4 Time Management Strategies for the GMATs Integrated Reasoning Section

4 Time Management Strategies for the GMAT's Integrated Reasoning Section The GMATs Integrated Reasoning section, which was introduced in 2012, consists of 12 complex questions that you must answer in only 30 minutes. It includes four question types: Graphics Interpretation, Multi-Source Reasoning, Table Analysis, and Two-Part Analysis. Each Integrated Reasoning problem requires you to analyze provided data, and to then answer multiple parts of the question correctly in order to receive credit. What are the best ways to process such a large amount of information from multiple sources in a brief period of time? Here are four time management strategies for the GMAT's Integrated Reasoning section: 1. Read the information before you answer an Integrated Reasoning question Reading the information first will help you gain an understanding of what you are looking at. It will take you less time to answer the question if you know what information it is based on, as opposed to trying to answer a question you know nothing about. For example, if you are presented with three different tabs with paragraphs and tables, look them over to understand the situation in front of you. Then, once you are familiar with the context, look at the first question, and go back to the tabs to find the information that is required. [RELATED: Preparing for Integrated Reasoning on the GMAT] 2. Write down what you know for each Integrated Reasoning question With just 30 minutes to answer 12 questions with multiple parts, you have only 2.5 minutes per problem to read the information, analyze the data, perform equations, and select the best answer choices. Do not try to process everything in your head. Use the provided materials to make notes, write down names and numbers, and organize the data you are working with. This will allow you to focus and identify the best answers more efficiently. 3. Answer one Integrated Reasoning question at a time There is often a great deal of information presented on the screen for each Integrated Reasoning question. You will not always need all the information to answer each part of the question. However, you will need to answer each part correctly in order to earn credit, as no partial credit will be awarded. Look at each part individually, perform your analysis, and select the best answer. Then, move on to the next part of the question. Additionally, answer the questions that are asked. Read the question carefully, understand what it is asking for, and then make the best selection. [RELATED: How to Plan Your GMAT Prep Schedule] 4. Keep moving forward on the Integrated Reasoning section Again, the Integrated Reasoning section of the GMAT is only 30 minutes long. Do not spend too much time on any one question. Note, too, that you cannot move backward through the section to change your previous answers. Approach the exam with confidence. Concentrate on the question in front of you, select an answer, and then go on to the next question, knowing that you have used your time wisely and made the best choice. Integrated Reasoning can be a complex part of the GMAT for test-takers, but it does not need to be a difficult experience. Pace yourself, practice with Integrated Reasoning practice tests, and focus on maximizing your score. If you read the information provided and perform your analysis in an efficient mannerby taking notes and answering the questions that are being askedthen you will have a great strategy for time management on the GMATs Integrated Reasoning portion. 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.

