3 Last-Minute Study Techniques for AP Exams

3 Last-Minute Study Techniques for AP Exams With AP exam dates quickly approaching, it can feel like crunch-time. Instead of frantically trying to absorb information while studying, enlist strategies that will help you more effectively use your remaining prep time. Here are three last-minute study techniques for AP exams that can help you achieve test day success: 1. Create an AP exam study guide Writing your own study guide for an AP exam is a productive exercise. If you have received a guide from your teacher, use it as a model for your own. If you havent received one, start from scratch. Make your own AP exam study guide by: Listing key terms and definitions Writing out important formulas, or drawing visual aids and diagrams Taking notes on crucial concepts and ideas. This will give you agency as the test-taker and help you more effectively grasp material. Creating a study guide will also help you find gaps in your knowledge. This is especially helpful if that gap is a concept you know will be on the test. [RELATED: Top Tips for AP Exam Week] 2. Organize your notes and other class materials prior to your AP exam Another helpful strategy is to go through your notes and other class materials, including handouts, in-class or homework assignments, and readings. One way to begin is to organize your notes chronologically, or to group them by concept. Outline essential concepts, and dont be afraid to annotate your notes or to jot down key words on a separate sheet of paper. You might try color-coding your notes, using highlighters or colored pencils. This will help you visually group information and focus on whats important. [RELATED: 4 Myths About AP Prep] 3. Take a practice test when preparing for your AP exam Practice tests can help you understand the format of the exam and illustrate tested concepts. You can go to the library to check out a practice test book, or ask your teacher if he or she knows where you could find sample exams. You can also look online for sample questions. Remember to abide by the time limit when youre taking practice tests, and read through the answer key to understand the questions you missed. [RELATED: How are AP Exams Scored?] AP exams can be stressful, and they are often held on back-to-back days. Remember to take quick breaks during your study sessions, and pace yourself as much as possible. Lastly, have a balanced meal and a good nights sleep to keep your brain fresh and alert. Any topics you want to know more about? Let us know! The Varsity Tutors Blog editors love hearing your feedback and opinions. Feel free to email us at blog@varsitytutors.com.

Scatter Plots Worksheets

Scatter Plots Worksheets Definition: - A plot or graph of the pairs of data from a simple regression analysis. Example: An insurance company wants to know how the amount of life insurance depends on the income of persons. The researcher department at the company collected information on six persons. The following table lists the annual incomes (in thousands of dollars) and amounts (in thousands of dollars) of life insurance policies for these six persons. Annual income 62 78 41 53 85 34 Life insurance 250 300 100 150 500 75 Construct a scatter plot for the above data. Solution: - A scatter diagram is helpful in detecting a relationship between two variables. For example, by looking at the below scatter diagram, we can observe that there exists a strong relationship between annual income and food expenditure. If a straight line is drawn through the points, the points will be scattered closely around the line. Example: - The owner of Reds Towing and Garage service is interested in finding the relationship between the lowest temperature on a winter day and the number of emergency road service calls his shop receives. The following table gives the lowest temperature (in degree Fahrenheit) on seven winter days and the number of emergency road service calls received on those days. Lowest temperature 15 0 24 -10 30 9 36 Number of calls 12 22 16 31 7 24 6

