Can a Private Tutor Really Improve Your Test Scores?

Can a Private Tutor Really Improve Your Test Scores?It may not be very obvious to many parents that their child can learn at home through accredited and GRE Tutoring UMD. Many will think that an education cannot be taught in this manner, however, it is often more affordable to send a child to a traditional school than a private tutoring institution. This has become very popular and is growing rapidly.In order to obtain the advantages of GRE Tutoring UMD, a parent must first be aware of the advantage of a private tutoring facility. The main advantage is that the private tutors are not based at the facility, so they can offer individualized tutoring and instructions tailored to the individual child's needs. With the best private tutors, they are often able to complete the course work quicker and more efficiently than could be achieved at a public school, or a school with a small class size.Another advantage of a private tutor is that it is a cost-effective option, especially if you're on a tight budget. The fee for individual tuition can be very reasonable, and there are many private tutors offering their services online. The fees are generally much lower than what you would pay in a public school, but it should not be overlooked that most of the fees are also tax deductible. If you are considering using the services of a private tutor, you should be prepared to pay a monthly or annual fee.The GRE Tutoring UMD tutors that will be found online will be very familiar with all of the features of the GRE exam. They have studied the different methods used by the test-writers and will be able to answer any questions that you may have. The private tutors will be able to help you with the test, as well as answer any questions that you have about the test. You will also find that they have answers to your specific questions regarding the writing test.The GRE Tutoring UMD tutors will be very happy to provide you with a solution to your problem. Some of the students will req uire preparation of some kind, and these tutors will be able to provide you with help with that. You can be certain that the tutors are fully aware of the advantages and disadvantages of each method of GRE prep and will be able to suggest an appropriate course of action for your situation.The GRE Tutoring UMD tutors will also be very knowledgeable about all of the necessary materials to study. This includes practice test materials, note pads, essays, and practice tests. Some of the resources offered may be the same as those you would receive at a public school, and they may have the additional benefit of providing you with an instructor to speak with if you feel that you do not understand something. The tutors will ensure that all of the materials that you need are available to you and will make sure that you study all of the necessary material.The GRE Tutoring UMD tutors will also be able to keep you updated with all of the specific information regarding the test. This includes whe re to take the test, who will administer it, how many times you need to retake the test, and any extra information about it. They will also be able to give you any other advice that you may require. The tutor will have the knowledge of what the different solutions to each question are, as well as any tips that you may require.The GRE Tutoring UMD tutors can be extremely useful when you are looking for help with the tests. This is especially true for those who are struggling to study for the test. The tutors will be very familiar with the format of the test and will be able to prepare you for it in the safest manner possible. If you have a special need for tutoring, the tutors will provide you with support and instruction that will be convenient to you.

Choosing A Chemistry Tutor

Choosing A Chemistry TutorA chemistry tutor can be a great asset for the students of any college or university in learning about science. The better students get, the more ambitious and knowledgeable they will become in their future careers, like choosing a career as a chemist, a geologist, a paleontologist, an archaeologist, a chemistry engineer, etc.Many college graduates from the United States want to become chemists, biologists, geologists, and other professionals in science. The best way to succeed in this area is to get a college or university with a chemistry tutor who specializes in science, so that he or she will have enough knowledge to choose a better career than one where they would become an average worker.Some universities offer an exam to test a candidate's understanding of chemistry and are called CSUA (College Students of the US A). CSUA tests have many different subjects covered, ranging from chemistry for college students to humanities for high school students, and even tests for other jobs such as psychology.The question and answer section in CSUA are usually very easy and clear. The top few answers are the ones given by the candidates who had actually taken chemistry exams, but the majority of candidates are given an easier course to learn chemistry.The CSUA test is quite similar to an SAT or ACT test. It has been used in the past to screen out those students who are not good enough for the college or university, but can still contribute to their future education and careers.The scores for the CSUA exam are determined by a panel of three professors, and the exam is completed after receiving a score from the last four candidates who took the exam. This is usually the top ten questions, and the highest score in that section will determine the final exam score.One disadvantage of taking a CSUA exam is that it can sometimes be difficult to understand if you have the right level of knowledge and understanding. Other methods such as taking the AP Chemistry exam or getting a chemistry tutor can help students increase their knowledge and level of understanding of chemistry.

