What is the Difference Between an Organic Chemistry Tutor and an Organic Chemistry Test?

What is the Difference Between an Organic Chemistry Tutor and an Organic Chemistry Test?Organic Chemistry is one of the most fascinating subjects to study for the various students in the college or university. There are a lot of basic principles involved with the classification of elements. There are several theories and alternative ideas that are attached to the chemistry that are yet to be fully explained by scientists.A lot of students get fascinated by the study of different elements and look forward to it all the time. This is the reason why they want to become an organic chemistry tutor. However, it is not easy to find out as to how to become an organic chemistry tutor without going through the school of the law.It is not enough to just take up a class in organic chemistry and see how well they do on it. A better way is to try to understand the fundamental differences between the student and the organic chemistry tutor. One good way to approach this is to learn from an individu al who is already a professional in the subject. An organic chemistry tutor can help one know about the different factors to be considered while asking the question whether to practice the concept or not.A good example of how to approach the subject can be seen in the website of the organic chemistry tutor. One can find the different aspects to make a good examination or quiz. A good example is the test on a single element. The tutor will give a very good description of the element and what the requirements are for it. The student can then find out about the two similar elements that are arranged in the same group.There are also some quiz questions that have a design that is basically based on the known equation. This gives the student more time to formulate an answer to the question. After completing a successful question, the student can now look forward to getting the other relevant questions that are necessary for preparing for the exam.In this way, the students can have more ti me to study the different aspects of the topic that they are being asked to study. The materials given by the organic chemistry tutor can provide them with a practical method to make the classroom experiments to better. It is not enough to study and understand the different concepts.Students also need to be able to apply those concepts in practical ways to give them a practical experience. They also need to understand the implications of the concepts that are also done with the help of the material provided by the organic chemistry tutor. The good aspect of having this kind of learning material is that the student can practice and learn at the same time. This will help the student to understand the topics better and also make him learn more about the real world application of these concepts.Before choosing a tutor for the subjects of organic chemistry, one needs to decide which option he or she would like to take. Choosing the option that fits your needs best is important. Some of t he factors that are important to consider include how much time the tutor will spend on the subject and the amount of the payment that the tutor will be offering.

Biology Songs - Learn by Singing

Biology Songs - Learn by SingingIf you are interested in learning about biology, then you should make sure that you are taking a course on biology. You can find a lot of different courses on the subject online as well. However, some of these may seem to be much more advanced than others, and so there is a need for you to do some research.One of the first things that you should consider is what you plan to do with biology. Is it something that you will just study every single day and then forget about? Maybe you want to take a field trip or go into the field to do some work. No matter what your reasons are, you will need to decide what kind of biology classes that you want to take, and then choose which ones you want to take.Some courses that are offered by biology departments include chemical biology, ecology, development, health and nutrition, life sciences, microbiology, neurobiology, etc. All of these are very important aspects of biology, and they vary greatly. You will definitel y want to focus on some of these topics, as well as choose from an array of different classes.Most of the time, it is good to pick up a variety of biology songs. This way, you will have something to listen to while you are studying. The music is very relaxing and can help you get through the day. You should be able to pick out the biology songs that appeal to you. This will allow you to learn while still having fun.The more specific biology songs will be easier to play, but it will require more concentration. For example, if you are going to be taking a course on developmental biology, you should learn the lessons by listening to a variety of songs. You can also sing along if you would like.You should also look at other ways to keep yourself entertained while you are taking biology. There are all kinds of other ways that you can learn biology without having to listen to biology songs. This includes class projects, history of biology, books on the subject, etc.If you are serious abou t taking biology, then you should think about learning about the aspects of biology through singing. It will be fun and it will help you learn. If you feel like you have something to learn about, you should definitely consider taking a few different biology songs.

