Judging School Performance

Judging School Performance By now, everyone has heard something negative about Americas public schools. They are falling behind foreign countries; they dont prepare kids for college or future employment; its the teachers fault; its the bureaucrats fault, reads the news. Simply put, many schools in America need help, and now the government is making it official as it could soon label three-fourths of public schools failing under the federal No Child Left Behind Act, according to an article in the Washington Post. The Obama administration recently announced that it would revamp former president George W. Bushs original education initiative. Arne Duncan, Federal Education Secretary, believes that the school ratings system Bush put in place with the No Child Left Behind Act is in jeopardy itself because the law is no longer workable. Obama and Duncan are pushing to lighten up on the ratings system, labeling fewer schools as failing, but cracking down hard on under-achieving schools. Duncan said that the No Child Left Behind Act had created dozens of ways for schools to fail and very few to help them succeed. Duncan and the Federal Education Department estimate that up to 82% of schools could be labeled failing, an increase from last years 37%. The No Child Left Behind Act creates benchmarks for schools to rise steadily nationwide, in hopes of creating adequate education for all students. However, critics say that the law creates a blunt pass/fail approach, and the many schools labeled as failing are actually performing well. Under this act, schools must test students in every grade third through eighth and once in high school on reading and math skills. Those scores, combined with attendance and graduation rates, let the government determine if schools are making adequate yearly progress toward becoming proficient. Also, the No Child Left Behind Act set a lofty goal of a 100% proficiency rate by 2014. Obama is planning to measure schools based on their students academic growth. Schools that excel will be rewarded, schools that fall in the middle would be given more flexibility to improve themselves and failing schools at the bottom will face strict federal mandates to adopt changes to improve. The Obama administrations efforts to revamp public education have been slowed by budget cuts; however, he hopes that threatening to label three-fourths of schools as failing will force lawmakers to take stronger actions to improve education. Whether Obamas actions are a threat or serious, they have sparked movement from both parties in Congress to create education legislature. Sen. Lamar Alexander, Republican from Tennessee and former education secretary, said he would cooperate with Democrats on the education debate, as Sen. Tom Harkin, Democrat from Iowa and chairman on the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee said he wants to create a bipartisan bill before Easter.

5 Books Every Middle Schooler Should Read

5 Books Every Middle Schooler Should Read The summer is a great opportunity for students to refresh and refocus their minds in preparation for the coming school year. With all the activities (like summer camp) occupying many students summer days, time spent reviewing previously learned content and preventing summer learning loss can fall by the wayside. Learning loss during the summer months, also known as summer slide, can equate to the loss of nearly two years of academics. Luckily, studies have found that just two to three hours of focused learning per week can combat this loss. One way to get middle schoolers ready for the fall is through reading. Looking to enhance your students summer learning? Here are five books every middle schooler should read. Seedfolks Written by Paul Fleischman, this young adult novel centers around themes like tolerance and the importance of fostering a strong sense of community. In Seedfolks, a community garden brings together many different people and teaches them the significance of working together to create something beautiful. Calling All Minds: How to Think and Create Like an Inventor This book by Temple Grandin encourages middle schoolers to think outside the box and to critically analyze the world around them. Readers are privy to insights regarding the thought processes behind various inventions, as well as about how to continually strive to create new objects. Reaching for the Moon: The Autobiography of NASA Mathematician Katherine Johnson Katherine Johnsons autobiography takes readers on a journey through her life and career, providing middle schoolers with a glimpse into the life of a NASA mathematician. Johnson discusses the multitude of challenges and roadblocks she encountered along her path, and the importance of tackling every obstacle head-on. Song for a Whale Song for a Whale, written by sign language interpreter Lynne Kelly, focuses on the story of a 12-year-old tech guru who is determined not to let the obstacles she faces as a deaf student limit her potential. After learning of a whale who cant communicate with other whales, she embarks on a mission to create a way to sing to him herself. The Invention of Hugo Cabret This novel, written by Brian Selznick, takes readers on a mystery-rich journey with orphan and clock keeper Hugo. Hugo, who lives in the walls of a train station in Paris, encounters new individuals who threaten his quiet, secretive life. In short, reading is a great opportunity for middle schoolers to keep their minds active throughout the summer months, as well as to prepare for the coming school year. [RELATED: The Ultimate Guide to Backpack Essentials] For additional support preventing summer learning loss, tutoring can provide the personalized assistance your student needs to succeed. With the right tactics, your student can beat summer slide with tools like books every middle schooler should read. 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.

