Book Review - The Night of the Rabbit by Zach Tutor

Book Review - The Night of the Rabbit by Zach TutorZach Tutor, author of Zig Zag: The Story of a Man, His OCD and the Secret of a Nervous Mind is an author who is not only writing about someone he cares about but is also an expert in his field. His story of OCD and recovery is so personal and fascinating that if you haven't read it yet, I recommend starting with The Night of the Rabbit.Zach Tutor is not only writing about OCD but the related disorder known as agoraphobia, which is a phobia that can limit the sufferer's daily life, socially, financially and even physically. Zach also tells of his battle with cancer in great detail. Cancer, being such a frightening disease, becomes the focal point of the story and Zach's fight to beat the disease and continue to live life as normal as possible is so personal that you may want to make it a point to check out Zach's website, zachtutor.com, to see how you feel about the book.Like most of the book, it is written in an appealing, conversati onal style. There are several snippets of stories about his struggles with his OCD and other anxiety disorders but the majority of the book is about the mental and physical battle Zach has fought to recover from his disorder. It also features the story of another book Zach has written, another OCD book and a book that will be published next year.One of the nice things about Zach's books is that he allows his readers to become a part of his experience and that is something very few authors are willing to do. Since we can never really know what someone else is going through, it is up to us to fill in the blanks. This is where Zach allows us to share his experiences in a way that is both honest and inspirational.While writing Zach Tutor found that being able to write a book on OCD made him realize that his own suffering did not compare to his other OCD sufferers' suffering. He states on the website that he started writing about his OCD after finding that the vast majority of his OCD pa tients were struggling with the condition. The result of this realization is a unique combination of stories, personal anecdotes and scientific studies about OCD and recovery.For those who enjoy memoirs, the book is well worth reading. It is full of personal accounts, as well as the struggles Zach had to overcome in order to successfully fight off his disorder. And since most of the chapters in the book are included as appendices, the book should prove quite informative.To me, Zach Tutor's book The Night of the Rabbit, is a must read. It helps a person of any age, no matter their psychological condition, to stay on the right path. You can click Zach Tutor's website link below and read his entire website to get a better idea of what to expect.

