Best Ways to Hire One on One Sat Tutoring

Best Ways to Hire One on One Sat TutoringOne on one sat tutoring is one of the best options for students who are having difficulty in completing assignments and other academic requirements. Tutors provide students with personalized guidance in their courses to help them move forward with confidence.As such, it is essential to understand the student's needs and concerns when choosing tutors. To that end, there are a few things you can consider before hiring a tutor. Before you select the person to help you, make sure to take note of these factors.First, make sure that the tutor has a personal background that matches your expectations. For example, if you want someone who is older to help you with assignments or tests, be certain that he/she is an adult. Do not choose someone younger because this may just add to your anxiety. Take into consideration the client's age, as well as whether they have any complaints against the previous tutor.Next, find out how good tutors are in your area. Find out how well they do on a regular basis by making inquiries and interviews. The person that does not meet all your requirements may not be the best person to get tutoring from. Ask other students about their experiences with tutors.Once you have decided upon a tutor that meets your requirements, make sure to choose a person who specializes in your particular type of academic needs. By so doing, you can be assured that the tutor will be able to provide only the right tools for your course of study.Also, find out how long the tutor has been teaching. The longer the tutor has been teaching, the more likely it is that they have a lot of experience and knowledge. There is nothing wrong with getting a good tutor to help you but in the end, it is your education that you should be concerned with. Remember, too, that you should have the confidence in your tutor that the person that you hire will provide you with the right type of tutoring for your needs.If you find it hard to find tutor s, try looking for agencies that will help you find tutors. These agencies will provide you with the names of tutors in your area and will even provide you with recommendations so that you can see which tutors are the best suited for your needs. This means that you can easily narrow down your search to those tutors that meet your qualifications.Finally, take a look at the local library. The library is a good place to get information about tutors and their qualifications. You can also refer to websites that discuss the qualifications of tutors in the area.

Debate of the week Losing in languages

Debate of the week Losing in languages A survey released this week has revealed that fewer secondary schools in England are meeting government targets for foreign language tuition. According to the National Centre for Languages (Cilt) only 40% of state schools meet the official target - which states that schools should have between 50% and 90% of pupils taking a modern foreign language at GCSE level. The truth is rather different. In England last summer, 44% of 15 and 16 year olds took a language GCSE. That's a shamefully low figure, surely. Less than half the country is engaging with a language at its most basic level. Alarmingly, French and German, traditionally the two mainstays of language learning at secondary level, are the worst affected. French GCSE entries were down by nearly 7% and whilst German GCSE entries sank by just over 4%. Our attitude to languages has traditionally been one of complacency, with many people figuring that, as most of the world speaks English, we may as well not bother learning another language. However, that's an attitude which rankles with most other nations, especially in Europe, where our reticence to engage with their languages wins us no favours. By contrast, many children on the continent have started to learn two languages by the time they reach secondary school, and their proficiency in English puts us to shame. We should make every effort to encourage our young people to study modern foreign languages seriously and buck this worrying trend of decreasing take-up in the field. By equipping them with a sound knowledge of French, Spanish or German, we will open up their futures.

