Pioneer Tutoring - Best Online College

Pioneer Tutoring - Best Online CollegePioneer Tutoring, or PCT for short, is an online education company that offers a wide variety of tutoring services. If you are looking for the best online college or university for your child or teen, check out PCT. You will be able to locate colleges, universities, schools, and other types of educational institutions online, and then have your child or teen applied to for their specific coursework.What type of courses do you want your child or teen to take? Do you want them to get enrolled in a state university? Or do you want them to get enrolled in a private college, local community college, or a technical school?Before you look at a college or school, you need to find out what sort of program you want for your child or teen, because you do not want to go to a school that is too far away. And, you want to find out if you want your child or teen to get enrolled in online education programs, or if you want them to attend one of the traditional p ublic or private colleges. With PCT, you are able to put in your students' information, and they will automatically be sent to a program they are most interested in. And if you do not want to go that route, you can put in the exact same information, and they will still be sent to a program they are interested in.PCT has many professionals that are certified by different accrediting bodies to be considered professional tutors. These professionals will work with your child or teen on everything from the basics to the advanced subjects and will also work with them on their reading and writing skills. Your child or teen will be able to learn how to read, write, and do simple math.The way in which your child or teen learns can vary quite a bit, and the PCT Place online tutoring service works to create a program that is tailored to each student. So, whether your child is an honors student or has an average grade point average PCT Place will be able to offer them the best tutoring they nee d, and your child or teen will learn how to be successful in their chosen course of study. And, if you have never had tutoring before, PCT will provide the kind of professional training and mentoring that your child or teen needs to learn and grow as an individual.You do not need to worry about your child or teen needing to use their own computer and other equipment. With PCT Place, your children or teens can access all of their work on their home computer, and your child or teen can also access tutoring online and get tutored in the comfort of their own home. If you are away, you can just log in to PCT Place at any time and place online. And PCT Place also offers a free tutoring phone consultation, where you can speak with an agent who will help you get started with your student's education.Online education is becoming more popular every day, and it is something that PCT Place is used to. In fact, PCT Place is one of the most popular online tutoring services, and you will see this with their website. They have the right people in the right locations, and if you have trouble finding someone, you can call PCT Place and have your child or teen's name sent to them.If you are looking for the best online college for your child or teen, and if you are looking for the best tutoring, then take a simple online search and be sure to put in Pioneer Tutoring. You will be able to get your child or teen into a degree program without breaking the bank. And, with PCT Place, you will be able to find the right college or school, even if you have not yet made the decision on what institution to enroll your child or teen in.

How to Decide If Working From Home Is Right For You

How to Decide If Working From Home Is Right For You pexels.com 1. Do you have a home office? While it seems like an obvious question, it’s an important one to consider. When you go to work in an office setting, you don’t realize how many items are available to you that you may not have in your home setting. For one, do you have a quiet space to work? While you don’t necessarily think of this, working from your bedroom can be difficult, as it makes it harder to separate work from home. Most remote employees have a fully functioning office, but if you don’t have the space, this may not be a feasible option. Also, you’ll want to ensure you have all the necessary supplies (i.e. printer, copier, fax, phone, strong internet connection, desktop, etc.). Depending on the position, these items may be provided to you or reimbursed, but working from home can be a cost that you’ll need to be prepared to take on. 2. Can you work individually? In an office setting, even when your work is individual, there is constantly someone to reach out to with questions or to speak with during down time. When you’re working remotely, those options are lesser, as the only way to speak with someone directly is through email or on the phone, which means that the personal connection is not there. If you aren’t the type of person that can work fully on their own, working remotely may not be for you, as there is certainly a sense of isolation that isn’t present when you’re working in an office setting. So long as this is something you’re comfortable with, you’ll be fine. However, if you aren’t, you’ll want to consider this prior to making any decisions. 3. Are you organized? Again, this may not seem like a big deal, but when you’re working remotely, staying organized is essential to your success. If you aren’t someone that can easily stay on top of deadlines and keep files in the right places, working remotely may not be for you. When you’re working from home, this all falls to you, as there’s no one to hold your hand and tell you what is and isn’t important. While you do have to be organized in an office setting as well, remote workers typically require extensive organizational skills in order to be successful, so be sure that this is something you are capable of doing. 4. Can you stay on track? While there are plenty of distractions in an office setting, like co-workers visiting your desk, meetings, and other office events, working from home has its fair share of distractions as well. If you live with other people, it may be difficult to separate yourself when you’re working. In addition, you typically have a TV or other distractions within reach, and no one around to supervise you and ensure you’re working. If you need to have the supervision component or aren’t sure whether or not you would be able to stay on task when at home, working remotely may not be for you, as there’s a lot of responsibility that falls on your shoulders in that environment. Sure, there’s a lot of freedom, but you also need to be sure you’re completing your assignments. 5. Are you motivated? What it essentially boils down to is whether or not you have the motivational drive to work from home. Your work is entirely self-driven, and remote employees tend to be some of the most ambitious, as they typically rely on themselves alone to complete tasks and drive themselves to be better. If you aren’t the ambitious type or enjoy having team/supervisory support, you’ll definitely want to reconsider whether or not a remote position is right for you. Working from home is a privilege, certainly, but one that not all individuals may want. Sometimes, you simply have to do what’s best for you in terms of your job, and if you don’t believe that working from home is the right fit, speak with your manager to ensure you are in an office setting. Working from home is not for everyone, and remote work can be more challenging and lonely. Take these five items into consideration prior to taking on a remote role and ensure that you are not only capable but also comfortable working in such an environment.

