A Day in the Life at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst

A Day in the Life at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Jennifer received her bachelors degree in English and History from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst and her masters degree in Higher Education Student Affairs from Ohio State University. She is currently a tutor in Austin specializing in writing, literature, and clarinet, among other subjects. See what she had to say about her experience at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst: VT: Describe the campus setting and transportation options. How urban or rural is the campus? Did you feel safe on campus? Are there buses or do you need a car/bike? Jennifer: The University of Massachusetts-Amherst is nestled in the Pioneer Valley. This large campus is near several other colleges (Amherst, Smith, Hampshire, and Mount Holyoke) and has great, free, public transportation throughout the county. When I was in school, I did not have a car and was able to get to class, the grocery store, the movies, and my friends apartments safely and quickly on the busses. The campus core is well lit at nights, and there are always people around, so I felt safe after night classes. VT: How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Jennifer:Depending on your major, or the course, professors and academic advisors are accessible. In my first year, I was undeclared, so I had to schedule an academic advising session. Once I declared English, my advisor was assigned and we met regularly. Faculty are good about creating opportunities to work on projects with them too. VT: How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Jennifer:I lived on campus for two years, and it was a lot of fun. My residence hall had learning communities, so I was placed with other people who shared similar interests and classes. In fact, as part of my Learning Community, a few of my classes were in my residence hall which was really nice in the winter! Dining is buffet style at most of the dining halls so you can choose what you like to eat (and how much). There are also caf-style options at the Union. Getting involved in student organizations can be tricky at first because the campus is pretty big, but I met a lot of people through my Learning Community and music classes. 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? Jennifer:I studied English and History because I liked the flexibility of choosing my own course plan. The University of Massachusetts-Amherst was great in substituting course requirements in these majors, and allowing me to take classes at other colleges that I found interesting. 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? Jennifer:It was easy to make friends because I sought out student organizations. I joined marching band, and met over 400 people before classes even started. Having a common interest helped break the ice for sure. Greek life is active at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, but definitely didnt drive the entire campus. VT: How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services?Do many reputable companies recruit on campus? Jennifer:I used the Career Center to help apply for graduate schools. They advised me on my applications, resumes, and planning for interviews. My application process required me to travel to other colleges, but the University of Massachusetts-Amherst was helpful in preparing me before these visits. VT: How are the various study areas such aslibraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Jennifer:The W.E.B DuBois library underwent major construction and renovations while I was in school. There are a ton of study spaces for individual and group projects. My friends and I would stay at the library several nights a week because it is near the Union and had all the resources we needed to do our homework. There are over 20 floors, so it is easy to find a quiet space if you need. 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? Jennifer:Amherst is a small town with a few restaurants and shops, while Hadley and North Hampton are pretty accessible by bus and car. There are many music performances, theater, sporting events, and festivals on or near campus to keep you busy. I would often go out to eat at one of the local restaurants, and never felt like I couldnt afford a nice meal. VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Jennifer:The University of Massachusetts-Amherst is one of the biggest campuses in the state. With that said, I had a few classes with over 300 students, but 90 percent of my classes were under 15. There were generally enough sections of a class so students could get individual attention from the professors. VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Jennifer:I joined the marching band so I could continue playing saxophone in school and make friends right away. During the football playoffs, almost everyone was watching the games. When the team won the semi-finals, everyone was cheering and celebrating and then we found out that the band would get to travel to National Championships with the team. This was a great way to end my senior year with the band and have a lasting memory from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. Check out Jennifers tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Coterminal Angles Definition