Spanish Lessons Manchester

Spanish Lessons Manchester Finding Spanish Courses in Manchester ChaptersSpanish Classes for AllFinding Spanish Lessons Near MeOnline Spanish LessonsHello, Mancunians! Did you know one of your twin cities is Cordova, in southern Spain?The province of Andalusia in southern Spain endured Roman influence in its antiquity. And then, for a while, it fell under Muslim influence; during this time it was considered the centre for innovation and learning and was, at one time, the largest city in Europe.Just as Cordova was where innovation found inspiration, so too was our township, exploding onto the world industrial scene. In fact, Manchester bears the distinction of being the world’s first industrialised city!Our cities share quite a bit of parallel history, not the least being Roman architecture.So much is there to preserve and admire that the whole of historic Cordova has been declared a UNESCO world heritage site. Wouldn’t you love to go see it all?If so, you may want to learn how to speak Spanish.Your Superprof obliges, finding the best Spanish l essons for every need and every level, in and around Greater Manchester.Slip on your Cordovans; it’s going to be a long walk!Do you actually wear Cordovans?You might be interested to know that both the method for tanning the leather and the colour called cordovan originated in our twin city.In the Seventh Century, when the Visigoths inhabited the area, they fashioned clothing and footwear out of a certain type of leather through a processing method still in use today.OK, enough history! This article is supposed to be about Spanish lessons in our city, after all...Off we go to find Spanish classes for young and old so that you might walk those ancient streets confident in the knowledge that you will be able to talk with native speakers of Spanish!How much does a Spanish tutor in Belfast or Edinburgh charge?Nor would you necessarily be enthused having to endure a lecture on the works of Cervantes in his native language if the sum total of your Spanish vocabulary consists of ‘Bueno s Dias’ and ‘adios, amigo’!You may well enjoy the sound of Spanish whether spoken or sung but â€" meaning that that lecture may not sound so bad but, if you’re in class to learn to speak Spanish, surely you would want exposure to a more effective teaching method.Also, if you are a beginner, you would want Basic Spanish classes. However, if your mate or bestie has some grounding in Spanish grammar and vocabulary, s/he might want intermediate lessons.Before signing up for Spanish language classes, it is important to know your level and your purpose for studying Spanish.Besides the aforementioned Business Spanish which obviously would include a business vocabulary (the grammar would remain the same), you might choose Spanish lessons because:You do intend to visit Cordova or any other Spanish speaking region or country soon.You have realised the benefits of being bilingual and selected Spanish as your second language.It is, after all, the most popular language for English speake rs to learn!You/your child is enamoured of the language and culture of Spain and other Latin countries.Said child has elected to sit GCSEs and/or A-Levels Spanish; language training would lend a certain edge to their language skillsYou intend to travel the world as an ESL teacher to native Spanish speakersThat last is not so farfetched!For one, the total number of Spanish speakers worldwide is ranks right under the number of English speakers. For two; Spanish, in one form or another, is spoken on no fewer than four continents.And here, we have another point to consider: what type of Spanish will you learn?If you are pursuing Spanish language studies for the love of learning, that question really doesn’t matter. But, if you’re learning is targeted toward a specific goal, say, retiring to mountainous Madrid or starting an alpaca farm in Peru, Spanish pronunciation takes on a whole new meaning.To look at the adverts, teachers and language schools don’t seem to highlight the type of Spanish they teach.If you have a specific region of the Spanish speaking world in mind, you should ask any prospective Spanish instructor if the variety of Spanish they teach would be suitable to your learning goals and where you would use your Spanish language ability.Could you find great Spanish classes in Leeds?Searching for anything 'near me' could lead to amusing results! Source: Pixabay Credit: TumisuFinding Spanish Lessons Near MeWell, not near me exactly; you have no idea where I am. That phrase refers to people’s penchant for typing such into their favourite search engine so much that the phrase 'near me' itself has become a search keyword, irrelevant of where you actually are!Searching for Spanish classes 'near me' may yield surprising results...It seems everyone is in on the ‘near me’ trick so conducting such a search will result in Spanish lessons as far away as the US, or worse: a general Yelp rundown of ‘near me’ lessons with varied locations!It would be m uch better to trust in your