Full-Time Job Benefits to Look for

Full-Time Job Benefits to Look for pexels.com With graduation on the horizon for many college seniors (or even while it’s still far in the distance for college freshmen), the idea of securing a full-time job can bring on a whole host of conflicting emotions: shock, amazement, fear, worry, excitement, anxiety … the list goes on and on. However, the good news seems to outweigh the bad in this situation: full-time jobs often come with a number of benefits, and it is entirely possible to find a job that offers the right benefits for you, no matter what field you want to pursue. What’s more, full-time jobs usually offer more benefits than do part-time jobs further incentive to work full-time. Check out the following list of full-time job benefits to keep an eye out for, which are useful to keep in mind when it’s actually time to embark on the job hunt. Health Insurance Health insurance is typically offered to full-time employees but usually not to those who work part-time. As healthcare plans can be a bit complicated sometimes, it’s important to do your research on the details of the plan being offered by the company, so that you are aware of all the health-related benefits you’ll have access to. Retirement Plan According to idealistcareers.org, Sections 403(b) and 401(k) are the most common retirement plans. Again, when considering potential job offers, finding out the specifics of the retirement plan being offered by the company is of utmost importance. More Vacation Days and Paid Sick Leave Compared to part-time workers, full-time employees typically receive a greater number of vacation days and sick days/paid time off throughout the year. So, while you may be logging more hours on the job per week, you’ll have the opportunity to take your vacation days on a more flexible schedule whether all at once at the end of the year or spread out, whatever best suits you. However, this is not to say that as a full-time employee you will automatically have an abundance of vacation days and paid time off. Usually, the amount of vacation time you receive depends on how long you’ve been with the company. Discounts on Certain Products While this particular benefit varies depending on the company, many full-time employees receive discounts on certain products. If you get excited at the prospect of having a reduced phone bill or being offered discounted prices on different kinds of technology, this benefit is certainly something to look forward to. Gym or Fitness Center According to youngadultmoney.com, a gym or fitness center is another perk that full-time employees can enjoy. Admittedly, this won’t excite everyone. However, for those who make it a habit to go to the gym regularly but often struggle to squeeze in a workout before or after work, having a gym or fitness center at your workplace can certainly make your life much more convenient. If you are interested in discovering other benefits that employers might offer, the United States Department of Labor defines a number of topics (e.g. family and medical leave, holidays) that can provide a clear idea of what is considered necessary for employers to offer by federal law.

How to Find a Good Tutor

How to Find a Good TutorWhen you are considering learning how to tutor at home, you may be unsure as to what a good tutor will look like, what it will cost you, and what you can expect from the tutor. You are not alone in wondering about these things.In this article I will give you some useful information that will help you in your quest to find a great tutor. Remember, you are free to choose the method of learning that is best for you, however, remember to go for the methods that can benefit you the most. Below are some tips on choosing a good tutor.School certification- Make sure that the tutor you choose has proper certification. The certifications must have been provided by either the United States Educational Testing Service (ETS) or a national group like the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL). You can look for this on the internet but make sure that you get a copy of the certification before you hire a tutor. Without the certificate, you cannot hold the person responsible for the tutor's performance.Private tutors- This is another way of finding a good tutor. There are many, many private tutors who have their own curriculum and will offer you some free lessons. Be sure to ask if they charge a fee, and if they do, make sure you know what the fees are. You should also ask how many lessons are included in the fees, since you will need to pay an hourly rate.Cost - The cost of the tutor is important, so make sure that you consider all the costs before you choose a tutor. Ask for quotations, and make sure that you are very clear on all the costs. The last thing you want is to hire a tutor only to find out later that you spent too much money.With these tips, you should have a better chance of finding a tutor that will help you learn how to tutor at home. If you are good at math, you may want to take up tutoring with a tutor who is really good at math. If you are a great singer, but just not good at reading, consider getting lessons from a tutor who sings a little. You will get much better results from a tutor who is a good singer than one who does not sing at all.You should consider how you can learn about the different aspects of the subject. Getting a good tutor will help you be successful in your goals of being able to tutor at home.

Chemtrails - How to Write Chemistry Words That Start With Y

Chemtrails - How to Write Chemistry Words That Start With YIf you want to learn more about chemistry words that start with y then this is a great article for you. All you need to do is click the link below and I'll show you how to write your own chemistry texts.The first thing you need to do is make a list of the chemistry words that start with y, because we want to include all the important ones in our next chemistry books. It is a simple exercise, and it will take about five minutes or so.The next step is to start reading the list and read each word out loud. Now you're going to try to repeat the word as you read it.Your job is to be able to spell each word properly. Once you get it right, you should repeat the word and speak it out loud again.Now the last step in your next chemistry words that start with y exercise is to write down the word, say it out loud and try to pronounce it. Use both hands, but always try to pronounce it as you write it.Once you've done this, you have just done a good spelling practice, because you will probably have to use it a lot. You can then practice writing the next few words.Next time you're taking a chemistry class, you can perform a similar exercise. You can also use the list from your science notebook to build up your vocabulary and you should be ready to write up an awesome chemistry book in no time at all.

