Monday, March 30, 2020

Chemistry and Physics and Math Tutors

Chemistry and Physics and Math TutorsWhilst there is a vast difference between the study of chemistry and physics and maths, many students find that they need help when it comes to mastering the subject. Students who find themselves struggling with the subject tend to be those who do not have the right information and who are simply unprepared for the subject. There are two routes that a student can take in order to help themselves with their maths and chemistry problems. The first is to find an outstanding tutor in their local area, and the second is to look online.Tutors may be found within their local area or they may be spread out across the globe. The former are likely to be students from their own school, and the latter are students looking for tutors as well as regular support. Of course, the option for online tutors also exists, but these tutors are typically those who have established themselves in the business by offering their services over the internet.Most physics and ma ths tutors offer one on one sessions where they spend hours on end working on the problems in front of you. Students will typically learn in a much more efficient manner by working with a tutor face to face. This type of support makes it easier for students to grasp concepts that may be hard to grasp otherwise. Often students are struggling with the concepts and may begin to ask questions about the issues, which is a great way to break down the barriers between them and their instructors.Most of the best tutors chemistry and physics can be found online. An online tutor works best when the student has a common set of goals. Many students prefer to work with a tutor who works on topics such as algebra, calculus, physics and chemistry, because they often do not make use of these topics when preparing for exams.With an online physics and maths tutor, students are able to get help when they are having problems with the subjects. An online tutor is more flexible with their time and can wo rk with a student to fit in their studies around their lives. Some tutors, especially those who offer tutoring to students who do not live near them, have websites which allow the students to create a profile, check out the schedule and choose the time they are available to meet with their tutor.Students are usually more flexible with their schedules when it comes to tutoring. Because of this, students often find that they have more time than anticipated in a tutor's office. They have less time to deal with phone calls, other distractions that might slow down their progress.Students who struggle with their chemistry and physics may need help in other ways as well. Students who are struggling with their chemistry and physics may find that a tutor will give a lesson plan so that they can focus on the subject, rather than the logistics of studying for exams. This makes the tutoring experience more enjoyable for the student.Students may choose to go to school in order to learn chemistry and physics, or they may feel as though they would be better off taking another subject in order to have some additional knowledge on their chemistry and physics. As long as they are prepared for the tutoring they will find that they are doing well, and that they can master the subject in a shorter period of time. These tutors are not just there to give students a helping hand, but to help them succeed.