Coterminal Angles Definition Coterminal angles worksheet deals with problems on coterminal angles. Angles which are drawn in standard position that share a common terminal side are called coterminal angles. It can be positive and negative. In simple words, Coterminal angles are the angles having common terminal side. From the figure we understood that A ray (x-axis) where we start measuring the angles is the initial side. A ray where we stop measuring the angle is the terminal side. The angles 60o, -300o, 780o are all coterminal angles. Example 1: Find a positive and negative coterminal angle for250 degrees. Solution: First add 360 to 250 to get your positive Coterminal angle = 250+360= 610 = Then subtract 360 from 260 to get your negative Coterminal angle. = 265-360= -110 Example 2: Find a positive and negative coterminalangle for9pi. Solution: First add 9pi to 2pi to get your positive coterminal angle. =9pi+2pi=11pi = Then to get your negative coterminal angle, subtract 2pi from 9pi. =9pi-2pi=7pi = this is the negative Coterminal angle. Example 3: Find angles that are coterminal with the angle 400? Solution: To find positive angles that are coterminal with 400, add any multiple of 3600 with 400 = Therefore 400 + 3600 = 4000 = 400 + 7200 = 7600 (360 * 2 = 720) = 4000 and 7600 are two positive coterminal angles. = To find negative angles that are Coterminal with 40 degree, subtract any multiple of 3600 with 400 = Therefore 400 - 3600 = -3200 = 400 - 7200 =- 6800 (360 * 2 = 720) = -3200 and -6800 are two negative coterminal angles. = Likewise we can find any number of positive and negative Coterminal anglesfor 40 degrees.

ACT and SAT Test Dates for 2018-2019

ACT and SAT Test Dates for 2018-2019 At the beginning of the school year, high school juniors and seniors are faced with a multitude of demandsa new schedule, higher-level courses, and college admissions test prep. As a junior or senior, identifying a test prep timeline can be crucial to securing the standardized test score youre aiming for. There are a number of ACT and SAT test dates offered throughout the year, and its up to you to plan your prep accordingly. Hoping to get organized as the school year begins? Here, youll find information about ACT and SAT test dates for 2018-2019, as well as their registration deadlines. And as you delve into your studying, rememberVarsity Tutors offers personalized, one-on-one ACT tutoring and SAT tutoring. 2018-2019 ACT test dates When noting available ACT and SAT test dates, its also important to identify all registration deadlines. Below, youll find the ACT test dates released by ACT.org for the 2018-2019 school year. To register for an exam, click here. *Late registration deadline has passed. [RELATED: What is an Average ACT Score?] 2018-2019 SAT test dates If you miss the initial registration deadline but register before the late registration deadline, there is an additional fee of $30.00 for the ACT and $29.00 for the SAT. Like the ACT, below youll find the SAT test dates released by the College Board for the 2018-2019 school year. Click here to register for an exam date. *Test datehas passed. [RELATED: What is an Average SAT Score?] How to send ACT and SAT test scores to colleges During registration, both the ACT and the SAT allow you to choose several schools to send your scores to for free. For test dates of interest, research when scores will become available. Schools generally have dates you must submit your standardized test scores by, so be sure to prioritize your 2018-2019 ACT and SAT test dates accordingly. [RELATED: What I Wish I Knew About Taking the ACT/SAT] How to properly prepare for an ACT or SAT test date When establishing a testing timeline, allow yourself ample prep time. Take practice tests, or utilize private ACT tutoring or SAT tutoring to analyze areas of success and improvement. Identify a target score, and dedicate the required prep time in order to achieve your goal. Any topics you want to know more about? Let us know! The Varsity Tutors Blog editors love hearing your feedback and opinions. Feel free to email us at blog@varsitytutors.com.

Online Equation Solver Tutors

Online Equation Solver Tutors We can say equation solver is a kind of tool to solve the equation. We can say an equation is of the form A = B. Here A and B are expressions having unknowns. For example, 3 is the unique solution of the equation x + 4 = 7. In other words we can say an equation is a kind mathematical statement that has two expressions divide by an equal sign. Example 1: Solve the equation 3x + 5 = 13 x. Solution: The given equation is 3x + 5 = 13 x Now we can add -5 on both sides of the equality 3x + 5 5= 13 x 5 3x = 8 x Now we can add x on both sides of the equality 3x + x = 8 x + x 4x = 8 Therefore, x = 2. Example 2: Solve the equation 2x + 21 = 9x 14 . Solution: The given equation is 2x + 21 = 9x 14 Now we can add 14 on both sides of the equality 2x + 21 +14 = 9x 14 14 2x + 35 = 9x Now we can add 2x on both sides of the equality 2x + 35 2x = 9x 2x 35 = 7x Now we can divide this equation by 7, then we get 35/7= 7x/7 5 = x Therefore, solution of the given equation is x = 5.