7 Online Language Courses to Get the Most from the Virtual Classroom

7 Online Language Courses to Get the Most from the Virtual Classroom 7 Online Language Courses to Get the Most from the Virtual Classroom These days, you can find a language learning app for anything.There are photo translator apps that extract words from your pictures for instant translation. Apps to carry with you as you travel. There are even language learning apps for children of all ages.With all these options, it sometimes seems like apps are replacing the traditional classroom experience altogether.But why not have the best of both worlds?Online language learning courses offer the structure and community of a traditional classroom, plus the convenience and functionality of app-based learning. Plus, with numerous free and paid options, its possible to find a virtual language course that suits any learning goal.Read on to learn about the best of the best in online language courses! Why Learn a Language Through an Online Course?As convenient and effective as casual language learning apps can be, learning a language through an online course can be a better choice in certain circumstances.Lay the foundation.Sometim esâ€"especially when you’re just starting outâ€"it helps to build that language learning foundation brick-by-brick.Through an online course, you can build a solid, structured foundation for your language learning. Basic grammar and the simplest words form the cornerstone and the foundation. Conversational essentials and more advanced vocabulary build the walls upwards, held together with the mortar of additional grammar and syntax.Learning in a structured way can give you more confidence in the language, since you’ll be covering all of the important bases.Learn to play by the rules.Learn the official rules of the standard languageâ€"before you learn to break them.Depending on how you plan to use a language, you may ultimately be more interested in learning its slang than its formal register.That said, if you don’t learn the rules first, you won’t know when it’s appropriate to deviate from them…or how to do so in a way that native speakers will understand.Elucidate comple x concepts.An online course can really put you through your paces, giving you the discipline to learn the language thoroughlyâ€"not just the fun stuff, but the tough stuff.For  intermediate  or  advanced  learners, an online course can help explain the more complicated facets of the language, such as thorny  grammar  questions.Learn like a pro.If you’re looking to earn a degree or a professional certification, a casual language learning app can be a great supplementary learning resource. But it probably won’t confer real college credit or official certification.Many online courses, on the other hand, allow you to earn credit for a professional certification or university degreeâ€"which is probably a lot more impressive to HR than seeing all the language learning apps you downloaded on your phone…no matter how useful they’ve been in your pursuit of fluency.Enjoy the flexibility of an online classroom.Learn wherever you are, as long as you have an internet connection.You can c arry a classroom in the palm of your hand or reach it right through your laptop. Take your learning with you, everywhere you goâ€"just like the more edutaining language learning apps.You can attend a college-level course whenever you have a few moments to spare, no matter where you are. Pretty powerful, hmm?Learning a language through an online course gives you the best of both worlds: The structure and interaction of the classroom experience with the convenience of “anytime, anywhere” access.4 Ways to Get the Most from the Virtual ClassroomEven though most of us have had many hours of experience in both classrooms and websurfing, the virtual classroom is a magical combination of pedagogy and technology that may not seem as intuitive as you’d imagine.Here are a few tips for successfully navigating online language courses.Tip #1: Find an online course that supports your goals.Everyone has different reasons for wanting to learn another language.Some people are simply language ju nkies, lured by the charm and beauty of each unique form of human expression.Then there are travelers who want to master the world’s most useful international languages.Others want to learn a language to bolster their current career, whether through studying business Chinese or acing a widely-recognized placement test to prove their linguistic mettle.Some want to pursue a career centered on using their language skills. Their career dreams might include becoming an interpreter or a translator.Its important to find a language learning course that supports your goals, whatever they may be. This might mean checking out a free trial, or viewing the syllabus and reading materials before signing up, whenever possible.Auditing versus earning credit.Some online courses let you learn a language for just the price of the work you put in. However, you are essentially auditing the courseâ€"there will be no certificate or college credit when you complete it.If you are in a situation where you n eed to earn college credit from your online course, make sure that that’s part of the program. In almost every case, there will be a fee associated with a program that grants college credit for an online course.The same is true of an online language course that offers you a certificate of completion, or some sort of professional