Maths Equipment How To Choose A Calculator At High School

Maths Equipment How To Choose A Calculator At High School How To Choose A Calculator For Mathematics ChaptersWhy Use A Calculator?Types Of Calculators For SchoolAll About The Scientific CalculatorWhat Can The Scientific Calculator Do At A Glance:The Scientific Calculator Vs Graphing CalculatorHow Much Should You Spend On A Calculator?Where To Buy Your Calculator?Maths Equipment Oh dear! We need it for Geometry, mental arithmetic, probability, algebra, Calculus trigonometry, inequalities, relative numbers, fraction mixes, equation mixes, puzzles, quizzes, timed tests, oh my! the mathematics curriculum is loaded.Thankfully your introduction to the math subject in kindergarten and primary school was made up of basic counting, Addition, subtraction, division and Multiplication. Where you learnt using math flash cards, math games and printable worksheets. While this learning experience has provided you with a great foundation to excel in maths.Those childhood days are long gone, but it doesn’t mean math is no longer fun. It just means that you are going to need to upgrade your school s upplies list and your maths skills. Student learning from high school and onwards is known to be much more challenging for students. To do well in Mathematics courses, you should invest in some essential mathematics equipment.You can ask your maths teacher to give you the essential school supply list, or you can read my other blog post on the subject for full essentials back to school list for your Math courses.In this article, we are going to take a closer look at one of the most used pieces of kit for student achievement in mathematics education (aside from a good study attitude and excellent math skills). To support the serious math learner to do well in math classroom activities. The calculator comes to the rescue as the trusted sidekick.You will be surprised just how effective these maths games. Photo Source: Unsplash MyriamMaths Teacher 5.00 (13) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarkMaths Teacher 5.00 (5) £200/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Dr parikhM aths Teacher 5.00 (8) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors KamalMaths Teacher 5.00 (9) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors PetarMaths Teacher 5.00 (8) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors GowsikaMaths Teacher 5.00 (5) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RubenMaths Teacher 5.00 (1) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ConorMaths Teacher 4.75 (4) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsWhy Use A Calculator?The high school math curriculum is no longer limited to small equations that you can attempt in your head. Theorem studies, estimation, fraction studies, Algebraic calculations, Geometric angles, infinite complex numbers and much more. Rest assured that high school mathematics courses require the use of  a calculator. To enable the learner to be much more efficient in their learning activities.Calculators have been an indispensable tool in mathematics classes since the 1960s when they were invented.  The calculator supports M athematical literacy and can be used to solve an equation. However, not all calculators are created equal, and so there are different types of calculators that serve to work for different functions. Of all of the maths education resources to invest in, the calculator is one of the most used and most useful.Using games to educate students helps them in their learning and retention. Photo Source: UnsplashTypes Of Calculators For SchoolScientific calculators, basic calculators, business calculators, graphing calculators. While the name calculator may sound simple, the purchasing of one is not. To choose the ideal calculator, it is important  to know what you want to use it for. Then set a budget and choose one according to your budget and goals.The purchase of a calculator for high school is a real investment that must serve you during your time studying mathematics.  Let’s take a look at what’s on offer.Basic calculators do basic adding, subtracting, dividing and multiplying.Busin ess calculators do all that basic calculator’s do, but they also have buttons for interest rates.Scientific calculators do all that basic and business calculator’s do, but they also have functions to work out chemistry, physics, engineering, and trigonometry problems. (high school grade level and above)Graphing calculators are like scientific calculators except they have a larger screen that plots the answer as a graph. It can also solve integral calculus and matrices where Scientific calculators can not.They must also include the right functions related to the mathematics syllabus. However, if you are planning to buy a calculator, there are 2 kinds that are worth discussing for high school maths and higher. The Scientific CalculatorAll About The Scientific CalculatorThe Scientific Calculator is a handheld calculator invented to support maths, science and engineering problems. It is electronic and works using batteries which either need to be changed or recharged. You can input formulas, symbols and complex numbers.The children also make mathematical discoveries by themselves.Photo Source: Unsplash MyriamMaths Teacher 5.00 (13) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarkMaths Teacher 5.00 (5) £200/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Dr parikhMaths Teacher 5.00 (8) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors KamalMaths Teacher 5.00 (9) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors PetarMaths Teacher 5.00 (8) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors GowsikaMaths Teacher 5.00 (5) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RubenMaths Teacher 5.00 (1) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ConorMaths Teacher 4.75 (4) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsWhat Can The Scientific Calculator Do At A Glance:It can handle all basic numeracy functions such as addition and subtraction, Multiplication and division.It can handle all advanced numerical functions such as algebraic, geometric, trigonometric calculations.This cal culator has lots of buttons, and of course, each brand will be different, but on average it will have designated buttons for pi, parentheses, trigonometric functions, exponents, inverses of trigonometric functions, log and naturalThe Memory function on these calculators makes it possible to  record large parts of the mathematics formulae. Essential when you are working with formulas, geometric components or scientific notation.The Scientific Calculator Vs Graphing CalculatorTo find the best calculator for your needs, you must know what to look for. Because until you are looking