Organic Chemistry - Synthesis Problems and Analytical Methods

Organic Chemistry - Synthesis Problems and Analytical MethodsSome individuals are not aware of the importance of synthesis problems in organic chemistry. Synthesis problems occur when there is a malfunction or breakdown of any important step or building block in the chemical process. For example, if an enzyme cannot function properly, then that can affect the rest of the chemical reaction. Therefore, it is essential to be knowledgeable about synthesis problems when working with chemicals.In organic chemistry, two kinds of processes are used. One is an aerobic reaction where oxygen is present in the sample. Another is an anaerobic reaction where an anaerobic system is present. This anaerobic system is the main contributor to the overall synthesis problem. Here, an electron from the anaerobic system is passed through another oxidizing substance, or catalyst, to get it to react with the product.In the aerobic process, oxygen is introduced into the sample and that oxygen picks up an elec tron from the anaerobic system. That electron is now attached to the product solution. This is done by passing an electron through other oxidizing substances.The anaerobic reaction does not use any oxidizing substances, and therefore the electron does not get passed through. A strong possibility exists that the product will end up being in a very poor condition or totally destroyed because of this problem. Therefore, it is very important for synthetic chemists to be aware of these problems.It is an interesting technique that many students learn about in organic chemistry. They are very happy to do organic synthesis problems because it is an easy way to practice the skills that they learned in organic chemistry. Students are also able to use this method as an alternative way to look at the physical properties of their samples. They are able to test different variables in their experiments, without needing to keep running different reactions.This analytical method allows one to know a lot about the properties of the sample. It is a very powerful tool, especially for student when doing experiments in organic chemistry. The first thing to understand when using this analytical method is the fact that no intermediate product is formed. The solution just has to be analyzed after the reaction is complete.This method is very useful when there is a synthesis problem in organic chemistry. Students are taught to use this technique in every lesson they study in organic chemistry, regardless of whether there is a synthesis problem or not. Synthesis problems can be very difficult to solve, but if you know how to use the analytical method, then you will have the upper hand in solving the problem. Just make sure that you are ready to apply the analytical method if a synthesis problem is encountered.

Should I Go to the University of Texas at Arlington

Should I Go to the University of Texas at Arlington Ayona earned her bachelors degree in English from the University of Texas at Arlington. She specializes in American literature tutoring, writing tutoring, and a number of other subjects. Below, she shares her experience at the University of Texas at Arlington: Describe the campus setting and transportation options. Ayona: The University of Texas at Arlington is a very academic campus that provides a variety of transportation options. The UTARI shuttle bus is very convenient for students who need a ride to class or want to tour the campus. In addition, the Mavs Courtesy Escort is very helpful when traveling on campus after hours to ensure the safety of students. One day after leaving the library at 2 a.m., I had to walk back to my car which was parked in a garage on the opposite side of campus. I felt safe because I was able to use the courtesy shuttle. Due to the surrounding neighbors and local school districts, UTA is a very rural campus. How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Ayona:The professors have scheduled office hours where they are available to assist students. In most cases, they are willing to schedule a meeting outside of their office hours to meet the needs of a student. To set up a meeting with an academic adviser, you are able to go online, which was very convenient. How would you describe the dorm liferooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Ayona:Although I lived off-campus, I have heard from friends that dorm life is very beneficial. Living on campus helps to expand social life, because you have more access to events and social gatherings. Many guest speakers and concerts are held on campus as well. UTA has a dining hall that provides a buffet for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There are also restaurants available, such as Pie Five, Chick-fil-A, Bombay Chopsticks, Panera Bread, and many more. There are three Starbucks located on campus, which is where I spent a lot of time and money. Which majors/programs are best represented and supported? Ayona:Engineering and nursing are the top two majors at UTA. I received my bachelors degree in English. I chose this degree because of my strong passion for education reform. I