How to Find a Qualified Tampa Tutor

How to Find a Qualified Tampa TutorFinding a qualified tutor Tampa is important for those who want to improve their study abilities. Because people like to make use of tutors, they are a source of additional knowledge and insight in the area of education. There are some people who use tutors to ensure that they get information on subjects which they need for higher levels.If you have an interest to improve your study needs, it will be best if you take advantage of a tutor. It is also necessary to find a tutor that is credible and reputable. Find a qualified Tampa tutoring service by browsing the Internet for various tutoring services and look at all the testimonials for any business.Usually, if you are searching for a tutor then you will want to check the license of the tutor. The Tampa tutoring service would need to be licensed as a professional learning agency. As the need for tutors increases, so does the need for qualified tutors. A licensed Tampa tutor would make it easier for y ou to get the information you require from tutors.There are some things that you can look for when you go for your tutor. The tutor should have completed a college degree or a high school diploma. They should have a clear understanding of the subject matter, understand all the tips for reading, writing and comprehension, and have a strong aptitude for the subject.In terms of recommendations, it is always a good idea to use the recommendations of people who have used the service. It is important that you find out whether the tutor is upfront with the process. A tutor will give you extra services if they think they have something to offer, which is why you need to determine whether they are being upfront and transparent with their services before you sign up for them.Tutors are usually fairly cheap, however, you do need to consider the rates if you want to find a tutor for your needs. Some students are simply looking for a good deal and will not pay more than $60 per lesson. If you do not mind paying a little more than that then you may find a tutor with a great deal of experience and would be able to learn a lot from them.All in all, finding a good tutor would certainly help you learn more from the tutor. The more you learn, the more you will know about yourself.

5 Things We Learned About Kurt Cobain from Montage of Heck

5 Things We Learned About Kurt Cobain from Montage of Heck Sign up successful 2. Kurt was a totally adorable kid. Honestly, we werent surprised he was a cute kid, but watch that clip until he waves and just try not to wave back. 3. Nirvana was almost called Nasty Rash. Actually, there were many names Nirvana could have had, some of them funny, some political, but none as fitting as the one they chose. Somehow, its hard to imagine Nasty Rash dominating the airwaves in the same way. 4. He loved being a father. Footage of Cobain with his daughter Frances Bean reveals his profound love for her. He says many times that playing rock and roll was all he ever wanted, but later in the film there is a clip where he says he would give it up for her. He even jokes about letting her throw up in his mouth. If thats not love, we dont know what is. 5. He had a lighter side. Many portrayals of Cobain focus heavily on his drug addiction, depression, and troubled relationship with Courtney Love. While Montage of Heck certainly doesnt shy away from these issues, we get a glimpse of a lighter side to Kurt. His music was certainly dark, but he was not all doom and gloom. Its refreshing and rare to see him crack a joke, and seeing this new side to him gave us a new perspective on on the irony and humor you hear from time to time in his songs. All in all, it was an engrossing documentary, and we came away with new ideas. Have you seen it? Do you want to? Or is there another music documentary youd like to recommend? Tell us all about it in the comments below! 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

Transformers The Practical Science of Electromagnetism.