Why College Tuition Is Increasing

Why College Tuition Is Increasing The average tuition for the top 10 colleges has increased around 25% the last six years, starting with the 2004-2005 school year through the 2009-2010 school year. Also, these tuition costs do not include room and board, meal plans, books, other mandatory fees, etc. These are simply base tuition numbers, and tuition can increase or decrease depending on the major within a university. This can vary dramatically from university-to-university. One of the biggest reasons listed is that states have stopped or reduced spending on public universities, thus tuition has increased. Most state governments control the tuition levels. Also, private colleges can receive some state funding and can be affected be lack of funding. Professors at elite colleges are experts and competition in the profession has continually increased. Furthermore, these elite colleges are in intense competition with one another to hire the best professors. Competition naturally increases a professors salary, which increases the universitys tuition. Also, lately elite colleges have been attracting expert professor overseas. Essentially, some professors could be considered priceless to some colleges; however, it will be the student funding it, according to an article in the U.S. News and World Report. The article also reported that new technology can become very expensive for universities, especially the elite ones that are willing to fund the best technological resources. Universities want to provide students with the most up-to-date equipment in libraries, labs and throughout the college. This technology can be extremely expensive; however, these colleges believe that it is vital to meet the demands of current and future students. Government regulation has increased across both federal and state levels. Colleges have been affected by this because they have to hire people to operate these regulations because a lot of colleges are regulated by the federal government. More university employees eventually results in an increase in student tuition, in order to cover staff salaries. The U.S. News and World Report reported that colleges can be intensely affected by the economy. Colleges are very energy intensive, and as energy costs rise, colleges spending increases. This will increase tuition. Also, as the economy drops, a universitys endowments and donations will sharply decrease. Elite colleges depend on large donations, and without them, students will be picking up the fiscal slack. Essentially, colleges compete with one another to have the best facilities, technology, equipment and professors. The top 10 colleges are in extreme competition with others to be the best, and these colleges are willing to pay whatever that may cost. Also, a lot of these elite colleges believe that a prospective student will not pass up the opportunity to attend an elite university. Recently interest for top colleges has soared as colleges have been receiving record numbers of applications. This could be another factor for increasing tuition because more prospective students are willing to pay high tuition.

