Tips on How to Manage Your Chemistry Measurements

Tips on How to Manage Your Chemistry MeasurementsMany students have difficulty in managing their chemistry measurements. There are many chemistry students who avoid doing their chemistry calculations because they find it boring and they don't want to have a long and tedious process that they need to follow. Well, it's just not true!Learning how to manage your chemistry calculations can be quite fun and you can do it very easily if you practice and follow the tips in this article. I'm sure that by the time you're finished reading this article, you'll have no problem doing your chemistry calculations as long as you know the tips and tricks.Always begin with formulas. Before anything else, you need to learn about formulas. You can get your chemistry degrees without understanding formulas but it's much better to study them in the first place. A good rule of thumb when learning the formulas is to do practice first to master them before you try to apply them.Once you know the formulas, use them in your work and make your student's self-confidence grow. Remember that if you can apply it to other problems, your confidence will improve.Remember to break the formula into smaller parts. We need to understand that each formula has a smaller part in order to know the bigger part. This is done to make the formula easier to understand and also to make it easier to practice. When we know the formulas, we can do whatever we want with them without having any problem.Formula-building exercises are good in developing the formulas we need. You can use these formulas to build our skills in handling our calculations. Remember that there is a lot of scope for improvement and that we need to constantly work on improving our calculators.It's very important to estimate how long a calculation will take. You can ask the help of your calculator by putting in the equations one by one. By doing this, you will get an estimate of how long it will take to calculate a particular quantity.Try to f igure out what happens when you apply all of the formulas with different quantities and you will be surprised. As you are getting used to handling calculations, you can try to do your calculations with random numbers. You can practice this by using a simple calculator program and see how well you are doing.

A Rich Richardson Organic Chemistry Tutor

A Rich Richardson Organic Chemistry TutorIn-house software and online courses, both available online, allow a variety of courses in the teaching of all kinds of subjects including biology, chemistry, and physics. These courses are the newest development in the evolution of classroom teaching since the invention of computers and many teachers and students feel that a richer and more interactive learning environment makes a difference in the success of their students. However, you may have already found out that these options can add great value to your learning and that it is better to start with a good instructor and good software than to use the wrong tools and ineffectively teach your students.Online tutoring has become very popular over the past few years. There are no boundaries to the number of courses that can be taught using this technology. With the rise of the Internet and smart phones, learning is now taking place on this platform and having a tutor at your fingertips enabl es you to educate yourself without having to set aside time for class or burn hours on data acquisition from an eBook.When you find a good online tutor, you will get help with everything that you need to learn the material. The tutor is there to give you insights into concepts that might confuse you and assist you to get an understanding of the key concepts that you will need to master in order to take the tests that determine your college admissions status. This keeps you from being discouraged because you have someone in your corner who can answer your questions.Coursework can be completed anywhere, in your own home or office, and through email, Skype, chat rooms, and the world wide web. You will find that you have all the support that you need even if you cannot physically attend the class. This is why online courses are very convenient and can supplement in-class teaching and enhance the learning experience for your students.Online courses offer a number of advantages that come with being available online. Most importantly, the flexibility to study at your own pace, whenever you want, eliminates the time constraints of a traditional classroom setting where you have to set aside one time a week to attend class.Online learning offers a variety of opportunities for improving your science education and taking the student challenge to multiple colleges. You will find that you are making your way to becoming a more informed, well-rounded individual. Online courses have come a long way and now students can take advantage of technology that will allow them to receive a high quality education and enable them to take their education to the next level.Now that you have found an instructor who will be able to teach you the course you are interested in, there are several things you should keep in mind before enrolling in the course. First, look at how long the instructor has been in the field and what they have studied and taught. Next, find out about the quality of th e instructor's software and classroom training.

