3 Tactics for Summer SAT Subject Test Prep

3 Tactics for Summer SAT Subject Test Prep While summer is a time for rest and relaxation, its also a great opportunity to get a jump start on your SAT subject test prep. Regardless of which test youre planning to tackle in the fall, there are steps you can take today to set yourself up for success. Tactics for summer SAT subject test prep include using the Pomodoro Technique to hone your focus, setting strict prep deadlines, and finding review techniques specific to your prep needs and learning style. Keep reading to learn how you can take advantage of the summer months to strengthen your SAT subject test prep: Tactic #1 for summer SAT subject test prep: implement the Pomodoro Technique The Pomodoro Technique is a strategy developed by Francesco Cirillo, acknowledging that people need to be regularly taking short breaks in order to reach their full work potential. When incorporating this technique into your SAT subject test prep time, the Pomodoro Technique requires you to: Set a timer for four study sessions, each 25 minutes in length. Take a five minute break between each study period. After you complete four study sessions of 25 minutes each, you can increase the break length of that single session. However, its important to respect time limits as tightly as possible. Following the Pomodoro Technique can teach you how to study for shortyet productivebursts of time and enhance your focus skills. [RELATED: How to Succeed on SAT Subject Tests] Tactic #2 for summer SAT subject test prep: set concrete deadlines Often, people work according to the pace they set for themselves. In other words, if you tell yourself you have two weeks to learn a set of 20 vocabulary words, youll likely stretch the learning out over the full two weeks. When setting SAT subject test prep goals, its important to establish reasonable deadlines and to hold yourself accountable for them. Summer only consists of two and a half months for most high school students, so each day is valuable. Setting short-term deadlines can help you stay focused, motivated, and consistently learning as much as possible. [RELATED: Which SAT Subject Tests Should I Take?] Tactic #3 for summer SAT subject test prep: seek review strategies that fit your study style Self-testing is one of the most effective study techniques students can utilize during test prep. This involves a variety of activities, such as incorporating flashcards, takingSAT subject test practice exams, or completing review questions and checking your answers. Essentially, it asks you to evaluate what study methods and review strategies work best for you, and to productively use them during prep time. [RELATED: Time Management Tips for Students] To make the most of your summer study efforts, remember that quality is more important than quantity. Study smart and utilize prep strategies to successfully tackle summer SAT subject test prep. 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.

3 GMAT Strategies You Learned While in College

3 GMAT Strategies You Learned While in College For many prospective business school students, the GMAT is a fearsome enemy. If you lie awake in bed worrying about how you will prepare for this exam, fret no further. Instead, look to your college days the strategies you relied on to succeed in your college courses can now help you do your best on the GMAT. These are a few daily activities that can omprove your GMAT skills. Here are three examples: Strategy #1: Review your schedule and develop a plan Just as you reviewed each class syllabus at the beginning of the semester, determine what you must accomplish before your GMAT test date. How long do you have to study? A week? A month? Consider taking a diagnostic test to better gauge how far you are from your goal score. If your results are not as strong as you expected them to be, you may want to increase your allotted prep time. You should also be specific about when you plan to study, as sometime during the week is unlikely to lead to success. Block off a recurring time in your calendar to ensure your prep is consistent. (One- or two-hour sessions work especially well for retention.) When you reach the end of your block, stop. Let the material sink in so that you can build on it the next day. Like that French class you enrolled in during your sophomore year, you cannot review dozens of terms in one evening and expect to be fluent the following morning. Similarly, each GMAT study session should build on the previous one. Pace yourself. Take notes. Build on your knowledge over an adequate period of time. These tips can also help you reach your target GMAT score! Last, where will you prep for the GMAT? When you were living in the dorm, your room might have been satisfactory when it was quiet, but a more likely study option was the library. If you can, find a public or university library near you, and check out a study room if one is available. Strategy #2: Study truly Whether you would like to strengthen your grammar skills for the Sentence Correction section or practice basic arithmetic for Problem Solving, you are now ready to begin your prep. Aim to use your time wisely. Just like in college, there will be distractions that encourage your mind to wander, including friends, family, athletic events, etc. Do not allow these obstacles to hamper your progress. You can also draw on the methods you learned in your foundational courses. For example, if you need to hone your proficiency in the Quantitative portion of the GMAT, apply the skills that you sharpened in your algebra or statistics classes. Work through practice questions and check your answers, even if your responses were correct. Determine which approaches work best for you within the context of the GMAT. For example, if you are having trouble with Reading Comprehension questions, you might choose to utilize some of the techniques that saw you through your literature course. These are great free GMAT resourcesyou can use to help you study. Try to remember that just as your sociology midterm was only one part of college, the GMAT is only one step on your road to an MBA. You will not have to prep for it forever. Make it a short-term priority now so that you can achieve your long-term goals later. Strategy #3: Ask for help when you need it The GMAT is a difficult exam. If you are struggling with its content or your timing, do not be discouraged. When your classes were difficult in college, you may have spoken with your chemistry professor or formed a study group for your anthropology class. These same strategies for example, working with GMAT tutors are still effective now. A mentor or a tutor can help you develop your personal strengths and address your particular weaknesses, and they can often speak to the MBA experience as a whole. By applying these three college strategies, you can simplify your GMAT prep. These techniques will not only benefit you on the GMAT, they will also serve you well during the application process and throughout business school. You ultimately persevered with your undergraduate years. Let this one exam show you how preparation, persistence, and commitment can lead you to your future success.