Italian Language Teaching Examination DITALS

Italian Language Teaching Examination DITALS Learn Italian: Certify Your Ability to Teach Italian  as a Foreign Language Through DITALS ChaptersWhat is DITALS?Exploring DITAL's Two LevelsPreparing for DITALSWho Can Register for DITALS? (How Can They?)The Bottom LineFor students learning Italian, there exists an entire acronym soup with which they can prove their mastery of la lingua italiana: CILS, PLIDA, CIC, among them.Although each of them addresses a different audience, they all have the same fundamental purpose: to certify the test taker's ability to use the language of Michelangelo.In a class apart, there is DITALS: Didattica dell'italiano come lingua straniera.This acronym represents a pair of exams meant for non native speakers who intend to teach Italian as a foreign language.To have heard without retaining does not make knowledge â€" Dante AlighieriThat quote summarises DITALS exactly!Successful completion of this exam - as with any other language learning,  starts with a good memory.Now we present everything you need to know about certifying  to teach Italian language competences.Check how you could learn Italian online. anyone who must have a measure of proficiency in Italian speaking in order to seek work in Italyadults  who want to study Italian â€" for any given reason.To give Italian language courses to non native speakers, a teacher would probably emphasise vocabulary, grammar, Standard Italian pronunciation, and the art of Italian conversation.For students hoping to semester at any of Italy's fine universities, a teacher's burden would be more a question of instilling aspects of Italian culture, even while developing Italian vocabulary, phrases and expressions.Some topics such a teacher might broach are:art historyarchitecturefashionregional dialects, including Tuscan and Florentinethe Renaissance and other significant epochsthe fabulous Italian operaTo that list, we may also include the modern Italian music scene: quite lively!Level 2 DITALSThis certification demands expanded competencies in teaching methodology.Obviously, one would not conduct lessons in Italian for children the same way as teaching business persons.Candidates who apply for this exam envision a more formal teaching environment, with a more diverse student body.Certifying at this level entails a more thorough knowledge of teaching theory, as well as having at least some practical experience.Read on to learn how to obtain teaching experience!Holders of DITALS certification can teach Italian to adults as well as children Source: Pixabay Credit: ThumprchgoLeonardo Da Vinci school.Not the one he attended; the one that is named after him.These modern-day language and culture schools advocate an effective strategy for successful DITALS preparation.Because learning a language is, in itself, a complex undertaking, it stands to reason that being able to teach languages to others  must be all the more convoluted.The method used for exam preparation is based on a constant scrutiny  of teaching principles and a desire to cultivate the most potent learning methods.Using this learning philosophy, all language skills are mobilised: speaking and communicating; understanding and reasoning; reading and writing.Diverse media such as music, movies, novels, and newspapers are called on to flesh out a curriculum relevant to today's classrooms.These preparation courses come in many formats.You could opt for evening classes or sign up for an intensive, short-duration seminar.If you and some mates would like learn a new language together, you would find tutors available for small groups.If you are really behind on your studies, you may choose private lessons.And, of course, you could sign up for language lessons of a more traditional nature.Language learning sessions in all formats are targeted to all audiences, from the foreign student seeking to do one more year of study in Florence, to those wishing to prepare a certification like the DITALS.For DITALS preparation courses, you would be hard-pressed to find better tutelage than the Leonardo Da Vinci Institute.A two-week, full immersion course costs around 1380€ ( £1230), which includes two individualised lessons per day, along with group instruction.We agree that that price is substantially higher than... free Italian lessons, for example.However, the quality of instruction you are treated to, as well as individual guidance from native speakers of Italian who have years of teaching experience make the expense well worth it.If you prefer a more relaxed learning experience, you could enroll for the standard curriculum, which entails:thirty hour-long lessons in teaching theory, in a class of no more than fifteen students.Teaching materials for review, at your disposala supervised internshipa certificate of completionFees for this class are just under 525€ ( £470), with a 75€ ( £67) registration fee.To take advantage of the Milan campus' intensive learning program, you can contact the registrar using: milan@scuolaleonardo.comTo contact the director of teaching affairs personally: info@corzi.formazione.profession ale.itShould you prefer speaking rather than typing, you may dial: +39 02 8324 1002.To register for any of Da Vinci Institute courses, you must be able to communicate using Italian, at least at intermediate level.Da Vinci Institute students can learn in small groups or one on one Source: Pixabay Credit: Ernesto SlavaWho Can Register for DITALS? (How Can They?)To register for the Level 1 exam, candidates must have earned a certificate of higher learning, and should be able to prove at least some previous teaching experience.Persons who have completed an internship in Italian as a second language are also eligible.Level 2's registration requirements are a bit more stringent.Native speakers of Italian are required to hold at least a Bachelor's degree in Human Sciences. For those whom Italian is a second language, at least one certification of Italian linguistics is requested.Imagine how quickly you will be accepted for enrollment if you are fluent in Italian!Obviously, successful compl etion of Level 1 would virtually guarantee your registration green light for the Level 2 exam.If you are not eligible to sit for Level 2 when you apply,  high marks on Level 1 could springboard you on the fast track to the higher level.Registration ProceduresTo enquire about any courses or register for either DITALS exam, you must contact the school â€" the information is provided above.Although their website is wonderful, there is no information on it regarding course dates or exam schedules.Furthermore, to sit for this exam, you must sojourn to Milan.A trip to Italy? What could be finer?Test particulars will be communicated on the day of the test itself.Those include: how long the discrete segments last, what is expected, and so on.Upon satisfactory scoring, you will receive your diploma in via post, right to your address.Framing and displaying it is all up to you.For more information about your desired Italian language course, you can turn to to the University of Siena web page, where you will find all manner of information concerning that language school.The Bottom LineLearning a language is no casual undertaking.Teaching words and phrases in another language demands a firm grasp on methodology, as well as the phrases and conversational nuances so common when speaking Italian.Your students will learn more or less the same way, regardless if you are teaching how to speak English, or if they want to learn Russian, speak Japanese or learn Chinese.Helping your students learn how to learn is perhaps as critical as teaching them how to speak Italian.Remember that quote from Dante, at the beginning of this article, about listening without remembering?  Do you see now how apt it is for this article?DITALS practically demands you to be fluent in Italian.Your Italian learning should take you not only to nearly native speaker level, but should instill comprehension of language mechanics â€" a vital aspect of Italian language lessons. So make sure your own Italian les sons are up to par - with a Superprof tutor, for example.The same applies to any other language you learn!It is true that methodology â€" in learning and in teaching, is vital for students to progress more quickly, if doing so is appropriate.For example: if one student in your class masters new words faster than his peers, the next step would be to challenge him with more elaborate grammatical constructions, or maybe irregular verb conjugation.Here is further reading on Italian language certification exams.Check out Superprof to find your ideal private tutor to help you master the Italian language:Italian teacher LondonItalian teacher ManchesterItalian tutor GlasgowAlla prossima, caro! Ciao!

