A Student Perspective on The University of Texas at Austin

A Student Perspective on The University of Texas at Austin Michael earned his bachelors degree in biochemistry from The University of Texas at Austin in 2016. He specializes in chemistry tutoring, math tutoring, science tutoring, and more. Continue reading for his review of The University of Texas at Austin: Describe the campus setting and transportation options. Michael: UT Austin is located right next to downtown Austin, Texas. The city is decently large and can be tough to navigate, but it is very safe and there are several buses the city and the university offer. Students can use either a bus to go directly to campus, or to West Campus and North Campus where the majority of returning students choose to live. A lot of students use bikes to get around campus, but I recommend a car if one wants to see the rest of Austin. How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Michael: I would say TAs are your best bet for getting one-on-one help at UT Austin. TAs Ive had are extremely patient with their students and encourage open discussion. Most of the professors that teach introductory classes at UT are tenured, meaning their main priorities include research and teaching their designated courses. The one-hour a week they hold office hours are often flooded with 30 plus students asking the same questions over and over again. Academic advisers are invaluable when registering for classes each semester, but are also responsible for hundreds of students. This is not their fault, its just one of the few costs of attending a huge university. How would you describe the dorm liferooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Michael: Dorm life is perfect for your first year of college. Rooms can be subpar, but you are within minutes walking distance of your classes. Hanging out with people on my floor really helped me to release stress about upcoming exams. We went bowling in the Union underground, got meals together, and of course had our 2 am conversations about random stuff. The food could be better, but no one has time to make their own meals while trying to juggle school and living your own for the first time in your life. Which majors/programs are best represented and supported? Michael: There is not really one major or program that continuously makes headlines for UT, but I would have to say that engineering and the sciences receive the most attention. I was a biochemistry major because I am one of those nerds that loves to eat, breathe, and live chemistry. The chemistry of the body systems has continued to fascinate me with every course I have taken. Im very excited about the biochemistry that I will hopefully learn in medicine one day. 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? Michael: Meeting new people as a freshman can be intimidating, but joining an organization or club can make your first year college one to remember. I joined a fraternity and a pre-health organization my first year and have two sets of friend groups that have helped me to explore the university. About 1 in 5 students participate in Greek life, but it is by no means the only way to make friends. A good place to start is to make friends in your classes and go from there. How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services? Michael: The Career Center is very helpful during your third and fourth years of college. Ive used the Undergraduate Writing Center all six semesters of my college experience. Career fairs, mock interviews, and essay reviews are just a few of the services the Career Center offers at UT Austin. My only advice is to book appointments well in advance. How are the various study areas such aslibraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Michael: Except for finals, the libraries, student unions, and academic centers are open until 10 or 11 pm at night and are very spacious. You can always find a place to study on campus, whether by yourself or in study groups. Every building on campus has free Wifi and multiple plugs, which is crucial because your laptop is your most precious resource as a college student. Describe the surrounding town. Michael: Austin is a college town for a reason. It hosts several music festivals including Austin City Limits and South by Southwest. It has football games in the fall and baseball games in the spring. It has some of the best food in the south, including arguably the best barbecue in the country. It has ideal weather year-round. Downtown streets are crowded with students Thursday through Saturday nights. How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Michael: UT Austins undergraduate student body amasses to a total of 50,000 people. Thats a lot, but over time you get used to it. Class size can be as big as 500 people freshmen year, but slim down to about 50-100 students by your third and fourth years at the university. Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Michael: One semester, I took a class called Chemical and Synthetic Biology. My professor was a genius and eccentric, to say the least. After the first lecture, half of the class dropped because they read and trashed the syllabus after they saw there were eight exams for his course. I said, play ball! I stuck it out and it turned out to be an awesome class. I even failed three exams and pulled out an A in the course. The take-home message is this: you have to work hard for your grades in college. Taking this class exemplifies that intelligence coupled with ambition breeds success. Yet, intelligence without ambition wont get you that far. Check out Michaels tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

