Thursday, March 26, 2020

Help Solving College Algebra Problems With Free Calculators

Help Solving College Algebra Problems With Free CalculatorsFor many students, the difficulties of college algebra pose a huge obstacle to their goals of finding a solid college education. Students are also able to find that their school's curriculum is less than ideal and insufficient in these areas.What many students fail to realize is that algebra problems can be helped by using online resources. There are a variety of resources available that not only can help students learn the right formulas, but can also teach them the skills that are necessary for solving college algebra problems. Most students find it difficult to solve a traditional algebra problem. Students are able to improve their test scores because they find that solving this type of math problem is not as difficult as they originally thought. One way that students can improve their scores is by practicing with algebra problems. This helps students learn how to tackle these problems correctly and prevent them from getti ng confused during the problems.Teachers do not use traditional textbooks for their students because it does not allow for complete and accurate information on test grade. Students should consider a variety of resources when trying to improve their test scores. Students will discover that they are able to learn more when they are able to practice with algebra problems.Students should be diligent in seeking test grade calculators so that they are able to learn what to do on a test and how to eliminate algebra formulas that are common in tests. Students can use the calculators to make sure that they are capable of solving the equations correctly in the field of study that they plan to enter.Once students realize that algebra problems can be solved by using the calculators, they will find that they have more confidence in solving algebra problems. Students will be more ready to tackle tough problems in the classroom because they will know that they have the right knowledge in these are as. They will also feel less frustrated if they do not get the answer right on the first try.When students find that they can learn by using their calculators, they will feel more confident in solving algebra problems. Students will be able to make greater improvements in their grades because they will have the skills to eliminate common mistakes. The calculators can also be used in the classroom for students to become proficient in the use of this type of software.

Friday, March 6, 2020

What is it Like to Attend Walla Walla University

What is it Like to Attend Walla Walla University The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well.Dan received his Bachelors degree in Business Administration from Walla Walla University. He is currently a tutor in Portland specializing in Accounting tutoring, Economics tutoring, Finance tutoring, and several other subjects. See what he had to say about his experience at Walla Walla University: VT: Describe the campus setting and transportation options. How urban or rural is the campus? Did you feel safe on campus? Are there buses or do you need a car/bike? Dan: Walla Walla University is located in southeast Washington near wheat fields and wineries. Being in the country, it felt pretty safe there. The Tri-Cities in Washington (Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland) are about 45 miles away when you need to get off campus. I was fortunate to have both a car and a bike during my college years. I did not use public transportation during that time. VT:How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Dan: I found professors at Walla Walla University to be readily available when needed, and I made sure to do the same for my students when I taught accounting courses a few years back. VT: How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Dan: I lived in the dorms during my first three years, and we had a cafeteria and a smaller student lounge where we ate. I enjoyed playing sports and socializing with others, but I got tired of dorm life and was able to get an apartment near campus my senior year. I enjoyed being near campus and having a place to get away from school. VT: Which majors/programs are best represented and supported?What did you study and why? Did the university do a good job supporting your particular area of study? Dan: Business was one of the top five largest majors on campus. After I graduated, they moved the Business department into a new building, which is a huge improvement over being on the fourth floor of an 80-year-old building. 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? Dan: We did not have Greek life at Walla Walla University. I made friends playing sports and participating in activities. VT: How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services?Do many reputable companies recruit on campus? Dan: I did not find them very helpful. In my case, I moved to Portland on graduation day, and I found a job shortly thereafter and began my career in accounting. VT: How are the various study areas such aslibraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Dan: There were libraries where we met for study groups, as well as student lounges, but I found studying in my room or at the dining table to be my best study place because it was quiet and offered few distractions. However, we did have many study groups at Merchants Coffee Shop in downtown Walla Walla. 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? Dan: Walla Walla was a relatively quiet town come sundown when I attended the university. We went to a lot of movies. A highlight was going to Tri-Cities once every month or two for dinner and a movie, as well as to the water park during the spring and summer. VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Dan: Our student body was about 2,000 students, but most of my Business classes were 20-30 students. General classes could have 60-70 students in a class in an amphitheater setting. VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Dan: I had one professor, Ann Gibson, who was the most amazing teacher. I had taken a course taught by her mother in high school, and she was a fantastic teacher, as well. I took every class Ann taught in my last three years to gain the knowledge she offered. She was hard, but I learned so much about business from her. I modeled my teaching and tutoring from her example. On the other hand, I absolutely hated it when a teacher came to class unprepared. I had a couple of professors that came to class and opened the textbook for the first time in front of the class. I consider those wasted lectures. I learned that preparation was the key, and, as a teacher, you owe it to your students to come prepared to answer their questions. Check out Dans tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