Transformers The Practical Science of Electromagnetism. Why Transformers are Some of the Most Important Technology We Have. ChaptersWhat is a Transformer?How Do Transformers Work?These days, everything depends on electricity â€" from the tools on which we work to the places where we get our entertainment. Everything seems to be powered and charged, plugged in, connected to the mains.We use electricity literally all the time. And so we take for granted the fact that it comes straight into our house, until it is right there in the wall next to our bed, sofa, or desk.And whilst we no longer appreciate quite how amazing this is as an infrastructure, many of us probably don’t know much about the technology that all this is dependent upon. This is the transformer, a piece of electromagnetic equipment that facilitates electricity’s journey from power station to plug socket.Without it, we’d have none of the things that are so normal in our daily lives. In fact, we’d have nothing electrical in our homes at all.That’s why we need to take the time to learn about these simple little things, these ubiquitous little contraptions. Because without them, we’d still be living in the conditions of the 1820s â€" or thereabouts.This article is part of our series on magnetism and electromagnetism. Because this is the fundamental phenomenon on which power transformers are based. Do you remember what electromagnetism is all about? If not, before you read on, check out our article on the science of electromagnetism.If yes, then let’s crack on. Let’s talk about the power transformer â€" one of the most underrated objects we have.You can find a physics and maths tutor s1 now. We wouldn't be able to transfer electricity without electromagnetism.connections between different circuits are crucial.And this is particularly true when we are talking about circuits that require different voltages. And this is the second major thing that transformers do: they allow the transfer of power from a circuit of high voltage to one of low voltage or medium voltage.This particular fact is really important â€" as you will see.Power Distribution and Power Transfer.But let’s take the role of transformers in power distribution first.Pretty much all electrical power in the world passes through a transformer at at least one point in its life cycle. It is incredibly likely, in fact, that it passes through several. Only the smallest fraction of electrical energy is produced by on-site generators â€" and so doesn’t need to be transferred.And so, transformers play a role in all the energy that comes into the conventional home.Electricity distribution happens on an absolutely mas sive scale â€" crossing countries if not entire continents. Considering that the electrical current has such a long way to travel from the producer to the consumer, transformers are often used to break up the circuit into smaller parts. This allows greater stability in the line â€" and makes it easier to isolate issues.Step Up and Step Down Transformers.The most common use of transformers is in their particular roles as a step-down or step-up transformer. These underpin the functioning of the whole electrical grid â€" and permit the arrival of any electrical energy into your home.Voltage vs Current.This is because the electrical grid works through transmitting electrical currents of extremely high voltages.Things like the National Grid, the electrical transmission network in the UK, can’t really use high currents. Generally speaking, the higher the current, the less efficient the transmission is. With higher currents, more heat is produced â€" and more energy is lost as it is rele ased through the wire.Current is the rate of flow of electrical charge. So, the higher the current, the quicker the electricity passes through the wire. And whilst this is all well and good, so much of the electrical energy is wasted if you transfer it over long distances.Voltage, on the other hand â€" or EMF as it is sometimes known, electromotive force â€" is the potential difference between two different points in a wire. This is the electric pressure that allows the current to flow. In other words, it is the amount of energy that is required to transfer current along a wire. These things are all using magnetic fields.Transforming Voltages.So, electrical grids use incredibly high voltages â€" rather than high currents. But there is an obvious problem with this. Whilst high voltage electricity is much easier and more efficient to be transferred, it is much more dangerous to actually use. Having incredibly high voltages in all our plugs would not be very clever.And so, the grid uses transformers to ‘step-up’ the voltage of the electricity before it is to be transmitted and to ‘step it down’ again afterwards. Before it can be distributed on a local level â€" and before it reaches anyone’s home â€" the voltages need to be hugely reduced, as the voltages in national wires are thousands of times higher than those that your laptop or your kettle could handle.This is happening with all of our electrical energy. So, you can see how important these transformers are for our lives.How Do Transformers Work?Now you know what transformers do. But how do they d o what they do? This is the question to which we need to give an answer now. And you’ll find that that answer is linked entirely to the force known as electromagnetism.Electromagnetism is the interface or combination of electric current and magnetism; these two things are two sides of the same coin. And transformers work by exploiting this relationship.Transformers are really quite simple devices. In their simplest forms, they are two coils of wire around a ferromagnetic core. Imagine this to be a ring of iron, on the opposite sides of which are two windings of copper wire.A current passes through one, and into what we’ll call the primary winding. As the result of the electric charge’s magnetic field, changes in the magnetic flux of the iron core will electrify the secondary winding on the other side. This, quite simply, is the basis of how the ideal transformer would work â€" through this process of what we would call electromagnetic induction.Faraday’s law â€" named after the man who discovered electromagnetic induction, as you’ll see below â€" states that you only need to change the number of coils on the secondary coil and you change the voltage that appears in the second circuit.Faraday and Magnetic Flux.It was Michael Faraday that discovered these principles of electromagnetic induction that have become central to the technology of the transformer.He built himself a little transformer exactly as we just described it above. And, linking one side up to a battery and the other side up to a galvanometer, he noticed that the electrical charge was only present in the secondary wire when â€" and only when â€" he connected and then disconnected the battery.This was the essential part of his discovery. When the electrical current was stable in the first wire, no electricity was observed in the second. What was required was the change in the electrical charge. It was this change that effected the change in magnetic flux in the iron core â€" which permitt ed the transmission of electricity.The Importance of Alternating Current.This discovery informs the way that transformers work today. As they only work with alternating current â€" as opposed to direct current.Whereas direct current is a stable current that only travels in one direction, alternating current â€" or AC â€" continually changes direction. This produces the change to the magnetic flux that permits the transfer of electrical current across the transformer â€" or, in other words, that permits the induction of electricity in the secondary wire.Without this variability of the magnetic field in the transformer, there could not be any transfer of electricity at all. Compasses use the same physical principle as transformers.The Importance of Electromagnetism.Michael Faraday made this discovery back in the 1830s. And, although there have been attempts to make the process simply more efficient, the fundamental principles of the transformer have not changed one bit â€" and nor will they ever.This is why the transformer testifies to the fact that electromagnetism is one of the most important discoveries in the history of our world.So, you better make sure you learn it.

