Tuesday, March 24, 2020

How Is A Pilates Class Organized

How Is A Pilates Class Organized How To   Learn Pilates As A Beginner ChaptersWhat Is The Pilates Method?What You Need To StartPilates Class EtiquetteBefore The Pilates ClassIn The Pilates ClassAfter The Pilates ClassChanges That You May Notice From Regular Pilate TrainingGetting ready for your first Pilates class can be an exciting and daunting experience. The benefits of Pilates speak for themselves, and with regular practise, these benefits are easily within your grasp. One thing is sure that you will love this heart pumping full body workout. CarleyYoga Teacher 5.00 (5) £100/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors GenYoga Teacher £45/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JulieYoga Teacher £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LynnYoga Teacher 4.89 (9) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AliceYoga Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LauraYoga Teacher 5.00 (6) £70/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors UndramYoga Teacher £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LottieYoga Teacher £10/h1st lesson f ree!Discover all our tutorsWhat Is The Pilates Method?Pilates was invented around the time of the first world war by Joseph Pilates who wanted to create a minimal equipment exercise program that used the mind to control the body consciously.Pilates is a complete full body workout that uses resistance training, alignment and holistic awareness to strengthen the body. Using the breath, spine and the core muscles to empower the practice and promote wellness in the body.The results of practising Pilates are incredible, some of which include body awareness, body sculpting, high energy, improved flexibility, fat burning, improved Posture, strengthened mind and body connection. These benefits are available for Pilates beginners, intermediate or advanced practitioners. No matter what your background, fitness level or style of Pilates you choose to practise, huge benefits await you.It is vital to drink lots of water after your class to rehydrate. Photo Source: UnsplashWhat You Need To StartW hen planning your first Pilates workout, it is essential to make sure that you are fully equipped and ready to learn. As a new student, you will need a few things to get started. Some of the things are necessary, and some of the items are encouraged. But generally, there is almost no Pilates equipment needed as studios provide all essential apparatus.The EssentialsYou must have an open mind and be ready to learn. To really learn something new we must leave our preconceptions at the door and open ourselves up mentally and physically to make some new changes in our lives. This means leaving habits like bad posture, laziness, self-judgment and know-it-all-ness outside.Money to pay the Pilates teacher for the classThe BasicsYou need a good Pilates mat or a yoga mat to support you when doing Pilates exercises. This serves to support you during your practise, helping you to keep your balance, providing resistance and cushioning your body from the hard floor. A good yoga mat is at least 6m m thick (the thicker it is, the more padding) and is highly resistant to slipping. Very important for a Pilates mat class.Wearing comfortable clothing is also very important while practising. Your fitness wear should give you the opportunity to move freely with the full range of motion. While being supportive and wicking away sweat from your body. A simple t-shirt with leggings is very acceptable, but if you can invest in some stretchy sweat-wicking gym clothing, you will be thankful later.Choose stretchy breathable fabrics for your work outTry to select simple form-fitting clothing over baggy fitness outfits. To teach you well the Pilates teacher will need to see your body to be sure about your alignment.You don’t need trainers, Pilates is done barefootDon’t use anything that has adornments such as drawstrings, belts, tassels, buckles, ties or buttons as they may be uncomfortable if you lie on top of them and they also damage equipment.Don’t wear shorts if you can help it, as many positions require you to be upside down and you don’t want them to ride up or expose you.With most Pilates sessions being around an hour to 90 minutes long you will need to rehydrate. Nothing does this better than a good drink of water. Make sure to bring a litre of water to sip throughout the lesson. Keeping your body hydrated and flushing the toxins from your body is a key part of reaping the benefits of Pilates quickly. If you can invest in a refillable water bottle, you will also be helping the environment.Check out  yoga London  now.Encouraged ItemsResistance bands are great if you have limited mobility in some parts of your body. They are stretchy bands that can support your flexibility and they can also add strength training to the workout.A cushion is a perfect accompaniment for those who have any issues with alignment. It can be used to support any part of your body while practising, lying down or working with on the floor postures. A cushion can also support your a lignment when you need to sit in class.Pilates Class EtiquetteAn important part of taking any group fitness class is knowing just how to behave to ensure you are not hindering anyone else’s progress. A few