Find Out More About A University Chemistry Ranking

Find Out More About A University Chemistry RankingA Purdue university chemistry ranking can be of great assistance in helping you make better decisions when it comes to choosing a college. The fact is that people are often too quick to go for the first college they see, and end up wasting their money on schools that simply don't have what it takes to meet their educational needs.One thing that many people fail to consider is the fact that university chemistry rankings actually take into account several different factors when they rate schools. For example, a school that offers only a couple of labs in a semester will not be rated high, unless it is offering plenty of other courses that can be taken in addition to the lab courses. Furthermore, it would help greatly if the school had a well-known instructor who offers a wide variety of labs.A good way to find the best universities when it comes to university chemistry rankings is to simply visit several online sites that offer a variet y of different rankings. This is a very simple method and can be done right from your own home, while you are still asleep! Simply visit the web site for a reputable online site, such as U.S. News, and enter your information.In most cases, there should be a link that can be clicked, or a box that can be entered, to allow you to get a good idea of which universities are offered in the top college chemistry rankings. This will give you a list of schools that are available to you and will help you pick and choose a few, based on your own needs.A Purdue university chemistry ranking is a big factor in your decision to go to college, and should be of great concern to you when it comes to finding the best school for you. If you decide to choose a college based on what someone else has to say about their school, you could end up wasting a lot of time and money, instead of helping you find the best possible school for you.Of course, one of the most important factor that a college should have is a good reputation. A university chemistry ranking will give you a good indication of how a school has performed in the past and will help you decide if you should go there.Once you get a good list of universities in university chemistry rankings, you can then narrow down the list by looking at what the different professors and instructors are doing at each school. You should also keep in mind that there are often certain areas of specialization that are offered at each university, and that may influence your choice of schools.The first step in finding the best college for you is to really take your time, and read as much as you can about the different schools available. After you have done that, it will be much easier for you to find the perfect school for you.

Risen from Fire Portland, Maine One of the Best Small Cities for College Students