Friday, March 6, 2020

Avoiding Drama at Work The Dos and Donts

Avoiding Drama at Work The Do's and Don'ts Image via Pixabay.com If you’re stuck listening to gossip, The Muse suggests having a “go-to escape phrase a polite but firm way to see yourself from a conversation that isn’t going anywhere productive.” Try saying, “I’m sorry, but I need to get back to work.” Rumors are embarrassing. Even if it starts as something innocent, it will get twisted in a game of “Whisper Down the Lane” and damage a reputation. It can even result in someone losing their job. DO keep your work life and personal life separate It’s okay to spend time with co-workers outside of the workplace, and it’s usually encouraged by your bosses (staff bonding, right?). However, there needs to be a limit to how much you let coworkers into your personal matters. It’s never easy to put on a brave face for work when you have too much going on at home, but try your best to leave any problems at the door. You might want to vent to a coworker about your home life in the break room, but you never know who else might be listening with mal-intent. No one has the right to spread your personal business but you. DON’T vent to one coworker about another coworker It’s understandable if you want to get something off your chest. But, it’s better to save it for when you get home. Talk to a friend outside of your workplace. Being close with one or two of your coworkers creates a better atmosphere, but you never know if they’re closer to someone else. When you vent, the person listening might feel obligated to tell their closer coworker that you’re talking about them. They might promise not to tell, but you never know their true intentions. FastCompany points out that “the last thing you want is for your criticisms to  get back to your boss  or other higher-ups.” Avoid any awkwardness or hurt feelings by keeping your thoughts to yourself for a little while. Remember that rumors sometimes stem from venting. DO keep work off of social media Image via Pixabay.com There’s always been controversy about adding employers and co-workers to your social media. Some companies ask for your Facebook name and Twitter handle upon being hired so that they can keep track of you. Its best to avoid venting on the Internet. If you think it might stir up trouble, don’t post it, especially if you’re using a company laptop or phone. Even if you’re careful not to allow anyone from work to see your posts, a friend of a friend of your boss might stumble upon it and get you in trouble. DON’T talk down to anyone The company will work best if everyone in its branches is treated equally. You might be a manager or a vice president, but the people below you shouldn’t feel inferior. You might also just be better at the job than one of your coworkers, but try not to brag about it. Use any power or skills that you have to motivate others. Author Kenneth Blanchard said, “The key to successful leadership today is influence, not authority.” Bosses, put the well-being of your employees first. Employees, build each other up. You’ll see a surge of success for the entire operation in the long run. DO help your coworkers instead of competing Every type of job has a hierarchy, and positions in the hierarchy are limited. For example, retail generally has a small handful of managers in a store. So maybe you and a coworker are both working hard for a position that only one of you can have and it’s getting intense. Image via Pixabay One of the biggest drama-starters in a workplace is a sense of competition. Instead of sabotaging each other or pointing out each other’s mistakes, try helping each other. If a coworker is struggling with a task, explain it until they get the hang of it. You might fear that they’ll end up with your promotion, but put that aside for the good of the group. Your boss will notice your professionalism. Your coworkers will feel more comfortable helping each other, too, and the entire company will grow stronger. DON’T let anger take over Nothing seems worse than injustice in the workplace, but try not to blow a mental fuse over it. Keep calm and keep your head clear. Don’t be so quick to respond to the email that sounds like an attack on you and your team. Don’t fire back with a passive-aggressive remark if a coworker tries to push your buttons in the meeting. Walk away from the conversation whether it’s virtual or in person and take a minute to think. Drama often starts from things said in the heat of an argument. Remember that you’re there to get a job done, and focusing on anger will ruin the quality of your work. DO deal with disputes calmly and discreetly Sometimes drama at work is unavoidable, even if you follow this guide. If you should happen to run into an issue, be sure to handle it in a civilized manner. Sit down with your coworker and talk it out. “Meeting with your offending coworker first gives him or her the chance to address the behavior, especially before you escalate to your boss or HR,” according to Verily Magazine. Keep anyone else out of it, because the last thing you need is the whole building taking sides in an argument they had nothing to do with. Make sure you talk in person, too. Emails or texting lead to misinterpretations and bigger problems. The drama will only last as long as you allow it to, so end it quickly. Image via Pixaby.com You don’t have to be the peacemaker every time the office drama queen acts up, but your progress shouldn’t be hindered, either. The most important part of avoiding drama in the workplace is putting your own future first. Plus, remember this: a drama-free job is a happy job.

Organic Chemistry Taught in an Easy Way

Organic Chemistry Taught in an Easy WayWhy should you hire an organic chemistry tutor? Because it's important to know that chemistry and organic chemistry are very similar in many aspects. For example, how does the world work? Organic chemistry explains the process of chemical reactions in a solid or semi-solid material and describes how it works with other chemical processes and solutions in a fluid or a gas.It is important to know that organic chemistry is also very similar to the process of biological chemistry, in which it explains how life can be formed from other substances. If you wish to learn more about how life functions, it is important to understand the chemical reactions that are used by it. Organic chemistry provides the understanding that life is very complex and it also teaches what chemicals do and how they behave with each other.In organic chemistry, there are two types of reactions: the oxidation and the reduction. These processes occur in a substance or in the rea ctions that take place between substances or the reactions of metals. You must know that the oxidation reactions are occurring when the substance becomes oxidized and the reduction reactions are taking place when a substance reduces another substance.So, you must understand that organic chemistry teaches you that all substances have the ability to change and this can be seen in the chemical reactions that occur. Organic chemistry also explains the action of metals, elements and other compounds on each other. For example, the activity of copper is determined by the oxygen available in the atmosphere.Organic chemistry also teaches you about the behavior of organic compounds and the physical properties of organic compounds. Many organic compounds also exhibit the physical property of being chemical compounds with two elements. You must understand that the combinations that happen through organic chemistry also involves chemistry, physics and biology.Organic chemistry also explains the process of making complex organic compounds. Organic chemistry develops the understanding that organic compounds can combine themselves into longer molecules. Therefore, organic chemistry has many uses as well as learning how a solid or a semi-solid can react with another substance.An organic chemistry tutor will help you to understand that organic chemistry is very much like biology, and thus it allows you to understand the importance of biology. And as a conclusion, in order to understand the importance of biology, organic chemistry must be studied.

Thursday, March 5, 2020

What Is a Tutoring Job in NH?