Piano Lessons Near Me The Best Options for Piano Tuition in London

Piano Lessons Near Me The Best Options for Piano Tuition in London What's Stopping You? Get Yourself a Piano Teacher. ChaptersExpand Your Musical Education at the London Piano InstituteTake a Piano Course at the City AcademySearch Piano Options for All Abilities at City LitFind a Private Piano Tutor with SuperprofJoin a Piano Class at the London Music AcademyDevelop Your Piano Skills at the London Contemporary School of PianoLearn to Play Piano with a Band at Community MusicBring Your Kids to the Greenwich Music SchoolBecome a Professional Pianist at Guildhall School of Music and DramaConclusionThe musical life of London is famed across the globe, with some of the most famous concert halls and gig venues in the history of music. Think of the Royal Albert Hall, that prestigious seat of classical music. Or Ronnie Scott’s, the bastion of jazz outside of the United States. Or Fabric, the embattled nightclub that brings audiences from across the globe. This is not to mention the music shops that the city hosts or the musicians that it has produced.So, if you are lucky enough to live in the city â€" and have the desire to follow in the footsteps of the greats of contemporary music â€" you’ll find the artistic and musical sustenance to keep you going. All you need now is a teacher. On this subject, your opportunities are as varied as London is large â€" with options catering for young beginners, professional musicians, jazz aficionados or those with a greater appetite for blues and folk, and for everyone in between. People across the city specialise in teaching each of these demographics and specialist styles of music. And, if you just want to sit down and learn a tune or two, you’ll find a teacher for that too.As we’re talking here about the piano, it’s worth pointing out that you’ll find both private piano lessons and group music classes â€" and you’ll find a piano teacher focusing on improvisation or one trained in music theory. And, of course, you’ll find some that do everything.Whilst it’s impossible to cover all of them, here are the best ways to learn to play the piano in London. We hope it helps!Find a piano teacher and play like Thelonious, one of history's great pianists.playing solo tunes. Both courses, by the way, are taught in a group.Search Piano Options for All Abilities at City LitA similar institution to the City Academy is City Lit, an adult education centre based in Covent Garden. Alongside courses in everything from yoga to literary history, from flamenco dance to criminology, the options for piano and keyboard education at City Lit are a little broader than its competitor above.Here, you can take courses working towards piano exams, enjoy one-off piano workshops on a specialist theme (from advanced piano technique to a given composer from Bartok to Beethoven), or take specific classes in pop, jazz piano, Latin, or on aspects of harmony.   But, at City Lit, the novice will be as satisfied as the specialist musician, with beginner piano lessons starting frequently throughout the year.Don't just learn the piano, but find a te acher to help you read music too.Find a Private Piano Tutor with SuperprofIf you would prefer more flexible tuition â€" in which you are not required to attend a class at a set time each week â€" a private music tutor might be more your cup of tea. With a qualified and experienced music teacher who can even come to your house, you may well be more likely to achieve your goals on your instrument than if you have to face the faff of traipsing across town to learn.Superprof’s platform allows students like you to find the piano teaching that suits them best. The site hosts nearly four hundred piano tutors in London, offering lessons at an average of £35 an hour â€" and, if you would prefer piano lessons online, there are thousands more to choose from across the UK and the world. Once you’ve learnt how to play the piano, move onto something else. Superprof now has over a thousand subjects to choose from across the world! LouisPiano Teacher £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tuto rs AlisonPiano Teacher £32/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ErenPiano Teacher 5.00 (6) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors BarbaraPiano Teacher £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Chi yuenPiano Teacher 5.00 (5) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors TomPiano Teacher £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ValtiePiano Teacher £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DanielPiano Teacher 5.00 (5) £37/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsJoin a Piano Class at the London Music AcademyThe London Music Academy has been providing north-west London and beyond with music education for nearly twenty-five years. They provide lessons in learning piano for any age, ability, and aim, and they cover everything â€" as a good piano instructor should â€" from sight reading to ear training to chords, melodies, and your performance repertoire.In different studios across London, or in the comfort of your own home, the London Music Academy will give yo u the education you need to succeed in your instrument.Develop Your Piano Skills at the London Contemporary School of PianoFor ten years, the London Contemporary School of Piano has been giving private lessons from its music studio on Baker Street. Their tuition is a little in demand these days, as they have a waiting list as long as your arm (imagining, of course, that that is quite long) and only a limited number of spaces.Across the length of a thirty-week or twelve-month course, you will gain knowledge of all aspects of piano playing, from music theory to harmony work â€" and you will have the opportunity to work with the School’s founder, an expert in improvisation. The school also has experts in classical piano, jazz, and contemporary music, so whatever your niche, there’s a spot for you.Learn to Play Piano with a Band at Community MusicCommunity Music, or just CM, is an organisation dedicated to providing music education and creative opportunities to all people in London, regardless of their background. It provides courses, events, gigs, and full-time courses in music production and business. It also offers free music tuition in its different centres across the city, for those who may otherwise struggle to gain access to musical opportunities.Music Space North, CM’s centre in Haringey, provides free singing lessons and lessons on guitar, drums, bass, and the keyboard. The classes take place every Tuesday evening, they are available to all ages between eleven and eighteen, and you will get the chance to perform in front of your friends and family at the end of the course. A really brilliant opportunity for free lessons in the capital.You can also find piano lessons Derby.Bring Your Kids to the Greenwich Music SchoolGreenwich Music School is an organisation in Greenwich and Charlton committed to developing the musicianship of people of all ages â€" and they are particularly hot on music lessons for children. The early years classes offer exercises a nd activities in music making to children from nine months to six years â€" and parents are obviously encouraged to attend too.Otherwise, courses are available in piano from the age of six, and you can continue your musical instrument training throughout the rest of your life here. For adults, there is also the piano performance workshop, in which you can come and share the pieces you are working on â€" and listen to others doing the same.Learn the piano in the heart of London.Become a Professional Pianist at Guildhall School of Music and DramaFor those seeking not only a musical education but rather a fully-fledged career in music, there’s no place better to prepare than at Guildhall, one of London’s best conservatoires. This higher education institution provides undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in music, and you can specialise there in your preferred instrument.If this for you is the piano, then, during an undergraduate degree, you will receive one-to-one piano tuition w ith some of the best piano teachers in the country â€" as well as masterclasses with visiting performers who will show you the tricks of their trade. Combined with this, you’ll have music theory, musicology, and composition modules â€" and there’s the concerto that you will have to perform in your third year.If you are serious about piano, this might be the best decision you’ll ever make. ConclusionIf you’re not a Londoner but are interested in piano lessons, check out our guides to piano lessons in Manchester, piano tuition in Birmingham, Leeds’s piano opportunities, and piano teaching in Glasgow. We also have an article on the UK’s best piano tuition options too.Also, check out these:Piano tutor EdinburghPiano tutor BelfastPiano tutor Cardiff

