Choosing the Best Gmat Math Tutor

Choosing the Best Gmat Math TutorWhen you are looking for a great math tutor, it is essential that you carefully consider what is offered by each company. This will ensure that you find a tutor that can help you grasp the essentials of this subject in the shortest time possible. A tutor is needed to help students learn important concepts such as algebra, geometry, and calculus so that they can move ahead with their academic careers.In some cases the teachers will be available online. Online tutors may be able to offer individual lessons to students who would otherwise not be able to take them online. In other cases the teacher will be available in the classroom. To ensure that you are choosing the right tutor, you will need to find out which tutors have a good reputation in the community.A tutor should also be knowledgeable about the theory of this subject and be able to teach in a manner that is clear and easy to understand. If the tutor is difficult to understand or fails to use a subject correctly, then the student is less likely to learn effectively.Ideally, you will want to go with a tutor that has a long experience with these students. However, sometimes students need assistance to get them up to speed with the course.It is therefore important that you look at the reputation of the tutor that you are considering. If they have a good reputation, then you are less likely to be disappointed. There are other factors to consider as well, such as the total cost of the tutoring, and if there are any travel and accommodation costs involved.The amount of money that you are willing to spend on your math tutor is a personal decision. Some students might not be interested in learning at home. Therefore, if you do not wish to spend money on travel expenses, you might choose to seek assistance from a tutor in person.You may also decide to use a tutor on a trial basis, where you do not expect to pay for the tutor, but rather just use them to test the waters before makin g a commitment. In order to decide on the best tutor for you, you will need to consider factors such as the tutor's ability to explain the subject to the student, the tutor's ability to provide clear information, and the tutor's overall willingness to work with the student. All of these factors should help you make the decision about which tutor to hire.

Preparing for the Redesigned SAT

Preparing for the Redesigned SAT Preparing for the Redesigned SAT In March of 2014, College Board officials announced plans to significantly alter the format and content of the SAT, one of the most widely taken college entrance exams in the nation. The reason? According to College Board, the Redesigned SAT will focus less on tricks and strategies and more on the work students see in high school. The changes will be a better assessment of the academic skills needed for college readiness. The Redesigned SAT will be administered for the first time in March 2016, so for students planning to take the SAT in 2016 or later, knowing about the changes to the test can help them to be better prepared. A Few Key Changes to the Redesigned SAT Time and Layout The current SAT takes 3 hours and 45 minutes to complete, but the Redesigned SAT will be 3 hours in length. One reason for this time difference is that the Essay will no longer be required on the Redesigned SAT. Students who choose to take the optional essay will receive an additional 50 minutes, resulting in the overall test length of 3 hours and 50 minutes. Before deciding whether or not to complete the essay, it is in a students best interest to research admissions requirements for their college choices, since college requirements will vary. The Redesigned SAT will have fewer sections than the current SAT. The current SAT has 10 sections (3 Critical Reading, 3 Math, 3 Writing, and 1 experimental). The Redesigned SAT will have only 4 sections (Reading, Writing and Language, Math (calculator allowed), and Math (no calculator allowed). Even though there will be fewer sections, this does not mean the test will be easier. This new format will challenge students to manage their time carefully to ensure they complete numerous questions within lengthy sections in the allotted time. Scoring -Changing the rules The rules of scoring are changing significantly on the Redesigned SAT, and these changes can strongly influence a students test-taking strategy. On the current SAT, students gain points for correct answers, but there is a penalty for incorrect answers (1/4 point lost for each wrong answer). Students neither gain nor lose points if an answer is left blank. The Redesigned SAT will offer a more straight-forward scoring approach, allowing students to gain points for correct answers, but not penalizing students for incorrect responses. So how does this influence a students test-taking strategy? On the current SAT, students avoid lowering their score by omitting answers if they are less than certain their answer is right. With no fear of penalty on the Redesigned SAT, students should answer every question. Scoring-Setting goals The more questions that a student gets correct, the higher their score will be. 1600 is the new 2400, and by that we mean that the highest possible score on the Redesigned SAT will be a 1600 instead of the highest possible score on the current SAT which is a 2400. These changes are occurring as a result of the change in test format and sections. Students need to understand scoring potential on the test in order to set goals for themselves when testing. Content and Area of Focus The College Board created the Redesigned SAT to develop a more accurate assessment of the academic skills needed in our fast-paced, highly challenging educational system. The Redesigned SAT will more closely resemble the work encountered