What Is a Tutoring Job in NH?Tutoring jobs in NH are a great way to gain experience, while earning money at the same time. Finding an assignment that fits your interests is not always easy, so getting information about different places that you could consider studying is an important step. In order to start a tutoring job in NH, a student must first look for a tutor with a community college or a large school, preferably one that has a history of offering some type of campus-based education. These students will usually have a different experience than those who work from home, because they will be going to a class environment.The first step in starting a tutoring job in NH is to check out the local resources that you can use. You may want to look at the tutoring industry in NH, as well as online communities. If you are concerned about meeting up with a mentor, search online and find tutors in your area who have been recommended by someone else. Be sure to talk to the mentor before you commit to signing a contract or paying anything, as sometimes people have trouble paying up front and this can happen because they don't feel the person is qualified or a good fit.When deciding where to teach in NH, there are a few things to consider. If you are working at home and need a place to live, the decision of where to live should be based on your location and finances. If you want to be close to home, you will want to make sure the area you choose is close to all the services that you offer. If you live far away from the campus, look into commuter routes or if your future position requires you to travel often, making sure you have the time and transportation are very important.Another consideration is how you will be teaching. Some tutoring jobs in NH are classroom-based, while others are classroom-based and other types of courses. A classroom-based tutoring job is different from a campus-based tutoring job in many ways, but the one thing that all of them have in common i s that the focus is on a particular course or subject.If you decide that you want to teach in a classroom-based tutoring job, the first thing to do is find a tutor who has a full teaching certification. It does not matter whether they have a certification as a TA or a consultant, but make sure that you find someone who has been trained and certified to provide personalized help for any type of student.A class of any kind is more than just a lesson to a student and the teacher in a tutoring job in NH must be able to assist students in the process of learning. The ability to teach to a learner's strengths and weaknesses is extremely important, as many students will struggle with certain subjects, but excel at others. This is the type of education that will benefit from a tutor who has a more general knowledge about learning, rather than one who is highly specialized in a particular subject.By finding out what type of learning environment is available in the place you will be tutoring in, and deciding how much you will actually work with the student, you can have a better idea of what you will be expected to teach. These types of jobs in NH can be demanding, but the pay is much better than the average temp job. They allow students to get a hands-on experience that will benefit them for years to come.

Online Tutoring - How It Has Changed the World of Education

Online Tutoring - How It Has Changed the World of Education 0SHARESShare Digital technology has changed the way of imparting education. The expectations from the current education system have changed a lot in the way tutor and student connects with each other to take tutoring. The virtual classroom is now well equipped with technological equipment like computer, laptop, interactive whiteboard, digital pen, projector, touch-pad phones, etc. The change is never instant or spontaneous, it gradually penetrates into the system eliminating old and introducing some new ways of receiving education. Online education builds a safe online environment for online tutor and students giving comfortable and confident feeling to make the virtual classroom live and act. Online classroom becomes interesting with the use of audio/video files, graphics, presentations, 3D-imaging, etc. The online tutoring is building trust between student and online tutors, tutoring complex lessons in cognitive online demands. Tutoring online has gained huge popularity among students with reason that it can be tailored on a case to case basis. The tutoring sessions are engineered considering student’s strengths and weaknesses. The tutoring is carried out one-to-one between students and tutor in a very personalized way focusing on each student needs. The luxury that online learning can give to students, tutors and parents is tremendous. The student can get quality tutoring right at the home with lots of flexibility in services and pricing. Online educational programs offer true knowledge with the necessary flexibility. Online tutoring is a new paradigm to get students ready to accept the challenges that approach in the next few decades to come. [starbox id=admin]