How to Play the Banjo.

How to Play the Banjo. Here’s Literally Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Playing the Banjo. ChaptersWhat is the Banjo?Famous Banjo Performances.How to Play the Banjo: Some Different Banjo Techniques.Where to Get Banjo Lessons.The banjo, with its unmistakeable percussive twang, is a beautiful and distinctive string instrument. Across the musical worlds of folk, blues, bluegrass, and traditional music, its presence is widely felt â€" and never to be missed.However, unlike its more famous six-string sibling, the guitar, it is not so easy to find resources and guidance on how to learn to play the banjo. In fact, most music stores in the UK â€" apart from the most specialist ones â€" hardly even stock them. And then there is the challenge of finding yourself a banjo lesson after that.Yet, it is not impossible. So, if your dream is to become a virtuosic banjoist, don’t give up just yet. This musical instrument deserves to have so many more players than it does â€" and, here, we’re going to show you how you can join the ranks of the banjo players yourself.We’re going to run through some of the key aspects of the banjo that you need to know â€" from its history to its physiognomy to its most famous and respected players and performances. And then we’ll show you how you can actually expect to find a banjo teacher where you are.As we said, it is far from impossible. With some basic knowledge and heap of commitment, you’ll be a proper banjo player in no time. So, let’s take a look.And, by the way, you can learn about playing the lute! PeterGuitar Teacher £12/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EdgarGuitar Teacher 5.00 (8) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors PaulGuitar Teacher 5.00 (12) £18/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DanielGuitar Teacher 5.00 (3) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ToddGuitar Teacher 4.75 (4) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SamueleGuitar Teacher 5.00 (5) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors KurtGuitar Teacher 5.00 (3) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Ry anGuitar Teacher £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsWhat is the Banjo?Even if you’re a total beginner, you’ve certainly heard a banjo â€" and probably seen one too. It’s perhaps one of the most characteristic instruments of American traditional music â€" developed by the African-American slave community before being appropriated by the white population â€" and, these days, it characterises the world of folk music.It’s easily recognised: four, five, or six strings that are stretched over the instrument’s ‘head’, a circular frame over which a plastic â€" or, more traditionally, animal skin â€" membrane is stretched. The result is a string instrument that produces a percussive, plucked sound, often with an underlying drone. Learn the banjo - like this bloke!How Many Strings Does a Banjo Have?As we said, the banjo’s number of strings can vary â€" and they are usually found with four, five, or six different strings.Despite these variations, the ‘normal’ or standard banjo has five strings. Usually, on the five-string banjo, whilst the rest of the strings stretch from the tuning nuts at the top to the bridge at the bottom, the fifth string starts from the fifth fret. This means that you have a string ready there to play whichever higher notes you might want to play.The four-string banjo might immediately be seen as something played like a bass guitar, but it is actually much more like a ukulele. You will play it like a uke â€" but, predictably enough, it will sound like a banjo.Something similar applies to the six-string banjo. However, it plays less like a uke and more like a normal six-string guitar. It retains its banjo sound, of course.Ever thought about learning the ukulele?Are there Different Ty pes of Banjo?The main distinction to be found in banjos is that in the number of strings. However, there are a number of niche instruments that suit particular styles of playing, which we will outline below.Something perhaps more important that you should be aware of first, though, is the resonator. On the head of a banjo â€" the instrument’s round body â€" is the plastic membrane through which the sound is produced.However, picture the other side of that body. Sometimes, this is left open. If so, this is called, quite predictably, an ‘open-backed’ banjo.The alternative is that the back is covered with a plate, which is called a resonator. These produce a much louder sound and the tone is heavier and punchier. If you are playing bluegrass â€" one of the most famous genres for the banjo â€" you’ll be wanting a resonator banjo.Meanwhile, here are some of the other major