Online Transversals Tutors

Online Transversals Tutors The line which crosses two or more lines in a geometric plane is known as a transversal. If there are more number of lines crossing a set of given lines, then they all are known as transversals. When a transversal is drawn to a pair of parallel lines, then that transversal forms angles on the parallel lines which are related to every other angle on the transversal. In such cases, vertically opposite angles, corresponding angle, alternate angles etc. are formed and are equal to each other. Example 1: In the figure shown below, the value of angle a is 115. If the lines AB and CD are parallel to each other and if EF is the transversal, then what is the value of b? Given: AB is parallel to CD. EF is the transversal. Value of a= 115 If a transversal crosses a pair of parallel lines, then the alternate exterior angles are equal to each other. Here, a and b are alternate exterior angles and hence a= b= 115. Example 2: A transversal crosses a pair of parallel lines. The angle formed by the transversal on one of the lines, x is 96. What is the measure of its adjacent angle? Given, a transversal crosses a pair of parallel lines. Angle x = 96, let its adjacent angle be = y On a straight line, sum of two angles which are adjacent to each other = 180 (supplementary) So x + y = 180 96 + y = 180 This implies: y = 180 - 96 = 84 Therefore, its adjacent angle is 84

Ask a Law School Admissions Expert Anne M. Richard

Ask a Law School Admissions Expert Anne M. Richard Varsity Tutors brings you insider tips and advice straight from nationally recognized admissions experts. Anne M. Richard provides pre-law and educational consulting at AMRichard Consulting, which she established in 2014. She earned her undergraduate degrees in English and economics and her masters degree in economics at Boston College before attending Yale Law School, where she earned her law degree. In addition to her experience working in private practice and as a trial attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice, she has served as dean of admissions at three top-tier law schoolsThe University of Virginia School of Law, The George Washington University Law School, and George Mason University School of Law. How much time should be set aside to adequately prepare for and complete a law school application? Anne: Preparing ones resume, personal statement and any addenda (character and fitness disclosures, diversity statements, Why School X essays, and other optional writings) are the most time-consuming portions of law school applications. Based upon my experience, I think applicants should plan to spend 8-15 hours drafting and perfecting these documents. Once these writings are complete, entering information into each law schools form, and proofing/finalizing each application likely will take one to two hours. What is the single most important thing applicants should focus on with this application? Anne:Although all law schools ask many of the same questions, each law school also asks a number of school-specific questions, especially in the character and fitness sections of the applications. Applicants must pay close attention to the school-specific questions and respond to each question accurately and completely. What are the biggest mistakes one can make on a law school application? Anne:Carelessness and lack of attention to detail are the biggest mistakes one can make on a law school application. What do law school admissions officers look for most in an applicants essays/personal statements? Anne:The personal statement is the applicants opportunity to help admissions officers get to know him or her as a personover and above what is reflected in the applicants resume and transcripts. The personal statement should be well written, interesting and tell a story; it should not be a narrative version of the applicants resume. An admissions officer wants to come away from reading an applicants personal statement thinking, Here is a talented, self-aware, mature, insightful, and interesting person who will add something unique and positive to our law school community and to our profession. Is there anything on a students application that would automatically disqualify him or her from being considered for the program? Anne:No. Everything in an application is considered, weighed, and evaluated. There is no one factor that would automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for admission. That said, if an applicant exhibits extremely poor judgment or has a pattern of serious criminal/disciplinary issues, the applicant likely is facing a pretty steep uphill climb. What about the law school admissions process differs the most from undergraduate admissions? Anne:In many ways, the process is very similar. Both law school and undergraduate admissions officers are looking to admit applicants who demonstrate academic ability and who will add something positive to their institutions. In the law school admissions process, professional experience (work experience, internship experience, etc.) as well as academic work at the college and postgraduate levels, are important factors. What kinds of things (experience, grades, etc.) might a student lack that would lead you to advise him or her not to apply? Anne:If an individual has not been able to excel in his or her undergraduate studies and has a very weak LSAT score, law school might not be the right choice. Law school is primarily an academic exercise, and one needs to be able to handle a rigorous curriculum. If one has not been able to handle challenging courses at the college level and is not able to master the skills necessary to perform well on the LSAT, the likelihood of being able to succeed in a law school program is slim. Is there anything you might see on a students application that would quickly put him or her ahead in the running? Anne:A very strong academic record and a strong LSAT score are very good starting points. What advice do you have regarding LSAT test prep? Anne:Prepare, practice and get comfortable with the test! No one should go into the LSAT cold just to see what will happen, figuring he or she can always take it again. The goal should be to prepare adequately, take the test once and be done with it. Applicants should explore the different methods of LSAT preparation that are available and determine what will work best for them. Some may have the discipline and drive to prepare on their own; some will do well in a commercial test prep class; while others need the attention and guidance of a private LSAT tutor. What do law school admissions officers look for in recommendation letters? Anne:Law school admissions officers look for detailed letters of recommendation from professors, work supervisors, mentors, etc., who have worked closely with the applicant and who have had the opportunity to evaluate the applicants work product, writing ability, analytical skills, interaction with others, leadership abilities, organizational skills, work ethic, character, trustworthiness, etc. Visit AMRichard Consulting for more information. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Partnering with Your Childs Teacher