Risen from Fire Portland, Maine One of the Best Small Cities for College Students Portland, the largest city in Maine, has a rich and bursting history that illustrates courage and grit of its founders. Since 1632, when the first European settler Capt. Christopher Levett made the first attempt to found a settlement in Casco Bay, this area has changed several names: Machigonne, Casco and Falmouth. The settlement was destroyed and rebuilt lots of times. In 1786, the citizens of Falmouth, which grew into a large shipping center by that time, established a separate town in Falmouth Neck and named it Portland. But the destiny was merciless to its inhabitants, the city was shocked by numerous disasters: the Embargo Act of 1807, the War of 1812, the Portland Rum Riot in 1855 and the worst was the Great Fire of Portland, that occurred during the Independence Day celebration on July 4, 1866 and destroyed the entire financial and trade center of the city. However, Portland revived after all misfortunes and its endurance is reflected in Portland’s seal with a phoenix rising from ashes and the city’s motto Resurgam I will rise again (Latin). In our days Portland is a thriving historic, cultural, educational, business, financial and retail center of Maine. Education system of Maine is ranked among the top 10 nationally. All Maine’s schools and libraries, about 1200 sites, are connected through Nynex’s Frame Relay Service allowing internet access, besides 200 secondary schools are linked via technologically advanced ATM fiber optic based network. Maine takes the 12th place nationwide in educational investment. This results in high educational level of Maine’s residents in general and of Portland’s citizens in particular. For population 25 years and over in Portland 90.8% completed high school degree, 41.2% achieved bachelor’s degree, over 13% have master’s or professional degree which exceeds noticeably the national average rates. Portland Public Schools is the largest school system in Maine, serving nearly 7,000 students. There are 16 public schools, 12 private schools and 6 post-secondary schools in Portland. The student to teacher ratio for public schools is 12:1 which is significantly less than Maine’s (14:1) and national (16:1) ratio. The three largest schools of the higher education within 25 miles of Portland include the University of Southern Maine, the University of New England and Southern Maine Community College. There are also the University of Maine School of Law, the Saint Josephs College of Maine, the Bowdoin College, the Andover College, Maine College of Art, Pierres School of Cosmetology, Intercoast Career Institute and Spa Tech Institute. The University of Southern Maine (USM) is a multi-campus public four-year university with an enrollment over 10,000 students established in 1878. USM is a member of University of Maine System. It has three primary campuses located in Portland, Gorham and Lewiston and offers more than 115 areas undergraduate and graduate study. The Portland Campus is home to the School of Business, Muskie School of Public Service, the School of Nursing, the School of Social Work along with the University of Maine School of Law as well as outstanding programs in applied sciences, technology and creative writing. The primary academic areas of the Portland campus are business, nursing, political science, history, economics, biology, sociology, chemistry, physics, math, English, media studies, psychology, modern and classical languages and literatures, American and New England studies. Additionally, the University of Southern Maine offers online degree programs in organization and leadership, communicatio n, counseling and teacher education. For several years up through 2011 the University of Southern Maine has been recognized as one of the Best Northeastern Colleges by the Princeton Review. The University of Maine School of Law is administered as a unit of USM but officially the Law School is not a part of the University of Southern Maine. Maine Law is Maines only law school and it is home to only 260 students, which makes it one of the smallest law schools in the country. The size of school allows to create unique educational atmosphere and sense of community favorable for personalized student/faculty interaction. The Law School is strong in business and commercial law, environmental and marine law, intellectual property and technology law, international law, clinical programs, and trial advocacy. The University of Maine School of Law is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and is a charter member of the Association of American Law Schools. The University of New England (UNE), a private four-year university with total enrollment 7,330 students, offers a full range of undergraduate and master’s programs. It operates two campuses in Biddeford and Portland, Maine. The Biddeford Campus houses the College of Arts and Sciences as well as College of Osteopathic Medicine. The campus in Portland is home of the College of Pharmacy and the Westbrook College of Health Professions and it offers undergraduate programs in dental hygiene and nursing and graduate programs in nurse anesthesia, occupational therapy, physical therapy, physician assistant and social work. In 2010 UNE was recognized by U.S. News World Report as one of the “Best Universities” in the North. Southern Maine Community College (SMCC), a public two-year college, offers more than 45 degree and certificate programs and serves over 7,000 students. SMCC’s academic programs include applied technology, biotechnology, liberal studies, marine biology oceanography, business administration, computer technology, culinary arts, nursing, paramedicine, surgical technology and criminal justice. Southern Maine Community College prepares students to begin a career immediately upon graduation or allows them to continue their education at a four-year college or university. Portland, Maine is a remarkable city that amazingly consolidates amenities of a metropolitan area with rich historical inheritance, perfect physical setting, reviving recreation facilities, outstanding educational opportunities and friendliness of a small town, which makes it one of the most livable cities in the U.S. Recently Portland was ranked 4th among the “10 perfect places to live in America” and that confirms its status of a wonderful place to live, to study, to work and to do business.. TutorZ.com offers support of Portland’s private tutors in many subjects including math, algebra, statistics, science, history, geography, anthropology, anatomy, biology, physiology, ecology, criminal justice, law, philosophy, literature, proofreading, study skills, reading, writing, phonics, spelling, social studies, craft art and music theory. Risen from Fire Portland, Maine One of the Best Small Cities for College Students Portland, the largest city in Maine, has a rich and bursting history that illustrates courage and grit of its founders. Since 1632, when the first European settler Capt. Christopher Levett made the first attempt to found a settlement in Casco Bay, this area has changed several names: Machigonne, Casco and Falmouth. The settlement was destroyed and rebuilt lots of times. In 1786, the citizens of Falmouth, which grew into a large shipping center by that time, established a separate town in Falmouth Neck and named it Portland. But the destiny was merciless to its inhabitants, the city was shocked by numerous disasters: the Embargo Act of 1807, the War of 1812, the Portland Rum Riot in 1855 and the worst was the Great Fire of Portland, that occurred during the Independence Day celebration on July 4, 1866 and destroyed the entire financial and trade center of the city. However, Portland revived after all misfortunes and its endurance is reflected in Portland’s seal with a phoenix rising from ashes and the city’s motto Resurgam I will rise again (Latin). In our days Portland is a thriving historic, cultural, educational, business, financial and retail center of Maine. Education system of Maine is ranked among the top 10 nationally. All Maine’s schools and libraries, about 1200 sites, are connected through Nynex’s Frame Relay Service allowing internet access, besides 200 secondary schools are linked via technologically advanced ATM fiber optic based network. Maine takes the 12th place nationwide in educational investment. This results in high educational level of Maine’s residents in general and of Portland’s citizens in particular. For population 25 years and over in Portland 90.8% completed high school degree, 41.2% achieved bachelor’s degree, over 13% have master’s or professional degree which exceeds noticeably the national average rates. Portland Public Schools is the largest school system in Maine, serving nearly 7,000 students. There are 16 public schools, 12 private schools and 6 post-secondary schools in Portland. The student to teacher ratio for public schools is 12:1 which is significantly less than Maine’s (14:1) and national (16:1) ratio. The three largest schools of the higher education within 25 miles of Portland include the University of Southern Maine, the University of New England and Southern Maine Community College. There are also the University of Maine School of Law, the Saint Josephs College of Maine, the Bowdoin College, the Andover College, Maine College of Art, Pierres School of Cosmetology, Intercoast Career Institute and Spa Tech Institute. The University of Southern Maine (USM) is a multi-campus public four-year university with an enrollment over 10,000 students established in 1878. USM is a member of University of Maine System. It has three primary campuses located in Portland, Gorham and Lewiston and offers more than 115 areas undergraduate and graduate study. The Portland Campus is home to the School of Business, Muskie School of Public Service, the School of Nursing, the School of Social Work along with the University of Maine School of Law as well as outstanding programs in applied sciences, technology and creative writing. The primary academic areas of the Portland campus are business, nursing, political science, history, economics, biology, sociology, chemistry, physics, math, English, media studies, psychology, modern and classical languages and literatures, American and New England studies. Additionally, the University of Southern Maine offers online degree programs in organization and leadership, communicatio n, counseling and teacher education. For several years up through 2011 the University of Southern Maine has been recognized as one of the Best Northeastern Colleges by the Princeton Review. The University of Maine School of Law is administered as a unit of USM but officially the Law School is not a part of the University of Southern Maine. Maine Law is Maines only law school and it is home to only 260 students, which makes it one of the smallest law schools in the country. The size of school allows to create unique educational atmosphere and sense of community favorable for personalized student/faculty interaction. The Law School is strong in business and commercial law, environmental and marine law, intellectual property and technology law, international law, clinical programs, and trial advocacy. The University of Maine School of Law is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and is a charter member of the Association of American Law Schools. The University of New England (UNE), a private four-year university with total enrollment 7,330 students, offers a full range of undergraduate and master’s programs. It operates two campuses in Biddeford and Portland, Maine. The Biddeford Campus houses the College of Arts and Sciences as well as College of Osteopathic Medicine. The campus in Portland is home of the College of Pharmacy and the Westbrook College of Health Professions and it offers undergraduate programs in dental hygiene and nursing and graduate programs in nurse anesthesia, occupational therapy, physical therapy, physician assistant and social work. In 2010 UNE was recognized by U.S. News World Report as one of the “Best Universities” in the North. Southern Maine Community College (SMCC), a public two-year college, offers more than 45 degree and certificate programs and serves over 7,000 students. SMCC’s academic programs include applied technology, biotechnology, liberal studies, marine biology oceanography, business administration, computer technology, culinary arts, nursing, paramedicine, surgical technology and criminal justice. Southern Maine Community College prepares students to begin a career immediately upon graduation or allows them to continue their education at a four-year college or university. Portland, Maine is a remarkable city that amazingly consolidates amenities of a metropolitan area with rich historical inheritance, perfect physical setting, reviving recreation facilities, outstanding educational opportunities and friendliness of a small town, which makes it one of the most livable cities in the U.S. Recently Portland was ranked 4th among the “10 perfect places to live in America” and that confirms its status of a wonderful place to live, to study, to work and to do business.. TutorZ.com offers support of Portland’s private tutors in many subjects including math, algebra, statistics, science, history, geography, anthropology, anatomy, biology, physiology, ecology, criminal justice, law, philosophy, literature, proofreading, study skills, reading, writing, phonics, spelling, social studies, craft art and music theory.