Exploring the Six Most Popular Italian Dialects

Exploring the Six Most Popular Italian Dialects Brooke Neuman There are numerous Italian dialects spoken throughout Italy. Below, Italian teacher Liz T. shares the six most popular Italian dialects In the big boot of Italy, there are dozens of Italian dialects. In fact, almost every region has its own unique accent. While the literary Italian language is used throughout the country for law, business, and education, many people still use their region’s original Italian dialect. While it’s not necessary for you to learn every Italian dialect, familiarizing yourself with the most popular accents could come in handy when you’re traveling throughout Italy. Below is a breakdown of some of the most common Italian dialects. Review the list to help you recognize accents on your next trip to Italy! Milanese is  not actually classified as a form of Italian. Rather, its a dialect of the  Gallo-Italic sub-group that is  closely related to French and German. Similar to French and German, Milanese uses two additional vowels “ö” and “y” and subject pronouns are doubled in the second and third person. For example, the standard Italian phrase “Tu non sei” (You are not) is pronounced “ti te seet no” in Milanese. Spoken in Venice and the surrounding areas by over two million people, Venetian derives from Latin and Greek. The Italian dialect is  used mostly in informal contexts. One example of how it differs from standard Italian, is that in Venetian the word “Farmacia” (pharmacy) is replaced with “Apoteca. Florentine is the  most standard Italian dialect, commonly used by people under the age of 35. The dialect  uses nicknames of words. For example, the standard Italian word, “Formaggio” (cheese) is replaced with “Cacio” in Florentine. The further south you travel, the more heavy and harsh the Italian dialect  becomes. Also, because there are many immigrants that settle in Florence, there are several  different sounds that influence  the accent. In Romanesco, there are several deviations from standard Italian. For example, il turns into er and gli or I turns into li. Whats more,  the letter j is pronounced as i, whereas in the other Italian dialects its not. Typically, the  letter j  will appear in between two vowels or at the beginning of a word followed by a vowel. In Neapolitan,  a lot of vowels and endings are dropped. For example,  the standard Italian  â€œPiove” is written as  â€œChiove” in Neapolitan and Ci veddiamo dopo is written as “Ce verimm aròppo” Also, many traditional  Italian songs are written in this dialect, including the popular song “O sole mio”. Sicilians talk with such a thick accent that  people often mistake the dialect as a  completely different foreign languageand they are right! Sicilian doesnt derive from standard Italian. Rather it has linguistic elements from Greek, Latin, Arabic, French, Spanish, and more. Whats unique about this Italian dialect is that  plural endings of nouns end in  i, no matter what the gender. Mastering these Italian dialects can be tricky, but with the help of your Italian teacher you can practice speaking, reading, writing, and hearing these dialects together! Bona furtuna! (Now, can you guess this dialect?) Post Author:  Liz T. Liz T. teaches singing, acting, music and Italian lessons in Brooklyn, NY.  She is a graduate of the Berklee College of Music with a B.M. in vocal performance and has a graduate certificate in arts administration from New York University. Learn more about Liz here! Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher

Relaxing with Boxing

Relaxing with Boxing Which Are the Best Combat Sports for Unwinding and Getting Rid of Stress? ChaptersHow Does Boxing Help You Unwind?Which is the Best Type of Boxing?Blowing Off Steam with a Punching Bag“Rhythm is everything in boxing. Every move you make starts with your heart, and that's in rhythm or you're in trouble.” - Sugar Ray RobinsonTaking up a combat sport, be it boxing, savate, Thai boxing (Muay Thai), or kick-boxing, is always a good idea.  