Why Not Take a Look at the Historical Sites?

Why Not Take a Look at the Historical Sites?English tutors are not the only people who use history as a tool to help them learn the language. The romantic town of Covent Garden, in England, hosts historical sites that offer an opportunity for tourists to see something of the past. These sites are not to be missed when you visit these places and experience the past.Covent Garden is located on what was once the town hall. A few hundred years ago this building served as the main market place and later on as the town hall for London. Today it houses art galleries, a museum, historical buildings, monuments, schools, and much more.If you find yourself visiting this historic site, you may want to spend some time walking around. By walking through the open-air market you can learn about the British economy and the early industrial revolution. If you enjoy coffee, you may also enjoy walking down Market Street. The market is here to give you a taste of the British tradition and you will not re gret it.One important key to the history of Covent Garden is the study of architecture. You may come across some interesting statues, or you may find one of the unusual Doric columns. You will also enjoy looking at some of the country homes of the period.History provides the background to the many things that happen in the life of a person. When you learn about the lives of people who have lived in Covent Garden, you will find that you have a richer understanding of the world around you.For instance, if you are traveling to London, you may want to take a look at the modern city and the history of it. Many people believe that it has changed drastically over the years and that it no longer represents what it did when the time of King Richard the Lionheart was written.The British Museum is another good stop for historical sites in London. The museum has a range of fascinating displays covering every aspect of the history of England. You will also find fascinating artifacts and memorabi lia to display.

Dear Nicole Arbour and Fat People

Dear Nicole Arbour and Fat People (image courtesy of www.zap2it.com) The criticism Arbour has received has also been thoughtful and in some cases funny. Notable YouTuber David So has made a response video titled “Dear Skinny People” satirizing Arbour’s own video and pointing out obvious problems with Arbour’s video. The controversy has been a mixed bag for Arbour herself. Some claims have come forward that she was fired from a potential movie deal after the director saw the video, but confirmation was lacking on sides. Time magazine has said that Arbour meant the video to be a deliberate overreaction and satire in and of itself, poking fun at obese people rather than outright shaming them. Interestingly enough in Time, they claimed Arbour had 159,000 subscribers, but as of the writing of this article the number was nearer to 209,000. Most people have criticized this response in a twofold way. Firstly, the suggestion that this is a joke, even on a comedy channel, seems a bit odd. The video is very deliberate and not actually very amusing. There seems to simply be shock value in this video, not satire. The difference is that satire seeks to change the problem to be mocked in the video, in this instance fat shaming. The problem with this video is that it has not fulfilled the role it set out to fill that of a social indicator of a larger problem using humor. The second concern raised is whether this is tactful enough to even be effective at getting a meaningful response. The video certainly has been a spark to talk about larger problems. The issue of obesity is not a new one by any stretch of the imagination. America has been getting fatter according to a study published by the Jama Network Journal. Every day we seem to have some reminder that we Americans are fat. Just look at how other nations see us. They imagine a rude white obese guy with a beer in one hand and an American flag in the other. Well then would it interest the world to know that the majority of American adults are not obese? According to the CDC, 35 percent of America is obese. That is a large group of Americans: 78.6 million people to be exact. It is, you will note however, not the majority of Americans. America’s popular image is therefore reflective of a minority of people and not an accurate representation of America. At the same time, that group of Americans that experience obesity are a large minority and as such this is not a small problem. It is, like most however, not a simple problem. America’s obesity epidemic is disproportionately focused in the Southern and Midwestern states with Mississippi and West Virginia receiving  the highest average BMI ratings by the CDC consistently. (image courtesy of the CDC) These states correspondingly have the lowest GDP consistently. This link between poverty and obesity is well established. So the idea that it is just laziness or lack of exercise that leads to obesity is not entirely true. The cause is more rooted in diet and socio-economic status since the latter directly affects the former. The interesting thing to note is the socio-economic status and diet link in this problem. College students are an increasingly at-risk group for obesity. According to work done by the Journal of American College Health, college students have lifestyle factors, like those of disparaged citizens in West Virginia and Mississippi that adversely affected their BMI. The students studied pointed to being worried about or obsessing over food as well as lack of physical exercise as possible causes. Although the rate of approximately 22 percent obese was not as high as in other parts of the U.S., it is troubling to note that fat deposits put onto one’s body in early adulthood become increasingly difficult to remove because of lifestyle changes. Most adults seeking a college education will lead largely sedentary lives, sitting down for extended periods. This leads to back pain, decreased productivity, and more weight gain. While Arbour has stirred up much controversy with her viral video, she has also done the amazing job of sparking a more profound discussion of how we treat the obese, how we respond to this epidemic, and how we ourselves can fight bad habits to promote our own health and wellbeing.