How to Prepare for Business School Final Exams

How to Prepare for Business School Final Exams Whether your business school runs on semesters, trimesters, quarters, or terms, you will likely face a final exam at the end of each of your classes. Each MBA course covers a great deal of information during each session, and you are often expected to do additional reading on your own. It can be hard to keep track of everything you need to know for each subject, considering the many demands outside of the classroomincluding networking functions, class mixers, and recruiting events. So how can you get ready for your tests with so much going on? Ways to prepare for b-school final exams include visiting your professors office hours, forming a study group, and looking into tutoring. Keep reading to learn four tips to help you prepare for business school final exams: 1. Visit your professors office hours prior to your business school final exams Like your undergraduate instructors, your business school professors should have office hours. Attend them with specific areas of the curriculum to discussfor instance, particular case studies that you have found difficult to understand despite multiple readings. Note that the week before your final exam should not be the first time your professor has seen you during his or her office hours. This should be a continuation of your relationship with your professor, not the beginning of it, and it should help you feel more comfortable with the material that you will likely see on the exam. [RELATED: 4 Questions to Ask Your First MBA Professor] 2. Visit your teaching assistants office hours prior to your business school final exams If your course has a teaching assistant (or TA), then that TA often has his or her own office hours, as well. The TA is typically a second-year student who has taken the course in the previous year, so he or she knows what to expect. Over the span of the course, the TA may hold one-on-one consultations with students, or conduct sessions in a short lecture style for small groups. Again, you should develop a relationship with him or her over the entire semester, not directly before exam week. Determine the areas you would like to improve upon for the test, and talk with your TA about how he or she can help you. [RELATED: 4 Things to Accomplish in Your First Semester of Business School] 3. Form a study group when preparing for your business school final exams You are likely not the only person in your MBA program who needs help. So, speak with your fellow classmates to see who would like to study together as a team. Ideally, your study group will have members who each have different strengths and can provide new perspectives on the material. Instead of a group comprised of five former chemical engineers, your group could include: An accountant An artist A chemical engineer A lawyer A teacher Dividing the work among multiple people with various backgrounds and then coming together to share what you have learned will help all of you take in the material in a different and perhaps more efficient way than you would from simply studying on your own. 4. Consider hiring a tutor when preparing for your business school final exams To make the best use of your time, working with a personal tutor may be the ideal course of action. By creating a strategic plan with your tutor, you can focus on the areas where you need the most help and concentrate on improving them. The individualized attention you receive from a tutor can help you understand concepts that may be too difficult to grasp during class. Furthermore, your tutor can assist you not only with knowledge of the material in your MBA courses, but also with test-taking skills to help you navigate the different formats of your exams. In many instances, both in-person and online tutoring is available. Overall, reaching out to other people for help is one of the most effective ways to prepare for your business school final exams. Whether you attend office hours or join a study group, you will likely find it easier to get ready for your test by connecting with the people in your MBA environment. Plus, working with a tutor can boost your understanding of your courses before you have to prove your knowledge on exam day. By using these four tips, you will be well prepared for your b-school final exams. 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.

Average Rate Of Change

Average Rate Of Change Average rate of change is the change in the quantity of one variable divided by the change in the other variable. Any function has an output value for a given input value. To calculate the rate of change for the given values, the change in its corresponding values of the function is calculated and divided by the difference in the input values. Example 1: Find the average rate of change in the values for the function, f(x) = 3x+ 6 from 5 to 1. Given if a function f(x) = 3x + 6. Now, average rate of change is to be calculated for values from 5 to 1. So finding their corresponding function values, we get: f(5) = (3 * 5) + 6 = 15 + 6 = 21 f(1) = (3 * 1) + 6 = 3 + 6 = 9 Change in values between 5 to 1 is f(5) - f(1) = 21 - 9 =12 Average rate of change = 12/ (5-1) = 3 Example 2: Find the average rate of change in the values for the function, f(x) = 2x+ 4 from 3 to 2. Given if a function f(x) = 2x + 4. Now, average rate of change is to be calculated for values from 3 to 2. So finding their corresponding function values, we get: f(3) = (2 * 3) + 4 = 6 + 4 = 10 Then, f(2) = (2 * 2) + 4 = 4 + 4 = 8 Change in values between 3 to 2 is f(3) - f(2) = 10 - 8 = 2 Average rate of change = 2/ (3-2) = 2

