teachers and organic chemistry tutors are aware of this fact. The reality is that most of us do not have enough time and are also too busy in other responsibilities to get all the help we require for studying the subject. So it is better if you opt for a chemistry tutor name by putting a search on the internet.To select the right organic chemistry tutor for your needs you must have the right knowledge of the subject. So it is best if you visit the local library or bookstore and check out the different books regarding organic chemistry, which you are interested in. If you are using the Internet to search for a tutor then go through the resources offered in the websites and compare the prices offered by the various institutions so that you can find the one that is best suited for your needs. Yo u should also remember that if you choose the wrong organic chemistry tutor, then it is likely that you will make more mistakes and will end up making a lot of money if this is the case.One of the points that you should consider before selecting a tutor is the credentials and experience of the tutor. You should check out the credentials of the tutor and this includes his background, his experience and his degrees. It is because only those who have been in this line of job for a very long time can ensure that you will get the right organic chemistry tutor for your needs.You should also go through the general information about the tutors in the website. Check out if the tutor has the experience in the field of teaching. This is very important because if he has the experience then it is much easier for him to understand the subject and help you in learning the basics. You should also check out the type of teaching that he has done and also if he has any publications in the area.Another point that you should look into is the fee that the organic chemistry tutor charges. You must know that it is not very easy to take a cheap organic chemistry tutor name as there are many well established and qualified individuals who charge high fees for their services. So it is always better to go for the well-known names and you can see the list of these names on the website. The name of the tutor should also reflect the topic that he teaches so that he is easily understood by the students.It is also essential to go through the internet and check out the blog of the tutor, which is used to update his students regarding the latest news and developments in the organic chemistry field. This will help you in learning about his past work and also in understanding the style of teaching he has done. It is also advisable to look out for a tutor name who is updated with the latest in the field of organic chemistry so that you get the right organic chemistry tutor name.The organic chemistr y tutor name is the best way to get all the help you need in teaching your students about organic chemistry. But the fee that you pay must also be justified by the services he can provide to you. This is the best opportunity to earn from your study and if you study diligently, then you will be able to earn well in the future.

Amine Organic Chemistry - Do You Know What This Science Has To Do With?

Amine Organic Chemistry - Do You Know What This Science Has To Do With?Amine Organic Chemistry is the next science that has to do with the understanding of the organic synthesis and the action of amines. It also has something to do with the formation of an organic chemical compound that has a number of amines that has specific properties.Amine Synthesis and action are something that occurs very early in the life of a living creature. This is very important in an organism, because the survival of the organism depends on the ability of the organism to utilize these compounds for the purpose of its life cycle.For example, proteins in the human body are important for the human's metabolism. They allow the protein to enter the blood stream. So when these proteins undergo the process of amine synthesis, they can absorb other substances and create another protein.Amine Organic Chemistry has nothing to do with the substance that is used for the synthesis of a compound. This is the kind of sc ience that happens when the product of a chemical process is altered chemically to create a product that has the same chemistry.The use of a catalyst is also something that can be done in order to have such chemical alteration. The amine organic chemistry involves the knowledge of how a catalyst can be used in order to make a compound that has a particular property that is not present in the original substance.For example, a compound that has an amine in it could be able to stop a motion or could be used to prevent a reaction from occurring. There are also compounds that have a number of amines in them.There are also a number of organic chemistry textbooks that will explain what amine synthesis is and how it is performed. These can be used in the classroom or as a supplemental study guide to other organic chemistry courses.

