Saturday, March 21, 2020

Achieving Success in Tapping Finance Graduate Students

Achieving Success in Tapping Finance Graduate StudentsHave you considered tutoring economics graduate students? As a teacher and tutor, I'm sure you have observed that many students who consider themselves educated and well-informed on a topic of their choice would prefer to take up a subject in the fields of modern economics and finance. For example, you could see a student who is an MBA and wishes to become a bookkeeper in his own company, or even wish to go on to work in the financial world as a market analyst.For this student to succeed, he will require at least basic knowledge in the field of financial skills. Now if you wish to become an effective tutor and to build a successful business, you will need to know about modern finance and the economic aspects of it.The reason why so many graduate students would choose to become part of finance rather than management is because it has a great job prospect for them. They can quickly acquire great expertise and improve their careers v ery quickly. Furthermore, it has a great job prospect, as there are lots of jobs in finance. Some students choose to become part of investment banking while others seek out jobs in private equity.If you look at the job prospects, it's a little bit different. It's much easier to pursue work in investment banking as this requires more skill, as the profession involves analyzing complex economic conditions and trading algorithms. You can find out from a tutor, whether you have the skill and expertise for such work.Of course, there are lots of other sectors of finance, too. Even while looking at these jobs, you should also be aware of the fact that finance is not just about money. And if you want to continue your education, then it is very important that you are going to tutor finance graduate students, because this will also help you get a better education in your subject area.Therefore, I have tried to guide you in learning about the various subjects in the study of economics and fina nce. I think you will find this very useful in guiding your tutoring practice. For instance, if you are looking for a finance graduate student to tutor, you could look for the kind of students you find online - people who would prefer to learn about financial matters and technical skills.As you can see, there are lots of financial graduate students out there looking for tutors in these subjects. So, if you have knowledge about these subjects, you will definitely find it easier to tutor finance graduate students.

Friday, March 6, 2020

How to Make the Most of College Rankings

How to Make the Most of College Rankings The following piece was written by Kofi Kankam. Kofi has been featured in ourAdmissions Expert seriesand is a former admissions interviewer for The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. He is also the co-founder of Admit Advantage. Every year, eager college prospects, parents, and folks in admissions alike clamor for various reports on college rankings. With our insatiable need for statistics and superficial information overload, we review the lists for validation (Yes, our ivy-covered towers are still standing strong!), redemption (Fingers crossed, please let our ranking improve from last years abysmal standing!), or the recognition we so desperately crave (Look at us, look at us were an awesome school that youve just never heard of!). What I would suggest, however, is that you look at the college rankings in a different, more meaningful light: 1. Consider the information as merely one data point among many as you evaluate colleges; 2. Use the information to shed light on schools that were perhaps not previously on your radar; and 3. Read the articles that often accompany these lists rather than just perusing the statistics, as they often highlight interesting programs and opportunities at schools that would otherwise be missed in merely scanning the numbers. One Data Point in a Sea of Many The college selection process should be just that: a process. No one thing be it a particular class, professor, friend, parent, statistic, or coveted school ranking should be the single deciding factor in your school selections. Rather, multiple criteria should be used in aggregate to support the selection or dismissal of each school under consideration. Not all of your selection criteria should be considered equally, so this is something that each student must figure out for himself. Prioritize your college essentials based on what is most important to you. For some students, a specific major followed by a cultural climate of tolerance and location may be the driving forces behind his school selections. For others, the chance to conduct research on the undergraduate level, small class size, and Division I athletics may be the most important considerations. College rankings, be it from a trusted internet source or a traditional print publication, are only one metric of how well col leges and universities are doing across the country, not necessarily the most important and certainly not the only. See the Possibilities and Not Just the Obvious: Name Recognition is Not Everything! When I reach for a coveted report on college rankings and I flip through the pages to discover that Princeton is ranked number one with Harvard, Yale, Columbia, and Stanford trailing closely behind, I can honestly say that Im not shocked. Nor, I suspect, are you. There are going to be lots of obvious choices on most college rankings lists, especially considering many of the standard metrics commonly used: peer assessments, faculty resources, yield, selectivity, and alumni giving. The top 20 schools on most best colleges lists are almost always easily recognized throughout America and the world, and aptly so, admission to one of these elite institutions will inevitably be difficult. But heres where I think the lists get more interesting, or at the very least, less predictable drop down into that 20 and above category and you might discover some of the lesser-known schools that may be the real gems. Consider a school like Case Western Reserve, an academic stronghold in Ohio with formidable programs in the Sciences and located in a cultural hub in Cleveland. Look to the north and discover Northeastern University, a school that both recognizes the value of real world experience and then requires students to go about developing some of it before graduation in their cooperative education program. Destined for a career as an engineer? Consider Rensselaer in New York, which offered admission to 44% of its applicants vs. a paltry 9% offered at the more widely known and prestigious MIT. I could pick and choose additional schools from a number of reputable sources that probably arent cracking anybodys top 20 list and use the next 10 pages to highlight why you might consi der them. The point is this: the more open you enter this evaluative process of colleges, the greater the possibility of discovering that the number of rich and rewarding programs being offered is almost endless. Dont Forget to Read the Articles: Yes, More Reading! As fascinating as a list (or a series of lists) might be, theyre still merely lists, and only so much useful information can be gleaned from them. Step back from the numbers and read some of the anecdotal stories provided by students highlighting their experiences and why they chose particular schools. Or read the pieces that challenge you, as the applicant, to do an assessment of your college, learning values, and priorities. Scan the articles about interesting majors and real-world experience that will help you land a job post-graduation. From year to year and publication to publication, the focus of these articles that accompany these lists will vary somewhat, but the topics will be relevant and encourage you to stay in the moment as you walk through the college selection and application process. VisitAdmit Advantagefor more information. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Thursday, March 5, 2020

