Ask an Admissions Expert Dr. Oliver McGee

Ask an Admissions Expert Dr. Oliver McGee Varsity Tutors brings you insider tips and advice straight from nationally recognized admissions experts. Dr. Oliver McGee served 5 years on the Faculty Admissions Committee of The Ohio State University. Working in admissions for the largest public university in the U.S. provided him with incredible experience to become an expert on the college application process, as well as a widely known STEM education mentor. He is currently an American Council on Education Fellow at UCLA, where he has gained further insights into all areas of admissions. Dr. McGee has additionally mentored several students who have went on to receive extremely prestigious fellowships. VT: How far ahead of time should a student begin working on his or her college application? Oliver: A student must begin working on his or her college application about a year in advance to gain insights into themselves and their desire for a college education through advice and counsel of parents, teachers, student colleagues, mentors, and extracurricular activity counselors, coaches, and coordinators.The application process falls into 3 buckets of work: 1.High School Classes always select challenging classes.Admissions counselors will read your transcripts very carefully to identify what classes were offered to you and what classes you ultimately chose. If you dont choose advanced courses, but do well on the SAT or ACT, you appear intellectually lazy because you didnt challenge yourselfday-in and day-out in your classes. 2.Summer Activities make sure to spend your summers wisely: volunteer, work, attend college and universitysummer programs, be a camp counselor, ortake summer school classes.Admissions counselors are eager to understand how you spent your time,because they want students who will contribute to their college or university. 3.Researching Colleges plan to spend quality time the summer before your junior year,using tools likeNavianceto research collegesand universities. It isfun andthe filters make it very easy.You can also get a goodintroductorysense of collegesand universitiesby looking at their websites. VT: What are the best ways to go about selecting a terrific essay topic? Oliver: Know thyself before thy write! High school is about developing ones deeper skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Use this liberal education and development process to learn more about oneself through the minds of absentee teachers in great books and great conversations taking place therein. From these great conversations, one can observe and absorb more about ones desires in living a good life and about ones aims in contributing to a good society. A terrific essay must be fully authentic about ones young life lived full out and colleges are interested in young people who aim to turn up the volume in their lives inside their college environment, which can be thought of as parks of beauty, featuring varied longstanding questions and truths taught and researched by excellent faculty and scholars supported in bountiful goodness of extraordinary staff and administrators.Write an essay that tells thereader about YOU as a person.Remember that admissions counselors wi ll already have seen your grades, test scores, and accomplishments. They want to get to know you ona deeper level with the essay.At some colleges, you will be required to write multiple essays. So,make sure they each reveal another aspect of who you are.Makethe essay interesting to read. It isthe story of YOU. So,think of it as the first few pages of a novel.Know that writing the essay will take far more time than you expect. So,allow for this. Let a teacher, counselor or parent read your rough draft and listen to their feedback. Dont be offended or feel overwhelmed,because it will all be worth it! VT: Are there any essay topics you get tired of seeing or would warn students to stay away from? Oliver: Stay away from inauthentic essays submitted, which are far away from how a student will be transformed into the clearing of possibilities possibly achieved from a possible college education, in order to take advantage of what President Obama recently stated in his second inaugural address that possibilities are limitless in America.Avoid writing about how someone inspiredyou,because the risk is that you will spend most of the essay writing about that person rather than about yourself. This wont help the admissions counselor get to know YOU. VT: What is the biggest mistake a student can make on a college application? Oliver: Lie. Why start out one's college career with academic misconduct? College is a momentary detour of thought and reflection on the journey and game of life. Why rest one's generous thought and reflection on a lie? Its unstable ground.Also, avoid these 4additionalmistakes: 1. Submitting the applicationon the deadline.For many colleges, the application deadline is December 31st.Why would you wait until 11:59 pm to press the send button on your application? This just increases the likelihood for problems as collegesand university admissions teamsmust print your entire application. And, givenmanyothersstudents procrastinate, why place your application inside that last minute company. 2.Writing less than the maximumnumber of words on the essay.If the maximum number of words is 250, then dont write 100 words! 