How to Write a Winning MBA Personal Statement

How to Write a Winning MBA Personal Statement GMAT MBA Admissions Blog If you’re in the process of applying to business schools, you already know that there’s so much that goes into a successful MBA application. You need strong GMAT or GRE scores, good work experience, great references and a compelling, effective MBA personal statement. Your MBA personal statement tells the admissions committee who you are as a person, why you should be admitted into an MBA program and how the degree will shape your career plans. It’s one of the most important pieces of your application, as it gives you the chance to address weaknesses in your materials and present yourself as a well-rounded person. A well-crafted MBA personal statement allows a school’s admissions committee to see the person behind the resume, but how can you use a brief written statement to show admissions committees who you are as a person and professional? Tell a Story Your MBA personal statement shouldn’t be a dry recitation of your career progress to date. It should tell a story about who you are, what you’ve been working toward in your career and how you think an MBA from the specific school to which you’re applying will help you reach that goal. Remember that admissions committees at some schools read hundreds, if not thousands, of these essays, so you want yours to be memorable and stand out. Think about what makes you unique, and seek to craft an essay that reflects your personality and voice. The story you tell should be about what you’ve already done in your career, but it should also go on to show admissions committees what you hope to achieve in the future and why their program can help you achieve it. Show How the Program and School Are Right for You Whether you’re applying to traditional or online MBA programs in California or across the nation, admissions committee members are going to want to know why you chose their school. Does the program offer a concentration that suits your career goals and the interests you’ve already developed through prior experience? Does the school offer resources that appeal to you? Is it located in the region where you hope to work? Do you have personal connections to alumnae, faculty or current students? Did you form a good impression of the school and program during a campus visit? Answering some or all of these questions can help admissions committees determine whether you would be a good fit for the program, and vice versa. Express Confidence You don’t need to waste precious space in your personal statement pointing out that no one can predict the future or know whether you will achieve your goals. This is obvious; admissions committees know that not some graduates will come up against obstacles they can’t surmount. While it’s a good idea not to seem too proud of your current achievements, you should express confidence in your ability to reach your stated goals. Show that you have a realistic, solid plan for your career, and give the committee confidence by showing what you’ve already accomplished. Address Shortcomings Do you have weaknesses in your application, like a low undergraduate GPA, less-than-ideal GMAT scores or fewer years of work experience than the admissions committee requires? That doesn’t mean you can’t apply, but you can use your personal statement as a place to address those shortcomings and show the admissions committee that you’ve moved beyond them. Address your shortcomings head on, and explain how you’ve worked to overcome the obstacle. Reassure the committee that you’re capable of recognizing your personal weaknesses and taking action to overcome them. Writing a successful MBA personal statement can mean the difference between getting into the school of your choice and having your application tossed into the garbage with the dozens of others who didn’t make the cut. You should focus on making your personal statement as well-written and compelling as possible. Let your personality shine, so admissions committees can get a sense of who you are and what you’ll bring to the program as a person, professional and student. Admissions committees want to make sure that each member of a given cohort is a good fit for the program and the school, and your personal statement is your chance to show them that you’d be an excellent candidate for their degree.

