The 7 Best Guitar Picks for Every Kind of Guitarist

The 7 Best Guitar Picks for Every Kind of Guitarist Sign up successful The cool guitar picks on this list each provide a great deal of tonal variation. So if youre trying to get a nice and bright, jangly sound, or a darker, more muted sound, there is a guitar pick on this list for you! The 7 Best Guitar Picks for All Guitarists 1. Sharkfin Guitar Picks Sharkfin picks give you a lot of versatility, and the way they’re cut provides an easy grip. With a sharkfin pick, you get the traditional sounds that come from a regular pick, in addition to unique tonal qualities brought to you by the knurled edge. You will be able to achieve different effects by dragging the knurled edge along your strings or brushing them as you strum. These unique guitar picks usually run between $1-$2 and are sold by Landstrom, Dunlop, and others.     2. Stubby Picks Its small size, hardness, and overall look make the stubby a necessary addition to this list of cool guitar picks. The stubby pick feels comfortable and has a bit of a rough grip which makes it easier to hold. Numerous brands make stubby picks, such as Dunlop and V-Pick. You can find them for a little over a dollar, then try out multiple brands to see which one you like the best. 3. Nylon Flex Guitar Picks   This is a great option for guitarists who want a really floppy pick for strumming, and many reputable brands sell them. The Herco Flex 50 specifically produces a nice, bright tone and gives you all the flop you could need. It also has just enough grip to not slip from your fingers. A Herco Flex 50 should run you about a dollar, though sometimes the thicker versions cost a bit more. If this option isn’t available at your local music shop, a good runner-up to this model would be the Jim Dunlop Nylon 60mm pick. 4. Star Picks You should definitely consider adding a Star Pick to your collection of best guitar picks. The .73mm pick is an excellent choice from Star Picks because of its hardness. A hard pick produces a bright, biting sound. Some players prefer a pick to have that bite when it comes to playing solos, because it makes the solo pop out of the mix a little more.   When using a naturally bright guitar like a Fender Statocaster, hard picks are great for getting a little extra tone above the rest of the band. The Star Pick has these advantages, but also seems to grip to your thumb pretty well. It has a small star cut-out which makes it really easy to hold. These unique guitar picks are fairly cheap, usually costing a little less than a dollar. 5. Tortex Picks The Tortex picks by Dunlop come in a variety of colors and thicknesses, and are fairly inexpensive. Many guitarists like the feel of this pick. You will notice a considerable change in tone when using it, but you may like it if you’re into a more mellow tone. When you’re using a Tortex pick, the tone does not really become muted, but the ringing quality of some strings are brought down. So if you have a guitar that seems a little too bright, the Tortex might be the perfect pick to help take away some of the harshness. There are a couple other comparable picks that don’t darken the tone, such as the Clayton 1.07mm pick and the Dunlop Ultex pick. The Clayton is especially easy to keep a grip on. 6. Metal Thumb Picks Metal thumb picks are probably one of the most useful and unique guitar picks to own. These metal finger picks are perfect for boosting the volume on your guitar just a little bit. For only a dollar you can’t go wrong.   Some people find that using a regular pick is difficult because they are easily dropped, or they get cramps in their hands. The advantage of using a thumb pick is that it doesn’t fall out of your hand when you play. You can find these cool guitar picks in metal, plastic, and some that are a hybrid of plastic and metal, although the hybrid picks tend to be more expensive. One good thumb pick to check out is the Dunlop 3040T. 7. Felt Picks Even though they’re marketed for ukuleles, felt picks are very useful for guitarists as well. Felt picks typically run around $1-$2, which is a bargain for the cool tonal variety they bring to your playing.   The muted sound that you get when playing with a felt pick is truly unique. It’s not muted to an extent that you can’t hear your instrument, but it certainly changes the tone and can make your guitar sound like a totally different guitar. This pick would be very useful in recording sessions if you’re trying to go for the sound of two different guitars, but only have one. Final Tips No matter what type of guitar or genre of music you play, there is something on this list of best guitar picks for everyone. Most types of guitar picks run for less than a dollar, so if you can afford it we recommend buying a bunch and trying them all out. If you want to start out small, try the thumb pick and felt pick first. These guitar picks are the most distinct in the tonal sounds they create, so you’ll be able to really experience and appreciate the variety that different guitar picks can provide.   