types of banjo:Plectrum banjo. We know that the five-string banjo usually has one string shorter. Take this away and you have what is called a plectrum banjo â€" which is usually played with a plectrum.Tenor banjo. Popularised by the banjoist from the Dubliners, the tenor banjo is an Irish development. A shorter neck and a particular tuning, the Irish tenor banjo is usually used as a rhythm instrument.Bass and cello banjo. These are much lower in pitch and were developed for banjo orchestras, believe it or not.Check out the mandolin and the cittern whilst you are here! Why not take up the banjo?Famous Banjo Performances.The history of the banjo is long. However, given its popular roots, the early practitioners of the instrument are not well known. In fact, it is in the twentieth century that the banjo became the famous â€" although alternative â€" instrument it is now.Here are two of the most famous banjoists of the twentieth century â€" as well as another band that purists won’t like…Earl Scruggs.Referred to as the father of bluegrass and one of the most important banjo players ever to have graced the planet, Earl Scruggs changed the way that people played the banjo.With his famous ‘Scruggs style’ â€" a three-fingered style which came to define bluegrass music â€" he influenced generations of banjo players after him.Béla Fleck.Of all contemporary banjo players, the Grammy award-winning Béla Fleck has done most to take the instrument out of its particular niche and apply it to all manner of musical styles.With his virtuosic style, his pen chant for jazz licks, and his absurdly talented band, the Flecktones, Fleck has given new life to the instrument.Mumford Sons.We did tell you that the purists wouldn’t like this. Whilst Mumford Sons aren’t exactly the most inventive of musicians, they have done music a great favour by popularising the banjo sound â€" at least in the UK.These days, you can’t be a folk band without a banjo â€" and that’s thanks to this country-inspired pop band.Find out about different types of string instruments!How to Play the Banjo: Some Different Banjo Techniques.Many guitarists often assume, because they can play a plucked string instrument, that they can play all of them. This isn’t exactly true â€" as the banjo has a number of specific techniques that are really quite different from standard guitar playing.Clawhammer.One of the most distinctive of banjo techniques is the clawhammer technique. This is notable for the fact that, when playing, you don’t pick upwards with your fingers â€" but rather downwards. Obviously, you won’t recognise this from the guitar.Get your hand into a claw-like shape and move it from the wrist (you don’t want to flick your fingers independently).This technique produces one of the most characteristic sounds the banjo produces.Scruggs Style.The typical bluegrass sound, Scruggs style is played with fingerpicks on the thumb and the first two fingers. You’ll want to alternate each in a ‘rolling’ pattern of arpeggios.With the Scruggs style, a melody is interwoven in the arpeggios played, with the result being a fast, often swung or syncopated rhythm.Irish Folk.One of the easier techniques for a beginner to learn is the Irish style of banjo playing.This is done usually with a pick â€" like a guitarist’s â€" and is usually played on a four-string tenor banjo. The banjoist Earl Scruggs (image from NPR)Where to Get Banjo Lessons.Now, the most important part of your musical learning journey, let’s find you a banjo teacher.An instrument teacher is without doubt the most important person in your musical education â€" apart from you of course â€" so make sure you choose them wisely.Your banjo player should be able to show the basic techniques, musical theory, and songs, for sure. But they should also inspire you to take an interest in everything about the instrument â€" and get you discovering your own favourite elements.Find a Banjo Tutor on Superprof.One of the best places to find a banjo tutor is through Superprof, our platform that connects students with tutors from across the world.We have twelve tutors available for online lessons, who will sit with you and show you everything you need to know about excelling in the instrument.Head to Your Local Music Store.If you in a town with a music store, one of the best places to find instrument l essons is right there. Just pop your head in and ask.Be aware, however, that the banjo is not like the guitar. Not every man and his dog can play and teach the banjo.Check Out Banjo Resources Online.The internet is a great place to learn new skills â€" and that includes learning the banjo too.You’ll find tablature, video tutorials, and all manner of other things online. So, if you have a banjo ready to be played â€" go and get started.