Linear Algebra Help Is The Best Way To Master Mathematical Concepts

Linear Algebra Help Is The Best Way To Master Mathematical ConceptsLinaer is a course taught by Dr. James Linaer that can be considered as the first approach to algebra help for students who wish to succeed in higher-level courses. Linaer's approach of teaching algebra is actually not like the traditional approach where students are forced to memorize answers for the entire course. The class incorporates elements that increase the student's self-confidence, increase their chance of success, and provide them with insights about algebra that might not otherwise be available to them. This course focuses on several key concepts of algebra and teaches them in a way that is easy to understand.This course is more interactive than any other course in that it engages students from the beginning of the class. Students need to see to it that they have a strong grasp of math before they can really benefit from this course. This is why Dr. Linaer's approach makes it possible for students to engag e with other students and teachers at all times, without them being intimidated.Dr. Linaer has developed an approach where students are taught algebra step by step. He combines this approach with a lot of focus on theory, proof, and skills, while using different ways to introduce and explain concepts to students.It is necessary to remember that algebra is an important subject to study if you want to go to college, or any career. Learning how to do mathematics is just one way of improving your life, but it is also an essential skill that will surely help you earn a good salary. Linear Algebra Help is the perfect way to improve your analytical skills in math and get to the next level.Dr. Linear Algebra Help is like having a math tutor. Most math tutors have the problem of just giving out formulas for them to memorize, but Dr. Linaer's approach doesn't allow for this. There are so many types of problems that students might encounter in algebra, and it would be impossible for him to kno w all of them. This is why his approach is more focused on teaching students the key concepts of algebra.As an educator, you should be concerned about your students' success. You can't just forget about them and let them suffer in their studies. By doing so, you'll just be adding to their stress level, which won't have any positive results at all.Dr. Linear Algebra Help is a great choice for students who are looking for a better grasp of algebra and an easy way to learn how to do arithmetic well. This course not only teaches students math, but also encourages them to take their studies seriously, so that they don't fall behind.

How To Improve Your GMAT Score

How To Improve Your GMAT Score The GMAT is for admissions into business schools, and the GRE is for grad schools thats a major distinction. The GMAT is designed to determine if you can take the next academic step toward business school, and ultimately if you can handle it. If youre looking for GRE help, see more from Varsity Tutors onhow to improve your GRE score. Learning the ins and outs of the GMAT is a monster task. That is why we recommend working with a private tutor to have him/her guide you through the strategies of acing it. GMAT background:The GMAT is a computer-adaptive exam, scored between 200-800 with the average score around 400-600. Overall, it has four sections. The Quantitative/Verbal sections range between 0-60 and determine your 200-800 score. The Analytical Writing has one essay scored 0-6, and most students score around a 4.4. The Integrated Reasoning section is scored 1-8. The writing/reasoning sections do not impact your 200-800 score. Understanding the computer-adaptive test:Youre not scored on the number of questions you answer correctly, but rather the scoring bracket youre placed in. If you keep answering questions correctly, you will be placed in a higher scoring bracket with more difficult questions and vice versa. For example, you will start with an average difficulty question (around 550). If you answer it correctly, youll bounce up to a higher scoring bracket (maybe 600-650). Now, if you get that right, youll bounce even higher, but not quite as much (maybe 650-670). Then, with another correct answer, youll move up to 680-720. Now, if you get your 720 question wrong, youll drop your level a bit (maybe to a 700). Then, if you get that right, back up. This pattern will continue throughout the section. Typically, most students plateau out and get one question right, one wrong. The test can then pinpoint your exact score. This is generally how the test works, but no one knows the exact GMAT algorithm. The swings in difficulty level and scoring brackets are much more drastic during the first 10 questions. But, doing well on the first 10 questions will not necessarily lock you into a high scoring bracket, and you can still earn a high score if you do poorly. GMAT prep book:Welcome to your new best friend. This should be your first step in preparing to take on the GMAT, as a good book will introduce you to test strategies, test questions and provide full-length practice tests. Its best to read through or skim through the book before jumping into practice tests. Read the background and general tips sections; then once you feel comfortable with those, move on to practice tests. Practice tests:Taking practice tests can be the most effective way to raise your GMAT score, if you take them right. With your first few practice tests, try not to worry about your scores they will improve eventually. Its important to identify your pace and weaknesses, and then the next step is to improve in your weak areas. One-on-one GMAT tutor:Improving in your problematic areas is the most difficult step in the GMAT process, and it is key to improving your score. A private GMAT tutor can go beyond the explanation in any class or book you use to give you the in-depth learning and explanation you need to master your weaker areas. Then, you can fine tune your other skills and improve your pace. Once you complete this area, the rest of your GMAT prep is so much easier. Mimic test settings:Your brain works best with consistency. So study for the test in the exact same scenario you will take it in. Study in 4-hour increments in a public place on a computer, like a library or coffee shop because your brain needs to get used to thinking with other people around. Take only two, 8-minute breaks exactly as the test offers. The administrators used to let students prepare in the actual test center; however, they no longer do that. Pay attention to time:As you take your practice tests. Highlight or star any question that take a bit longer than the others. Add these types of questions to your problematic areas to review with your tutor. The best way to improve your time is taking practice tests over and over and over again. You dont always need to time yourself. Sometimes its best to just work through problems. This will help pound answers and strategies into your brain, allowing you improve your time, which can be the difference between a 600 and a 650. Always finish the section:Its much better to finish the test than it is to make sure you correctly answer every question. There is even a penalty for not finishing a section, which some estimate to be as high as 30-50 points, and you can be penalized for rapidly answering the last few questions. You have about 2 minutes for each Quantitative question and under 2 minutes for each Verbal question. So, if you find yourself spending more than 3 minutes on a question (and you have not been getting through others under 2 minutes), guess and move on. Show your work:Not to be your 4thgrade math teacher, but you will be amazed at how many fewer careless mistakes you make when you show your work. It may be tedious, but it can improve your score. Break down the GMAT:Dont try to tackle the whole test at once. Instead, work on each section one-by-one; then do an entire review.