3.Skipping the Optional Essay.Why miss the opportunity for the admissions committeeto get to know you better? 4. Forgetting to proof read!Have your parents readyour essay backwards to look for spelling errors. And ask your parentsto read youressaysa couple of times for grammatical errors. VT: What is the typical process an admissions officer goes through to evaluate applications? Oliver: Generally, there is an extensive reading committee of each application. Not only in consideration of meritorious excellence alongside diversity and participation goals of the college/university mission and strategies. But also, in consideration of a seven-step flow process with automatic applicant-qualifying typical seven-exit points into direct early admissions, with the last exit point falling into a more extensive review by a centrally-based faculty review committee on admissions. The final decision of this committee determines whether an application is finally accepted or denied admission. Of course, a plethora of varied appeal processes may and often do exist, consistent with the American principles, rules, standards, and values of complete fairness and due-process. VT: What do you think is the single most important thing a student should make sure they present in the best possible way on their application? Oliver: The essays are king. Please know that all essays are read by the reading committees very carefully these days. Especially so given the growing number of applicants that one must compete with for a valued-seat in the freshman class of an American college or university.Write the essay in your own voice.Admissions counselors can quickly spot the voice of an adult. Also, make sure that you meet as many people who will evaluateyour application as possible.Personally meet with the admissions counselor within the scope and geography of your colleges and universities of interest.Attend local presentations by the colleges and universities of your interests. If aninterview is offered either on-campus or off-campus, do it. VT: How should students go about determining the culture of a university, and whether they would be a good fit? Oliver: Visit the college or university campus. I call them churches of higher education or open parks of quiet beauty enjoyed by surrounding communities and neighborhoods. Some colleges and universities are actually cities within a city with all the amenities and public works enjoyed inside most urban centers across America. College and universities nowadays are widely branded online. Also, they have a sense of place that must be experienced by parents, teachers, counselors, and students. Because, above all, a higher education is as much an experience in its diversity and participation, as it is a mission of service of philanthropy to the American experience. This must be felt by parents, teachers, counselors, and students physically, in person not just virtually online. Remember, a prestigious, often highly selective, freshman class is an implicit promise of a four-year annuity to a college or university that must be taken as an intangible goodwill of the college or university br and. Parents, teachers, counselors, and students must experience the goodwill and implicit promise on the promise of what I call a dream-paper awarded to a student upon experience and completion of four-years of a higher education on how to live a good life.Trust yourself.You will know if there is a fit.If possible, visit the college, spend the night in the dorm, and spend the day with a student in hisor her classes. VT: Early-action, early-decision, binding/non-binding, regular decisions...With so many choices when applying, what do you recommend to students? Oliver: Do it all respect the process participate in it all early-action, early-decision, binding/non-binding, regular decisions if one wants something in life, one must not wait until it is given to you. One must in life, know thyself, next go for what you want, make your case, establish your support, and then ask for something in life you want. A higher education in life is a wonderful moment when it is all about you. And, what you want and need to fully prepare oneself for a good life is all about how to make a difference in others life through ones life and the lives of others. This is why college, as a uniquely American experience, is so beloved an institution of this country. Inasmuch as the university is such an interconnected American institution alongside family, church, state, corporation, and philanthropy. Applying to a college or university embarks students along the path of respect for American institutions. So, respect the process. Its fun! And, the process is full of enlightenment for parents, teachers, counselors, and students.Early decision is binding,while early action is not. So,you can only apply early decision to one school.Applying early decision significantly increases your chances of acceptance.If you need financial aid, your parents must submit paperwork on early decision timing.Your acceptance letter will include specifics of your financial aid package contingent uponfinal tax documents.Not all colleges offer early action, but many schools have a rolling decision process. So,it is always best to submit your application as early as possible. VT: How important