Guitar for Beginners 5 New Years Resolutions for Learning Guitar

Guitar for Beginners 5 New Years Resolutions for Learning Guitar Megan L. Make this year your most musical year yet with these excellent new years resolutions for learning guitar for beginners  by guitar teacher  Kirk R. Pick Up Your Guitar Everyday To some this may seem daunting, and to others it might sound obvious. Regardless of which side of that you’re on, getting your hands on your guitar often is an important step in learning, especially when you’re just starting out. This is true in most other areas of study as well, but if you’re learning to walk or learning a language, you have to tools to practice it with you at all times. As a side note here, you can also make lots of progress doing what I call mental practice. The idea is just that you use your analytical and visualization skills to solve problems with your playing without ever picking up your instrument. There are many ways to go about that, but I’ll leave that for a future post! Picking up your guitar often allows your body and mind to create a sense of normalcy while youre playing. When you want to walk somewhere, you probably don’t think about which joints of your legs need to bend and at exactly what time, you just begin walking. Guitar can be much the same! You don’t have to plan long practice sessions everyday. Usually just picking it up and playing through something that you’re working on is enough. If it’s a busy day, it might be only a few minutes, and that’s ok. If you have more time, but not all at once, try a few minutes before school or work and then again between dinner and bed. Figure out what works in your schedule and make it a part of your day! Check out: 50 Little Things You Can Do To Get More From Your Guitar Practice Time Practice With a Metronome Aside from an instrument, the metronome is the most helpful item that a musician can have. If you don’t have one already, they can be found very cheaply. Though I have a few, I most commonly use a metronome app that I downloaded for free. Metronomes can be frustrating little devices, but they will make you a better player. It’s important to remember that they often work like a mirror. If you’re noticing mistakes when you play with a metronome that you didn’t notice before, chances are, you were already making it (or a similar mistake). When you see more mistakes than before, it may seem like you are suddenly less skilled than you thought yourself before, but remember, when you notice mistakes you’re making, you can immediately start working to correct them! Start slowly (slower than you think you need to) and work up to your desired speed a notch or two at a time. This might seem tedious, but it’s a great way to work up to fast speeds in no time. Rhythm is one of the most important aspects of your playing (even more than hitting the right notes!) so if you want to build your skills, a device that helps to keep your rhythm accurate is indispensable. Check out: 13 Guitar Apps We Cant Live Without Learn a Song in a New Style or Genre I’m not suggesting here that you become a jack of all trades sort of musician. I’ve seen many of them over the years, and it seems like very few of them have mastered all, or any, of the styles that they’re playing. What I am saying is learn something in a different style so that you can look at the music that you really want to play with a new and wider perspective. I once spent some time studying with a guy who was experienced in Brazilian choro guitar. He looked at the music that I was already playing at the time very differently than I did. His whole approach was totally different and it forced me to take note of things in the music that I had never payed any attention to before. It’s that sort of experience that will make you a better musician in the long run. If you play mostly rock now, try something classical; learning jazz? Try playing metal. Maybe something less contrasting. If you play folk from tab, try playing folk from sheet music. If you’re used to reading sheet music, try playing from a lead sheet/chord chart. Forcing yourself out of your comfort zone will not only make you a more versatile player, but it will help you improve the way that you play your usual music. Check out: The Big List of Easy Guitar Songs Set Goals Set one goal that seems impossible now and one that you know you can accomplish No matter what kind of successful person you talk to, they will all agree that setting goals is helpful. This is a simple suggestion, but it can take a variety of forms. The important part of this suggestion is to have something that you can keep you eye on for a long time; something that keeps driving you forward, as well as something that is totally achievable and reminds you that you’re making progress. The “reach goal” could be something like a difficult song that you want to learn, or to memorize a certain number of songs. For the easier goal, maybe it’s making a change between two specific chords, playing in front of someone once a month, or to get a song that you’re already learning up to a certain tempo. Whatever you choose for your goals, make sure that they are measureable. If you want to get a song up to a certain tempo, make sure that the tempo is specific: 136 bpm instead of ‘fast’. Check out: How to Learn Guitar: Setting Goals, Staying Motivated, and More! Add Guitar  Exercises to Your Practice Routine This may not seem as exciting as your usual guitar practice, but I would argue that given the right mindset and exercise, it can be as interesting and engaging as practicing music. It might come as a surprise to some (though perhaps I’m wrong) that I’m making a distinction between music and exercises. It’s important to play inherently non-musical exercises, though there is value in exercise-like pieces of music as well. The reason for this is that the goal of an exercise is one of physical movement on the instrument. In order to carefully work on this aspect of playing, we have to take the emotion and desire to make our playing sound a certain way out of the equation. Have you ever noticed that when you start to learn a song that you have often listened to, you usually start playing faster than your hands can really keep up? It’s because you’re used to hearing it a certain way, and your brain is telling your hands to play the way it thinks the song should sound. When you’re using a non-musical exercise to develop skills in your fingers, you don’t have the same sort of drive as learning a song, even one you haven’t heard before. There are probably millions of exercises that you can choose from, but don’t be overwhelmed. Find one that addresses an aspect of your playing that you want to improve. Treat this exercise like weight lifting. First, make sure it’s of reasonable difficulty. You don’t walk into a gym the first day and start lifting the heaviest weights available. Second, when you are comfortable playing through the exercise while focusing on the technical aspects and they all come out as you want them to, don’t abandon the exercise! It’s not meant to be a badge that you earn and display. It’s a regular tool that you use to keep your chops in shape. Once a weight lifter lifts the heaviest weight available, they don’t stop lifting it, but they keep coming back to it, perhaps adding more reps, or just using it to maintain their current abilities. Check out: 3 Simple Guitar Exercises Youll Never Outgrow Did you make any musical resolutions this year? Share them with us in the comments below! Post Author:  Kirk R. Kirk is a classical, bass, and acoustic guitar instructor in Denver, CO. He earned a  bachelors of music in Guitar performance at The College-Conservatory of Music in Cincinnati and he is currently pursuing a masters degree in performance.   Learn more about Kirk  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