for a calculator, you may not realise just how many calculators’ there are. But no matter which kind of calculator you want to buy for your maths course. You should make sure to be choosing between a scientific calculator and a graphing calculator. You can coordinate with your maths tutor or school teacher to ask which is most suitable for your plans. Or just read below to learn the basic differences betwee n them.Ask your math tutor for some guidance.FunctionsBoth the A scientific calculator and graphing calculator have the capability to perform advanced calculations. On the other hand on a graphing calculator, when you will input a function, you will see a graph of it on the screen. The graphing calculator has an additional piece of functionality as it can solve integral calculus and matrices.Advanced FeaturesA graphing calculator is more advanced than a scientific calculator but should only be invested in if you are going to use it to its fullest potential. They are much more expensive, so consider this wisely. Graphing calculators are used by professional mathematicians or those studying to an advanced mathematical level. Scientific calculators, however, are used by everyone from college students to engineers.Screen SizeScientific calculators have a smaller screen than graphing calculators.CostBoth can be expensive but scientific calculators can be found second hand from £10 if yo u really look and graphing calculators tend to start at £80. This is why graphing calculators are most commonly used by math professionals.ExtrasGraphing calculators are like small computers and so have wifi connectivity. Scientific calculators do not come with this functionality.How Much Should You Spend On A Calculator?The scientific calculator is worth the investment. While they can start from very cheaply be careful that your cheap version isn’t missing any useful features. While scientific calculators can range from £10, they can go up to over £100+.Be careful not to pick a cheap calculator when you need one more advanced or an advanced one when you only need a basic one. In both cases, you would have wasted money. The important thing is to know what you will do and if you are comfortable learning how to use the calculator or not.Estimate your budget before going to the store.  It is quite possible to get a deal on a calculator if you are looking for it.Understand that the style of the battery can vary the price so you should understand the choice between disposable battery or rechargeable battery calculators.  The latter can be a nightmare if you forget to it recharge before an exam.Where To Buy Your Calculator?High school calculators are available in most high street stationery shops, you can also find them in hypermarkets like Sainsburys savacentre. If you can find a mega supermarket, who does back to school deals check there too. You may find Tesco or Lidl selling a good quality calculator that will serve your purposes.Also, don’t forget to look for your equipment during significant sale periods. Sales like black Friday and summer sale events can save you a lot of money allowing you to either upgrade to a better model for half the price or just get two for one.If you have family members or friends, who have graduated and are not following on their math education. Why not ask them to give you their calculator, this would be free after all. Plus, you might get a free demonstration and other education resources.In the same vein if you need a better model than you can afford why not check charity shops, car boot sales or markets. This will lower the cost and may allow you to barter.You can also find a low-cost calculator on the internet.  Look out for promotions at the start of the school season or other exciting discounts.  But again, don’t just buy because it is cheap to make sure it has the functions that you need before ordering.Whichever calculator you choose it is better to  invest in a good one which you will have time to learn to master. Also, you can then avoid having to pay a new calculator at the beginning of your next level of higher education.If you are looking for a school kit for a younger student please check out our blog on the Back to School supplies for kids studying maths!

Probability help for students can be found under TutorPace

Probability help for students can be found under TutorPace Time helps us to get drenched into new ways of applications that helps to lessen our work load. Today with the advent of various types of new applications and other various types of new things life has become far easier than before. Everything is available with just a click away. Internet has lessened the work load to a large level. It has helped in finding and receiving various types of information that helps in making our lives easier. Working people find it easy if they can access anything that has an internet connection. A good internet connection helps in providing you with variety of help. It saves time and energy. Now, with the help of that internet only things are becoming handier. Earlier internet meant that children were to view and get into something wrong. Parents were very much worried about internet connection and about how much will it hamper a child’s future. But keeping all allegations behind internet has now come up with something new that is helpful as well as will bring in betterment in a child’s future. Yes, you may feel this to be just a joke, but things are going in such a direction. Internet has now arrived in with tuition classes as well. Journey of online tutoring services Various institutes have come up that helps tuition classes to get conducted over internet. Internet has been working as wonders for the past few years. Every small and big help can be available through internet. This is a new way through which students can get help. The online tutoring service may be new, but it has gained lot of popularity within such a limited time period. People like the concept and has made an attempt to go for it and avail its various services. The concept is about providing you with the learning experiences in an easy way than any private tutor will provide you. Today every private tutor is very much professional and thus they do not provide good concentration on any subject neither on any student. They only concentrate on making money and nothing else.  