What is it Like to Attend University of Maryland

What is it Like to Attend University of Maryland The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Gabby is a Washington D.C. tutor and 2011 graduate of the University of Maryland. She holds a Journalism degree and specializes inmany subjects such as Writing tutoring, Italian tutoring, and SAT prep tutoring. See what she had to say about her undergraduate experience: VT: Describe the campus setting and transportation options. How urban or safe is the campus? Are there buses or do you need a car/bike? Gabby: The campus is beautiful and sprawling. UMD has a reliable shuttle system that goes to every corner of campus, although many students also walk or bike to class. The campus is generally safe, but its always a good idea to use the buddy system when walking around at night. VT: How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Gabby: The professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants are very accommodating to students needs. They all hold office hours and are often willing to schedule appointments outside of their posted hours. VT: How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Gabby: Dorm life is one of the best ways to get to know your fellow Terps. Most freshmen live in the high-rise buildings on campus, and many are grouped with other students in their majors. The rooms are nothing luxurious, but they are perfectly suited to house two students. The underclassmen dorms are located next to a dining hall, 24-hour snack shop, fitness center, and recreational spaces. VT: Which majors/programs are best represented and supported? What did you study and why? Did the university do a good job supporting your particular area of study? Gabby: Two of UMDs best known and highest ranked programs are Business and Engineering. I studied Journalism another nationally ranked program. During my junior year, the university completed construction of a new Journalism building that features state of the art production facilities and computer labs. VT: 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? Gabby: Making friends as a freshman is easy thanks to a week of fun orientation activities. Resident advisers in the dorms are also great at organizing floor meetings to help students get to know their neighbors. Fraternities and sororities are popular, but its just as common to not participate in Greek life. VT: How helpful is the Career Center and other student support services? Do many reputable companies recruit on campus? Gabby: UMD does of a fantastic job of offering career services to students. The Career Center offers free resume workshops and mock interviews. There are two major job fairs, one each semester, that attract employers ranging from the federal government to engineering firms. VT: How are the various study areas such as libraries, student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Gabby: No matter where you live on campus, you will be close to at least one of UMDs eight libraries. There is always a quiet place to sit and study. For a more casual space, there is the Stamp Student Union which also has a variety of fast dining options. VT: Describe the surrounding town. What kinds of outside establishments / things to do are there that make it fun, boring, or somewhere in between? To what extent do students go to the downtown area of the city versus staying near campus? Gabby: UMD is located in the heart of a college town. College Park has scores of student-friendly restaurants, many of which deliver and stay open late. Students also go into the town for bowling, ice-skating, or to catch a movie. There is not much in the way of shopping. Luckily, College Park is just a short Metro ride away from Washington, D.C. VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Gabby: One of the best things about UMD is the combination of large school perks and small school feel. Nearly 27,000 undergraduate students attend UMD, which makes for a strong network of Terps fans. The university draws exciting speakers and performers, as well as prestigious faculty. But one should never feel lost in a crowd. Opportunities abound for finding your niche including extracurricular clubs and teams, specialized learning communities, and small class sizes. In my four years there, I had only two lectures with more than 50 students. Usually my class sizes were 20-25. VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one you regret the most. Gabby: One of my favorite classes was a survey of world religions. The class attracted students from a wide variety of backgrounds and majors. To break up the lectures, we would split into small groups for discussion. I met so many new people and broadened my viewpoint at the same time. Check out Gabbys tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