October Language Challenge Video Pledges 4

October Language Challenge Video Pledges 4 See Whos Taking October  Language Challenge If you are taking October Language challenge were  giving away 50 free ITC if you make a video challenge pledge. Life Hacks research  has shown that if you put yourself up to something by doing it in public, you follow through because others are watching.  So use peer pressure to your advantage!  So help out your fellow language learners participating in the challenge!  Leave them words of encouragement on their notebook entries!  And dont forget to sign up for yourself, and get the summer of to a great start! Click the links below to see: October  Language Challenge Video Pledges 1 October Language Challenge Video Pledges 2 October Language Challenge Video Pledges 3 Amy from the United States, is learning Cantonese Amy is a Chinese Professional Teacher and this time she is going to learn Cantonese. Her goal is to be able to express herself fully. Give her some support by leaving a quick message in her notebook. Blair from the United States, is learning Dutch Blair wants to improve his target language that is Dutch. Give him some support by leaving a quick message in his notebook. Zeeshan from the United States, is learning Spanish Zeeshan is learning Spanish. This time he is going to a continue practice in his Spanish because he wants to achieve a really high level. His goal is to able to sustain high level conversations and more advanced topics such as global warming or alternative energies. Give him some support by leaving a quick message in his notebook. Diego from Chile, is learning Russian He has already completed the June challenge and this is his second time taking the Language Challenge on italki. The previous challenge was in Czech, now he chooses Russian. Give him some support by leaving a quick message in his notebook. Sang from United Kingdom, is learning Korean Sang is taking part of italki October Challenge. He has chosen Korean because he likes the culture, dramas and food. Give him some support by leaving a quick message in his notebook. Scott from the United States, is learning Spanish Scott is going to continue learning Spanish. He hopes to work a little bit more on verb tenses. He wants to expand his vocabulary and just learn some of culture things. Give him some support by leaving a quick message in his notebook. October Language Challenge Video Pledges 4 See Whos Taking October  Language Challenge If you are taking October Language challenge were  giving away 50 free ITC if you make a video challenge pledge. Life Hacks research  has shown that if you put yourself up to something by doing it in public, you follow through because others are watching.  So use peer pressure to your advantage!  So help out your fellow language learners participating in the challenge!  Leave them words of encouragement on their notebook entries!  And dont forget to sign up for yourself, and get the summer of to a great start! Click the links below to see: October  Language Challenge Video Pledges 1 October Language Challenge Video Pledges 2 October Language Challenge Video Pledges 3 Amy from the United States, is learning Cantonese Amy is a Chinese Professional Teacher and this time she is going to learn Cantonese. Her goal is to be able to express herself fully. Give her some support by leaving a quick message in her notebook. Blair from the United States, is learning Dutch Blair wants to improve his target language that is Dutch. Give him some support by leaving a quick message in his notebook. Zeeshan from the United States, is learning Spanish Zeeshan is learning Spanish. This time he is going to a continue practice in his Spanish because he wants to achieve a really high level. His goal is to able to sustain high level conversations and more advanced topics such as global warming or alternative energies. Give him some support by leaving a quick message in his notebook. Diego from Chile, is learning Russian He has already completed the June challenge and this is his second time taking the Language Challenge on italki. The previous challenge was in Czech, now he chooses Russian. Give him some support by leaving a quick message in his notebook. Sang from United Kingdom, is learning Korean Sang is taking part of italki October Challenge. He has chosen Korean because he likes the culture, dramas and food. Give him some support by leaving a quick message in his notebook. Scott from the United States, is learning Spanish Scott is going to continue learning Spanish. He hopes to work a little bit more on verb tenses. He wants to expand his vocabulary and just learn some of culture things. Give him some support by leaving a quick message in his notebook. October Language Challenge Video Pledges 4 See Whos Taking October  Language Challenge If you are taking October Language challenge were  giving away 50 free ITC if you make a video challenge pledge. Life Hacks research  has shown that if you put yourself up to something by doing it in public, you follow through because others are watching.  So use peer pressure to your advantage!  So help out your fellow language learners participating in the challenge!  Leave them words of encouragement on their notebook entries!  And dont forget to sign up for yourself, and get the summer of to a great start! Click the links below to see: October  Language Challenge Video Pledges 1 October Language Challenge Video Pledges 2 October Language Challenge Video Pledges 3 Amy from the United States, is learning Cantonese Amy is a Chinese Professional Teacher and this time she is going to learn Cantonese. Her goal is to be able to express herself fully. Give her some support by leaving a quick message in her notebook. Blair from the United States, is learning Dutch Blair wants to improve his target language that is Dutch. Give him some support by leaving a quick message in his notebook. Zeeshan from the United States, is learning Spanish Zeeshan is learning Spanish. This time he is going to a continue practice in his Spanish because he wants to achieve a really high level. His goal is to able to sustain high level conversations and more advanced topics such as global warming or alternative energies. Give him some support by leaving a quick message in his notebook. Diego from Chile, is learning Russian He has already completed the June challenge and this is his second time taking the Language Challenge on italki. The previous challenge was in Czech, now he chooses Russian. Give him some support by leaving a quick message in his notebook. Sang from United Kingdom, is learning Korean Sang is taking part of italki October Challenge. He has chosen Korean because he likes the culture, dramas and food. Give him some support by leaving a quick message in his notebook. Scott from the United States, is learning Spanish Scott is going to continue learning Spanish. He hopes to work a little bit more on verb tenses. He wants to expand his vocabulary and just learn some of culture things. Give him some support by leaving a quick message in his notebook. October Language Challenge Video Pledges 4 See Whos Taking October  Language Challenge If you are taking October Language challenge were  giving away 50 free ITC if you make a video challenge pledge. Life Hacks research  has shown that if you put yourself up to something by doing it in public, you follow through because others are watching.  So use peer pressure to your advantage!  So help out your fellow language learners participating in the challenge!  Leave them words of encouragement on their notebook entries!  And dont forget to sign up for yourself, and get the summer of to a great start! Click the links below to see: October  Language Challenge Video Pledges 1 October Language Challenge Video Pledges 2 October Language Challenge Video Pledges 3 Amy from the United States, is learning Cantonese Amy is a Chinese Professional Teacher and this time she is going to learn Cantonese. Her goal is to be able to express herself fully. Give her some support by leaving a quick message in her notebook. Blair from the United States, is learning Dutch Blair wants to improve his target language that is Dutch. Give him some support by leaving a quick message in his notebook. Zeeshan from the United States, is learning Spanish Zeeshan is learning Spanish. This time he is going to a continue practice in his Spanish because he wants to achieve a really high level. His goal is to able to sustain high level conversations and more advanced topics such as global warming or alternative energies. Give him some support by leaving a quick message in his notebook. Diego from Chile, is learning Russian He has already completed the June challenge and this is his second time taking the Language Challenge on italki. The previous challenge was in Czech, now he chooses Russian. Give him some support by leaving a quick message in his notebook. Sang from United Kingdom, is learning Korean Sang is taking part of italki October Challenge. He has chosen Korean because he likes the culture, dramas and food. Give him some support by leaving a quick message in his notebook. Scott from the United States, is learning Spanish Scott is going to continue learning Spanish. He hopes to work a little bit more on verb tenses. He wants to expand his vocabulary and just learn some of culture things. Give him some support by leaving a quick message in his notebook.