certification.Tip #2: Know your paid courses MOOCs.No, I’m not talking about the slang insult. A MOOC is a “massive open online course,” which describes many of the free online courses available today. However, not all of themâ€"or their paid counterpartsâ€"are created equal.Examine the course structure.Some online courses follow a set schedule. Some are asynchronous, meaning you can work on them whenever you like. You can take a hiatus, and then finish up later.The important thing is to be aware of deadlinesâ€"if there are anyâ€"so that you don’t miss them.You have to know your own schedule, availability, and habits to make language learning thro ugh an online course work for you.Maybe you don’t consistently have a lot of time to work on course projects.Then again, maybe you need deadlines to keep you on track.Look out for “gotchas.”Some online courses will give you lifetime access to the materials. Others will only allow you to access the materials for a limited time.You may need to finish a certain portion of the course, meet all your deadlines, reach a specific score on the exam and pay a course fee in order to get college credit or professional certification.Read the fine print to make sure there are no deal-breakers.Research the prerequisites.Just like traditional classes, some online courses have prerequisites that you must meet prior to enrollment.For instance, you may have to successfully complete Spanish I II before you can enroll in the online Spanish Grammar Composition course you’re considering.Learn to navigate the online classroom.If you’ve never taken an online course before, it pays to take time t o familiarize yourself with the way they work. Many providers offer a short, free course that teaches you how to use the video controls and other functions of the online course software.It’s also important to check out the hardware and software requirements before you enroll. Make sure your PC or mobile device has a compatible OS for the course. Use the web browser that works best with the course video players.Some courses also require additional software, like Adobe Flash Player and Adobe Acrobat Reader. Tools like these are almost always free downloads.Don’t be in a class by yourself.Remember to connect with your fellow students. Contribute to the course’s discussion board or associated Facebook group. You can study or practice your language skills with other people in the course, who are working their way through the same academic challenges you’re facing.The instructor is usually available to help as well, whether through the discussion board or directly through email.By building community with your teacher and classmates, you’ll get much more out of learning a language through an online course than you would by trying to fly under the radar. You might even find a new friend or two in the process.Tip #3:  Think outside the textbook.Learning a language through an online course can give you a solid, structured foundationâ€"in other words, it can teach you the official rules of the language.In real life, though, language often breaks the rules.A lot of traditionally-structured language courses don’t have the flexibility to include contemporary resources like movies and music videos, or dialogues drawn from interviews and TV shows.That’s why it’s important to supplement your language learning diet with up-to-the-minute morsels of pop culture. A source like FluentU can hook you up with the latest, cutting-edge language usage. FluentU uses real-world videos to provide authentic language learning content for students at all levels. Learn directly from real-life sources and red-hot media…from countries where the language is spoken and used every day.In addition to an ever-growing library of curated, contemporary videos available for learners of many languages, FluentU offers interactive exercises and quizzes that help you assess what you’re learning. You can also enjoy personalized suggestions for videos at your current language learning level.Tip #4: Don’t forget your study skills.Many online courses use video-based lessons. These are stimulating and entertaining.But there’s a downside: It can be very tempting to just grab the popcorn, watch along and forget about basic study skills like taking class notes.Don’t just press “Play” and go on autopilot!Taking the time to take notes can really help the lessons sink in. A language learning notebook is a faithful companion as you work your way through your online courses. It can track your progress and keep you motivated.It’s actually easier to take notes in an onl ine course than in a traditional classroom. Most online coursework is done at your own pace. And you can always pause the video to catch up with your notes or loop it back to catch something you missed.When you want to rapidly review a lesson, most online courses give you the option of watching a lesson at a faster speed. This is where it pays to familiarize yourself with the controls for your online course interface.Keeping to a set study schedule may also help keep you on track. But don’t miss out on spontaneous learning opportunities.With short videos or texts comprising many lessons, you can squeeze in studying whenever you have five or ten minutes freeâ€"even if you’re in a waiting room or standing in a long line.7 Online Language Courses to Get the Most from the Virtual ClassroomFor Learning’s Sake Alone: Unaccredited  CoursesUdemy: Business-style training with deep discounts.Aimed