are grades and standardized test scores when admissions decisions are being made? Oliver: Grade point averages and standardized test scores are extremely essential in respecting the process of college and university application and admissions. Such application and admissions are, in consideration as stated earlier, of the meritorious alongside diversity and participation goals of the college or university mission and strategies. And, these application and admissions are, in consideration once again, of a seven-step flow process with automatic applicant-qualifying typical seven-exit points into direct early admissions.Your grades andtest scores are very important. But,the classes that you choose are also extremely important (referto my answer to question #1).Dont make the mistake of getting so involved in extra-curricular activities that you neglect yourgrades.Admissions counselors want to make sure that you can do college-level work. VT: What tips do you have for students asking their teachers for letters of recommendation? Oliver: Do not ask teachers for letters of recommendation that have little idea about you as a person, your scholastic achievements, your extracurricular interests, intermediate goals in college, and your long-term goals in life. Ask teachers to shape questions for you to examine that are related to varied fields of study, not only you desire to explore deeply in a college education, but also you desire to do as a vocation in life. If what you plan to do in life does not match your inner desires in life, then how can you turn up the volume in your life? I believe college is a place where one can turn up the volume in ones life in order to make a difference with integrity and trust, responsibility and accountability, and self-expression and generosity. Forasmuch as college does works as partners with government, industry, and philanthropy to contribute knowledge. So, young people can come out well-prepared to embark upon a good life of understanding others. And hopefully, read, write, listen, and speak to persons of wisdom. And, eventually become a wise man or a wise woman in the grace of ones almighty in spirit. So, be sure to ask teachers for letters of recommendation, who have shaped your questions into your truths, beauty and goodness to achieve more knowledge and fuller understanding about your path to wisdom. This takes a lifetime to do. Ask carefully from your teachers a letter of recommendation, not just about your college admission, but also about your life path to wisdom. Those letters I assure you will definitely shine through the many others read by the college or university reading committee. Such letters, I assure you, will spiritually move these reading committees. They will accept you.Select teachers who know you well and ask them to write yourletter early in the semester.You want to make sure they have enough time to craft a quality letter so dont wait until the last minute when they are besieged by other requests. Visit OliverMcGee.org for more information. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

What is it Like to Attend Belhaven University

What is it Like to Attend Belhaven University Daisha is a current senior at Belhaven University. She is majoring in psychology, and specializes in study skills tutoring, public speaking tutoring, and a number of other subjects. Below, she shares her experience at Belhaven University: Describe the campus setting and transportation options. Daisha: I enjoyed the campus setting. It has a very calm and inviting atmosphere that makes you feel welcome. I was a transfer student, so I didnt take advantage of the campus transportation options. How available are the professors, academic advisors, and teaching assistants? Daisha:Every instructor is different, but for the most part, everyone makes themselves available and responds quickly when needed. If one person doesnt know the answer, theyre happy to refer you to someone that can help. How would you describe the dorm liferooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students, etc.? Daisha:I didnt take advantage of many of the dining options on campus. It was, however, fairly easy to meet others. I felt there were many opportunities to interact with other students while on campus. Which majors/programs are best represented and supported? What did you study and why? Daisha:All majors and programs are well represented and supported. My area of study is psychology. I found an interest in this field in middle school, and always knew that this was a field I would enjoy pursuing. 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? Daisha:It really wasnt difficult to meet others. Most of my classes early on required group assignments, so most of the friendships I have now came from there. Greek life doesnt play a significant role in the campus social life. How helpful are the Career Center and other student support services? Daisha:During my time at the university, I found the Career Center very helpful. How are the various study areas, such as libraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Daisha:The library isnt a walk through libraryyou just pick up your books and go to class. From the study spaces I have seen, though, I have enjoyed them. Describe the surrounding town. Daisha:The surrounding town offers restaurants and stores for students to explore. All of this is in close proximity to campus, so students can take advantage of these between classes or on weekends. How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Daisha:The student body is a fair size, and I often see the same people when walking around campus. I was pleased with the class sizes I experienced. Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one you regret the most. Daisha:One memorable experience that I had was in sociology class. In this specific class, we were required to do an assignment that really delved into your personal life, and share what we wrote in class. We had an assignment due every week, so each week it was the most therapeutic experience. We were able to build a family throughout that class. Everyone was so supportive and nice. Check out Daishas tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Private Tutoring What is the Right Price

Private Tutoring What is the Right Price How Much Should You Pay an In-home Private Tutor? ChaptersPay your Private Tutor in Accordance with the Average Rates!Ask for Details before Accepting your Future In-home Tutor’s RatesFind Out as Much as You Can about the TutorPrivate Tuition: Prices by SubjectGetting one on one private tutoring has plenty of benefits.You can get help with your homework or an assignment, get online tutoring in algebra, geometry, or calculus, or do some test prep for an important exam from personal tutors. In short, academic tutoring can bring you success!However, the issue of cost often comes up: how much does a lesson cost?A lot of things need to be taken into consideration when it comes to one on one tutoring:the subject,the tutor’s experience,their qualifications,and even where they teach...Here’s our advice for paying your tutor a fair price!If your tutor has qualifications in their given subject, their rates will be higher than their less-qualified counterparts.Whether you want to improve your level or consolidate what you’ve learnt in a given subject, it’s better to do so with someone who’s qualified. Private tutorials are an investment for the future.Private Tuition: Prices by SubjectAcademic SupportAcademic support tutorials from primary school through to university are the most popular type of tutorials on Superprof.By offering regular academic tutorials, our tutors help students get through the national education system.What type of private tutorials do they offer?Whatever your level of education, an in-home private tutor can boost your studies.Academic support at home is effective when it comes to failing students. (Source: Digital Photography School)Here are some average rates on Superprof for different academic support tutorials in London:Maths: £21Physics: £22French: £20Biology: £18Philosophy: £30History: £23Art: £24Design: £38Whether you’re a student at primary school, secondary school, or university, let a private tutor motivate you with in-home academic support tutorials!Language Tutorial sLanguage tutorials differ from other subjects since they are popular with students in and out of school!Whether you’re getting ready to go to university, abroad, or just want to boost your CV, languages are useful for everyone!Unfortunately, learning a language at school isn’t always easy.The number of students studying languages in the UK is in decline.A private tutor can help!A tutor’s private approach can help you fall in love with language learning.Here are some of the average rates for language tuition in London:English as a Foreign Language: £22Spanish: £21French: £20German: £24Italian: £19Russian: £28Chinese: £22TOEIC (English tutoring): £30Arabic: £20What are you waiting for? Start learning a language now!Sports CoachingIn-home private sports tutorials are becoming more and more popular!Why?Because demand keeps going up!In 2015 gym membership spending jumped up by 44%.If you want to be the next Ronaldo, you best get practising! (Source: Wikimedia Commons)If y ou want to get back in shape or practice a certain sport, Superprof can help you get there with a private coach.Here are some example rates for sports tutoring programs in London with Superprof:Sports Coaching: £27Fitness: £23Karate: £35Judo: £20Martial Arts: £36Your tutor, as an educator, can provide you with personalised training to help you on your way to sporting greatness!Leisure SubjectsSuperprof offers plenty of private tutorials for free-time activities. Here are how much they cost on average in London:Knitting: £48Fashion Design: £40Sewing: £41Embroidery: £45Crafts: £20Make-up: £66Whether weekly or monthly, you can learn new skills with one to one in home tutoring or online tutoring from the best tutors around!Music TutorialsWho doesn’t love music?According to the ONS, 90% of 16-24 year olds listen to music. This percentage decreases with age but two thirds of over 65s listen to music in their free time.With so many people loving music in the UK, there are plen ty of tutors available to teach music theory and instruments.Piano lessons have never been more popular! (Source: Daan Bartels)Learn more about music with private tutorials.Here are some average prices for music tutorials in London:Piano: £30Guitar: £27Clarinet: £35Singing: £29Cello: £28Violin: £29Drums: £22Bass Guitar: £33Electric Guitar: £27With Superprof, you can find your new passion. What are you waiting for?