simple rules will ensure you get the maximum out of the class and support your fellowPilates practitioner Etiquette List.Always be aware of attending on timeWarm up before class to avoid any injuries.Tell the Pilates instructor about any existing injuriesDon’t chat in class, remain present and focused.If it hurts stop immediately, safely come out of the pose and raise your hand for some help.Tie your hair back off your faceBring a towel to wipe down any shared surfaces and equipment CarleyYoga Teacher 5.00 (5) £100/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors GenYoga Teacher £45/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JulieYoga Teacher £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LynnYoga Teacher 4.89 (9) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AliceYoga Teacher £20/h 1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LauraYoga Teacher 5.00 (6) £70/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors UndramYoga Teacher £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LottieYoga Teacher £10/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsBefore The Pilates ClassBefore you attend your class make sure you know which kind of class it is that you have signed up for. If you attend a Pilates Mat class then you will need to bring your yoga mat with you but if you if you are going to be using the Pilates reformer machine then you may only need to take yourself and a bottle of water. To ensure you don’t get any surprises, just be aware of what class you are attending.Remember that Pilates isn’t going to tire your muscles in the same way that a similar aerobic, cardio or high-intensity workout would. It is focused primarily on working your muscles and core strength in a precise and controlled way, your breath becomes the rhythm of the movement. You will be encouraged to be present an d aware of yourself for precision in your poses and mindful practise.Don’t book yourself in for daily yoga classes near me until you have tried your first class.Remember that Pilates isn’t going to tire your muscles in the same way that cardio would. Photo Source: UnsplashIn The Pilates ClassMake sure to arrive at the studio on time, the Pilates instructor will likely be there a few minutes early. It is a great time to introduce yourself and let them know that you are a beginner and of any injuries or restrictions that you may have during the session. This is important so that the teacher can watch over you and give you additional help during the class. Also so that she can provide you with any modifications should they be needed.When you enter the class as a beginner take a place in the second row rather than the first, often more experienced students sit in the front. Sitting a bit further back gives you additional people to model during the practise. Try not to be too worried in your first class about getting it perfect, just be very observant and do your best. The Pilates teacher will likely come to support you if they notice you need additional help with your alignment.As you progress through the class, you are going to become aware of your body and muscles. Although you are moving with a slow, purposeful precision in the session, you will often feel your muscles burning. This is a good thing. As long as you are not in actual pain, you should try to resist stopping and complete the set for maximum results.After The Pilates ClassImmediately after class make sure rehydrate properly, even if you feel you didn’t sweat that much your body would have lost a lot of water and vital nutrients during your practise. Replenishing these lost nutrients and water will help your body to recover and repair.In the following few days after the Pilates class, you are likely to feel a little bit sore. This is normal and happens when the muscles have been worked hard in new ways, and they are responding to that workout. Despite how your body feels, practising Pilates regularly will move you towards your fitness goals and to a more balanced body. Although your body will need a few days to recover, you should book your next class right away so that you don’t lose momentum.Pilates is a complete full body workout that uses resistance training. It can be adapted to suit everybody of every level. Photo Source: UnsplashChanges That You May Notice From Regular Pilate TrainingRegular Pilates sessions can make you feel top notch, here are a few of the improvements that you can expect.A stronger whole bodyNew muscle groups that you didn’t know existedReduced body weightBetter concentrationDefined muscle toneImproved staminaA lifted bootyFeeling more energizedSpeed up your metabolic rate and burn fatMinimise stress and anxietyPilates is a lifelong practise that has no limits as to what you can achieve, it can even complement other forms of exercise. It is a well-developed training program with teachers who follow a very regimented Pilates teacher training program to become qualified to teach.Therefore you can guarantee that the quality of any class that you choose will be of a high standard and reward you with the best benefits. I hope that this list will help you to keep your eye on your personal goals and keep you motivated to keep going. Pilates is such a useful method, and when paired with a proper diet you will notice and feel the health benefits from head to toe.