Ask an Admissions Expert Shelley Krause

Ask an Admissions Expert Shelley Krause Varsity Tutors brings you insider tips and advice straight from nationally recognized admissions experts. Shelley Krause works as a college counselor at Rutgers Preparatory School, New Jerseys first independent school. Shelley, a graduate of Brown University and the University of Pennsylvania, came to Rutgers after serving in the undergraduate admissions office at the University of Pennsylvania. She is also the lead curator of the College Lists Wiki. How far ahead of time should a student begin working on his or her college application? Shelley: Once a student has made the decision to apply to a particular school, it makes sense to start at least becoming familiar with what that college asks of its applicants. But even before a students college list is finalized, students can be engaging in self-reflection, which will in turn inevitably support the college application process. Students who know themselves well and have an understanding of how they learn best have a huge advantage heading into this process. So do students who leave themselves enough time to actually revise their essays. What are the best ways to go about selecting a terrific essay topic? Shelley:Almost any essay topic can be a terrific topic if it is infused with the genuine and unique perspective of that particular applicant. A successful essay helps the admissions officers reviewing it answer three essential questions: 1) can this student write? 2) can this student think? and 3) if we welcome this student into our community next fall, who do we get? Are there any essay topics you get tired of seeing or would warn students to stay away from? Shelley:If you write about a topic that lots of other folks are likely to have written about (e.g. a grandparent or a winning moment in sports), youre setting a higher bar for yourself; its going to be harder for your work to stand out. That being said, the biggest pitfalls I see looming for students are not so much topic-related as approach-related. For example: 1) Writing in a style that is unnatural, stilted, and packed with words that are not a part of the students working vocabulary. 2) Focusing the essay on someone other than the student (If youre writing about how someone has inspired you, make sure the essay is less about him or her, and more about the impact he or she had on you!) 3) Dwelling too much in the past when what colleges are mostly trying to figure out is who the student might be in the future. What is the biggest mistake a student can make on a college application? Shelley:The biggest mistake is to write what you think someone else wants to hear. What is the typical process an admissions officer goes through to evaluate applications? Shelley:Ask five admissions officers, get six different answers! I used to look at transcripts first, just to get a feel for how much of an uphill climb I might be facing when preparing to make my case in the admissions committee room, but I had colleagues who started with the essay, colleagues who liked to start with the counselors letter of recommendation, etc. The goalfiguring out how to help this student put his or her best foot forwardis often similar, but the routes taken in pursuit of that goal can vary widely. What do you think is the single most important thing a student should make sure to present in the best possible way on his or her application? Shelley:The transcript continues to be the single most important element of most applications. If there is anything about a students transcript that he or she is concerned might raise questions, the student should work to make sure that this is addressed somewhere in the application. (Often a counselor can provide clarifying context, but in some cases the student may feel that the information is best coming from himself or herself). How should students go about determining the culture of a university, and whether they would be a good fit? Shelley:Visit, read, connect with current students and recent graduates, and use social media to extend your attention. (As a Twitter fan, I always tell my students they should be following the schools theyre considering on whatever social media platform theyre most comfortable with; learning as much as you can about the schools youre interested in makes writing those why do I want to go to this school supplemental essays a LOT easier later!) Early-action, early-decision, binding/non-binding, regular decisions...With so many choices when applying, what do you recommend to students? Shelley:Look for at least one school that 1) makes decisions on a rolling basis or offers an early-action decision program, and 2) that you can be excited about attending. Theres nothing quite as calming as having an offer of admission in your pocket early! Then, if you have questions about the finer points of a schools policies, pick up the phone and ask; admissions offices staff entire rooms full of work-study students who are waiting for your call! One of the defining tensions of this process is the tension between getting your application in early, which often confers an advantage on your application, and making sure the application represents your very best work. Your goal is not to have any regrets... in either direction. How important are grades and standardized test scores when admissions decisions are being made? Shelley:Most colleges consider high school grades to be the single best predictor of how a student will fare in college. Standardized test scores are used differently by different kinds of schools, and are in some cases no longer required at all. (See fairtest.org for the most up-to-date information on test-optional schools.) What tips do you have for students asking their teachers for letters of recommendation? Shelley:Rather than asking teachers outright if they will write a letter of support, students should consider saying something like, Im starting to plan for my college application process, and because I enjoyed your class so much last year (or whatever the reason for selecting this teacher is), Im wondering how you would feel about writing a letter of support on my behalf? This subtle difference offers the teacher a more graceful exit if in fact they do NOT feel they would be the best person to write a letter of support, and students definitely want to find that out BEFORE making a final decision about who to ask. Finding teachers who are excited to support your candidacy is just the beginning. From that point on, your mission is to keep the lines of communication open. Students need to be respectful and grateful; the best teachers pour hours of time (usually their own time) and effort into their letters. Ask if theres anything you can provide that will make their job easier; some teachers like to look at a copy of students rsum, while others might want to have a conversation with the student about his or her impressions of the course that teacher taught. Whatever they ask, do it. Continue to bring your best self to your conversations with your teachers, so that they can continue to feel great about writing in support of you. And make sure your teachers know what college application deadlines youre aiming for! Visit Rutgers Preparatory for more information. Shelley also Tweets admissions advice and answers questions at @butwait. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