Best Revision Websites and Resources

Best Revision Websites and Resources Student-Approved Resources and Websites for Exam Review ChaptersResources for Exam ReviewResources You CreateExam Review WebsitesApplications for Exam ReviewStudents Chime InTest anxiety is a real phenomenon.You might be the aptest student in your entire class â€" indeed, your entire school but, when confronted with a blank exam paper, all of the practice questions you laboured over so assiduously fade from memory.Besides having a solid exam technique to draw on, the best way to quell the stress of GCSE exams is to know your material cold.  The best way to get there is to follow study guides, review religiously and take practice exams.Fortunately for us, resources, both digital and actual abound. But then, the quandary: of all the resources available for exam review, which are the best?That’s what your Superprof endeavours to uncover today.resources for exam review online. We’ll cover those in our next segment. First, we urge you to consider a few ‘low-tech’ resources.They don’t so much subvert online resources as support them. They were available long before the Internet became the treasure house that it is; today, these resources parallel the digital world in accommodation and dissemination of information.Topping that list must inevitably be your local library. Most libraries provide ample space and resources for revising Image by David Mark from PixabayLibraries are struggling these days; lower traffic and less money mean that our local book repositories run a little on the lean side. Still, you won’t find just books there but homework help labs, computer workstations with an Internet connection and free WIFI throughout the facility.Some libraries feature study rooms with conference tables and seating throughout while others have comfortable benches set up among the stacks. You can also find extracurricular activities at your local library; anything from storytelling to special exhibits.It should come as no surprise that tutors often select their local libraries to meet with their students.Tutors! They are the ultimate exam prep resource!While most tutors specialise in a certain field or subject such as English literature or biology, others dedicate themselves exclusively to test prep: exam strategies, giving practice exams and helping w ith past paper review.Superprof has hundreds of tutors specialising in exam preparation throughout the UK.One valuable resource often overlooked is your teachers.Few would be more knowledgeable of academic subjects you might test in and none know better what to expect of school-leaving exams. Nobody is better-qualified to guide your studies; after all, it is a teacher’s job to deliver knowledge… right?You might ask your tutor, librarian or teacher if they know of any study groups you could join. If none come to mind, you might ask their help to set up a study group; your peers being another invaluable resource.Resources You CreateAmong the best resources you could have for exam revision is a revision timetable.You won’t find timetables at the library or even online; they are a time management resource you must create yourself â€" after all, nobody but you knows where your obligations and priorities lie.Such a timetable will allow you to plan study time for your chosen A-Level or GCSE subjects according to your specific needs. In fact, careening toward your exams without a firm schedule of studies in place is a recipe for disaster!Another excellent and oft-overlooked resource is flashcards.Flashcards are portable, flexible and, most importantly, made by you. You would write only the most salient information on these resilient cards that you can then flip through in idle moments, creating a mini-review session.Most importantly, the act of writing  itself helps to cement it in our brains. One of the best revision tips you could follow: write your notes by hand! Image by Free-Photos from PixabayThe above statement proves that writing by hand is another resource available to you for exam preparation â€" after all, you will hand-write your exams; you may as well get as much practice as you can.If you like the idea of flashcards but have little time for writing them out by hand, you might turn to Quizlet; an online application that allows you to make digital flashcards and offers various ways to engage with the study materials you created.You might, for instance, play games or take a practice test that the application creates for you based on the information you input.Creating a Quizlet account is free â€" you can set up your own study materials but first, you might want to check if there isn’t already a ‘quizlet’ created for the material you need to study.Now that we’ve crossed over to the digital realm, let’s take a look at what websites are available for your exam review.Revision World is just such a one. And, while nobody could criticise anyone’s effort to lend a helping hand; still, the question persists: why not go to the source?The benefit of getting past papers from the awarding body’s website is that you will have the latest information available as well as papers going back a few years.Furthermore, considering that exams are constantly tweaked or outright rewritten, you will likely find ‘specimen papers’ - what the new exams will look like.In this table, we’ve listed the top exam review websites, along other sites deemed particularly helpful for exam review.Exam Review WebsitesResource NameWeb AddressWhat you will findFor which levels?AQAwww.aqa.org.ukPast papers and specimen papers, marking schemes.GCSE AS and A-LevelsEdExcelhttps://qualifications.pearson.com/en/home.htmlPast papers, marking schemes and examiner reportsGCSE and Int'l GCSE A-Level and Int'l A-LevelsOCRwww.ocr.org.ukPast papers and marking schemesGCSE AS and A-LevelsWJEC/CBACwww.wjec.co.ukPast papers and marking schemesGCSE AS and A-LevelCCEAhttps://ccea.org.ukPast papers and marking schemes; timetablesGCE and GCSEEduquashttps://eduqas.co.ukPast papers and marking schemesGCSE AS and A-LevelBBC Bitesizewww.bbc.co.uk/bitesizeRevision materialsLower Key Stages and GCSERevision Worldhttps://revisionworld.comTools, video tutorials, study help and links to other websitesGCSE A-LevelStudy-Wisehttps://studywise.co.ukA list of links to available online resourcesGCSE AS and A-LevelApplications for Exam ReviewWho needs a cumbersome website when you could just download an app or two?Phones have become handheld computers and they appeal particularly to younger demographics. In fact, a recent study reveals that kids are losing sleep to their electronic devices in record numbers.If that is you, you might need to learn about the importance of sleep with regard to your exams.If you find using an app on your phone more convenient than logging on t o a computer and accessing a succession of webpages, you should check out these apps:iMindMap: mind maps are diagrams to organise information visually; an excellent review techniqueThere is a version for Android systems, too!GCSE Maths (iOS): a fun, interactive way to play with maths ahead of your examRemember the Milk (iOS and Android): set your day’s review schedule while you’re on the go and sync with your computer once you get home. It will send reminders for study time, too.Revision App (iOS and Android): a million revision notes, flashcards and quizzes â€" what’s not to love?All of these apps are free to download and use; others, such as the Oxford A-Z of Grammar and Punctuation costs £8.50 but could be worth every penny if either of those aspects of English is difficult for you. If you are more comfortable with your phone in-hand, you may as well use it for your GCSE revision Image by Free-Photos from PixabayStudents Chime InAs you’ve likely gathered from this exposé, revision guides abound â€" online, real-time and through the help of teachers and tutors. Which are the best?GCSE students have their favs.Mr Bruff, specialising in GCSE English Language, has a YouTube channel that covers the AQA exam. On his website, you will find e-books to complement them.Free Science Lessons covers GCSE Biology and Physics; it even goes into Chemistry revision, all in video, print and downloadable book (the latter two for a fee). The material is broken into ‘papers’ but does not indicate which awarding body its information targets.If physics is particularly worrisome to you, Gorilla Physics covers that subject in exquisite detail.Seneca Learning is an all-around study platform that addresses all levels from KS2 through A-Levels. Their revision guides are organised by subject and they ‘cover’ both AQA and Edexcel exams.Primrose Kitten is an unlikely name for a GCSE Science review site; they also have a substantial collection of maths review videos.Of all subjects one could test in, Maths seems to be particularly troublesome. Students praise Dr Frost Maths as a reliable revision guide, as well as Maths Watch.What if you’re sitting the International Baccalaureate? Most of these sites have practice papers for you, too.With all of these resources, you must surely itch to get on with your studies… but first, take the time to read up on other effective revision techniques.