largely at a business and personal development audience, Udemy mostly offers paid courses. Check their website often to catch their frequent sales, with staggeringly deep discounts.Courses are presented by individuals and companies with expertise in the subject matter, so you know youre learning from the best. Plus, they offer lifetime access to course materials, meaning you can study at your own pace. This makes Udemy a fantastic option for professionals, students or anyone with a busy schedule.Some of the languages offered include:ArabicChineseEnglishFrenchGermanItalianJapaneseKoreanRussianFutureLearn: Start with the free tier and upgrade according to your needs.FutureLearn focuses on education for job seekers. Their course materials are provided by cultural organizations like UNESCO and the British Library, as well as traditional schools from around the world.Their university partners include such notable institutions as Trinity College Dublin (home of the Book of Kells), Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, the University of Oslo and King’s College London.As a Fu tureLearn student, you can pick your learning plan from three tiers: Start with the free tier, upgrade to lifetime course access or choose one-year access to unlimited short courses.Learn from a wide array of online language courses:DutchEnglishFrisianGermanIrish GaelicItalianKoreanNorwegianSpanishMIT OpenCourseWare: Skip registration! Get free and instant access to MIT language curriculum.If all you want is the knowledge, and you have no interest in a certificate or degree, why waste time registering?All the materials from former MIT courses are instantly available to anyone online. With a couple of simple clicks, you get immediate access to the online course curriculum for studies in:ChineseEnglishFrenchGermanItalianJapanesePortugueseSpanishFilter by course features like online textbooks, complete audio lectures and instructor insights. Check out just the undergraduate or graduate courses. With MIT OpenCourseWare, you do all the steering to determine your own course.Get Credit Whe re It’s Due: Work Toward a DegreeEdX: Free with paid options for certifications or graduate degrees.EdX has free online language courses, generally available from extensions of top universities and world-class cultural institutions like the Smithsonian.There are paid options for professional certificates and traditional masters degrees. EdX also offers paid MicroMasters programs, which develop one specific skillset geared towards a particular career.You may have had high school language classes and want a refresher before you dig into undergraduate-level material. Look for AP language review classes, which can get you back up to speed and ready to progress.In the realm of modern languages, you can find courses in:EnglishFrenchItalianJapaneseMandarin ChineseRussianThe Open University: Courses for honors-level bachelors and masters degrees.Based in the UK, the Open University (OU) offers paid honors-level bachelors and masters degrees. Now a half-century old, OU was a pioneer in dis tance learning.OU is accredited in the USA and has students from all over the world.The primary languages available are:EnglishFrenchGermanSpanishA few undergraduate modules delve into other languages, like Welsh, Italian, Latin and Chinese.If you’re studying outside Europe, be aware that you may be subject to additional course fees.Ed2Go: Online courses taken through local universities.Ed2Go offers online courses that are certified by local universities and community colleges.Their current language offerings are:FrenchItalianJapaneseSpanishBoth registered students at the local universities and continuing education students can take advantage of the convenient online courses through Ed2Go.Most of the online language courses last six weeks (24 course hours)â€"although some of them, such as the entire Speed Spanish series, are as long as 72 course hours.Some of the courses are targeted at language use for a specific purpose, such as Spanish for Law Enforcement.New courses begin each month and two new lessons are released every week.BYU Independent Study:  Middle school, high school or college credit for online language courses.Part of Brigham Young University’s Continuing Education program, BYU Independent Study isn’t just for college-level learners.Whether you’re a middle school or high school student who wants to learn languages not available at your local school, or an adult who wants to start lessons at a more basic level, BYU Independent Study provides numerous for-credit course options.Their online course catalog includes several modern languages, as well as a couple of classical ones:ArabicFrenchGermanItalianJapaneseKoreanMandarin ChinesePortugueseRussianLatinBiblical HebrewWhatever your language learning goals, there’s almost certainly an appropriate online course to help you meet them. You can get the benefits of structured classroom learning with the portable convenience of an app.And you won’t even need to wear a college sweatshirt or lear n the school song… unless you’re into that kind of thing, of course.Michelle Baumgartner is a language nerd who has formally studied seven languages and informally dabbled in at least three others. In addition to geeking out over slender vowels, interrogative particles, and phonemes, Michelle is a  freelance content writer and education blogger. Keep up with her latest adventures in language and learning on  Twitter.