Skip the Starbucks 11 DIY Specialty Coffee Drinks

Skip the Starbucks 11 DIY Specialty Coffee Drinks cincyshopper.com 1. Pumpkin Spiced Latte Oh, the PSL it’s one of Starbucks’ most famous drinks (besides their frappes) and people go crazy for it the minute September hits. With this simple recipe, you can enjoy Pumpkin Spiced Lattes all year round instead of waiting on Starbucks. All you’ll need are the same ingredients to make a pumpkin pie (minus the crust) and some coffee and you’re good to go! Find the recipe here. DontWasteTheCrumbs.com 2. Peppermint Mocha This is another famous seasonal drink Starbucks lovers wait all year for that you can make in the comfort of your own home. Using just five simple ingredients that can easily be found in the supermarket, you’ll be enjoying your Peppermint Mocha in no time! Make your friends jealous, or make them one too, with this recipe. Babble.com 3. Caramel Macchiato This recipe is a little more complicated to follow. You’ll need an espresso maker and a milk steamer if you want an authentic tasting macchiato. In just 15 minutes you will have your warm caramel macchiato ready to drink. Follow the recipe here. TheFoodieTeen.com 4. Almond Milk Chai Latte It may not be coffee, but the tea still has some caffeine in it to keep you going. You will be using a stove and a pan to make this Starbucks copycat drink. The best thing about making this drink at home is adding or substituting ingredients to fit your taste buds. Find the recipe here. HowSweetEats.com 5. Coconut Latte If you love the taste of the tropics, the coconut latte is the coffee drink for you! This recipe involves an espresso machine and a milk steamer along with coconut sugar, milk, and syrup. You can also top it off by sprinkling toasted coconut over the drink. Find this delicious drink recipe here. NewBlooming.com 6. Cold Brew Plan ahead by at least 12 hours and you can be enjoying a popular cup of cold brew in the morning on your way to class. This is different from iced coffee because the coffee grounds are submerged in the water instead of drip brewed and sit in the water over night. Make it your own by adding some cream or flavored syrups. Click here for more details. CookingCurries.com 7. Irish Cream Cold Coffee This one is for those of you who are over 21. This blended drink contains espresso, Bailey’s Irish Cream, sugar, and milk. Throw it all in a blender with ice and sip on your drink with a little kick! If you are underage, you can find Irish Cream flavored coffee creamers and still enjoy this delicious drink during the rest of the summer months. Find the recipe here. FantasticalSharing.com 8. Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappe For those coffee lovers with a sweet tooth, this is the perfect specialty coffee drink for you! Loaded with chocolate, Oreo cookies, and strong coffee, you can top it off with whipped cream for an even sweeter treat. Forget about spending $6 on a frappe at Starbucks, you can make this in your own home! Find the chocolatey recipe here. HouseofYumm.com 9. Snickerdoodle Latte This sweet latte takes only a whopping two minutes to prep and make before you can enjoy it. It only uses four ingredients that most people already have in their kitchen, so you don’t have to make a special trip to the grocery store during your busy semester. When coffee just isn’t cutting it for you, add some cinnamon and brown sugar. Follow the recipe here. FoxesLovesLemons.com 10. Caramel Brulée Coffee Similar to the Snickerdoodle Latte, this Caramel Brulée will satisfy both your coffee craving and your sweet tooth. With just three necessary ingredients and a stove top, you’ll be enjoying this specialty coffee drink in no time. Learn the process here. MostlyHomemadeMom.com 11. Cinnamon Roll Iced Coffee This super simple recipe will impress your friends when you have in-home coffee dates in your sweats. Just add some cinnamon, maple extract, and vanilla iced coffee from International Delight to make this delicious specialty coffee. Find the recipe and measurements here.