Friday, March 6, 2020

Careers as a Chef

Careers as a Chef Working in a Kitchen ChaptersBecoming a Chef: The State of the IndustryThe Most Common Cooking JobsGetting Experience in the Food Service IndustryCareers in the Food Service IndustryHow Much Do Chefs EarnHow Much Do Independent Chefs Earn?What Makes a Good Chef“Spices are to cooking what punctuation is to literature.” - Olivier RoellingerThere are plenty of different roles you can play when working in a kitchen. While most children now dream of becoming YouTubers  according to a survey by Lego and Harris Poll, becoming a chef is still up there.So how do you become a chef once you’ve got the necessary qualifications? Be it mass catering, working in hotels, or cooking for upmarket restaurants, what steps do you need to take? GiovanniCooking Teacher 4.83 (12) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HalimaCooking Teacher £12/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HakimCooking Teacher 5.00 (5) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors VincenzoCooking Teacher £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors GinellaCooking Teacher £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ArronCooking Teacher 5.00 (2) £9/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JoshuaCooking Teacher 5.00 (5) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors FlickCooking Teacher 5.00 (1) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsBecoming a Chef: The State of the IndustryLife is good for chefs. When you first start out, it's unlikely that you'll be head chef. (Source: Pexels)More or less... If we ignore the downsides for a second (like the hours, for example), becoming a chef is a good way to find work. After all, job prospects remain good. This is good for all aspiring chefs as there are many job opportunities.This is also good for people wanting to work in the foodservice industry in any way, shape, or form. A lot of restaurants are willing to recruit commis chefs with little training or experience. This is becoming more common, too.If you’ve been trained as a chef, many places will welcome you with open arms. If you have a few years of experience, you can apply to higher positions and climb the ladder more quickly than someone without any qualifications.The foodservice industry is a big employer in the UK. This is especially true for younger people entering the workforce without degrees.There are a lot of different ways to get a job in the industry...Beware of the down sides of the industry. You need to be flexible, the hours aren’t always great, and some periods are hugely busy.You won’t always be working in great conditions so you have to be passionate and tough to stick it out.The Most Common Cooking JobsOf all the employment opportunities, chefs are often in the highest demand, particularly during the summer as restaurants are looking to strengthen their workforce during the busy periods. There are multiple ranks and jobs within a kitchen. (Source: skeeze)It’s highly likely that you’ll start seeing job offers popping up a bit before summer. Of course, during the winter, ski resorts start looking for kitchen staff. Holiday destinations are often looking for chefs, too. Similarly, they’re also often looking for commis chefs (also known as a line cook).Not as many people look for commis chefs since these are positions that don’t necessarily require training or qualifications. Commis chefs are easier to recruit than head chefs since the latter usually requires training, qualifications, and experiences.  They’ll need to be familiar with hygiene rules and health and safety, too. Through training, chefs can learn many culinary techniques, etc.  Commis chefs generally prepare ingredients and clean the kitchen.In addition to finding work in a restaurant, you could also look for jobs with caterers. These businesses are particularly busy, especially during wedding seas on.On the other hand, many chef jobs aren’t advertised all over the place. You need to have a lot of experience to do these jobs.If you're applying to a fine dining establishment, you'll need a mastery of several cooking techniques and be able to survive in a fast-paced environment.Getting Experience in the Food Service IndustryExperience is key when it comes to getting work in restaurants and the foodservice industry. No matter the type of cooking you do, the experience will play an important role in helping you find a job.Apart from commis chefs, most jobs in the foodservice industry include know-how that you can only learn on the job. That’s why training is also very important if you want to get other jobs in the kitchen.A lot of chefs learn through internships and learning on the job. Budding chefs learn by doing and will learn how to manage delicate situations.  You’ll also need some professional experience if you want to apply for the job of head chef.You can start by st udying cooking after school. Cooking courses are a good way to gain experience.  Don’t hesitate to go for internships or apprenticeships. The more motivated you are, the more employers will want to hire you. GiovanniCooking Teacher 4.83 (12) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HalimaCooking Teacher £12/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HakimCooking Teacher 5.00 (5) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors VincenzoCooking Teacher £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors GinellaCooking Teacher £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ArronCooking Teacher 5.00 (2) £9/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JoshuaCooking Teacher 5.00 (5) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors FlickCooking Teacher 5.00 (1) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsCareers in the Food Service IndustryJust like getting a job in a restaurant, you’ll shape your career over several years. Experience is the only way to start climbing the ladder. You can always start your own restaurant. (Source: ponce_photography)Commis chefs can become a sous chef or a head chef by earning the owner’s trust.  You need to be patient and persevere.Noone becomes a head chef straight out of school.The only way to do this is by opening your own restaurant. Make sure that you think carefully before making this decision. Even chefs with years of experience in the kitchen can struggle with their own restaurants when it comes to managing teams, stock, and all the administrative steps involved.Of course, they can also turn restaurants around that were previously failing. This is an opportunity to test yourself in a stressful and demanding situation where your team’s chemistry is essential.There’s also mass catering as an option. This is challenging as you’re expected to cook for many people daily.  