Landscape Photography Our Tips for Becoming a Pro!

Landscape Photography Our Tips for Becoming a Pro! Photography Tips for Capturing the Most Beautiful Landscapes ChaptersWhat is Landscape Photography?The Importance of EquipmentCompositionRise Early and Retire LateUse the Weather to Your AdvantageChoosing the Right LandscapeUse a Tripod to Help YouTake Inspiration from OthersLearn to ObserveEnjoy yourself!Whether you’re an advanced photographer or a complete beginner, all of the best landscape pictures you see have a few secrets in common â€" secrets that you can use in your own photography!The reality of landscape photography is that not only does the outcome depend on your own photography skills, but also mother nature.No matter how much time you spend on your landscape photographs, there are infinite possibilities when it comes to capturing spectacular scenes.Photography is an art which is inspiring more and more people to get involved.As brands such as Canon and Nikon continue to develop high-tech digital cameras, photography is becoming accessible to anyone who owns a smartphone.According to an Ipsos survey, 75% of people who have an in terest in photography use a compact camera or a smartphone.On a photography course, amateur photographers have the opportunity to learn about the technical side of photography from a professional photographer. This includes learning to use a digital camera effectively by understanding aspects such as exposure, lens aperture and shutter speed.Budding photographers can also learn about various photography styles, including food photography and photographing landscapes.If you’d like to learn some photography tips and tricks to become a true landscape pro, Superprof is here to guide you. AllanPhotography Teacher 5.00 (2) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NatashaPhotography Teacher 5.00 (7) £55/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors TimothyPhotography Teacher 5.00 (5) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Anosh nadeemPhotography Teacher 5.00 (2) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ZangmoPhotography Teacher 5.00 (6) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover al l our tutors RosiePhotography Teacher £12/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MattPhotography Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AndyPhotography Teacher £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsWhat is Landscape Photography?Just like portrait photography and photojournalism, landscape photography is a genre in its own right.Producing a good landscape shot requires a mastery of the photography basics and plenty of practice.But what is landscape photography all about?Landscape photography is a type of photography where the object of the picture is the landscape itself.This leads onto the question what makes a landscape?Here is a simple definition given by Oxford Dictionaries:All the visible features of an area of land, often considered in terms of their aesthetic appealContrary to what you might believe, the city of New York could be the object of a landscape photograph, as an urban landscape.The Importance of EquipmentJust because you have the latest or m ore expensive camera on the market, it doesn’t mean that you’ll instantly be able to produce photographs of the same quality as a professional photographer.Using a tripod will prevent blurriness in your photographs ¦ source: Pixabay - KazPhotographers have to make many artistic decisions when taking pictures. These may include decisions around lighting, composition, editing with adobe photoshop lightroom, camera mode, exposure and lens aperture.Whether you’re a complete beginner or an amateur photographer, there are many tools out there to help you as you practice your photography skills when shooting landscapes.Do you know how photojournalism has changed the world?CompositionComposition is, without doubt, the most important element to the art of photography.The most basic rule in composition is the rule of thirds.The rule of thirds acts as a guide for new photographers who are just starting out.So, what’s it all about?The rule of thirds is about placing the most important parts of a photograph on the lines which divide the photograph into nine sections.The imaginary frame should be made up of two vertical and two horizontal lines which cut the photograph into three equal parts.Of course, this rule should only act as a guide and is by no means essential for every photograph.Once you feel more comfortable using a camera and your photographic eye develops, you may even want to move away from the rule of thirds and experiment with alternative ideas.The second question to ask yourself when thinking about composition is whether or not you need an object in the foreground.Having something in the foreground of a photograph (such as a tree, a bus stop or a bench) can help give it depth.Deciding on your depth of field is an important part of taking landscape photographs.Usually, landscape photos require that the vast majority of the photo be sharp (in the foreground and in the background), so you need more depth of field than if you’re taking a portrait.Obje cts in the foreground give perspective to landscapes ¦ source: Pixabay - jplenioHowever, a short depth of field can make for a powerful tool in terms of creativity if it’s used properly. This is because it can isolate