How To Get Into College And Graduate School With A Tutor Of History

How To Get Into College And Graduate School With A Tutor Of HistoryIf you are looking for a way to get into college or even go to graduate school, the tutor of history could be your answer. It is a great opportunity to take courses on a particular topic, even if you have no idea what it is. You will be guided through the course and given a detailed assignment for each lesson, which you should take very seriously and do well.In all forms of education, taking the classes in a flexible manner is a very important consideration. Teaching yourself is not an option. You can't go online and do it on your own. Your instructor will be there to guide you.The tutor of history gives you a chance to do some really fun classes. Your instructor will encourage this in a variety of ways. For example, she might be able to help you with your homework assignments, which can be completed by yourself, or she may be able to supply you with a project to work on.These days college students are used to the ide a of being the center of attention. If they have not achieved it yet, then they will want to be the one. So, it is the instructor's job to help them become the center of attention and help them accomplish their goal. It is a form of power, but it is not one that you have to use to get ahead.They also want to be the center of attention, but they also want to do more. They may need help writing a paper or finding out the correct answer. They want to learn to think outside the box, which mean that they want the tutors to be much more than that, and often they are. These people also want the support of their instructor as well, which is very important for someone who wants to succeed in life.The tutorof history has a lot to offer students in an instructional classroom environment. She can take the class to new heights in terms of teaching, which means that you may discover a new way to view and learn that is not available in your college classroom.When you choose a tutor of history, don 't be afraid to ask questions and see how she goes about teaching you the right direction in terms of teaching and learning. She may help you uncover a new and innovative way to teach history to your student.

Pokemon X Tutoring

Pokemon X TutoringPokemon X Tutoring is a very innovative way to learn the many mechanics of the exciting new Nintendo DS game. Pokemon games are known for their interactive experience, with players able to customize their own teams, explore vast deserts, and battle computer-controlled opponents. This action provides a great deal of educational value to players.The new Pokemon X games allow players to create their own teams and choose from hundreds of Pokemons. Each has unique stats and abilities. Players also choose a move or moves to use on each . This leads to the classic formula that all Pokemon games follow, in which a move sets up a combo that will be used in a subsequent move.Of course, there are differences between Pokemon Yellow and Pokemon X, but the basic gameplay remains the same. As the player explores the landscape, his or her Pokemon battles other Pokemons and is attacked by enemies.In Pokemon Tutoring, this is done by choosing specific Pokemon to interact with and by assigning a random assortment of skills to them. Each has a series of actions that it performs in each level of a game. When the player attacks the enemy Pokemon, the enemy Pokemon will try to defend itself by using its own type of attack.As the player gains levels, the Pokemon may obtain more moves and train by using more than one Pokemon. Pokemon X Tutoring will teach players to use their Pokemon in strategic ways, allowing them to explore larger areas and learn new moves.To advance, the player must advance through the game as fast as possible by either obtaining more skills or higher XP level. Advanced tutoring will teach the player how to defeat more enemies and provide strategic moves that can help him or her level faster.By learning more about each Pokemonand using them strategically, players can increase their levels and find out more about the new Pokemon games. In addition, Pokémon Tutoring is a great way to improve the many gameplay elements of the game.