Many students are very much suffering from such type of teachers as they do not teach with perfection. Online tutors have been serving their candidates with perfection. This has been helping new students in a lot more ways than it would have been in case of any private tutor. The service comes up with various types of facilities that help in making students get attracted towards it in a lot more ways. The features are very much helpful for any student who is weak in any subject. Yes, it is true that these online tutoring facilities have various types of services within it. Every subject is being taught, homework help is provided preparation for various entrance examinations are also conducted. This is never possible with any of the private tutoring facility. Its now time to list down some of the functions or say some of the features that help in knowing the concept even better than before. Noted features of online tutoring facility There are various features, but it’s important that one should know the basic and the most important feature that will help them to know the entire concept in a far better way.   The teachers that are present in the institute are very much efficient with the subject and can handle the subject with ease and perfection. The teachers are all appointed after a very tough interview process. This helps the institutes to come up with various types of good teachers who can teach the subject with perfection and utter dedication than any other private tutors.   The teachers have excellence in any particular subject that they are teaching and thus students can cope up with the subject in a lot more easy way than before. The best part of online tutoring is that the teachers first of all make a structured plan on any student noting down what are the areas a student is weak in and then plan a strategy to help the student cope up with it. a weak student can easily come up with its problems in front of the teacher. They can clear their doubts instantly and this helps them to move further with the subject.   The online tutoring facility is available all round the clock. It depends on the students can when and how they will attend and manage the class. The teachers are also present all time so that they can help the students whoever has arrived in with any kind of problem. The students also can avail the classes anytime they want.   Not only subjects, but different other educational help is also provided by these institutes. Different homework help, assignment completion, helping a student in his or her projects are also a part of services of these online tutoring institutes.   Every student is attended by every single teacher and thus it helps a student to come up with any kind of doubt that they have. The shy feeling of a weak student is not found with these classes as they do not have to feel embarrassed about their inability to know the subject well. They can deeply know and understand the subject with the help of online tutors. So these are various types of facility that online tutoring service can provide you. Now you may think for which institute to go for. I can help you with that as well. Tutorpace is one of the good and reputed service providers who can help you by providing you with different types of help that are mentioned below. Good teachers, fair teaching, no time limitation are the basic facilities that it provides. The charges that are charged for any kind of service is also very less and this helps in making the middle class family also to afford the tuition service with ease. Probability help for students is also a service that is much in demand by TutorPace.  

What is it Like to Attend Columbia University

What is it Like to Attend Columbia University The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Julia is a New York City tutor and 2012 graduate of Columbia University. She majored in Ecology and Evolution Environmental Biology. Julia specializes inseveral subjects including Geometry tutoring, Statistics tutoring, and Organic Chemistry tutoring. Check out her review of Columbia: 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? Julia: Columbia is in New York City, of course, so public transportation is excellent. The 1 line on the subway will take you wherever you need to go in Manhattan, and theres a bus that stops at Columbia that goes directly to LaGuardia Airport. As for safety, New York City in general and the Columbia neighbourhood in particular are much safer than people think. Its not the 80s anymore. VT: How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Julia: Professors and TAs are generally very personable and available, unless your professor is someone really famous, like Jeffrey Sachs. Academic advisers are available by appointment, but arent terribly helpful. If you have a problem with your schedule or your credits or anything else academic, you need to take the initiative. Try to solve it yourself, and if you cant, then go to your adviser with specific demands that they can fulfill. VT: How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Julia: The rooms arent great until senior year, but honestly, who cares? Youre in New York City. People pay $1000/month to live in much worse housing than this, and if you dont like it, you can always strike out on your own and live off-campus. The housing for seniors is fantastic, though. The food is pretty bad at Columbia, but you can use your dining plan to eat at the Barnard cafeteria, which is better. All the same, Id advise that you get off the meal plan as soon as possible. I started cooking for myself my sophomore year, and the upshot is that Im a much better cook than most people my age. As for location and socialization that hardly needs saying. If you use your evenings well, youll make tons of friends both on and off campus. Im from New York and even so I can say I had my most thrilling urban adventures while at Columbia. 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? Julia: The biggest majors at Columbia are History, Economics, and Political Science, but youll find incredibly dedicated and intelligent people in every department. My major was Ecology, Evolution Environmental Biology, which I think is a hidden gem at Columbia. Everyone in the major does a thesis, which gets generous funding from the department. I had the opportunity to do my thesis research in Kenya. 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? Julia: Making friends at Columbia is easy if you want to make friends. You cant be shy or passive about it. If you dont reach out to people, you could float along in a bubble of solitude and no one will notice. But if you go out, talk to strangers, take part in campus activity, then youll have more friends than you know what to do with. I know I did. There is absolutely no need to take part in Greek life to make friends in fact, Id advise against it, given all the recent scandal with Columbia fraternities. They constitute less than 10% of the undergraduate body and have a poor reputation to boot. VT: How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services?Do many reputable companies recruit on campus? Julia: Not very helpful. If you want an administration that will nurture you and guide you every step of the way, dont go to Columbia. There are millions of opportunities available to Columbia students, but you have to find them yourself. No one will show you the way. Thats not to say that there arent recruiters on campus, but the most aggressive ones are from Wall Street banks, and frankly I think theyre evil. VT: How are the various study areas such aslibraries, student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Julia: The libraries are numerous and architecturally beautiful. Be sure to branch out beyond Butler, our most famous and most used library, especially around finals time when it gets crowded. Im personally fond of the Teachers College library, which is great for group study sessions because youre allowed to talk, within reasonable volume limits. 