want to teach English language arts and reading, improve education in low income schools, and progress toward becoming a college professor. The university was very supportive in helping me reach my goals. How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Does Greek life play a significant role in the campus social life? Ayona:Although I was not involved in Greek life, it does play a major role in social life. I was able to meet new friends in most of my classes, because many of my classes involved group projects. How helpful are the Career Centerand other student support services? Ayona:The Career Center is very helpful for students who are looking to begin work in the corporate world. They connect you with many employers, help you develop skills to succeed as a professional, and host many job fairs on campus. How are the various study areas such aslibraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Ayona:There are many areas for students to study, including the library, the UC (University Center), or in each academic building. The library has six floors and offers a variety of seating and computers designated for study. The UC not only has dining, but provides an abundant amount of space to study. Since the UC is also used for dining, it does get crowded around lunchtime. Any other time, seating is easily available. There are also many study areas outside to enjoy on a nice sunny day. Describe the surrounding town. Ayona:UTA is within a few minutes of theme parks such as Six Flags and Hurricane Harbor. Many sporting events also take place locally. Although we are located in Arlington, the campus is only about a half hour from downtown Dallas, where you can enjoy museums and performing arts centers. If you want to enjoy a night out with friends, there are many exquisite restaurants to choose from. How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Ayona:UTA has over 30,000 students from many different backgrounds. I was always pleased with the class sizes because they were never over-crowded. They usually consisted of 20-35 students. Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Ayona:I really enjoyed Dr. Rambsys English courses, because we were able to combine literature with pop culture. I took a literature course dedicated to the rapper Jay-Z where we analyzed his lyrics, had class discussions about meaning of texts, and presented our findings using graphs and other online tools. Our findings included data such as the number of metaphors or slant rhymes that were used in his lyrics. We also compared Jay-Zs lyrics to the Autobiography of Frederick Douglass. Typically, literature courses engage students in close reading of poets from Emily Dickinson to John Donne. However, if you really think about it, rap is also poetry, which makes it relevant in the academic world. Check out Ayonas tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

How to Assess an Analytical Writing Assessment Prompt

How to Assess an Analytical Writing Assessment Prompt The Analytical Writing Assessment, or AWA, is the first section of the GMAT exam. You are allotted 30 minutes to compose an Analysis of an Argument essay in which you must assess the strength of an argument by identifying its assumptions and flaws. Here are five steps to help you craft an effective critique in the minimal time the AWA allows. 1. Read the prompt Before you begin your response, review the AWA passage presented to you. Determine what is being said, as well as who is saying it. For example, consider the Analysis of an Argument prompt available on page 25 of this document, which concerns a potential uniform policy at Bayview High School. This prompt poses the question of whether high school students at one school should wear uniforms based on the performance of students at another school in the same town. This issue is being raised via a letter written to the editor of a newspaper. Now that we know the situation at hand, what is the next step? 2. Determinethe argument The argument often appears at the end of the passage, and it usually includes a prediction, a suggestion, or an assumption-based conclusion. What does the author of this letter to the editor think should happen? He or she hopes that Bayview High School will adopt a uniform policy. Once you find the argument, assess its overall strength and start outlining your response. 3. Identify the assumptions What is the author basing his or her argument on? Why should Bayview High School students wear uniforms? According to the writer, Acorn Valley Academy students, who do wear uniforms, generally earn higher grades and are more likely to attend college than Bayview High School students. Additionally, Acorn Valley Academy students are infrequently absent, late, or disruptive. The writer appears to associate the notable performance of students at Acorn Valley Academy with uniform use, and he or she believes that students at Bayview High School should have the same clothing requirements. This stage can be difficultif necessary, request the assistance of a mentor or GMAT tutor as you complete practice prompts. 