How Can I learn to Sing

How Can I learn to Sing Different Methods for Learning to Sing ChaptersLearn to Sing with Private Singing LessonsLearn to Sing in Key Learn to Sing on Your Own Learn to Sing for Free Learn to Sing in a GroupEvery year, there are tonnes of people auditioning for The Voice and, as you know, very few make it to the finals.Would you like to compete in a singing competition but don’t know how to sing?Put the kettle on and listen to our advice on improving your singing voice with vocal training!Android. This is the most professional app on our list. You’ll almost feel like you have a real voice coach with you giving your personalised voice tutorials for your vocal range.Sing! Karaoke on iOS and Android. With over 800,000 songs available, once you’ve got your vocal techniques mastered, you can practise with your favourite songs.There are three main categories when referring to male voices: tenor, baritone, and bass (from the highest to the lowest ranges). Women’s voices are divided into soprano, mezzo-soprano, and alto.How can you learn to sing without music tutorials?You need to get the basics down first: relax your face, concentrate on your breathing, contract your abdominal muscles, relax your neck, and take care of yourself!  By being aware of all this, you’re giving yourself the best possible start. Don’t forget to rest your voice after singing, sleep well, and drink lots of water!Which tools should you use?The Songbird Tree: you can find out plenty of things about how to improve your singing. Her advice for singers includes things like: How to improve your self-confidence, how to sing with vibrato, how to warm up your voice.Of course, none of these resources will be of any use if you don’t put the work in!  Half an hour per day is good enough to improve your vocal techniques without overdoing. Learn to Sing in a GroupFar from clichés of being in a choir, being in a group is a great way to improve certain elements of your vocal technique.Singing as part of a group can help you as a musician. (Source: pixabay.c om)Where can you find a group?The advantage of groups is that you can find them all over the country from big cities to tiny villages. A quick online search will help to point you into the right direction.Why sing in a group?  What is singing in a group going to do for me?Plenty of things!Isn’t working in a group so much better than going it alone?Furthermore, you can join a lot of groups without every having sung before! You don’t need a degree in music to join!  What better way to gain some self-confidence than by being supported by a group of people rather than just one teacher?Choirs are a great way to practise singing regularly. (Source:  Blue Ox Studio)If you’re not convinced, read on!  They have to often include all types of voices and  harmonies are one of the most important aspect of a group. If you didn't know, harmonies are the simultaneous emission of several different sounds.One group of singers will sing one note while the others sing another. The soloist will th en sing something different, too.  When you’re in a group, you’ll learn to sing alongside different vocal ranges and listen to them in order to improve your own singing.You can therefore sing anything with any singer! Once you’ve mastered harmonies, you’ll have an incredible singing gift to show off.  On the other hand, you’ll be expected to sing thing that aren’t always perfectly in your range. This means that you run the risk of losing your natural vocal range or avoid working on it.Working on your voice on your own alongside working in a group is therefore the best way to go about things.In short:Learning to sing is easier with the help of a private tutor! Don’t hesitate to check a few of them out on our platform. There are plenty of superprofs waiting for you.It’s not the end of the world if you can’t sing in key! You just have to train your ear. Everyone knows that you’ll hit the odd false note but you can learn to avoid it.If you’re self-taught, there are plenty of resources online that can help you improve your voice. There are YouTube channels, programmes, apps, websites. You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to learning how to sing. Most of these resources are free! Make the most of them!Finally, joining a group is a great way to learn to sing with the help of other singers without having to take group online singing lessons!