The thing that martial arts and combat sports have in common is that they all work plenty of different muscle groups in the body. This is one of the many reasons that an increasing number of people are opting to do them. Furthermore, more women are starting the sport, too.Would you like to let off some steam in a boxing club?Here’s how different types of boxing can help you unwind. AndreyBoxing Teacher 5.00 (1) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors KostiaBoxing Teacher 5.00 (1) £17/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LeeBoxing Teacher £17/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SajBoxing Teacher 5.00 ( 1) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors KaranBoxing Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ThomasBoxing Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HaileyBoxing Teacher 4.50 (2) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DavidBoxing Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsHow Does Boxing Help You Unwind?Joining a boxing club is a way to improve your fitness a lot more than many different types of sport. Whether you choose traditional boxing, savate, Thai boxing, kick-boxing, Krav Maga, or MMA, training is so intense that you’ll soon start letting go of everyday stress. While you may have other ways to relax, boxing is probably better for your health. (Source: rawpixel)Whether you’re punching or also kicking, boxing is a way to unwind completely.  Warm-ups are an important part of boxing as they help you to prepare your muscles and joints for combat.  Running, squats, skipping, burpees, punching bag, etc...It’s a sport that’s particularly good for improving many physical qualities.  Once you’ve warmed up, your coach or trainer may have you spar with a few different partners.  They’ll be looking for precision, power, technique, and how you can find weaknesses in your opponent.  Through tactics and speed, boxing can help you improve your agility.Boxing also burns a lot of calories, strengthens muscles, improves your endurance, etc. You’ll hone your flexes while also letting off steam.  After a stressful day at work, sedentary activities aren’t always the best way to stop stressing.While mindfulness meditation can be good, looking straigh t into your opponent’s eyes will also help any trivial concerns melt away.  You’ll only be thinking about the present. You can channel your energy into your boxing.Find out more about boxing.Which is the Best Type of Boxing?No particular type of boxing is inherently better than another. There’s a certain amount of subjectivity involved in choosing your favourite type of boxing. While actual matches are far from relaxing, boxing itself is a great way to unwind. (Source: Skitterphoto)All types of boxing are intense and can help you learn discipline and stay in shape. Traditional boxing improves your endurance and helps you channel your excess energy.  Savate combines punches and kicks and can also help you to blow off steam.  Thai boxing allows elbowing and kneeing. This style can help you unwind as you’re too busy concerning yourself with all the possible attacks. Kick-boxing requires concentration and strength and is a great way for amateurs to unwind.All these different types of boxing can be practised by women, too. Similarly, protection is offered at most clubs so you can safely practise. When you train, you won’t be fighting. Instead, you’ll be practising on punching bags or pads and within these clubs.Relieving Stress through Cardio BoxingWhat about boxing without hitting anyone?Inspired by kickboxing and Muay Thai, cardio boxing takes the moveme nts from combat sports and choreographs them in a way that’ll get your heart pumping. This is also known as fitness boxing. Boxing without an opponent is a great way to raise your heart rate, burn calories, and unwind. (Source: harutmovsisyan)Cardio boxing is like kick-boxing but without an opponent. The main goal is to enjoy the aerobic benefits of the movements without any physical contact.  The lessons are often accompanied by music to make them more interesting and entertaining.  