in the classroom. The Reading section will test the ability to develop a strong understanding of passages. The Writing and Language section will challenge students to identify correct grammar and usage while determining if passages are developed properly. Math skills will be tested with a calculator and without a calculator, assessing skills in algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and problem solving and data analysis questions. Another change coming will be the addition of questions related to history/social studies and science. Students will find these types of questions in each section of the Redesigned SAT. A students performance on these types of questions can help high schools and colleges determine which courses the student is best suited for. Preparation is Key Understanding how the test is changing is a good place to start. To learn more about the Redesigned SAT, click here. The next step is to work with an SAT expert who can offer guidance and test-taking strategies specific to your needs. By working with an SAT expert, students can ensure they are fully prepared on test day. At Huntington, whether you are preparing for the current SAT or the Redesigned SAT, we can help. To learn more about our prep programs, click here, or call us at 1 800 CAN LEARN to speak with an educational consultant.

How a College Mindset Will Make You a Better College Candidate

How a College Mindset Will Make You a Better College Candidate ACT SAT Prep and College Admissions Blog Many high-schoolers picture big lecture halls and pulling all-nighters with a pile of books in the library when the term college academics comes up. The fact of the matter is that few high schoolers have any idea what to expect from college, and end up pretty shocked for most of the first semester. In college, the keys to success are independence and flexibility. This is way different than high school, which values habits like showing up on time every day, staying quiet during class, and completing homework on time. These aspects of high school education prepare you for college to some extent, but education is a very different experience once the training wheels come off. If you can work on becoming a more independent and flexible student in high school, you’ll not just prepare yourself for the style of work demanded by college, but you’ll start doing better in class and on tests as well. That can end up making a big difference on the quality of your college application and demonstrate to the school of your dreams that you’re not just a bright person, but really prepared for the ways that a great school will challenge you. How to Be a More Independent High Schooler Inevitably, there will be classes that you struggle with in college. Everyone struggles in a class at some point, and sometimes there are classes where everyone struggles because the department is trying to separate the wheat from the chaff. Successful college students don’t just grin and bear it, but take advantage of their professors’ and TAs’ office hours. When you go in and talk to these people, they’ll often lend you valuable insight on how essays are graded or what kinds of questions will appear on an exam. Taking that kind of ownership over your own academics will help you a lot in high school too. Make time before or after school, or even during lunch, to go talk to your chemistry teacher about the upcoming test. If you’re really struggling putting together close-reading analysis in English class, go to your English teacher with questions about the last essay you wrote. Yes, these habits will help you improve your grades. But there’s another benefit too. Making some time outside of class to get help from your teachers will help you build real relationships with them. Those relationships can be invaluable when it comes time to get some great letters of recommendation to attach to your college apps. Schools will love to hear that you’re the type of student who asks for help, because it means you’re the type of student who is devoted to great academic performance. The Value of Flexibility in High School We’ve talked on this blog before about the growth mindset. It’s an approach to learning where you say “I can improve at this thing I find difficult” instead of “I’m just not good at this thing!” Once again, you’ll encounter a lot of new subjects and ideas in college, and you sure won’t pass a class if you resign yourself to not getting it. Developing a growth mindset â€" that a class may be hard but you will figure it out â€" is essential for getting good grades and, even better, developing new passions. That philosophy class you take might seem impossible the first few weeks, but it could end up being an introduction to your major. Learning how to confront difficult material in high school is essential for one crucial component of your college app: standardized tests. The vast majority of your classmates find the SAT or ACT difficult in one way or another. The point of these tests is to be boring and difficult! Doing well on these exams doesn’t really mean you’re a genius, it means you’re good at taking these tests. The reason that colleges value, for example, the SAT is because someone who gets an amazing SAT score probably put a lot of work into improving at it. So if you took the PSAT and got a disappointing Math score, don’t just look at that and say “Oh no, my Math score is going to keep me from getting into a good school!” Put the time into reviewing the contentthat you don’t remember as well and taking practice tests to track your improvement. That growth mindset that is going to make you a great college student will also make you a great college candidate. About the Author Mike S. is one of our most experienced test prep tutors. For more information on our SAT prep packages, click here.