How Calculus and Geometry Online Help you in the Advanced Study of Math

How Calculus and Geometry Online Help you in the Advanced Study of Math 0SHARESShare Interactive learning through internet resources proves beneficial for learning brain- bending Math concepts in Calculus and Geometry. How do these web sources help you acquire a clear knowledge of agonizing issues of Math? Approach a tutor online for learning Calculus Calculus requires deep conceptual understanding of its calculations, since it has varied applications to the related subjects like Engineering and other Physical Sciences. Take online videos to get into the knowledge of the underlying structure of calculus. Avail online graphing sources to calculate Differential Equations and Integral Calculus. Choose e-courses and learn calculus online to enrich your knowledge in Pre Calculus to get started for higher Grades. Avail the services of a tutor in Geometry To get a thorough knowledge of Geometric objects like angles, straight lines and circles, The help of a Geometry tutor is essential. Geometry online makes you farewell in the chosen topic like Plane Geometry or Spherical Geometry. The quizzes, forums and additional sources offered by a Geometry tutor online improvise maximum benefits to you in your learning cycles. Online tutoring services provide deductive strategies to solve real world Geometrical problems. How to use Physics online Calculators? Online calculators are highly recommendable to do Physics calculations as that of Stefan Boltzmann Law. It is a law that helps to determine the unknown quantity among radiation emitted by the body, temperature and the surface area. Stefan Boltzmann Law is applicable to blackbodies, theoretical bodies that absorb all incident heat radiation. Stefan Boltzmann Law Calculator is used to calculate the radiation energy of a subject surface. It is useful for the students of Thermodynamics. With the available online resources, doing Math and Physics is not a hectic problem. [starbox id=admin]