What Are Some of the Best Career Choices for Introverts - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / What Are Some of the Best Career Choices for Introverts - Introvert Whisperer What Are Some of the Best Career Choices for Introverts? It’s human nature to want to divide up the people of the world into categories or types, and one of the most common ways to do so is by grouping people according to their comfort level in social situations. Are you an extrovert or an introvert? What Does It Mean to Be Extroverted? Extroverts, or anyone who considers him- or herself a “people person,” tend to succeed in public-facing jobs that let them meet lots of different people during the workday. Extroverts often become successful salespeople, restaurant servers or bartenders, event planners, life coaches or motivational speakers, cosmetologists, or tour guides. Are Introverts Just Antisocial? If the very idea of encountering new faces each day or having to speak in front of a large group of people sends you scurrying to your couch and your Netflix queue, then you probably are an introvert. Introverts aren’t necessarily shy, antisocial, or scared of socializing. In fact, it might surprise you to learn how many of the so-called “social butterflies” of your acquaintance consider themselves introverted. What does define an introvert? It has more to do with their psychic energy level. These people might require more time and space to decompress or regain their emotional equilibrium after being in the company of other people. Interactions with others often drain them. In some cases, an introvert has no problem going out in the world â€" again, it’s not synonymous with shyness â€" but afterwards seek out solitude in order to regroup. Others do steer clear of crowded places or group interactions in the first place. Introverts Make Great Attorneys Would it surprise you to learn that the majority of attorneys are introverts? According to the American Bar Association, it’s true! Remember that the pop-cultural stereotype of a lawyer â€" a poised, articulate orator who delivers passionate arguments in front of a crowded courtroom â€" isn’t the day-to-day reality of most attorneys. A lawyer is much more apt to be found researching, writing, and preparing for a case. Some areas of practice don’t involve trials at all. And since most people fall somewhere near the middle of the introvert vs. extrovert spectrum and exhibit characteristics of both, it’s quite possible for an introverted attorney to “turn on” when needed to argue a case in court, meet with clients, or hold a press conference. Become a Business (To Business) Professional The business world is another realm in which you might not expect introverts to succeed. After all, being in business requires glad-handing, charming potential customers, and smoothing the ruffled feathers of disgruntled team members, right? Well, yes and no. As in the lawyer example, plenty of introverts can rely on their social skills when necessary. But that’s less necessary than you may think, especially in the business-to-business realm. Here, introverts put to good use their skills of written communication, relationship building, and listening to what the client needs and wants. And while plenty of people develop their business acumen through working their way up the corporate ladder, there are also options to obtain an MBA online and hit the ground running after graduation. Information Technology Is for Introverts The stereotype of IT specialists is that they’re more than introverted; they are downright asocial or lacking in social skills altogether. They spend their days under fluorescent lights, subsisting on a diet of junk food and energy drinks, rarely speaking to anyone and more comfortable with HTML code than with actual conversation. Of course, not all IT professionals are secluded loners, but as with any stereotype, there’s a kernel of truth hiding somewhere in the heart of that cliché. Working with computers requires focus and independence, and doesn’t offer the same opportunities to collaborate as some other careers. Introverts who are tech-savvy or interested in the systems that power our day-to-day life would do well to look into occupations such as systems administrator, software engineer, data analyst, or web developer. Work for Your Ideal Boss: Yourself As introverts tend to be independent, a lot of them enjoy freelance jobs or working for themselves. Creative types, of which there are many in the introvert community, may choose to work as a professional blogger or copywriter, graphic designer, artist, video editor, architect, photographer, or animator. Love to be outdoors, as long as there are more trees than people? Consider becoming a forester, park ranger, landscaper, botanist, or even a small-scale farmer. Final Thoughts About Careers for Introverts If you shy away from the spotlight or just get burned out when you spend time in places that are “too peopley,” or even if you’re somewhat extroverted but find that you do your best work independently, there are still plenty of careers where you can excel. We hope this post has given you some inspiration! We’d love to hear your thoughts on the subject â€" so tell us below in the comment section if you consider yourself an introvert, if that factored into your career choice, and whether or not you’d recommend your professional field to other introverts! Author Bio - Robin is a Senior VP of Business Intelligence Development and has assisted the Fortune 1000 company with expertise in the web as a whole, including ground-zero marketing efforts that benefit both consumer and vendor. He is also contributor on  Esprittoday. Go to top Do you know what your next career step is?  Many people don’t. I want to help you accelerate your career by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my eBook on how to construct your Career SMART Goals â€" that will help you put together your actions and keep you accountable. Get your copy now and start your action plan today! Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleashing your professional potential. Introvert Whisperer