This selection of cool guitar picks should give you plenty to try out and practice. You can find them at your local music store or online. Remember that a good guitar teacher can help you learn proper picking and strumming technique, and TakeLessons is the place to go if you want to find an experienced guitar teacher in your area.   Post Author:  Willy M. Willy M. teaches acoustic, bass, blues guitar and more in Winston Salem, NC. Willy has been teaching for over 20 years, and his students have ranged in age from young children to adults in their 80s.  Learn more about Willy here! Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher

The Differences Between High School and College Grading

The Differences Between High School and College Grading The transition from high to college consists of many changes. College courses are often more rigorous, and students do not always know what to expect from their classes or their instructors. To help prepare you for your courses, here are several of the differences between high school and college grading. Not all assignments are marked In high school, you likely submitted at least one or two assignments per week for every course, each of which was reviewed by your instructor and applied to your overall grade in the class. Larger assignments may have been divided into smaller components. For example, submitting a rough draft or peer editing another students work may have garnered points if completed on time. These are some helpful tips on organizing your notes. In college, you will find that not all work counts toward your final grade. In fact, it is not uncommon for certain assignments to go without review. College students are responsible for their own learning and understanding of the course objectives. Therefore, assignments may be given to help you master the material outside of class, but your instructor will not always collect them. Frequently, your grades will be based upon exams and major papers only, and your homework is simply a guide to prepare you for these. Here are 3 study tips to help you with college exams. Results-oriented grading is common Your teachers in high school likely graded your homework based not only on your answers, but also on the process you utilized to reach them. Math teachers, for example, often ask you to show your work. If you calculated one number incorrectly, but you used the correct formula and process, you may have been awarded partial credit. Grading based on your process or steps is less common in certain college disciplines. Instead, grading is focused on the results you produce. For questions that involve a single correct answer, you will not receive credit for a wrong response. On writing assignments that require analysis or opinion, you will be graded on your ability to draw conclusions and support your assertions using appropriate evidence. Different standards of grades affect your progress toward graduation As a college student, you should most certainly strive for success in your classes. Most of your courses will require that you earn a grade of C or higher for them to apply toward your major. This may be different from your high school experience, where a grade of D is often considered passing. It is important to be aware of the specific grading policies for both your college and your major. Ultimately, if your grades are not meeting the required academic standards, your graduation plans will be negatively impacted. If you are struggling in a class, seek help from a tutor, faculty memberor academic adviser, and develop strategies to set you on the path to success. Extra-credit opportunities are less frequent Extra-credit opportunities in high school are abundant. In college, on the other hand, few extra-credit opportunities will be afforded, which ensures consistency and fairness in grading. If you have become accustomed to second chances while in high school, try your best to break this habit. The grades you receive in college are intended to directly reflect your success and mastery of a particular course or subject. Navigating the differences between high school and college grading policies and procedures can be challenging at first, but it is still possible to earn high marks in your college courses through hard work and careful time management. If you have questions about your grade in a class or on a particular assignment, you should speak with your instructor immediately for clarification. His or her guidance can help you make better sense of college grading now and in the future.