Conception and Fertility - Convenient Fertility Treatment Without Prescription Or Hormone Therapy

Conception and Fertility - Convenient Fertility Treatment Without Prescription Or Hormone TherapyResearch and experience show that there is a relationship between relative rates of change and fertility. Indeed, it is difficult to conceive without taking into account the actual rate of change of the hormonal balance in the body.The sense of balance (of stability, of 'just right') is one factor. This is the reason why female hormones cause many women to increase their fertility by taking hormone supplements.In this regard, studies have shown that natural changes that occur naturally, while in the human body, give rise to a range of responses that are related to fertility. One of these responses is the main 'development' stage of ovulation.Natural changes, the ovulation cycles, can be found on the ovary and in the fallopian tubes. This means that they are able to be measured, monitored and recorded from day to day. There are factors that affect ovulation, but these include factors such as thyroid levels, daily temperature changes, body weight, skin tone, sleep, body fat and diet.Researchers have demonstrated that hormone fluctuations and alterations in the female body are directly related to the changes in the relative rate of change in fertility. Thus, taking a combination of conventional medicine and fertility drugs can not only cure infertility, but also increase the chances of conceiving in a particular woman.Therefore, an important element in conception success is that the health of the reproductive system can be 'balanced'. This would mean that a woman has the ability to improve her fertility without relying on synthetic chemicals. Just as the chemical balances in the body will influence all other aspects of life, the same applies here.A pharmaceutical chemical solution can be injected or ingested in the form of tablets or capsules. It is therefore advisable that the pregnant woman is offered advice from aspecialist about the appropriate treatments that suit her individual needs.

Free Help With Algebra Problems - What Is Behind This?

Free Help With Algebra Problems - What Is Behind This?Why do so many people have difficulty in getting free help with algebra problems? In this article, we will discuss why that is. By reading this article, you should be able to know what is behind the problem, and more importantly, you should be able to understand how to find help with algebra problems.First of all, let us examine the first reason why many people struggle with algebra problems. Many people have so much practice with algebra that they do not realize that algebra is not a thing that they can just memorize. This makes it difficult for them to apply what they learn in real life situations. If you think about it, algebra is no different than a foreign language.It is not easy to learn a foreign language, and you cannot just memorize everything that you see in a magazine or a newspaper, so what does this mean in terms of learning algebra? It means that you need to practice applying what you learned in the course of a singl e day, and this is what makes learning algebra so difficult.Now, let us consider another important factor in why people do not enjoy math problems in the classroom setting. In the classroom setting, you are faced with a professor who is there to make sure that you are paying attention, making sure that you understand, and getting your work done.These are important elements that are necessary in the classroom setting, but this can actually lead to a lot of frustration when you are trying to learn how to find help with algebra problems. Why is this?When a good teacher is teaching, the student is able to absorb information faster. It is like the person who is sitting next to you on the plane. That person is trying to read your eyes, hear with your lips, and feel your hand so that he is able to put ittogether to the flight crew so that he can tell what you are doing.The same principle is true in real life situations as well. In order to apply what you learn in a real life situation, you need to study at the same pace that you would in a classroom setting. It is not easy, but it is essential to understand.