No Internet No Problem! 7 Great Apps with Offline Language Learning Options

No Internet No Problem! 7 Great Apps with Offline Language Learning Options No Internet? No Problem! Great Apps with Offline Language Learning Options Hey, you.That’s rightâ€"you, the one who’s staring at that phone  like its the last chance youll  have to use it this decade.Do you have that frightened gleam in your eyes because you’ll soon be traveling to one of the few places without internet access?Or is it something else? Maybe youre just trying to unplug, get back to basics, smell the rosesWhatever your reason for disconnecting, you should know that language learning doesn’t have to stop just because you’re offline.You dont even have to say goodbye to that bit of technology youre holding!I sense it: you’re skeptical. But I wouldn’t kid youâ€"there really are lots of super ways to keep your language program rolling without Wi-Fi.Let’s check out the apps (plus some old school bonus ideas) thatll help you get fluent anytime, anywhere, no internet necessary!How Serious Learning Can Happen OfflineIt wouldn’t be a bad idea for us all to try going offline once in a while. Studies actually show that some offline time is a healthy thing for everyone.The good news continues because offline time is perfect to power up language learning. With no distractionsâ€"Facebook, Twitter or any of the other internet time-sucking spotsâ€"it’s easy to stick to your language learning program.First, you should prepare by scheduling offline language study time into your day. Many of us already follow a language learning schedule  so this might be a simple tweak for youâ€"stick to your schedule, even if your learning resources will change without Wi-Fi.Then, get excited for this new adventure and the opportunity to explore some different language materials.No Internet? No Problem! Great Apps with Offline Language Learning OptionsSo now the big question: exactly what options are out there?FluentUFluentU is one of the most innovative options on this list, bringing you authentic language practice wherever you go. FluentU provides real-world videos and audio clips in your target language, like movie trailers, music videos, dialogues, inspiring talks and more, thatve been transformed into language learning experiences.Each video and audio clip comes with interactive subtitles. Click any word you dont recognize for an instant definition and native pronunciation. FluentU also creates flashcards and exercises based on what youve watched so you dont forget all those new words! Its a fun way to actively build your vocabulary while naturally absorbing the language as native speakers really use it.With FluentU, you learn real languagesâ€"the same way that real people speak them. FluentU has a wide variety of videos, 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 over or tap on the subtitles to instantly view definitions.FluentU Interactive Transcr iptsYou 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 for 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.The videos and audio are organized by genre and learning level, so its easy to find something that works for you. Plus, FluentU personalizes the experience by suggesting new content based on what youve already learned. Its flexible but customized learningâ€"everyone has a different experience!For offline learning, you can download the audio clips, quizzes and PDF transcripts to keep your practice going anywhere!FluentU is available for the following languages:ChineseJapaneseKoreanRussianFrenchSpanishGermanItalianEnglish50LANGUAGES50LANGUAGES is a free app  for iOS and Android  that offers both online and offline resources. It’s geared to ward beginnersâ€"even those with absolutely no experienceâ€"as well as anyone who wants to polish up their language skills. As the name suggests, they cover more than 50 languages.If basic communication skills are what you’re going for, this is certainly a good choice. Youll follow audio lessons, which are available to download for offline listening. Other learning materials include language tests and flashcards.If you want to take your studies pre-internet, print books are available to purchase to supplement the programs.There are 100 lessons to exploreâ€"try listening to a lesson a day!Google TranslateGoogle Translate is a workhorse for language learners. Its available for iOS and Android users.Personally, I use it all the time. It provides a quick text translation, customizable phrasebook and even translates conversations in an instant.One of its best features is the ability to get the meaning of a sign, menu or even billboard with the camera translation. Never get lost again†"just point at a street sign and wait for the translation. This app is great for travelers!What you may not realize is Google Translate delivers for  offline learning, too. It’s possible to download languages onto your device so they’re available for use even when the device is not connected to the internet. Google Translates language packs are available in more than 50 languages.Some even offer offline camera translation!Plus, when you’re not actively looking for a translation, this app is perfect for offline vocabulary building.Naver Papago TranslateNaver Papago Translate is a text, voice, conversation and image translation app for iOS and Android users.  Its available for 11 languages, including French, Japanese, Russian, Vietnamese and more.For offline learning, theres a phrasebook containing basic expressions. Its a fun, fast way to boost your communication abilities whenever youve got some down time.When you get back on the grid, Naver Papago offers a full dictionary as well as real-time translations. You can even  enable location services and Naver Papago will suggest languages for translation depending on where you are!In case you’re wondering, papago means parrot in Esperanto. Its a bird with language abilities, so it does seem to be a fitting name for such a useful app!MemriseMemrise is designed to make language education catchy and fun, while comprehensive. Both iOS and Android users will benefit from this download. It provides an offline mode so you can easily continue your practice anywhere.With Memrise, you follow themed courses (e.g. foundational vocabulary, common expressions, conjugation rules etc.) to learn your language in a logical way. It’s a unique approach to language study but it still packs all of the components we expect from a language program.As you study youll get games, videos featuring native speakers, chatbots and more. You can even record your own pronunciation for comparison with native speech.DuolingoDuolingo is a f amiliar language-learning program. You may already recognize their fun, green owl mascot Duo, who accompanies learners on their journey from beginner to advanced levels. Available for about 30 languages, this app teaches in small, manageable lessons on both iOS and Android devices.There’s the voice recognition segment that pulls no punchesâ€"when you’ve mispronounced a word or phrase, you’ll be prompted to try again. Have practice conversations with chatbots or join a club with other learners.When lessons are completed Duo will commend you and tell you how many days in a row you’ve been working on a particular language. This is a fun way to learn a language!Duolingos offline mode includes an abridged number of its lessons. When youre offline, the progress tracking features will be turned off.BusuuThe Busuu app is an excellent choice, since  all its lessons are available offline!It teaches 12 languages at all levels on iOS  and Android platforms.  If you’re not sure where y ou fall on the learning scale, don’t worry! Busuu will give you a placement test to determine the perfect starting point for your language-learning journey.Busuus program is designed to teach you a language through brief but consistent studyâ€"just 10 minutes a day. It covers key vocabulary,  conversational phrases, grammar skills and even allows for real practice with native speakers.Looking for a Bonus Offline Option? Go Old School with Flashcards!Flashcards? They’re not just for kids! In fact, they’re a key component in nearly every language program. They’re a customizable method for  building a strong vocabulary.Most die-hard language students wouldn’t leave home without our language flashcards. Mine are always with me!Instead of making them yourself, try these fun options.TravelflipsTravelflips  are flashcards that provide basic phrases suitable for everyday use. They come in Spanish, Italian, German  and French and are packed in a neat little box that’s perfect for traveling.I have both the Italian and French cards and love them. I’m hoping they follow up with more languages!BerlitzBerlitz also offers a ready-made flashcard option. Their flashcard sets include  German, Spanish, French and Chinese.These are designed with children in mind, but beginning learners of any age would get a vocabulary boost from using them.Going offline doesn’t have to mean a language program is also turned off.Put today’s technology to good use to continue your language journeyâ€"and keep up  the habit of daily language practice! Add an old school option and you’re all set to learn anytime, anywhere!Good luck! And enjoy your disconnect!