A Beautiful State of Harmony Orchestrate Your Perfect Symphony

A Beautiful State of Harmony Orchestrate Your Perfect Symphony Supporting our students in all their endeavors is what we do best at AJ Tutoring. That means providing the best academic tutoring to help students achieve a strong understanding of the topics they’re learning in school, as well as preparing them for the rigors of standardized exams like the AP and SAT Subject tests that go hand in hand with their classes.My name is Robert Jonas, and I serve as the Academic Dean at AJ Tutoring. My role is to train and support our tutors so they may best guide our students through the various academic and test preparation challenges that come up in high school. I also provide leadership through our monthly themes rallying and focusing our team on many of the critical functions they perform throughout the school year.In February, our theme is “A Beautiful State of Harmony,” which is a reminder how intertwined all of our efforts are here at AJ to provide the best care for our students. Many clients come to us seeking help preparing for exams, whil e others were referred our way for academic support. Most are pleasantly surprised that our amazing team of tutors provides both! A long term commitment to our students’ success is our primary goal.What does that mean at this time of year? For many high school students, the current focus is the upcoming AP Exams and SAT Subject Tests. AJ has developed a robust test preparation program around these standardized exams, and nearly all of our students have benefitted from the test taking expertise we have developed with them in these offerings. With these programs, it is our goal to help students take another important step forward in the college application process. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us today to learn more about how we can help your student navigate the test taking process!Personally, I have been amazed by the work ethic, progress, and achievements that I have witnessed through the years in working with Bay Area students. I take great pride in helping students a chieve the grades they want in their chemistry classes, especially when it can boost their GPAs, but I’ve been so pleased to see how many of them have parlayed that knowledge to earn top scores on the AP and SAT Subject Chemistry exams. AJ Tutoring was built on the care and expertise of our educators. Emphasizing a 1-on-1 format and customized support, we help each of our students maximize his or her potential in class and on test day. Starting early with the end in mind and utilizing AJ’s knowledge of the process are vital to planning for a successful spring. You can “orchestrate your perfect symphony” today, and enjoy the beautiful music for the rest of the school year.

Music lessons in danger of disappearing from Schools - Tutor Hunt Blog

Music lessons in danger of disappearing from Schools Music lessons in danger of disappearing from schools Music lessons in danger of disappearing from schoolsSchoolsI can vividly remember having enjoyed music lessons throughout primary school, and indeed the first few years of secondary school up to GCSE. Admittedly the lessons were rather basic, typically featuring the whole class straining to play in unison, using a variety of instruments, while attempting to keep the level of banshee cacophony to a minimum. We certainly never learnt anything as advanced or practical as reading music, and the prosaic lessons were unlikely to stimulate any real musical talent; but they were certainly enjoyable. Though music isn`t a mandatory part of the curriculum, it is still frequently taught in schools, and enjoyed by students across the country. This could all be set to change however, and surprisingly it`s because of an impending pay increase. This summer the government announced a pay rise for teachers - pledging up to 1,366 a year for around a million public sector workers. This was confirmed by the Education Secretary Damian Hinds, who announced back in July there was to be a substantial increase of funds going to the education sector. Damian Hinds later confirmed an investment of 508 million to fully fund the deal, which means that almost all teachers can expect a pay increase of 3.5 percent. Unfortunately centrally employed teachers (CET`s - typically employed by the council) will not be enjoying this price adjustment - they were only guaranteed an increase of between 1 and 2.5 percent - and even this merge raise is contingent upon each local council being able (or willing) to supply the funds. The vast majority of music teachers happen to be CET`s - and it seems likely local councils will be seeking to significantly reduce their number, thus circumventing the pay increase they would be obliged to fund. The number of CET`s in the UK stands at around 4,900, with around half of them providing music teaching; although this number may sound rather low, it`s typical that a single music teacher is able to meet the demands of a whole school. Is the study of music soon to become the sole province of the wealthy, who will be able to afford weekly piano or violin lessons for their children? That would indeed be a shame. The singer songwriter Ed Sheeran spoke out passionately against the cuts last month, saying that the early music lessons he received at school had a profound effect on shaping his ambitions and abilities. He also said that by forcing local councils to reduce the number of music teachers, we could be potentially damaging British pop music, one of our most proud and innovative industries. `If you keep cutting the funding for arts you`re going to be damaging one of Britain`s best and most lucrative exports.