4. Develop two to three flaws What is incorrect about the authors assumptions? How does he or she leave the argument vulnerable to attack? In the example above, the unnamed writer provides no proven evidence that the presence of uniforms at Acorn Valley Academy has caused its students exemplary performance. The differences between the students at the two schools may be attributable to other issues. For instance, though the students live in the same town, they do not necessarily live in the same neighborhoods. They may come from different socioeconomic backgrounds. The students at each school might not even be the same age. Furthermore, the quality of the classes, teachers, and administrative staff at the two schools may be far from equivalent. More qualifying information must be provided before deciding that uniforms are the best way to resolve the discrepancies between the two groups. If possible, include a concrete example of schools in a similar circumstance whose characteristics differed based on reasons outside of uniforms. These are some simple ways to improbve your writing skillswhich may help you as well. 5. Conclude with advice Conclude your response by restating your main thesis and what must be examined before arriving at a decision. How can these logical flaws be addressed? How would doing so strengthen the argument? In this example, research could be conducted to examine the effects of requiring uniforms at other schools in the region. In addition, a survey could be completed at both Bayview High School and Acorn Valley Academy to assess what qualities the students, parents, teachers, and staff believe influence average grades and college attendance. In addition to following these five steps, remember to budget your time wisely. You only have 30 minutes to compose a detailed critique. Use the first five minutes to plan your essay. Spend the next 20 minutes writing as much as you can. Finally, use the last five minutes for editing and polishing. Your prose need not be perfect, but it should leave the reader with the best impression possible of your composition skills as a future MBA student. Here are some great tips on how to increase your GMAT analytical writing score.

How to Score a 5 on the AP World History Exam

How to Score a 5 on the AP World History Exam Sign up successful 2. Know the World Map In order to get a solid grasp on the material you’re learning, you should first become familiar with the world map. Pay special attention to places that have changed over time. For example, “Mexico” used to be called “New Spain” and “East Pakistan” is now “Bangladesh.” I’ve seen plenty of students confused because, not realizing the territory has been renamed, they can’t find New Spain on the map! To make sure you have a good geographical foundation, practice drawing the world map a few times (or at least filling in a pre-drawn but blank world map). Make it a contest with fellow classmates or friends to spice up this activity. Also, there are plenty of online sites to test your “map and geography knowledge.” (Try Lizard Point Geography Quizzes.) 3. Make A Timeline Many teachers will tell you “dates aren’t that important for the exam.” In essence, I agree with this statement, especially the farther back in history you go. However, it’s important to know the general chronology of historical events. Here’s why: The AP World History Exam places emphasis on global interactions and change-over-time (there is actually a “Change-Over-Time” essay), both of which require having a reasonable idea of when things occur (not necessarily dates) and what else is going on in the world simultaneously. This emphasis makes sense: People, countries, and continents are not isolated. They may exist separately but they fluctuate together, constantly evolving. So, to really understand “time,” I suggest a timeline. Now, because so much happens in our world’s history, it’s important to have a big timeline. If there’s room in your house, put up a roll of paper from one of the wall to the other. Then you can make a line and label events as you go t hrough the world history course. Make it interactive by drawing pictures to go with significant events. If you don’t have room in your house, you can go online. I recommend Prezi.com (or a similar site with a wide open canvas that you can zoom around on, add information, and upload pictures and video). 4. Supplement Your Reading If you’re taking a class, you will almost undoubtedly be working with a history textbook. However, words on a page often have trouble sticking in our brains by themselves. What you need to do is find movies and short videos (use Youtube) that you can watch after you’ve read about an event. Then go back to the textual information and reread it, checking to see if the way you imagined the event matched up with what you saw. This helps you more than you realize. By combining reading and watching, you’re first creating an original virtual reality experience, then comparing that with the media you’re viewing, and then, during the second read through, you’re analyzing the differences. This process interweaves many facets of your brain enabling strong recall and memory with the information you’re learning. Yes, it may take a little extra