How to Flip the Extrovert Switch 7 Secret Hacks for Introverts - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / How to Flip the Extrovert Switch 7 Secret Hacks for Introverts - Introvert Whisperer How to Flip the Extrovert Switch: 7 Secret Hacks for Introverts There is nothing wrong with being an introvert. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to close the door and breathe and shut off the obligation to interact. There’s nothing wrong with needing quiet to hear yourself think. Of course, there are times when we either have to be more extroverted or feel like we should be more extroverted. If you’re extroverted and shy those moments can seem pretty daunting. How do you do it? You’re probably getting tense just thinking about it. Not to worry, there are solutions! Let’s look at 7 methods for bolstering yourself to get social. Listen As an introvert, you might not think you have the gift of conversation. Nothing could be further from the truth! Talkers want to talk. You just have to listen. Some of the best conversationalists aren’t the best speakers, they’re the best listeners. They absorb what is being said in thoughtful consideration. Their responses are responses, not one-upped interjections. So, even though you might remain quiet, you can still be part of a great conversation. Let the other person talk, listen thoughtfully, and take your time to craft a meaningful response. The other person will come away thinking that you’re the greatest conversationalist in the world â€" and a wise one too. Don’t Blame Your Introversion Every once in a while you need to take a step out of your comfort zone. You can’t fall back on your introversion all of the time. Do you really want to miss out on new experiences? You might be nodding your head yes, but think about those times that you have stepped out of your introversion and tried something new. At least a few of those experiences had to be positive. If an old friend invites you to a holiday party, don’t make an excuse. Set yourself up to go and plan to stay for a short time. Odds are that you’ll end up enjoying yourself for longer than you thought you would. If a coworker invites you to join a group nature walk, give it a try. If you get overwhelmed, just pretend to be having a “mindfulness moment” over a butterfly until it passes.   Lead by Example Most people think that to be a great leader you have to be an extrovert. Not true. Some of the greatest leaders were introverts. Ever hear of Abraham Lincoln? Thomas Jefferson? There are several attributes of introverts that make them great leaders. The ability to focus, a commitment to quality rather than personal recognition, thoroughness, and the ability to make bonded connections rather than many superficial acquaintances. With those factors, it’s easy to see why introverts make great leaders. They lead by example. People want to follow someone who is inspired, dedicated, and authentic. More so than someone who is loud, self-advancing, and micromanaging. They would rather follow and emulate someone’s actions. Actions are a better motivator than words. Embrace Your Differences Most introverts feel pressure when spending time with other people. It can be hard to feel like yourself when surrounded by higher energy extroverts that want your attention, approval, or opinion. Those feelings are valid and authentic and there is value in embracing them. History is littered with successful introverts. People like Einstein and Bill Gates were able to do amazing things and reach extraordinary heights. They accomplished this because they refused to conform to extroverted norms rather than change their natural inclinations. Both Gates and Einstein credited having time alone to think with being able to construct complex ideas that changed the world. Embrace your differences and use them to your advantage. Be a Copycat When you’re out amongst the throngs in a bar, at a work function, or another public place you might not know what to do with yourself. Should you approach people? Get a drink? Talk about something current and relevant? When you aren’t quite sure what to do, do what the Romans are doing. Within reason, of course. It might not seem authentic and you might feel foolish, but you only have to do it until you’ve adapted to the situation. Then you can let your true colors shine. Reward Yourself Trying to be an extrovert when you’re not can be so tiring. When introverts step into social situations they take on not only the stress of interaction but the stress and high energy of those around them. That’s why you need to reward yourself. You have to recharge. Not only because you want that escape, but because you need it to be your best self. Reward yourself each time you step out of your comfort zone. The reward could be as simple as taking some time in a quiet place or comforting yourself with something delicious. Close your eyes and enjoy the peace. Accept Challenges As an adult, you may have been indulging your introversion for a long time. You don’t have people (outside of pushy friends) forcing you to do things you don’t want to do. As a result, you might not think there are many opportunities for you to try to be an extrovert. There are. The trick is just to say yes. Say yes to the dinner party invitation. Say yes to the group lunch. Say yes to the mini vacay. Sometimes we don’t know that we have the strength to do a thing until we’ve done it. At the very least, take it in baby steps. You might like it. Pushing your comfort limits occasionally can open you up for greater success. Success in your career and more enjoyment in your life. There are advantages to throwing that extrovert switch. Embracing your introversion can do the same. It’s a matter of knowing how to balance it. Be yourself, most of the time. Don’t fight your introversion â€" use it to your advantage. But also be willing to flip that switch on occasion and let out your inner extrovert. You do have one in there somewhere!