What Are The Best Yoga Poses for Beginners

What Are The Best Yoga Poses for Beginners 12 Essential Yoga Positions for Beginners ChaptersMountain PoseDownward Facing DogPlankTree PoseWarrior 1Warrior 2CobraChild’s PoseBridge PoseTriangle PoseCrow PosePigeon PoseYoga is originally a Hindu spiritual and ascetic discipline. The focus of this ancient practice is meditation and breath control in particular bodily postures and positions. Nowadays, however, yoga is practised all over the world by all sorts of people, predominantly for health and relaxation.The yoga that is commonly practiced in the Western world is hatha yoga, which forms one aspect of the ancient practice, all about observance and meditation. The term yoga derives from the Sanskrit word for ‘union’, so it’s all about keeping the balance and engaging the mind and body.Yoga not only helps people to feel calm and focused, but it’s also a great way to stay in shape, and build up strength, flexibility and muscle tone. There are all sorts of yoga poses, or asanas, that will help strengthen the mind and body.But yoga moves can be tricky to get st uck into, with many people giving up pretty early on. The meditation aspects can be the most difficult sometimes, as it can be hard to stay focused when you’re also trying to hold a pose and use muscles that you don’t normally exercise.This is why it’s a great idea to start off with some yoga poses for beginners! Basic, simple poses which are designed to ease you in gently  are the perfect way to begin your journey. A great basic pose to learn is Tadasana, Warrior pose and of course downward dog.It’s best to start this way because it allows you to really focus on your breathing and observe how your body and mind are working in unison, without the stress of trying to do it on your head…Before you start, it’s a good idea to wear comfy clothes  that you can easily move and stretch in, and not too tight so that you can breathe and hold poses with ease. Most people find it easiest to practice on an exercise mat, as it keeps you grounded and you’re less likely to slip.But th e beauty of yoga is that you don’t really need anything apart from a bit of peace and quiet! Find a peaceful spot and give some easy poses a try such as warrior pose.So what are the best poses to get you started, then? Below is a list of 12 basic poses which will give you an insight into yoga  and gradually encourage you towards more advanced moves, if you wish to achieve them.Downward facing dog is an essential yoga pose (Source: Pixabay)Downward Facing DogThis is your base pose, and you’ll return to this between different yoga moves. It’s a good idea to practice your downward dog regularly â€" not just because it feels great, but because it’s an easy way to flow between poses.Start on all fours with your hands slightly forward from your shoulders and your knees directly below your hips. Spread your palms out with your fingers stretched comfortably and your toes curled under.With your feet hip-width apart and your knees slightly bent, slowly press your hips towards the ceil ing, and press your shoulders away from your ears, making your body into an inverted V shape.Hold this pose for 3 full breaths, or longer if it feels good! Hold for a few breaths between poses as a transition movement too.Plank builds strength and stamina, which is crucial for beginners. (Source: Google)PlankPlank is a really important yoga pose for beginners, which is easy to master. It’s all about learning how to balance on our hands whilst supporting ourselves with the body, and it’s great for strengthening up the abs.Start on all fours, and tuck your toes under so that you can lift your legs up off the mat. Form a straight line with your body, sliding your heels back and engaging your abs until you feel straight and strong from your head to your feet.Keep your abs engaged, and draw your shoulders back away from your ears. Hold for 8 to 10 breaths.Tree PoseStand with your legs shoulder-width apart, with your arms at your sides.Shift your weight so that you are balancing on yo ur left leg, and place the sole of your right foot inside your left thigh. Keep your hips facing forward and maintain that balance.  As you breathe in, bring your arms up above your head, with your palms facing each other shoulder-width apart. Hold this pose for 30 seconds, then slowly lower and repeat on the other side.Remember, if you can’t get your leg up high enough, or it feels painful on your knee joint, feel free to lower your sole so that it presses against your calf. Make sure you feel a stretch, but if a pose is hurting just loosen it until it’s more comfortable.Warrior 1Warrior poses are essential for yoga newbies as they build up strength, stamina and confidence when beginning and practicing yoga.Warrior 1 is an easy move which features a simple back bend, and gently opens and strengthens up the body through calm stretching.Start by taking a big step back with your left foot, then push your left heel down and angle your left toes outwards slightly, about 45 degrees.W hen you’re in a lunging position, lift your chest up and bring your arms up above your head. Press your palms together and pointed up to the sky.Hold for 5-10 breaths, then step forward and repeat on the opposite leg.Find yoga classes near you, search  yoga Manchester.