time to read, watch, and then reread information on one particular concept. You definitely don’t want to do this with every significant event. To start, I recommend choosing 10 important events (spaced out over our historical timeline) that interest you. How do you choose the events? If you have an AP Review Book, they will have an “important events” list at the end of each unit, which are generally separated by time periods. Otherwise, go online, type in “AP World History Important Dates,” and choose some from a list that comes up. If you’re stuck, here’s a good starter list (but remember there are so many to choose from): 2000 Judaism begins w/Abraham 1320-1340 Spread of Bubonic Plague 1029-258 Zhou Dynasty 470-430 Golden Age of Athens 610 Rise of Islam 1492 Columbus expedition 1600-1690 Scientific Revolution 1770 Beginning of Industrial Revolution 1948 Creation of Israel 1959 Cuban Revolution Don’t forget to put all the events you spend extra time with onto your timeline. Finally, remember that world history is just one, long, ongoing story about the human race. Try to put yourself in the shoes of those you read about and recognize that understanding the concepts is far more important than knowing exact dates. Learning specific study skills for this type of memorization can be easily achieved with a tutor, so check out TakeLesson’s selection of experienced world history tutors for additional help. For more information about the test, visit The College Boards website. Tali H. tutors in various academic subjects in Olympia, WA, as well as through online lessons. Since 2010, she has worked with  numerous students in elementary, middle, high school, and college in both group settings and one-on-one. Learn more about Tali here!   Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher Photo  by  KarandeepSingh

Um, So What Should I Be Choosing As My First Guitar

Um, So What Should I Be Choosing As My First Guitar The Beginner Guitarist's Guide to Making the Right Choice. ChaptersHow to Avoid Ending Up With an Inappropriate Guitar?What are the Different Types of Existing Guitars and Their Features for Beginners?Choose the Right Guitar: Buying Options.In ConclusionWith eight years of practice, I’ve often had to deal with students’ loss of motivation, simply because of an inappropriate guitar, bought too quickly or often based on an attractive design. They don't pay an attention to the playability, the fact that it sounds great, or that its features - say its headstock, body and neck - are actually made well.I’m Kelsey and I’m a guitar teacher.For some, during the first purchase of a guitar, only the electric guitar matters - because it has style, it plugs into an amp, and makes noise! Acoustics or classical guitars are generally overlooked in favour of the vision of being a cool electric guitar player.The other problem that people with a new guitar find is that they expect to be a master of their musical instrument straight away. Above all, peo ple often believe that it is easier to play before they actually learn how to play the guitar. Which is not entirely wrong and you will understand why.People put a lot of value on their first guitar, so to choose well, some key features have to be kept in mind when buying.  You should also be remembering the fact that, although your hands are itching to shred that fretboard, you are a beginner guitarist - and that you first and foremost need an appropriate guitar for beginners.Of course, you will evolve and progress during your guitar lessons near me and, at the same time, you will refine the type of sounds you are looking for. Also, you will probably desire to try several different sounds and styles after a few guitar lessons. Maybe you will become interested in fingerpicking, meaning you might find yourself wanting an acoustic or an electro acoustic guitar. You might find that the deeper, groovier noise of the bass guitar sounds great, and so you check out the electric bass. This is to say that you need to follow what you like, acoustically and in terms of the style of music.  You will then start to acquire other guitars: it’s not uncommon to meet an amateur with several guitars. He will make his choice according to the style tackled.Pay attention and don’t forget that you are a beginner. Even if it’s interesting to start with an instrument that matches your desires and musical tastes to keep the spirit up during that tough time of learning, the type of sounds coming out of the guitar should not be your first concern. Keep in mind that when you first start learning to play the guitar, you're not sure to continue... So pay attention to the cost of this first purchase: go for the low end of price, but don't compromise on quality.Also, you should have a complete guide to selecting and changing your guitar strings...What are the Different Types of Existing Guitars and Their Features for Beginners?Who is your favourite guitarist? Maybe their instrument choi ces can help you decide.There are three main types of guitars, not to mention more specific models like the Dobro for instance.The first thing that someone who wants to learn how to play the guitar should do is to choose