Why Should You Learn to Draw

Why Should You Learn to Draw Find Peace and Pleasure in Drawing ChaptersDrawing Your DisconnectLose Yourself in the Moment by Capturing itYour Sketchbook is an AlbumDevelop Creativity Through Realistic DrawingHow Else can a Drawing Tutorial Help You?Admit it: you've always harboured a touch of jealousy for the colleague who can whip out a pen and ink drawing without so much as sticking his tongue out the side of his mouth, haven't you?Don't worry, we won't tell anyone.Wasn't it you, standing gaped-jawed at the sidewalk artist who was covering the pavement with chalk drawings of rainbows and butterflies?Don't you generally have an affinity for things of beauty?In spite of the hours spent lingering at the fine art museum, you've never quite dared to pick up a charcoal or a colored pencil â€" at least not to draw more than a doodle or frieze.Why not? It is never too late to learn how to draw!Besides the feeling of satisfaction in knowing that you can render beauty with a few strokes of a pencil or paint brush, learning how to draw offers amazing hea lth benefits.The only negative quality of art is negative space, so stop being so negative about your artistic abilities! There are many reasons for learning to draw, and all will help you advance as a person.After just a few art lessons, you too could draw more than stick figures and awkward cartoons.It is of no use to say that you don't have the talent for it. We know that drawing is not everyone's innate talent.On the other hand, the technical aspects of art can be learned very quickly. Once you have technique, artistic license won't be far behind!We do warn that you may not be satisfied with your first sketches.Conversely, you may surprise yourself with the deftness of your strokes and you ability to contour; the end result being that you have found a new brand of happiness!Are you ready to stock up on Derwent pencils now?Let us discover together how entrancing and downright addicting drawing can be, and how it can contribute to your well-being as well as your joie de vivre.Look ing for a drawing class London? You can hire a private tutor to help you improve your drawing skills.video games have far outstripped DVDs and music CDs. That would be something to think about with the holiday season right around the cornerThe average person consults his smartphone more than 200 times a dayBritons use their household computers an average of 4 hours per daythe same study revealed that nearly every business in the UK uses computers, even at entry levelThe average British person spends approximately 3 hours per day in front of the telly.What do you think of those numbers?Are you an explorer of the virtual world? In other words: do you like gaming?Are you wondering:  with virtual conquests to be had by pushing a few buttons, why would anyone want to learn how to draw?How to you think those graphics have come into being?Why not ponder that question while enjoying the stimulating, productive atmosphere of an art class, where you might learn to produce such scenery.Would y ou capture the sorrow of this girl losing her balloon with your eyes on your phone? Source: Pixabay Credit: Pixel2013Lose Yourself in the Moment by Capturing itWhile we are not going to get back on the Smartphone  bashing bandwagon; this segment's header is not meant to encourage taking more selfies.We will, however, enjoin that, when not focused on your hand-held's  screen, you will start to notice the world around you.The colours that splash across the canvas of your life: reds of buses contrast against the black of pavement.And the eye-catching adverts on the sides of said buses!The child in a pink coat, animatedly discussing her cat with her mum.Wouldn't you like to draw a cat? Or draw a child?Any scene can fit into your sketchbook: the multitude of expressions the human face can convey, the variegated dappling of sun on leaves, flowers, sparkling glass...Everyone at the bus stop is inadvertently striking a pose.Wouldn't you like to learn figure drawing, so that you can draw peo ple in the course of their everyday life?By partaking of art instruction, you could then render any scene, any way:landscapes in watercolorstill lifes in acrylicsa pencil portrait in charcoalcaricatures and cartoons in Conté crayonsThe possibilities are endless!All you would need to do is keep your sketch pad handy and, when something catches your eye, you could sketch it using simple lines and geometric forms by applying math to drawing; then  flesh out your drawing with light and shadow later.How many times can you sketch your baby's sleeping form before it would be considered obsessive?Read on to find out what you can do, drawing and painting the same subject, over time.Create art for others to admire or for your personal pleasure Source: VisualhuntWe, and your art teacher urge you: do not  discard those early efforts!Keeping your