How to Land an Internship for Winter Break

How to Land an Internship for Winter Break via Pexels Start early. If the thought of getting an internship for the winter only just entered your mind a few weeks before break starts, your chances are pretty slim. Instead, it’s important to take action early on preferably October or early November during the fall semester, according to this helpful site,  The Balance   so that you have time to start thinking about the internships out there, do your research, and contact employers. Waiting until the last minute will only leave you in a bind. On the flip side, starting early will certainly work in your favor, as you’ll not only leave yourself some breathing room but also show potential employers that you’re proactive and know what you’re doing. Network. Putting yourself out there is undoubtedly a significant part of landing any internship, regardless of whether it’s for the winter or summer. Especially during the winter when internships may be scarce, networking is important for getting your name and face out there, so that you stand a better chance of being noticed. Make the most of the connections you have, whether they be formal or informal. The Balance suggests reaching out to people in your own personal circle, such as friends, family members, faculty, previous employers, etc. Taking advantage of your personal connections might provide you with a quicker “in” compared to other options (although it certainly will not be a guarantee). Especially if you have a relative or friend’s cousin’s mom who is involved in a field or career you would like to pursue as well, simply inquiring about possible internship opportunities runs a low risk. Asking previous employers is also a great option, particularly if you had a good relationship and a decent experience working with them. Reaching out to previous employers shows that you are willing to keep in touch, that you enjoyed working for them, and that you liked them so much you would love to return, all of which they will certainly appreciate. If you think contacting past employers is a helpful option, here is an email template provided by emmeliedelacruz.com for reaching out to them, if you need guidance or feel a little stuck on what to write. Volunteer. If you’ve been searching and searching for internships over winter break but can’t find any that you would want to apply to, or ones that are even still accepting applications, you might want to consider volunteering instead. While volunteer work isn’t going to help you get paid, it can certainly be just as useful and look just as good on your resume as a regular internship could; volunteering in the field you want to pursue will still allow you to gain valuable experience. What’s more, your willingness to spend your own time volunteering, unpaid, can show a great deal about your character as a motivated and selfless individual to prospective employers.

Irvine SAT Tutor Why Students should Take the SAT Early

Irvine SAT Tutor Why Students should Take the SAT Early 4 reasons students should take the SAT early Many students choose to take the SAT during their fall term of junior year and are well on their way to preparing for the big day. There are countless strategies for improving SAT scores, but one of the best things students can do to improve their chances of getting into college is to take the SAT early, so they have time to make adjustments to their study habits and retake the test if necessary. When students have time to prepare and work on academic challenges their entire school life will be less stressful and more productive our private Irvine SAT tutors are here to help you with your test prep. 1. Gain points Many students take the SAT practice exam at home and participate in a prep class or private tutoring but find out that their score on the actual test date is not as high as they wanted it to be. This often occurs because students are nervous about taking the exam and have to concentrate for several hours early in the morning. This can result in a score that is slightly lower than they were hoping for but, if students take the test early, they have time to continue their study, work on additional tips and tricks, and take the test again in the spring. 2. Reduce stress If students take the SAT at the last minute, they will be feeling extra nervous about their chances of getting into college. This can be incredibly stressful and take away from a student’s overall academic success and make this chapter of their life less balanced and more difficult. One of the best ways to combat stress at this age is to develop great organizational skills including prepping for essential exams in advance. One of the best things students can do to reduce stress during the college prep years is to take the SAT early on to find out what their situation will be with time to spare (READ: 4 Great Ways to Study for the SAT this Fall). 3. College choice Taking the SAT early will also help students determine which colleges and universities they should apply to. Many students dont know where to start when it comes to college choice so their SAT scores can help steer them in the right direction. Students can talk with their college counselor about which set of colleges they should be applying to based on their current SAT scores. Its a good idea for students to have a couple of reach or dream schools, ones that are difficult for anyone to get into but are worth a shot. Students should also have a comprehensive list of target and safety schools, ones they are more likely to get into or nearly guaranteed to get into under normal circumstances. 4. Useful information for future SAT prep When students take the SAT exam early on in their college prep years, they get to know which problems they consistently struggle with, how fast theyre able to answer questions correctly, and which questions they get right nearly every time. This is very useful information for students to give to their SAT prep tutor to help target their tutoring sessions towards skills they need to improve, making each session more useful. Students will also get to know which problems they excel on, so they dont waste valuable prep time on something they already know. Students can start out by taking a full-length practice test at home, but ultimately the only scores that count are the ones from the real SAT exam. Students who take the test early will know what to expect should they need to take it a second time. Its never too early to start test prep! Our Irvine SAT and ACT tutors are here to help you succeed. Call us today for more information. All blog entries, with the exception of guest bloggers, are written by Tutor Nerds. Are you an education professional? If so, email us at pr@tutornerds.com for guest blogging and collaborations. We want to make this the best free education resource in SoCal, so feel free to suggest what you would like to see us write.