the guitar that suits them best according to its characteristics and sound.The Classical GuitarA classical guitar is the usual choice for beginner guitarists or parents. It is perfect for styles like bossa, classical or flamenco - as these nylon string musical instruments were developed with these styles in mind. The body shape, the size of the fingerboard, and the delicate hollow body are all designed specifically for these purposes.The classical guitar is for the purists!But is not ideal for beginners. The classical guitar, as its name indicates, is initially intended to play classical pieces.However, it can also appear in other musical currents such as bossa nova, jazz or flamenco, but will be less present in styles like rock, pop, pop rock, or even funk.The clas sical guitar has a wider neck than all the others and nylon strings. Of course, nylon strings are softer than the steel strings you find on acoustic guitars, but it does not make it easier to play, quite the contrary! Depending on the material, the price of the guitar strings may vary.By default, beginners or parents tend to buy this model of guitar because it has the most affordable prices. However, the width of the neck and the more spacing between the strings can quickly hurt beginner guitar players' fingers. And the affordable price is a bit misleading: they are marketed for beginners and they are, more often than not, not great quality.    Of course, you can support your guitar while playing by choosing the right guitar strap so that your arms don't get overly tired...If you wish to play bossa nova music, classical or flamenco, the classical guitar is the one you need. But if you are looking more into playing folk, pop or rock music, forget about the classical guitar and head t o an acoustic guitar.It is purely personal and taking into account my eight years of experience in teaching guitar lessons, I advise against a classical guitar to begin with. Unless, of course, you are absolutely committed to the sound produced by these musical instruments.For others, however, after some time practiced on a guitar more adapted for you, you will refine your tastes and your pursuit for sonority. Therefore, it is not impossible that the classical guitar can correspond with you afterward. For me, I only use it occasionally when I have to record melancholy themes.Discover how to choose a guitar strap, and check out the straps that Guitar Center has to offer.The Acoustic Guitar: Great for Beginners because of its Versatility and Thinner NeckThe folk guitar is ideal for beginners.Unlike the classical guitar, the acoustic guitar has steel strings and a much thinner neck. This feature makes it a versatile guitar, adapted to play a great diversity of musical styles. It is wid ely used in pop, rock, blues, jazz, and pretty much every other style you can think of.It covers a much wider range than the classical guitar. If you want to play popular pieces that you hear everywhere, play with friends, sing together, take it with you wherever you go and if your musical influences are folk, rock, pop, pop rock, variety or blues, this is the guitar you need.Despite a slightly higher price than its little sister, the classical guitar, the acoustic guitar remains an extremely versatile instrument. It covers a much larger range of music than the classical guitar and is also much easier to play thanks to a thinner neck. It’s also more comfortable and more suited for playing current music. This is the guitar that I recommend you  begin taking guitar lessons with.You'll find that the acoustic guitar comes in all different shapes - from the dreadnought to the parlor to jumbo and grand auditorium. And you'll notice in the picture above that some have a cutaway and other s don't. These changes in body style become more important as you become more familiar with the instrument, but just note now that the size of the guitar body - and consequently of the sound hole - affects the sound: some are louder and more resonant, whilst others are more gentle.If you are starting out, the best acoustic guitar might not be the dreadnought - as these are very large.The Electric Guitar More expensive and bulky than the others; less suited for beginners unless you only dream of playing rock.Choosing your first guitar is hard - but don't fret too much.The electric guitar is a guitar without a sound box: it’s the main difference with acoustic guitars. The microphones placed under the strings produce the sound.The electric guitar became a mythical instrument in the 20th century, thanks to legendary guitarists like Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton and BB King.The electric guitar strings are quite similar to the acoustic guitar strings (steel strings), although they are gene rally softer. The electric guitar is used for playing  a vast variety of styles, from jazz to hard rock. The electric guitar's very thin neck and very low tension of the strings make it one of the easiest guitars to play. Its disadvantage, however, is that it must be connected to an amp so that the volume is correct: this implies additional purchases.The electric guitar's price also remains affordable. While