6 Common Questions on the CARS section of the MCAT

6 Common Questions on the CARS section of the MCAT MCAT Medical School Admissions Daily, physicians face challenges to apply, analyze, and communicate scientific and medical information. The ability to communicate and analyze is a softer skill that is difficult to develop compared to the effort it takes to memorize something like the Krebs’s cycle. This vital skill set has become emphasized by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) through the production of the Critical Analysis and Reasoning Section (CARS) on the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT). CARS is the section that most premedical students struggle with and requires the most time to build skills. Identifying question types on your exam will allow you to establish patterns of performance and test trends. Below we will discuss the six most common types of questions you will encounter on the CARS section and how to best approach them. Given Information or Retrieval Questions Given information questions are questions that draw information directly from the passage. These questions are typically straightforward and are easy points to earn for the CARS section. Often these questions can be answered from memory. However, most students tend to reference the passage to ensure the information is correct. The key to these questions is to balance confidence in your reading comprehension against the need to double-check facts. Since CARS is a section that most students struggle to finish, it is important that you minimize the time it takes to find the correct answer to a question. Be sure to spend time practicing these question types and see how your passage retrieval skills compare when answering from memory or referencing the passage. Inference Questions Inference questions are by far the most common question on the CARS section, as well as the most commonly missed question type. Inference questions require the reader to take passage information and infer or interpret tone or underlying meanings. These questions tend to be difficult for students the answer is not explicitly stated and requires deductive skills. Correct answer choices for these question types will often be consistent with the main idea of the passage. The key to these questions is to avoid strong or extreme answer choices, as well as answer choices with information that was not present in the passage. New Information Questions New information questions are typically the lengthy questions that students hate to see. These questions present additional information outside of the passage and ask the test-taker to make inferences on how to apply that information. This variant of the inference question, while less difficult, can use similar strategies as discussed above. The key to these questions is to not get bogged down in reading the information presented since timing is key on CARS. Author’s Opinion or Main Idea Questions Questions about the author’s opinion tend to hint at the tone or main idea of the passage. The key to these questions is to establish who the author is and who their audience is. Is the author an unbiased writer or do they feel strongly on the topic they are writing about? What is the author’s purpose in writing this piece? Are they aiming to persuade readers or simply inform them of the facts? These are all questions that should aid you in establishing what the author’s opinion is and more importantly identifying the correct answer. Except, Least, or Not QuestionsExcept, least, or not are modifiers that have been used to trick test takers since the invention of standardized testing. The MCAT is no different in that it poses a lengthy question and answer set in hopes that the student will forget the modifier by the end of the question. The best way to combat this mistake is to write the modifier in large, bold letters on your scratch paper. This will serve as a reminder as you work through the question. Roman Numeral questionsThis question type is ubiquitous throughout the other sections of the MCAT. Roman Numeral questions are difficult because they increase the number of answer choices available. A common approach to this question type is to look for the roman numerals that are most and least common throughout the alphabetical answer choices (A-D). If either of these roman numerals can be eliminated, it should give you a better indication of what the correct answer is. The key to these questions is to focus on the grouped alphabetical answer choices rather than the validity of the individual roman numeral answers. Another strategy to these questions is to look for answers that directly contradict each other. If two roman numeral answers are in direct opposition, they cannot both be correct and should give you at least 1-2 answers to eliminate.