Online Resources to Help You Develop Leadership Skills

Online Resources to Help You Develop Leadership Skills Where Can You Find Leadership Skills Development Materials Online? ChaptersGood Leadership Skills: Understanding Leadership TheoryCommunication Skills for LeadershipGood Leadership Skills Include Critical ThinkingGeneral Resources to Foster Good Leadership SkillsThere has always been lots of press about leaders; a veritable serpent of column inches that detail their famous â€" and sometimes infamous exploits.Think about it: Richard Branson is a household name because he does not keep a low profile like less-renowned Rakesh Kapoor, the CEO of Reckitt Benckiser Group, the corporation behind such brand names as Dettol and Airborne.Even so, Mr Kapoor also appears in print because he is consistently ranked as one of the business world’s top CEOs. He even has his own Wikipedia page!Great leaders in business â€" Tim Cook, Elon Musk and Jack Ma, founder of China’s Alibaba have plenty to teach us about becoming a great leader... but what if you’re not interested in filling a managerial role?What if you simply want to develop your leadership qualities a nd the soft skills that all great leaders are said to have mastered only for your personal growth â€" not with a desire to someday be rich, powerful and renown?If that is the case, we commend you. Personal development is far more worthwhile a goal than a quest for power and money. At least, it will bring more satisfaction than all of the headaches you might be saddled with running a company or even being a team leader.How does one get started, learning leadership skills? More importantly: does learning leadership competencies cost a lot of money? Not if you know where to look.Your Superprof has taken matters to hand. We’ve combed every corner of the Internet to bring you the best online resources to guide you on your discovery of self-awareness, emotional intelligence and the path to effective leadership.Put on your thinking cap; here we go! TraceyPersonal development Teacher 4.92 (9) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NatashaPersonal development Teacher 5.00 (7) £55 /h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AntonellaPersonal development Teacher 5.00 (1) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors IsamPersonal development Teacher 5.00 (3) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AndriyPersonal development Teacher £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MichelePersonal development Teacher 4.73 (7) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors FlloydPersonal development Teacher 5.00 (11) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors OliverPersonal development Teacher 4.33 (4) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsGood Leadership Skills: Understanding Leadership Theory There are as many styles of leadership to learn as there are ways to practise them Image by Gerd Altmann from PixabayTo be a good leader, you have to know the theories and philosophies that leadership styles have shaped.Since the end of the Industrial Revolution, several ideas about leadership have taken centre-stage, the first one being The Great Man theory, which averred that great men are born to rise up and take a leadership position when a situation demands it.Mahatma Gandhi is a prime example of such a leader.That theory now takes a back seat to these four, more prominent core theories:Power and Influence theories: closely related to the Great Man theory, it emphasises three types of power â€" coercive, reward and legitimate, along with personal power to get things done.Trait theories: helps identify traits and qualities that add depth to leadershipsuch qualities include, empathy, integrity, honesty and self-confidenceBehavioural theories detail how leaders behave. Behaviours f all on a spectrum from laissez-faire â€" a hands-off manager to autocratic: a leader who makes all of the decisions.Transformational leadership focuses on inspiring and motivating subordinates while transactional leadership functions on a quid-pro-quo basis. These leaderships styles are influenced by specific behavioursContingency theories: how does a leader function in any given situation? These theories are predicated on the fact that one’s management style must adapt to every situation.Of course, this is a nutshell version; the actual theories are expansive and often incorporate elements of other leadership theories.In this table, we’ve listed some of the best pages to gain an understanding of the theories that define a leadership role.Learn About Leadership Theories:Page NameWeb AddressWhat You Can LearnMind Toolswww.mindtools.comExplanations on the four core theory groupsLeadership Centralwww.leadership-central.comLearn about individual theories and their premiseVery Well M indwww.verywellmind.comSearch for 'leadership theories' to access articlesGo on a life-changing adventure by learning how to develop strong leadership skills... Good leaders are excellent communicators Image by Dean Moriarty from PixabayCommunication Skills for LeadershipIt goes without saying that an effective leader is an excellent communicator.S/he doesn’t just have an extensive vocabulary and, should s/he be in a particular field such as finance or marketing, know all of the jargon.Those in leadership roles have learned a particular skill set that enables them to pick up on subtle clues such as body language and tone to correctly interpret what people are actually saying.According to Forbes magazine, interpreting body language is a key communication skill that every leader must have!Listening is often overlooked as a part of communication because it is generally considered a passive activity, meaning you don’t have to do anything special; just let the waves of sound come to you.Leaders take the act of listening a step further by practising what is called active listening: taking in visual clues as well as focusing on the words being said and the tone they are spoken in. A person adept at this skill will often paraphrase what they have just heard to demonstrate that they understand the issue at hand.As your aim is personal development rather than a career in leadership and management, you may work on other types of listening, such as empathetic listening or reflective listening â€" a part of active listening.Naturally, the flip side of listening is speaking; leaders are generally also good public speakers.You don’t need to anticipate mounting a podium and addressing a crowd to develop this skill; you can practise speaking with a video camera, to