Cardio training is rather intense and burns on average 600 calories per session. The warm-ups, exercises, and cool down at the end all work to tone your muscles and improve your cardiovascular system. It’s a lot of fun and a great way to unwind!It's also a great way to channel excess energy and increase your self-confidence. Cardio boxing is available for all levels. You don’t need any prior boxing training to do them and you can get rid of stress without hurting yourself. After all, there’s no chance of you getting hit and you don’t need half the equipment you do for boxing.In addition to helping you unwind, cardio b oxing can also help you to:Lose weightTone muscleReduce stress levelsWork on your reflexes, coordination, and flexibilityGain composureBuild self-confidenceImprove your enduranceEven if you don’t have a sparring partner and you’re just punching the air, cardio boxing comes with a lot of benefits.Find out more about losing weight through boxing.Blowing Off Steam with a Punching BagWhether you’re at home, in a boxing club, or a gym, beginners and professionals alike can get a lot of benefits out of using a punching bag. Almost every type of boxer will have used one of these to train. Working on a punching bag is a great way to release stress. (Source: xusenru)You’re going to have to imagine knocking this thing out...  Punching bags have been considered an essential tool for working on your punching for years. They're a way to improve the strength and speed of your punches (and kicks in some cases).  Punching bags are also useful for working on your footwork as you move around as if it was a real boxer you were facing.Find out more about how boxing is useful for self-defence.The EquipmentTo train, you need the right footwear and certain protection.  In Thai boxing and kick-boxing, for example, no footwear is worn. However, you will need shin guards for hitting the bag.  You’ll also need tape and boxing gloves. You should never punch with bare knuckles. You need to hit the bag well. Finally, you might want to work to the clock.ExercisesThere are five or six types of training:10-round workoutPower trainingSpeed trainingEndurance trainingFootwork trainingPrecisio n trainingThe idea is to increase your speed and power over time and the efficiency of your attacks. Always breathe out as you strike and breathe in between attacks since our bodies function far better with oxygen.  Your arms must move in conjunction with the rest of your body. If not, your punches won’t be as powerful.In boxing, there are 3 axes: the neutral axis, the forward axis (with your weight on your front foot), and the backwards axis (with your weight on the back foot.The axis always needs to correspond with your punching rotation.There’s a great article on the ExpertBoxing blog all about it.Want to work on a punching bag?Have a look on YouTube for some workouts!If you'd like to do boxing, mixed martial arts, or kickboxing classes, consider getting in touch with one of the many talented and experienced tutors on Superprof. There are three main types of tutorial available, face-to-face tutorials, online tutorials, and group tutorials, and each type comes with pros and co ns.Group tutorials tend to be the cheapest per student per hour since they're all paying for a share of the tutor's time. Of course, this means that you'll get less one-on-one time with your tutor or coach and they won't be able to tailor the sessions to just you as they'll have other clients that they need to keep happy.Face-to-face tutorials are just between you and your private tutor. In this case, you'll be paying for a bespoke and tailored service and during your lessons, you'll enjoy the tutor or coach's undivided attention. This all comes at a price and while face-to-face private tutorials are the most cost-effective, they also tend to be the most costly per hour.Finally, thanks to the advent of the internet, you can now enjoy online private tutorials. With video conferencing software, a webcam, a microphone, and a decent internet connection, you can enjoy private tutoring from tutors all over the world. Since the tutor won't be travelling to their students and they can sched ule more tutorials each week, they can charge a more competitive rate and online tutorials are usually cheaper per hour than face-to-face tutorials.Think carefully about your budget and your learning goals, look at several different tutors and the different types of tutorials before you make your final decision, and don't forget to make the most of the fact that many of the tutors on Superprof will offer the first hour of tuition for free. While this hour won't usually be a proper session, it's a good opportunity to get to know your potential private tutor, see if you get along with them, discover what their teaching approach is, and discuss the finer details of the type of coaching and tuition you'd like.