How to Study for the GRE on Your Own 7 Best Success Tips Plus Guide

How to Study for the GRE on Your Own 7 Best Success Tips Plus Guide Anna L Jan 16, 2019 Find a Top Rated GRE Tutor Near You! It's Simple and Secure - Get Real Results Fast. Find Expert Private Tutors at Reasonable Rates Today! InPerson or Online Online InPerson If you’re trying to figure out how to study for the GRE on your own, you probably have some questions!   What’s the best GRE study guide and way to prep? The GRE, or Graduate Record Examinations, offers a gateway to graduate and business schools.  While those entering medical school or law school take other tests, those interested in most liberal arts fields, education, and some business program will be looking to take the GRE.   And like all the standardized tests, the better your scores, the more options you have available for schools as well as financial aid. GRE Study Plan But students also lead busy lives and ensuring you have time to focus on the GRE may not always seem possible. So just how long does it take to study for the GRE? The short answer is, however long you have! You can have a GRE study plan 3 months long and some are longer and some are less. Naturally, the longer you have the more likely you are to achieve a higher score, but there are some steps you can take to increase your chances of success without the luxury of time. This is your guide on how to study for the GRE and how to create an effective GRE study plan. What is Involved in the GRE General Test? There are three sections in the test; analytical writing, quantitative reasoning, and verbal reasoning The test can be taken as many times as you like, but considering there is a cost with each attempt it is best to adequately prepare so you can achieve your desired result the first time around. Your confidence level may also take a hit with each unsuccessful attempt, so do it once and do it right! Let’s look at the test sections in further detail. Analytical Writing â€" this section requires focused responses that articulate complex ideas that are supported with relevant reasons and examples. You must examine claims and evidence, and maintain a concentrated discussion with a high level control of standard written English. Quantitative Reasoning â€" this section examines your ability to understand, interpret and analyze quantitative information. You will use mathematical models to solve problems and your basic skills of arithmetic, algebra, geometry and data analysis will be tested. You are allowed to use a calculator when completing this section. Verbal Reasoning â€" here you will analyze and draw conclusions, identify the author’s assumptions and/or perspectives, and understand the author’s intent in a literal and figurative manner. You will be tested on your ability to summarize text, selecting the key points from the text as well as understanding the structure of the text. Your understanding of the meanings of words and sentences will be tested, as will your ability to recognize relationships between words and concepts. One really important point to remember about this test!   Questions on the test can be skipped and you can return to them later.   Plus, you also have the opportunity to change any answers before submitting your test. Now let’s move on… How to Prepare and Study for the GRE The skills required to succeed in the test are developed over a period of time and not related to any particular field of study. For this reason, preparation is crucial to success. Unlike many other examinations, where content can be revised and learned, the GRE measures your ability to respond to the information given. The good news here is that you will already have acquired many of the skills required, you just have to put them into practice. By gaining an understanding of the types of questions asked in the test, you will be able to confidently answer the questions accurately. Here are some ways to prepare and study for the GRE that guarantee success. Spend the Time You Need Like many other examinations, last minute studying is not useful. The more time you spend preparing for the GRE, the better your results will be. It is recommended that you spend 4-12 weeks developing your skills for the test. This is quite a broad timeframe, the lower end of the scale should be achievable by just about any student that focuses on their preparations. Naturally, spending more time will result in the best outcome possible. Create a Study Plan or Schedule Base your GRE study plan on how much time you have. A longer timeframe may mean that you can spend less hours each week, allowing for many of your job and social commitments to continue. While the GRE should be one of your top priorities, it can be easy to procrastinate if you prepare too far in advance. Breaking your study time into manageable chunks will help eliminate the possibility of procrastination. Regardless of how much time you have to prepare, make sure you allocate sufficient time to study. Write down when you will be studying, and what you will study â€" use a schedule, pen and paper, calendar, or even input it into your phone and set reminders if you have to! This way nothing gets missed and you will still have time to enjoy a positive social/study balance. Study Sample Questions One of the very best ways to study for the GRE on your own is to complete as many practice tests and questions as you possibly can. As already stated, the GRE doesn’t really require you to learn a large amount of new content, but instead it tests your ability to respond to certain types of questioning. The most effective way to learn how to respond to GRE questions is to do them! Even if you only have a limited amount of preparation time, completing sample questions is an incredibly useful way to spend your time. Make sure you complete the questions within a time-restricted period to simulate actual test conditions. This will also help you develop coping strategies to deal with the pressure involved on test day. Make Each Day Count The best GRE study plan is one that includes study time practically every day. This way you will be able to build upon your skills and knowledge. Studying for a large amount of time one day a week is far less effective. To start with, your learning capacity diminishes with each hour of studying (just like your muscles become fatigued the longer you exercise). Secondly, if you have a long period between each study session you are likely to forget what you have previously learned which means more time spent relearning what you already learned.   Does that seem smart? You Might Also Be Interested in: 25 Study Tips You Need Now Studying almost every day (it’s important to have a break too, remember) allows you to sufficiently build upon your knowledge and the repetition means it is more likely to be committed to your memory. Personalize Your Program By understanding your own strengths and weaknesses you will be able to cater to your specific needs. One of the easiest ways to do this is to sit with a practice exam, under timed conditions, right at the beginning of your preparation period. This will highlight the areas you need to spend the most time on and allow you to allocate your study time accordingly. Spend more time on the areas you find difficult, or on the subject areas that are most relevant to your educational goals. Your program will also need to be reflective of how much time you have to prepare. If you are really short on time, you may need to choose only a few areas to focus on as you probably won’t have enough time to successfully improve all of your weak areas. Use Online Tools In the modern day of the internet, just about everything is at your fingertips. Preparing for the GRE online is a simple way to ensure you are studying practically and effectively. Many first class, online prep courses come at a cost, but if you can afford it they can be worthwhile. These courses do require some kind of intrinsic motivation in order to develop successful results. If you are more of a people person, try investing in a personal tutor. Use a Tutor You may be keen to figure out how to study for the GRE on your own, but using a tutor can significantly improve your results. Meeting regularly with a professional tutor will help you remained motivated and focused. They can offer valuable tips and advice on how to best work on your own during your other study sessions, whilst keeping you on track with some valuable one-on-one time. Finding a good tutor can be difficult. They need to not only have the knowledge and skills to teach you, but also understand your goals. A personality match is also crucial â€" feeling comfortable around your tutor will ensure you ask plenty of questions and are honest about your understanding of key concepts. Check out the following link to find a highly qualified GRE tutor in your area! Overall, sitting and taking the GRE does not need to become a stressful event. Understanding how the test works, the types of questions asked, and implementing some valuable study tips will ensure you achieve the results you need to take your education to the next level. Good luck with your GRE study plan and let us know what you did and how to study for the GRE on your own?We can help you find the best private tutor near you! It’s simple and secure â€" Get real results fast. Your first hour with any tutor is protected by our Good Fit Guarantee: You don't pay for tutoring unless you find a good fit. Choose Your Subject â€" Add Your Zip Code â€" Find Top Rated Tutors Starting Today! InPerson or Online Online InPerson