ACT Online Registration

ACT Online Registration ACT, also known as American College testing is the exam taken by high school students. ACT is a standardized and recognized test taken by students to gain admissions in colleges and universities in the United States. Good ACT score helps students get admission into their desired colleges as the test examines academic knowledge of the student in 4 different areas. ACT test paper consists of 4 main sections: English, Mathematics, Reading and Science Reasoning. ACT offers an optional Writing section as well and the students can choose to attempt this section as well if they prefer getting their score including the Writing section. There are different options to sign up for ACT but the Online Registration method is the fastest method to sign up for the ACT exam. Students can choose their desired test center according to their convenience, but have to check if the particular test center has available space or not. Once the preferred test center is chosen, then one can print out admission ticket from the website as well. Students can take ACT assessment with or without including the Writing section and it will charge few extra dollars if the section is included. Students can sign up for online registration by creating their ACT web account and it then provides them all the further information required to attend the test. ACT is conducted 4 to 6 times a year depending on the individual state in the United States and hence the students can register and take the test according to their convenience.

English Vocabulary Neologisms, or new words

English Vocabulary Neologisms, or new words Spoken English is constantly evolving. New words (also called neologisms) and expressions are constantly coined (developed) reflecting changes in society and the cultural needs and experiences of the people who speak it.Here are ten words in the English language that have emerged over the past ten years:JargonautSomeone who uses a lot of jargon, or vocabulary that is specific to a particular trade or job.MehThis is the response when something leaves you unimpressed or disinterested.Citizen JournalistThese are people, not trained as journalists, who write and upload news information on the web via their blogs.RecessionistaThis is a person who dresses stylishly while on a budget enforced by the economic recession.Unitasker This is someone who (or something that) can only do one task at a time. It is the opposite of multitasker.TweetingThis is what you are doing when you are posting a comment on the social networking site Twitter. NetiquetteThis is the code of behavior for activity on t he internet. It is a blend of network and etiquette.Flash MobThis is a crowd of people (or mob) that is convened to meet at a set time and place via internet. They are told to perform a certain activity when they get there and then disperse quickly afterwards.NonlinerThis refers to a person who does not use the internet.OversharingThis refers to the act of sharing too much information online such as credit card details, passwords etc.Here is a video showing a flash mob at work. Lets watch it and answer some questions based on it afterwards (warning, YouTube has put a LONG advertisement before the video):How would you describe what the flash mob is doing?How do you see the people around the flash mob reacting?Have you ever taken part in a flash mob event?   If not, would you consider it?Did you find this blog interesting? Feel free to share it on Facebook and Twitter.

2019 American Education Week

2019 American Education Week The week before Thanksgiving, on November 18, 2019, American Education Week will kick off. Created by the National Education Association (NEA), this weeklong celebration of public education honors the professionals who make a difference in ensuring that every child in the country receives a quality educationfrom teachers to support staff, from communities to principals. Communities around the country can celebrate the daily components of American Education Week as scheduled below: Monday, November 18: Kickoff Day The nationwide kickoff, with activities and events at schools around the country. Tuesday, November 19: Parents Day A day for parents and/or other family members to join their children at school for a first-hand look at a typical school day. Wednesday, November 20: Education Support Professionals Day A day to honor the contributions of public support staff, such as instructional assistants, office workers, paraeducators, bus drivers, custodians, and security guards. Thursday, November 21: Educator for a Day A program in which community members are invited to school as guest educators. This day gives them the opportunity to get a feel for a typical school day, including everything from teaching classes to eating lunch in the cafeteria. Friday, November 22: Substitute Educators Day A day that honors the professional substitute educators who run classes when regular educators are absent. American Education Week was founded in 1921 by the National Education Association and the American Legion as a national effort to raise public awareness of the importance of education. The week-long celebration is now co-sponsored by several other organizations as well, including the U.S. Department of Education, the National School Boards Association, the American Federation of Teachers and the American School Counselor Association, among others. Public schools are continually working to be better and to keep pace with the ever-changing worldand prepare students for that world, says Eileen Huntington of Huntington Learning Center. Public schools are open to all, and are worthy of celebration. American Education week recognizes the many people who contribute to educating our nations children. As part of that group, we at Huntington Learning Center are so thankful for our colleagues and communities for all that they do to support students academic achievements and give all children a quality education. Learn more about American Education Week at www.nea.org/aew. For more information about Huntington Learning Centers services, contact us at 1-800 CAN LEARN or visit www.huntingtonhelps.com.