How Introverts Can Make the Most Out of Being Mentored at Work - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / How Introverts Can Make the Most Out of Being Mentored at Work - Introvert Whisperer How Introverts Can Make the Most Out of Being Mentored at Work A good mentor can be a tremendous asset at work. They can help guide you through your career, they can answer questions when you get stuck, and they can also be a person to vent to when things get tough. But introverts are far less likely to seek out mentors. Often times the daily social contact we go through at the office is more than what we need, practically no one wants to seek out more But research suggests that having a mentor can provide a big boost to your career. So even though it’s difficult, you should try your best to find a mentor and make use of them. However, since mentorship is in many ways designed by and for extroverts, you’re going to have to approach things in a different way.   And here are four ways you can do this. Sign Up For Formal Mentoring Programs To be able to make the most out of a mentor-mentee relationship, you need to first have a mentor. And for most introverts, this can prove to be the most difficult part of the process. And this is where formal mentoring programs come into place. Many companies recognize the value of a mentor, and they offer these programs as a way to help people take advantage of them. And most of these programs will allow you to specify some of your interests so that you stand a better chance of matching up with someone and having a connection. This is helpful for introverts because it makes it more likely you’ll find someone you like to work with. But the real value is that it forces you to meet with someone. As introverts, if we rely on ourselves to make this initial contact, it will never happen. However, if all we have to do is answer a few questions online and put our name on a list, then it becomes much easier to initiate this type of relationship and get all the rewards. Of course, it will still be difficult in the beginning, but this is a great way to get you started and heading in the right direction. Be Open With Your Mentor Part of the reasons we struggle as introverts is because people don’t understand what introversion is and how it affects us. Most of the extroverts who have no experience with introversion will just label you as “quiet” or a “loner.” But this represents a gross misunderstanding of what introversion is. So, to get the most out of working with a mentor, it’s important to be upfront with them right away. If they’re not familiar with introverts, then spend some time talking about it. Maybe even suggest they do some reading about it so that they can be more informed. This might sound weird, or even a bit uncomfortable, but this is where you need to have some faith in people. If someone has signed up or has agreed to be your mentor, then this is a sign they are willing to help. And in your case, to be helpful, they will need to understand what introversion is as well as some of the challenges it can present. This helps prevent you from ending up with someone who tells you to “open up,” or “just be yourself,” or worse, who suggests you join a public speaking group. You need someone who will give you advice that’s going to work, and for this to happen, you need to be open and honest with your mentor right from the beginning. Choose Communication Forms You Like The beauty of a mentor-mentee relationship is that it’s far more relaxed than many of the other interactions we have at work. You don’t need to sit through uncomfortable one-on-ones, or go to loud, chaotic coffee shops or bars, if you don’t want to. In fact, you don’t even need to meet face-to-face all that often. Again, this is part of the reason it’s so important to be open with your mentor from the beginning. If it’s easier for you to communicate via text message or email, let them know. You may want to meet with them in person every once in a while just to touch base, but don’t force yourself into situations you don’t want to just because. Your relationship with your mentor will be much better if you can communicate in ways that make sense for you. Pick Someone You Feel Comfortable With Lastly, it’s important to work with someone who you feel comfortable with. This means finding someone who shares similar interests, or maybe even someone who exhibits some of the personality traits of an introvert. This way you’ll have some things to talk about that aren’t centered around work, which will make it easier to break the ice and develop a more meaningful relationship. Again, this is where formal mentor programs can be great. You can choose from a group of people based on interest and experience, and this will make it easier to find someone with whom you can build a relationship. Don’t Be Afraid of Finding a Mentor It’s true that even with these tactics, the idea of approaching and working with a mentor can still be a bit scary. But hopefully these bits of advice will help make the whole process seem a bit less daunting so that you can find a mentor that will help you take a big step forward in your career. About the Author: Kevin Conner is based in Jacksonville, Fla. He is the founder and CEO of Broadband Search, and enjoys working to help people succeed in their careers and with their business goals. Much of the writing he does online is to promote those looking to take a step forward as he knows we all need help and guidance from time to time. Go to top Do you know what your next career step is?  Many people don’t. I want to help you accelerate your career by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my eBook on how to construct your Career SMART Goals â€" that will help you put together your actions and keep you accountable. Get your copy now and start your action plan today! Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleashing your professional potential. Introvert Whisperer

Types of Polar Graphs

Types of Polar Graphs A point P can be located on an X-Y coordinate plane with respect to the origin and can be plotted easily and is written in the form of (x, y). This is known as the rectangular form. But sometimes it is easier to locate the same point or to graph an equation in the polar coordinate form which is the form written with respect to the radius and the angle , written as (r, ). There are different types of polar graphs and they form circles, cardioids, rose curves etc. Example 1: Convert the polar equation, r = 4 to rectangular form and name the shape of its graph. Square the given equation on both sides. This gives: r2= 16 The important conversions from polar form to rectangular form arex = r cos, y = r sin and hence x2 + y2 = r2 Hence we get: x2+ y2= 16. This is the equation of a circle and it is already written in its standard form - x2+ y2= r2. Therefore, the center of the circle is (0, 0) and its radius is 4. Example 2: Convert the polar equation, r = 2cos to rectangular form and name the shape of its graph. Multiply by r on both sides. This gives: r2= 2rcos We know that, x= r cos and x2+ y2 = r2 Hence we get: x2+ y2= 2x== x2 2x+ y2= 0. Using completing the squares method, we get: (x 1)2 + y2 = 1 This is the equation of a circle, written in the form of (x- h)2 + (y- k)2= r2 Therefore, the center of the circle is (1, 0) and its radius is 1.