What are the Average Maths Tutor Prices

What are the Average Maths Tutor Prices How Much Does Maths Tutoring Cost? ChaptersHow Much do Maths Tutoring Companies Charge?What's the Price of Maths Lessons from an Undergrad Student?What are Maths Tutor Prices Through SuperProf?Find an A level Maths Tutor or GCSE level Maths Tutor at SchoolWhat are the Alternative Options for Extra Maths Help?Maths Tutoring Fees per Hour Vary in Price Depending on Several FactorsMaths private tuition costs money but exactly how much does a private Maths tutor cost?Not all students have the same opportunities when it comes to accessing maths aids to overcome their difficulties in school. It usually comes down to their parents' financial situation and whether they have the means to get them the extra bit of help they need.For many families, price is usually the deciding factor in most situations.Not all forms of tutoring have to break the bank - there are resources available for all budgets. So let's have a look at the different options to learn maths. 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 tutorsHow Much do Maths Tutoring Companies Charge?Each tutoring organisation has their own rates. For a tutoring business, taxation and running costs usually result in a high cost for one hour of tuition.To uphold their reputability, these organisations usually require their tutors to hold a degree or a minimum A grade in  an A level in the subject they teach. This means they can guarantee a certain level of qualification and an agreed methodology so that stude nts get the most out of their sessions.However, after commission and tax deductions, maths tutors aren't left with a very large proportion of what you pay.Whether you agree with this or not is up to you.What's the Price of Maths Lessons from an Undergrad Student?Recruiting an A level maths tutor or undergraduate student is becoming all the more common for those who want to study maths. These home tutors are usually looking for tutoring jobs for an extra bit of pocket money and are happy to help younger learners through their schooling.Getting help from other students can be advantageous ¦ source: PixabayBut what do they charge for maths lessons? £10 per hour for GCSE maths £15 per hour for AS level and A level £20 per hour for a GCSE small group session £30 per hour for an AS or A level small group sessionAs with professional tutors, rates are adjusted according to the level of study.Having a one to one maths tutor who is also in the education system can be beneficial to students s ince their tutor is familiar with the relevant study skills and  feels comfortable helping their tutee to understand what the maths national curriculum requires of them.It's ultimately up to parents and pupils to decide whether this kind of home tutoring, where tutors do not necessarily hold a maths degree, suits them. 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 are Maths Tutor Prices Through SuperProf?Superprof offers home m aths help and online maths tutoring services from the best tutors who set their own rates according to their own qualifications and level of experience.At Superprof, we don't recommend working 'off the books' and provide a safe and secure way to find a tutor. In the UK Superprof is free to use. Search and message tutors for free and pay no commission to Superprof.Superprof can help you find a home maths tutor or an online maths tutor - whatever suits you best. Filter by price or location, message tutors to discuss your needs before hand and hey  presto - you have  a tutor!Find an A level Maths Tutor or GCSE level Maths Tutor at SchoolSchools often set up their own tutoring systems to help students who slip through the net or are starting to fall behind in class. When it comes to maths, this usually works by pairing A level maths tutors / students from the sixth form with maths GCSE pupils. This form of peer mentoring can help students gain the confidence they need to feel calm when it comes to speaking up in class and sitting exams.It's worth knowing that this type of help comes at no extra cost to parents, however, it is mainly focussed on those who are between grade boundaries (trying to achieve a grade C instead of a D, for example) or wanting to attempt the GCSE higher maths paper instead of foundation maths.These supplemental sessions usually take place before or after school, or in form period.Receiving help from another student who is also at their school can put the tutee at ease with the course content since the pressure of performing in front of a