How to Choose the Perfect ESOL Teacher for You

How to Choose the Perfect ESOL Teacher for You All You Need to Know Before Choosing an ESOL Courses ChaptersThe Benefits of Private English LessonsCertified English Teacher or Undergraduate?Essential Qualities of Your Ideal ESOL TutorWhere to Look for the Best ESOL Tutors to Teach You How to Speak EnglishLearning how to speak English fluently as a non-native speaker is a great opportunity, but nothing can help you improve your English and boost your motivation more than taking your lessons with a private tutor.However, when it comes to finding the ideal tutor, many learners are left in the dark.So here is our advice for learners of English for Speakers of Other Languages who are looking for a one to one tutor. JulianESOL (English) Teacher 4.00 (1) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EugeneESOL (English) Teacher 4.90 (58) £22/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HelenESOL (English) Teacher 5.00 (20) £32/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SuzanneESOL (English) Teacher 5.00 (2) £45/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NatashaESOL (English) Teacher 5.00 (8) £55/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SamuelESOL (English) Teacher 4.83 (41) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JoanneESOL (English) Teacher 5.00 (43) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarkESOL (English) Teacher 4.76 (17) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsThe Benefits of Private English LessonsOne to One Sessions vs Group StudyUnlike group lessons, private tuition means that students benefit from the full, undivided attention of their tutor and have the opportunity to ask as many questions as they please.Private tutoring means that lessons can be adapted to the learning pace of the individual student rather than that of a class.Depending on the level at which you study English, your tutor will be able to teach you according to your needs as well as your learning objectives.Tutors can build on your current knowledge as well as support you alongside your learning in school or university, keeping track of your progress with regular spell ing and English grammar quizzes.These small tests and quizzes will help your tutor identify your strengths as well as your weaknesses, and use them as a basis for future lessons.By doing this, tutors are able to create a tailored learning plan just for you.As you will be alone with your tutor, there will be no pressure to perform well in front of other students and there are no silly questions! This calm atmosphere will help you feel more relaxed towards learning.Being Tutored vs Teaching YourselfThe first positive aspect of private tuition is that, unlike teaching yourself a language, you have someone at your side to help you improve your pronunciation and spot any mistakes.English is flourishing as a language, and practicing regularly will help you get used to how it works so that you can use it confidently in day-to-day life.When it comes to learning a language, the number 1 rule is simple: Use it or Lose it.Taking lessons with a private English tutor can help close the gap betwe en your level of written English and your oral language skills.When you start to learn common phrases or idiomatic expressions from the English language, you can practice using them in context with your tutor. Using new words is the best way to memorise them for the future.Your tutor will be in a good position to suggest useful learning resources for your level which could help you immensely.Don't go it alone: Superprof has over 1 million tutors ready to support you ¦ source: Pixabay - Concord90This is just one of the advantages to learning English with a private tutor. You benefit from their know-how as well as their teaching experience in their discipline so that by the end of your course, you will be able to communicate, discuss and debate fluently in English.Certified English Teacher or Undergraduate?There are no real rules for those wishing to become a tutor, which is why it’s so attractive for many university students.But how do you know what to look for in your search for the ideal tutor? Tutors, especially tutors who teach English, come from all backgrounds. Some are trained school teachers, while others study their subject at university.In the case of English tutors, there are also many native English speakers who are willing to help others learn to speak English as a second language.University StudentsStudents are often good at teaching younger pupils as they can identify with their learning journey and tend to be closer in age to their learners than many other tutors.For this reason, their approach is often closer to the school syllabus, and they will easily be able to help their pupil familiarise themselves with what examiners are looking for.Undergrads are also in the perfect position to help learners with revision tactics to learn to conjugate tricky verbs, for example.Qualified TeachersOf course, teachers have a wealth of experience and an expertise that students do not yet have.Teachers know what their pupils are looking for and hoping to ac hieve even before the first session, and they also know what topics are coming up that their student may struggle with.Armed with this useful knowledge, teachers can prepare their lessons and their pupils for any tough points that may come up and put measures in place to support their student should they be faced with any obstacles.As professionals, qualified teachers know where to find the best grammar exercises and worksheets to support you throughout your learning.The Decision is Up to the StudentUltimately, it is the student who chooses their tutor.Aside from choosing within their price range, the student will prefer someone who can easily adapt to their needs and removes the pressure from learning.While some feel more reassured by the experienced of certified teachers, but