Partnering with Your Child’s Teacher As your child begins the school year in a new classroom, the early steps you take to partner with your childs teacher can make a big difference in getting things off to a good start. Kids with ADHD will typically need extra help in the classroom, and when teachers know that they have support from parents they feel much more appreciated for their efforts. With 20-30 children in a class, teachers often begin the year knowing only a few key details about each of their new students. As a parent, you know your childs full history. You know what makes him or her tick, which strategies your child has responded to with previous teachers, and which strategies were not so successful. Most teachers will appreciate learning these details from parents, especially when its presented collaboratively. Always keep in mind that teachers are ultimately in charge of their classroom and likely have substantial experience teaching children with ADHD. In fact, they may have some excellent tools and strateg ies that others have not tried in the past and end up being a great fit for your child. So, keep an open mind when your childs new teacher shares their thoughts about how to teach your child and manage his or her attention and behavior challenges. Planning a teacher meeting early in the school year will also provide an opportunity for you to learn about the academic expectations in your childs new classroom and in particular, homework expectations. I have worked with so many families whose children struggle with homework, expending two, three, or even four times more effort on homework than other children in their class. But since these kids ultimately turn in their assignments on time, their teachers never realize that homework is such a challenge for them. Once they understand what is happening, many teachers will recommend modifications to reduce the burden. For example, they may recommend that your child complete only one page of practice math problems instead of two, or break large projects down into small components with individual due dates. In addition, if your child struggles in a particular subject area and you have already enrolled him or her in a learning center or are working individually with your child at home, then share this information with your childs teacher. Theyll appreciate your extra effort. Lastly, if your childs teacher recommends a daily behavior chart in the classroom, offer to check the chart every day. Provide praise, and maybe even rewards, when your child meets the teachers daily point or sticker goal. This will allow you to monitor your childs progress every day. It will also help your child feel motivated to do his or her best, knowing that his or her parents will be proud. So dont hesitate to reach out to your childs teacher at the start of this new school year. Opening up the lines of communication early will help get things off to a good start, and will set your child up for success all year long. ABOUT DR. MARY ROONEY Mary Rooney, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of California San Francisco. Dr Rooney is a researcher and clinician specializing in the evaluation and treatment of ADHD and co-occurring behavioral, anxiety, and mood disorders. A strong advocate for those with attention and behavior problems, Dr. Rooney is committed to developing and providing comprehensive, cutting edge treatments tailored to meet the unique needs of each child and adolescent. Dr. Rooney's clinical interventions and research avenues emphasize working closely with parents and teachers to create supportive, structured home and school environments that enable children and adolescents to reach their full potential. In addition, Dr. Rooney serves as a consultant and ADHD expert to Huntington Learning Centers. ABOUT HUNTINGTON Huntington Learning Center 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 of all levels succeed and meet the needs of Common Core State Standards. Founded in 1977, Huntington's mission is to give every student the best education possible. Call us today at 1.800.CAN LEARN to discuss how Huntington can help your child. For franchise opportunities please visit www.huntingtonfranchise.com. This website does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The material on this site is provided for educational purposes only.

A Natural Treatment for ADHD