Superprof, who has hit the ground and investigated Spanish language schools in and around Manchester!First on our list of picks would be The Spanish Factory.Their name is perhaps a nod to our city’s industrial heritage â€" how clever! Nevertheless, their Spanish language courses are so diverse; there is surely a curriculum for everyone who wants to study Spanish!Find out if one could take similar Spanish classes in London...They offer Business courses as well as Conversational Spanish, school support for those enrolled in the Spanish program at school; they even have a language course for the littlest learners!Their pricing is quite reasonable. For example, a 4-week intensive course is currently only £99!If you’re preparing to dash off to Spain on holiday, this might be a great way to learn beginner Spanish...We are quite lucky to have an Instituto Cervantes right in our city!Not only is this organisation dedicated to promoting Spanish language and c ulture through various workshops and seminars but they actually have language classes you may enrol in!Their courses are set up in accord with the Common Frame of Reference for European languages so, if you were at the intermediate level, you could just jump right in and advance accordingly.Furthermore, they will assist with test prep, be it for Spanish A-Levels or for the Dele â€" the Spanish language ability certification test.In case you are wondering where these facilities are and how to get in touch with them, we’ve compiled all of that information in the table at the end of this article.You may be interested to know that Instituto Cervantes also offers online courses... but they are not the only ones!Find out where you could take Spanish lessons in Glasgow...Even small children can learn Spanish online, although maybe not quite this young! Source: Pixabay Credit: LuidmilakotFind out where you can take Spanish lessons in Cardiff.Online Spanish LessonsThere is nothing wrong wi th choosing this method of learning Spanish. People today are plenty busy; they might not have time or energy to repair to a learning centre a couple of nights a week no matter how passionate they are about learning Spanish.Online lessons provide you with the scheduling flexibility to make it home in time for tea without having to rush out again immediately afterwards.All you need to take Spanish lessons online is a stable Internet connection, a webcam and a decent headset and a desire to learn. And a Spanish teacher, of course...Spanish is the second most studied language on Italki, an online language learning platform where language teachers set their own rates and schedules.To make use of this teacher marketplace, you will need to create a profile, and then you can start shopping for your ideal Spanish teacher.Once you’ve bookmarked a likely teacher profile, it is time to set your schedule on their calendar: when would you like to have your Spanish lessons?At the appointed time you simply log in to your Skype account or whichever platform your chosen teacher specifies and, voilà! You are now on your way to fluency in Spanish!All of this begs the question: what if you and that teacher don’t click? Most of their Spanish teachers offer a discounted rate for their introductory lesson, a sort of a trial run, for that specific purpose. Most Superprof language tutors offer their first hour of lessons for free!Indeed, you may consider any of Superprof’s Spanish tutors; there are more than 70 in the Manchester area alone! That means that, if you’d rather have one to one lessons or even learn Spanish with a small group of friend, your Superprof tutor could come to you as well as teach you Spanish online!Another online outlet for language learning is Live Lingua, whose teachers also offer a free introductory hour of learning. Furthermore, unlike Italki, their rates are set by the platform administrators and, the more course hours you pay for in advance, the l ower the cost!Through Live Lingua you may learn anything from test prep and review to Business Spanish, Medical Spanish... even Spanish for priests!So... how is Cordova sounding as your next holiday destination?Better, now that you know where you can turn to learn Spanish, we’ll bet!Name of SchoolPhysical AddressWeb AddressPhone NumberWhat They TeachThe Spanish FactoryPeter House, Oxford Street, Manchester, M1 5ANhttps://www.thespanishfactory.co.uk0345 852 0286Youths and adults Student Support and test prep; Business SpanishInstituto Cervantes326-330 Deansgate, Campfield Avenue Arcade, Manchester M3 4FNhttps://manchester.cervantes.es/en/default.shtm0161 661 4201Youth and Adult courses online courses Test prep various workshopsUniversity of ManchesterOxford Rd Manchester M13 9PLhttps://www.languagecentre.manchester.ac.uk/learn-a-language/courses-for-all/spanish/0161 306 6000Beginners' through advanced SpanishABLE ManchesterrSwan Buildings Swan Street Manchester M4 5JWhttp://able-ma nchester.co.uk0161 637 3062Spanish for Adults and Children aged 6-11Not a Mancunian? Find out where Brummies go for their Spanish lessons!