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? Julia: I dont know what to say about New York City that people dont already know. Its constant excitement. If you want to do something completely new and mind-boggling every single day, you can (though youll exhaust yourself very quickly.) Columbia is in Morningside Heights, which compared to the rest of Manhattan is pretty low-key, though low-key for Manhattan is high-octane compared to anywhere else. One thing Ill say is that not enough Columbia students venture out of Morningside Heights. Theres plenty to do in the neighborhood, but to me it seems the pinnacle of laziness to forgo a short trip on the subway to enjoy the rest of the city. VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Julia: Columbia is just about medium-sized in the scale of things: big enough that you can maintain your privacy, small enough that you dont get lost in a faceless crowd. The class sizes never bothered me. Obviously, something like Intro Chemistry is going to be a big lecture class, but all the core curriculum classes are small, as all the really important classes are. VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Julia: Columbia is famous for its core curriculum, a suite of classes that everyone must take. Personally, I had a great time with the core curriculum and Ill never forget my Contemporary Civilization class. The professor was much like Socrates, the ancient philosopher about whom we read so much: he questioned everything the students argued. He let no belief go unfounded, no unconscious bias go unmasked. By the end of the class, I internalized him. I interrogate everything I hold dear, and anything that can survive that scrutiny I keep, and anything that doesnt hold up I discard. I think the core curriculum turns you into a very thoughtful person, if youre willing to open your mind and give up your pretensions. Check out Julias tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

The New York University College Experience

The New York University College Experience The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Adrianna is a Cincinnati tutor and 2013 graduate of New York University. She tutors several subjects, specializing in Elementary Math tutoring, French tutoring, and Reading tutoring. Check out what Adrianna had to say about her time at New York University: VT: Describe the campus setting and transportation options. How urban or rural is the campus? Did you feel safe on campus? Are there buses or do you need a car/bike? Adrianna: New York University is definitely an urban campus, as most of its buildings are in the heart of Manhattans Greenwich Village. That does not mean it is unsafe, however. Walking between the dorms, library, and dining halls at all hours of the night, I never felt unsafe. Just use common sense like you would in any situation, and you will have nothing to worry about. New York University does offer shuttle buses that run on a schedule throughout the day and night. You can also make use of the schools rental bikes, or the citys Citi Bike program. Walking, or taking the citys subway or buses, is also perfectly safe and sometimes more reliable! VT: How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Adrianna:I never had any trouble getting in touch with professors or advisers when I needed to. In fact, some of them were more reliable about keeping meetings than I was! This varies from program to program, but I have definitely heard more positive than negative feedback about students getting the help they need. Remember: your professors and advisers want you to succeed! Take advantage of their office hours, and schedule meetings whenever you can to discuss how you are doing. I promise, it makes all the difference! You will be more engaged in your education, and if you do find yourself in a rough patch, professors and advisers will be much more understanding if they know you well and understand what you are going through! VT: How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Adrianna:New York University is very different from more traditional colleges in a lot of ways, and dorms and dining are among the most stark differences. For starters, there are no communal bathrooms in any of the dorms. Most of them have a kitchen area. They are also the nicest apartments you are likely to ever have in New York City. This is a blessing and a curse definitely enjoy it while you can, but do not expect your first off-campus apartment to be as nice as your dorm, unless you are prepared to pay sky-high rent! There are plenty of opportunities to socialize with other students, but because the university is so large, you have to do some of the legwork. Meet people on your floor, in your hall council, in classes, in one of the hundreds of clubs and societies, or out on the lawn in Washington Square Park! But one of the best things you can do is to get out in the city and make friends outside of school! 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? Adrianna:This is the main reason I chose New York University. I went to the Gallatin School of Individualized Study because that particular program allows you to design your own course of study. If you have an oddly-specific subject you want to study and cannot find a school that offers it as a major, come to Gallatin! It is also great for people who have an idea of the general area they are interested in, but not specifically enough to commit to any one major. Gallatins professors and advisers are some of the most interesting and intellectually engaging people I have ever met, and I really could not have been any more supported. 