Thursday, March 5, 2020

An Introduction to Grit A Key to Academic Performance

An Introduction to Grit A Key to Academic Performance Improving Academic Performance Over the past five years, I’ve done a fair amount of secondary research (reading articles, books, etc.) on academic performance. Two of the most interesting and actionable discoveries I’ve made are that A) a student’s mindset is far more important in explaining academic success than I would have imagined and B) a concept called Grit is what seems to power the performance of a student with the right mindset. The “Growth Mindset” is a concept invented by Dr. Carol Dweck, a Standford Psychologist. Her research shows that individuals can generally be placed into one of two buckets: a) those that have a growth mindset and b) those that have a fixed mindset. Here, briefly, are the key differences between the two mindsets. If you have a fixed mindset, you believe your intelligence, for example, is a “fixed’ trait that you inherit. You can “make the best of it” of course, but you’ll be “capped” at performing at a certain level, because you just don’t have the genes or intellectual horse power to succeed in certain academic situations. If you have a growth mindset, however, you believe your intelligence is something you build over time. Instead of thinking about your intellect as an inherited trait, you view it as a muscle that grows the more you use it (i.e., study, take difficult courses, etc.). An individual’s mindset might shift when considering academic performance, personality traits, or athletic ability. One might have a fixed mindset in some areas, and a growth mindset in others. For example, you might think you are shy because it’s just your personality, but be more growth oriented when it comes to intelligence or learning new athletic skills. All else equal, Dweck has shown that individuals with a growth mindset outperform those with a fixed mindset in an academic setting. The reason for this is, in some ways, very simple and intuitive. Most people would probably not argue that success in school comes from a mix of “IQ” and effort. You can make up for lower innate intellectual horsepower by working hard. In fact, there’s even research which suggests that intellectual horsepower itself is not as “fixed” as most people believe. For example, increased levels of education have been shown to improve IQ scores, and getting the right amount of sleep and eating right has been shown to improve cognitive function. So, if you have a Growth Mindset when it comes to academic performance, you’ll be better off. In part, this is simply because with more hard work, you’ll improve and learn more. But what is it exactly that drives the growth mindset-oriented individual when the task at hand is particularly difficult? To perform well in school, you must put forth a lot of effort, solve problems, pay attention, ask question, work with classmates and teachers, etc. A mindset sets the stage for success, but how is that mindset actually implemented? In Grit: The Power Of Passion and Perseverance, Angela Duckworth suggests a combination of passion and perseverance - or, as she calls it, Grit, explains why some people are successful, and other people are not. . What is Grit? To make it through West Point at the United States Military Academy, one must survive the Beast Barracks â€" a training program designed to filter out those without the mental and physical stamina to succeed. During the admissions process, West Point calculates the Whole Candidate Score; a combination of SAT scores, high school rank, appraisals of leadership potential, and physical fitness measures. It is designed to find the people who will succeed. Remarkably, Duckworth found that the Whole Candidate score didn’t predict who made it through Beast Barracks. Actually, those with the highest Whole Candidate Scores were just as likely to drop out as the those with the lowest. What did predict success in Beast Barracks, however, was a score on what Duckworth calls the “Grit Scale.” According to Duckworth, people who are relatively “gritty” are resilient, work very hard, and know on a very “deep” level what they want to achieve. Her “grit score” measures those factors. Duckworth has found that, in almost any domain, the grittier you are, the more successful you will be. Why? Because you simply keep practicing, keep learning, and keep trying different approaches until you succeed. In an academic context, I have come to believe that students place far less importance on focused effort than they should. Students incorrectly assume that a certain innate “talent” for a subject is required to succeed at what they consider “advanced” courses, when in fact it’s the Grit to engage in sustained practice that matters. For example, do you think getting a PhD in Physics requires a certain innate talent or IQ level? If you do, you are probably wrong. In fact, it is probably grit, not IQ, that explains why one person obtains a PhD in Physics while another does not, even though they’d like to. This might not seem intuitive, because after all, getting a PhD in Physics requires mastery of some extremely complicated concepts, but let me explain. Students seem to observe the best student in class easily answer questions, or the teacher, graduate teaching assistant, or professor breeze through discussions of complicated subjects, and assume there must be some natural ability that underlies their knowledge. What they don’t see is all of the time spent practicing and studying, likely in a very deliberate way. It’s practice, not innate talent, that almost always explains knowledge and understanding of a subject. And, the gritty person is more likely to practice more and stick with difficult concepts until they fully understand them. Now, I’ll grant you, if you are going to earn a PhD in Physics from Harvard or certainly if you are going to earn a Nobel Prize in Physics, your IQ is probably going to matter. But even then, there is no Physics “gene.” Your effort and your work ethic combine to explain your performance. For an interesting exploration of these ideas, read this article by Cal Newport, a Computer Science Professor at Georgetown University, who was asked “To what extent does intelligence matter in college success?” Newport begins his response by saying “I don’t believe that intrinsic intelligence plays any significant role at the college level.” Read the full blog article about why intrinsic intelligence doesn’t drive academic success here. In my next post about grit, I’ll cover why effort matters twice, and discuss some ways to become grittier