an empty room or to your reflection, if need be.The goal of speaking clearly is being as concise as possible without omitting any necessary details of the issue you are trying to convey, all while projecting body language suitable to your message.For instance, if your job entails conflict resolution, you would adopt a non-threatening posture, a kind tone and lots of ey e contact; maybe even a sympathetic hand on your listener’s arm.On the other hand, if you’re conducting a team-building exercise, your body should convey the impression of energy (not mania!) and your voice should sound excited.We found some excellent guides for learning and practising effective communication on these web sites.Learn Effective Communication Skills:Domain NameWeb AddressWhat you'll findLeadership Geekswww.leadershipgeeks.comA trove of articles and exercises to prepare you for leadershipLegaceewww.legacee.comLots of skills-based learning!The Training Industryhttps://trainingindustry.comA host of articles on communicationEntrepreneurwww.entrepreneur.comSearch 'communication' for a list of articlesVirtual Speechhttps://virtualspeech.comLook under the 'courses' tab to find information on communicationRemember that a large part of being a leader means delegating, whether you are running a company or a household. Mastering communication skills will make it so much easi er to delegate chores!The ability to communicate well is important is only a part of a leadership skills set...Good Leadership Skills Include Critical ThinkingCogito, ergo sum â€" DecartesThat French philosopher and mathematician was attempting to prove his existence by implying his thinking substantiated his being. At that time, there was little thought given to different types of thinking.Today, much is made of thinking skills: critical thinking, strategic thinking and situational thinking among them.There is a push in academia to help students in their earliest years to develop such thinking skills; skills that leaders of all stripes have long been using to think their way out of anything from conflict management to improving team performance.In this table, we highlight particularly useful pages to practise your thinking skills.Critical Thinking Activities PagesAgency NameWeb AddressWhat You Can FindWabisabihttps://wabisabistore.comLots of thinking and team building exercisesTeac h-Nologywww.teach-nology.comFree teaching resources, including critical thinking worksheetsThe Balance Careerswww.thebalancecareers.coma search for 'thinking skills' will yield many articles and activities to strengthen thinking skillsEd-Helperwww.edhelper.comUse their 'search' function to find the best thinking resourcesHead Scratcherswww.headscratchers.comCourses and resources to develop thinking skillsThe Critical Thinking Companywww.criticalthinking.comToward the bottom of the page you will find free exercises to test and train your thinkingYou’ll note that most of those pages are targeted to young learners; as we mentioned earlier, much is being made of thinking skills training for children. That doesn’t mean you can’t benefit from them as well!Your input matters! Tell us why you feel it is important for people to develop leadership skills... You can build leadership skills by reading accounts of great leaders Image by rawpixel from PixabayGeneral Resources to Foster Good Leadership SkillsLeadership development is much more than the sum of its parts. It takes more than sterling qualities, the ability to think a way through any situation and becoming a master communicator.One might say that knowing how to lead is a way of life.That is why many management and leadership training courses address the whole person; they don’t consist of only academic exercises designed meant to hone basic skills of humankind such as speaking and listening.What can you expect to find in leadership skills training courses?Let’s say a CEO is planning to move its operation overseas because labour and legislation have simply gotten too expensive and onerous.While overall such a move would probably benefit the company’s bottom line in the long run, aspects of such a decision require deep thought, such as:job loss in one’s own country and wha t such a move would do to the local economyTransportation costs of finished goods and the environmental impact thereofwould the materials to produce the good be sustainably sourced?would the goods be legitimately produced (as opposed to being made in a sweatshop)Business ethics pervade every aspect of leadership, from major decisions such as the one to move production offshore to recognising and correcting the dysfunctions of a team.If you’re looking to improve leadership skills or even just determine your leadership style so you can be prepared to tackle weighty issues in your life, there are many online resources for you to do so and quite a few of them charge you little or nothing.Materials for Developing Leadership SkillsDomain NameWeb AddressWhat to Look forAlisonhttps://alison.comFree training in a variety of disciplines including leadershipOpen Learnwww.open.edu/openlearn/An entire course list relating to Business and Finance, arranged by level of difficultyCourserawww.cour sera.orgSeveral entry-level leadership courses and many specialised onesMasterclass Managementwww.masterclassmanagement.comA site specifically targeted to aspiring managersEdXwww.edx.orgSeveral courses available in leadership and entrepreneurshipLindahttps://learning.linkedin.comCourses in leadership and management, soft skills development and moreSloan School of Businesshttps://ocw.mit.edu/courses/sloan-school-of-management/A long list of graduate level courses on the many aspects of business and leadershipSkill Sharewww.skillshare.comBrowse their leadership an management course catalogueWhile you’re exploring these online resources, don’t forget to also conduct a search for leadership podcasts and look for books about developing leadership. You may also consider reading biographies of great leaders.What could be more inspiring than reading how a person overcame adversity to rise up and become a titan of industry!Don’t laugh; in such tomes, you may find nuggets of wisdom that resonate with you, that you wouldn’t find or hear anywhere else.The trick about leadership is once you’ve put on the mantle, it never comes off. You will function as a leader in all of your dealings â€" from arranging your holidays to arranging your life.Isn’t it a good thing that there are so many resources for you to learn effective leadership skills from?Now discover other ways you can develop your leadership skills...