Choose A Violin Course Online Or At Home

Choose A Violin Course Online Or At Home Where Should I Take My Violin Lessons? ChaptersBenefits Of Music LessonsPros And Cons Of Online Violin LessonsPros And Cons Of Self Study LessonsPros And Cons Of In-Person LessonsPractice makes perfect. Like any instrument and any musician, the violin and violinist are no different. To be able to create the best sound, practice is required and a lot of it. But how do you maximise your music lessons and fast-track yourself to creating successful music?There are many ways in which to learn to play the violin, but whichever path you choose violin lessons will play a big part in speeding up the process. You may choose to study online, with free self-study resources or perhaps with a private violin teacher.A key to deciding how you would like to learn is to be aware of your goals for the instrument. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each learning route and hopefully by the end of this article you will closer to making the best choice for you and your violin.Playing the violin takes enormous discipline. Photo Source: Unsplash TomViolin Teacher £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors StacyViolin Teacher 5.00 (5) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ValtieViolin Teacher £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors BenedictViolin Teacher 5.00 (8) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors TaisiiaViolin Teacher 5.00 (1) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AmyViolin Teacher 5.00 (1) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LuísViolin Teacher 5.00 (6) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MomokoViolin Teacher £45/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsBenefits Of Music LessonsThe violin is one of the most beautiful instruments that you can choose. Although the road to being proficient is a long one, once you have achieved fluency there will be nothing to hold you back.These are the top benefits for remaining focused and dedicated to your violin practice.Violin is excellent for mental health and improving brain function overall.Sensory dexterity: Violin musicians may have the ability to tune into sounds better than some other people due to years of ear training.Learning violin can support a better attention span, patience and memory over time.Practising the violin is great to build confidence, self-esteem and self-awareness.Can increase wellbeing, reduces stress and it also provides an emotional outlet.An essential tip for playing the violin better is good posture. Practising the violin encourages better posture while standing and health awareness of the body.Playing the violin naturally instils the better organisation, self-discipline and heightened motivation.The violin community is very supportive and encouraging, which is perfect if you like to feel like part of something bigger. Although you spend your time learning how to play the violin alone or with your teacher. You will be able to join the violin community and even join orchestras, group violin classes London, music groups or get access to better schools including music schools.Studying violin online can save you quite a bit of money vs the same in person violin class. Photo Source: UnsplashPros And Cons Of Online Violin LessonsStudying online is a happy medium between taking private lessons which are structured and expensive and studying alone which is free and unstructured.  Learning how to play the violin online is a great way to study with professionals from around the world. You can choose to study with any great violin teacher or musician that offers to teach music online.All without having to fly across the world, you can meet them on Skype or Google hangouts, with apps like WhatsApp or Facebook chat, even with webinar software such as go to webinar.   In fact, as long as you have a strong internet connection, a good camera and microphone, your lesson will be almost like being taught in person.A key benefit of studying online is that you can save quite a bit of money vs the same in person violin class. Working with a tutor online can be ver y engaging as they can incorporate the power of the internet into the lesson. Also, you will be able to learn which websites you can use to practice outside of the lesson.Although studying online can seem more casual it should be treated with the same level of discipline and focus that you give to 1-1 lessons. Violin teachers where ever they are based will want to see you make progress towards your goals. Advantages Of Online Music LessonsYou learn anywhere at any time that you want to as long as the music teacher is available.There are a wide variety of apps, software’s and communication tools with which to meet your violin tutor.Studying online is a very engaging and fun way to study as you have lots of tools at your disposal and have to be a bit more creative to get your point across.You can record your lessons and watch them as many times as you like.Great for students from remote areas and student who prefer to have a wide selection of violin teachers to learn from.Useful for the beginner violin to study music theory, how to read violin sheet music, and the basics of music education.Perfect for musicians who already know the basics to intermediate about how to play the violin and