teacher is removed. This means they have a higher chance of academic success.What are the Alternative Options for Extra Maths Help?The list of solutions below is not exhaustive, but it will give you an insight into alternatives to one on one tutoring.Academic Support Groups in Your Local AreaThere are groups which exist for the purpose of providing free tutoring to children and adults who cannot afford to g o down the private route. Such organisations can provide help with maths homework help or assist adults who are having difficulty in their day-to-day lives because of their level of education.The objective of these associations is making sure no one gets left behind at school regardless of their situation.Action Tutoring is an organisation made up of volunteer tutors who work in London, Birmingham, Bristol, Sheffield, Liverpool and Brighton and Hove. Their aim is to give pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds the opportunity to succeed in their academic careers and go on to further education.The Access Project  is another one of these organisations and focusses particularly on helping low-income students fulfil their potential and get a place at top UK universities such as Oxford and Cambridge.These associations tend to target students in need by operating in areas where a high proportion of students are eligible to receive free school meals.According to the Action Tutoring website, only 38.7% of those achieving 5 GCSEs at A*- C grades are eligible for free school meals. This shows a correlation between socio-economic background and prospects.Free Maths Resources and Maths Tutoring OnlineIf your child wants to practice what they've been learning in their school maths lessons, there are plenty of maths websites where then can play fun maths games, do cool maths drills and download free maths worksheets.Find free interactive resources on the internet ¦ source: PixabaySchool teachers often set homework on My Maths - a website where children can do their homework, follow tutorials, and play my maths games. For those who don't have a My Maths school login, websites such as BBC Bitesize maths are full of resources from KS1 maths all the way up to GCSE and Scottish higher maths.BBC Skillswise maths also provides resources to help adults in maths and English. This website focuses on the practical applications of maths in everyday life, so you'll find anything from cal culations to geometry.Find an online maths tutor who is right for you.Online Maths Lessons with YoutubeMany certified teachers such as Mr Barton Maths are uploading their maths lessons to Youtube.This is a popular resource for students who are working through maths past papers, since they are usually exam board specific, as the maths teacher shows their working - an invaluable resource for test preparation.So if you want to work through Edexcel maths GCSE past papers, AQA maths A level past papers, or OCR maths past papers, you'll find a video for your exact practice paper.This method of A level maths revision and GCSE maths revision  is useful for students as they can pause, rewind, and replay parts of the lesson at any point.And, of course, it's completely free! All you need is a Wifi connection.And if you're not preparing to sit an exam, there are plenty of videos teaching general maths. So if you want to refresh your mind in maths and feeling curious why not try a quick search?M aths Tutoring Fees per Hour Vary in Price Depending on Several FactorsWhat you pay for a math tutor can change depending on who you approach. For instance, a certified teacher with a math PhD will charge a lot more than a maths undergraduate.Location also plays a part in academic tutoring costs. The average hourly going rate of maths tutors in London is £22.50, compared to just £14.39 in Bradford.And that's just the start! The level of tutoring experience on someone's CV will also influence how much they charge.Each tutor will take you along a different path, which will you choose? ¦ source: PixabayDifficulties in maths usually originate from a lack of confidence in the learner due to the nature of classroom teaching in maths for schools. If they miss something important or struggle to comprehend a certain concept, it can set them up to misunderstand what follows.More often than not, the tutor has to undo these feeling of self-doubt and persuade the pupil to believe in their abil ities by making them aware of their strengths and weaknesses in a constructive manner.Need further convincing? Why not check out these great reasons to take maths lessons.