How To Avoid College Admissions Red Flags

How To Avoid College Admissions Red Flags Imagine being a college admissions officer, and your job is to say no to 75 percent of the applications you see. Youre supposed to decline students, and when you accept students or give your approval, you must have a very good reason. When you decline a student, there are no questions asked. So, admissions officers jobs are easier when they decline students, and some are just looking for reasons to decline you. If you claim to volunteer for 100 hours of community service every week or your application is full of typos, youre probably not going to make it to the next round. Avoid these following pitfalls to improve your application. The US News World Report asked a group of college admissions officers and deans at the Unigo Admissions Experts Network what they are looking for in students applications. Ralph Becker, Ivy College Prep, LLC told the US News World Report that the two biggest red flags are exaggerated extracurriculars and over polished essays. Your essay should be free from grammar errors; however, if your mom or dad wrote it for you, an admissions officer will know immediately. A writing tutor can help you make your essay error free and help you find your own voice. If your essay causes red flags, some colleges may even dig up your SAT/ACT essay and see if the writing styles are similar. If they are not, then youll find your application in the wrong pile. Consider getting professional assistance from either an English teacher or writing tutor to help you write an essay that is true to you. Becker also said if you are trying to portray yourself as someone youre not through exaggerated extracurriculars, admissions counselors will red flag your application instantly. He said that the University of California has a truth-in-application program, which statistically examines and verifies activity claims. It places an average number on extracurriculars (say at 8 hours a week). And if your application claims that you have well over 8 hours a week, it will place you in a higher percentage of likelihood. If you claim a lot of activity, you may fall in the top 90 percent of students in terms of extracurriculars, which will create a red flag. Colleges will then try to verify that by doing some research on you. Nancy Meislahn, dean of admissions and financial aid,Wesleyan University advises students not to leave blanks in their application literally and figuratively. According to her, colleges want to see your story. They want to know how you became who you are. Just tell that story from beginning to end. Anything that does not seem authentic or true to you could create a red flag. Ralph Figueroa, director of college guidance, Albuquerque Academy, said that he applies the do-you-want-to-be-this-students-roommate test when he reviews applications. He said he is looking more so for positive traits than red flags. Colleges are trying to build a community, so red flags about characterhonesty, integrity, and behaviorcan be extremely damaging, he said. He recommends that students just be honest about their accomplishments and just be themselves. Colleges will see the good in you.

ACT and SAT Test Dates for 2017-2018

ACT and SAT Test Dates for 2017-2018 The beginning of the school year is a great time to begin planning your testing schedule. Both the SAT and the ACT are offered throughout the year, but its crucial to know which dates will work best for you. Having a testing plan in place can greatly decrease your junior or senior year stress. Reasons to prepare your testing schedule at the start of the school year can include staying on top of registration deadlines, allowing time to send scores to colleges and universities, and ensuring adequate prep time prior to test day. Like the sound of making a plan, but not sure where to start? Keep reading to learn about the 17-18 test dates and registration deadlines. And dont forgetVarsity Tutors offers personalized, one-on-one SAT tutoring and ACT tutoring. SAT test dates When preparing a list of potential SAT test dates, its important to note any registration deadlines to ensure you dont miss them. Below are the SAT test dates released by The College Board for the 2017-2018 school year. Click here to register for a particular exam date. * The first late registration deadline is for mailed registrations, while the second is for online or telephone registrations. The SAT also offered tests on August 26 and October 7, 2017, and registration dates fell approximately 10 days to a month before exam day. If you are interested in taking the first SAT of the 2018-2019 school year, be sure to register before the beginning of August 2018 to ensure a spot. [RELATED: How to Create an SAT Prep Plan] ACT test dates Its important to note that for both the SAT and the ACT, there is an additional fee of $29.00 (SAT)/$29.50 (ACT) to take the exam if you miss the initial registration deadline but register before the late registration deadline. Below are the ACT test dates released by ACT.org for the 2017-2018 school year. Click here to register for a particular exam date. The ACT also offered a test on September 9, 2017, and registration dates fell approximately several weeks to a month before exam day. Note registration deadlines for the 2018-2019 ACT schedule as the new school year approaches if you wish to take the first test of the year. [RELATED: How to Create an ACT Prep Plan] Schedule for ACT/SAT score release When planning your testing schedule, consider when your scores are due to colleges. For example, if you must submit results by a certain month, you will want to schedule your exam date well in advance of that deadline. At certain schools, you may also need to submit your scores by a specific date in order to qualify for grants or scholarships. [RELATED: Should I Take the ACT or SAT?] Adequate ACT/SAT prep time You should also ensure that you allow yourself plenty of prep time before the examafter all, no one wants to take the ACT or the SAT until they feel ready. Take a moment to be honest with yourself and to evaluate your progress; examine just how much prep time you will need in order to reach your desired score, and dont schedule a test date before then. Private SAT tutoring or ACT tutoring may also be of use to you as you strive to achieve your test prep goals. Finally, good luck! 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 Queens College, City University of New York