Learn Computer Science With A Level Tutor

Learn Computer Science With A Level TutorIf you are planning to earn a degree in computer science, you can do so by taking an advanced level course offered by the University of London. This is the most popular of all computer science courses available in the UK. This course is also known as computer forensics, computer programming, or computer information technology.There are many different courses available in computer forensics that can give you an excellent education and qualification. There are many different subjects and modules available in this course, which means that you can choose the one that you want. The subjects that are covered include computer forensics, internet research, encryption, digital forensics, and internet forensics.The first step in obtaining a degree in computer science is to decide which degree program you want to pursue. There are many different types of degrees that can be obtained through different universities. Your course of choice will be based on t he subject areas that you would like to study.There are many different types of university that offer computer science degrees. You can go to some of the most prestigious universities in the world such as Harvard, MIT, Stanford, and Columbia. If you are from a smaller college, then you should consider your options. You may choose a smaller university that offers programs at a community college rather than having to attend a larger university.When you decide which university you want to attend, you will have to decide which major you want to pursue. Some programs require students to specialize, while others do not. Once you know what you are interested in pursuing, you can choose your course and begin your education in a computer science program.If you want to attend a university that has a variety of classes and programs, you should consider enrolling in a school at the college level. This is because there are many colleges that offer their own specific courses for computer science. The most common type of college that offers computer science degrees is a four-year university. These schools usually offer programs that are focused on certain areas of computer science.A level tutor can help you determine which college or university is best for you. You can find out how to start applying for a computer science degree program by using an online college or university search tool.

How to Study at Penn Chemistry

How to Study at Penn ChemistryIt can be frustrating to go to Penn Chemistry and not know anything about the course. However, you are very fortunate that it is just that easy. If you visit any local college bookstore, they will probably have the full guide for you to take. But for the many students who do not have the luxury of that, here are some helpful tips.What is the most relevant information you can have? Some colleges have paid for or arranged for a tutor to attend every lecture you missed during your initial attempt at getting to know the class. Others are much more lenient. They offer the course at no cost or with a small fee. Either way, if you feel you do not want to commit to studying at Penn Chemistry, then these can be good sources of information.Do some reading. Get some information from other people who took the course before you. Make notes of what was discussed and what you could improve on as a result of that conversation.Another good choice is to ask a teacher. A p rofessor is likely to be more understanding than a fellow student. Take them up on the offer of sitting in for you. You might also want to ask them to visit your dorm room. That might give you a better idea of what you should expect.Finally, a great option is to attend one of the chemistry lab sessions. These can be free to you if you live in an apartment or house that has an open courtyard and is not officially off campus. It can also be a wonderful way to catch up on the knowledge that you had not yet. If you have not been to one in the past, now is the time to consider attending one.One last thing to consider is what you might not know. There are so many different laboratories out there, and you never know which ones you might like to attend. After all, it is only natural to have gaps in your knowledge. For example, you might have no idea about the proper way to measure Eismann points. In addition, knowing about something that is relatively new to you might be interesting.As you can see, there are many options for learning how to take your PHY at Penn Chemistry. While most people begin at the same level, there are many ways to continue improving. Learn about all of the possibilities.

7 Proven Strategies to Help You Ace Your Next AP French Exam

7 Proven Strategies to Help You Ace Your Next AP French Exam Sign up successful Note, that these study strategies can also be used when preparing for the  International Baccalaureate French exam. 7 Study Tips to Help You Nail Your AP French Exam 1. Create a study plan While it might seem a little soon, start studying two to three months before the AP French exam. The more time that you leave for review, the less time you should have to review each day. Consistent repetition is ideal for learning a language. Set aside 30 minutes a day to review a specific grammar subject; for example, agreement, prepositions, and articles. 2. Review important French conjunctions While it’s important to know the basic conjunctions, such as mais (but) and lorsque (when), it’s a good idea to start reviewing those special constructions that will you set you above your peers. Coordinating conjunctions for emphasis: ne…ni…ni (neither…nor) and ou…ou (either…or). Also, pay attention to those special conjunctions that are used with the subjunctive tense, such as quoique (even though). 3.  Practice conjugating regular verbs and commonly occurring irregular verbs Make sure that youre  familiar with the conjugations of the three different verb groups: -er, -ir, and -re.  Also, be sure to you know the conjugations of être and avoir. These are  two verbs that you will encounter when conjugating not only the simple tenses of present, imperfect, and future, but also as a helping verb when writing in the passé composé and plus-que-parfait. Keep in mind that when using the passé composé with étre, there needs to be subject agreement. For example,  Elles sont allées au cinéma. (They went to the movies). This is a group of women, so you must add an e and an s for agreement. 4.  Listen to French podcasts and the radio One of the best ways to prepare for your AP French exam or to simply maintain your French comprehension is by listening to podcasts. Set aside five to ten minutes, ideally in the morning so that youre  able to start thinking in French without all the distractions of the day. Most French podcasts offer different levels, but you should be listening to ones at the highest levels. I recommend Coffee Break French because it’s quick and easy with the structured time frame. More authentic listening is ideal, so just tune into French radio. Most can be streamed online or via  your phone. 5.  Watch French movies without subtitles There are a ton of American movies that you can stream in the French language. When watching, try not display the subtitles because they do not always coincide with what is being said on the screen. Rather, sit back and watch the movie! If you need some help finding  what to watch, browse through these two posts for some great options: Find the Best French Movies on Netflix Now 12 Classic French Movies (and Movie Series) All Students Need to See 6. Talk to your friends Use your readily available sources. Youre  most likely going to be in a classroom with other anxious students preparing for the AP French exam. Gather a group of students together and set aside 30 minutes to discuss a topic. It could be something that is  pre-determined, such as a movie that everyone watched. Or it could be something more relaxed, such as speaking in French over lunch. 7. Remember to relax This is the most important part of test preparation. Relax. You’ve prepared for months. Do something that you enjoy. Sleep well. Eat a healthy breakfast. Put yourself in a positive mind-set. Cramming last minute benefits no one. So, just know that youre  prepared and you will succeed! Good Luck! Now that  you have some proven methods for success, go tackle your AP French exam with confidence. Post Author:  Jinky B. Jinky B. teaches  French lessons in Jacksonville, FL. She has her  Bachelors of Arts in French, French Literature and Psychology from Florida State University and has over five years of teaching experience.  Learn more about Jinky B.  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