just need to have regular follow up music lessons to ask questions or practice specific areas for improvement.Disadvantages Of Online Violin ClassesThe teacher cannot help you physically so things like tuning your violin, finger placement, posture, violin maintenance and the flow of your movement could suffer if they cannot see you clearly enough to advise a correction.You need to have a high-speed internet connection, an excellent clear camera, an excellent microphone.Internet connections can fail so can equipment.This is not the best route if you hope to be a professional musician although it would work well with private one to one violin classes.Pros And Cons Of Self Study LessonsSelf-study is a great way to study the violin for anyone who is highly motivated, focused and se rious about music. There are so many benefits including saving a lot of money on the cost of private violin lessons.If you are a musician, who has studied and learned how to play the guitar, cello or other stringed instruments in the past. You will likely be able to learn the basics of the violin without too much difficulty, you will also become accustomed to tuning your strings and will be able to learn how to tune your violin. Finger placement may also be familiar to you if you have a musical background.Most importantly if you also know how to read music, you will be in for a treat. However, if you have no background in music, are not a music prodigy, a beginner in the ideas of self-motivation and determination. You might want to consider another learning option as this may not be the option that will support you to succeed.Advantages Of Self StudyGreat for people who have a musical background.Very suitable for a musician who knows how to play string instruments.Possible for highl y motivated and patience students.This is the cheapest option, and there is nothing to pay unless you choose to seek outside help.There is a plethora of free material online and offline, including apps. That can help you with your violin lessons and personal curriculum.Will let you progress at you own pace, you may study as much or as little as you want to without worrying about meeting set targets.Disadvantages Of Self StudyNot suitable for students who have low levels of discipline.Not great for beginners who want to learn to read sheet musicVery challenging for beginners to learn violin in this way.Is lonely and lacks encouragement.Lack of structure may slow progress.Lack of guidance may create bad habits and hinder performance.The violin is one of the most beautiful instruments that you can choose. Photo Source: UnsplashPros And Cons Of In-Person LessonsLearning the violin privately and in-person is hands down the best way to learn the instrument. If you are able to find a teach er, violinist or music program available in your local area. This is how the most talented violinists have been taught and continue to learn today.If you wish to follow in their footsteps, you will be encouraged to study in this way. When you study with a violinist privately, you will be taught everything you need to know to become an active musician. Having your teacher with you means that you will be able to learn with ear training how to tune your violin correctly, you will be able to see how they hold the instrument and they will be able to correct you physically.The teacher will be able to troubleshoot any issues with your performance quickly and help you with it. Such as fixing your posture, finger placement, helping you to tune your violin and look after it. To attend lessons, you need to bring nothing more than a passion for the violin, your violin and an open mind that is ready to learn.The best thing about private lessons is that your violin tutor will be able to spot any habits that you are starting to form and defeat them quickly.Advantages Of Private LessonsHaving a private teacher focuses you on learning the violinPlaying the violin with your teaching will be inspiring and encouraging as you see yourself improve.You don’t need any out of the ordinary equipment, you, your violin and bow are enough to get started.You will have a hands-on approach to learning which will protect your progress and dispel any bad habits which could affect your success later one.Your environment will be distraction freeYou will get a first-hand look at the right posture, finger placement and how to maintain your instrument.Great for all ages especially very young students who will need a more hands-on approach to learning.Disadvantages Of Having A Private Violin InstructorViolin takes a long time to learn, and the private lesson can be expensive.There is little in the way of flexibility went it come to scheduling, and if you travel, you are likely to miss lessons.Your selection of violin teachers near me is limited to your local area.You will have to motivate yourself to leave home to travel to the violin lesson.All 3 of these routes to learning the violin have their pros and their cons. Once you know your goals the best course for you will become clear. There is no doubt about it, playing the violin takes enormous discipline. It is a very technical instrument to master, but it has considerable benefits if you are willing to stay the course. With passion, dedication and the right Violin lessons, you will be able to become accomplished in playing your beloved violin.