On Sex Scandals and Gender

On Sex Scandals and Gender Anthony Wiener, the former Congressman running for Mayor of New York. photo credit: AP I thought so. It seems like sex scandals and politics are synonymous. Historically speaking, one thinks of JFK. He was one of the most iconic Presidents to ever live, admired for his short but impressive political tenure. He is also remembered for his romp with a famous blonde. The 1990‘s in the U.S. brought forth the internet, cell phones, and both the President and the Speaker of the House being embroiled in sex scandals. The internet and political sex scandals have become fast friends. In recent years alone, multiple members of Congress resigned after allegations of lewd conduct (some of which was through the internet), and it turns out that even the head of the CIA cannot get away with having an affair. There has been a governor-love-child scandal, a governor-prostitution-scandal, and a Republican presidential candidate brought down amidst allegations of sexual harassment. It seems, though, that we may have turned a corner when it comes to political sex scandals. Forgiveness and a return to public life may be possible for those who were previously involved in scandals, at least in New York. Currently, both Anthony Weiner and Elliot Spitzer have made serious bids to be the Mayor and city Comptroller, respectively. In recent polls, it seems that the two men stand a very good chance to be elected. I find political sex scandals fascinating, in that they seem to be a boys‘ club. I can think of no female politicians who have had sex scandals affect their careers. When I think about women whose careers have been affected by scandals of a sexual nature, I think of pageant queens and teachers.   Vanessa Williams, the first black Miss America, who resigned in the wake of a nude photo scandal. photo credit: people.com It’s interesting, because the nature of the scandals are different. The scandals of many male politicians tend to be predatory in nature (sexual harassment, solicitation, etc.). Female scandals tend to be brought on by people sharing explicit materials without the women’s permission (sex tapes, nude photos, etc). I’m speaking very generally, of course, but it’s a good testament to how our society works. Pillars of sexism like the assumption of access to women’s bodies and third parties commandeering women’s bodies for financial gain make it unsurprising that no female politicians of note have behaved in a way that would lead to a sex scandal, or at least they have not been caught. That brings a kind of relief, because the repercussions they would face might be far worse than male politicians. Krystal Ball, a commentator for MSNBC once suffered a scandal of her own when racy photos of her were leaked while she ran for congress unsuccessfully. She penned a piece for the Huf fington Post addressing the issue, stating that sometimes the sex lives of women leak into the public sphere. She calls on people to abandon the idea that female sexuality and professional aptitude are mutually exclusive. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Recently I attended a conference in New York City, the aim of which was to empower and motivate young women. One of the panels that I attended was about social media, and the women featured on the panel discussed what to put on the internet and what not to put on the internet. Such phrases as “it’s a different set of standards for girls,” came out of their mouths, with one blogging professional saying that she wouldn’t hire young women whose online personas she deemed unsuitable. It’s moments like those in my life that make me doubt that, if Anthony Wiener and Elliot Spitzer were women, they would be welcomed into New York City political races with open arms. Criminal, predatory, and hypocritical behavior aside, in a broad sense, sex and sexuality are really nothing to end a career over. Prince Charles, a new Grandfather, is an accomplished environmentalist and future King of England. Behind him are the days when his sexual phone conversations with his then-mistress Camilla Parker-Bowles became public. In some cases, people have taken sex scandals and built their careers off of them (here’s looking at you, Kim).   It really worries me that attitudes about sex are so utterly Victorian when it comes to public figures. I can honestly say that, were I a public figure, if anything explicit from my own personal life ever leaked into public, sure, I’d be embarrassed, but what would I really have to apologize about? Having a life? I think that forgiving Spitzer and Wiener is a step in the right direction. I don’t condone their actions, (some of which was criminal), but I do respect their admitting their mistakes and moving on with their liv es. I just hope that if the opportunity arises, people will extend that same courtesy to women.