the subject whilst keeping it clear, while the rest of the image will be blurred.The depth of field all depends on the object.It’s useful to bear in mind that less is often more in photography.Rise Early and Retire LateIf you’re just finding your feet in the world of photography, you’ll hear this advice from a lot of people.Whether it’s landscape photography or another genre, good lighting is essential for a successful photo.The best light for photographing the outdoors comes early in the morning and late on Summer nights.This is because sunrises and sunsets make for more interesting and original scenes to photograph.So, set your alarm for dawn and make the most of first light! AllanPhotography Teacher 5.00 (2) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NatashaPhotography Teacher 5.00 (7) £55/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors TimothyPhotography Teacher 5.00 (5) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Anosh nadeemPhotography Teacher 5.00 (2) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ZangmoPhotography Teacher 5.00 (6) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RosiePhotography Teacher £12/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MattPhotography Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AndyPhotography Teacher £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsUse the Weather to Your AdvantageIt’s important to consider the weather if you’re going to spend the day outdoors, however, the weather can also make for some interesting photography.For instance, though a foggy day might not seem appealing, the fog can help create a particular ambience within a scene.Every weather forecast is an opportunity to plan your photographs around the mood created by the weather.Many photographers take advantage of th under and lightning, capturing the forks as the light up the night sky.Cloudy weather can also make for an unusual atmosphere which is well-suited to capturing striking landscapes in a moody light.Interesting weather is a fantastic opportunity for you to add character to your portfolio.Choosing the Right LandscapeChoosing the right landscape isn’t just about finding the perfect scenery, but finding a landscape which appeals to you.Like any art, the art of photography is largely about channelling your emotions into your work to produce something that is pertinent to your personal view of the world.Taking a good photograph isn’t always about technical brilliance.One recent winner of the World Press Photo Awards is quite blurry, however, the ‘faults’ in this piece play a part in describing the scene it represents - the difficult journey of Syrian migrants.So, photography isn’t always about producing the perfect photograph but producing one that touches you.Use a Tripod to Hel p YouIf you want to give yourself the best chance of capturing photographs of the best possible quality, you’ll need a tripod.Taking photographs in low light without a tripod will mean that you will have to increase the ISO sensitivity to stop your camera from moving too much and creating noise in your pictures.If you want to capture a scene using a slow shutter speed or long exposure (for example, to capture the movement of clouds or water), you will not be able to hold the camera still enough to avoid blurring.Take Inspiration from OthersIn order to develop your artistic eye, it is strongly advised that you visit exhibitions and galleries as often as you can.Looking at the work of other photographs, amateur or professional, can help you view your own work in context and continue to develop your personal style.Get inspired by other landscape photographers ¦ source: Pixabay - rawpixelHowever, this doesn’t mean that you should copy other photographers.You should only be looking at their various styles and taking inspiration to find your own style.Exhibitions aren’t the only source of inspiration. With the internet, there is now more material than ever to take inspiration from.So, why not have a look on Pinterest or follow some new accounts on Instagram to get started?Learn to ObserveIt’s important that you take your time with landscape photography.Learning how to observe the scenery and lighting is essential. By taking your time, you will learn how to better frame your photographs.But technique isn’t everything.If you take online photography courses or attend other photography classes, you’ll learn the basics of photography, including:Depth of fieldSharpnessWhite balanceWide angle shotsManual and auto modesShutter speedApertureWhether you’re working with a film or digital camera, the key to a successful day of shooting is patience.Attending  photography courses near me, regardless of your experience, will give you the means to take your work to t he next level and develop as a photographer. Photography workshops and tutorials are designed to help you master the fundamental elements of using a camera as you learn how to shoot great photos.Enjoy yourself!The very last important piece of advice for budding photographers is to have fun!Just as with your emotions, your photographs will be less appealing if you don’t put your heart into it â€" so, forcing yourself to take photographs isn’t worth anything if your heart’s not in it.And try to break free from the technical rules of photography sometimes.To learn about other genres of photography, read our blog about humanist photography.