Career paths can change and opportunities present themselves in the world of cooking.If you’ve got itchy feet, consider working abroad.How Much Do Chefs EarnJust like any other job, a chef’s wage will be affected by their remit, experience, qualifications, and who they’re working for. While many chefs are passionate about cooking, they still expect to be paid. (Source: stux)A Michelin-starred restaurant won’t pay the same as a takeaway. However, the average can always give you an idea of what to expect.As an employee in a restaurant, chefs earn an average of £29,000 per year. Generally speaking, there’s an average range of wages for chefs.The lower end of the range is around £24k per year and the upper range is closer to £33k. Again, it all depends on what you’re doing and who you’re working for.The more experience you have, the more you can demand.How Much Do Independent Chefs Earn?The wages of freelancers vary even more. Their wages will be related to how many customers they have. A chef who freelances at their customers’ homes could double their salary by doubling their clientele.Some families hire a chef to cook for them daily whereas others opt for this when on holiday. From month to month, your salary could vary wildly depending on how much work you get in.The same is true for caterers whose workload will increase and the holiday period and wedding season. Wages range from £20k to £35k on average.Again, take this figure with a pinch of salt because it all depends on how much you’re working. Every cooking job is different and you may need to prepare food, supervise other chefs, or even do some of the less fashionable cooking duties such as chopping or peeling.What Makes a Good ChefTo increase your chances of getting a job, you need to have certain skills and nail that interview.Firstly, you need to be passionate! You can’t become a chef if you have no interest in food. Motivation and passion can make all the difference between a great chef and a good chef. Recruiters also know this and won’t hesitate to ask you about your feelings on food.Determination and organisation are also essential skills if you’re going to be working in a kitchen. You’re rarely alone in kitchens so you need to be organised and ensure that the kitchen runs like a well-oiled machine.Finally, creativity is hugely useful as it’ll make the difference between an everyday dish and something out-of-the-ordinary.Now you should have the perfect recipe for becoming a great chef!When it comes to the culinary arts, you need to know about food preparation, cleanliness, restaurant management, food production, menu planning, and kitchen management. While an apprenticeship will help you gain experience on the job and culinary schools can teach you about the theory behind a lot of it, a private tutor can teach you exactly what you need to know and provide bespoke culinary training.As you've seen, not every job in the food industry is the same and the restaurant business isn't the same as catering, for example, so a private tutor can help you with exactly what you need to know, whether it's opening a new restaurant, starting you culinary career, or beating other potential head chefs to that coveted post.

A Student Perspective on University of Houston

A Student Perspective on University of Houston Melissa earned her bachelors degree in political science from University of Houston in 2012. Subjects she specializes in include Spanish tutoring, math tutoring, and reading tutoring. Below she shared her experience with student life at University of Houston: Describe the campus setting and transportation options. Melissa: The campus is just southeast of downtown Houston, right next to an up and coming neighborhood called EaDo (east end downtown). Houston itself is rich in culture, diversity, and plenty of exciting things to do. The campus reflects this and they have plenty of events ongoing through the year, run both by the campus and student groups. They just built a new football stadium a few years ago, so campus pride is at an all-time high. I always felt safe on campus, there were a few incidents that happened throughout my years, but security on campus was pretty quick to respond and they were always around. The campus itself has shuttles, but most buildings within your major will be concentrated in one location. The campus has a city light rail station that runs next to it and can easily take your downtown. The bus system is pretty vast, due to the fact that Houston is a very spread out city. However, it is not known for being the quickest. Your best bet would be to get a car or bike to travel around Houston. How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Melissa: All the people I had on campus were very welcoming and willing to work with me. All you have to do is ask! How would you describe the dorm liferooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Melissa: The University of Houston (UH) has a student body that consists mainly of commuters. However, if you decide to live on campus, there are plenty of things to do in the evenings. The campus is located next to a few major attractions/landmarks, so there is always something to do. The campus also has expansive food options. Which majors/programs are best represented and supported? Melissa: The best known programs are the creative writing doctoral program, Bauer business, architecture, law, optometry, and pharmacy schools. All majors and programs are well supported by the university. I decided major in Political Science, with a minor in world culture and languages (German concentration). UH did an excellent job providing opportunities for people within my major, like offering internships through a program called the Civic Houston Internship Program (CHIP). CHIP connected us with local government offices and organizations to help us get field experience as well as establish career connections. I also did a study abroad and they have an office dedicated to helping us with information and departure. 