4 Easy Weeknight Dinner Meal Prep Recipes

4 Easy Weeknight Dinner Meal Prep Recipes pexels.com The reason being that it works. If you’re looking to lose weight, bulk up, eat healthy, or simply make your life a little less hectic and more organized, then meal prepping will help you tremendously. Meal prepping is especially helpful for individuals who follow special diets such as vegans, Paleo eaters, or those who suffer from gluten intolerance since it can be hard to find dishes that conform to their dietary needs on a whim. However, meal prepping has received a lot of mainstream attention as more and more people try to get a handle on the week ahead. Its also a great way to ensure that you eat healthy and when you need to, and not to mention for much less than buying meals at a restaurant. By simply Google searching the phrase “meal prep” you will find thousands of recipes for preparing everything from breakfast and lunch, to snacks and smoothies ahead of time. In my own life, I’m a big believer of meal prepping dinners. I find I have the tendency to eat crappiest after a long day of work when I would just rather buy something and get it over with. But ever since I started preparing my dinners, I find that not only are my meal choices drastically healthier, all that I have to do once I arrive home is put on my comfy pants and pop a dish in the microwave or oven and I’m good to go. It especially diverts my temptations to go out on weeknights knowing that I already have food waiting for me once I arrive home. All that I do is dedicate my Sunday or Monday evening (depending on the week) to cooking up a big batch of a meal or two, that I just divide in Tupperware containers and save in the fridge for the remainder of the week. I promise that meal prepping is not only limited to chicken breasts and broccoli; there are an endless variety of healthy meals to be prepped. Take a look at a few of my favorite dinner meal prep recipes below! Burrito Bowl Mason Jars Everybody loves a good chipotle bowl, except for the extra butter and sodium. This chipotle take has all of the same delicious taste without all of the additives. The best part is that you can layer it all up into individual mason jars for a delicious, simple, and healthy portable meal. Image Via strictlydelicious.com Get the recipe here, from strictlydelicious.com. Health Tip: If you prefer a lower carbohydrate diet, you can remove the quinoa or sweet potatoes. Thai Meatballs These savory meatballs are versatile and easy-to-freeze with a hint of curry spice. They can be served in lettuce wraps, over a bed of brown rice, or with a side of sautéed veggies. They will last you for an entire week and the possibilities are endless. Try dipping them in a homemade peanut sauce for an added Thai bonus. Get the recipe here from inquiringchef.com. Grillable Veggies Burgers These veggie burgers are way better than any frozen store-bought version, not to mention that one patty has a whopping 14 grams of protein. These burgers will even stay fresh in your freezer for up to three weeks, so that you can easily grill them or pop them in the oven for a healthy and easy weeknight dinner. You can top these with onions, tomatoes, or some cheese. Image Via minimalistbaker.com Get the recipe here from minimalistbaker.com. Health Tip: Instead of bread use lettuce cups to wrap your burger. Cauliflower Fried Rice You may be thinking how can I get Chinese takeout from a head of cauliflower? Well, with this version you will not need to sacrifice a cheat meal in order to eat some yummy fried rice! The texture of the rice can actually fool even the most devout fried rice eater. It’s soft and grainy and absorbs all of the added flavors of the dish that you decide to prepare. The best part is that your typical serving of fried rice can exceed 600 calories (and that’s just one serving!). One serving of this faux Chinese staple is only 130 calories!  You can make a big batch and refrigerate several servings to last you for a week! Add some chicken, shrimp, or beef and you will never have to call your favorite takeout spot again! Okay, maybe once a month … Get the recipe here from eat-yourself-skinny.com.