every drawing and painting reveals the evolution of your drawing techniques, from your first, hesitant outline through more complex pencil drawings, o nto three point perspectives.Retaining testimony of your progression in drawing skills will serve as inspiration when you inevitably plateau â€" when your drawing lessons don't seem to yield much progress in achieving proper light and shadow effects.Perhaps the best part of recording your life in sketches is that it shows your personal development, the more art classes you take.Your choice of colours and medium:  what drawing tools have you selected, over time?How realistic is your drawing, and will you ever learn how to draw a rose realistically?What about the most pervasive aspect of art that few people mention: what was your mood when you drew that caricature of your boss?We could go on and on about the many facets of creating art â€" from drawing materials to mood, and it would all serve to encourage you to seek out drawing tutorials or learn drawing online.Speaking of online, have you ever thought of becoming a graphic artist?Develop Creativity Through Realistic DrawingSounds o xymoronic, doesn't it?The philosophy might not be as far-fetched as it sounds. Although you are drawing real things â€" for example, if you love to draw animals, you can make them fantastic by endowing them with unusual features.A blue heron, suddenly turned flaming pink? A Hereford cow, dappled green, munching on purple grass?Those are extraordinary examples of how you can benefit from the absurd by expressing it in art.This idea begs the question: was Picasso expressing the absurd with his Cubist movement, or did he really see the world that way?Why not emulate that great master by:letting your imagination run wilddeveloping your creativityopening your spirit up to artistic adventurebuilding your confidence as an artistBy going to art school, you will invariably learn to let go of inhibitions and see the world around you as nothing but poses to draw and paint.The first step in achieving this level of artistic freedom is to focus inward.Creativity is not learned, but cultivated. Ev eryone has the potential to be creative.The difference between artists and those who do not routinely wield a drawing pencil is their approach to art, their perception of reality, their sensibility, and their mindset.The advantage of drawing instruction for pleasure is that it removes any obstacle to creativity.Creativity comes from creating.We started this segment with an oxymoron; why not close it with a seeming paradox?In fact, drawing works the right side of the brain, stimulating creativity.The more your engagement in creative endeavours, the more limitless your possibilities for creation are.Keep a sketchbook handy so you can draw when inspiration hits Source: Pixabay Credit: Pic JumboHow Else can a Drawing Tutorial Help You?At the very least, learning basic drawing is a good way to develop your feel for art.What other benefit can you derive from sketching, shading and understanding proportion in the human form?Believe it or not, plying art in any form but especially by drawin g, is good for your (physical and mental) health.Check out Alain de Botton's book: Art as Therapy! Here is a brief look at some of the ways the artist benefits from drawing art:Enhanced Fine Motor SkillsDrawing is recommended for young children as well as the elderly, to stimulate their motor skills and cognitive functions.In general, drawing helps cultivate hand-eye coordination. Specifically, step by step drawing teaches coordination and attention to detail.No need to worry if your tot doesn't get proportion just right. It is perfectly acceptable that the heads in the family portrait he draws are larger than the bodies.It is all a part of learning to draw, and it is best to start young!Improved ConcentrationIf you have an elderly person whose occasional fogginess troubles you, s/he might well be able to increase focus during  drawing classes.Furthermore, art therapy is often used to help people who are  autistic  or children diagnosed with hyperactivity to develop their ability to concentrate.Learning How to Draw can Lift Your MoodBy its very nature, drawing helps to reduce the stress and anxiety of everyday life.Doodling alone serves to clear negative thoughts that could otherwise ruin your day.Maybe that is why sales of adult coloring books and other art materials have been skyrocketing in recent years!Are you ready to claim these benefits for yourself?All you need to do is take an art lesson or even painting lessons, if you already know how to sketch.Practice your shading techniques with charcoal pencils, or blending with your colored pencils. Learn how to draw eyes, how to draw hands... how to draw anything!Have pencil and paper, will draw!This is your license to go beyond the basics: learn how to become the illustrator you have always wanted to be.