The Top Cooking Classes Around the World

The Top Cooking Classes Around the World The Best Ways to Learn to Cook ChaptersCooking Courses at Culinary Schools and UniversitiesCulinary Institute of America at Hyde Park (Hyde Park, New York, USA)Culinary Institute of Canada at Holland College (Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada)The Sydney Seafood School (Sydney, Austrlia)Cooking Lessons from/by Famous ChefsPrivate Cooking TutorialsOnline Cooking TutorialsWould you like to attend a prestigious cooking school?Here’s a list of the best cooking courses and cookery classes London for aspiring chefs. Whether you want to learn to bake, cook foreign cuisine, or make meals for your family, there are plenty of places to learn to cook. No more pasta in a tin or soup in a mug for you!Private tutors can help you create almost anything. (Source: Engin_Akyurt)If there's a certain cookbook you want to work on or a certain cooking skill you want to master, a tutor can put together a plan for your tutorials with these in mind. Thanks to shows like MasterChef and The Great British Bake Off, more and more p eople want to learn how to cook at home and it's not hard to find books on cooking or baking!Private tutorials are also a better option for those with dietary requirements. If you're vegetarian, vegan, or have any allergies or intolerances, your cooking instructor will be able to help you with the preparation of a recipe for you.The culinary classes provided by tutors often tend to follow a theme or cooking style. Anyone who wants to learn how to create meals from certain countries should look for private tutors.If you love cooking, you’ll love private tutorials with a cooking tutor.Are you looking for chefs near you at affordable rates?If you want to learn to cook like a professional chef, you can find a cooking teacher on Superprof. Easy, right?Online Cooking TutorialsAs crazy as it may seem, you can attend a virtual cooking class with a chef on the other side of the world. No matter what dish you want to make, you can learn how to make it like a professional.You can even learn to cook over webcam online! (Source: rawpixel)In the digital age, there are plenty of interesting cooking classes available over the internet. These lessons can still be interactive as participants can send their questions to the chef who’ll respond to them directly.  On the other hand, you can’t press pause like you’d be able to on a pre-recorded cooking video.The best thing about teaching an online cooking class: you can have as many students as you want! You can learn how to make great meals for your family for just a few pennies.You should check out the testimonials of other students who “attended” the class to see if the course or lesson is right for you.If you’re looking for a certain type of cooking class, such as learning how to bake or make your own dough, you can look for a cooking teacher on Superprof.You can find tutors who’ve got loads of experience working in professional kitchens. Additionally, if you're a vegetarian, vegan, have allergies or other dieta ry requirements, you can focus on a specific ingredient or cooking style.Discover the history of cooking, here. See the different types of cooking classes here. Here are the most prestigious cooking classes in UK.