others prefer being able to identify with younger tutors who are still in education themselves.Essential Qualities of Your Ideal ESOL TutorIn order to get the most out of your English courses in London or els ewhere around the UK, you need to optimise your lessons.There are a few ways to achieve this, including:Take stock of your needsIt may seem obvious, but from the very first English lesson with your tutor it is important that both you and your tutor are aware of where you currently stand.Do your tutor's qualities match your needs? ¦ source: Pixabay - StockSnapThis will help the tutor plan future lessons and provide appropriate learning material.Decide which topics you would like to cover in your lessonsWould you like to improve your vocabulary? Or what about revising conjugation, literacy and listening comprehension or use of tenses? Whether you would like to work on the technical side of English, or you’d prefer to practice your British accent and learn about slang, your tutor will be able to help you with this.Remember to use your English outside of your lessonsThe more you speak in English and practice your writing skills, the more natural it will feel for you.So why not watch films and TV shows in English or get stuck into some good English literature?So What Makes a Good Tutor?Good ESOL teachers are professional and have native or nearly native abilities in speaking English, which they share with their students using an effective methodology.When it comes to grammar, high-quality tutors will teach each topic when it becomes relevant to the learner, rather than handing out grammar rules to learn by heart.Teachers should also make sure that their lessons cover all aspects of English equally. This means not focussing on vocabulary too much, but also concentrating on written expression, oral skills and listening skills.No aspect of language learning should be neglected.The best tutors speak as much English as possible during their sessions to encourage their students to interact in the language so that using English feels more natural.However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if the tutee is having trouble with a particular point and the y cannot understand the English explanation, it is appropriate for the tutor to briefly switch to the native language of their student.While you practice your spoken English, your tutor should let you explain yourself without interrupting with corrections. Good tutors will prefer to take notes while their student is speaking, do discuss corrections afterwards.The most important points for developing good English speaking proficiency is that the student feels motivated to practice their spoken English and feels free to express themselves in their foreign language.Encouraging learners to want to learn English will boost their confidence, which leads to improved English fluency.Your tutor will give you homework to complete after your lessons. This could be a text to read, or a vocabulary list.The very best of tutors will have brilliant English pronunciation which the learner can mimic to improve their own. This is an essential part of developing a good English accent.You can learn Engl ish online with a Superprof tutor.Where to Look for the Best ESOL Tutors to Teach You How to Speak EnglishIt is important to be thorough in your search for your ideal ESOL tutor.Local AdvertsKeep an eye on advertising in newspapers and on notice boards in your local area.Home tutors often advertise where their hometowns where they know they can travel to students’ houses to deliver their lessons.Consult local press to see what's available ¦ source: Pixabay - stevepbHowever, the downside of local adverts for teaching English is that you cannot always be sure that you are getting the best deal.Available tutors may not have the necessary level of qualification to suit your needs, or their hourly rate may be too high for your budget.Whatever happens, you should take care when registering an interest in these tutors. If their telephone number or email address is on their advert, don’t hesitate to get in touch to find out more about their offer.Or better still, you could arrange to m eet them in person. This gives you the opportunity to see how you get along before committing to tuition.Tutoring AgenciesThe advantage of using tutoring companies to find an English tutor is that the employees look after your specific case, including your needs and goals.The hourly charge is set by the agency, who checks the details of each family as well as the qualifications of their tutors. The match tutors with tutees based on availability, level of study and goals.Tutors are often monitored by their agencies and have to report on the progress of their students.Although this procedure can reassure parents and students, it can be tedious for the tutors, who may not feel free to apply their own methodology in their teaching.  Learn about taking ESOL courses as an adult  as well here.Social Media and Word of MouthWhy not ask your friends, teachers and colleagues for advice on finding the best English tutor for you?The advantage to looking within your own social circles is that you know and trust those who advise you.Websites and PlatformsThere are many tutoring websites on the World Wide Web which all offer a different perspective on the market for private tutoring.Some websites focus on the teaching of foreign languages, while others are more generalist.Most of the time, the teams working behind each of these websites filter through tutors by asking them to complete a profile displaying their specialities, availability, and the rates they charge.This enables platforms to only advertise tutors who are serious about sharing their knowledge.Just as you should with local tutors, we recommend that prospective students get in contact and schedule a meeting with tutors before choosing a tutor for the long term.  Learn how long it will take to learn English here.