Ask an Admissions Expert Ian Fisher

Ask an Admissions Expert Ian Fisher Varsity Tutors brings you insider tips and advice straight from nationally recognized admissions experts. Ian Fisher is a college admissions consultantfor College Coach. He obtained his undergraduate degree from Reed College before attending Stanford University, at which he earned his masters degree in education policy. Ian previously served as a senior admissions officer at Reed College. How far ahead of time should a student begin working on his or her college application? Ian: The application itself really shouldnt be started until the early fall of the senior year. Most applications dont actually launch until after August 1, so you cant start filling them out anyway. That said, you can do some leg work to get the bulk of the application done well beforehand. Students should develop an activities list or resume that tracks their involvement throughout high school, and they should begin work on the personal statement, the proverbial college essay, over the summer after 11th grade. What are the best ways to go about selecting a terrific essay topic? Ian:My first piece of advice is for students to begin by ignoring the essay prompts all together, whether theyre writing a personal statement for the Common App or for a school-specific application. The prompts will be important as you begin crafting your essay, but they shouldnt determine what you plan to write about. I encourage students to take some time to reflect on important questions: What are you passionate about? What experiences have shaped you? What is missing from your application that you want to convey to an admissions officer? Among your friends and family, what are you known for? What adjectives best capture who you are? The goal here is for the student to meaningfully consider his identity before diving into the writing processit might reveal a topic that he wouldnt have considered if he had started with the prompts. Are there any essay topics you get tired of seeing or would warn students to stay away from? Ian:Writing a sports essay is challenging because so much has been written about sports that its hard to be original. There are only so many ways one can describe her competitiveness or feelings of accomplishment at winning the big game. There are rare cases where a sports essay truly is the best essay for a student, but it doesnt happen all that often. I also would caution students to stay away from writing about experiences in third-world countries or working as a volunteer among other disadvantaged groups. Rarely do students have the maturity and thoughtfulness to engage significant differences in privilege or opportunity, and essays along this vein often come across as trite or oblivious. What is the biggest mistake a student can make on a college application? Ian:It is always really clear to an admission officer when a student doesnt put full effort into his application. If you have simple typos or other errors that suggest you dont care about the school to which youre applying, youre not endearing yourself to your admissions officer. Be sure to treat every aspect of the application with care, to proofread for mistakes, and to give supplemental essays the same attention that you give to the personal statement. You want to convey your seriousness about a particular school, and that can be done by submitting an airtight, error-free application. What is the typical process an admissions officer goes through to evaluate applications? Ian:Every institution reads applications differently, and every admission officer has his own habits when it comes to reading a file. When I worked at Reed, my colleagues and I read the application materials in different orders, depending on our own style. I always started with the personal statement before moving on to extracurricular involvement, test scores, the transcript, letters of recommendation, and the supplement. I wanted to hear who the student was in his own words before getting to the rest of the file, and that was a great way for students to get me on their side (or not!) before seeing their academic record. You can certainly count on an admission officer to read every word of your essays and other required materialsthey wouldnt ask for that content if they didnt plan to read it. You can also expect that a reader wont spend more than about 10 to 15 minutes on a single file, so you have precious little time to make an impact. What do you think is the single most important thing a student should make sure they present in the best possible way on their application? Ian:Most of the content of the application is out of your control by the time you start working on it. Your grades are what they are, as are your scores. You cant tell your teachers or counselor what to write about youtheir recommendations will be filled with their own words. The only aspects of the application you have full control over are the way you describe your extracurricular activities and your essay. Put extra thought into conveying the details of your involvement (what you did is much more important than titles or positions held) and the voice that you develop through your essay. How should students go about determining the culture of a university, and whether they would be a good fit? Ian:The best way to learn about a schools culture is by visiting. Take the official tour and information session and talk to student workers in the admission office. This will develop the institutions view of itself and the values to which it aspires. Then, take the conversation to the unofficial side of campus. Talk to students in the dining hall, the library, and the quad. See whether the official spiel is corroborated by the average student. What is life on campus like? How do students spend their free time? What would they change about their school? The more people you talk to, the more you can hone in on the reality of that college experience. Early-action, early-decision, binding/non-binding, regular decisions...With so many choices when applying, what do you recommend to students? Ian:I only recommend early decision (ED) for students who have an unquestioned number-one choice. There is so much press about advantages for applying ED that I worry students are putting all their eggs in one basket without truly being excited about a school. Sure, ED can help you get in, but do you really want to go there more than anywhere else? If you cant confidently say yes, ED is not for you. For early action (EA), I recommend students apply EA if their application is as good as it is going to be at the time of the deadline (typically November 1). If youre organized and on top of the ball, EA is a great way for you to get some information from colleges much earlier in the processDecember or January as opposed to late-March. That said, if you need the help of a solid senior fall to pull up your GPA or to demonstrate that you can manage rigorous coursework, its better to wait and submit your application with fall grades. For students that had a sub-par 11th grade, I almost always encourage them to apply regular decision after bringing their performance back up to par in 12th grade. How important are grades and standardized test scores when admissions decisions are being made? Ian:For the vast majority of colleges, your academic record is the most important factor in the admissions process. A school will first look at grades and coursework to get a sense of the kind of student you are, then it will look at your test scores to see how your compare to other students nationwide and what kind of academic potential you have. If your numbers make you competitive for admission, the college will turn to other aspects of your application to decide whether youll be admitted or denied. Only in rare cases will a student who is well below average academically be offered admission, and that is usually because of a compelling point of excellence elsewhere in her file. For students who are poor testers, I highly recommend researching schools with test-optional policies. These schools will give the student the option of submitting test scores, and this can be a great option for a student with a strong transcript and weaker test scores. For a list of test-optional schools, consult fairtest.org. What tips do you have for students asking their teachers for letters of recommendation? Ian:Be respectful of your teachers time! Request recommendations at the end of your junior year, if you can. When you return to school in the fall, let your teachers know where you plan to apply, when they can expect to receive the request for the letter of recommendation, and when the letter of recommendation needs to be submitted. Ask them if they have any questions for you, or if you can provide them with any information that will help them write a better letter of recommendation. Teachers know that writing these letters is a part of their job, but they will look much more favorably upon those students who manage the recommendation process with thoughtfulness and maturity. Stay on your teachers good sides! Visit College Coach for more information. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.