ESL Learning the Emotional Meanings of Synonyms

ESL Learning the Emotional Meanings of Synonyms Tips from an Irvine ESL Tutor:  Learning the Emotional Meanings of Synonyms Students who are learning English as their second language will need to start expanding their vocabulary at some point. The intermediate and advanced student will often rely on a thesaurus or translator to pick out the appropriate adjective to describe a situation. One thing teachers can work on with students is learning how to determine which synonym can be used as a directly similar word and which synonym is merely in the same category of description. In English, as in many languages, different words carry different emotional meanings even if they have the same root meaning. Take, for example, the word thoughtful. If I describe my friend as being a thoughtful person, I am paying her a compliment. But what if I describe her as attentive or cautious? These words are both synonyms of the term thoughtful, but they have different emotional meanings. 1. Positive, negative, or neutral? One of the first things teachers can work on with their students is determining whether they want to use a word that is positive, negative, or neutral. Its easy to think that all synonyms of a positive word will be positive themselves, but this is not always the case. For example, take the word rambunctious. If I describe a child as rambunctious, I’m saying that they make a lot of noise and have a lot of energy but its not necessarily an insult. However, take the synonym word rude and I’m insulting the person. On the other hand, simply using the term noisy can suggest a very neutral feeling. Students should be looking at a word that fits the mood theyre trying to express. In many cases, the best way to learn this is through practice with native speakers and watching TV shows with English-speaking characters. Its important for students to be able to see a visual reaction when it comes to the emotional choice of a vocabulary term (READ: 5 Ways ESL Students Can Improve Their Everyda y English). 2. The context of the sentence Students should also look at the context of the word in a sentence. Look at the basic but important vocab term love. It can be confusing for students to hear how many different ways this word is used. For instance, stating that I love spaghetti is very different from saying I love my spouse. It might be easier for students to look at words that fit precisely within the situation. Someone has affection for their spouse but probably not for a plate of pasta. Teachers can have a lot of fun with these types of activities but should be aware that students might be embarrassed to have chosen the wrong synonym. Its a good idea to look at the many different ways one word can be used to describe so many different degrees of emotion. 3. Emotionally appropriate language for the situation In the English language, we have different terms to connotate the degree to which we feel a particular emotion. Lets look at the word anger. I might express that I’m annoyed or exasperated that I had to sit in traffic, but I dont feel a passionate rage. The words annoyed and exasperated express a mild to moderate sense of anger whereas rage expresses a very strong sense of anger. Knowing which synonym to use and in which situation can make it easier for students to communicate but also easier for them to understand the people around them and interpret situations without extensive clarification (READ: ESL Study Tips for Taking The SAT). 4. Common usage vs. formal language Most English speakers in the United States use colloquialisms and common language on a daily basis. Normal language is reserved for the workplace, school, and the written word. Many students learning English will pick up formal vocab terms in their reading and use them in a casual situation where it seems out of place. Learning the difference between casual and formal can make their conversation easier and more productive. Lets take the term relax and look at it in two different situations. If a student looks up synonyms to this word they’ll come across two formal terms: repose and tranquilized. Yes, both of these words are synonyms for the word relax but will not be used in a discussion to talk about leisure activities. However, the terms take it easy and chill out connotate a casual situation where people are going to relax and enjoy their day. Accurate conversational skills help ESL students feel comfortable and confident in social situations with native speakers. Improve your English over the summer with the help of a private Irvine ESL 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.