What is it Like to Attend Valparaiso University

What is it Like to Attend Valparaiso University The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Katelyn is a Chicago tutor specializing in several subjects, including ACT prep tutoring, Chemistry tutoring, English tutoring, and more. She earned a Bachelors degree in Chemistry, International Service, and Humanities from Valparaiso University in 2014. Check out what she had to say about her experience at Valparaiso University: 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? Katelyn:Although Valparaiso University is set in the suburban town of Valparaiso (in Indiana), the campus is distinctly separate from the town. Save for one residential street, the campus is entirely comprised of residential life and academic buildingsthere are no major streets running through campus, so the only cars in motion are those of the students or faculty. While parking is available for students after their freshman year, I did not elect to have a car until my senior year, when I lived off-campus. It takes about 15-20 minutes to walk between the farthest buildings, so there are some bikes around campus. Due to the lack of indoor storage for bikes, having one can be more of a hassle during the winter months when the sidewalks are icy. There is a city bus system called the V-Line that students may utilize for free if they wish to leave campus to see a movie or run errands. The bus also makes special trips to the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. Here, you can pick up the South Shore train and be in Chicago in an hour! VT: How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Katelyn:The faculty is by far the best thing about Valparaiso University. As a predominantly undergraduate school, there are no teaching assistants for classes (outside of a few lab assistants in the sciences who help grade assignments). The average class size is in the 20s, so it is very easy to get to know your professor. It is not uncommon to hear of faculty members holding the last class session of the semester in their own homes, with a barbeque or holiday party afterwards. Students are required to meet with their academic adviser prior to registering for classes, so at the very minimum, you will see your adviser once per semester. However, it is more likely that you will see your adviser once a week just by passing them in the hallway of an academic building! My chemistry adviser was even part of our chemistry club co-ed intramural volleyball team! VT: How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Katelyn:Unless you are registered as a commuter, there is a mandatory housing component at Valparaiso University. The threshold for moving off-campus is 88 credit hours, which is typically reached after the spring semester of junior year. There are eight co-ed residence halls on campus, as well as one female-only hall that houses the six national sororities. The three freshman residence halls are all directly next to each other, so new students benefit from a little piece of campus that is essentially their own. There is one main dining hall, Founders Table, which is set up much like a food court. It is open every day of the week, so you do not have to worry about looking for meals on the weekends! There is also a cafe in Harre Union and a Grinders coffee/sandwich shop in the library. Meals are purchased a la carte, so there is no specific meal plan (i.e. 21 meals a week, 15 meals a week). I really enjoyed this flexibility because if I missed a meal in the dining hall or opted to eat off-campus, I did not lose any pre-paid money. Meal card money can even be used at the universitys seasonal farmers marketa perk during the fall and spring months! 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? Katelyn:Valparaiso University has five different colleges: the College of Arts Sciences, the College of Business, the College of Engineering, the College of Nursing Health Professions, and Christ College (the honors college). It is hard to say what is the most popular major on campus because the university does such a good job of providing an interdisciplinary experience no matter your degree. For example, during freshman year, there is a required course called CORE, which is essentially an introductory college writing/English/humanities course. Professors teaching CORE may be from any of the colleges, so they provide a truly unique perspective on the curriculum via their discipline, and they encourage students to do the same. I cannot say enough positive things about the quality of education I received at Valparaiso Universitya significant portion of the students successfully pursue a double major because they are purely interested in several topics. I was an anomaly in this regar d. I accidentally graduated with a triple major in Chemistry, International Service, and Humanities. One more thing I will add about academic support is that every college has recently received a major gift from donors/the university. The College of Nursing Health Professions has expanded its degree programs and acquired simulation laboratories; the College of Business has a new scholarship fund to send students to China for a semester of study; the College of Arts Sciences recently opened a new academic building, and it is in the process of building a new laboratory building; and finally, the College of Engineering opened a brand new wing of labs and student design space in 2012, as well as a state-of-the-art solar energy research facility. 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? Katelyn:There is no way not to make friends your freshman year. Resident assistants hold floor meetings and inform you about welcome week activities during the first week of classes. Even before you arrive on campus, Valparaiso University hosts a two-day orientation program in June called FOCUS, where students register for classes, meet their academic advisers, and start to make new friends. I think what helps catalyze friendships among freshman students is the policy in the Fraternity and Sorority community to host formal recruitment in January. Students looking to join one of these organizations must have completed 12 college credits and earned, at minimum, a 2.5 GPA. Joining a fraternity or sorority does not mean you will stop being friends with your other friends. I was in a sorority and had a very close group of friends from freshman year who ended up in different sororities than myself, but I believe our friendship only got stronger because we purposefully went out of our way t o hang out with each other! Outside of Greek life, I was also heavily involved with the international community, the fastest growing population of any group on campusand the most fun, I might add. VT: How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services?Do many reputable companies recruit on campus? Katelyn:The Career Center hosts many events throughout the year, culminating in two career fairs (fall and spring semesters). They have run programs such as an etiquette dinner, where professionals taught students proper table manners. I frequented their open office hours while I was putting together a resume for summer internship opportunities, and again when I was completing graduate school applications. They are currently working on creating a network of alumni mentors for students to partner with for everything from job shadowing to casual career advice. VT: How are the various study areas such aslibraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Katelyn:There are study areas all over campus even during my senior year, I was finding new places I had not known existed. While you may have to arrive at the library early during finals week, it is extremely easy to find a space there or in other computer labs/study lounges throughout the year. Though the library is only open until 2:00 a.m., each residence hall has a 24-hour computer lab and quiet study lounge for when you need to work late. My favorite place to study was in the library at the tables closest to the windowstwo entire sides of the library are glass, so it is filled with natural light. Because of this, even on days I stayed in the library for over 12 hours, I felt connected with what was happening outside. 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? Katelyn:Downtown Valparaiso has significantly changed in even the last four years, and the city has done a lot to help local businesses become more student-friendly. For example, on the first Thursday of every month, there is a dinner deal at a lot of trendy restaurants for appetizers and fixed-price menu items. The movie theatre and bowling alley are just a five-minute ride away from campus, and the shopping mall is within walking distance (with stores like Target, Barnes and Noble, Kohls, Marshalls, JCPenney, and Bath Body Works). The Lake Michigan beachfront/Indiana Dunes are favorite spots when the weather is nice. As the fall approaches, hoards of students carpool to the neighboring town for the local apple orchard/pumpkin farm. Valparaiso University is also known for its basketball, so in the winter you can expect to find the entirety of campus packed into the Athletics-Recreation Center for games several times a week. As mentioned before, the South Shore train is a quick bus ride from campus, so students will often plan weekend trips into Chicago. A significant portion of the student population commutes to campus, so during the winter months when it is too cold to do anything outside except walk to class, campus may seem empty. Once the weather warms up again, you will be wondering if the student population doubled in size! VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Katelyn:Valparaiso University is a community, so faculty, staff, and students are all familiar with each other. About 3,000 undergraduates are enrolled at any given time, and another 1,200 graduate students put total enrollment at around 5,000. I felt that this was the perfect number of people because I would always see my friends during the day, but every semester I was able to meet new people too. There is something extremely comforting about not knowing everyone, but also recognizing faces on your walk between classes. I think that at this size, it is also easy to be involved in whatever it is you are passionate about. My favorite example of this was my good friend James (now serving in the Peace Corps in Thailand). His degree was in International Economics and Cultural Affairs, but at Valparaiso University, he was heavily involved in theatre and music, taking on the role of president of the premiere choir, Chorale, in his senior year. Even in our freshman year, he was selected ov er upper-class music and theatre majors to play one of the leading roles in the musical Floyd Collins. VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Katelyn: When I was beginning my senior year, the university hired a new professor to fill an endowed chair position. I was already enrolled in a course that he ended up taking over (Global Humanitarianism) from my academic adviser. He is the former President and CEO of Lutheran World Relief, and he has served on the InterAction board in the role of Treasurer. To have a faculty member like this not only teaching my course of nine students, but also mentoring us, was an out-of-this-world opportunity. I ended up taking another class with him in my spring semester, and since then he has become a mentor and role model for me. After I graduated from Valparaiso University, I took three months to go on a cross-country bike ride for charity, and when we rode through Valparaiso, this professor and his wife opened their home to us for several days. It is relationships like this that truly define the Valparaiso University experience. They not only benefit students in their future careers, but i n their pursuit to lead lives of character, as well. Check out Katelyns tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

