Getting a Tutor Guy

Getting a Tutor GuyIf you are looking for a tutor guy, there are several ways to go about finding him. One option is to find him on your own. It is important to understand that there are more men than women who seek help in math and science because they are much more comfortable in this type of work environment. However, if you are a woman looking for a male tutor for your child, it might be difficult to locate a male tutor who is available to work with children.A woman needs to be mindful of a few things. Firstly, her best chance of getting a male tutor to work with her child is to work directly with the tutor's teacher or school. The teachers of your child's class may know that tutors are able to work with children.You can also research some of the tutors you are interested in by speaking to other mothers, speaking to other parents in your child's class or visiting different places in your area where tutors offer their services. Many times you will find that teachers will arrange f or your child to work with different tutors to get a feel for what each one can do. If you cannot locate any individual tutors in your area, contact the college or university that the tutors attend.If you do not find the tutor you are looking for or are not able to locate any tutor, you might want to check out some of the online opportunities that are available. These types of services often come in the form of an online chat forum that parents can use to locate a tutor. Parents that are unable to locate a tutor can actually use the online forum to locate the tutor that they are looking for. Online tutoring is a great resource for busy moms that want to find a tutor for their child.Once you have found the tutors that you are looking for, the next step is to create an account in the online learning communities. This will allow you to interact with the tutors and give you the opportunity to post questions that need to be answered or comments that need to be made. This interaction is v ery important when it comes to finding a tutor because you want to make sure that you feel comfortable working with each tutor so that you can get the best out of the experience.After you have created an account and have successfully found a tutor, you can go through the entire chat forum to look for people that you think may be looking for a tutor. You can search for the person's name or ask other moms that you are working with to locate the tutor. This is very important because it helps to get a feel for how the tutor works and allows you to quickly establish that you have the person that you need for your child.Now that you have found a good tutor for your child, you will want to find a way to connect with him. It is important to understand that no one is going to get your child the help that he needs unless they have some way of talking with him. Most of the time it is just as easy to talk to the tutor directly as it is to speak to a woman in the chat room. You want to make sure that you ask the tutor to meet you at a certain time so that you can meet face to face.Working with a tutor is very important for any child that has trouble concentrating in school or doing homework. If you can speak with someone who can get your child the help that he needs, then you will make the tutor work more than a benefit. You will also ensure that you are not losing money by paying a tutor that does not work for you.

Shanghai High School International Division

Shanghai High School International Division Shanghai High School International Division Established in 1865, Shanghai High School has an overall size of 340 mu (223,617square meters), and is historically one of the most well-known schools in China and around the world. Of the alumni, there are over 100 provincial and ministry leaders of the Peoples Republic of China, 55 academicians of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) and the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE), and 30 generals in the peoples Liberation Army (PLA). Shanghai High School International Division (SHSID) was founded in 1993 and became an International Baccalaureate (IB) world school in 1995. In 2003, Shanghai High School became the only United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) associated school in Shanghai. SHSID is authorized by the College Board to administer AP, SAT and PSAT exams and is an authorized TOEFL exam center. SHSID is approved to be a test center by Cambridge International Examinations and is also authorized by the ACT Inc. as an ACT exam center. In 2017, SHSID became the University of Cambridge China Screening Center.At present,approximately 2,800 students from over 60 countries and regions are enrolled in the Puxi and Pudong Campuses of the International Division. View our Brochure Shanghai High School International Division Shanghai High School International Division Shanghai High School has an almost 150-year history as a top high school in Shanghai, with the international division being established in 1993 and becoming an IB member school in 1995. The SHSID currently enrolls over 2,900 students from Grade 1 to 12, from over 67 different countries. All SHSID teachers are experienced educators with a passion for teaching and seeing their students succeed. SHSID also takes pride in ensuring their faculty is constantly improving their skills through courses and ongoing professional development.