5 reasons to attend a Teach Away job fair

5 reasons to attend a Teach Away job fair If you’re interested in a new adventure teaching abroad, there’s no better time than right now to step up your job search. Starting in early December 2017, the world’s top international schools will begin the biggest worldwide search for hundreds of new teachers for the following school year at Teach Away’s international job fairs, held in partnership with ISS (International Schools Services). This year’s fairs will be taking place in the following locations, on the following dates: Atlanta, USA (December 3 - 5, 2017) APPLICATION NOW CLOSED! Bangkok, Thailand (January 5 - 8, 2018)APPLICATION NOW CLOSED! New York, USA (February 8 - 11, 2018) THERE'S STILL TIME TO APPLY! If you’re a certified teacher with a Bachelor’s degree and at least two years of teaching experience, now’s the ideal time to apply to attend one of these international teacher job fairs. And because spots are filling up fast, we’ve made a quick list of the reasons why attending a Teach Away job fair could be your big chance to secure your dream job teaching abroad in 2018. 1. You’ll make a personal connection with school heads. Meeting with prospective employers face to face is still a critical part of the job search process. This is your chance to get out from behind your computer screen and in front of schools who are looking to hire qualified teachers just like you. We know that in today’s job market, it’s often tricky to make a truly great first impression on resume alone. While technology has many advantages in a job search, it can’t replace the intangible connection that teachers can make by getting to meet employers in person. 2. You’ll get directly in front of schools that are ready to hire. Top international schools will be at the job fair for one reason only: to fill their specific hiring needs. The fair is a great opportunity for qualified teachers to receive immediate job offers! You can access the full list of schools attending each fair by visiting the Atlanta, Bangkok and New York fairs pages. 3. You’ll get first pick of a huge variety of teaching job vacancies from around the world. The fairs are your chance to make an informed choice for your next teaching job. You’ll get to research ahead of time the schools and destinations that interest you, as well as the types of positions they’re looking to fill across all subjects and grade levels. You can plan to spend your time with the schools that interest you most and maximize your chance to interview for the jobs that you’re most drawn towards. 4. You’ll save time in your job search. Attending a Teach Away job fair is far and away the easiest way to fast track your job hunt. You’ll get the chance to meet with multiple international school heads in a day in a way that makes the most efficient use of your time. 5. You’ll get to figure out which hiring schools are a fit for YOU. Remember, the job fairs are a two-way process. It’s as much about you finding out about the school’s culture and values, as it is about school heads meeting prospective new teacher hires. You’ll also get the chance to ask lots of questions about salary, benefits, vacation and much more. We’re really looking forward to bringing teachers and hiring schools together at the Atlanta, Bangkok and New York job fairs. Best of luck with your application!