4 Introverts Who Created Successful Startups - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / 4 Introverts Who Created Successful Startups - Introvert Whisperer 4 Introverts Who Created Successful Startups Gates. Shah. Zuckerberg. What do these names have in common? For starters, they’re all insanely successful. After all, who wouldn’t count running Facebook â€" which is used by well over a billion people on the planet â€" a success? Another common element between all of them is that they’re all introverts. Yes: it may be hard to believe, but Bill Gates â€" founder of one of the most influential technology companies in history and one of the most popular people on the planet â€" is an introvert. He’s someone who doesn’t readily and willingly like talking to people and, in general, would like to spend most of his time alone. You may be surprised to find there’s a handful of introverts out in the world who have managed successful startup companies in addition to Mr. Gates. 1.  Ben Silbermann, CEO of Pinterest Have you ever scrolled for hours upon hours on Pinterest, maybe looking at cool recipes, trendy fashions or even just cat pictures? If you have, then you’ve experienced the idea of Ben Silbermann. Silbermann had the idea for Pinterest after designing his own apps. When Tote, one of his early apps, failed, he turned to his childhood and thought of an app for collecting. The rest is history. Silbermann has learned that small victories are important to share with people. With an introverted personality, he has to remember to share his wins and not simply keep all his emotions to himself. A worthy lesson for anyone. 2.  Dharmesh Shah, Co-Founder of Hubspot Social media is a natural part of our lives now. That may seem scary, but it’s the truth. Keeping this in mind, Shah and his business partner saw an opportunity to provide tools for this platform way back in 2006. Shah’s ability to accurately predict how social media would blow up led to his company becoming one of the first to provide social media marketing and web analytics. Shah’s idea to treat customers like people really hit home with future buyers. Creating a company that has a personal touch is important when leading a company as an introvert. Recognizing that everyone has anxiety and doubts makes everyone human â€" and that makes everyone important. 3.  Mark Zuckerberg, Co-Founder of Facebook Facebook is everywhere. You can’t escape its grasp, no matter where you turn. As Facebook continues to grow, Mark Zuckerberg is a man who is wanted by the media more and more. The spotlight continues to grow on him. With this in mind, it’s difficult for Zuckerberg to be himself. Naturally an introvert, Zuckerberg works through it by genuinely caring about and talking to people. Just because you may not like to socialize doesn’t mean you don’t have great ideas. Mark gets out there and listens to people when they talk. Specifically, he has a special relationship with one of his executives. With a two-man team, getting messages across is much easier. This is a great tool to use if you’re looking to use your introversion as an advantage. 4.  Bill Gates, Founder of Microsoft Yes, the brilliant mind behind Microsoft and one of the biggest figures of the 20th century is an introvert. Bill is famously known for his shyness and his quirky side. Even though Mr. Gates doesn’t necessarily like to attract attention to himself through the characteristics of an extrovert, Bill harnesses one of the most important tools a successful introvert has. You have to know what you’re talking about. Plain and simple. If you know what you’re talking about, no matter the subject matter, you’ll have a ton of confidence. If you have a ton of confidence, you don’t need to worry about people staring at you and secretly laughing at you. Rather, if you know your stuff, you’ll inspire and awe everyone you talk to. Inspired yet? These folks stand as proof that great ideas don’t need to fall by the wayside just because you like to keep to yourself. Kayla Matthews is a self-improvement writer contributing to publications like The Daily Muse, MakeUseOf, Lifehack and The Huffington Post. To read more professional development posts from Kayla, check out her blog, Productivity Theory. Go to top SELF-PROMOTION Let me emphasize that Self-Promotion doesn’t have to be obnoxious to be effective.  But, if you don’t Self-Promote you, who will?  If you ever want to get ahead, you have to learn how to Self-Promote. I want to help you accelerate your career by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my video that shows you simple, yet effective ways to Self-Promote. Start watching now by clicking here! Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleashing your professional potential. Introvert Whisperer

What is it Like to Attend Dartmouth College