AP Chemistry 2020 Multiple Choice Test

AP Chemistry 2020 Multiple Choice TestThe AP Chemistry 2020 Multiple Choice Test is an elective in high school that can be taken in either Chemistry I or Chemistry II. It requires students to answer multiple-choice questions about their chemistry course. It can be taken individually, in groups or on a computer, and the work is graded by the AP classes and the administration team.The AP Chemistry Multiple Choice Test is used to determine which schools accept students. The test is an electronic version of a board test and is used to determine admission requirements to several colleges. It is not a requirement for admission to a college.Before taking the multiple choice test, students should understand that there will be multiple-choice question formats for each chapter. Questions may include multiple-choice questions with multiple answers, multiple-choice questions with one correct answer and/or multiple-choice questions that have a short-answer, long-answer option. Most of the questio ns will have a multiple-choice option that has three or more choices. The test can be taken in different formats.The main objective of the test is to evaluate how students learn chemistry. The goal is to help parents of high school students evaluate if their children are getting enough help from chemistry teachers and professors. To meet this purpose, the test is administered online, making it easier for schools to evaluate how much chemistry is being taught in high school.Chemistry teachers and administrators are given a grade point average (GPA) based on the test performance. Teachers, especially those in middle schools and junior high schools, have the option of giving students a 'pass' grade or a 'fail' grade based on their scores.Most students who take the multiple choice test can expect to receive a B- or higher on the test. Scores on the test are scored with a 100 point scale. The passing score can range from 80 to 100, with a zero score representing a perfect score.Students who do not pass the test may still be eligible to take other AP Math Test sections, such as the Algebra I and Geometry tests. If students pass both of these tests, they will then be eligible to receive the AP Calculus Test. Students who complete all the AP Math Tests and the Chemistry Tests are allowed to earn a high school diploma.

Is there A Study To Do After Henrys Law?

Is there A Study To Do After Henrys Law?If you are interested in studying Henrys Law Chemistry, you have come to the right place. With its long history of experience in education, Henrys Law is well qualified to train you in the practical aspects of the study.Henrys Law has been providing education in chemistry for many years. It was founded by Sir William Henrys, a former judge of the British Court of Justice. This was an organization set up for the purpose of teaching students about chemistry and to impart information about the history of science and the progression of technology.So, if you are a student and want to study chemistry, you should contact this organization. They can be contacted through their website. On the website, you will find information about the exam that will be required for admission in their institution. In this way, you will know that chemistry class is suitable for you.So, what is the study to do after Henrys Law? I will give you a short list:When you take a chemical class in a college or university, you will be in line with other students. So, be sure that your grades are good. If your grades are good, then you may be eligible for better classes that may suit your interest.You may find that you are in good company. When you join a society that you know something about, you might find that you share the same interests and hobbies as your friend or his or her friend. This can be great fun and learning for both of you. So, take advantage of these.Chemistry can be exciting and if you prepare yourself for it, you can see results. Hopefully, one day you can use chemistry as a means to gain a position in a particular field, especially if you have a degree in chemistry. Perhaps it will be the perfect thing to do as a job.

Algebra 2 Solver

Algebra 2 Solver The algebraic expressions or equations can be solved following the rules of algebra. This tool is very efficient to solve the complicated problems. This solver uses step by step description of the problem with proper explanation. Algebra 2 solvers are just acting as an input output solver. It means that it requires only the input and it will generate output automatically. Not only this, it provides a solution but it also provides step by step procedure along with the proper explanations. Thats why this tool is so efficient and easy to handle and easy to use. Example 1: Solve (2x -3y-7z) + (11z-12y+14x). Solution 1:- Now we begin by opening both the parentheses = 2x-3y-7z+11z-12y+14x Now we will separate the like terms and writing them together, so we have = 2x+14x-3y-12y-7z+11z =16x-15y+4z Hence 16x-15y+4z is the solution of (2x -3y-7z) + (11z-12y+14x). Example 2: (3x + 4y) (2x-11y). Solution 2:- In this case, the absence of any sign between the parentheses invariably means multiplication. It means that the numbers in the first parentheses will multiply individually with all the numbers inside the 2nd parentheses. Therefore the above expression can thus be solved as follows: (3x + 4y)(2x-11y) = 3x X 2x + 3x X-11y +4yX2x +4yX-11y = 6x -33xy+8xy-44y (-33xy and 8xy being like terms can be added together) On further solving, it will become:- = 6x-25xy-44y Hence 6x-25xy-44y is the required solution of the problem (3x + 4y) (2x-11y).