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? Adrianna:New York University does have some fraternities and sororities, but Greek life is not really a big player in campus life for the majority of students. People tend to come to New York University because they want to buck the trends, and Greek life does not really lend itself to that. But there are so many other opportunities to meet people and make friends that you will not even miss it. Some of my best friends to this day are people I met in my Freshman Residence Hall Council. And all the Resident Assistants in the dorms are very good at getting you involved in events and excursions into the city. It is New York City, so there is no shortage of people to meet. You just have to get out there and meet them! VT: How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services?Do many reputable companies recruit on campus? Adrianna:I did not take as much advantage of New York Universitys Wasserman Center for Career Development as I perhaps should have, but from what I understand, they are a fantastic resource! The Stern School of Business and Tisch School of the Arts are internationally renowned, and their alumni are in high demand all over the place. VT: How are the various study areas such aslibraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Adrianna:That depends on whether or not it is exam time! For most of the semester, public study areas are plentiful and easily available. I spent many a night camped out in a corner of Bobst Library, leaving my computer and books unattended while roaming the stacks, popping down to the vending machines, or stepping outside for some fresh air. The dorms all have their own study lounges, as do most of the academic buildings and the campus Starbucks. But once again, it is New York. There are literally thousands of coffee houses, libraries, parks, and bookstores where you can study if your dorms study lounge is full! 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? Adrianna:The five years I spent living in New York City were the best of my life. There is an embarrassment of cultural riches, and the opportunities for exploration and adventure are literally endless. When you live in the greatest city in the world, it is definitely hard to be bored! City living is not for everyone, though. It takes a certain kind of toughness to live there, especially after graduation, but if you have the right stuff, you will have the time of your life! VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Adrianna:The student body is huge, with something like 50,000 students in total. But with 1,300 or so faculty, it is easy to get small class sizes! Of course, some courses will inevitably be large lectures, but for the most part, classes are small. At the Gallatin School of Individualized Study, for example, the maximum class size is 16. The smallest class I had was four students. So you get a lot of individualized attention, and you really get to know your classmates. VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Adrianna:The most memorable experience of my college career was traveling the world with my classmates and professors! Through the Gallatin School of Individualized Studys honors society and my own study abroad semester, I traveled to South Africa, England, the Netherlands, Spain, Poland, and Morocco, all within two years! I reached through the bars of Nelson Mandelas cell on Robben Island, walked through a gas chamber at Auschwitz, and sat in a pew in the cathedral nestled inside the Grand Mosque in Crdoba. These life-changing experiences really helped me put my life in perspective, and they helped shape my academic concentration. Check out Adriannas tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Why Students Should Care About STEM

Why Students Should Care About STEM You may balk at the idea of signing up for another math or science course beyond your schools core requirements, but enrolling in science, technology, engineering, or math classes even if you arent a STEM major can provide you with skills that are relevant to many types of employment. If your goal after graduation is to land a job in a competitive field, taking another lab course or an advanced calculus class can help bolster your math skills, boost your resume, and attract the attention of prospective employers. There are hundreds of reasons to care about STEM as you move through school and navigate the job market. Here are some of the top reasons students should care about STEM: 1. STEM courses help you master skills that are important and easily transferable to many types of jobs You may have learned to wield a micropipette in your biology lab, to titrate an acid in your chemistry lab, or to calculate the rate of flow of a substance in calculus. Though you may have thought you were learning these things just enough to ace the final, the truth is that the calculations, writing skills, and lab techniques you pick up in your STEM-based classes are invaluable in many professional fields. Whether youre applying to be a pharmaceutical researcher in a big lab or an actuary in an insurance company, mastering STEM skills during your high school or college years can make you an attractive candidate for your dream job and can help you build confidence in your skill set as you work toward your future career. 2. STEM fields have some of the fastest growing and highest paying jobs available With the explosion of the tech market, the growth of the pharmaceutical industry, and the ongoing need for healthcare professionals, the need for workers in STEM fields continues to rise. The expansion of the human population and constant innovation means that while these STEM careers are constantly shifting, they are also becoming more important. Some of the highest paying and most needed positions in todays society are available to STEM students; they become engineers, physicians, and computer programmers. 3. STEM subjects have practical application to your daily life Maybe becoming a rocket scientist or bridge builder isnt your aim. But even though you dont see your future in a STEM field, that doesnt mean STEM shouldnt matter to you. Being familiar with STEM concepts can help you manage your finances, figure out which detergent to use on a clothing stain, and tackle complex critical thinking problems required of nearly every profession. Remember that cooking is chemistry, that basic first aid requires an understanding of biology, and that setting up your new laptop necessitates some comprehension of computer operating systems. There are many benefits of STEM studies, and these skills are applicable for virtually everyone. 4. Our modern world depends on the innovation of STEM fields to keep moving forward The most world-changing progress in the last few decades has arisen from STEM fields. From the discovery of the polio vaccine to the invention of the microchip, no fields have rivaled that of STEM fields in defining how we live, work, and think. Taking part in STEM classes or working in a STEM field means being a part of human progress, globalization, and the world economy. Moving forward means embracing what STEM fields can teach.