What is it Like to Attend Emerson College

What is it Like to Attend Emerson College Sarah is a current senior at Emerson College. She is majoring in media production, and specializes in creative writing tutoring, AP US Government tutoring, and a number of other subjects. Below, she shares her experience at Emerson College: Describe the campus setting and transportation options. Sarah: Emerson College is located in the heart of Boston, across from the Boston Common. Theres no real campus; the city is our campus! In such an urban setting, its a little more important to be aware of your surroundings, but Ive always found it very safe. Theres also an amazing public transportation network available to students, with three subway stops very nearby and plenty of public buses. How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Sarah:Professors are guaranteed to have office hours, and most are incredibly willing to meet with students outside of class. Advisers also have open office hours, and you can schedule meetings with them ahead of time as well. Theyre a great resource. Ive personally found my adviser and professors incredibly available. How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Sarah:Emerson has four different dorms, each with their own unique offerings. Most are fairly new, and have cozy suite-style living spaces. Freshmen and sophomores are guaranteed housing on campus, while juniors and seniors usually live in off-campus apartments. There are a variety of different dining options on campus. The food is standard college fare, meaning that its nothing fancy or incredibly delicious, but there is something for everyone. Which majors/programs are best represented and supported? Sarah:Emerson has a very small range of majors, as its a school dedicated exclusively to communications and the arts. The programs that they do have, though, are very strong. I am in the visual and media arts department, with a concentration in writing for film and television, and I think its a great program. The faculty are very talented and knowledgeable, with lots of impressive experience in the industry. Theres plenty of first-rate technology available to student filmmakers at the college. 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? Sarah:I found that it was pretty easy to meet people at Emerson after I got involved on campus. Most people here are incredibly invested in their extracurriculars, so if you participate in organizations that involve things youre passionate about, youll meet a lot of talented people with the same interests as you. Greek life is also pretty popular at Emerson, but not in the traditional sense; most fraternities and sororities are professional, not social, organizations. If youre interested in Greek life, its still a great way to meet like-minded people and gain professional skills and connections. How helpful are the Career Centerand other student support services? Sarah:The Emerson career center is super helpful. Theyre a great connection to jobs and internships, both for students and alumni, and theyre always willing to meet with students to look over resumes or help with career planning. In addition, many top companies, both in Boston and on Emersons Los Angeles campus, look specifically to recruit Emerson students, especially at the multiple job and internship fairs that Emerson holds every year. How are the various study areas such aslibraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Sarah:There are definitely enough study areas at the school for every student to find a spot, with plenty of labs and student lounges. The campus library is small in size, however, and closes at 11:00 p.m. or earlier most nights. The Boston Public Library is also only a short walk away and is an amazing facility that lots of Emerson students take advantage of as a study spot. Describe the surrounding town. Sarah:Boston is a fun college city, and its where most Emerson students spend their free time. There are plenty of awesome places to shop and eat, and the local music scene is great as well. Another good thing about Boston is the number of other colleges nearbythere are always new college students to meet and new places to go. How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Sarah:My largest class so far only had about forty students, and most of my classes have had ten to twenty students. Ive gotten to know many of my professors and classmates really well, and even though my department is the largest in the school, I still feel that its very close-knit. Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Sarah:Emerson is a liberal arts school with a strong oratorical tradition. As a result, all students are required to take a class in Speech Communication. At first, I was not excited about taking this class at all. I didnt feel it really pertained to my major, and I was pretty confident in my public speaking skills already. However, the class was so small and close-knit, that I ended up making many close friends, and I found that my speaking skills actually improved dramatically. Check out Sarahs tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

A Guide to Commonly-Confusing Punctuation Part 2

A Guide to Commonly-Confusing Punctuation Part 2 Do dashes depress you? Are you boggled by brackets? Never fear! Part oneof this guide to commonly confusing punctuation explored three of the most commonly-confusing punctuation marks, and clarified why and how they are used. Now its time to studyup on the em dash, the en dash, the hyphen, and the bracket. Read on for part two of this guide to commonly-confusing punctuation: 1. Em dash The em dash is a long dash () that can be used to separate a thought from a sentence. Consider this example: After spending two hours delivering papersall 25 of themhe went home for lunch. In this sentence, the em dash is used in place of parentheses to include optional information in a sentence that would have been clear without it. The em dash can also stand alone, like this: It took two hours to deliver the papersall 25 of them. 2. En dash The en dash () is another commonly-confusing punctuation mark. It looks very much like an em dash, except that it is slightly shorter. The en dash is used to indicate time spans or date ranges, such as the 20112012 school year. It can also be used to show a connection, such as a New YorkLos Angeles flight. 3. Hyphen Unlike the previous two dashes, the hyphen has one specific use, which is to create compound words or terms. For example, you would use a hyphen to form words or terms like check-in or to-do. In some cases, hyphens are used to compound several words, like mid-to-late. This arrangement indicates that these three words go together and are referring to a single thing, like mid-to-late century. Improving your understanding of punctuation and your writing skills won't happen overnight, but this list of simple ways to improve your writing skillswill help you get on the right track. 4. Brackets Like the hyphen, brackets or [ ] tend to have one specific use, which is to indicate additional or added information. For example, if you needed to shorten a quotation, you might use brackets to add a certain word so the quotation still makes sense, like this: As a student, Addams revealed other traits [which] seemed to result from her considerable intellect. In this example, the ellipsis () indicates that a portion of the original text has been removed, and the brackets indicate that a word was added in order for the statement to flow properly. Another common use of brackets is in quotations where the term sic is placed within the brackets. The term sic is used to indicate that the preceding word or phrase is spelled incorrectly, contains an improper use of grammar, or is otherwise used unusually, and it is placed in brackets to indicate that it has been added to the quotation by an editor or someone other than the original writer. Brackets can also be used to add information inside a set of parentheses. This avoids having parentheses within parentheses, which can be confusing to the reader. There are many more complex and case-specific uses of the above commonly-confusing punctuation marks, but these basic rulesshould help you with your writing. You may also find these 7 tips to improve your grammar skillshelpful as well. It is important to note that, especially in the case of the dashes, some of these marks are not used in traditional ways when utilized online. Website coding and font may keep a writer from using an em dash, so do not be surprised if you see several hyphens or an en dash with spaces around it. Awriting tutor can help you master these concepts and provide guidance in other areas on your writing as well.