Ask an Admissions Expert Amy Jasper

Ask an Admissions Expert Amy Jasper Varsity Tutors brings you insider tips and advice straight from nationally recognized admissions experts. Amy Jasper helps students navigate the college admissions process through her admissions consulting service, My College Fit. She has worked in undergraduate admissions at a number of institutions including Duke Universityand the College of William Mary. VT: How far ahead of time should a student begin working on his or her college application? Amy: The Common Application and individual colleges do not release their updated applications until the summer before senior year. I encourage students to get the general information sections completed as soon as possible to get them out of the way. The Common Application essay topics are remaining the same for the class of 2015, so work on the personal statement can begin at the end of junior year (many English teachers will have juniors do one in class). I believe the best time is summer. The workload of junior year is in the past and, quite frankly, a student is more mature. Work on your essays, put them aside for a bit, and then revisit them. You can do this when you have time on your side. However, if you begin an application the day before its due, you are not going to produce your best product even if you feel you work well under pressure. Its great to begin senior year with basic information on applications completed and a final or close to final draft of the personal statement completed. The college application process can be like having an additional class in the fall, so seniors should use summer to their advantage. VT: What are the best ways to go about selecting a terrific essay topic? Amy: I find that many students are looking for a life-altering experience to write about, of which most dont have. Oftentimes, the best topic is really right in front of them. There are many things in your everyday life that you feel strongly about that could actually be quite interesting to someone who doesnt know you. And thats the key. You want to attract and maintain the admissions officers interest. A student should think about what they want the college to know about them and work backward from there. Ask yourself questions about your likes, dislikes and passions. Whats fun to you? What makes you laugh? Was there a moment when life seemed particularly difficult? VT: Are there any essay topics you get tired of seeing or would warn students to stay away from? Amy: Of course the good old sports essay is a deal breaker for me. My two children are athletes, and my husband was a high school and college athlete. I do understand the importance of sports and how an injury, big win, or a big loss is impactful. I really do. But what students need to realize is that it is difficult to convey anything unique or interesting about any of those things. Perhaps the worst essay topic choice I ever encountered was an applicant discussing a very personal experience with his girlfriend. No way ever is that appropriate! The key is to remember that admissions officers are people; therefore, how they respond to an essay is going to be subjective. If an essay is boring (sports injury) or pushes the envelope way too far (boyfriend/ girlfriend TMI), it is very difficult to respond to that with, I definitely want to put this kid in the yes pile. And of course that is the response an applicant is working for. VT: What is the biggest mistake a student can make on a college application? Amy: Although it can be difficult to believe, admissions officers really can tell when someone is not being authentic in his or her application. Make sure your essays are in your voice and your passions come through. Another big mistake is not answering questions correctly. If a college asks, What tweet would best summarize your day? (and I did see that question this year), your answer should be 140 characters or less, because that is a tweet. If a school didnt want a specific answer, they wouldnt ask a specific question. VT: What is the typical process an admissions officer goes through to evaluate applications? Amy: Typically, the process begins by reviewing an applicants transcript and counting the number of years they have in the core subject areas: English, math, science, social studies, and foreign language. Then the admissions officer will look at the grade made in each course. Weighted GPAs are often not the best representation of grades, therefore many schools look at each grade received in each course. Some colleges recalculate the GPA so all applicants are on the same scale. They would then count the number of honors, AP, or IB classes to reflect strength of courses. The order of the next three items is usually done based on the readers personal preference. The admissions officer would now review a students activities and involvement, highlighting anything found to be particularly stellar or interesting and also looking for commitment. Next they note the students SAT or ACT scores. Finally, the officer