My Experience at University of California-Berkeley

My Experience at University of California-Berkeley The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Daniel is a San Francisco-Bay Area tutor and 2014 graduate of University of California-Berkeley. He holds a Bachelors degree in Anthropologyand tutors several subjects, specializing inCollege Essay tutoring, GRE Verbal Reasoning tutoring, and Writing tutoring. Check out what Daniel had to say about his time at University of California-Berkeley: VT: Describe the campus setting and transportation options. How urban or rural is the campus? Did you feel safe on campus? Are there buses or do you need a car/bike? Daniel: University of California-Berkeley is a bustling, urban campus ringed by businesses, restaurants, office buildings, clothing stores, and cafes. It is centrally located in the city of Berkeley with easy access to BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit), as well as a multitude of regular bus lines that head toward attractions in Oakland, Emeryville, San Francisco, and beyond. There are several all-night buses for those late trips into the city. Though there is certainly crime in and around campus (typically muggings late at night), the university police force is a presence, and the campus provides a reliable late-night shuttle service. Bikes are very common, often with dedicated lanes or streets, and cars are absolutely unnecessary (plus you will quickly find yourself inundated with late-night airport trip requests as that person with the car). VT: How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Daniel:Professors and GSIs (graduate student instructors, or teaching assistants) hold weekly office hours. Depending on the popularity of the professor, time slots can fill up almost immediately. Although professors are usually friendly and helpful, it often seemed to me that teaching was not their academic priority. GSIs may be just as busy, but they generally lavish more attention and time on students. It helps that the average GSI is much closer in age to the average undergraduate. My major adviser was knowledgeable and supportive, but from what I have heard, that does not necessarily carry across all departments. VT: How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Daniel:I never lived in the dorms, but I lived in the off-campus student cooperative system for several years. A very popular option for students (with an accompanying long waiting list), the Berkeley Student Cooperative consists of 13 houses and three apartment buildings scattered around the north and south sides of campus. The houses range in size from 17 to 149 members (all students), who work, cook, study, and socialize together. In the apartments, priority is given to low-income students. Two members cook dinner for the house six days a week, and there is a fully stocked kitchen. Decisions are made democratically at weekly councils, and members pool money to put on frequent social events. Veteran co-opers can go on to become house managers, central office employees, or members of the Board of Directors. VT: Which majors/programs are best represented and supported? What did you study and why? Did the university do a good job supporting your particular area of study? Daniel:STEM majors are generally better funded than the humanities and social sciences. University of California-Berkeleys Computer Science and Business majors are considered especially selective (and well-funded), as is the College of Chemistry and the College of Engineering. New Astrophysics, Business, and Engineering buildings are currently being built, as well as a new art museum which may house the Art Practice major. I majored in Sociocultural Anthropology. I felt drawn to Sociocultural Anthropologys unique combination of philosophy, critical theory, and interpersonal fieldwork. Anthropology at University of California-Berkeley has many world-class faculty members and a strong graduate program, meaning strong graduate student instructors. Sadly, Anthropology does not garner much attention from the university, so graduate students receive very little funding. This means fewer discussions can be held. Discussions are small, GSI-led classes meant to explore and reinforce what is l earned in the weekly lecture. I found my discussion classes to be regularly enlightening, and I disliked their relative scarcity. Other relatively underfunded majors, like Philosophy, do have discussion sections for every course. Other than that, the university provides an adequate framework for undergraduate research opportunities in Anthropology and other fields. Paid research opportunities are occasionally available, usually subsequent to a volunteer position. VT: 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? Daniel:Living in student cooperative housing, I found it very easy to make friends. The student co-ops emphasize consent, antidiscrimination, and other safe-space social activities. It is noticeably more difficult for students living in apartments, but certainly not impossible. Many students struggle until they find a club with like-minded people. Luckily, there are a plethora of student organizations available. Greek life (sadly) plays a significant role on campus despite the numerous sexual assaults which have been reported in recent years. There are certainly positive and productive Greek organizations, particularly the academic fraternities and the queer fraternities and sororities. VT: How helpful is the Career Center and other student support services? Do many reputable companies recruit on campus? Daniel:I know many people who have found the Career Center to be a helpful and supportive environment. There are several large career fairs every academic year, as well as many smaller, major-specific recruitment fairs and information sessions. VT: How are the various study areas such as libraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Are they overcrowded, easily available, spacious? Daniel:There are dozens of on-campus libraries, reading rooms, study lounges, and cafes open to undergraduates. Different students study more efficiently in different levels of noise, light, color schemes, etc., and the plethora of venues available suit any situation. VT: Describe the surrounding town. What kinds of outside establishments/things to do are there that make it fun, boring, or somewhere in between? To what extent do students go to the downtown area of the city versus staying near campus? Daniel:Berkeley is a vibrant city with tons of interesting restaurants, bookstores, and parks. The campus is located next to bustling and urban downtown Berkeley, as well as more quiet and quaint neighborhoods like North Berkeley and Elmwood. Anyone who gets tired of Indian food, botanical gardens, and Marxist libraries can hop on a bus or BART and head into Oakland for an arts fair and amateur professional wrestling every first Friday. Emeryville has Ikea, Target, and other big box stores, and San Francisco has anything and everything. For nature enthusiasts, Tilden Park and the Strawberry Canyon Fire Trails are easily accessible. Marin is also available, if a bit more of a trek. VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Daniel:University of California-Berkeley is a large school, though not unmanageably so. It is easy to find oneself within a fairly circumscribed social circle where coincidental mutual friends are common. The class sizes vary greatly, and most large lectures are helped by smaller discussion sections. I generally enjoyed my smaller classes more, but large lectures are an inevitability at a university with celebrity professors. VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one you regret the most. Daniel:My first semester after transferring to University of California-Berkeley from a community college, I signed up for a Medical Anthropology course based on the provocative title Critical Bioethics. As the course began and we read and discussed my professors work, I realized, to my shock, that I had already been taught this. Her cases had been used as boilerplate examples and her ideas taught as basic anthropological theory in my community college classes. I came to realize that at University of California-Berkeley, it is normal to stumble into a class with someone whose exceptional work has become fundamental to a field. Check out Daniels tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