3 Mistakes New Guitar Players Make With Strings

3 Mistakes New Guitar Players Make With Strings Suzy S. The guitar strings you choose and how you care for them can make a huge impact on your playing ability! Here, Warner Robins, GA teacher  B. Greg C.  shares the three mistakes that can hinder your learning As a teacher and as a musician, I have found time after time new players making the same three big mistakes with their guitar strings. These issues may seem small, but when it comes to learning to play the guitar, these amount to huge failings. Beginning players already have a hard time and enough frustration to deal with learning fingerings and fatigue of the hand. Handling these three issues will help alleviate some of the frustration and help make playing and learning easier. Not Keeping the Guitar In Tune The first mistake is not  keeping the guitar in tune. Some new guitarists may not hear the tonal differences right away while playing, but most will wonder why the chord sounds slightly foul, or more foul than usual. Tuning the guitar with a tuner before any practice session helps a great deal in the quality of the chord. When two or more strings are not correctly tuned the chord can have a quality to it that simply frustrates you compared to what you remember hearing during your lesson. This adds to the frustration of checking fingerings and the structure of the chord. Tuning should become a habit before you play give it a shot before you start practice! Choosing the Wrong String Gauge String “gauge” or thickness is a touchy subject at times. While your instructor should be aware of what music tastes you have and what sound you want to get when learning, be wise in your choice of strings. Using a light or extra-light gauge on acoustic guitars and medium-light or light on electrics will make learning as a beginner much easier. The smaller diameter of the strings makes learning the motor skills and muscle memory easier. The lighter gauge strings also make finger fatigue less of an issue. You won’t be fighting the strings and trying to understand why that new chord is buzzing (from lack of pressure) or why the strings do not sustain as well. After you start to get the skill and muscles built up, then worry about going with the fat juicy sound of heavier-gauge string sets! Not Remembering to Change the Strings Last but not least is knowing when to change your guitar strings. Uncoated strings “die” or “deaden” over time and some break, and even coated strings die eventually. As a beginner, you should consider changing uncoated strings once every month if you are practicing 30 minutes for three to five days a week. If you are practicing less you can go a little longer; if you practice more then consider changing them more often. To keep the strings clean, be sure to wash and dry your hands prior to playing, as this reduces the oils, dirt, and sweat accumulating on the strings that cause the metal in the string to deteriorate. You can also wipe the strings with a dry cloth or a string wipe, which helps remove some grime. When a string deteriorates it will not stay in tune well, has a chance of breaking, and does not sustain as well. Coated strings can be great for beginners, but uncoated do tend to have a different sound and a different feel. Whether you choose coated or uncoated, be sure to look them over and change them when they need it. Hope this helps some of the newer students! Best wishes to your endeavors as a musician, and keep the beat going! B. Greg C. teaches guitar and music theory in Warner Robins, GA. He is a  2010 Graduate of Berklee College of Musics Guitar Program and has been teaching students on and off since 2005. Learn more about Greg 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  veni markovski