How To Prep For The ACT English Section

How To Prep For The ACT English Section ACT English: 75 questions in 45 minutes First off: dont panic. You dont have to memorize every last bit of English grammar in the world. That would take far too long and be confusing in the long run. Rather, break down your knowledge in several sections and strategies that will help you score the best you can. You may also want to consider taking a few ACT practice testsor reviewing aprep bookto help you prepare. Punctuation - Semi-colons: Used like periods in that they separate two complete sentences. The only catch is that these sentences should be related to each other. The most important part here is that there must be a complete sentence on either side of the semi-colon. - Commas: A comma is used to separate a complete and incomplete thought. Unless, the comma goes before a conjunction. Use the device F(or)A(nd)N(or)B(ut)O(r)Y(et)S(o) here. Example: The dinosaur ran down the street, and it terrified everyone. There is a comma before the conjunction, so either side of the word and must be a complete sentence. If you do not see a FANBOYS word there MUST be a complete and incomplete clause on either side of the comma. - Apostrophes: Are used to show possession. For a singular noun, the apostrophe goes before the s. For a plural noun, the apostrophe goes after. Singular: The girls book. Plural: The girls books. - Its/its: Different than the typical way to use an apostrophe. Its: it is Its: shows possession, something belongs to it Its: NOT A WORD. Dont use ever. Concise One of the things the ACT tests is which answer is not only correct but also the most concise. When two of the choices are wordier than the other two, immediately get suspicious. If the two long choices sound right and the short one sounds right, then choose the short one. Whenever fewer words will do, that will be the right answer. The longer answers might be technically correct, but going concise is the better option! Rhetorical Questions These questions ask if a sentence should be added to an essay, or a sentence should be taken out, or how the sentences should be ordered. For rhetorical questions, try to analyze what you think the answer is before looking at the answer choices. With two yes and two no options, decide first if the answer is yes or no and then ignore the two choices that do not match your decision. If asked about the main idea, determine the main idea before looking at the answer choices, otherwise the choices might be confusing.