What is it Like to Attend University of Rochester

What is it Like to Attend University of Rochester The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Taylor is a 2014 graduate of the University of Rochester with a Bachelors degree in English Literature and French. She is a New York City tutor specializing in French tutoring, Writing tutoring, SAT prep tutoring, and more. Check out her review of her school: 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? Taylor: Campus is very safe, but the areas surrounding campus require you to be aware at nightbut it is safe if you are smart! Luckily, buses run regularly (some as often as every fifteen minutes, some about half an hour apart) to take you to places you need to go, both near campus and in the city of Rochester. Campus itself is small and easy to walk (it takes about fifteen minutes to get from end to end), and there are tunnels connecting the main academic buildings to help you stay warm during harsh winters. A bike might be useful for upperclassmen, who often live on the outer edges of campus or off-campus to save money, but freshman life is very centralized, so you likely would not need a bike your first year. Cars are useful for upperclassmen, but freshmen are not allowed to have them, and they certainly are not necessary, since university buses go everywhere you need to go. Rochester also has an affordable public bus system, but students rarely use it, since university buses are free. VT: How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Taylor: I always found professors, advisers, and teaching assistants to be very available. In departments that have a graduate program, most teaching assistants are graduate students who have offices and office hours. Professors and advisers have weekly office hours, too. These times are usually available for drop-ins, though some professors will request that you email in advance just to let them know you are comingalthough this is usually more convenient for you, too, since then you know you will not be waiting around while the professor talks to another student. Professors are almost always flexible, too, so if you cannot make their scheduled office hours for some reason, they are usually more than willing to make another appointment with you, as long as you contact them in advance. VT: How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Taylor: Dorm life, particularly for underclassmen, is really fun! Orientation at the University of Rochester is really great, and it is designed to bond you with your hall-mates right away. By the end of your first week, you will feel like your hall is a home full of close friends. I graduated recently, and I am still close with many of my hall-mates from freshman year. Freshmen have an unlimited dining plan at several all-you-can-eat dining halls, as well as additional dining dollars for other a la carte dining facilities. These are all located pretty centrally on campus, and the biggest (which was recently renovated and has a whole bunch of different stations) is on the first floor of the biggest freshman dorm. It is not uncommon to see students show up for weekend brunch in their pajamas and slippers. Socialization opportunities abound on campusthere are over one hundred clubs available, and it is pretty easy to start your own. There are tons of athletic groups, ranging from varsi ty sports to club, intramural, or the odd group of friends who gather for pick-up games. 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? Taylor: Since the University of Rochester has a major medical school, a lot of students plan on being doctors. Though this percentage drops as students discover other interests, throughout all four years, the biggest programs of study are in the sciences: biology, cognitive sciences, engineering, etc. There are tons of resources available for these majors, but I was in two smaller programs, and I found many advantages to this, too. In English and Modern Languages, I found that professors had more time for individual students, especially for things like internships or independent studies, as well as preparation for graduate school if you decide to go. Though bigger majors may have more university-wide resources, as a student in a smaller major, I was able to create personal relationships with professors. 