A Natural Treatment for ADHD Have you noticed that your childs ADHD symptoms seem better on days when he or she is more active? Is your child able to sit and focus on his or her homework more easily once he or she has run around and burned off some energy after school? Researchers have only recently begun studying the effects of exercise on ADHD, but results from early studies are promising. Engaging in moderate-to intense-exercise multiple days a week appears to improve ADHD symptoms, executive functioning (read more about executive functioning in my previous post), social skills, and motor control. A recent study by Dr. Betsy Hoza, published in the Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, compared two interventions in elementary schools. The first was a 30-minutes exercise intervention that included moderate- to-intense physical activity through games like tag and sharks and minnows. The second intervention was sedentary, and included 30-minutes of classroom art projects. Both occurred before school every day for 12 weeks. At the end of the 12-week period parent and teachers rated the children on ADHD symptoms, moodiness, social skills and motor skills. Kids in the physical activity program showed improvement in each of these areas. Scientists arent sure why exercise leads to improvement in ADHD symptoms and other areas of weakness for kids with ADHD, but they have some theories. During exercise the brain releases several chemicals serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine - which are all important for attention and emotional control. In fact, many of the stimulant medications used to treat ADHD target these same chemicals. So, it may be this exercise brain boost that drives improvements in ADHD symptoms, mood, social skills, and motor control. Exercise also improves blood flow in the brain and promotes the development of new brain cells, two factors that may also lead to improvements in ADHD symptoms. Well learn more about how exercise and ADHD symptoms are related as additional research is done. In the meantime, take advantage of what we already know and help your child get active! Its easier to get some kids moving than others. If you have a naturally active child, then finding time and an activity for him or her to do regularly may be your main challenge. If your child is more of a couch potato, then youll need to be a bit more strategic about how you get them moving! Youll have the most success long-term if you find activities that can fit into your childs regular routine. Simple things like getting to school 15 minutes early so your child can spend time on the play structure, taking time a couple of evenings a week to supervise your child while he or she rides their bike outside or plays in the backyard, or talking to your childs afterschool program about the availability of activities that require kids to be physically active. If your child is spending most of his or her time indoors these days, look into apps and websites that encourage physical activity. Im a big fan of GoNoodle, an app that allows kids to choose from guided activities like dance- and sing-alongs, Zumba for kids, track and field activities, and more. Get physically active with your kids. Outdoor activities like swimming, hiking, and skating are great, but simple activities can be good too. Invite your child to come with you when you walk the dog or work in the yard. You can turn every day activities like these into special one-on-one or family bonding time. If youre stuck indoors, try to get creative. Kids always love a spontaneous family dance party! Weve always known that exercise is great for physical health, and promising new research is showing that it may help with ADHD symptoms too. While its not a cure for ADHD, exercise is a great supplement to any ADHD management program. So, give your child the boost he or she may need by helping him or her be more physically active every day ABOUT DR. MARY ROONEY Mary Rooney, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of California San Francisco. Dr Rooney is a researcher and clinician specializing in the evaluation and treatment of ADHD and co-occurring behavioral, anxiety, and mood disorders. A strong advocate for those with attention and behavior problems, Dr. Rooney is committed to developing and providing comprehensive, cutting edge treatments tailored to meet the unique needs of each child and adolescent. Dr. Rooney's clinical interventions and research avenues emphasize working closely with parents and teachers to create supportive, structured home and school environments that enable children and adolescents to reach their full potential. In addition, Dr. Rooney serves as a consultant and ADHD expert to Huntington Learning Centers. ABOUT HUNTINGTON Huntington Learning Center 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 of all levels succeed and meet the needs of Common Core State Standards. Founded in 1977, Huntington's mission is to give every student the best education possible. Call us today at 1.800.CAN LEARN to discuss how Huntington can help your child. For franchise opportunities please visit www.huntingtonfranchise.com. This website does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The material on this site is provided for educational purposes only.