Ask an Admissions Expert Leah Beasley

Ask an Admissions Expert Leah Beasley Varsity Tutors brings you insider tips and advice straight from nationally recognized admissions experts. Leah Beasley received her Bachelors degree from Tufts University, her Masters from the University of Michigan, and her Ph.D. from Michigan State. Having over a decade of experience in college admissions and high school college counseling, Leah is up to date on all of the most important trends and elements in this world. She has worked in many prestigious admissions offices including those at Harvard Universityand the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. Leah has evaluated thousands of applications over the years and is now the President and Founder of Beasley College Consulting, her very own admissions counseling firm. VT: How far ahead of time should a student begin working on his or her college application? Leah: While a student may not actually begin to put pen to paper (or fingers to keys) until applications come out the summer before senior year, students should begin thinking about their applications well beforehand. First, when visiting colleges it is important to take notes about the visit and begin thinking about why the college might be a good fit. In addition, beginning to brainstorm the personal statement that is required by the Common Application, as well as many other selective colleges, can begin in the junior year. Finally, putting together a list of all extracurricular activities, community service, and work experiences should happen well before a student ever begins an application. However, the best time to actually begin to fill out applications is the summer before senior year as soon as applications become available. This allows the student plenty of time to thoughtfully fill out the application well before any deadline. VT:What are the best ways to go about selecting a terrific essay topic? Leah: It is important to remember that there is no right answer than an admissions officer is looking for in response to an essay questionthey simply want to find out a bit more about who you are as a student, person, family member, friend, etc. Think about what your preferences, values, personality traits and characteristics that make you who you are and write an essay that showcases one or two of these things. Just as you would write any other essay, its important to take time to brainstorm possible essay topics. Often times it may take several drafts of an essay to come up with the right one. After youve written a draft make sure that you have someone that knows you well, like a teacher, parent or counselor, read your essay. If you havent stayed true to yourself, such a person will know it. VT:Are there any essay topics you get tired of seeing or would warn students to stay away from? Leah: As an admissions counselor as well as an independent counselor, Ive read thousands of college essays and Ive seen the good, the bad and the ugly. Here are a couple of tips when thinking about your essay: No topic is inherently a good or bad one. Admissions people want to discover something about you that they cannot learn from your transcript or test scores, so write about something that matters to you, not what you think they want to hear. While no topics are wrong, there are wrong approaches. In general, do not dwell on specific experiences, but on your perception of or reaction to those experiences. Some topics do need to be treated with great care, and should be avoided if you cannot do so. It is very difficult, for example, to write about personal tragedies or those that affect your community or the world. If you choose one of these subjects, be sure to focus less on the events than on how they affected youand never focus on just the negatives, be sure to note how youve overcome this adversity. If you are asserting a strong opinion on a sensitive political, social, or religious issue, you may also want to point out that you are open to the opinions of others. Try to avoid writing about privilege in your essay. VT:What is the biggest mistake a student can make on a college application? Leah: Not staying true to yourself. A close second is, for instance, if you are applying to Harvard and you state that, It has been my lifelong dream to attend Yale! VT: What is the typical process an admissions officer goes through to evaluate applications? Leah: Typically, the evaluation process of a students application varies based on the selectivity of the college. Some colleges simply rely on hard numbers to assess an applicants admissibility and review only grades, courses and test scores. On the other hand, at more selective institutions, a more holistic approach is taken. While admissions officers at highly selective institutions carefully review grades, courses, and test scores, other factors such as activities, leadership, essays, recommendation letters and interviews play an integral part of who will ultimately be offered admission. VT:What do you think is the single most important thing a student should make sure they present in the best possible way on their application? Leah: The single most important thing a student should present is their authentic self in the application. What makes them tick, how do they think, what are they truly passionate aboutthese are the things that will shine through in an application and will make an admissions officer take notice. VT: How should students go about determining the culture of a university, and whether they would be a good fit? Leah: Visiting college campuses in person can be one of the most helpful and important activities during your college search and application process to help you determine if a college is a good fit for you. Touring the campus, talking to current students/faculty and getting a feel for the environment are crucial in helping you to make the all important decision of where youll best fit. To schedule a college visit, simply call the admissions office at an institution and inquire into the times for tours, information sessions, and interviews. Also, check the websites for tour and information session times. These visits do not typically require an appointment, but occasionally they do, so call ahead (at least two weeks in advance of your visit). VT: Early-action, early-decision, binding/non-binding, regular decisions...With so many choices when applying, what do you recommend to students? Leah: Deciding what type of application to submit is a very personal decisionand varies with each student. Some things to remember though if you are thinking about applying as an early decision applicant: Early decision simply means that you are submitting your application early (typically in Nov.-Dec.) of your senior year and will generally receive a decision in December. If you choose to apply early decision you may only apply to one college using this plan and, if accepted, you are bound to attend and must then contact any other colleges to which you apply to remove your applications from consideration. Therefore, I encourage students who use this option to do so carefullymake sure that you have visited the campus (more than once if possible) and can say that it is hands-down your #1 choice. VT: How important are grades and standardized test scores when admissions decisions are being made? Leah: Essays? Grades? Test scores? Activities? What matters most when an admissions officer sits down to review your application for admission?I often get this question from families and many are surprised by the answer. So what matters most? According to the National Association of College Admissions Counselors2011State of College Admissionreport, the three most important factors (as rated by admissions officers surveyed across the country as considerably important) are: 1) Grades in college prep courses83% 2) Strength of curriculum66% 3) Admission test scores59% Regardless of the selectivity of the college, these three factors will always be weighed most heavily in an admissions decision. However, a second set of factors including essays, recommendations, activities, and demonstrated interest were rated as moderately important in the admissions review. These factors can help admissions officers at highly selective institutions to differentiate between the often very well qualified applicants. The report also finds that interviews and AP/IB scores, while ranked of moderate to low importance, can also help to provide more information for comparing candidates of similar academic qualifications. Finally, factors such as SAT Subject Tests were rated as having little or no importance and are often simply used for placement purposes. So a word to wise studentswork hard in a rigorous curriculum while ensuring that you are prepping for standardized tests, but also ensure that you take the necessary time to research and visit colleges of interest and give your essays the time they deserve to show an admissions officer why you are a good fit for their campus. VT: What tips do you have for students asking their teachers for letters of recommendation? Leah: When asking a teacher for a letter of recommendation, do so in person. Remember that you are asking them a favor, so you want to be polite and also allow them to thoughtfully decline if they feel that they cannot write you a strong letter. If the teacher agrees to the write the letter, it can often help if you provide them with additional information about yourself as well, such as an extracurricular resume. Finally, make sure to write a handwritten thank you note after the letter has been submitted. Visit the Beasley College Consulting website for more details on Leah and her admissions consulting services.The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.