` The LGA (Local Government Association) is a cross party organisation, which helps to articulate the voice of local councils, and has been outspoken concerning the importance of music in pupils` education. The chair of the LGA`s children and young people board, Anntoinette Bramble, expressed how unfortunate it would be for music lessons to be taken out of many schools: `The UK has a proud history of musical excellence and many of the most well-known artists in the world over time would have benefited from music lessons. For many young people, it is a vital part of their education and future life opportunities, but this could be at risk unless the government commits to fully funding the pay increase for all classroom teachers, including music teachers.` I believe it would be a terrible shame if the number of music teachers were reduced - music is an expressive form largely free of the snobbery and class divides that abound in many other artistic sectors. Theatre, painting, sculpture - many people consider these to be the domain of the upper class elite. I`d have to slightly disagree with this - in London (and most major cities) there are numerous free art galleries, although the exorbitant price of going to the theatre does make it prohibitive for many. Music is for everyone though: babies are immediately receptive to it - indeed many doctors even expose the benefits of exposing the foetus to soothing rhythms and harmonies in utero! It would certainly be a great loss if learning an instrument became just another activity available only to the children of wealthier families. 16 months ago0Add a Comment

Ring in the New Year with Kumons Goal Setting Tips Roundup

Ring in the New Year with Kumon’s Goal Setting Tips Roundup Ring in the New Year with Kumon’s Goal Setting Tips Roundup A radiant ball lit by 32,256 LED lamps descends 141 feet in 60 seconds, while an entire country reflects on a year of memories and celebrates the opportunities that lie ahead. We are talking about New Year’s Eve of courseâ€"and there’s nothing more rejuvenating than ringing in the New Year! Take advantage of the feeling of a fresh start by discussing goals with your children. New Year’s resolutions are a great opportunity to teach children how to set and work steadily towards goals. This is a topic that we’ve covered in a variety of ways over the years. Check out a round-up of our favorite goal setting and motivation articles for you. 4 Simple Tips for Settings Goals with Your Child in the New Year Goal-setting is one of the most highly correlated traits of peak performers and successful individuals. It can help children gain the sense of discipline and internal drive it takes to stay motivated to complete tasks they’ve set for themselves. And the good news, once they learn how to set their own goals, it will show not only in their performance, but also in their self-esteem! Discover how you can help your children set and work towards goals all year long by clicking the link below. Read More Fostering Perseverance and Motivation in your Child Students who are motivated tend to be more successful because they are more likely to enjoy their work, complete their homework regularly and set goals for themselves. Parents are constantly asking our Kumon Instructors for guidance in improving motivation in their children. Discover how a little encouragement can bring out the ‘grit’ in your children by clicking the link below. Read More Motivating Children by Developing a Growth Mindset We touched on this idea of developing the mindset for goal-setting, but how do we help children develop a growth mindset? This article goes into more detail on how a parent’s communication to their children about their effort, successes and setback often shape their children’s mindset and motivation. Click on the link below to read more. Read More Achieving Goals: What it Means as a Kumon Parent and Student We have found that inspiration often leads to success. If you think about it, inspiration is a big part of goal-setting. You think about where you are and you visualize where you’d like to be. Role models can be a great inspiration for children and we’ve found that a lot of our Kumon Students are actually inspired by their peers. Click on the link below to read more about how past Kumon Students were inspired by the program. Read More Discover even more study tips and resources that can help advance your children’s ability in math and reading. You might also be interested in: Soar Past the Summer Slide with Kumon’s Summer Learning Roundup Ace the School Year with Kumons Study Tips Roundup 4 Simple Tips for Setting Goals with Your Child in the New Year How Setting Long-Term Goals Led One Kumon Student to Big Achievements Ring in the New Year with Kumon’s Goal Setting Tips Roundup Ring in the New Year with Kumon’s Goal Setting Tips Roundup A radiant ball lit by 32,256 LED lamps descends 141 feet in 60 seconds, while an entire country reflects on a year of memories and celebrates the opportunities that lie ahead. We are talking about New Year’s Eve of courseâ€"and there’s nothing more rejuvenating than ringing in the New Year! Take advantage of the feeling of a fresh start by discussing goals with your children. New Year’s resolutions are a great opportunity to teach children how to set and work steadily towards goals. This is a topic that we’ve covered in a variety of ways over the years. Check out a round-up of our favorite goal setting and motivation articles for you. 