What is it Like to Attend Dartmouth College The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Dennis is a 2012 graduate of Dartmouth College who currently tutors in Houston. He holds a degree in Government and Cognitive Science and specializes inseveral subjects including Chemistry tutoring, World History tutoring, and Phonics tutoring. See what he had to say about Dartmouth: VT: Describe the campus setting and transportation options.How urban or safe is the campus?Are there buses or do you need a car/bike? Dennis: Dartmouth is in Hanover, New Hampshire, which is right on the Connecticut River and Vermont border. Its a rural town on the Appalachian Trail with about 11,000 people. The campus itself is very walkable. If you live in the dorms, the farthest academic buildings are no more than 15 minutes away. Many students also bike. Additionally, the town is very safe. In addition to the Hanover Police, Dartmouth has a blue-light system and Safety and Security force. VT: How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Dennis: Dartmouth is known for its focus on undergraduate education and the quality of its teaching. Less than one percent of classes are taught by teaching assistants, and professors are available during their weekly office hours or over email. If I emailed any professor with a question about class material or future course offerings, I knew that I would have a response the next day. Professors also made sure to involve students in their research, which led to a lot of fantastic job opportunities. VT: How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Dennis: Dartmouths dorms were all built at different times, so there is a wide range of housing. First-year students live together in freshmen clusters, and each hallway has a UGA, or Undergraduate Advisor. Housing is spread out across campus. There is one main dining hall, which recently underwent a major renovation, and a few smaller ones that are part of the student meal plan. Theres also an excellent library caf run by King Arthur Flour. The dorms do have common areas, which generally have study spaces/TVs/laundry machines, but theyre not too commonly used. VT: Which majors/programs are best represented and supported?What did you study and why? Did the university do a good job supporting your particular area of study? Dennis: The top five majors are Economics, Psychology, Government, Biology, and English. Economics, Government, and the Life Sciences are especially strong, but one could have an excellent education in any major and work with some fantastic professors. I double majored in Government and Cognitive Science. I had always been interested in government and was excited to take classes about public policy and international relations. I really enjoyed the education and psychology classes I took early on, and I was able to combine those with Philosophy and Linguistics courses for the Cognitive Science major. Finally, Dartmouth has a fantastic study-abroad program. Due to the trimester system, students are able to study abroad multiple times during their college career, and the college runs most of its international programs. VT: How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Does Greek life play a significant role in the campus social life? Dennis: There is always some adjustment to college life and new people. One unique piece of Dartmouth culture is the First-Year Trips programs, where 96% of new students go out into the woods with upperclassmen trip leaders and their fellow freshman trippees. Students meet each other during Orientation week, and then bond as classes and clubs start. The biggest student groups include The Dartmouth (the school paper), The Outing Club, the political clubs at the Rockefeller Center, and the community service organizations at the Tucker Center. Greek life certainly exists at Dartmouth. There are 16 fraternities, 9 sororities, and four co-ed houses. Freshmen are not allowed to join houses, and students typically pledge their sophomore fall. The Greek scene isnt for everyone, but I enjoyed my time in a fraternity. It was a good way to meet a lot of people at once. VT: How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services?Do many reputable companies recruit on campus? Dennis: Career Services is helpful. Their office is a block from campus, and it is easy to set up appointments for graduate school advising and cover letter writing sessions. Students have access to the Dartmouth alumni network, whose members are generally happy to give advice or move a students resume up the pile. Many reputable companies recruit on campusDartmouth sends many students to the top investment banks, consulting firms, hedge funds, non-profit teaching organizations, and graduate schools. That said, Im not sure if any college student has the job of their dreams right after graduation. VT: How are the various study areas such aslibraries, student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Dennis: Students study anywhere, but one of the most popular spots is the four-floor Baker-Berry Library. Its generally easy to find space there, except during finals week. VT: Describe the surrounding town. What kinds of outside establishments / things to do are there that make it fun, boring, or somewhere in between?To what extent do students go to the downtown area of the city versus staying near campus? Dennis: Hanover is absolutely a small town. Part of the schools appeal is its relationship to the outdoors. Students can easily go hiking, rock climbing, canoeingthe school has its own mountain, and I loved the skiing lessons I took freshman winter. Students are rarely bored. They are deeply involved with their classes, research, and extracurriculars. There are a few places in the one-block downtown that students go to, but a lot of the social scene exists in off-campus houses or fraternities, which are open to anyone with a Dartmouth ID. VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Dennis: There are roughly 4,400 undergraduate students. Although some of the introductory lecture classes have over 100 