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? Melissa: I did not attend UH as a freshman, I came in as a transfer. However, they had enough activities at the beginning of each semester that made my arrival very welcoming. It also gave me a chance to meet with people and join clubs. There is Greek life; however it does not play a huge role there and does not feel overwhelming. They do help out with major events. How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services? Melissa: The career center is actually a hidden gem. They offer a wide variety of services such as how to boost your resume and mock interviews. They also run a job board that many reputable companies use. There are some job fairs that take place throughout the year and many major companies recruit, but I did not attend any. How are the various study areas such aslibraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Melissa: The MD Anderson library is 8 stories tall, with plenty of open space, conference, and study rooms. There are plenty of quiet rooms if you dont want any distractions (the joke is the higher up you go, the less people you will run into). The library has great weekday and weekend hours, and they even open 24 hours during finals week. They just built a new student center which is really big and has a lot of space. There is also a smaller student center located on the south side of campus if you want to grab a coffee or quick bite to eat. It is kind of underground, but there are a lot of spaces inside and outside to sit and relax (or study). Describe the surrounding town. Melissa: UH is located in Houston, not too far from major local attractions. As the fourth largest city in the U.S., there is always something exciting to do. The campus also has a venue that hosts major comedians and musical acts from time to time. Houston is rich in diversity and culture, any type of food or drink you crave, you can certainly find there. The city has some dedicated green spaces that host a lot of free events throughout the year, such as concerts, fitness, and there is almost always a cultural festival going on. Downtown Houston is where most business is conducted, but the neighborhoods around downtown are the places to go. There, you can find world-class restaurants, art galleries, and any cultural thing you can think of. The campus is located in a residential neighborhood, but it is close enough to plenty major attractions. How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Melissa: UH is a huge campus. There are an estimated 40,000 students, so during the semester the campus is really bustling with activity. The only classes I had that were more than 100 students were my introductory classes where students needed a certain credit. However, the professors in those classes or the TAs were readily available. For the rest of the higher level classes I had, there were no more than 25 or 30 students per class. I was very pleased with the class sizes because as long as you put in the effort of scheduling a time with a professor or took advantage of their office hours, they were always willing to meet. Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Melissa: I had one professor, Professor Jackson, who seemed intimidating at first. He was a former prosecutor and very sharp. Over time, I learned that he was extremely nice and would always make the effort of helping students that were looking for it. It took me until my second introductory to law class with him to finally approach him for help. Be sure to always ask for help. The right university will always offer some sort of help, and UH had a wide variety of resources available to its students, sometimes you just had to do a bit of digging. Take a weekend to see what your university offers; you may be surprised at how much support they have available! Check out Melissas tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Thursday, March 5, 2020

Should I Go To Rice University

Should I Go To Rice University The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Courtney is a Houston tutor attending Rice University. She is currently a junior majoring in Cognitive Sciences and specializes in several tutoring subjects such as ISEE prep tutoring, Biology tutoring, and Essay Editing tutoring. See what she had to say about Rice: VT: Describe the campus setting and transportation options.How urban or safe is the campus?Are there buses or do you need a car/bike? Courtney: Although Rice is in the center of a major metropolitan area, the campus feels very intimate and is very safe. Our Rice University Police Department does a great job of patrolling the area and helping everyone feel secure, but of course in a big city it is always advisable to use caution and common sense. There are buses that run around what we call the Inner Loop of campus and travel through the heart of the academic buildings all the way out to the parking lot area. If you are commuting from off-campus or want to explore the greater Houston area, there is a public bus system, but it isnt very convenient. I personally bike from my house off-campus and it is only a 15 minute bike ride. Another option for public transport is the light rail system that runs from the Rice U area into Midtown and the Downtown area for very cheap. Many people drive cars and it is definitely the most convenient way to get around if you can handle the traffic. Because Houston is such a sprawling city, it makes sense to have personal transport. VT: How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Courtney: The Rice professors I have encountered are always available for help and ready to assist you in any way possible. There are usually only a few teaching assistants, even for big classes, because the professors will generally handle any issues personally. All professors offer office hours and available by email. Many will even say to drop in with no appointment, if necessary. For the few classes that do require teaching assistants, they are often graduate level students who really know the subject matter and have no problem going to the professor if they cant answer a question you have. The office of academic advising is very helpful but emphasizes the services of Peer Academic Advisors that help with deciding classes and determining credit. These Peer Academic Advisors are at every dorm and easily accessible for immediate questions. If you are interested in focuses such as premedical or prelaw, the academic advising office has specific advisors for these concentrations. VT: How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Courtney: Rice is very unique in its dorm set-up. The University is divided into 11 residential colleges (dorms) that you are sorted into before you matriculate. Usually you stay in the college for your entire time at Rice. Each dorm has its own governing body, committees, and, in some ways, personality. Additionally, each dorm is set up a little differently as far as rooms go. Some residential colleges emphasize double rooms with a private bathroom, others have suite set ups with shared bathrooms. We have 6 dining halls (called serveries) around campus. Although some are specifically designated for a particular college, you are welcome to eat at any of them. One aspect of Rice some people take issue with is the all-or-nothing style to the meal plan if you live on campus. With living on campus you must buy a full meal plan that covers all meals of the week (excluding Saturday evening, when the serveries close). This is upsetting to some people that dont eat breakfast or would prefer off-campus options more. If you live off-campus, different levels of meal plans are available (e.g. 5 meals per week, 7 meals per week, etc.) The residential colleges and serveries offer a lot of opportunity for socialization and getting to