Studying in an Arabic-speaking Country

Studying in an Arabic-speaking Country Signing Up to an Arabic School ChaptersWhich Country Should You Study Arabic In?How to Choose the Right University in an Arabic-speaking CountryHigher Education in the Persian Gulf“A tree begins with a seed.” - Arabic ProverbIt’s much easier to learn Arabic by studying in an Arabic-speaking country.Universities in the United Arab Emirates saw a rise in foreign students from 206 in 2006 to 862 in 2016.According to Cedwyn Fernandes, the director of the Middlesex University Dubai, there was only one international university with 645 students in 2002 and now there are 26 with over 30,000 students.If you want to learn more about Islam by studying the texts, are interested in working in North Africa or the Arabian Peninsula, or just want to learn more about Middle Eastern culture, learning to speak Arabic is one of the best ways to do it.There are few better ways of learning a language through immersion or by studying in a country where it's the official language. With so many Arab countries, there are plenty of o ptions for learning Arabic and there are plenty of schools where you can learn the language.There are 22 members of the Arab League (countries where Arabic is spoken) so there are plenty of choices of places to go to. Arab culture is rich and varied so if you want to learn the Arabic alphabet, improve your linguistic skills, and find out more about Arab culture, studying with Arabs is the way to go.Here’s our guide on how to choose a university in an Arabic-speaking country.How to Choose the Right University in an Arabic-speaking CountryOf course, going to study at a university in an Arabic-speaking country isn’t the same as applying to a university in the UK.You’ll need to think about how easy it to do and your goals.Here is a list of things to think about when choosing universities:Your level in ArabicBudgetThe type of education you wantThe safety of the countryThe type of ArabicTuition feesThe cost of livingThe prestige of the universityYou should definitely consider gettin g Arabic lessons before you go as well to increase your chances of being accepted onto a course.In the UK, you can do a degree in Arabic Studies to learn more about the language, history, and culture of Arabic-speaking countries.This means that you’ll have to learn the Arabic writing system, grammar, vocabulary, and the literary version of the language.Lookup for Arabic classes here.In terms of costs, studying in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is expensive. Tuition can cost up to £13,000 and you’ll need around £1,400 per month to cover the costs of accommodation, transportation, and food.That said, Morocco is very cheap although the universities aren’t usually as prestigious as those in the Persian Gulf.88.5% of the population in Dubai are foreigners who’ve come to learn the Arabic language, study at a university, or work in the United Arab Emirates.One reason to choose certain universities is how they’ll further your career once you’ve graduated. Internation al competition is increasing and somebody who has a degree from Dubai may find a job more easily than someone who studied in Cairo.Finally, four universities from Saudi Arabia were featured in a list of the best universities in the Arab world.Saudi society, however, is one of the most closed off in the world. If you want to study Islamic science, you can still get a student visa for Saudi Arabia.  While it’s more complicated, it’s not impossible!Saudi Arabia is the only country in the Arab world to have created its own brand of education whereas its neighbours in the Gulf are importing universities such as the University of Wollongong, Curtin University Dubai, the University of Middlesex, London Business School, and the University of Canada, for example.Higher Education in the Persian GulfArabic is an important language in international relations and knowing how to speak is becoming increasingly important for recruiters.Learning Arabic will open a whole new world to you. (Source : Guenni13)In the Gulf, a lot of teaching takes place in English and Arabic.Keep in mind that universities here tend to have very strict admission policies and you’ll need to have really good grades if you want to study a degree in one of these prestigious universities.  These places can also be very elitist.With fees going up to £13,000 per year, it can be very difficult for working-class students to attend these universities without the very best grades and that’s if they manage to get together the admission fee!Students from the United Arab Emirates don’t actually have to pay these fees as their education is completely free. However, many students will need scholarships or a student loan to fund their studies in Dubai or Abu Dhabi.Education in the Arab states of the Persian Gulf is a major concern: the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Saudi Arabia have invested billions into research and the funding of new schools.Each city, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, e tc., are attracting prestigious schools.  The city of Dubai even has an entire area of the city dedicated to education, Dubai International Academic City.There are over 70 universities in Dubai offering courses in all manner of subjects.  The most common courses cover business, marketing, cinema, media, law, economics, management.Your studies may start sooner than you expect! (Source: Free-Photos)Finally, if you want to study Arabic at a university in Qatar or the United Arab Emirates, for example, you’ll need a student visa. You’ll also need to be sponsored by the host university. A student visa can cost up to £600, too.Of course, there are a number of countries that we wouldn't recommend studying due to security risks. For example, the Arab spring has destabilised some states in the Arab League and the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine means that these places should be ruled out as a potential destination for learning Arabic. Similarly, you should avoid Yemen, Lib ya, and Syria.Are you still ready to go?Then check out the different universities and go for it!