it may be easier to play, it is, however, more difficult to move and involves purchasing an amp. It is not the guitar that I recommend to begin with, unless you greatly appreciate its unique style.Choose the Right Guitar: Buying Options.Acoustic: Epiphone DR-100A very good acoustic from a well-regarded brand: nice design, good playability, and great sound for the price.Acoustic: Seagull S6A new brand that makes incredibly good instruments. Pricier than other beginner instruments, but a dream to play - both for amateurs and experts.Electric: Yamaha Pacifica PAC112VOne of the most respected brands in beginner musical instruments. Classic Stratocaster shape with great price.Electric: Epiphone Les Paul Special II PackA good option for those looking for a stylish axe but with all of the accessories.Classical: Cordoba Iberia C5From the best of classical guitar manufacturers, the perfect beginner guitar.Classical: Yamaha C40A great, reliable instrument from one of the most-loved guitar brands out there.In ConclusionThe classical guitarAdvantages: Has a very soft sound, ideal for bossa nova, jazz, and flamenco.Disadvantages: It's limited in terms of style and difficult to play.The folk guitarAdvantages: A versatile guitar, adapted to playing almost any style. It has a thin neck that makes it easier and more comfortable to play. Ideal for learning to play the guitar.Disadvantages: It has steel strings, it's less flexible than nylon strings and hurts the fingers in the beginning, but that can be overcome quickly.The electric guitarAdvantages: It has a very thin neck and very weak strings that make it easier to play. It's suited for all styles (a multitude of sounds).Disadvantages: It's less portable than the folk guitar, and you also have to buy an amplifier to go with it.Now that you have all this information, you just need to decide which guitar you want to play and get started learning on the guitar that best meets your expectations: how to choose the guitar of your dreams thanks to these few recommendations.Once you’ve found your dream guitar, find a guitar class around you thanks to Superprof.And for more guitar accessories?

The Boston University College Experience

The Boston University College Experience Shannon earned her bachelors degree in math education from Boston University. She specializes in math tutoring, geometry tutoring, and a number of other subjects. Below, she shares her experience at Boston University: Describe the campus setting and transportation options. Shannon: Boston University (BU) is an extremely urban campus located right in the city of Boston. Our campus is a 1.7 mile stretch down Commonwealth Avenue. Being in the city, there is no need for cars and most students walk to class, as the academic buildings are all centrally located near each other. If you are not up for walking, there are many other modes of transportation as well. BU does run its own shuttle that has eight stops on the main campus and three on the medical campus. It is free to all students and there is a mobile app to track it. Also, because BU is located in the heart of Boston, we have the MBTA (subway) Green Line run down our campus. There are seven stops on our campus and you can use the T to either get to class or take it to various destinations in Boston. As for safety, I never felt unsafe at Boston University, but that is not saying you dont have to be smart. The university itself and campus are very safe and offer many different programs to keep you safe. The campus itself has a blue light system that has phones attached that call directly to Boston University police department, which are about every 100ft from the last one. On the back of every student's ID, there are numbers for BUPD, Health Services, and an escort system that, if you are leaving the library at 2 AM and dont want to walk across campus alone, will send a male and female student to walk with you. How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Shannon: Every professor and teaching assistant is required to have as many office hours as they teach, but this is not the only time they are available. I have never had any issue just emailing them and saying I cant make their office hours or I would like to meet more. The professors want you to succeed, so if you need a little extra help, they are certainly willing to do so. Sometimes you may click better with your teaching assistant, as they were students in this class once. Generally graduate students, TAs are super helpful and can sometimes relate better than a professor can. As for advisors, they are usually teachers as well, so you will have to work around their own class schedule. My advisor was a godsend with all my questions, even answering my emails at midnight. How would you describe the dorm liferooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Shannon: Dorms are great. BU has no exclusive freshman dorms, but there are some that are mostly freshmenWest Halls and Warren Towers. These dorms are both the large dormitory style with the communal bathrooms on the floor. These dorms each are located above dining halls, laundry, and mailrooms so you dont have to go far to do anything. What