What is it Like to Attend DePaul University

What is it Like to Attend DePaul University The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Devin is a Seattle tutor who specializes in all courses related to the social sciences and humanities, particularly Reading tutoring, Writing tutoring, and History tutoring. He graduated from DePaul University in 2012 where he studied History and African Black Diaspora Studies. See what he had to say about his undergraduate experience: 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? Devin: All transportation options are possible in the heart of Chicago. The elevated rail, more commonly known as the el, is both a national symbol and a piece of living history in the field of public transportation. Its color-coded system of tracks and platforms combine with the CTA bus system to get commuters within several blocks of any city destination. Free transfer options also allow commuters to move seamlessly along the easy-to-understand Chicago grid system, where there are endless opportunities to extend travel time with a leisurely walk; nonetheless, biking is a very popular and affordable travel alternative during the warmer months (and even the colder ones for true Chicagoans), especially now, since the current Mayor is engaged in a project to drastically increase the number of protected bike lanes in the city. DePaul University is the definition of an urban campus. As a result, it benefits from all Chicago transit authority infrastructures. Most students ride a CTA bus or an el train to work and some even commute from the suburbs via the larger, more-luxury Metra trains. On campus, designated transport vehicles known as Public Safety will escort students to local destinations upon request. All options considered, some students still prefer to have their own vehicle in the city. This is possible, but one should expect to pay for parking, if and when they can find it. VT: How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Devin: Adepartmental advisor is usually assigned to each student, and meeting with them is only a matter of scheduling an appointment via email. Undergraduate advisors are not assigned, and one has to be slightly more proactive about finding their contact information and scheduling a visit; however, upon entry, each student is given an undergraduate form that lists the requirements necessary for graduation in both their school and department. Additional copies of this form are also available on each students Campus Connect portal, a website designated for student services. If a student takes the initial time to interpret this form, and then uses it to track their own progress, then they will never have to meet with an advisor, and they can take control of their own education. This is highly advisable. Most other professors have weekly, designated office hours where you can drop-in unannounced. In the History department, finding a good conversation was only a matter of roaming the hal ls. VT: How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Devin: I did not stay in the dorms because I had already been living on my own for several years when I enrolled as a freshman. But the dining options are eclectic. There are counters on the dining floor for Asian and Latin cuisine. There are pancakes, eggs, sausage, bacon, pizza, fried and grilled chicken, rice, pasta, burgers, wraps, fries, potato wedges, soups of the day, and almost every salad fixing imaginable. Brownstones caf downstairs has some great breakfast options, like cheap and delicious bagel sandwiches, yogurt parfaits, fruit, granola bars, baked goods, juices, and everything coffee related. Making friends in these open environments is easier the more outgoing you are, and for everyone else, have no fear; there is an endless number of clubs to help you integrate. 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? Devin: For my undergraduate career, I obtained a double major in History and African and Black Diaspora Studies. These are both in the college of Liberal Arts and Sciences, so that is the only branch of the university that I can talk about with experience. I choose these particular disciplines because I enjoy storytelling, and I wanted to spend my academic career studying not just the stories of our collective human experience, but how the creation and recreation of those stories have been so dependent on different, often unpredictable contexts. I chose to focus on African History because there was so much mystery associated with the field, and the position of the African continent in traditional American histories has often been overlooked, and is still being determined. The most popular major in the school for Liberal Arts is Psychology. Education, Sociology, Political Science, and English are also fairly popular majors, partly due to the perception that more explicit job opportunities stem from these disciplines (viz. teacher, case worker, lawyer, editor). Also, Philosophy is a popular major because it attracts students who falsely believe it is the only department where critical thinking is encouraged for its own sake. Lastly, some students believe that majoring in a more-general field is advantageous at the undergraduate level; however, DePaul is host to an array of emerging, social departments that are often unrepresented in other schools. Some of these include Gender Studies, Anthropology, Archaeology, LGBTQ Studies, Religious Studies, Asian-American studies, and Latino Studies. I encourage all students to explore some of these courses with their general-education opportunities. 