Why Taking (Video) Voice Lessons from Christina Aguilera is a Bad Idea

Why Taking (Video) Voice Lessons from Christina Aguilera is a Bad Idea Suzy S. Can you learn to sing through videos, like the ones advertised with Christina Aguilera? Read on for voice teacher  Elaina R.s thoughts   Have you seen the online ads offering  a voice lesson course taught by Christina Aguilera?  Promos for the course have inundated many Facebook feeds, and since I know many professional singers and voice teachers, I’ve been able to watch them react to the ads. Most voice teachers have been amused, terrified, or both by the prospect of people learning how to sing from Ms. Aguilera. Why are the degree-holding vocalists of the world not on board with Christina Aguilera teaching voice? She is, after all, a six-time Grammy Award winner with an estimated net worth of $130 million. Are we just jealous? The short answer is no! We are truly concerned for voice students who turn to Christina Aguilera for advice, and here’s why. Talent Does Not a Teacher Make You are likely an expert chewer. You chew food many times a day, and you have done so for your entire life. One could argue that you are a talented chewer, even. But what if someone who didn’t know how to chew asked you to teach them to chew? You would likely have to think long and hard about your process. In the end, the best answer many people would be able to come up with is, “You just do it.” Christina Aguilera is a gifted singer. She has a good voice and natural musicality, and her performances often reflect that. However, her innate ability to sing and the fact that she was born with a good singing voice do not mean she knows how to teach singing. As any teacher will tell you, teaching is in and of itself a skill, and it isn’t one that Christina, with her flourishing artistic and television career on top of parental duties, has had any time to curate. Modern Pop Technique In addition, Christina Aguilera is a pop singer who specializes in belting (high chest voice). Belting is an extremely taxing form of singing that, when done wrong, can produce disastrous results. Not only does bad belting sound horrible, but it can rapidly destroy your voice. The vast majority of voice teachers are university trained, which almost always means they have a foundation in classical vocal technique. While classical singing sounds very different than belting, the same rules (breath support, throat relaxation, resonance) apply. Learning proper vocal technique through classical pieces   or at least less taxing pop pieces   greatly reduces the chance of vocal injury. If learning to sing with low-impact music is like light strength training, trying to skip to belting is like immediately attempting a 300-pound deadlift. It’s just plain unhealthy. Knowledge is Power Frankly, the most famous pop singers in the world today usually have no idea what they are doing. Christina Aguilera was blessed with a fair amount of natural ability, but as many of her performances exhibit, she falls prey to many of the same issues that beginning voice students have. She often suffers from jaw, neck, and tongue tension, resulting in a pressed, flat, raspy sound (and sometimes cracking). Even pop singers who do not have these issues are just vastly talented people who can’t teach anyone how they do what they do. Professional voice teachers, on the other hand, are a different breed. We may be talented, but we also dedicated ourselves to learning how singing works. We have studied anatomy and vocal technique in an academic setting and can describe exactly why specific faults, such as cracking and straining, occur. A good voice teacher is not just a good singer; she knows the specific details of what she is doing to sing well, and she can describe those details to her students. That’s something that even the most talented singer in the world can’t do. Can I Learn to Sing With Other Online Videos? Too busy for lessons, and want to just  teach yourself to sing  using YouTube videos or other programs? Heres the thing absolutely nothing can substitute the help that a private teacher can provide you. While you can learn to  sing songs and basic music theory with online resources, if you want to sing well, working with a vocal teacher is extremely important. Your teacher will be able to notice and correct bad habits that can lead to injuries or those that may be affecting your sound. Plus, the motivation and inspiration you can get from this type of guidance can make a huge difference! Ready to find a teacher? Browse our teacher profiles here. Want to ease into learning? Check out our free,  online group singing classes! Post Author:  Elaina R. Elaina R. teaches opera voice and singing in Ypsilanti, MI, as well as through online lessons. She received her Master of Music from  the University of Michigan, and she has a B.M. from the University of Southern California. Learn more about Elaina here! Photo by D.S.B 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