Ask a Law School Admissions Expert Joyce Curll

Ask a Law School Admissions Expert Joyce Curll Varsity Tutors brings you insider tips and advice straight form nationally recognized admissions experts. Joyce Curll served for 18 years as the Admissions and Financial Aid Dean at Harvard Law School. Prior to that, she was the Director of Admissions and Admissions Dean for 16 years at NYU Law School. Joyce is the author of The Best Law Schools Admissions Secrets, a best-selling guide designed to help prospective law students successfully navigate the admissions process. She earned her Bachelor of Arts cum laude at Harvard University as well as a Masters degree in Urban Planning from New York University. VT: How much time should be set aside to adequately prepare for and complete a Law School application? Joyce: To maximize the possibility of acceptance to your top choice school, plan ahead and start early, no later than the summer or early fall of the year before you want to attend, and even earlier to allow time to adequately prepare for the LSAT. The amount of time to actually complete your applications will vary according to what you have done in the course of your educational and work experiences. If you have laid good groundwork, you will save time in the long run, and your application will be more coherent. You will know whom you want as recommenders and may already have requested that recommendations be placed on file in your college pre-law advisors or Career Services office. You may also have planned ahead by giving careful thought to why you want to be a lawyer, and engaging in coursework and work/extracurricular activities that will inform that decision and provide fodder for both recommenders and your own personal statement. If you have not done these preparations, you wi ll likely spend more time on these time consuming parts of your application. The most time consuming aspects of completing an application include the time to prepare to take the LSAT, to prepare information and allow lead time for recommenders, and to write and edit your personal statement. Getting your application in early will put you ahead of comparable candidates who procrastinate or start the process late. VT: What is the single most important thing applicants should focus on with this application? Joyce: Coherence and consistency. Your application should present a coherent and consistent picture of you as a potential student. Your recommendations, your personal statement, and your own explanation of your background, accomplishments, and goals should give the admissions committee a clear sense of what you will bring to the class and how you will take advantage of the opportunities that their school offers. VT: What are the biggest mistakes one can make on a Law School Application? Joyce: Shading the truth. Outright dishonesty is an obvious disqualifier for someone who hopes to enter the legal profession, but even shading the truth or engaging in puffery in any aspect of your application will, if identified, cast doubt on even your genuine accomplishments. Law school admissions officers and their committees see many applications even in the course of one year, and they know exaggeration when they see it. VT: What do Law School admissions offices look for most in an applicants essays/personal statements? Joyce: Your essays and personal statements are your opportunity to paint a picture of yourself that will in many cases substitute for an interview. Even schools that offer evaluative interviews will not offer them to every candidate. In the virtual interview offered by these essays, you should answer those questions that you hope would be asked during an actual interview. You want the admissions officers to see that you know what the school has to offer and that you are equipped to take advantage of it. Since much of the learning in law school comes from interaction (in class and out) with your peers, you will want to share with the admissions committee what you will bring to the class. VT: Is there anything on a students application that would automatically disqualify them from being considered for the program? Joyce: Although there is nothing that will automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered, any form of dishonesty will be tantamount to disqualification. If you have a criminal record or any academic or other manifestation of dishonesty in your record, you should deal with that issue forthrightly in a separate statement. Your experience after any such incident should demonstrate that you have accepted responsibility for your actions and learned from the experience. There should be evidence that demonstrates that such incidents will not recur. Multiple instances of dishonesty make that job more difficult, but also more important. VT: What about the Law School Admission process differs the most from undergraduate admissions? Joyce: At the undergraduate admissions level, potential for success may be a key factor, whereas at the law school level, accomplishments are more salient. This is an obvious difference related to the broader experience of college graduates as compared to high school seniors, and it is reflected in all aspects of what you need to present, from your choice of activities and work experience, to your academic record and what your recommenders are able to assess. It is manifested by less focus on such factors as interviews and by most law schools devoting less manpower to the selection process than their undergraduate counterparts. VT: What kinds of things (experience, grades, etc.) might a student lack that would lead you to advise them not to apply? Joyce: This is more a question of whether this is the right time or whether the student has done the necessary groundwork to maximize his or her chances of admission to the best school for him or her. If the student has done the research to truly understand why to go law school at all, and particularly why this law school, there is no reason not to apply. There may be some rehab work to do before applying. Anything in the applicants record, from academic issues to LSAT scores, to disciplinary action or criminal charges, should be resolved before applying. What the resolution is can dictate whether or not it is advisable to apply. VT: Is there anything you might see on a students application that would quickly put them ahead in the running? Joyce: I like to see how a person takes advantage of opportunities, and how they deal with setbacks. A person who has maximized what opportunities have been made available or, even better, has created his or her own opportunities, is one who will take advantage of what my school has to offer, and take new opportunities as far as possible. VT: What advice do you have regarding LSAT test prep? Joyce: It is very important to prepare for the test, but only necessary to take a prep course if the discipline of having spent the money and having a teacher/tutor in front of you will assure that you will actually do the prep work. At Harvard Law School, we once asked our students how they had prepared for the test. Less than half had taken the prep course. Most had prepared for the test on their own, by sitting down with previously disclosed tests and working through them in a disciplined, self-timed way. Before taking the actual test, they owned the understanding of the test question types, and their own strengths and weaknesses. And it showed up in their results. VT: What do law school admissions officers look for in recommendation letters? Joyce: I look for a clear understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of a candidate, with substantive examples of their accomplishments. A thoughtful critique, even with the description of a weakness, can actually enhance credibility on the positive side. I suggest that applicants give their recommenders enough lead time to write a thoughtful recommendation. I also recommend giving the recommenders a copy of your resume and a copy of your transcript(s) to help remind them of your accomplishments and interests. A well-written letter by you, requesting the recommendation, describing why you want to go to law school and what your activities have been since you studied with them can also be helpful. In that same context, a description of your activities outside their experience with you, but within their knowledge of the campus or other common ground, can help produce a more substantive, personalized recommendation. Giving them a copy of your personal statement is more problematic, in that a lazy or overburdened recommender might just repeat your wording, and make it appear that you wrote the recommendation for them. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Countable or Uncountable Become a Noun Expert in 5 Days!