students, most of the mid-level classes are capped at 35, and many of the seminars have less than 15. In almost all of my classes, I felt that it was very easy to connect to the professor. VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Dennis: Senior year, I wrote a thesis with the government department. It was a year-long project, and in May the students went out with their advisors to the Norwich Inn for dinner. Professor Valentino and Professor Clarke, the program heads, gave us all clocks (as they said, to represent the time spent on our papers). Professor Valentino also noted that we had moved from being consumers of knowledge to producers of knowledge. That comment has stuck with me since graduating, and I feel that the transition from consumer to producer is a worthy goal for all college students. Check out Dennis tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Five Great Extracurricular Activities for the Analytical Child

Five Great Extracurricular Activities for the Analytical Child Five Great Extracurricular Activities for the Analytical Child Parents know that extracurricular activities offer a wide range of benefits for children. They teach them to work with their peers, manage their time, set goals and work toward them, and so much more. If your child is a thinker who enjoys activities that stretch the mind and develop those all-important critical thinking skills, youre in luck. There are many extracurricular activities that will nurture your childs intellect. Here are a few great activities for children who like to stretch their minds: Chess: It probably comes as no surprise to learn that chess is an excellent activity for students who enjoy mental stimulation. Chess strengthens ones creative and critical thinking ability, memory, concentration, mental precision and academic endurance. Many studies report that chess helps strengthen certain areas of the brain as well. If your child appreciates logical thinking and strategy, chess is a wonderful lifelong activity. Debate: Is your child constantly negotiating fewer chores and developing convincing arguments for additional screen time? Is he or she the type to take nothing at face value? If so, your schools debate team or club might be the perfect activity. In debate, students compete in formal contests of argumentation. Individual students develop arguments on specific topics and deliver those arguments in front of a panel of judges. Each team takes a position on the topic presented (pro or con) and then the teams present their statements and supporting points, either individually or as a team. Debate builds students public speaking abilities as well as their research skills, critical thinking and much more. Model United Nations Club: For students interested in government, law or even business, a Model United Nations (UN) Club might be a great fit. The United Nations Association describes Model UN as a simulation of the UN General Assembly and other multilateral bodies. Students play the role of ambassadors from UN member states and debate current issues by preparing speeches, drafting resolutions, and negotiating with allies and adversaries. Students compete at Model UN conferences, which are offered throughout the country and around the world. Lego clubs: Are an excellent opportunity for students interested in engineering as well as those who enjoy designing and building things and learning how things work. Lego programs provide tools that develop lateral and three dimensional thinking in a fun environment. Not only do Legos improve literacy as kids work with instructions, it boosts motor development, and enhances communication and critical thinking. Many schools and libraries sponsor Lego based activities. FIRST Lego League are competitions for children ages 9 to 14 years old and are geared to inspire interest and participation in science and technology using Lego based products. Literature Club: Does your student like to read and/or talk about what he or she reads? Check out the school book club or literary club. Some schools literary clubs focus on reading and discussing books, while others also invite budding writers to submit their works for reading and critiquing. For those who enjoy thoughtful discourse about the books that they read, literature clubs are a good way to improve communication, reading and writing skills and learn to develop and support opinions. Many extracurricular activities teach your child valuable skills such as how to persevere in the face of challenges and think through problems with multiple possible solutions. Encourage your child to find activities that suit his or her interests and strengths and offer opportunities for growth. Your child will undoubtedly reap many academic and non-academic benefits. About Huntington Learning Center: Huntington is the tutoring and test prep leader. Its certified tutors provide individualized instruction in reading, phonics, writing, study skills, elementary and middle school math, Algebra through Calculus, Chemistry, and other sciences. It preps for the SAT and ACT, as well as state and standardized exams. Huntington programs develop the skills, confidence, and motivation to help students succeed and meet the needs of Common Core State Standards. Founded in 1977, Huntingtons mission is to give every student the best education possible. Learn how Huntington can help at www.huntingtonhelps.com. For franchise opportunities please visit www.huntingtonfranchise.com.