What Every Parent Should Know About the Common Core Assessments

What Every Parent Should Know About the Common Core Assessments Our approach to education has changed a great deal in recent years. For instance, students of all ages must complete a growing number of tests in order to ensure that they are learning and retaining information. This reality can feel a bit overwhelming, especially when you take into account the jargon and regulations that surround each exam. Perhaps you have heard of the Common Core State Standards Initiative and its related assessments. With 43 states participating in this initiative, many families may be wondering how its annual exams will affect their students. This guide aims to help. Here is what every parent should know about the Common Core assessments: They vary from state to state The 2014-2015 school year is the first year in which students will be tested on their understanding of the Common Core State Standards. Assessments will be offered by two consortiums PARCC, or Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers, and the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium. Each approaches assessment differently. Arkansas, Colorado, District of Columbia, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, and Rhode Island plan to give the PARCC exam. (Pennsylvania has expressed an interest, but has not yet committed.) The PARCC assessment is computer-based and consists of two parts. There are also two optional tests one at the beginning of the year and one in the middle. The second group, the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium, consists of California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, U.S. Virgin Islands, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. The Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium will also utilize a two-part end-of-year exam. The first portion will be adaptive, while the second section will not be. Both will be computer-based. Each state chose its specific assessment or chose to abstain Each individual state was responsible for choosing which assessment would be provided to its students. However, while some states are working through the two organizations discussed above, others are developing their own comprehensive exams. You can help to prepare your student(s) There are several things you can do to help your student preparefor the Common Core assessments. First, introduce him or her to different technologies, such as video and electronic text. (This is especially important if your child is young.) These 3 ways can help you better utilize your electronic textbooks. Both assessments focus on comparing, contrasting, and synthesizing information, so you can also practice these skills with your student. Encourage your child to respond to questions using a computer, and practice computer skills manipulating graphs, typing, and so on. These are some great tips on how to create a good study environment. Students will be asked to write on the assessments, which may differ from past exams that were largely based on multiple-choice questions. Many students will find it useful to complete sample prompts, as this allows them to perfect their timing. These are some great tips for writing an essay. Finally, ensure that your studentis making real-life connections to the test material. When they can connect, they will be more likely to truly learn and remember the exam content. As always, be sure to check your states Department of Education page for the most recent and relevant information on Common Core assessments.

Three Tips to Find a Qualified Tutor Online for Higher Education

Three Tips to Find a Qualified Tutor Online for Higher Education 0SHARESShare Higher education is always challenging as it includes specialization in particular subjects where student learn subject much more in detail.   Homework and assignment and test preparation also gets complex and harder in higher degrees. If you are taking any higher education course and get stuck up with your difficulties, it is advisable to find qualified tutor online for higher education. Here are a few tips to find qualified tutor online for higher education: Qualification: Depending on your level of higher education degree, seek online tutor with qualification at least one or two degrees more than your level. E.g. if you are seeking online tutors for college degree then tutor should qualified post-graduate or Ph.D in your subject. The higher the level of tutoring you are looking for the higher should be qualification requirements. The tutor should be well aware about the subject that you are specializing. Experience: Experience is more important for higher education degrees. The experienced tutors are more matured have devised ways to keep student engaged and motivated on targeted success. There is college education degree which prefers tutors who have real time professional experience in the particular industry. However, highly experienced online tutor will take premium charges for their services. Recommendation/Reputation: Higher education students should seek registered tutors from reputed online tutoring service providers. They are screened, thus hold accountability for the tutoring. You can also seek word of mouth from family and friends pursuing online tutoring  from the service provider. These three are the most essential parameters that concern find a qualified tutor online for higher education. [starbox id=admin]