would read the applicants essays. Most officers write a few notes or take-aways from the essay like, Great story about climbing favorite tree as a kid. Excellent writer. I want to meet this kid. Didnt get anything about him from this. VT: 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? Amy: It is important to tell your own story about something that can be perceived as negative. If you leave things unexplained, people will make their own deductions, which may not be correct. Bad grades one semester? Show an improvement in the next semester. Made a bad social choice? Explain what you have learned from your mistakes. Involved in no activities or sports after school because you have to work or take care of your siblings? List those as commitments on your applications - because they are! VT: How should students go about determining the culture of a university, and whether they would be a good fit? Amy: The best way, of course, is to visit a campus. Prospective student events are definitely planned to create a wonderful showing of all that is good at college, however, they do give you access to professors, students, and organizations that you may not experience on a regular visit. Use it to your advantage and ask questions that are important to you and that will give you a more realistic view. Follow your gut. If you feel like you dont belong there, you probably dont. If you visit a campus for an information session and tour, be certain to ask questions that cant be answered on the website. Ask your tour guide the name and size of her smallest class her freshman year, as well as her largest. If professor interaction is important to you, ask for examples they have had with their professors. Social life? Ask him what there was to do on campus last Friday night. Do remember that tour guides are people and people sometimes have a bad day. Dont blame the college for a bad tour guide. Try to see beyond him or her. After the tour, eat on campus or hang out in the student center. Grab a school newspaper. Again, follow your gut. VT: Early-action, early-decision, binding/non-binding, regular decisions...With so many choices when applying, what do you recommend to students? Amy: ED, which is binding, is a huge commitment. Not only is a student saying they know what their first choice is in October or November, they are also saying that if they are admitted, they will attend. I only encourage students to apply ED when they are confident in the decision and not applying because it is perceived as an acceptance strategy. ED is not the right choice for a family that will need to weigh their financial aid options from various schools. Early action, which is non-binding, has become quite popular with many colleges and applicants. Early action application deadlines allow a student to get a decision early in the process. What makes early action attractive is that if the student is admitted, they are not bound to go. I recommend this to students who are happy with their grades and do not need first semester senior grades to strengthen their application. The good news is there are still many schools with deadlines in January and even February, so students still m ay have deadlines spread over a few months. VT: How important are grades and standardized test scores when admissions decisions are being made? Amy: Grades are definitely important. Many times, students think a low grade in, say, an AP or IB class is okay because of the strength of the class. The reality is, in the applicant pools at selective colleges, there are plenty of applicants who will have taken the same class who received a high grade. Better grades make a student more competitive. Although test scores are never usually the most important factor in the admissions process, they are a factor. If colleges require SAT or ACT scores, then it is important to them. If they did not value scores, they would not require testing. VT: What tips do you have for students asking their teachers for letters of recommendation? Amy: Choose a teacher who knows you well. Its best if the teacher is from an academic subject in your junior year. Ideally, you have been an active participant in their class and have done well. You want a teacher who can speak to the type of student you are. If you ask a teacher and they suggest that you perhaps choose another teacher who may know you better, dont be hurt. Be thankful that they were honest with you. That is much better than if they had said yes and sent a mediocre letter. When asking a teacher, be polite and follow-up with an email. Also be certain to understand your schools policies around recommendations. Are they sent electronically? Do you need to provide forms or envelopes? What information does your counselor require from you? All schools have their own way of doing things, and its your responsibility to know and follow the rules. Lastly, remember to thank your teacher after theyve completed the letter. Check out My College Fit for more information. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.