Singing Lessons Liverpool

Singing Lessons Liverpool Where Can You Find Singing Classes with a Voice Coach in Liverpool ChaptersTake Singing Lessons in a Music SchoolThe Choir With No NameWhat to Look for in a Voice TeacherTake Singing Lessons with a Private InstructorLearning to Sing OnlineLiverpool: what a music-oriented city to live in!Listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the Capital City of Pop Music, The Pool  - as locals call it, is where the most successful male band  members, and those from  female music acts originated from.With the advent of The Beatles, Liverpool became the seat of the Beat Music movement, which in turn became the British Invasion.The Merseybeat, the name given to the unique fusion of Chuck Berry style guitar, played at mid-tempo, with jazz and soul riffs thrown in, became the foundation of the standard rock group of today.All over the world, pop and rock bands of today owe their format â€" lead, rhythm and bass guitars, drums and vocals â€" to the Liverpool music scene.Whether for fun or to get serious about a career in singing, you might want to add your name t o the long, illustrious roster of Liverpudlians whose echoes of talent, style and vocal prowess still dazzle us today.The best place to start is with singing lessons, so let's go find some!Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts has a programme for every aspiring singer Source: Wikipedia Credit: Rept0n1XLiverpool Institute for Performing Arts.Their focus is on contemporary and commercial music, with a curriculum targeted to all aspects of songwriting and performance.Learning how to sing through LIPA's three- or four-year degree programme ensures you will be indoctrinated  in everything from breath control to ear training â€" connecting the sounds you hear with notes on a paper.You will learn all about reading and writing music and, on evenings and weekends, you will have the opportunity to perform in front of an audience of your peers (and possibly heavies of the music industry, such as agents and producers).Are you worried about stage fright?LIPA has a solution for you: weekly one- on-one voice training sessions with a vocal coach.This individual attention will help you improve your technique, find your pitch and help you become a better vocalist.You will find it easy to extend your vocal range: through their singing exercises, it will only a matter of time before you hit all of those high notes!By the time you graduate, after three years (or four), you would be a well-rounded professional singer, as adept at songwriting as you would be comfortable in front of an audience.What if your circumstances and schedule do not permit a three year commitment to vocal training?The Choir With No NameThis group might be a fun bunch with whom to kick your musical ambitions into high gear!Founded three years ago in Liverpool, they give regular performances around the city. Their singing success is due in large part to weekly rehearsals.After which you can enjoy a nice meal together!Not only are they a diverse group of people from all walks of life, but their repertoire refle cts individual members' backgrounds. They have been known to sing:Rock and PopSoul and FunkJazz and BluesReggaeGospelShow tunesAdmittedly, they've yet to do any acid rock or punk... but they are open to suggestion!The Choir With No Name hosts regular singing workshops, open to beginners and advanced singers alike.You do not need to be an accomplished vocalist to join them; in fact, they do not require you to audition at all!If you are at least somewhat confident of your singing voice and wish for some informal vocal coaching, or if you just want to learn from others to improve your singing technique, this choir could be a step in the right direction for you.Imagine how stunned your mates would be on karaoke night when, fresh from choir practice, you belt out Adele's Hello!Be sure to not strain your voice with too much singing, though.Don't let a lack of self-confidence freeze you behind the microphone! Source: Pixabay Credit: Neoloky it is up to voice teachers to help their performe rs feel more relaxedVocal health: rest, moisture and muscle tone are the three key ingredients to healthy vocal cordstaking care of your larynx is an important part of your development as a singer; avoid straining your voice box at all costs!Beyond teaching you how to sing better, your singing classes should be structured around your overall artistic development; not just your singing technique.As fabulous as her voice is, Mariah Carey has often been cited as a singer more interested in exercising her admittedly impressive 7-octave range, rather than putting heart into her music.Don't be that singer! Let us help you find vocal lessons that amount to more than performance coaching.Take Singing Lessons with a Private InstructorWith two of the only ten singing teachers in the UK who are certified by Vocology in Practice, Balance Vocal Studio might just be the right place for you to learn how to sing.Their method of instruction is nurturing and supportive; embracing all aspects of voice training.For instance, they would not have you start singing if your throat does not feel in tip top shape, nor would they arrange for you to sing out of your range.They would, however, lead you through vocal exercises, and then, once you are thoroughly warmed up, have you start singing songs you are comfortable with.Have you written any songs? Have you composed brilliant lyrics, and only need help putting them to music?Here again, Balance is ready to help. If you want to learn how to write a song before you can sing any songs at all, their instructors are just waiting to teach you.There is a popular misconception that only classical singers have these sorts of voice lessons. - Ian DavidsonBalance Vocal Studio is there to help you learn how to sing,  whether you are classically trained or not... just in time for you to serenade next anniversary, or sing at any other grand occasion.They also give voice lessons online!With a decent set-up, you could take singing lessons online Source : Pixabay Credit: Mohamed HasanLearning to Sing OnlineIf you have a decent Internet connection and a deep desire to learn how to sing â€" but no time to attend scheduled lessons, making use of Skype to connect with a voice coach could be a workable solution.Music Teachers UK is a resource for the determined but busy singer who wishes to hone her skill or build his craft.Working with a singing coach online is not so very different than going to a studio or school.Granted, you have to be a self-starter, and it might be easier and more efficient if you already know fundamental singing techniques, like proper breathing and pushing from your diaphragm.Still, if you know how to read music and have benefited from voice lessons in the past â€" if you just want to improve your tone quality or, even better!, have landed a gig...Online singing lessons may just be the right fit for you.If you are open to taking lessons online, Superprof has hundreds of qualified voices just waiting for you to t ake lessons from them.Whether you are into contemporary music or bel canto is more your style, you will certainly find the right trainer for your voice.Any one of our music coaches could take your training in hand and turn your voice into an instrument akin to those of great singers you might hear in a  concert  hall.Singing has been proven to have numerous health benefits, for your mind and your body.But mostly, we sing for the passion of it; for the sheer joy it brings.So, with all of the ways to take singing lessons in Liverpool, how to learn to sing is all up to you.Breathe in, log on and find a teacher. Your vocal chords will thank you!And if you live across the pond, find out more about learning to sing in the famously musical  Madchester.Whether you're from Cardiff, Glasgow, Bournemouth, Nottingham, Belfast, Edinburgh or the capital, you can learn to sing in any UK city!