makes these dorms great is their sense of community. In Warren Towers there is a common room on every floor that connects the sides of the floor. This is a great place for everyone to hang out and get to know each other. When I was a freshman, getting to know my entire floor of 40 people and have 40 new friends before I even started my first class was the biggest relief in the world. So there are some benefits to large dormitory style dorms. But those arent the only options. At BU we also have apartment (with kitchen) and suite-style living (with its own bathroom). We have houses called Brownstones that are like living in a typical house on the s treets of Boston. They have 8-15 rooms in them and 4-5 bathrooms depending on the building. Less underclassmen live in these, but they are definitely a viable option. I myself lived in one as a junior and I loved it. Which majors/programs are best represented and supported? Shannon: Boston University is very into research, so if you want to delve into a major and do research, we have the tools for you. For example, Boston University is one of the leading researchers in brain trauma and neuroscience, so there are tons of opportunities for learning in that particular field. That being said, within BU there are so many colleges and schools that it's hard to say one is not supported by its own college. For instance, our College of Communications is #2 in the country and our School of Hospitality is #1, so they clearly have programs and supports set in place. I had friends in just about every school, from the School of Business to the School of Fine Arts, and every single one of them loved their programs and loved the opportunities they had. As for my experience, I majored in Math Education in the School of Education and I never felt unsupported. My school was constantly checking in on me, making sure the program was working for me, and generally getting to know me as a person. Being in the second smallest school at BU, I was able to really know my professors on a personal level. How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Does Greek life play a significant role in the campus social life? Shannon: BU has over 1,000 clubs and sports, so its easy to find what you like and become a part of that community. At the beginning of the year we have an event called Splash where all of the clubs and sports set up booths, and freshmen can wander around, gather information, and sign up. It makes it easier to see what clubs BU has and learn more about them. I myself was part of the Dog Pound, the student pep club, and I met most of my friends through this club. As a freshman, I probably signed up for 20 clubs and then I narrowed it down to the few I felt truly fit me. Aside from clubs, we also have 21 division one sports, club sports, and intramurals that you can also sign up and join. Lastly, we do have Greek life at BU, but its not large, clocking at only around 11 percent. However, we do certainly have Greek life available if you want to join. I was not in a sorority myself, but I had friends who were and they loved it, so its all about what you want. BU has so many different opportunities to find your niche within the university. How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services? Shannon: Several of the colleges atBU have their own Career Center, as well as a career center for the whole university. They will help with a variety of things, like resume review and applying for jobs. I went to the career center for the whole university as a senior and was shown lots of tools for how to find education jobs. As for recruiting, that really depends on the individual school or college. I know that there are several career fairs each year in all of the schools and several opportunities to meet with potential recruiters, both within each school and the university as a whole. How are the various study areas such aslibraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Shannon: There are libraries in each school, as well as study lounges in every dorm. Depending on the size of the dorm/school and time of day, the lounges and libraries vary in fullness and noise levels, so its about what environment you like to study in. There are tons of places to pick from, so if one is full because its exam week, there is always another place to go. Describe the surrounding town. Shannon: BU is in the city of Boston, not on the outskirtsit is fully immersed in the city. That being said, as a student you have the entire city and a world of opportunities at your disposal, and BU students tend to take advantage of that opportunity. Theres nothing better than picking something to do in the city and going out and exploring. You have many things to do, from pro sports to some of the best museums in the world. There is so much to do that it's really hard to get bored. How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Shannon: We are a medium sized university with 16,000 undergrads. So, we are smaller than a big state school and larger than a small liberal arts school. That being said, it does not feel big. Walking down the street everyday, I see tons of people I know everywhere and always feel comfortable. As for classes, the average class size is around 25 people, but you do have some large classes of 100 people in introductory classes. Those large, 100 people classes are required to have discussions later in the week. These discussions are generally around 10-15 students and you have a chance to meet with the teaching assistant, go over anything you dont understand, and ask questions. After you start to delve into your major, it becomes more rare to have classes that big and most classes have around 10-30 people. I never felt overwhelmed by class size. If I was having questions in a class, there were so many ways for me to get helpfrom the discussion classes to office hours. Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Shannon: I came to BU undecided about my major, so I originally started in the College of Arts and Sciences. About halfway through my freshman year, I decided I might be interested in the School of Education. In order to transfer or even see if you wanted to transfer into the school, you were required to take ED100an introduction to the department. Professor Phil Tate taught this class. Professor Tate is the first professor that students are introduced to in the School of Education, so in some ways, he has the ability to make or break it for you. During my first class, Professor Tate began with a fun little anecdote about what hat you will wear as a teacher. He began his crazy introduction by putting on different hats and talking with different exaggerated accents. But as crazy as his little speech sounds, it worked. As he talked, I immediately knew I had found what I wanted to do. He had this essence about him that pulled me in and reassured me that being an educator was one of the greatest things I can do. After that class, I knew what I wanted to do with my career. Check out Shannon'stutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Opening the Lines of Communication

Opening the Lines of Communication Here are a few tips to enhance communication between you and your child: Spend time together. At times, finding a moment alone with your child may seem impossible between your busy work and school schedules, extracurricular activities and homework time. However, children may not feel comfortable talking about their problems at the dinner table or in front of their siblings. Seek opportunities to spend time with your child outside of the house. Whether you are shopping, playing a sport together or going out for ice cream, your child may let their guard down when the two of you are simply enjoying one another's company. Ask the right questions. Instead of asking questions that warrant one-word answers (How was school? or Did you have a good day?), try phrasing your questions in a way that encourages your child to elaborate (What was the best part of your day? or What did you like about school today?). And don't stop there. When your child answers that he or she enjoyed an experiment performed in science class, ask why. Listen attentively. If children feel that their parents are truly interested their lives, they will be more likely to talk to them about the good as well as the bad. First, just listen. Children who are struggling in school may feel extremely uneasy discussing the topic, so if a child does open up, the first and most important thing to do is listen. Acknowledge his or her feelings. Don't offer words of wisdom or immediately formulate a plan to solve the problem. Simply listen to your child in order to better understand. Showing empathy will make your child feel more comfortable and less ashamed. Remember to praise. While it is natural for parents to be disappointed with poor grades, frequent discussions about their children's failures in school can be damaging to their self esteem and motivation. Addressing such problems is important, but more vital is the plan forward. Work with your child to define steps to help him or her, and remember to take frequent notice of your child's successes and improvements along the way, no matter how small. Doing so will reinforce hard work, provide encouragement and boost your child's confidence. Face problems sooner rather than later. Ignoring the warning signs that your child is struggling in school will not make the problem disappear. If you rarely see your child working on homework, offer your help. If the end of a semester has passed and your child has not produced a report card, request to see it. Stay in touch with your child's teacher and school to ensure you are aware of any issues that your child may not be sharing with you. When problems do crop up, seek tutoring or other help. Learning to communicate with your child is a process that takes commitment and practice. By cultivating a relationship of trust, understanding and openness, you are encouraging your child to turn to you for help in school and in other areas of his or her life. If your child is struggling in school, call Huntington today. We will work with you and your child to uncover the root of the problem, helping your child do better in school by tailoring a program that will focus on the areas where he or she needs the most assistance.