How To Draw A Face

How To Draw A Face A Mini Guide to Portrait Drawing ChaptersHow Can I Draw a Realistic Face? What Tools Will I Need?What Proportions Do I Need to Understand in Order to Draw a Face?Tips for Drawing a Human FaceTrust Your EmotionsTips for Drawing a Realistic Portrait  How to Draw Faces: 7 Mistakes to Avoid! “This drawing took me five minutes, but it took me sixty years to get to this point.” â€" Pierre-August Renoir, French painter (1841-1919).Drawing is becoming less and less common as a hobby, with only a small percentage of people saying they draw in their spare time for pleasure these days.Amateur drawers generally think that drawing a face is one of the most difficult drawing exercises.You can take the reins with style and materials! Photo by giveawayboy on Visual HuntWhether you are an apprentice drawer, starting out with drawing classes or at home, a self-taught artist, a caricaturist, a painter, a specialist in drawing female characters, there are loads of techniques to learn.It’s important to learn how to respect proport ions, give your drawing volume with light and shadow, draw expressions and convey attitudes in order to produce a realistic and beautiful piece of art.Drawing a face from various angles, making some marks on the paper to map out the space between the eyes and knowing how to erase sufficiently to shade your drawing correctly are all skills which require a precise and confident control of the pencil.How can you draw the different shapes of a face without making mistakes? It’s a good idea to start with a guide on the basics of drawing.To get to grips with the basics, there are few other alternatives that are as worthwhile as taking an online drawing course and making sure you practise, practise, and practise some more!The fundamental lessons of learning to draw is the not be afraid of making mistakes, not getting frustrated if you’ve failed an attempt, and to always give it another go until it’s right.How can you learn to draw different angles in order to draw in perspective? (Wh ich ground are you drawing in, where is the vanishing point, where is the horizon line?)Let Superprof show you some simple techniques to help you find your feet in the art of portraiture. Whether you want to learn to draw the face of a manga character, design a tattoo or produce a realistic portrait, the basics are the same.It’s all just a question of practise, perseverance and observation.Superprof has put itself in the shoes of an art teacher to show you the drawing techniques you need to learn how to draw faces. FernandoDrawing Teacher 5.00 (8) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EmmaDrawing Teacher 5.00 (5) £75/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DavidDrawing Teacher 4.75 (4) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NatashaDrawing Teacher 5.00 (7) £37/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LorrenDrawing Teacher 5.00 (2) £18/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Julia janeDrawing Teacher 5.00 (5) £60/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Ev elinaDrawing Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ZangmoDrawing Teacher 5.00 (6) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsHow Can I Draw a Realistic Face? What Tools Will I Need?What kind of drawing equipment is needed to easily draw a portrait? What is needed to sketch a manga face and drawings for children?  There are lots of tools for the different elements of a figurative drawing.  Some people favour using charcoal, whilst others prefer working with ink or pencil. In all cases, the material used depends on the desired results, but also on the mastery of different drawing techniques.Try not to be too concerned with a budget for drawing equipment, because unfortunately, artistic activities are always quite costly.Here’s a list of drawing materials necessary for a beginner learning to draw faces:Soft type B pencils (2B, 4B, etc.): this model of graphite pencil is very useful for shading. By pressing with varying pressures, these pencils will give a uniform g radient throughout your workHard type H pencils (2H, 4H, etc. up to 10H)An eraser: a rubber is absolutely essential for correcting pencil mistakes and erasing initial pencil sketches.A putty eraser: this is an indispensable accessory, especially useful for working with light and shadows. It allows for softening and lightening pencils and even charcoal. Putty erasers are malleable and can therefore be modelled for working with small or large surfaces and with small detailsA blending stump: this tool will help you shade your drawing and avoid blurring lines with a cloth or your finger â€" an absolute essential for drawing!Bristol paper: strong textured paper especially for artistic useYou could also use some modern tools and technology to create 3D portraits.Expert drawers use varied tools to draw a portrait. Generally, to create a portrait, you will need:Charcoal: thanks to the varying drawing techniques of charcoal drawing, it’s possible to make very precise sketches, but also to apply it in think lines for bolder sketching. This technique can add textured effects to the drawing, and can create shading for graduated or blurred effects.Sanguine: there are chalks and pencils available in sanguine, which is a range of orangey-red to beige colours. Sanguine is commonly used for portraits because it offers a great range of volume to the drawing.Sanguine is a great colour scale for showing depth and volume in your portrait. Photo by L'art au présent on VisualhuntWhat Proportions Do I Need to Understand in Order to Draw a Face?Above all other things, in order to learn to draw a face step by step, it’s crucial to have some reliable points of reference.What are the proportions of a face?How can you place the mouth, nose and eyes in the right spot?Here are some simple tips to help you draw a realistic portrait.Some general points for drawing faces:Every face has its own characteristics (thin, round, long, square, etc.). But in order to draw a portrait, you must be able to use your points of reference to trace an oval shape, then divide that into four parts.This is the preparatory step taught to young children when teaching them to draw men’s and women’s faces.To do this, trace what are commonly known as the division lines: one vertical line through the middle of the oval, then the horizontal lines.Drawing the nose:The first line drawn horizontally must correspond with where the eyes will go, but this is for later on. First of all, concentrate on the second horizontal line which splits the oval into two parts.It’s at this point of intersection with the vertical line that you must draw the base of the nose: place a nostril on either side of the vertical line.Drawing the mouth:The mouth will be located on a third axis drawn horizontally so that the lower part of the oval circle is divided into two.The bottom of the lower lip must meet this new line: draw the separation line of the two lips, then draw the upper lip and finally the lower lip .Drawing the eyes:  At the level of the first horizontal line - in the middle of the oval - draw two large circles on either side of the line: these are the eye sockets.Briefly mark out the eyebrows at the top of these two circles, then draw two small almonds inside each of them: the space between the eyes should be the width of a third eye.Draw each iris and then the pupil, each time in the centre of each circle and on the axis of the eyes. Colour each pupil in black in order to mark out the white of the eye.Then move on to the eyelids: try to make a second almond within the first, going around the iris.Drawing ears, hair, neck, and details:The bottom of each ear should be at the same level as the base of the nose. The upper point of the ears should be at the same level as the eyebrows.After this, you must draw the hair and neck, and add some small basic details: some shading, some definition on and around the nose, the chin, adding expression to the face.When sketching, the drier, stiffer and more pronounced the lines are, the older the face will look. To create a younger-looking character, you should try to make the lines more rounded and flexible.Once these marks are drawn, we will be able to refine the shape of the face, and especially of the chin. You could also go a bit further and even add the shoulders and clothes!Here are some good drawing classes for you. FernandoDrawing Teacher 5.00 (8) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EmmaDrawing Teacher 5.00 (5) £75/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DavidDrawing Teacher 4.75 (4) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NatashaDrawing Teacher 5.00 (7) £37/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LorrenDrawing Teacher 5.00 (2) £18/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Julia janeDrawing Teacher 5.00 (5) £60/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EvelinaDrawing Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ZangmoDrawing Teacher 5.00 (6) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover a ll our tutorsTips for Drawing a Human FaceGet a sketchbook and practise basic sketches to get a feel for proportion and perspective. Photo by stenz on Visual huntFor drawing an imaginary character for comic books, it’s the creativity of the drawer which comes into play and must be drawn upon.On the other hand, if the goal is to do a portrait of a live model or a photo, it becomes a question of very close observation to reproduce the elements and maintaining the right proportions of the original.Observe and draw grids to reproduce a faceIt’s the same process as drawing a hand: the illustrator who wants to draw a hand will very carefully observe the shape of the fingers and nails, the colour and pigments of the skin, etc., before drawing the lines and contours with confidence.  