The Pros and Cons of 7 Leading Online Language Courses

The Pros and Cons of 7 Leading Online Language Courses The Pros and Cons of 7 Leading Online Language Courses Weighing one online language course against the many others.Spending hours sifting through facts and making comparisons.Only reading positive reviews that dont tell you the real ins and outs of each course.Wondering about scathingly negative reviews that are outliers among many 5-star reviewsâ€"but do seem to raise some good points.And that, friends, sounds like a drag, doesnt it?Would-be language learners often put off trying to choose the perfect online language course because the above becomes so darn exhausting.A fundamental fact is that time is of the essence for everyone. It’s just a fact of our super busy lives: We’re all crunched for time.So, how best to cut through the clutter and choose the course that suits your needs? It just so happens there’s a good answer to that time-conscious question!I can help you find the best method for your learning styleâ€"before you waste precious time on something that doesn’t work well.Spend time learning, not looking! What Makes a n Online Course Worthwhile for You?Let’s face it, we all have different needsâ€"there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to almost anything in life. Language learning is no different.That means you need to choose an online course according to your own unique needs and learning style. Makes sense, doesn’t it?Now lets address the elephant in the room, discovering how you learn. What style are you?Lets find out!Of course, the usual approach is to discuss classic learning styles, like visual, auditory or kinesthetic. Here, were only interested in teasing apart whats best for you in the online language course market, which means were going to focus more on characteristics of digital resources: CostMobilityGamificationInteractivityStructureCost and the Cash-conscious LearnerAre you at a point in life where the day-to-day grind pays the basics and not much else? Are your purse strings tight? Just dont feel like shelling out for anything you dont have to?There’s a fix for thatâ€"i t’s entirely possible (easy, actually) to find a course that’s not a budget-buster! Many online language courses are free or very cheap.Mobility and the Globe-trotting LearnerNot in one place for too long, are you? Do you always have a suitcase packed and that passport by the door? Never quite sure if youll have solid Wi-Fi? Or maybe youre just always on the move in your hometown, commuting to work, hanging out in different places or going for long drives.Then you need mobility in your course. Learn anywhere, anytimeâ€"and never leave home without your language lessons!Gamification and the Competitive LearnerSome learners want concrete validation that information is actually being absorbed.And some of us just like the thrill of playing a good game and seeing progress, right?Good news! There are courses that play almost like video games. They have levels to track progress, dole out points, have bonuses to unlock and some even give out virtual awards. What’s not to love about th at kind of fun?Interactivity and the Interactive LearnerVideos, grammar modules and vocabulary tools that engage while teaching can be wonderfully effective. Yes, it’s amazing how much language learning takes place while you’re casually, passively watching a videoâ€"and the cultural knowledge gained is priceless.But interactive learners, who like lots of hands-on practice to learn, will want to seek out courses with loads of interactive elements. By encouraging you to think, type, click and speak, interactive elements keep you in the game.Youll also want to seek out social tools like forums, tutors, language exchange partners and learning groupsâ€"or even a very responsive support staff.Structure and Classic Classroom LearnerClassroom learning is still legit. After all, it’s what keeps brick-and-mortar colleges and universities in business.Some people learn best the way their formal educations began: in a classroom.Excellent auditory skills are a plus for classroom learning. A bonus? Most people who prefer this experience possess a hefty attention span which lends itself to drill-type exercises. Those skills worked when we were in grade school, and they still work now.The Pros and Cons of 7 Leading Online Language CoursesLanguage learning is in part about community, understanding and socializing, so take some hints from those who have successfully done this.Gather tipsâ€"but make your language learning experience your own!Here, well introduce you to seven of the leading online language courses that you can work with. Youll likely recognize all these names because they carry some hefty onlineâ€"and real-worldâ€"clout. The pros and cons are presented for each course, as well as a note about who the course tends to work best for.BusuuBusuu declares it only takes 10 minutes a day to learn a language, so they offer short lessons and interactive learning with learners across the globe. Speaking and writing exercises are corrected by native speakers which encou rages cultural interaction.If youd like to  sample  any of the 12 language  courses offered, just sign in and look one over for free.Best ForThe classroom-style learners who also enjoy socializing with their peersâ€"so will appreciate the forumsâ€"but can basically work solo.ProsTheres