6 Easy Improvements to Make to Your Study Space This Fall

6 Easy Improvements to Make to Your Study Space This Fall School is back in session! As such, you might be wondering how you can enhance your study space to help you perform at your highest potential. There are several quick changes you can make to improve your study space right at home heres what you can do: 1. Cut out distractions What tends to distract you when you are trying to buckle down and study? Is it a nearby poster with bright colors that catches your eye, a beanbag chair that is a bit too relaxing, or a mechanical pencil you constantly are playing with? Any distracting objects or features of your study space should be eliminated. In theory, getting rid of these distractions should be relatively easy. Excessive light can be reduced with curtains and furniture can be rearranged. With some creativity, mostly everything about your study space is adjustable. [RELATED: Top 5 College Study Tips] 2. Clear the clutter Your study space should only contain the things you need to study nothing more, nothing less. When you keep more than you need in your study space, it can lead to stress and distractions. Clean up garbage, put away extra books, and relocate picture frames, trinkets, etc., or any other objects that are not conducive to studying. Go for a minimalistic approach. 3. Adjust the lighting Lighting can have a huge psychological impact on your study efforts. Your study space should be properly lit: not so bright that it hurts your eyes, but not so dim that you have to squint. Natural light is often better than artificial light, so take advantage if your study space has a window or skylight. If possible, open the blinds rather than flipping a light switch (you can save electricity this way, too). 4. Reduce noise Some students enjoy studying with their headphones in or the radio on. However, some studies show that people tend to remember less of what they study when they study with too much background noise. However, there are other instances when music can be helpful to ones concentration, perhaps when it is soft and familiar. New sounds can negatively affect concentration, however, as they will likely be distracting. All in all, this aspect of a study space depends on your personal preferences. 5. Personalize To customize your study space, you must get to know yourself. Think about all of the different parts of your study space: lighting, seating arrangement, organization, temperature, acoustics, etc. Now, think about how you can tailor those elements to make them create the perfect study environment for you and only you. Only you know under what conditions you learn best. 6. Ditch your phone One surefire way to increase your study productivity is by putting your phone down for awhile. As hard as it may be, not having email, texting, and social media at your fingertips will greatly help you focus on the schoolwork at hand. At first, it may be a tough adjustment, but you are very likely to be pleased with how much you accomplish. If you are ever using your study space for group work, encourage your team members to put their phones aside as well; they just may thank you later! Improving your study space does not have to be difficult or expensive. Follow these tips and you will have already taken the first step to higher test grades. 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.

Spanish in Spain vs. Mexico Whats the Difference

Spanish in Spain vs. Mexico Whats the Difference Sign up successful 3. Vosotros/Ustedes In Spanish, there are two forms of the second-person singular â€" formal and informal. The formal second-person singular uses exactly the same conjugations as the third-person singular. In Spain, there are also two forms for the second-person plural: vosotros for informal and ustedes for formal; however, in Mexico, there is no second-person informal â€" you always use ustedes. Kids learn vosotros in school but never use it for more than understanding things like movies and literature from Spain. This is good news if you are learning Mexican Spanish, as you will have little need for vosotros. However, if you want to speak with people in Spain, you should learn the additional Spanish conjugations. 4. Past Tenses One last difference between Mexican Spanish and Spain Spanish is the use of the past tenses. Mexicans use the past and present perfect tenses much the same as you use them in English. However, the Spanish favor the present perfect and use it for all recently completed actions. Heres a handy cheat sheet for some common differences in Spanish vocabulary: Of course, the best way to avoid confusion when it comes to the difference between Mexican Spanish and Spain Spanish is to learn with a private tutor. A qualified teacher can guide you along the way and provide study plans  that can clear up any any doubts you may have. Good luck! Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher

Should I Go To Oregon State University

Should I Go To Oregon State University The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teachtheyre sharing their college experiences as well. Elizabeth is a Portland tutor specializing in English tutoring, essay editing tutoring, SAT Writing tutoring, and a number of other areas. She is currently a senior at Oregon State University majoring in English Literature. See what she had to share about Oregon State University: Describe the campus setting and transportation options. Elizabeth: The Oregon State University campus is located in Corvallis, Oregon, a relatively small town off Highway 5. The campus is somewhat urbanits only about a 15-minute walk from campus to downtownbut it still feels secluded when youre nestled on its 422 acres. Oregon State University owns a lot of the surrounding land around campus, so there are always peaceful places to take walks and enjoy nature. Campus is extremely safe, day or night, and there are free buses that will take you all over campus.There is also a van service called Safe Ride that will take you from many places off-campus back to your dorm or apartment. How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants at Oregon State University? Elizabeth: Im really lucky with my major and my college, because liberal arts isnt one of Oregon State Universitys most popular fields. However, that just means more attention from incredible professors and advisers. Ive been able to create close bonds with my favorite professors, something that many of my friends in liberal arts majors at other schools have never experienced. I have also taken many classes outside my major, and all of the professors and teaching assistants that I have had have been incredibly engaging and helpful. How would you describe the dorm liferooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Elizabeth: Oregon State University mandates that all first-year students live on campus, which makes it incredibly easy to meet new friends. There are countless events held to allow first-years to bond and get to know campus and school resources. There are 13 dorms spread all over campus, and in all honesty, some are in better shape than others. The resident assistants are great, and they go through extensive training to prepare them to be great mentors for first-year students. The dining options on campus are varied, and getting better all the time. There are plenty of dietary options, and the people in charge are always happy to accommodate your dietary needs. Which majors/programs are best represented and supported? Elizabeth: Engineering and agricultural majors are best represented and supported at Oregon State University. However, Corvallis has been rated one of the most environmentally friendly towns in the United States, and Oregon State University has several LEED-certified buildings, and all of these factors have contributed to a strong environmental science major. I am finishing my degree in English literature, and I was always supported by excellent faculty and resources. While Oregon State University may not be known for English, I have had some of the most talented authors and scholars as instructors, which goes to show just how excellent even the smaller departments are at Oregon State University. 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 at Oregon State University? Elizabeth: It is impossible not to meet people as a freshman at Oregon State Universitymost of your classes will be for first-year students, most of your residence hall will be made up of first-year students, and there are always events going on all over campus. Making friends is ultimately up to you, but there are countless opportunities to do so. Greek life is definitely present on campus. We have lots of sororities and fraternities that conduct events on campus and off, but they are certainly not the focus of social life. If Greek life appeals to you, there will definitely be a place for you at one of the houses. If Greek life isnt your thing, you will still be able to make amazing friends and enjoy your time at Oregon State University. How helpful is the Career Center and other student support services? Elizabeth: The student support services at Oregon State University, from the Career Center to student health, are incredibly helpful and always available for students. Its really simple to get an on-campus job if youre interested, and there are countless resources for careers after graduation. Oregon State University holds multiple career fairs per year, attended by companies like Boeing, Intel, and Oregon State Credit Union. There are also many different internship opportunities through Oregon State University that could take you anywhere in the world youd like to go. How are the various study areas such as libraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Elizabeth: You will always find a quiet place to study at Oregon State University. Though the library may get crowded during finals week, you can always find a spot in the historic Memorial Union, your residence hall lounge, an empty classroom on campus, or a cute coffee shop off-campus. Before and after finals, there is ample room in all six floors of our state-of-the-art library. There will always be room for you at Oregon State University. Describe the surrounding town. Elizabeth: Corvallis is a small, artsy town with an engaged community. There are lots of great riverfront spots, breweries, theaters, hiking trails, farmers markets, and events available throughout the year. Downtown Corvallis is beautiful and quirky, so people do tend to spend a lot of time there, but there are also areas of Corvallis with more practical spots like Home Depot, Winco, and Trader Joes. There are definitely times when the rain seems unforgiving, but during those weeks, its best to get out of the Oregon State University/Corvallis bubble and head up to Portland (about an hour and 20 minutes away) or down to Eugene (about 40 minutes away) to get a new perspective. How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes at Oregon State University? Elizabeth: Oregon State University has about 30,000 students, but many of them are graduate and ecampus students. Campus never really feels crowded. Some low-level classes can feel cramped, like the health or biology classes that most first-year students have to take, but they are also great bonding experiences for freshmen. Its easy to meet friends in classes like that. I know that some larger departments (like engineering) do have bigger class sizes, but most liberal arts classes are small and very personal. I loved my class sizes, because I felt that I got a great combination of the more typical college experience with auditorium-style classes, while also being able to regularly enjoy 15-person English classes. Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one you regret the most. Elizabeth: I had the chance to take a class about Gothic literature with one of the best and most engaging professors in my department. The class was relatively large for an English class (around 30 people) but everyone in the class was truly excited about the material. We got the chance to examine texts like Dracula, Frankenstein, and The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde while discussing the ways in which the once-cutting-edge texts have changed over the years. We ended on a modern novelSlade House by David Mitchelland examined the ways in which Gothic literature has shaped our culture. This class was incredibly fun, and I was so engaged that I wrote some of the critical analyses that I am most proud of and intend to use when I apply to graduate school. Check out Elizabeths tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.