4 Ways to Incorporate MCAT Prep into your Daily Routine

4 Ways to Incorporate MCAT Prep into your Daily Routine For the majority of students, MCAT prep requires hundreds of hours of dedicated review. Often, this study occurs over several months. In addition to lengthy review sessions and practice tests, studying material in short snippets throughout the day can help pre-medical students fortify conceptual understanding and memorize key facts. Thus, incorporating MCAT prep into your daily routine can be a valuable strategy. Below are four ways to incorporate MCAT prep into your daily routine. Create a set of high-yield MCAT flashcards and review them every night Though the MCAT is largely rooted in understanding fundamental principles and problem-solving, there are always concepts, facts, and formulas that students must memorize to do well on the exam(e.g. endocrine pathways). When you are initially examining your review material, develop flashcards about these topics. Keep these flashcards on your nightstand and run through them each night before you sleep to easily incorporate MCAT prep into your routine. Add to your stack as you encounter additional information you must memorize, and before you realize it, you will have a better foundation in all the material you once had a difficult time recalling. Read notes while you exercise Though workouts can be an excellent way to unwind from the stresses of studying, certain parts of your exercise routine are great opportunities for you to read and absorb information. Consider adding elliptical or stationary bike time onto the end of each of your workouts, and then review prepared notes during that time. If you exercise multiple times per week, this study time can mount quickly and assist you in sorting through a number of topics. Talk through MCAT topics with your peers during a meal Studying for months for the MCAT can become a very isolating experience. To combat this and reinforce your review process, try to schedule a daily meal with those friends who are also studying for the MCAT. Use this meal to discuss a different topic each day, like the gastrointestinal system or chemical equilibrium. You will gain from their perspective, solidify concepts, and enjoy the company. Take advantage of audio learning There are several commercial products available that narrate MCAT concepts and facts in detail to students. Adding these products to your regular review can strengthen your understanding of material while driving, flying, walking to classes, working out, or doing anything else that allows you to have your headphones on or access to speakers. Though this is a passive method of learning, information you glean from audio learning is a bonus, as the alternative would have been not reviewing at those times. Incorporating MCAT prep into your daily routine may seem trivial at first. After all, most people often feel that nothing substantial can be accomplished in several minutes. However, over the course of months, those small moments become hours of review and study that you otherwise would not have had. This, in turn, can translate to large increases in your score, or perhaps a bump of one or two points. However, those one or two points could be the ultimate difference in your medical schoolapplication.