a  free option which uses flashcards, writing exercises  and corrections from native speakers. Additionally, the premium option isnt overly pricey but helps you reach some great ends. The site claims that 22.5 hours of their premium course equals one college semester of language study.Socialization is emphasized using community forums. You can chat with other learners to stimulate those vocabulary and conversation skills.ConsThis course is too structured for anyone who likes more freedom and immersion. The language used here can feel formal and textbook, rather than natural and authentic. You wont get much in the way of authentic resources here, so you wont necessarily feel immersed in the way modern native speakers use their language.Plus, the free option isnt mobile, which may not suit everyone.BabbelBabbels foundation is the idea that language learning occurs best when  we  just begin  to speak a language so thats what they do, they get the words flowing! Speech recognition technology helps get pronunciations on point.  Learners choose from a variety of topics, ranging from business to travel, among other things.The main focal areas of this course are lesson modules, vocabulary practice and social learning (where you can hook up with friends and fellow learners online).Feel free to check out one of the dozen courses available from Babbel before deciding if this option appeals to you, like the courses for Spanish, French, German, Russian and Italian.Best ForThe interactive learner who benefits from short bursts of learning.ProsThe first lesson in every language is free and the individual lessons are short (10-15 minutes) so they fit into any schedule. Its a mobile method taugh t by native speakers, so pronunciation is on point.For most offered languages, the modules cover a lot of ground, from the basic language lessons to business language, culture, travel, geography and tongue twisters.ConsWhile theres a nice feature for recording your voice, it still needs some development to achieve full accuracy.Since this course is quite immersive, the avalanche of vocabulary that youre exposed to right off the bat might feel overwhelming for some learners, especially those who are more classroom-oriented.The language youre learning might have more lackluster material than the most popular languagesâ€"English, Spanish, German, French, etc.â€"so the free course is worth your while to take.FluentUFluentU is real-world language learning, based on the premise that learners learn most easily when offered rich, engaging, memorable and authentic experiences. If a subject interests you or if it touches your heart, youre more likely to retain whatever knowledge is gained by that lesson.The program currently offers six language courses (English, French, German, Spanish, Japanese and Mandarin Chinese) to learners, and five more are in the works.  FluentU can also be used  from  iOS  or  Android  devices with the app.    If youd like to see how this course works, take a peek.Best ForAny learners with a globe-trotting, culturally-conscious, interactive learning style. Its gamified and addictive.Learning is done through language immersion via native videos, so the world comes to the learner. Its culture on your doorstep, no travel required!ProsThe real-world video content is beyond fun. Who doesnt want to be entertained while theyre learning? Its a natural way to learn a language, through immersion via video that does not include dull, repetitive lessons. And youll almost feel like youre procrastinating while checking out movie trailers, music videos, interviews, comedy skits, YouTube channels, cartoons and more.Theres something for everyone, with videos on all sorts of topics, so this course appeals to all personalities and language levels. The cost is reasonable, and you can try it  for free before  you decide if its right for you.ConsThere are courses which provide direction and structure in the less advanced levels, but after the intermediate stage youre left to your own devices.This is also a highly immersive program, so youll find yourself swimming in new vocabulary and grammar every day. Youll likely encounter a lot of vocabulary and grammar that you wont fully learn how to use properly for a good whileâ€"which is good for some, but perhaps not all.This can be an amazing way to gain exposure and familiarity with a language, but can admittedly be challenging for classroom-type learners who need more structure and guidance.DuolingoLooking for fun? A cute little green companion bird wholl nudge you toward a daily language learning commitment? Then Duolingo may be  what youre  after!The course uses the theory that daily language le arning is the way to go, and theyre making it fun to show up day after day. There are points for returning and completing lessons, and the daily streak (how many days in a row youve shown up for study) is a challenge unto itself.Would you like a little taste of a course? No problem! There are 21 to choose from. Choose a language and take the placement test to see where you fall.Best ForGaming types who crave immediate success or results.Its also a good fit for those suffering a time crunch. With just a few minutes a day to invest youll still get results and build a solid learning habit.ProsThe course was founded in 2012 by Luis von Ahn who was determined to make language learning available to everyoneâ€"thats why its