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? Taylor: It is very easy to make friends as a freshman, since orientation is designed to get hall-mates to know one another. When classes start, it is also pretty easy to meet other underclassmen in your academic program, especially if you are in entry-level courses with lots of other freshmen. Clubs and groups, which start the week after orientation, are also a great way to meet new people. Greek life comprises about 20-25% of students, which is the perfect ratio, because it means that fraternities and sororities are available for students who want to join them, but they are definitely not necessary to make friends on campus for students who are not interested. Freshmen are not allowed to pledge until their first spring semester, however, so almost everyone has become involved in some kind of group by that point. VT: How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services?Do many reputable companies recruit on campus? Taylor: The Career Center has a number of counselors, all of whom specialize in different subjects to help students with job and internship searches in their specific majors. They also hold a series of helpful seminars throughout the year, some directed at different class years, and companies recruit on campus regularly. Again, because the science majors are bigger, they will have more recruiters and programs, but these opportunities are not absent for smaller majorsthey just require a little more drive from students, who must be more proactive in seeking out help. That said, many students of every major graduate with prestigious jobs lined up, and many more find great jobs in the first few months after graduation. VT: How are the various study areas such aslibraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Taylor: As with any college, libraries are super crowded during finals, but during the rest of the year, there is plenty of space in a variety of libraries. These spaces all have a slightly different atmosphere, from very serious and very quiet to more relaxed and designed for group work. One library is open 24 hours during the school year, and other libraries are open until 3:00 a.m. on weeknights, with shorter hours on the weekends. The student union is also open late most nights, and it is host to a number of events and food options. The main library and student union are both located centrally on campus, and they are convenient for students at any time of day. Dorm lounges host some studiers, but they are mostly areas for socializationespecially for freshmen as they get to know one another. 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? Taylor: The school tries to get students involved in Rochester as a community, since students often tend to stick to campus for the majority of their social and academic lives. That said, Rochester is a great city, and a recent college town projectslated to open this fallright next to the university is going to give students even more reason to venture off campus. The college town is going to host a number of restaurants, bars, and stores, including a huge grocery store and a Barnes and Noble. Buses do run downtown, and they loop through an area that contains many museums, as well as more restaurants and shops. These ventures for students tend to be more occasional than regular, but they provide something new and exciting for those rare times that campus life does not offer something fun to do. VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Taylor: The undergraduate student body has about 5,000 students, with some graduate and medical students who are largely separate from the undergraduates. My class sizes rangedsince I was in a small major, my typical class had about 30 students, but they got as large as 150 and, in one notable instance, as small as just me! Larger majors may have bigger classes for introductory courses, but since the student body is not huge, even popular majors see class sizes decrease in upper-level courses. And, even for large classes, professors and teaching assistants are available for help when you need it. VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Taylor: One memorable class was one that I took optionally during the winter intersession, called Theatre in England. This class runs annually, and it provides students of all majors with the chance to travel to London and see a series of plays over two weeks. Seeing two plays a day was exhausting, but it was unbelievably exiting and fun, and it made me close friends that I had not had before the trip, not to mention a bundle of amazing memories. I had not had such an intensive bonding experience like that since freshman orientation, and I learned more in two weeks than I would have ever thought imaginable. Check out Taylors tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.