know other people. The other students at your college will become like a pseudo-family of about 400 people. When you matriculate you will participate in an orientation week (called O-week) where you will get to know your fellow college-mates even more. VT: Which majors/programs are best represented and supported?What did you study and why? Did the university do a good job supporting your particular area of study? Courtney: Traditionally Rice is known as being an Engineering school, but dont let this discourage you if you are a humanities or social science enthusiast. Obviously most of the money is thrown towards the engineering and science fields, but I personally am involved in both the social science and humanities departments and they offer great faculty and support as well. I came into Rice with a premedical focus, but decided against it in my junior year. I now focus on my studies in Cognitive Sciences and Religious Studies. I chose Cognitive Sciences because it was just a field that fascinated me and is very progressive right now with a lot of new research being done. In a similar vein, I decided on Religious studies because I developed an interest in it after I took a class on Psychology of Religion during my freshman year. The Religious Studies department is world-renown and one of the few programs that works on studies in the GEM (gnostic, esoteric, mystic) field. The University does a great job of supporting all areas of study and, as I said before, although the sciences are highlighted, they do boast excellent Humanities, Social Science, Music, and Architecture programs. VT: 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? Courtney: It is unbelievably easy to make friends as a freshman. O-Week does a great job of getting you acquainted with others in your college. You are further divided into O-Week groups where you are grouped with 7 other freshman, which aids in making instant friends. I am still close friends with many people from my O-Week group. Additionally, there are a lot small class sizes that allow you to meet people from other colleges. There is no Greek life on campus, but the college systems work in a similar style (without all the hazing and exclusivity). Its like you are inducted into a sorority/fraternity as soon as you move in. VT: How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services?Do many reputable companies recruit on campus? Courtney: Rice has a Center for Career Development (CCD) that offers resume-writing workshops, practice interviews, presentations from various professional fields, and career fairs. The CCD does a great job of offering a variety of opportunities to discover careers and meet potential employers. Several big firms (Capital One, IBM, etc.) recruit from Rice as well as many government/military agencies (FBI, CIA, Army, Navy, etc.). If you are a humanities major, like me, and are worried about career opportunities after college, the CCD offers very specific workshops that describe different areas that humanities majors are desired. VT: How are the various study areas such aslibraries, student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Courtney: There are plenty of beautiful study spaces across campus. The most obvious of these is Fondren Library, which offers 5 floors of study cubicles, study rooms that you can reserve, as well as tables and computers for public use. Fondren always has places to study, but I recommend getting there early during exam time because you will be fighting for even cubicle space. Additionally, areas such as Brochstein Pavillion have a coffeeshop and places to sit and study. Many professors use Brochstein for office hours or meetings. Our student-run coffeeshop (Coffee House) is also a fun place to relax and study. Individual residential colleges also have public spaces for study, but these can often be filled with people socializing. Some colleges have a suite-style set up where rooms surround a common room, which can be used for study as well. VT: Describe the surrounding town. What kinds of outside establishments / things to do are there that make it fun, boring, or somewhere in between?To what extent do students go to the downtown area of the city versus staying near campus? Courtney: Houston is a very exciting, diverse city with a lot of things to do if you take advantage of them. Rice students often fall into the habit of staying close to campus, but if you go Beyond the Hedges (as we say at Rice), you can find a lot of unique places to eat, shop, and have fun. A 10 minute walk from campus is Rice Village, which is filled with shopping stores, restaurants, and bars. Some people go to Midtown, where there are some clubs and bars, or Downtown. You can get to both of these places via the light rail system. Because Rice has such an active social scene (with each residential college throwing public parties about every other week), many students neglect the area around Rice, but there is a lot to do! Additionally, Rice is located right in the Museum District of Houston, with several great museums as well as Hermann Park (with the Houston Zoo at the center). These places are great for a day excursion that is easily walking distance from campus. VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Courtney: Rice University has one of the smallest student populations among Ivy League schools. We only have about 6,000 Undergraduate students, with each class having only about 1,500 students. Although it seems like a lot, you see a lot of familiar faces on campus. After coming to Rice I think I would have preferred going somewhere with a few more people because sometimes the social scene can be a little redundant. But the small population also offers small class sizes and for some students is less overwhelming than larger institutions. VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Courtney: My favorite professor is a Religious Studies professor that I had freshman year (and subsequently many semesters after that). He is funny, engaging, and very knowledgeable. I signed up for his class, Psychology of Religion, out of curiosity more than anything else, but in taking the class my interest grew exponentially and I am now planning a thesis under the same subject (and the same professor!). The great thing about my professor was that he treated us like adults as soon as we walked in instead of holding our hands through the processes. Our first assignment was to write about what we have been talking about. He gave us a loose prompt and said to write (almost free-form) whatever we thought. Instead of focusing on the writing he made us focus on the material, which was refreshing and interesting. He helped me develop as a student and a person and created a life-long passion that I hope to continue long after I leave Rice. Check out Courtneys tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Business English 10 Interview Questions for an Online Marketing Job