Does Speed Reading Spoil the Pleasure of Reading

Does Speed Reading Spoil the Pleasure of Reading Alex G has been teaching Speed Reading since 2006 and he has developed a new methodology that has worked for thousands of people. Alex is also a learning difficulties practitioner and a practitioner of neuro-linguistic programming (NLP). Alex has written a piece on whether speed reading spoils the pleasure of reading! There are many misconceptions about speed reading and I want to help you understand what to expect if you hire a speed reading tutor. Your mind processes information very quickly. When you read slowly your mind tends to drift away, you end up wasting time by re-reading a paragraph that you didn’t understand and become demotivated to read or study. Pay attention whilst reading these lines to the voice inside your head, saying the words back to yourself. This is called” inner speech” and people are not always aware that they have this little voice pretending to say the words to themselves to understand the text. When you read in this way your reading speed will be limited to the speed that you can talk, which varies from 150 to 250 words per minute. Once you learn how to speed read you will silence this inner speech and will be reading silently. Your speed will increase to 500 words per minute or even 1,000 words per minute. It will depend on the complexity of the text. You will learn how to change gears, read at the right speed to have the best comprehension and avoid becoming distracted or having to skip back to re-read something you’ve already read. After all, there are no set standards to measure your reading speed, until now. How do you know how fast you are reading and who are you comparing yourself with? Contact Alex G today to discuss speed reading tuition and training.

Tips to Improve Your MBA Candidacy Starting Today

Tips to Improve Your MBA Candidacy Starting Today GMAT MBA Admissions Blog If an MBA is in your future, it is never too early to start improving your profile. MBA applications require a significant time commitment, with applicants devoting hundreds of hours across months to prepare their applications. Starting well ahead of deadlines will help you to manage your time and to make sure that you are able to give your applications your best effort. Whether you plan to submit an application this year or in the next few years, you can take steps today to improve your chances at getting into your top MBA program. Add volunteer and leadership experience. For the application process, is important to show that you have interests outside of the workplace and that you take an active role in those activities. Attending business school is a social experience and it is expected that you will take part in many different types of activities to build bonds with your cohort. Admissions committees want to see that you are an active participant with extracurricular activities and that you will be an engaged member outside of the classroom. Now is not the time to pick up a new activity for the sake of the application. Instead, consider your hobbies and the activities that you have been involved with in the past and if there are opportunities for you to strengthen your involvement. Leadership experience is an important part of the application; however, many MBA applicants work in competitive jobs and do not have a lot of down time. Nevertheless, you should try to find opportunities to take on leadership roles. These roles can be with an internal organization at work or with an extracurricular. Demonstrate initiative where you can, it will help you to stand out on your applications. Interact with your target business schools. Getting an MBA ensures that you will become part of a business network for life. Networking is so important in the business world; yet, many people forget about the importance of networking during the application stage. There is a lot of information related to MBA programs: rankings, the programs’ websites, blogs, and videos. Admissions committees want to see that you have gone a step beyond the information that is online and that you have directly interacted with business schools. This indicates your interest in the program and also sets you apart from other applicants who have not done an in-depth level of research. In-person connections are also valuable for you. They will allow you to confirm that the program is a good fit. Take time to visit business schools if they are located nearby or if you can travel. If you do visit, meet admissions staff, go on a campus tour, and attend a class. If you are not able to visit a school, then attend virtual events. Many schools offer informative webinars or other virtual ways to interact with them. Reach out to students. Speaking with current or recently graduated MBA students is a great way to learn more about the culture of the program. They will be able to share an insider’s perspective and will provide more nuanced information than you would get from reading a website. Take or retake the GMAT. While some people are natural standardized test takers, the GMAT is a hurdle for most in the MBA application process. Your GMAT score is valid for 5 years so why not study for and take the exam early? Once you begin the application process, you will become occupied with the other aspects of the application. Preparing for and taking the exam at a strategic time, when you are less busy, will minimize the stress of the process. Taking the GMAT at least twice is also a good idea. Ideally you want to have a GMAT score that is on par with or higher than the average score at your target schools. If on your first attempt, you earn a score that is the average score of your target schools, consider taking the GMAT once more to see if you can get a higher score. The admissions committees also want to see that you have self-awareness about your statistics and that you are trying to elevate your candidacy to the very best that it can be. Choose your recommenders. Letter of recommendations are the wildcard of the application. Many applicants have a recommender who agrees to help them only to delay submitting the letter or to back out at the last minute due to other obligations. You will spend a lot of time and effort on your application so do not leave this portion to chance. You should be prepared to guide your recommenders by providing examples and anecdotes that showcase your strengths. You can start to keep track of these interactions so that you will have notes ready for the letters. Make sure that your recommenders have more than enough time to complete their letter and that they know what to expect. It is also good practice to have a backup candidate in mind in case your recommenders are not able to fulfill their obligation. About the Author Rona Aydin has an MBA from Oxford and is the Founder of Oriel Admissions, an MBA admissions consulting firm thatprovides services to MBA candidates to help them prepare their business school applications.