Keeping Grades Up Through High School

Keeping Grades Up Through High School Theres a lot of truth to the statement that high school is when students grades really start to matter. Middle school lays the groundwork and helps students establish good study habits, but high school is when things count. Teens performance (i.e. their academic record) will impact where they go to college, whether they are eligible for scholarships and much, much more. So, whats the secret to keeping up those grades? The simple answer is effort, but in reality, its a bit more complex than that. Here are five tips for teens striving to keep that GPA high all through high school: Put school first. Students who treat high school as their highest priority will have the best chance of success. Yes, achieving balance is important, and teens should make time for family, friends and things they like to do (e.g. a favorite sport or club). However, high school is a commitment that requires daily studying and homeworkand perseverance when things get difficult. Get the most out of class. Going to class and paying attention while in class are two obvious musts to do well in high school, but its not just about showing up. Teens need to use active listening techniques, participate in class discussions to solidify their knowledge, and take notes that help them retain knowledge later on (which makes for more effective studying). Be organized. Strong organization is the not-so-secret weapon of high-performing high school students. This includes planner use and maintenance, solid time management, prioritizing of assignments during homework time, and of course, organization of the backpack, locker and any papers kept at home (or stored in a Google Drive or similar). Learn more about how to help children be more organized. Become a skilled note taker. Effective notes will help students retain information delivered in class and prepare well for quizzes and tests. But not all notes will serve students well. Teens should practice good note-taking habits: by recording meaningful facts, grouping ideas, using their textbook and more. Read more about good note-taking strategies for high school students. Use teachers as a resource. In high school, students need to make a shift from passive to active learner if they havent yet done so. A big part of that is self-advocating to ensure their learning needs are met. Teens should establish relationships with their teachersand not just for show. They should take advantage of any study sessions and reach out to teachers when they need help. Theres no doubt that the bar is higher in high school and your teen will need to work hard to keep up and even harder to excel. Rest assured, your teen will do well if he puts forth the effort and embraces these tips. The report card will show those efforts, but even better, your teen will become a more independent, proficient student in time for college.

3 Test Prep Material Updates Designed to Get You Results!

3 Test Prep Material Updates Designed to Get You Results! Here at AJ Tutoring, we are always striving to keep our test prep materials as up-to-date as possible in order to better serve and prepare our students. In order to do this, we continually audit and update our materials to make them as effective as possible. Here’s what we’re working on right now!One: Practice testsOne of the challenges with the new test has been the scarcity of available practice tests. So far, the College Board has released only seven SATs and a handful of PSATs. While larger test prep companies have also released tests, the relative speed of their publishing process means that their tests may not accurately reflect what was released in the latest College Board tests. Our solution has been to purchase real tests for our students and to wait until there was a statistically significant number of released problems before we developed our own tests to supplement instruction. Our rigorous creation process uses and analyzes all data available about the SAT in order t o make the tests as true-to-form as possible. We analyze trends in word length, subject distribution, and even subject matter before we even begin a test. Once the test is written, it goes through rigorous testing by our expert tutors who have seen everything there is to see of the SAT. Expect to see our new tests debut to students in June! If you’d like to learn more about our SAT program, click here!Two: Our SAT/ACT HybridNot sure which test is right for your student? One of the challenges with the new test is simply figuring out which test is going to be the best fit. While most of our students do take both the SAT and ACT, we have also developed a diagnostic test that looks at the most crucial parts of the SAT and ACT (timing, content, and style) in order to determine which test is right for your child. Interested in having your child take our hybrid test? Reach out to one of our directors of client services today or click here to find out more about our hybrid SAT/ACT program and test prep materials. Three: Continually improving SAT test prep materialsAs part of continuing to make sure that our materials align as closely as possible with the SAT, we also continually work to update our teaching materials as new information becomes available. Right now, we are working on expanding our Writing and Language packets to even better prepare our students to conquer grammar and style! We are also creating larger banks of questions for all parts of the test so students can have even more practice in vital concepts as they prepare for these difficult tests. Curious about our SAT tutoring process? Click here to learn more.