Countable or Uncountable Become a Noun Expert in 5 Days! My students often have difficulties with nouns.  Are they countable or uncountable?  How do we quantify uncountable  nouns?  How can I possibly remember which  nouns are countable and which ones are not?  This week, Ive put together a 5-day guide all about nouns.  After completing the 5 days of fun, interactive lessons, youll have a much stronger understanding.  Finally, the most beneficial way to improve is always to practice with a native speaker, so schedule some classes with our talented instructors!DAY 1: COUNTABLE OR UNCOUNTABLE?First,  countable nouns are nouns that can be counted in English.  They can be singular or plural.I have 5 dollars.She has 3 sons.He has two classes today.Their family wants to get a dog.Can you think of more examples?Now, lets move on to the trickier nouns.  Uncountable nouns are not counted in English.  The first step in mastering uncountable nouns is to find a reliable way to group  them.  Today youll learn this, and also get a chance to us e uncountable nouns in sentences.  Watch this video up until 6:00, and learn a helpful way to categorize uncountable nouns.Categorizing nouns is helpful because if were not sure about a  noun, but it fits into one of these categories, we know it is uncountable.  Complete the chart with more examples from each category.Whole made of smaller parts:  ______Foods that can be purchased in different forms: ______Substances that change shape: ______Groups of things made from different shapes/sizes: ______Languages: ______Ing forms: ______Rule #1:  We cannot put a/an before an uncountable noun, because that would make it singular.I need to buy a honey at the shop.  Rule #2:  We cannot add s to the end of an uncountable noun, because that would mean its plural.I need to buy coffees at the shop.Now, use the examples from the video and exercise above to say some sentences with uncountable nouns.I need to buy ______ at the shop.Example: I need to buy bread at the shop.I like ______.Example : I like learning English.I speak ______ very well.Example: I speak Russian very well.  _____ is important.Example: Efficiency is important.Finally, decide if these sentences are correct or incorrect.  If theyre incorrect, fix them and write your responses in the comments section.You cant see the airs in the room.Your hairs looks really good today!She makes a lot of moneys from her job.Can you buy milk on your way home?Please take out the trashes.DAY 2: SPECIFIC QUANTIFIERSHow do we make uncountable nouns plural or singular?  We use quantifiers!  Today youll learn various quantifiers and use them in sentences.  First, go back to the video from day 1 and start at 6:00 to learn some examples.Structure:  a/an/(two or more) + (quantifiers) + of + (uncountable noun)Rule #3: We can add a/an before a quantifier to make it singularI need to buy a jar of honey at the shop.Rule #4: We can add s to the end of a quantifier to make it plural.I need to buy  two bags  of coffee at the shop.Po ssible quantifiers: bar, jar, bag, slice, piece, glass, cup, bottle, game, cube, loaf, kilo, gallonNow, make sentences with quantifiers for the pictures below.  Remember to write your responses in the comments section!  Ex: Yesterday, I ate  a bar of chocolate.  I drank _ _______ __ ____.  I use _ ___ __ ____ in the shower.  We played _ ____ __ ______  together.   Have you seen the Friends episode where Joey drinks _ ______ __ ____?  Let me give you  _ ____ __ advice.DAY 3: NON-SPECIFIC QUANTIFIERSToday well look at general quantifiers like some, several, much and many.  First, watch this short video to learn how we use  some and any in English.Now, fill in the blanks using some or any.Would you like ____ coffee?Im sorry, I dont have ___ patience right now.Do you have ___ pencils?Yes, I have ____ money for you.She had a great day without ___ problems.Next, take a look at this helpful chart that shows you when you can and cannot use certain quantifiers.S=statementN=negative stateme ntQ=questionLets practice!  Use the chart and all your knowledge from days 1-3.  Fill in the following blanks with a countable or uncountable noun.  Remember to write your responses in the comments section, and well respond!Can you bring a few _____ to the party?Do you have any ____ that I can use?Im sorry, I dont have enough ______ to help you.When I got to class, there were several ____.I have many ______ in my bag.I dont have much _______.The film  had  a great deal of ______.Can I have a little _____, please?Id like some ______ with my dinner.DAY 4: GRAMMARToday well take a look at some grammar rules for countable and uncountable nouns.  Study the table below.  Then, fill in the blanks with how much, how many, these/those are, this is, there is, or there are.___ ____ motivation do you have to study English?____ software __ helpful for backing up your computer._____ __ a dog running in the park.___ ____ work do you do at home?_____ sofas ___ very comfortable.___ ____ water d o you drink each day?___ ____ bottles of beer did you drink last night?_____ __ a lot of wildlife at that park.____ grammar __ easy.____ luggage __ heavy._____ ___ so many great teachers at LOI.DAY 5: REVIEWI hope youve enjoyed these five days of nouns!  By now you should feel more confidence  about using countable and uncountable nouns in English.  Today, well review what youve learned with a fun, interesting exercise.Ive put together a list of nouns you will hear in todays video.  Before watching, decide if these nouns are countable (C) or uncountable (U) and use them in a sentence.  We love to hear your ideas, so share your sentences with us in the comments section.jungle hut(C): I would love to stay in a jungle hut in the Amazon.saworangutanopposable thumbobjectprecisionprideworksawdusttasknovicemomentumstaminaNow, listen closely to how the narrator uses these nouns in this video, and go back to make sure youve used them correctly.Congratulations on completing 5 days of noun s!  For more practice, check out another fun, short lesson on countable and uncountable nouns  here!  As always, make sure to practice your new knowledge with a native speaker by scheduling a class with LOI.  New to LOI?  Schedule a free trial class today!