6 Tips For Working Your First Part Time Job

6 Tips For Working Your First Part Time Job Via (Flickr) Lets say youve landed the job. Now, here are some tips to be the best employee your company has ever seen while not falling behind on your schoolwork, and what to expect from the work field. Strategy is your ultimate goal. Your first part-time job will teach you what it means when people say, Every second counts. Time management will be a skill that will benefit you both in the short and long term. Plan a schedule of your day, week, and month. Keep your planner updated so you dont forget a homework assignment or work meeting. Color coding is a great way to keep your agenda organized. You may want to mark things down in pencil since a multi-tasking semester tends to be full of tentative plans. Start your day off right with brain food. Making sure you start your day off right can do wonders for you. If your job is in the morning, make sure to prepare a healthy meal that will wake you up and boost your energy to get to the office with a positive, ready-to-work attitude. If eggs every morning do not sound appealing to you (to who, really?),  these 21 recipes will help or inspire you for a quick, healthy fix. If you attend classes during the day and work late hours, make sure to have a meal or snack before going into work. Your body will have tackled a big part of your day, and your brain will want a break. Boost your energy and productivity levels by drinking lots of water instead of caffeinated drinks or increasing your heart rate with some jumping jacks. Dress to impress. Via (Oscar Falk) It couple Olivia Palermo and  Johannes Huebl are some serious business casual inspiration. Your image defines who you are. You represent the brand you work for now, and dressing well communicates your personality and confidence. My go-to idol is the lovely and trendy Lauren Conrad. Her expertise on style and fashion not to mention, her clothing lines give women a respectful and chic example that works well in all types of environments. Her Business Casual and Casual Work Attire guide are follow-worthy. I will admit that her wardrobe is not a one-style-fits-all, so Pinterest  has a wider scope of outfit examples to try. For a straightforward solution, take inspiration from any female coworkers and employers. My dear gentlemen, I did not forget about you. While I dont personally follow many male bloggers, I always recommend Effortless Gents How-To Guide as a starting point for all my male friends. Its got the basic rules, seven different style options, and even links to where to find the pieces for the look you want. While the post is a bit outdated, men dont have to go for a flashy or extreme look. Keeping it neat and tidy is the safest way to go. Your time is invaluable. Dont neglect your grades; study time is important too. Many employers understand that full-time students will struggle with time management issues for the first few days or weeks. However, do not take advantage of this and turn it into an excuse. As I mentioned before, time management is your best bet for a good GPA. Scheduling short study groups with classmates outside of work and class hours helps me refresh my memory on lectures and prepare for exams and quizzes. If youre not sure, ask questions. Theres nothing wrong with not knowing. The only way youre going to learn is by asking for help so look to your boss for advice on how to get a task done. Even simply asking somebody how their weekend was can be a helpful way to get to know your coworkers and employers at a personal level and to build relationships. Here are other questions you might have and how to ask them. Stick it out. Via (Flickr) While no one likes being stuck with a boring job, it is better to try your best and excel than quitting when the going gets tough. Most employees find that their work becomes stagnant after a while, so come up with small ways to excite your shift. As a waitress, I liked to ask people what their day or weekend plans were. It may seem like an intrusive question, but many people actually appreciated the sociable and casual conversation. Many interviewers ask about a challenge youve had and how you overcame it. A persons first part-time job is one of the best examples of a challenge. It shows your interviewer that youve learned about commitment and perseverance. These are just some tips on how to be successful at your first part-time job. You shouldnt have to feel overwhelmed and stressed. Find what works for you, your grades, and your occupation. Make sure to prepare for a healthy, stylish, and above all productive work day.