free.Its interactive and fun, almost like playing a game rather than doing coursework. The method is to teach by context rather than memorization so theres some cultural references, which always make a course interesting.Its known to be extremely effective in getting to tal newbies off the groundâ€"and keep them hookedâ€"with its addictive, fun method. It will give you structure and introduce you to a ton of diverse linguistic topics.Another fun fact? There are six additional courses hatching, meaning that theyre in development, including Klingon!ConsThe program lacks a solid grammar base, something that might not appeal to a classroom-type learner. Its not super helpful for learners at the high-intermediate, advanced or nearly-fluent levels.While it provides an awesome bare-bones framework to drive your learning, it doesnt go very in-depth into any topic. Youll just get a taste of each grammar point or vocabulary theme, but youll need to seek outside resources to really, truly learn any given topic.FSI (Foreign Service Institute) CoursesThe FSI has been around a long time so theyve got a boatload of languages (40+) offered. If youd like to see how theyre structured,  this is  a great example of the  way theyve got things formatted.Best ForIndepend ent workers who don’t mind sorting through what does not seem necessary to their study. Also great for classroom learners who enjoy and benefit from drills.The courses were developed by the US Foreign Services to train diplomats. They teach basic comprehension and speaking.On a personal note, I became basically conversant in German in 28 days using the courses. They were a bit dry in spots but they work. I plan to use more of the courses available. Why not? Free and they work? Yes and yes!ProsThe courses are in the public domain so theyre free. Theres a huge assortment of languages and most languages have enough material to provide a solid learning opportunity.ConsThe courses arent new, so there are some out-of-date social references. If youre bothered by retro, these arent the courses for you.As noted earlier, the materials can be formal and dry, so its not a great choice for the interactive learner, or someone who craves the bells and whistles of gamification.Rosetta StoneUsing speech recognition software, native speakers and an immersive curriculum, Rosetta Stone teaches by building on vocabulary in an orderly method. The program is available in 28 languages, including but not limited to: Spanish, French, German, Japanese and Chinese.  If youd like to give it a go before committing, theyre down with that.Best ForClassroom learners, but also those on the goâ€"a handy, high-quality mobile app can be downloaded.ProsThis is an organized method of learning, relying on vocabulary building.There are pronunciation checks which help correct your language SNAFUs as they occur.And there are several options for purchasing the courses, including subscription and downloads.ConsThis coursework isnt ideal for learners who dislike traditional classroom settings.Another personal note? I’m currently taking the Irish course and progressing nicely despite having no prior experience with this language. The vocabulary-building facilitates rapid learning and the voice recognit ion response feature makes getting pronunciation down a snap.Will I be able to chat it up in Dublin in six weeks? Time will tell!FluenzFluenzs foundation is the thought that adult language learners learn best when they can relate a new language to the one they already know. They focus on lining up the structure (vocabulary, syntax and grammar) of a new language to English.The  coursework at Fluenz includes six languages and they offer the option to try before you buy.Best ForClassroom learners who like structure but want to be able to take the course on the go.ProsThis courses favored theory of learning is based on that of a typical, English-speaking classroom, using English as a foundation for learning new languages. This means that the course will feel quite familiar for native English speakers who learned a foreign language in their middle school or high school, with a teacher who used English to explain some things.The new language exposure will feel similar to whats already wor ked for you in the past.Once the program is installed, its not necessary to be connected to the internet. Additionally, theres an app for phones so language learning is mobile.ConsDownloads begin at $177 so, while its a very comprehensive program, this isnt for a budget-conscious language learner.Its also not the ideal choice for anyone who favors a more immersive method of learning, where youre surrounded by authentic language and constantly bumping into new linguistic challenges. It will probably feel like too much structure for a learner with this preference.In a NutshellSo there they are, the top online language learning courses all laid outâ€"pros, cons and everything in between. Theres no need to waste precious time doing research or weighing facts and figures. The legwork is done, and now its up to you to move forward with your language learning dreams!Identify your language learning style, then choose the course best suited to your needs.Charlemagne said, “to have another language is to possess a second soul.”So go for the new language, gain “a second soul” …then maybe a third and fourth.The possibilities are limitlessâ€"what are you waiting for?