4 Review Techniques to Get You Ready for Any Exam

4 Review Techniques to Get You Ready for Any Exam A Comprehensive Review of Test Prep Strategies How ready are you for your upcoming exams? Honing your test taking skills will prepare you for exams in your high school courses as well as any achievement exams you will take this year. Focusing now on your test taking skills will pay off in the long run as you approach each exam with confidence in your abilities.The staff at Huntington Learning Centers has helped thousands of students improve their test taking strategies. Some of our favorite strategies include: Understanding the directions Each exam is different and has its own testingguidelines. It's important to do your research before exam day arrives toensure you understand these guidelines. Pay attention to what is allowed in the testing center, your time limitations, and what portions of the testing materials you may write in, complete your work, or jot notes. Using your time wisely Standardized achievement tests all have time limitsthat must be strictly adhered to. Knowing your time limits is importantbut you should also focus on using every minute wisely. If a question isposing a particular problem, skip it, answer the questions that you're more confident in and return to answer it later. You should also check forerrors, reread written passages, and scan your math work until time iscalled. Finding strategies that work for you No two students are alike and during your preparation you'll find specific test taking strategies that are most effective foryou. A good way to discover strategies that work for you is to takeseveral practice exams before testing day. You'll learn about the layoutand content of the exam while discovering how you work best. Some students like to jot notes as they read while others prefer to read all of thequestions before turning their attention to the corresponding writtenpassage. Checking for errors Identifyingerrors is crucial to your success. Several times during the testing session make sure that your response sheet corresponds with the examquestions. This mistake is much easier to solve if you identify yourerrors early. Double check that you have followed all of the testingguidelines, erased any errant marks, and answered every question. Huntington Learning Centers provides comprehensive test prep review and test taking strategies for achievement exams. Our tutors are specially trained to provide general strategies and test specific information for a variety of exams, including: SAT: The SAT Exam is an achievement exam that plays an important role indetermining college admission and scholarship opportunities. The SATExam is offered on seven testing dates eachyear and most studentstake the exam during their junior year with the option to retest duringsenior year. ACT: The ACT Exam is an achievementexam that is offered six times each school year and is designed to assessa student's academic achievement and readiness for college. Results fromthe ACT Exam are typically used to help determine college admission andare accepted by all four year universities and colleges in the UnitedStates. PSAT: Most students take the PSAT in October of their junior year in high school. It is similar to the SAT exam and is a good indicator of astudent's potential on the SAT. Academic organizations, such as theNational Merit Scholarship Program, award scholarships based on PSAT scores. SAT Subject Tests: In recent years the College Board began offering individual subject area tests as part of the SAT exam. These tests are designed for students todisplay the specific knowledge they have gained during their high schoolcourses. Colleges use the SAT Subject Tests to form admission decisions,determine readiness, and place students in courses. AP Exams: After completing a year-long AP course students have the opportunity to sit for a subject specific AP Exam. These exams cover college level material and are typically taken to highlight a student's knowledge and earn college credit. There are 31 AP Exams offered in the five general subject areas of science, math, history, language, and English. 4 Review Techniques to Get You Ready for Any Exam A Comprehensive Review of Test Prep Strategies How ready are you for your upcoming exams? Honing your test taking skills will prepare you for exams in your high school courses as well as any achievement exams you will take this year. Focusing now on your test taking skills will pay off in the long run as you approach each exam with confidence in your abilities.The staff at Huntington Learning Centers has helped thousands of students improve their test taking strategies. Some of our favorite strategies include: Understanding the directions Each exam is different and has its own testingguidelines. It's important to do your research before exam day arrives toensure you understand these guidelines. Pay attention to what is allowed in the testing center, your time limitations, and what portions of the testing materials you may write in, complete your work, or jot notes. Using your time wisely Standardized achievement tests all have time limitsthat must be strictly adhered to. Knowing your time limits is importantbut you should also focus on using every minute wisely. If a question isposing a particular problem, skip it, answer the questions that you're more confident in and return to answer it later. You should also check forerrors, reread written passages, and scan your math work until time iscalled. Finding strategies that work for you No two students are alike and during your preparation you'll find specific test taking strategies that are most effective foryou. A good way to discover strategies that work for you is to takeseveral practice exams before testing day. You'll learn about the layoutand content of the exam while discovering how you work best. Some students like to jot notes as they read while others prefer to read all of thequestions before turning their attention to the corresponding writtenpassage. Checking for errors Identifyingerrors is crucial to your success. Several times during the testing session make sure that your response sheet corresponds with the examquestions. This mistake is much easier to solve if you identify yourerrors early. Double check that you have followed all of the testingguidelines, erased any errant marks, and answered every question. Huntington Learning Centers provides comprehensive test prep review and test taking strategies for achievement exams. Our tutors are specially trained to provide general strategies and test specific information for a variety of exams, including: SAT: The SAT Exam is an achievement exam that plays an important role indetermining college admission and scholarship opportunities. The SATExam is offered on seven testing dates eachyear and most studentstake the exam during their junior year with the option to retest duringsenior year. ACT: The ACT Exam is an achievementexam that is offered six times each school year and is designed to assessa student's academic achievement and readiness for college. Results fromthe ACT Exam are typically used to help determine college admission andare accepted by all four year universities and colleges in the UnitedStates. PSAT: Most students take the PSAT in October of their junior year in high school. It is similar to the SAT exam and is a good indicator of astudent's potential on the SAT. Academic organizations, such as theNational Merit Scholarship Program, award scholarships based on PSAT scores. SAT Subject Tests: In recent years the College Board began offering individual subject area tests as part of the SAT exam. These tests are designed for students todisplay the specific knowledge they have gained during their high schoolcourses. Colleges use the SAT Subject Tests to form admission decisions,determine readiness, and place students in courses. AP Exams: After completing a year-long AP course students have the opportunity to sit for a subject specific AP Exam. These exams cover college level material and are typically taken to highlight a student's knowledge and earn college credit. There are 31 AP Exams offered in the five general subject areas of science, math, history, language, and English.