Another technique is to draw a grid on your drawing paper to realistically reproduce the face’s shape and proportions.Whichever technique you choose to draw your portrait, the important thing here is to find a way of faithfully respecting the proportions of the model and every individual part of the face.Some essential elements to observe:The width of the mouth in relation to the noseThe positioning of the eyes in relation to the mouthThe characteristics and the position of the eyebrows on the face.Amongst these useful tips, it’s important to make sure that:The spacing of the two eyes corresponds with the width of a third imaginary eye in between the twoThe base of the nose is aligned with the inner corner of the eyesThe corners of the mouth are aligned with the inner edge of the iris.The initial proportions are fairly general, but being attentive to the smaller details makes it possible to mark out the right reference points with the first pencil strokes. After that, all that remains is to refine the lines in order to reproduce all the details you’ve observed.Trust Your EmotionsWhen drawing, it’s important to disconnect the left half of the brain â€" that of reason â€" so th at you can give free rein to feeling and expression.To achieve this, you will be guided purely by your perceptions, which comes from the right side of the brain.The idea is not to seek meaning as such, but rather to reproduce exactly what one sees in a descriptive, sensory way. Remember that portraiture is not an exercise in symmetry. You will realise pretty quickly, by studying models in close detail, that no face is perfectly symmetrical.The most important thing to achieve when aiming for an accurate drawing is to bring the face to life with three-dimensional drawing. It is therefore important to make your markings accurately according to the model you are observing and stick to them closely.The nose may not be quite straight, the smile crooked, eyebrows misaligned, but that doesn’t mean the drawing is inaccurate - the hand must draw whatever the eye sees!Tips for Drawing a Realistic Portrait  So here it is, the first sketch has been made!From now on, you should work on the smal l details so that you can transform your drawing into a realistic portrait which resembles the model as closely as possible.To work on the resemblance, each element counts. There are many important points that shouldn’t be neglected in drawing, not least the facial features such as the mouth, nose, hair and especially the eyes.In each case, try to observe your model as closely as possible so that you can faithfully reproduce what you see, particularly the facial expression. After all, the facial expression is one of the most complex elements to draw. It’s not just necessary to respect the shapes of the eyes, but it’s also crucial that you pay attention to the eyelids, the iris and pupil, the eyelashes, and also the eyebrows.The main difficulty lies in having to focus on each eye individually, whilst ensuring that there is a consistency between the two eyes at the same time.These are the particular details that allow you to capture the facial expression. In order for a portrait to be a success, you must learn to draw a vivid and expressive look.To get started, you should observe all the details (not forgetting light reflections), but you should also learn how to use empty spaces. The empty spaces in drawing are very important, because they create a cohesive whole - so it’s crucial not to neglect them!Do you need to design a logo based on an eye or other facial feature? Having great observation skills and an eye for detail is the key to success.Those who have trouble drawing the outline of the eye can, for example, focus on the white of the eye and the iris. By drawing these elements one by one, the drawer’s hand will naturally reproduce the shape of the whole eye. The thickness of the eyelids is another important point to consider.For a portrait to be truly complete, you must also observe the shadows and reproduce them as accurately as possible.This will give volume to the parts of the face, and will make your drawing more realistic. This is why it’ s key to learn how to work with gradients and play with light and shadow, adding a new dimension to the portrait.Finally, the thickness of the features will influence the final result.When you start to draw, you usually tend to focus on the contours by making stronger lines. This can result in mistakes and inaccuracies, which should be avoided.For example, contrary to the common temptation to draw the contours of the lips, the most important line for drawing a mouth must be the one that separates the lower lip from the upper lip.The contours of the lips will form with lots of lighter lines rather than more pronounced, heavy lines. This is also an example of where shading will help to give the lips their definitive form and give the mouth its volume.It’s important to take into account the lighting of the face to produce an accurate portrait of your model.And why not attempt to design your future tattoo based on a face?How to Draw Faces: 7 Mistakes to Avoid!When getting started on t he first page of your sketchbook, a novice sketcher will usually seek to overdo the lines and details, when just gently scribbling would be enough.Or instead, we tend to start by drawing the eyes before marking out the rest of the head â€" but think about the human skull, the eyes are important, but they are not the first thing you should draw, far from it in fact!We’re exaggerating a bit â€" but to sketch out a beautiful portrait, you should start by getting rid of bad habits and avoiding common mistakes. And even if you are not planning to draw realistically -for example, when designing logos - it's important to understand the basics!Draw parallel linesIt’s crucial to always ensure that the dividing lines of the face are parallel to each other. Good distances will result in a good symmetry of the face.Making uneven lines runs the risk of the distances between the elements of the face being completely inaccurate, and you’d have to start all over again.Don’t neglect the cont ours of the human skullDon't forget the structure of the skull when drawing you face and head. Photo on Visual huntknowing how to draw a face also means taking into account the outline of the skull: a face too fine will give the impression of lacking structure, or being too flat.If the top of the head is too low it will be hard to add hair accurately later on: a flattened skill truncates the shape of the hair, preventing your ability to achieve a realistic portrait.Adding the right amount of detail to the sketchOur brain can play tricks on us, and sometimes we lose sight of the bigger picture when we focus too early on the fine details. This is a common mistake among beginner: adding too much detail from the beginning.This is a mistake, and actually creating outlines and building shapes saves time in the long run. So give priority to light sketch and to outlines of shapes without too much precision, and once you’ve got all the structure in place, you can start detailing.We start o ut by sketching out the three major parts of the face: the eyes, the nose and the mouth.Don’t rush it!  Make sure you don’t make rash moves with your drawing: taking your time and not taking shortcuts is the best strategy to bypass the temptations you might feel to hurry your portrait along, but you must learn to control erratic pencil strokes.If you feel blocked by a particular obstacle, continuing regardless would be a mistake because the consequences of doing so will affect the overall results of your work. Aim to tackle every obstacle head on until you’re happy with the result.Taking your time also helps you to properly observe your model, their expression and the structure of their face. And then keep at it until it looks perfect!Don’t neglect perspectiveUnderstanding the concept of perspective is a fundamental part of drawing. The most common mistakes when it comes to drawing faces are:An inaccurate depth to the noseAn inaccurate distance between the eyesFlat eyes and eye socketsIgnoring the thickness of the eyelidsThe eyes are incredibly important in a portrait â€" in the same way that the mouth is â€" because they are the features which give the most expression on the face. But amateur drawers easily fall into the trap of drawing what they see as flat.It’s equally important to draw with a three-quarter view (between profile and face-on): the nose should hide the space of the eye in the background to create the illusion of perspective that the eye in the foreground is further from the base of the nose.The left side of the face must therefore be smaller than the right side, seen in the foreground.Suggest depth with your drawing The neck is in the background on a three-quarter facial view. To create this depth, a small trick is to use the shadows and the outline of the neck. The most common mistake is to connect the jawline with the neck line, but these two lines should normally be on different planes.To avoid falling into this trap, the drawer must make a small shift in the contour of the neck to stop it joining directly into the jawline.Correctly position the earsThe last mistake that is very commonly made is where to put the ears.When drawing a face in profile, an ear can be difficult to place â€" is it nearer the eyes, or the mouth? How far between the two?Drawing an ear too close to the face will make it look too long, but if it is too far away it will make the skull look misshapen.Placing the ear on the head requires measuring the distance between the eye and the chin, and then the measurement of the eye to the ear: we get an isosceles triangle, with the optimal location of the upper ear in line with the eye. Finally, even if it varies widely from person to person, the ear will generally be in line with the eyebrows and the base of the nose.In conclusion:To learn how to draw a woman's or man's face, it’s best is to take up drawing lessons with a real tutor in portrait drawing.To learn to draw and to acquire good dr awing techniques, don’t hesitate to consult drawing blogs and draw inspiration from online drawing tutorials.In any case, it’s crucial to practise and persevere! Once you feel more at ease, you can easily draw beautiful portraits, manga characters or master the art of caricature!