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? Devin: Greek organizations do not play a significant role in campus social life. Of course, there are opportunities to join all sorts of fraternities and sororities, but these groups function as service-learning organizations rather than campus party throwers. Greek life is not intended to offer the kind of social atmosphere that it probably would at a bigger state school. It was not difficult to meet friends as a freshman, partly because your first course is a freshman orientation course, and several people you meet there will be your friends for the next four years. It is also a good idea to obtain employment with the university. Making friends with similar schedules is one of the many advantages to an on-campus job. VT: How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services?Do many reputable companies recruit on campus? Devin: The Career Center was not very helpful for me, partly because there were no History majors working there. Career Center employees are trained to look over your resume, so they are very excited to do this right away. They will also recommend a variety of job posting and social media sites (e.g. Monster and LinkedIn), and they will suggest that you attend the quarterly job fairs, but that seems to be about all they can do. Many of them have only had one job before, and this is it. If you are looking to use your degree after graduation, make the rounds in your department, talking to each professor that you can; they will have the more specific advice. Also, decide early if you want to attend graduate school right away, because the application process usually ends in the middle of your senior year, and you may end up waiting a while otherwise. VT: How are the various study areas such aslibraries, student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Devin: The library is wonderful. You can obtain many of your required text materials here if you check early. Also, the Chicago Public Library has tons of branches located only a train or bus ride away; so, if you enjoy the occasional scavenger hunt, you can make it through undergraduate school without ever paying for a textbook. I do not know much about the student union, except that they frequently install eco-friendly inventions on campus, such as toilettes that minimize water consumption, water-bottle fountains to reduce plastic waste, and tire-repair stations for your bike. 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? Devin: Chicago is the third largest city in America. As such, it has everything a major, first-world metropolis should have: cultural museums, natural history museums, fine-art museums, science museums, a Broadway theatre scene, a black-box theatre scene, a guerrilla theatre scenes, world-renown ballet and modern-dance companies, a thriving jazz scene (the largest jazz club in Chicago is right around the corner from DePaul), free music festivals (e.g. Blues Fest and the Free Concert Series in Millennium Park), High-profile music festivals (Lollapalooza, Pitchfork), roof-top gardening, city-wide sports teams with an intense fan base (you have the Cubs, Bears, White Sox, Blackhawks, and Fire (kind of)), thrift shopping, improv, a history of social justice, arcades, a vibrant film scene, public parks, skate parks, bowling, laser tag, an indoor, trampoline dodge-ball stadium (this is technically in the suburbs, but whatever), sports fields, basketball courts (this is the home town of Mic hael Jordan and Derek Rose, after all), night clubs, bars: Irish bars, Greek bars, Italian bars, and any other kind of bar (literally, too many in a single neighborhood to count), innumerable street fests (most notably, our version of October Fest and the St. Pattys Day Parade), and food. I cannot stress this enough: there is any kind of food you could want in Chicago, and it is all amazing. VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Devin: The DePaul student body is large. Including graduate students, adult students, international students, and students that commute from the suburbs, there are 25,000 attendees; but, rest assured, it will not feel this way. There is a downtown campus (in the Loop), a north side campus in Lincoln Park, and several suburban campuses. These locations greatly reduce the volume of students that you will see at any given time. Also, DePaul has very few lecture-style classrooms. Most of the courses in the Liberal Arts school are capped around thirty students, and many of them are even smaller. I took several courses that had only ten people in them, although, this greatly depends on the popularity of both the class and the department. VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Devin: In the first quarter of my freshman year, I took a course on Medieval History in Europe. I was stressing about the mid-term exam because it required me to write my first college essay. I remember sitting at a local coffee shop on the weekend, the course materials spread before me, and outlining my argument on scratch paper. Every paragraph needed to be designed for a distinct purpose, and every sentence needed to be meticulously planned. I had drawn connections between the course documents, and I wanted to put them forth bluntly, without wasting any time, but I also wanted an engaging introduction, so my teacher could not turn away. In the end, the paper was about the evolution of the papacy in Europe during and after an historical period commonly known as the Dark Ages. I decided to open with the brief but detailed story of a pope who was murdered by Vikings when the period began, and I decided to close by talking about the most powerful pope the institution had ever seen, hundreds of years later. When the essays were graded, the professor read mine aloud in class as a sample of outstanding work. It was anonymous of courseonly he and I knew who had written it, but nonetheless, the recognition was enough to instill a passion for writing in me that has burned ever since. Check out Devins tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