Irvine Tutoring Tips Why Summer School is Awesome

Irvine Tutoring Tips Why Summer School is Awesome Tips from an Irvine Tutor: Five reasons why summer school is actually awesome Many kids attend summer school these days to keep up with stringent educational standards in Southern California. Most view it as something that takes away from their free time during the summer; however, summer school can provide some great elements to a student’s overall education. Summer learning can make the school year easier, help push students towards their college dreams, and allow them to concentrate on one subject theyve been struggling with our private Irvine tutoring will help you succeed in your summer school classes. 1. Create balance Kid’s who get caught up to grade level with academic tasks over the summer have more of a healthy life balance during the school year. Perhaps geometry has been a challenge the entire year, or maybe their reading comprehension skills have been causing extra stress. When students try to tackle a difficult subject, their mind becomes tired, and its harder to enjoy learning other subjects that they excel in. By focusing on these topics during the summer, students create a balance for themselves during the year, so they continue to love learning in general and maintain a high GPA. 2. Get one-on-one attention in a difficult subject Every student has that one subject they struggle with. This can either end up being a detriment to their overall education and cause stress thats unnecessary, or it can be an opportunity to improve. Students can work with a one-on-one tutor over the summer and get extra attention to turn their weakness into a strength. One-on-one tutoring helps students move through the steps to success quicker and easier, so they feel confident once they go back to the classroom in the fall (READ: Why You Should Take an Online Class This Summer). 3. Socialization Some summer school programs offer students an opportunity to work on academics in the morning and socialize in the afternoon. This is a great way to combine summer school and camp allowing kids to get enjoyment out of the summer months. Also, it gives students an opportunity to socialize in a semi-structured environment so they can continue to make friends and improve social skills while they work on academics. Learning to get along with others and maintaining friendships is a big part of any student’s overall educational experience and should be viewed as an important element of growing up. 4. Reaching college goals Many students opt to attend a summer college prep program to achieve admittance into their dream and target schools. These days, applying to college should be an entire subject in and of itself, and the overall process takes up a lot of a student’s time. Students need to prep for the SAT or ACT (or both), they need to work on personal statements and essays, and they need to determine which colleges will be the best fit for them. There are tons of summer prep programs that help students navigate this process and get ready for entrance exams. Students can also work one-on-one with an in-home tutor to determine their strengths and weaknesses. 5. Grades One of the more obvious positive elements of summer school is that it helps students improve their GPA. If a student can tackle core subjects over the summer, theyre more likely to keep their grades up during the year. Of course, its important for students to have time to rest and recharge during July and August but its also important for them to have the academic tools necessary to do well on assignments and quizzes throughout the year. Even a short summer school program helps students improve their grades and feel more confident about their ability to study, organize, and learn. The start of the school year is just around the corner! Get the summer rust off and start the year right with the help of a private Irvine back-to-school tutor. Call us today for more information. All blog entries, with the exception of guest bloggers, are written by Tutor Nerds. Are you an education professional? If so, email us at pr@tutornerds.com for guest blogging and collaborations. We want to make this the best free education resource in SoCal, so feel free to suggest what you would like to see us write.