What is it Like to Attend Queens College, City University of New York Erika is a current sophomore at Queens College, City University of New York. She is majoring in elementary education, and specializes in Spanish tutoring, test prep tutoring, and a number of other subjects. Below, she shares her experience at Queens College, City University of New York: Describe the campus setting and transportation options. Erika: Queens College has a great city vibe. Its a spacious campus with many opportunities for students. Most students commute to campus, so thats generally the main transportation option for students. How available are the professors, academic advisors, and teaching assistants? Erika:I feel the professors, advisors, and teaching assistants are very helpful to students. They are always available to assist students when needed. How would you describe the dorm liferooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students, etc.? Erika:The campus is very beautiful and is a great place to meet people. The social life on campus is hugetheres always something going on and students are always eager to interact with each other. Which majors/programs are best represented and supported? What did you study and why? Erika:Im majoring in elementary school education. I feel my major is very well supported by the school and that I have all the resources I need. 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? Erika:Meeting other people isnt hard at all on campus, and there are always chances to get involved. Greek life does play a big part in campus social life. How helpful are the Career Center and other student support services? Erika:I find the career center on campus to be very helpful and always available to help students. How are the various study areas, such as libraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Erika:The campus has tons of study areas for students that are always great to take advantage of. Describe the surrounding town. Erika:The campus is in the middle of the city, so there are lots of chances to explore the surrounding area. There are so many things for students to do close to campus. How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Erika:The student body is pretty large in size. I was always happy with the sizes of my classes and never felt they were too big or too small. Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one you regret the most. Erika:A memorable experience Ive had so far was with my art class professor. He inspired us to use everything to learn to draw, and taught us a new meaning of art. Check out Erikastutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Looking A Gift Horse In The Mouth Learning About Proverbs in English

Looking A Gift Horse In The Mouth Learning About Proverbs in English One of my students recently asked me the meaning of the proverb Never Look a Gift Horse In The Mouth.  Have you heard this before? Let’s see what it means in this lesson.What is a Proverb?The word proverb comes from the Latin word proverbium. It is a short and meaningful or pithy saying that expresses some commonly accepted truth or piece or advice.What does Looking A Gift Horse In The Mouth Mean?Literally, the proverb means that you should never take your good fortune for granted or, in other words, be ungrateful when you receive a gift or have good luck.The phrase comes from the fact that a horse’s age can be estimated by the state of its teeth. As horses age their teeth project further farther every year so their age can be guessed by examining how prominent their teeth are.Literally, if you receive a horse as a gift, don’t look in its mouth to see how old it is.The origin of the saying is unknown however some say it can be traced back to St. Jerome in the 4th century.This s aying suits another proverb, It’s the thought that counts meaning that it is not so much the gift but the spirit of giving with which it was given that counts.Here is a cartoon based on the proverb:What do you think this cartoon is trying to say?Do you think you have ever looked a gift horse in the mouth? What was the situation?Did you find this blog interesting? Share it on Facebook and Twitter.