Russian Lessons Birmingham

Russian Lessons Birmingham Why Look For Russian Classes In Birmingham? ChaptersWhat Could I Learn During Russian Language Lessons?Take Russian Classes At The LibraryFinding Other Russian ClassesRussian is not often seen as a particularly popular language to learn in the UK. There are a few reasons why that might be the case, such as the fact that Russian doesn't tend to be taught much in primary or secondary schools throughout the UK, as other languages, such as French and German, tend to be more popular foreign languages to learn in schools.Despite this, there are plenty of reasons why you might like to study the Russian language or want to take a course to maintain and develop any fluency you may already have.For instance, you might be planning an extended trip to several countries across Eastern Europe. As Russian is a widely spoken second language in such countries, learning Russian can really help you on your travels, especially if your trip involves actually visiting and staying in Russia for a period of time.Although some people speak English in Russia, it's not a guarantee that everyone you meet will be able to speak English, so learning as much Russian as you can in advance of any period travelling in Russia may prove invaluable when you are in the country.Alternatively, you might want to learn Russian to give yourself a bit of a challenge. While some languages, rightly or wrongly, are labelled as being relatively straightforward for English native speakers to learn, this reputation certainly doesn't extend to Russian.In fact, there are some nuances to the Russian language that can be considered challenging for native English speakers to master. For example, one of the common stumbling blocks when learning Russian is actually the Russian alphabet, which is written in a different script to that which is used in English.As a result, it can take new learners some time just to become accustomed to the Russian alphabet, before even learning any more advanced aspects of the Russian language!Regardless of your reason for learnin g Russian, this article highlights some ways that you can learn and improve your knowledge of Russian as a foreign language in Birmingham.Naturally, it’s also worth remembering that Birmingham isn’t the only place that you can learn Russian in the UK. There are other major cities where you can just as easily find a Russian language course, whether you’d like to learn Russian in Manchester or improve your Russian in Glasgow.Russian language lessons can be of huge benefit if you decide to travel around Russia or Eastern Europe. (Image Source: CC0 1.0, Free-Photos, Pixabay)Different cases;Pronouns; andCommon prefixes and suffixes.If you’re looking to learn Russian and particularly enjoy learning about grammar, you might also prefer to attend a course that looks at technical aspects of the Russian language, including an in-depth look at the Russian alphabet (known as the Cyrillic alphabet) as well as the particularities of the perfective and imperfective aspects of verbs.On the other hand, some people might prefer to keep their initial focus on learning common words and phrases in a language or improving their overall vocabulary, rather than focus on grammar.Ultimately, if your aim is to become fluent in a foreign language, then you should have an exceptionally strong understanding of both grammar and vocabulary.However, at the beginning of your language learning journey, it’s important to learn the language in a way that keeps you engaged and entertained, while also improving your speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. As long as you keep regularly practising your Russian, your overall language level should improve over time.As a result, you might want to try and find a language course that helps you to learn a language in a way that appeals to you. So, if you prefer to learn common words and phrases, then a more conversational class might be more appealing to you as opposed to a language course that follows a rigorous syllabus that covers mu ltiple grammatical points in depth.Universities aren't the only place where you can take Russian classes - you can also study Russian at libraries and language centres as well! (Image Source: CC0 1.0, Free-Photos, Pixabay)Take Russian Classes At The LibraryIf you are looking to learn Russian alongside others, whether friends or just as part of a group, you might consider learning Russian through Brasshouse Languages at the Library of Birmingham.Brasshouse Languages has a very wide selection of language courses, with over 30 languages to choose from, including languages such as:Arabic;French;Japanese;Mandarin; andRussianOne of the main benefits of learning Russian through a programme offered by Brasshouse Languages is that there is a range of language courses to choose from based on your current proficiency levels in your desired language.For example, when it comes to taking Russian classes, there are currently classes that cater to the following ability levels:Beginners;Beginners pl us;Improvers; andLower Intermediate 2.A fuller description of what each proficiency level looks like is available on Brasshouse Languages’ website.If you are a complete beginner when it comes to learning Russian, or you only have a handle on the basics, it’s great to know that there are lots of different classes available for you to take that can help you grow and improve your understanding of the Russian language.Of course, if you’re actually an advanced Russian learner, then you might find that there aren’t any courses offered by this particular language school at present that cater to your ability and proficiency level.While it’s always worth keeping an eye out for new courses, it may be worthwhile also seeing if there are other language courses or centres that offer advanced Russian courses that are available in the meantime.There are Russian language lessons available that specialise in teaching you Russian within a business setting. (Image Source: CC0 1.0, kaboompics , Pixabay)Finding Other Russian ClassesLibraries aren’t the only place where you can learn Russian in Birmingham. There are lots of other avenues to learn the language, including:Attending a class at a language school or centre;Teaching yourself through an app or online course; orHiring a tutor to provide you with personalised Russian lessons.Ultimately, how you decide to learn Russian will likely come down to a number of different factors, including your budget, your willingness to travel to Russian classes, what you want to get out of Russian lessons, and your current proficiency level.If you’re a complete beginner, for example, you might find that teaching yourself Russian is a good way to start learning the language. There are plenty of courses, both free and paid for, that you can take online that help you to learn Russian at your own pace.Choosing to learn Russian initially with the help of an app such as Duolingo or Babbel can help give you an idea of whether Russian is a language you would enjoy learning, and should also give you exercises to help develop your proficiency as a beginner or novice Russian learner.As apps aren’t particularly time intensive, they are also useful for those who have limited time or aren’t sure whether they’d like to commit to a longer-term course.While learning Russian through an app or online course might work well for some people, others will prefer to learn Russian by connecting with another person and may consider either attending a Russian language course in person or by speaking to a Russian teacher online through tools such as Skype.For example, there are a number of online tutoring websites out there, such as Superprof, which provide both in-person and online-only tutoring services for a wide range of subjects and languages, including Russian.The benefits of using a tutor to help you learn a language are numerous. For instance, a tutor can:Help you practice your speaking and listening skills in Russian;Prov ide lessons that focus on a particular aspect of Russian you’d like to focus on, whether that’s idioms, expressions, or Russian phrases that are useful in a business meeting; andTeach you Russian on your own terms and adapt lessons based on your existing proficiency.What’s more, tutoring sites such as Superprof also often have tutors that are native Russian speakers, which can be particularly helpful when it comes to learning how to pronounce words and phrases correctly, as well as when developing your listening skills in Russian.So if you’re interested in improving your Russian in London or taking Russian classes in Leeds, why not think about hiring a Russian tutor to help you improve your Russian language skills?