Unschooling

Unschooling There is a discussion going on in America about what went wrong in the past years to decades. This discussion is not limited to about what went wrong in our financial and regulatory systems that caused this economic recession. The change permeates many areas of life including education. While we came to think that public schools is the only and best way to educate our children there are new concepts out there that promise a better future for our young ones. One of these new concepts is Unschooling. Wikipedia defines Unschooling as a set of educational philosophies and practices centered on allowing children to learn through their natural life experiences, including child directed play, game play, household responsibilities, work experience, and social interaction, rather than through a more traditional school curriculum. Unschooling encourages exploration of activities led by the children themselves, facilitated by the adults. Unschooling differs from conventional schooling principally in the thesis that standard curricula and conventional grading methods, as well as other features of traditional schooling, are counterproductive to the goal of maximizing the education of each child. Looking at the definition of Unschooling one can easily see an relation to homeschooling. Homeschooled children are taught typically by parents and sometimes by tutors, rather than in a formal settings of public or private school. At home they can more easily follow their natural curiosities and explore subjects of personal interests. Public schools tend to be more structured as a student must follow the curriculum and learn at the pace the teacher and peers dictate. Critics of home schooling and unschooling tend to view it as an extreme educational philosophy. They are concerned that unschooled children will lack the social skills, structure, and motivation of their peers, especially in the job market. Proponents of unschooling claim exactly the opposite is true: self-directed education in a natural environment makes a child more equipped to handle the real world. The general public has a perception about homeschoolers that they cant talk to people. In my view this common perception is entirely wrong. I found talking to young home schooled kids a delight as they are curious about life and ask questions that even an adult can challenge intellectually. Probably a nice way to describe unschooling is to say to learn from life and follow your passion. Home schooled kids go through life with eyes wide open and tend to generate novel ideas. And many new ideas come from unexpected sources. Thats what is needed to foster the change America is in need right now. For example, the organic whole food movement of the past years did not come from MBA educated thinkers of big food businesses but come the grass root thinkers at the bottom. No matter what age youre no matter whats our background you can learn in life. But the ability to learn must be learnt itself. Public schools tend to stifle the natural curiosity of children while unschooled kids tend to take more initiative in learning by their own. There is such an abundance to learn in life. Whether youre interested in history, science, writing, acting, sports, science, computer programming, web design or Spanish there is no much information and help out there to satisfy your learning curiosity. I myself use the Web heavily for my personal and professional growth. Quite often before I work on a new area I Google it or watch Youtube on the topic. It is amazing but I almost ever found the information I was looking for. Also professionally I constantly educate my self using the web in areas such as PHP and MySql programming, machine learning and SEO marketing. Although I want to school for 18 years I feel that most of the knowledge learnt there was not that appl icable to life. Granted learning Russian language and historic materialism in East Germany is probably an rare case of wasted knowledge). But even my math education was overdone: I dont use matrices and differential equations in my daily life. But today when I learn about business, economics and programming I feel that this is very applicable. And I get all this knowledge for very little money from the web, youtube videos, torrent media or from books conveniently bought at Amazon. Some progress towards unschool has alredy been made in the past. Thanks to the homeschooling laws of the past 10 years children can be taught at home by their parents (at leas in California and some other rstates). We also have seen the creation of community centers. Here homeschooled students have access to professors, computer Internet, books and local news. Sometimes they have even labs (science, languages) where homeschooled children have the also the same equipment resources as public school students. In summary, unschooling promises to be more effective and less costly for of education than that of traditional public and private schools. Unschooling centers around the learners curiosities, natural life and work experiences. The legal possibility of unschooling exists already today; and so do many resources. Whats the big challenge is for parents and self learner to unlearn the ingrained patterns of scholastic learning and transition to self-direct form of learning.