How to attract top teaching talent by marketing your rural school online

How to attract top teaching talent by marketing your rural school online Across the US, rural schools are currently facing some of the worst teacher shortages. Time and time again, rural schools struggle the most when it comes to hiring certified teachers, as well as teachers specializing in specific subject areas, like math, STEM, bilingual and special education. By virtue of their remote location, rural schools are always going to have less access to large talent pools. But this shouldn’t mean compromising on quality when hiring teachers for your rural school. The upside is that some schools are currently seeing a surplus of teachers - and their surplus is another school’s gain! Finding teachers from other states can be a key component of any rural school’s recruitment strategy. In today’s highly mobile world, many US teachers are open to the idea of moving from one state to another in search of the right job and school. However, there’s no denying that attracting teachers to jobs at remote schools can be a challenge. Many rural US schools have spoken to us about the extent of their hiring difficulties. They talk of huge spends on recruiting, dozens of trips to job fairs thousands of miles away - and still coming up empty-handed on candidates for those hard-to-fill positions. Some states, in an effort to combat these challenges, are choosing to bolster their teaching workforce through alternative certification programs. More recently, other states are incentivizing teachers to work in rural schools by creating student loan forgiveness programs. While it remains to be seen how these strategies will play out over the long term, the fact is that as a rural school, there is so much you can do to start attracting qualified teachers - starting right now. Go digital Posting your jobs on online job boards that cater specifically to teachers is the best way to reach the highest number of active job seekers, including non-local candidates. Posting jobs online also has the added benefit of being more cost effective than traditional methods, like newspaper print ads or hiring fairs. Brand your school The key to success is to build a relationship with an audience of qualified teachers - before they become candidates. Vacancies posted to school websites receive little visibility when compared to education-specific job boards. A branded school web page hosted on a high-traffic job board, on the other hand, can be highly effective in driving teachers to your vacancies. Remember, there are many benefits to working in rural schools - benefits that should be clearly outlined on your school landing page. Rural schools need to ensure that their job postings are resonating with potential candidates. Including information on your school’s mission and values, as well as teacher testimonials and video tours, all help to drive more engaged candidates. Highlight the non-material reasons why teaching in your district - more freedom in the classroom, the opportunity to forge close relationships with students and less bureaucracy - benefits that many suburban schools often lack. Don’t just mention the low cost of living - that’s not enough to pique a candidate’s interest! While pay undoubtedly matters when recruiting, research has shown that money alone isn't enough for teachers. Promoting the advantages of teaching and living in your area can be far more effective than perks such as relocation financial assistance, salaries or benefits. Use social media to attract talent With so many teachers using social media to discover potential jobs, popular social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter can be highly successful in driving qualified job seekers to job postings. Many employment platforms have a large audience of active job seekers via their social media channels, so these are great options to get your job postings seen by those highly qualified out-of-state teachers. Use targeted emailing tactics Online teaching job boards have a database of active job seekers who have subscribed to receive relevant job alerts. Schools can purchase direct email campaign packages to target their vacancies to active candidates that closely match their hiring criteria - all while cutting out the noise of unqualified resumes. Posting on online job boards and social media allows schools to broadcast their job openings to a much broader audience - especially out-of-state teachers. This way, schools have the potential to grab the attention of thousands of interested educators from across the country - not just the ones who are attending a local career fair or reading the local newspaper! Want to know more about how Teach Away’s strategic online recruitment strategies can help you all the hire the teachers you need for the upcoming school year? Talk to us today!