What Is the Connection Between ADHD Medications and Sleep Problems

What Is the Connection Between ADHD Medications and Sleep Problems Kids with ADHD often struggle with falling asleep and staying asleep. Studies have shown that kids with ADHD have higher rates of sleep disorders, like sleep-disordered breathing or restless leg syndrome, and experience more daytime sleepiness than kids without ADHD. Many parents worry that giving their child a stimulant medication, like Concerta, Focalin, Ritalin, or Adderall, to treat their ADHD symptoms will only make sleep problems worse or cause new sleep problems for a child who hasnt had difficulty with sleep up to this point. For decades, there have been conflicting opinions and research findings about whether ADHD medications cause sleep problems for kids with ADHD. Some professionals have suggested that stimulant medications can ultimately improve sleep for some kids with ADHD. Others have suggested that stimulant medications dont cause sleep problems in ADHD, but they make sleep difficulties worse in kids who already experience a secondary sleep disorder. The most definitive answer to the question came from a large study published in Pediatrics in 2015.1 This study pooled data from seven smaller studies in an effort to draw more definitive conclusions. Ultimately, the 2015 paper concludes that stimulant medications do result in sleep problems for some children. In their results, the exact percentage of children experiencing sleep problems was different based on the medication they were taking. As one example, about 20% of kids taking Ritalin experienced greater difficulty falling asleep. However, no single medication caused significantly worse sleep problems than the others. There were a couple of individual factors that helped explain why some kids were experiencing sleep problems while others were not. First, kids who took ADHD medications multiple times throughout the day, rather than once in the morning, were more likely to experience sleep difficulties. This is likely because kids who took multiple doses still had stimulant medication in their system while they were trying to sleep. As a possible solution, the study authors recommend trying a single extended-release dose in the morning as an alternative to multiple doses. For kids who already take an extended-release formulation but also take a booster dose later in the afternoon, the researchers suggest talking with the prescribing doctor about the timing and duration of the booster medication. A second factor that influenced sleep problems was the number of days the child had been taking the medication during the study period. Kids who had been taking ADHD medication longer experienced sleep problems that were less severe than kids who only began taking the medication recently. The authors suggest its possible that a childs body adjusts to the medication over time, and sleep problems may gradually improve. In addition to these factors, its well known that medications affect each child differently, and while one medication may cause sleep problems, its possible that another stimulant medication would come with fewer side effects. So, there are many ways that your childs pediatrician or psychiatrist may be able to help find a medication and dosing schedule that works for your child. Stimulant medications for ADHD can be very effective for treating ADHD symptoms like inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity when they are used alone or in combination with behavioral interventions. They are a first-line treatment for many kids with ADHD or a second-line treatment for kids who dont respond to behavioral interventions alone. However, medications do come with the potential for side effects, and all parents have to weigh the pros and cons when making the decision to add medication to a childs ADHD treatment plan. ABOUT DR. MARY ROONEY Mary Rooney, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of California San Francisco. Dr Rooney is a researcher and clinician specializing in the evaluation and treatment of ADHD and co-occurring behavioral, anxiety, and mood disorders. A strong advocate for those with attention and behavior problems, Dr. Rooney is committed to developing and providing comprehensive, cutting edge treatments tailored to meet the unique needs of each child and adolescent. Dr. Rooney's clinical interventions and research avenues emphasize working closely with parents and teachers to create supportive, structured home and school environments that enable children and adolescents to reach their full potential. In addition, Dr. Rooney serves as a consultant and ADHD expert to Huntington Learning Centers. ABOUT HUNTINGTON Huntington Learning Center is the tutoring and test prep leader. Its certified tutors provide individualized instruction in reading, phonics, writing, study skills, elementary and middle school math, Algebra through Calculus, Chemistry, and other sciences. It preps for the SAT and ACT, as well as state and standardized exams. Huntington programs develop the skills, confidence, and motivation to help students of all levels succeed and meet the needs of Common Core State Standards. Founded in 1977, Huntington's mission is to give every student the best education possible. Call us today at 1.800.CAN LEARN to discuss how Huntington can help your child. For franchise opportunities please visit www.huntingtonfranchise.com. This website does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The material on this site is provided for educational purposes only.