6 Unique Jobs for Singers You May Not Have Considered

6 Unique Jobs for Singers You May Not Have Considered Suzy S. Want to make singing your career? Here are some ideas from Brooklyn, NY voice teacher  Liz T.  to make a living using your voice! Having the gift of a great singing voice is not something you should let go to waste! While you are out there auditioning and recording, waiting for your big break, there are many performing opportunities that will help you get to the next level of your singing career! Check out these fun, unique jobs for singers that I have personally enjoyed doing. 1. Theme Parks Theme parks are a great way for young singers to get performance experience. The entertainment is always top quality at parks such as Six Flags, Busch Gardens, Hershey Park, Cedar Point, Dollywood, and of course all of the Disney parks. Theme park shows include many different styles, including country, rock, RB, and even opera! If you get a summer gig working at a theme park, be prepared for hard work. Most singers schedules are six days a week, with possible shows from 10 am to 10 pm. You have to keep your body healthy during this intense schedule, especially if you are performing outdoors in the hot summer heat. Theme parks can pay anywhere from $400-$1,000 a week, depending if you are equity or not (some theme parks will hire both equity and non-equity actor/singers).  Make sure to check if the theme park gig comes with housing, a meal plan, gym access, etc. some parks will have these benefits for singers, while some will not. Also, theme parks are a great way to take advantage of the holidays! Many of them have special Christmas or Halloween shows. They may need carolers for their Christmas season, or actors for their Halloween haunted house. Work as much as you can during these holidays, and your bank account will be happy! 2. Cruise Ships Cruise ships are a great opportunity to perform the music you love, and to travel the world. You might be singing with a jazz big band, a Latin trio, or in a musical theater show. You can find opportunities directly with cruise lines, such as Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Princess, Holland America, and Disney; there are also many agencies that you can audition for privately that can place you on these cruise ships. The perks of working on a cruise ship are that you get free room, board, and meal plan. On board as a performer, you will work pretty much every single day, including holidays, but only for a few hours, usually in the evenings. You will have your days free to spend in port, sightseeing. Performers are treated very nicely on the ships, with many cruise lines giving you special guest privileges to the spa and gym. It’s also a great way to interact and meet other crew members and guests from all around the world. Most cruise contracts range from 3-10 months straight at sea, with no time off, and the salary ranges from $400-$1,200 a week. 3. Churches/Synagogues Being a musical soloist at your local church or synagogue is a great way to share your musical passion with your community! Often, cantors are needed for masses, weddings, and funerals. Cantors will need to be familiar with classical, gospel, and American music. Compensation may be different for each service. Singing religious music is also a great way to stay in vocal shape and to work on your sight reading! These gigs are also great because they are mostly on weekends, so you can still take other work. Also if you have piano or musical directing skills, you can become a musical director in your place of worship. This includes putting together the musical liturgy every week and perhaps directing the choir or ensemble. 4. Voice-overs/Radio These are usually quick, easy jobs for singers to supplement their income. Big organizations or freelancers often need singers to sing or speak for their original recording, which could be a radio ad, jingle, web series, or podcast. I would first approach this as a freelancer, looking in your local entertainment job listings. Make sure you have a demo of your vocal recordings you can also pitch these to agents and casting directors. You’ll find many jobs if you have a versatile voice, such as being able to record in different accents, languages, and age ranges. Rates for voice-over projects vary depending on your union status, and don’t be afraid to negotiate! 5. Teaching Voice There’s no better way to share your love for singing than by teaching others! If you have received your training and hold at least a Bachelors degree in Music, then you are qualified to teach in most institutions (each state varies). There are many schools looking for choral and general music teachers, as well as artists-in-residence for after-school programs. Also, you can start off being a private lesson teacher to students in your community. This is a great option because you can set up a studio in your own home, as well as set your own rates and times. You can even become a voice teacher with TakeLessons! 6. GB Bands Creating your own GB (general business) band or cover band is a great way to get out there performing! Your band might perform at weddings, restaurants, or corporate events. It’s a great way to make some nice money and also get comfortable performing on stage with a live band (and audience). These gigs pay pretty well sometimes you can make up to $1,000 on a weekend! All you need is your own microphone, and the patience to have a few hundred cover songs under your belt! It’s also a good way to develop your own material, and put your own songs to practice. (Make sure you have a nice video reel to send to companies or promoters booking your act.) As you can see, there are tons of good jobs for singers to look into! You can absolutely make money and do what you love at the same time. Get on out there and sing! Liz T. teaches singing, acting, and music lessons in Brooklyn, NY, as well as online.  She is a graduate of the Berklee College of Music with a B.M in Vocal performance and currently performs/teaches all styles of music including Musical Theater, Classical, Jazz, Rock, Pop, RB, and Country.  Learn more about Liz here! 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 Photo by Jeff