Ask an Admissions Expert Dr. Oliver McGee

Ask an Admissions Expert Dr. Oliver McGee Varsity Tutors brings you insider tips and advice straight from nationally recognized admissions experts. Dr. Oliver McGee served 5 years on the Faculty Admissions Committee of The Ohio State University. Working in admissions for the largest public university in the U.S. provided him with incredible experience to become an expert on the college application process, as well as a widely known STEM education mentor. He is currently an American Council on Education Fellow at UCLA, where he has gained further insights into all areas of admissions. Dr. McGee has additionally mentored several students who have went on to receive extremely prestigious fellowships. VT: How far ahead of time should a student begin working on his or her college application? Oliver: A student must begin working on his or her college application about a year in advance to gain insights into themselves and their desire for a college education through advice and counsel of parents, teachers, student colleagues, mentors, and extracurricular activity counselors, coaches, and coordinators.The application process falls into 3 buckets of work: 1.High School Classes always select challenging classes.Admissions counselors will read your transcripts very carefully to identify what classes were offered to you and what classes you ultimately chose. If you dont choose advanced courses, but do well on the SAT or ACT, you appear intellectually lazy because you didnt challenge yourselfday-in and day-out in your classes. 2.Summer Activities make sure to spend your summers wisely: volunteer, work, attend college and universitysummer programs, be a camp counselor, ortake summer school classes.Admissions counselors are eager to understand how you spent your time,because they want students who will contribute to their college or university. 3.Researching Colleges plan to spend quality time the summer before your junior year,using tools likeNavianceto research collegesand universities. It isfun andthe filters make it very easy.You can also get a goodintroductorysense of collegesand universitiesby looking at their websites. VT: What are the best ways to go about selecting a terrific essay topic? Oliver: Know thyself before thy write! High school is about developing ones deeper skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Use this liberal education and development process to learn more about oneself through the minds of absentee teachers in great books and great conversations taking place therein. From these great conversations, one can observe and absorb more about ones desires in living a good life and about ones aims in contributing to a good society. A terrific essay must be fully authentic about ones young life lived full out and colleges are interested in young people who aim to turn up the volume in their lives inside their college environment, which can be thought of as parks of beauty, featuring varied longstanding questions and truths taught and researched by excellent faculty and scholars supported in bountiful goodness of extraordinary staff and administrators.Write an essay that tells thereader about YOU as a person.Remember that admissions counselors wi ll already have seen your grades, test scores, and accomplishments. They want to get to know you ona deeper level with the essay.At some colleges, you will be required to write multiple essays. So,make sure they each reveal another aspect of who you are.Makethe essay interesting to read. It isthe story of YOU. So,think of it as the first few pages of a novel.Know that writing the essay will take far more time than you expect. So,allow for this. Let a teacher, counselor or parent read your rough draft and listen to their feedback. Dont be offended or feel overwhelmed,because it will all be worth it! VT: Are there any essay topics you get tired of seeing or would warn students to stay away from? Oliver: Stay away from inauthentic essays submitted, which are far away from how a student will be transformed into the clearing of possibilities possibly achieved from a possible college education, in order to take advantage of what President Obama recently stated in his second inaugural address that possibilities are limitless in America.Avoid writing about how someone inspiredyou,because the risk is that you will spend most of the essay writing about that person rather than about yourself. This wont help the admissions counselor get to know YOU. VT: What is the biggest mistake a student can make on a college application? Oliver: Lie. Why start out one's college career with academic misconduct? College is a momentary detour of thought and reflection on the journey and game of life. Why rest one's generous thought and reflection on a lie? Its unstable ground.Also, avoid these 4additionalmistakes: 1. Submitting the applicationon the deadline.For many colleges, the application deadline is December 31st.Why would you wait until 11:59 pm to press the send button on your application? This just increases the likelihood for problems as collegesand university admissions teamsmust print your entire application. And, givenmanyothersstudents procrastinate, why place your application inside that last minute company. 2.Writing less than the maximumnumber of words on the essay.If the maximum number of words is 250, then dont write 100 words! 3.Skipping the Optional Essay.Why miss the opportunity for the admissions committeeto get to know you better? 4. Forgetting to proof read!Have your parents readyour essay backwards to look for spelling errors. And ask your parentsto read youressaysa couple of times for grammatical errors. VT: What is the typical process an admissions officer goes through to evaluate applications? Oliver: Generally, there is an extensive reading committee of each application. Not only in consideration of meritorious excellence alongside diversity and participation goals of the college/university mission and strategies. But also, in consideration of a seven-step flow process with automatic applicant-qualifying typical seven-exit points into direct early admissions, with the last exit point falling into a more extensive review by a centrally-based faculty review committee on admissions. The final decision of this committee determines whether an application is finally accepted or denied admission. Of course, a plethora of varied appeal processes may and often do exist, consistent with the American principles, rules, standards, and values of complete fairness and due-process. VT: What do you think is the single most important thing a student should make sure they present in the best possible way on their application? Oliver: The essays are king. Please know that all essays are read by the reading committees very carefully these days. Especially so given the growing number of applicants that one must compete with for a valued-seat in the freshman class of an American college or university.Write the essay in your own voice.Admissions counselors can quickly spot the voice of an adult. Also, make sure that you meet as many people who will evaluateyour application as possible.Personally meet with the admissions counselor within the scope and geography of your colleges and universities of interest.Attend local presentations by the colleges and universities of your interests. If aninterview is offered either on-campus or off-campus, do it. VT: How should students go about determining the culture of a university, and whether they would be a good fit? Oliver: Visit the college or university campus. I call them churches of higher education or open parks of quiet beauty enjoyed by surrounding communities and neighborhoods. Some colleges and universities are actually cities within a city with all the amenities and public works enjoyed inside most urban centers across America. College and universities nowadays are widely branded online. Also, they have a sense of place that must be experienced by parents, teachers, counselors, and students. Because, above all, a higher education is as much an experience in its diversity and participation, as it is a mission of service of philanthropy to the American experience. This must be felt by parents, teachers, counselors, and students physically, in person not just virtually online. Remember, a prestigious, often highly selective, freshman class is an implicit promise of a four-year annuity to a college or university that must be taken as an intangible goodwill of the college or university br and. Parents, teachers, counselors, and students must experience the goodwill and implicit promise on the promise of what I call a dream-paper awarded to a student upon experience and completion of four-years of a higher education on how to live a good life.Trust yourself.You will know if there is a fit.If possible, visit the college, spend the night in the dorm, and spend the day with a student in hisor her classes. VT: Early-action, early-decision, binding/non-binding, regular decisions...With so many choices when applying, what do you recommend to students? Oliver: Do it all respect the process participate in it all early-action, early-decision, binding/non-binding, regular decisions if one wants something in life, one must not wait until it is given to you. One must in life, know thyself, next go for what you want, make your case, establish your support, and then ask for something in life you want. A higher education in life is a wonderful moment when it is all about you. And, what you want and need to fully prepare oneself for a good life is all about how to make a difference in others life through ones life and the lives of others. This is why college, as a uniquely American experience, is so beloved an institution of this country. Inasmuch as the university is such an interconnected American institution alongside family, church, state, corporation, and philanthropy. Applying to a college or university embarks students along the path of respect for American institutions. So, respect the process. Its fun! And, the process is full of enlightenment for parents, teachers, counselors, and students.Early decision is binding,while early action is not. So,you can only apply early decision to one school.Applying early decision significantly increases your chances of acceptance.If you need financial aid, your parents must submit paperwork on early decision timing.Your acceptance letter will include specifics of your financial aid package contingent uponfinal tax documents.Not all colleges offer early action, but many schools have a rolling decision process. So,it is always best to submit your application as early as possible. VT: How important are grades and standardized test scores when admissions decisions are being made? Oliver: Grade point averages and standardized test scores are extremely essential in respecting the process of college and university application and admissions. Such application and admissions are, in consideration as stated earlier, of the meritorious alongside diversity and participation goals of the college or university mission and strategies. And, these application and admissions are, in consideration once again, of a seven-step flow process with automatic applicant-qualifying typical seven-exit points into direct early admissions.Your grades andtest scores are very important. But,the classes that you choose are also extremely important (referto my answer to question #1).Dont make the mistake of getting so involved in extra-curricular activities that you neglect yourgrades.Admissions counselors want to make sure that you can do college-level work. VT: What tips do you have for students asking their teachers for letters of recommendation? Oliver: Do not ask teachers for letters of recommendation that have little idea about you as a person, your scholastic achievements, your extracurricular interests, intermediate goals in college, and your long-term goals in life. Ask teachers to shape questions for you to examine that are related to varied fields of study, not only you desire to explore deeply in a college education, but also you desire to do as a vocation in life. If what you plan to do in life does not match your inner desires in life, then how can you turn up the volume in your life? I believe college is a place where one can turn up the volume in ones life in order to make a difference with integrity and trust, responsibility and accountability, and self-expression and generosity. Forasmuch as college does works as partners with government, industry, and philanthropy to contribute knowledge. So, young people can come out well-prepared to embark upon a good life of understanding others. And hopefully, read, write, listen, and speak to persons of wisdom. And, eventually become a wise man or a wise woman in the grace of ones almighty in spirit. So, be sure to ask teachers for letters of recommendation, who have shaped your questions into your truths, beauty and goodness to achieve more knowledge and fuller understanding about your path to wisdom. This takes a lifetime to do. Ask carefully from your teachers a letter of recommendation, not just about your college admission, but also about your life path to wisdom. Those letters I assure you will definitely shine through the many others read by the college or university reading committee. Such letters, I assure you, will spiritually move these reading committees. They will accept you.Select teachers who know you well and ask them to write yourletter early in the semester.You want to make sure they have enough time to craft a quality letter so dont wait until the last minute when they are besieged by other requests. Visit OliverMcGee.org for more information. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.