How to Make the Most of Your Gap Year

How to Make the Most of Your Gap Year Youve made the big decision to take a gap year, and its time to create a plan to make the most of this experience. Its key to remember that a gap year isnt simply a time for relaxing and having fun. Instead, its to explore various interests you may have in order to start the next step of your life on the right foot. Examine what you really hope to get out of this year, and sit down to establish a plan to accomplish it. You can make the most of your gap year by choosing smart travel destinations and finding creative ways to document your experience. Create a plan to capitalize on your gap year Once you decide to take a gap year, the next step is to plan how youll fill the time. Your gap year technically begins the summer after high school graduation, so make the most of every second you have. If youve decided to travel or volunteer abroad, you may have a set time frame for these actions that was determined by an external source. If youre staying home to pursue work opportunities and to save money for college, you may need to exercise your planning skills a bit more. Consider questions such as: How will you fill the time when youre not working in a way that will further your goals? Can you volunteer or pursue a new hobby that you havent had time to try in the past? Once youve decided how to fill your time and have established specific goals for your gap year, create a detailed agenda to help hold yourself accountable. [RELATED: Should I Take a Gap Year?] Choose a smart gap year travel destination Make sure the travel destination you choose for your gap year will expand your knowledge in areas that are specifically helpful to your future goals. If you think a particular language will be useful in your prospective career, consider spending time somewhere that will immerse you in that language and culture. There are certain careers that you can do almost anywhere in the world, so put some thought into the location you choose and examine how it may come into play later down the road. [RELATED: 4 Tactics for Landing Your Dream Job] Seek out relevant job experiences during your gap year Since the goal of a gap year is to gain valuable experience, it may be ideal to find work opportunities that fit with your future career goals. For example, if youre eventually headed to law school, seek out work as an assistant at a law firm to give yourself a taste of the environment. Additionally, you may make connections with people who will be valuable resources later, especially if you impress them with your work ethic. If you want to become a teacher, find an opportunity to work with children and discover what age groups you might want to gear your studies toward. The experience youll gain is valuable, but perhaps even more so is the chance to get real world experience before you commit to a college major. Find a way to document your gap year experiences A great way to showcase to potential school administrators what you accomplished during your gap year is to find a way to document your experience. Options could include starting a blog or creating a special social media account detailing your gap year activities. You will both preserve your memories and establish a clear location that others can reference to learn what your gap year meant to you. [RELATED: How Social Media Affects College Admissions] 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 Fordham University