The Ultimate To-Do List for Your Second Semester of College

The Ultimate To-Do List for Your Second Semester of College With one full semester under your belt, as a second-semester freshmen you have begun to figure it out. Your habits are set, you know your way around campus, and you have a regular group of friends to eat lunch with. First semester flew by in a rush of learning new things on the fly, but your learning experiences are far from over. Use your second semester of college to continue to learn and grow, as a student and as a person. 1. Determine your field of study Although it does not need to be set in stone, use this semester to declare a major if you havent already. You should have taken classes in a few different departments during your first semester, so youll have a good idea of the classes you enjoy and excel at. Deciding on a major early will ensure that you can meet prerequisites and start taking higher level classes earlier, all helping to make sure you can graduate in a timely fashion. You could even consider designing your own college major! 2. Pick one activity to get involved with Odds are, you spent most of your first semester figuring out your study schedule and your way around campus. Take your second semester of college to expand your campus involvement. Find one club or extracurricular that is related to your major or that simply interests you. Extracurricular activities can help you make new friends, gain experiences outside the classroom, and refine your interests. [RELATED: How to Make the Most of College Extracurriculars] 3. Expand your friend group The friends you have met during your first semester are irreplaceable; they were there with you struggling through the firsts of college. However, expanding your friend group second semester is encouraged. Meet new friends in your classes to form a study group, or meet a group of friends in your new activity (see above!). The more connections you make in college, the better. 4. Start a steady workout regime Staying healthy might have been last on your to-do list during first semester, which is understandable as you were mainly focusing on getting adjusted to campus life. Since there wont be as big of a learning curve this semester, take some time to take care of yourself. Consider using exercise as a healthy study break between classes, either by working out outside or at the campus gym. Exercise has great effects on not only your body but your brain as well, so do both a favor! 5. Explore outside campus If youre at a large campus, you probably have everything you need within a few blocks. You have places to study, to grab coffee, and definitely to get food. One exciting part of college is (potentially) being in a new city, so you should take some time to explore it! Getting off campus is an exciting opportunity, and it will make your college definitely seem more like home. You may even stumble upon some exciting job, internship, or volunteer opportunities. [RELATED: Popular Jobs that Can Help You Explore College Majors] 6. Find a mentor Whether it be a teacher, a coach, or an upperclassman, find someone who can serve as your mentor. Your mentor should be someone who can help you, whether its with connections, a letter or recommendation, or even just advice. People like this who can help you through the college experience are invaluable. Second semester of college is a great time to take advantage of all the opportunities that your school offers you. As you continue to focus on your school work, use some of your extra time to do some extra activities and make more memories.

Ask an Admissions Expert Dr. Joan Martin

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