Business English 10 Interview Questions for an Online Marketing Job This week I was preparing a business English student for an interview in the online marketing sector. This is a new field as well as an open one and, as such,  it is difficult to prepare interviews for it.Nevertheless, we can build some potential questions around its basic concepts.Here  are examples of questions you might be asked in an interview for an online marketing  job.1. How would you explain the difference between online and offline marketing?Be ready for your next job interview in English.2. How do you research a target market?3. How would you define Search Engine Optimization (SEO)?4. What are the advantages of SEO?5. Do you think has SEO has negative aspects? If so, what are they?6. Do you have experience with the Google Adwords program?7. What is the difference between Search Engine Marketing and Internet Marketing?8. What is the most effective way to increase traffic to your website?9. Give an example of an online marketing campaign that failed. Why do you think this c ampaign was unsuccessful?10. How do you foresee the future of online marketing?Did you find this blog helpful? Feel free to share it on Facebook and Twitter. saisaran can u please send me the answers for the above questions Ashok Patidar Awesome! The above questions have tested my internet marketing knowledge.

College Admissions Calendar for the Year

College Admissions Calendar for the Year SEPTEMBER In September, sophomores and juniors should register to take the PSAT, a practice run for the SAT, or the PLAN, which is a pre-test for the ACT. The PSAT is given in October, and the PLAN is given on different dates at different schools. A good result on the PSAT can also help you qualify for The National Merit Scholarship Competition and the National Achievement and National Hispanic Scholars programs. Seniors who have not taken the SAT or ACT (or those who want to take them again in hopes of higher scores) should sign up for the SAT Reasoning Test and/or SAT Subject Tests, which should be taken in October and November, or the ACT, which should be taken in September or October. Seniors should also make sure they have all of the applications for colleges they're targeting, and the forms needed for financial aid. Sophomores, juniors and seniors who are concerned about their test-taking skills and those who need to strengthen their content knowledge should consider test preparation p rograms. The best programs offer personalized instruction, provide real education as opposed to simple tips and tricks, and use official SAT and ACT exams to help students strengthen their skills. Students should not wait until the last minute to prepare; school counselors can direct students to the programs that are best for them. OCTOBER In October (or earlier), sophomores, juniors and seniors should attend college fairs. Also in October, if not before, seniors should ensure that they have lined up character recommendations for any colleges that may ask for them. Teachers, employers and coaches can all write letters of recommendation. Seniors who are applying for early decision should send their applications in now. Seniors who haven't taken the SAT Reasoning and/or Subject Tests or the ACT (or those who want to take the tests again in hopes of better results) should sign up to take them in December. NOVEMBER In November, all students in need of financial aid should be searching for grants, scholarships and work-study programs, with help from counselors and other sources, such as the National Research Center for College and University Admissions (www.nrccua.org) and the National Association for College Admission Counseling (www.nacacnet.org). If you're hoping for federal aid, you'll need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (www.fafsa.ed.gov) DECEMBER In December, sophomores and juniors should receive the results of the PLAN and the PSAT. Review the results carefully to determine the skills and knowledge that you need to strengthen prior to taking the ACT or SAT. If you're planning to take the ACT in February you should register now. If you're a senior, make sure you send your official test scores to the colleges and universities you're considering. JANUARY-FEBRUARY In January and February, and throughout the spring, students should continue investigating colleges that suit their interests. Visiting during the months that classes are in session will give you the best sense of campus life. If you're a junior and you've completed the math courses covered on the SAT Reasoning Test, you should register to take this test in April. If you haven't done the coursework, you can register to take the test in May or June - but make sure you prepare. If you're a senior hoping for financial aid, encourage your parents to complete their income tax forms as soon as possible, since you'll need the data from those forms for your FAFSA. If you've already completed your FAFSA, you might receive your Student Aid Report (SAR) in February. Review this carefully and correct any errors. If you sent in the FAFSA more than four weeks earlier and haven't received your report, contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 319 337 5665. MARCH-APRIL If you're a sophomore, you should register now for the June SAT Subject Tests. These are one-hour exams testing your knowledge of subjects that you've completed. Talk with your counselor to determine which tests you should take, and when. If you're a junior, you should register now for the May or June SAT Reasoning Test and/or the May/June SAT Subject tests. Sophomores and juniors who want to take the ACT in June can also register up until May 4. Seniors should be reviewing college acceptances and financial aid awards. If you've decided on a college, inform the institution of your decision. If other colleges have accepted you, you should inform them that you're not going to attend so slots can be filled by other students. MAY and JUNE If you're a sophomore, you should be thinking about summertime activities that will build skills suited to the academic tracks or careers you're considering. Juniors should likewise be looking at activities that strengthen their academic records. Seniors should decide by May 1 which college they want to attend. Seniors should also affirm when payments for tuition, room and board are due. JULY and AUGUST Many students prefer to visit colleges during the year for a good view of campus life, but the summer is also a good time. If possible, make it a family event. While it's easy to become overwhelmed with the college preparation process, being well-organized and well-informed will lessen the pressure considerably, giving you more time to experience what can be one of the most important - and exciting - phases of your life.