6 Things to Remember for Singing the Blues

6 Things to Remember for Singing the Blues Suzy S. Love to sing the blues? There a few things to keep in mind as you sing in this genre find out in this guest post by St. Augustine, FL teacher  Heather L... The history of blues music is rich and bittersweet. The genre was originally born as an expression of those suffering as American slaves, mostly in whats called the deep South, That expression is heartbreaking by nature, but healing, too. The brilliance of the blues is that by singing about whats making you sad, you feel better. But singing the blues is not that simple. Its very easily overdone. Here are six things to remember when youre singing the blues. 1. Simple is better. Now, simple does not mean lazy, or not creative, or not energetic. Simple means acknowledging, and singing as such, the beauty of unornamented, unadorned notes. Sing simply, so that the beauty of the words comes through. Just because the blues is a 12-bar progression with no fancy form or room for virtuosity doesnt mean that the singer should think in terms of showing off the voice. Allow your art to come through organically. 2. Imitation is inferior to originality. Wed all love to sing like B.B. King or Etta James or Amy Winehouse. But those singers already exist. And while there are many successful tribute artists and cover bands, theres something so inspiring about a singer deciding to sing with his or her own voice and committing to that decision. Imitating another singer is impressive to a certain point, but its not sharing much about yourself. And thats what people really love to hear. 3. Only the basic phrasing is required. The only words that you should start with are those of the basic phrases. For instance, take the first part of The Thrill is Gone, most famously sung by B.B. King. The thrill is gone/the thrill is gone away/the thrill is gone/the thrill is gone away/You know  youve done me wrong/And youll be sorry someday Now, if you decide as the singer to insert baby after the word wrong or after someday, so  be it, but be sure to start simply in order to explore the song for yourself. 4. Repetition may be the key to improvisation. The blues is repetitive by nature. I often have my voice students repeat the basic phrasing with the chords playing underneath over and over until organic and spontaneous decisions are made: the word baby is sung, an important phrase is repeated at double tempo, or a run comes out of nowhere at the end of a phrase. Let it all come naturally. 5. Your raw, yet well-supported voice is perfect. Sing with all of the raw, unrefined vibrato and tone that you have. This is no time for pretty, polished sounds. But never forget to support your sound with a solid and conscious breath flow no matter what genre that youre singing. 6. Be authentic, but not sentimental. Everyone knows that the blues is about feelings. But the idea of singing with feeling has become so vague and overused that its essentially become meaningless. If a singer sings with the intention of feeling the music or something similar, then the whole thing will come off as trite and inauthentic. The key to showing genuine feeling as you sing is listening. Listen to the instrumental parts and the chords a hundred times. Ask yourself how it all makes YOU feel. Dont bother about how the song makes someone else feel. When all is said and done, the essence of the blues is the willingness to share. As long as you focus on revealing your true self and committing to singing with your unique voice, then youll find yourself a successful blues singer. Learn more in Heathers Ultimate Guide to Singing Styles and Genres! Heather L. teaches singing, piano, acting, and more in St. Augustine, FL, as well as through online lessons. She is  a graduate of the prestigious Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey, and has performed with the New York and Royal Philharmonics, the New Jersey and Virginia Symphonies, the American Boy Choir, and the internationally renowned opera star Andrea Bocelli. Learn more about Heather here! Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher Photo by  Dutch Simba