4 Simple Tips for Settings Goals with Your Child in the New Year Goal-setting is one of the most highly correlated traits of peak performers and successful individuals. It can help children gain the sense of discipline and internal drive it takes to stay motivated to complete tasks they’ve set for themselves. And the good news, once they learn how to set their own goals, it will show not only in their performance, but also in their self-esteem! Discover how you can help your children set and work towards goals all year long by clicking the link below. Read More Fostering Perseverance and Motivation in your Child Students who are motivated tend to be more successful because they are more likely to enjoy their work, complete their homework regularly and set goals for themselves. Parents are constantly asking our Kumon Instructors for guidance in improving motivation in their children. Discover how a little encouragement can bring out the ‘grit’ in your children by clicking the link below. Read More Motivating Children by Developing a Growth Mindset We touched on this idea of developing the mindset for goal-setting, but how do we help children develop a growth mindset? This article goes into more detail on how a parent’s communication to their children about their effort, successes and setback often shape their children’s mindset and motivation. Click on the link below to read more. Read More Achieving Goals: What it Means as a Kumon Parent and Student We have found that inspiration often leads to success. If you think about it, inspiration is a big part of goal-setting. You think about where you are and you visualize where you’d like to be. Role models can be a great inspiration for children and we’ve found that a lot of our Kumon Students are actually inspired by their peers. Click on the link below to read more about how past Kumon Students were inspired by the program. Read More Discover even more study tips and resources that can help advance your children’s ability in math and reading. You might also be interested in: Soar Past the Summer Slide with Kumon’s Summer Learning Roundup Ace the School Year with Kumons Study Tips Roundup 4 Simple Tips for Setting Goals with Your Child in the New Year How Setting Long-Term Goals Led One Kumon Student to Big Achievements

Mission to Raise Schools Test Scores Nationwide - ALOHA Mind Math

Mission to Raise Schools’ Test Scores Nationwide ALOHA Mind Math Centers are on a Mission to Raise Schools’ Test Scores Nationwide: Center Helps Students Prepare for State Standardized Tests ALOHA Mind Math Centers are on a mission to raise school’s standardized test scores nationwide. The 2013 grade and middle school test scores have been published and the nationwide results are mixed. Only 26% of high school graduates met all four benchmarks in math, reading, English, and science, on ACT’s College Readiness Benchmarks, according to the annual college readiness report by the non-profit organization. Each state sets its own standardized testing and requirements per grade level. Some students may do well in class, but perform poorly on standardized tests. For many students their anxiety overcomes them. Some students may overthink the questions, while others may suffer from what seems like brain fog. At ALOHA Mind Math Centers we see amazing things from students and it is exciting to see them outperform their peers in school. Part of the ALOHA Mind Math curriculum prepares students for standardized reading, mathematics, and writing tests, and works on study skills like focus, memory, cognitive reasoning, problem solving, and quick thinking. While certain types of calculators are permitted in grades 4 through 8 on some state tests, it is not uncommon for ALOHA Mind Math students to calculate with speed and accuracy, solve math calculations mentally without pen and paper, calculator, or other aids. They also develop vital learning skills, study skills, endure and manage stress and pressure in their studies. Five students from the ALOHA Mind Math Center in Simi Valley, California, received a perfect score, 600 out of 600, on the California State STAR testing. “Our kids, their parents, and staff are so excited with their achievement,” stated Nagaraj Raja, Director of Simi Valley ALOHA Mind Math Center. At the ALOHA Mind Math Center in Irvine, California, “Two of our students scored a perfect score on the Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) test,” says ALOHA Mind Math Center Director Frany Shah. “In fact, many of our students scored really high in math, placing them in the advanced category on the 2013 California STAR Test.” Perhaps one of the reasons is that we make learning fun. About ALOHA Mind Math The unique academic enrichment programs at ALOHA Mind Math Centers help children 5 years-old through 12 years-old be the best they can be to get ahead in all academic areas. This interactive learning method promotes the development and engagement on both sides of the brain, designed for frustrated learners or high-achieving gifted students. Through instructor-led, small group tutoring sessions, children improve their focus, develop vital learning skills, as well as study and life skills, and advance their self-confidence to excel in reading, math, language arts, and science, to ultimately persevere in the face of adversity to go after their dreams. Discover the genius in your child. ALOHA Mind Math was founded in 1993 and introduced in the United States in 2006. ALOHA Mind Math continues to experience growth beyond their current presence in 18 states, 23 countries, and 4,200 locations worldwide. To learn more about ALOHA Mind Math reading, math, and language arts programs, or to schedule an orientation at a center near you visit www.alohamindmath.com/locations.