How to Get Letters of Recommendation from Your Teachers

How to Get Letters of Recommendation from Your Teachers Tips from an Anaheim Tutor: How to Get the Best Letters of Recommendation from Your Teachers Tips from an Anaheim Tutor: How to Get the Best Letters of Recommendation from Your Teachers Letters of recommendation are a requirement for nearly every college application. The majority of these letters tend to come from high school teachers who can give insight into how the student performs and acts in the classroom. These letters can be valuable to admissions officers because they are often the only second-party accounts of the students abilities and personality book your private Anaheim college admissions consultant for the summer. As such, having good letters of recommendation is important for your applications. However, asking for letters is a topic of significant stress for many students. Which teachers should I ask? When do I ask? How do I make sure they write me a good letter? How should I ask them? These are all common questions, but luckily, they have relatively straightforward answers: Which teachers should I ask? Ask the teachers who know you best. It is not vital that you got an ‘A in their class (though it is preferred). The letter of recommendation doesnt have to talk about specific grades. What you want from a letter is for it to be personal and stand out. Many applicants will have letters from teachers that are very generic and surface-level because the teacher doesnt know the student well. You want a teacher who you are closer too and who can write a more individualized and detailed letter. If you dont have a teacher you feel you are close to, dont worry. Ask the teachers whose classes you did well in and who seem nice or helpful. Well discuss how to get a good letter from these teachers soon. When do I ask? As early as possible. Ideally, you ask sometime in your junior year. You can also ask over the summer. Teachers get the most requests from procrastinating students shortly before deadlines. A letter is extra work for a teacher. If they have a dozen extra letters to write two weeks before application deadlines, then they are unlikely to be putting in a huge individual effort into your letter. Ask early, and send occasional (friendly!) reminders. How do I make sure they write me a good letter? Show them what you want. Many teachers dont know how to write good letters. It is very common to receive a poor letter from a teacher who had the best intentions. It is also very common to receive a poor letter from a teacher who didnt know enough about you to write a detailed one. The letter of recommendation should be an opportunity for you to highlight the skills and qualities that you want to be emphasized on your application. Here are two ways to help guarantee: -Give a list of things you would like mentioned in your letter. This way they know what you want written about and have a reminder of things youve done. You can also include what you dont want to be mentioned if there is something youre worried about being included. -Write your letter for them. This is slightly controversial as you are not supposed to be writing your own letters. Here is how you do it ethically: write an example letter that is exactly what you are hoping that the teacher would write. Dont be humble in it; it may feel embarrassing, but now is the time to brag about yourself. Then, give it to your teacher as an example of what youre looking for. Ask if they could write a letter similar to the one you gave them and that they can use your letter for reference. How should I ask? In person, early, and with material for them to use. If you cant ask in person because its the summer, then it is okay to email rather than waiting for the year to begin. Make sure you include either the list of things you want to be included, or an example letter. When you ask, dont ask if they can just write you a letter. Ask if they would be comfortable writing a letter touching on the things that you provided them. It is okay if they say no, or thats not how they write letters, or that they dont accept input from students on letters. At that point, its usually better to ask a different teacher, unless you are confident that this one will write a good letter on your own. You will find that many teachers will be more than happy to use the guidelines you provide or to simply edit a letter that you already wrote. It makes the process easier for them and better for you. Now is not the time to be embarrassed. These recommendations are important parts of your application. Do what you can to make sure your teacher is writing a good one. Our private Anaheim college admissions consultants have a 97% success rate. Book your consultant today. Michael C. is currently a private math, science, and standardized test tutor with TutorNerds in Irvine and Anaheim. 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.