Going off to college 5 things to do in August - TutorNerds

Going off to college 5 things to do in August - TutorNerds Tips from a Costa Mesa College Tutor: 5 Things to do in August if Youre Going Off to College Students who are going off to college this fall dont have too much time left until move-in day. Some universities start classes in August while others dont start until October. Regardless, there are a few things students should do so they are ready to start their college experience successfully. August presents an excellent opportunity for students to focus on the pre-college chores that may have been difficult to get done while they were still a full-time high school student. Whether a student is preparing to adjust to campus life or brushing up on academics, its better to show up drawn up on day one so that the transition to being a college student can go smoothly. 1. Find Affordable Textbooks There are so many great and affordable textbook options these days including renting textbooks and purchasing an online version of a textbook. Students are no longer limited to waiting in a long line at their college bookstore so they can save $5 on a used book. Unless that is, they havent explored alternate options. It’s a good idea for students to research their options ahead of time, so they dont end up buying an overpriced book the first week of class because they became overwhelmed with other college tasks. 2. Map Out a Route Around Campus Its also a great idea to map out a route around campus from the dorm to classes and the library to social activities. Students who know how to get around the first week of college are more likely to be able to focus on their assignments and social activities because they wont be overly stressed. If freshmen have the opportunity to spend some time in person on campus over the summer, they are strongly recommended to do so. They dont necessarily have to join an official tour rather they can just walk around with family or friends and get to know where everything is (READ: Going Off to College: Setting Up a Budget). 3. Start Social Networking With todays technology, many freshmen will already have several acquaintances before they start their first class. Many colleges have a freshman Facebook page, official or unofficial, or a mentor available to speak to new students online. Its a great idea to set a goal of making three definitive social contacts, if possible, this August to prevent the feelings of isolation and loneliness that can occur in many new college students. For the most part, everyone will be in the same boat, and theyll all be looking to make new friends, but its a great idea to have at least one or two people to talk to about the college adjustment period. 4. Line Up Academic Help Another important thing for rising college freshman to do this August is line up academic help just in case their courses are trickier than they thought. In general, college courses are more difficult that high school classes although they may be less stressful because the student has some control over their schedule and learning. Even extremely smart students become overwhelmed with stress and the pressure of post-secondary education and can use some extra help. Whether they get in touch with her high school tutor so they can discuss organizational skills or find an entirely new tutor in their area, its better to line up help before things get difficult (READ: Year-Round School: How to Enjoy Summer Break). 5. Spend Valuable Time With Friends and Family at Home Perhaps one of the most important things soon-to-be college students can do is spend some quality time with friends and family at home before they go off to start their university life. Some students may only be traveling an hour up the road while others may be moving to an entirely new state. Students who spend quality time with people they spent the last four years with are more likely to be able to maintain the social connections and friendships long distance and have a sense of belonging that will help them through their college adjustment period until they have a new set of friends. An excellent way to prepare for college is with the help of a Costa Mesa summer tutor. Even if you got good grades in high school, college will be more difficult than you expect. Get ahead of the curve with summer tutoring. All blog entries, with the exception of guest bloggers, are written by Tutor Nerds. Are you an education professional? If so, email us at pr@tutornerds.com for guest blogging and collaborations. We want to make this the best free education resource in SoCal, so feel free to suggest what you would like to see us write.