3 Things Tutors Can Provide For SAT And ACT Prep That Teachers Cant

3 Things Tutors Can Provide For SAT And ACT Prep That Teachers Can't For students about to take the SAT as well as their parents, it can be a point of debate whether or not to find a tutor for test prep. Some think it would be unheard of to take the test without being prepared by a tutor or qualified teacher, while others seem to think it's an expense that can easily be spared as long as you do well in school. In truth, there are many things tutors can do for students they can't do alone or with the help of a teacher. 1. TUTORS CAN PROVIDE DISCIPLINE It's true that there are many bright students who may have the capability to prepare themselves for the SAT, but that doesn't mean they have the discipline to do so. It's also not safe to assume that teachers will provide SAT-oriented material. Having an SAT coach means that a student is held accountable for studying specified portions of material, and therefore, it gives the student the discipline needed to do so. There's no doubting that the right amount of studying will improve a test score, but some students need the incentive to actually study. 2. TUTORS CAN PROVIDE SPECIALIZED HELP Many students do extremely well in certain subjects but not-so-well in others. For example, some students are proficient in math and science courses, but struggle with writing. If this is the case, it can be helpful to find a tutor who specializes in a certain subject. You can't get all the helpyou need just from sitting in class, because lesson plans are designed to accommodate everyone. When you find a tutor, you can sit down and explain exactly what you're having trouble with. Specialized help is one of the biggest benefits of hiring a tutor or coach. 3. TUTORS ARE FAMILIAR WITH THE EXPECTATIONS OF COLLEGES The benefit of having SAT tutors is that they're familiar with what colleges expect of their applicants. Together, a student and tutor can reach goals that are both attainable and specific to the program that the student is applying to, making it more likely they will get into their top choices and excel in their programs. Get started with finding a tutor or learn more about Huntingtons SAT prep programs and how they can help you reach your SAT goals. 3 Things Tutors Can Provide For SAT And ACT Prep That Teachers Can't For students about to take the SAT as well as their parents, it can be a point of debate whether or not to find a tutor for test prep. Some think it would be unheard of to take the test without being prepared by a tutor or qualified teacher, while others seem to think it's an expense that can easily be spared as long as you do well in school. In truth, there are many things tutors can do for students they can't do alone or with the help of a teacher. 1. TUTORS CAN PROVIDE DISCIPLINE It's true that there are many bright students who may have the capability to prepare themselves for the SAT, but that doesn't mean they have the discipline to do so. It's also not safe to assume that teachers will provide SAT-oriented material. Having an SAT coach means that a student is held accountable for studying specified portions of material, and therefore, it gives the student the discipline needed to do so. There's no doubting that the right amount of studying will improve a test score, but some students need the incentive to actually study. 2. TUTORS CAN PROVIDE SPECIALIZED HELP Many students do extremely well in certain subjects but not-so-well in others. For example, some students are proficient in math and science courses, but struggle with writing. If this is the case, it can be helpful to find a tutor who specializes in a certain subject. You can't get all the helpyou need just from sitting in class, because lesson plans are designed to accommodate everyone. When you find a tutor, you can sit down and explain exactly what you're having trouble with. Specialized help is one of the biggest benefits of hiring a tutor or coach. 3. TUTORS ARE FAMILIAR WITH THE EXPECTATIONS OF COLLEGES The benefit of having SAT tutors is that they're familiar with what colleges expect of their applicants. Together, a student and tutor can reach goals that are both attainable and specific to the program that the student is applying to, making it more likely they will get into their top choices and excel in their programs. Get started with finding a tutor or learn more about Huntingtons SAT prep programs and how they can help you reach your SAT goals.