Irvine Tutoring Five Ways to Get Your Kid to Love Reading

Irvine Tutoring Five Ways to Get Your Kid to Love Reading Tips from an Irvine English Tutor: Five ways to get your kid to love reading Reading is such an integral part of a young child’s ongoing education, and they will do better in nearly every academic subject if they love reading from an early age. Unfortunately, reading is one of the most difficult academic tasks a young child will face and sometimes the frustration leads them to dislike the activity altogether. Luckily, there are tons of ways to get your kid to love reading during that crucial period when they decide whether or not they are going to love school or hate it our private Irvine . 1. A picture is worth 1,000 words When your kids start reading, they might have trouble picturing whats going on in their mind. At the beginning having lots of pictures to look at will help them visualize whats happening with the characters and the setting so they can understand the general plot and the point of the story. Once kids can create their moving picture in their imagination, they can get away from illustrations, but its an important part of learning to read. 2. A topic they enjoy A lot of academic reading covers information that young kids arent necessarily super interested in and so they start to view reading as something negative. Once kids are older theyll have to learn to push through to complete homework and study for exams but, when theyre little, its important that they’re reading about a topic they enjoy. If they like superheroes they can, read about Batman, if they like baseball or unicorns they should read about that. In the beginning, its not about what theyre reading but that theyre reading about something they love (READ: 5 Tips to Encourage Your Child to Read). 3. A hero to root for Little kids love to be able to look up to a hero or heroine that can swoop in and save the day. A lot of books for young readers have a sympathetic and heroic main character that the reader can root for throughout the story. A hero isnt always a superhero, rather they might be a little boy in a neighborhood similar to the one the reader lives in, or they might be a talking bunny living on a farm. Its just important that the main character is sympathetic and easy to relate to. 4. Tackle reading in small amounts Another thing that can put kids off reading when theyre young is being forced to tackle this difficult new skill for long periods of time. If theyre struggling with sounding out words, sitting down for an hour might be entirely overwhelming. In the beginning, kids can work on words for 15 minutes and build up to 20 and then 30 minutes overtime. They should also have a chance to celebrate their newfound skills by reading at the same level for a little while before theyre pushed to learn even more. When kids feel relaxed about something and can take enough breaks, they tend to love any activity. 5. A cozy environment At school kids will be sitting in a straight back chair at a desk and quite likely wearing clothes that adhere to a dress code. When reading at home, its important they have a comfy environment so they can focus on reading rather than sitting up straight. Maybe they’re lounging on the couch, sitting in a window seat, or even cuddled up with the family pet while reading in bed. As long as theyre comfortable kids are more likely to enjoy learning to read and view it as an overall positive experience. Help your kids learn to love to read, or help them improve their reading skills with private Irvine English tutoring from TutorNerds. 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