Make Fall Semester Delicious With These 7 Fall Snacks

Make Fall Semester Delicious With These 7 Fall Snacks https://pixabay.com These Smores cookies will take your mind right back to being around a warm bonfire roasting marshmallows with family and friends. They require 15 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to bake. The ingredients include flour, graham crackers, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, butter, sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, eggs, mini chocolate chips, mini marshmallows and Hershey bars. These cookies will be great to enjoy on those cool nights, where you wish you could go have a bonfire and roast marshmallows, but cant because youre on campus and have a paper to write. For further instructions go here. 2. Pie crust chips cinnamon dip For this unique fall treat, you will need refrigerated pie dough, cinnamon, sugar, cream cheese, vanilla extract, and Cinnamon Plus Spice Blend. You first need to roll out the pie crust and cut leaf shapes (or a fall shape of your choice) with a cookie cutter. Next, sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar and bake for 15-16 minutes. While the pie crust chips are baking, you can make the cinnamon dip. First, mix together the cream cheese, vanilla extract and Cinnamon Plus Spice Blend and microwave for 35-40 seconds; then stir well. This snack would be great to serve at dinners or football parties this fall. For direction and ingredient details go here. 3. Cinnamon candied pecans https://pixabay.com Have you ever gotten warm cinnamon candied pecans at the county fair or your shopping mall? Well, now you can make them at home and serve them to your family and friends. To make cinnamon candied pecans you will need pecan halves, egg white, water, vanilla extract, granulated sugar, cinnamon and salt. First, in a large bowl, you will need to whisk egg white, water and vanilla; then in a separate bowl mix sugar, cinnamon and salt. Next, add pecans to the egg white mix and toss. Pour half of the cinnamon mixture over pecans and toss evenly, and then pour in second half. On a baking sheet you will then bake the pecans for one hour, then cool. For further instructions go here. 4. Pumpkin patch dirt cups Dirt cups are a fun snack to make this fall. They are particularly great for parties and/or Halloween. You will need five simple ingredients: instant chocolate pudding mix, milk, Oreos, green Sour Straws and pumpkin candies. After making the pudding by following the instructions on the box, you need to use a food processor to crush the Oreos. Using small clear cups, layer the ingredients as: Oreos, pudding, Oreos, pudding, and Oreos. Lastly, you can top with a few pumpkin candies and a green Sour Straw candy (to represent a pumpkin vine). For detailed ingredients, go here. 5. White chocolate peanut butter cookies These cookies are not your typical sugar or chocolate chip cookie; they include white chocolate, chocolate and peanut butter. They feature fall colors which makes them a festive snack for this semester. They call for flour, baking soda, brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt, vanilla, white chocolate chips, butter, eggs, peanut butter chips and Reeses pieces. You will need a total of 25 minutes to prepare and bake these cookies. For further instructions, go here. 6. Apple pie bites https://pixabay.com Who doesnt love apple pie? However, as a college student, making the perfect pie can be difficult without the help of Mom. These apple pie bites are simple to make, and taste like the real thing. They are perfect for dinners with your roommates or to take home to the fam for the weekend this semester. The ingredients include brown sugar, apple pie spice, butter, chopped pecans, small Granny Smith apples, and Pillsbury Original crescent rolls. They take a total of 27 minutes to make, but are worth the time when looking for a warm and yummy fall snack. For instructions, go here. 7. Reeses Muddy Buddies Reeses Muddy Buddies are a fun and unique treat to snack on at home or on the go, while youre walking to class or watching a movie with your roommates. The ingredients include: chocolate covered Chex cereal, peanuts, powdered sugar, melting chocolate, Reeses peanut butter chips, Reeses minis, and Reeses pieces. Similar to Chex Mix, you will combine Chex cereal and peanuts, then set aside. Melt melting chocolate and peanut butter chips, then drizzle chocolate mix over the Chex and peanuts and toss gently. Pour in Reeses minis and coat half of the mixture in powdered sugar in a separate bag. Spread the contents on parchment paper and let set for 15 minutes, then mix together (portion out if needed) and enjoy. For more detailed instructions go here.

Singapore American School

Singapore American School Singapore American School SAS is an independent, non-profit, co-educational day school offering an American-based curriculum for preschool through grade 12. With more than 3,800 students from more than 50 nations, and approximately 70% hold U.S. passports. SAS is recognized by the Office of Overseas Schools, U.S. State Department, is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), and is the largest single-campus international school in the world. SAS is located on a 36-acre campus in the Woodlands area of Singapore, approximately 35 minutes drive from downtown Singapore. The campus is purpose built, supports classroom spaces for music, art, and drama, and includes state-of -the-art facilities for students at all grade levels. The campus includes three distinct divisions: elementary school (preschool through grade five), middle school (grades six through eight) and high school (grades nine through twelve). A separate and purpose built early childhood center (ECC) provides a special learning environment for preschool and prekindergarten (age 3 and 4) students.