What is it Like to Attend Fordham University The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Pedro is a New York City tutor specializing in Physics tutoring, Geometry tutoring, multiple levels of Calculus tutoring, and more. He attended Fordham University at the Rose Hill Campus and graduated in 2012 with a Bachelors degree in Physics. See what he had to say about his school: VT: Describe the campus setting and transportation options. How urban or safe is the campus? Are there buses or do you need a car/bike? Pedro: Fordhams Rose Hill is a very safe, enclosed campus. The surrounding areas, including Fordham Road (a major shopping district in The Bronx) and Little Italy, are very urban and not the safest neighborhoods, though very lively. The transportation to and from campus, however, is superb and very safe. The Fordham stop on the Metro North Railroad (which goes express into and out of Manhattan 24/7) is a few meters away from a campus entrance. Fordham offers free shuttle buses (operated by campus security) to and from the nearby D and 4 subways stations at night. In general, NYC public transit is reliable and efficient. VT: How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Pedro: Professors at Fordham are very accessible and approachable. My professors often invited me to office hours for aid in many aspects of scholastic work (homework, general advice, and clarifications, for example). In my experience, professors usually replied within a few hours to emails sent, and very often replied late nights before assignments were due. VT: How would you describe the dorm life - rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Pedro: During my time at Fordham, I lived off campus, as many students choose to do. I lived in the Belmont area a few city blocks away (10 to be precise) and rode my bike to class each day. Freshmen are required to dorm on campus for their first year, and doing so allows for socialization with other freshmen. On campus dining is not the best, though being located next to Little Italy allows for great dining options off campus (head to Pugsleys for the best Pizza in The Bronx). The night-life in Little Italy is also very lively. VT: Which majors/programs are best represented and supported? What did you study and why? Did the university do a good job supporting your particular area of study? Pedro: I believe Fordham does a great job in supporting programs across disciplines. Being a liberal arts school, great focus is placed on the Humanities, though Business and other popular programs are very well attended. I majored in Physics. The Physics Dept. at Fordham is phenomenal, as it is relatively small (though it has its own building) and as such students become very familiar with the exceptional faculty and are known to form a good community among themselves. Fordham has been very successful in incentivizing STEM program students to participate in undergraduate research and in my experience is eager to fund research across all disciplines. VT: How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Does Greek life play a significant role in the campus social life? Pedro: I transferred into Fordham for my second year of college, and as such did not participate in many of the events freshmen partake in to become part of the community (such as freshmen orientation). I did, however, find a great community among my classmates in the Physics Dept. In my experience, and from speaking with friends, Fordham is home to many clubs and programs for a great variety of students (from commuter students, to politically inclined students, to students looking to experience new things).The Greek life community at Fordham is not very strong, from my experience, as students tend to join clubs devoted to their particular interests as opposed to sororities and fraternities. VT: How helpful is the Career Center and other student support services? Do many reputable companies recruit on campus? Pedro: Upon graduation, the Career Center was very involved with trying to help me transition into the workforce. They offer two big annual job fairs (Spring and Fall) and an online job board which gives the option of being notified when a job meets your criteria. Coming from a background in Physics, I was able to meet recruiters from IBM and several other technology companies, for example. Having mentioned the opportunities available, I should state that the student often has to take his or her own initiative in going to recruitment meetings and job fairs, though they are always very well advertised. VT: How are the various study areas such as libraries, student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Pedro: I spent a great amount of time in the library, which is very expansive and thorough. The Physics Dept. has a designated Physics Club Room for students, where other students and I spent most of our time in between and after classes. The Club Room was very comfortable and had good resources. The main library itself is very big (four stories) and spacious, though during midterm and finals week it tends to get very crowded. VT: Describe the surrounding town. What kinds of outside establishments / things to do are there that make it fun, boring, or somewhere in between? To what extent do students go to the downtown area of the city versus staying near campus? Pedro: Little Italy is a great neighborhood, and offers great restaurants and a good nightlife for those over 21. During the day, the Fordham Rd. shopping district is always buzzing with activity and one gets to experience some facets of Bronx culture up to as much detail as they want. In the case that one may want to experience the rest of NYC, it is a 15-20 minute walk to the D and 4 subway stops (which go from The Bx into Manhattan and then into BK) and a 1-3 minute walk to the Metro North Fordham station (depending on how fast one walks), which can get one into the heart of NY in as little as 20 minutes. VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Pedro: There is a big undergraduate population (~8,500). The Rose Hill campus is very big, and one can choose to be immersed in the student body in popular locations on campus or relatively isolated. The Physics Dept. at Fordham is relatively very small (about 15 Physics and Engineering Physics majors graduated last year, including myself), but class sizes for core classes can reach up to 50. Other departments and popular programs are very big. but on average class sizes remain at about 25 students. The biggest class size I was a part of was above 100 people (Chemistry I) and the smallest was 4 people (Quantum Mechanics). I loved being part of a small department, but in other classes (average of 25 students), I felt very comfortable participating and was never underwhelmed or overwhelmed. VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one you regret the most. Pedro: Physics classes are full of great jokes. After the students and professors get to know one another better, classes are often laid back and very supportive of inquiry and search for insight. I was inspired by many professors at Fordham from a number of departments, though a particularly fun class was Advanced Laboratory, as all students were upperclassmen and the professor had gotten to know us very well. We were often allowed to work on tangentially related projects such as programming robots or finding the most aerodynamically efficient form of a paper airplane. In one particular case, my colleagues and I were successful in programming a two-wheeled robot to roll from our lab into a class being taught by another Physics professor and stop in the middle of the room for a few minutes, turn around, and exit the room. The goal was to make it sing a song for the professor and introduce itself to the class. Check out Pedros tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.