Learn English Vocabulary Words connected with Shrove Tuesday

Learn English Vocabulary Words connected with Shrove Tuesday Pancake Tuesday is also known as Shrove Tuesday in the UK. Pancake (Shrove) Tuesday is the day before Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent (40 days leading up to Easter). The name ‘Shrove’ derives from  old English word ‘shrive’ which means ‘confess all sins’. Lent always begins on Ash Wednesday, for this reason people went to confessions on the day before. This day eventually became referred to as ‘Shriven Tuesday’ and later on ‘Shrove Tuesday’.Here are some  common English expressions and words connected with that period. Pancake Tuesday is the more modern term for the day that the Christians commonly refer to as Shrove Tuesday.  It is the day when Christians start  their preparation  for the period of Lent (usually give up or stop doing something they like as a form of penance).  Pancake Tuesday originates from an ancient English tradition of using up most of the fattening ingredients at home before Lent. Pancakes are made from simple products, flour water and eggs. An easy recipe to get rid of  all these stocks was to mix all of them with a bit of flour to make pancakes. They are flat and made on a pan. It was to signify  the last of the dairy products that would be eaten before Easter. The tradition has been handed down  from generation to generation. The making of pancakes is simple and those with enough skill will flip  the pancake from the pan and catch it before it falls. This flipping or tossing the pancakes is not only fun but also ensures the pancakes are cooked evenly on both sides.The panc akes are eaten plain often (in my home) with a sprinkling  of sugar and a squeeze  of lemon juice. Don’t keep this to yourself. Tell the world. In many towns the old tradition was to hold pancake races. The chef (cook) would gather in the town square and race along the street constantly tossing and flipping their pancakes.Overseas  Shrove Tuesday is known as ‘Mardi Gras’, which means ‘Fat Tuesday’ in French and it also originates from the idea of using up  all the stocks before Lent.A lot of countries around the world have Mardi Gras festivities  and also carnivals. Some of the most well-known are in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil and Venice in Italy.The day after Pancake Tuesday (Shrove Tuesday) is referred to as Ash Wednesday  the beginning of lent. Incidentally  the Americans refer to Shrove Tuesday as Mardi Gras. When I was a young boy we were encouraged to give up  for the 40 days of lent. This was often sweet things like cakes biscuits and sweets. A real tragedy (problem) for a young kid. Some people still stick to  this ritual. The exact date of Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday varies  from year to year as it is alw ays 47 days before Easter Sunday and as that feast varies then so do the dates of these 2 days. So it’s a moveable feast in every way.We have an expression in English a moveable feast. This refers to something that is not certain or the date is not fixed.For example: Is your friend getting married soon? I am not sure it’s a bit of a moveable feast.They do not seem to be able to make their minds up on the right day.The beginning of lent also signifies to me that winter is coming to an end and spring is not so far away. Here’s hoping! Online English Course Learn over 40 English Phrasal Verbs and English Idioms in context for FREE ENROL IN COURSE NOW FREE Learn New Vocabulary Words and Phrases to derive from   to come from, to originate fromto fast   to stop taking certain food or drink for a period of timeto get rid of   to dispose ofto toss   to tumble, to move back and forthoverseas   abroadto use up   to empty, to reducefestivities   celebrationto start preparation   to get readyto signify   to acknowledgeto hand down   to pass onto flip   to turn over by throwing it up in the airsprinkling   light dustingsqueeze (noun) small dropincidentally   as it happensto give up   to sacrifice somethingto stick to something   to follow somethingto vary   to change