Irvine GRE Tutor Practical Guide to the GRE Getting Started

Irvine GRE Tutor Practical Guide to the GRE Getting Started Tips from an Irvine GRE Tutor: Practical Guide to the GRE: Getting Started Tips from an Irvine GRE Tutor: Practical Guide to the GRE: Getting Started Most students who are planning to attend graduate school in the US will need to take the GRE. Students who are not planning to go to law, business, or medical school will want to focus their attention towards acing this exam. Some students consider it the graduate school version of SAT while others see it as entirely different. There are a few ways to increase a chance of success on the GRE that students and recent graduates can follow to make their lives a little bit easier. Students are encouraged to think about when they should take the exam and how they should study for it so they can take it once and move on its never too early to book your private Irvine GRE tutor. 1. When is the best time to take the GRE? If students know they are going to apply to graduate school within a couple of years of graduation, they might as well take the GRE as soon as they finish college. At this point, they are still in “student mode” and will be used to focusing their attention on studying and will remember their math and English facts. Once people forget how to solve math formulas and analyze a reading passage or write one themselves, they generally won’t be able to do as well on the exam unless they spend additional time prepping. However, students who have been out of school for awhile shouldnt fret. With the appropriate amount of review, applicants will be able to do well on the GRE. Either way, the GRE shouldnt be a barrier to academic or career success. 2. How should students and recent grads prep? Current students should only prep for the GRE if they are 100% sure they will be able to handle their current workload along with test prep or if they have no choice because they’re applying to grad school straight out of undergrad. If a student is taking the GRE within a year of graduation, they’ll only have to brush up on test prep and familiarize themselves with the exam. On the other hand, applicants who have been out of college for awhile may need to go back and brush up on their basic math, reading comprehension, and writing skills. Each student is different, and the situation depends on what they are currently doing for their career, so its a good idea to consult a test prep professional or former professor for advice (READ: 7 Tips for Studying While Traveling). 3. What happens if the first try isnt successful? If an applicant feels they didnt do well the first time, they’re allowed to take the test again. In fact, the administrators of the exam enable students to take the test as often as every 21 days. Students can also take the exam up to 5 times in any 12-month period. However, scores expire after five years. 4. What score does a student need to be accepted to graduate school? Required scores are entirely dependent on the graduate school program students apply to. Some universities require an excellent score on the GRE while others just ask students to take it as a formality. Its important for applicants to conduct independent research and determine what their specific scoring goals will be based on the graduate school they plan on applying to. 5. What does the GRE cover? The GRE has three sections that cover verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. For the most part, the verbal reasoning section encompasses the students ability to be able to give a passage a close reading, understand and analyze it, and answer questions. The quantitative reasoning section is primarily Algebra, geometry, and data analysis. The analytical writing section will test a students ability to write clearly and concisely in a manner that is easy to read while communicating the student’s ideas (READ: Study Tips from an Orange County Tutor). Additional information on the GRE Take your GRE prep seriously with the help of an Irvine private GRE 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.