An Organic Chemistry Tutor Slope Intersept

An Organic Chemistry Tutor Slope InterseptAn organic chemistry tutor slope intersept is a wonderful method for helping students gain knowledge and understanding of the elements and their properties, elements, and atoms. These instructors guide students as they journey through classes and labs, while advising and assisting in any way necessary.An instructor's training and experience are crucial in understanding and present a difficult topic. If an instructor is familiar with the subject matter, he or she can provide advice and assistance in ensuring that the student's course performance remains consistent, particularly if they are struggling. On the other hand, if an instructor is inexperienced, they will be able to focus on the important aspects of the subject and help ease the student's burden.Most organic chemistry tutor slope intersepts are carefully designed to serve the needs of their students. Their structure and focus are designed to ensure that the instructor can provide stud ents with a structure of learning, the structure of study, the structure of laboratory work, and structure of lab experiments. By providing these structures, students can then use them to plan their own study and examination schedules, so that each day is one that they enjoy and spend time with their friends.The organic chemistry tutor slope intercept structure helps students organize their own schedule by making it easy to plan their study time. The structure allows them to choose between group or individual work, allowing them to make sure that they don't take more time than they need, but also making sure that they get all of their work done in the allotted time.While the organic chemistry slope intercept structure provides a structure of study, it also provides structure of laboratory work. This structure allows students to keep track of the progress of their lessons and projects. The organic chemistry instructor can also assist students with research projects, lecture notes, qu izzes, and other useful materials as well. For any student who is unable to find a mentor to guide them through their studies, an organic chemistry slope intersept can help them feel confident that the instructor will have their best interests at heart. They will be able to stay focused and motivated, knowing that their instructor will make sure that they are getting all of the materials and instruction that they need. Having a structured structure will ensure that all of the material, students, lectures, and lab work is taken seriously and is viewed as an integral part of the coursework and curriculum.A structured organic chemistry tutor slope intercept structure can assist students as they tackle the hardest classes, classes, and labs. By making sure that the structure is in place, students can find time to enjoy themselves and spend quality time with their friends, as well. When students are able to find the structure, the results will be a successful graduate who has learned a g reat deal, as well as a diploma with meaningful educational value.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Organic Chemistry Tutor

The Importance of Choosing the Right Organic Chemistry TutorIf you have an interest in taking a math or science course that requires chemical and physical properties, then you will be pleased to know that you can take an online Organic Chemistry Tutor Course. Taking this course online allows you to use the knowledge of chemistry that you already have, as well as the knowledge of technology you may already have at home, to help you learn. You'll also be able to read a full time online course in your own time, which is certainly a blessing when it comes to learning the fundamentals of the subject.There are various classes that you can take that would include Chemistry, Earth Science, Biochemistry, Physics, Chemistry I, and other subjects. If you are interested in taking a combination of these courses, that would be ideal, as there are many different options for it to be taken. For example, you could take a course in Biology, Chemistry and Physics together, as well as Environmental Scie nces. All of these classes are designed to help you in your study, helping you to increase your understanding of the various processes and laws of nature.There are many options for classes that you could take, from Biology, Chemistry and Physics to Environmental Sciences, Nutrition, Biogeography, Oceanography, Geology, Astronomy, Marine Biology, and other subjects. There are plenty of classes available for you to choose from, so don't worry if you don't have the time to commit to the full course.Whether you are interested in learning about the physical properties of certain substances, or if you want to take classes that teach you the basic concepts and principles of chemistry, you can find classes that teach you all you need to know. There are many options that you can choose from, and it is important that you understand that when you are looking to take a chemistry course online, that you'll need to choose the best one for you. Make sure that you find a class that has some flexibi lity in terms of the subjects you choose to study, and youwill be able to concentrate on the material and learn the concepts quickly.Choosing a class is also important because you will need to know how long each class will take to complete. You can't simply pick the shortest class for the month and hope to complete it in one day, so be sure to take some time and look at what options are available to you, as well as how long each class will take to complete.It is also important to know what courses are available in order to choose the best classes available to you, but be sure to research what is available, and what specific classes they teach. A good chemistry teacher will be able to help you find the right courses for you to take, so make sure that you consult with a good teacher in this area.The best way to find a good chemistry tutor is to find a good chemistry teacher yourself, and find out what the process is. Remember, that if you cannot find the right chemistry tutor for you, that the alternative is to take a new course in biology or physics and then go to the next course of study after that.

How to get Fit With Body Workouts

How to get Fit With Body Workouts Our Personal Trainers Talk about Exercise Classes How to Get fit at Home ChaptersBuild Your Upper Body With a Certified Fitness TrainerFitness Education for Your ArmsResistance Training for your LegsInclude Nutrition in Your Program DesignThe fitness industry is booming in the UK! All around the country, more Britons are lacing up their trainers and hitting the gym.Are you one of them?Have you in fact been considering a personal fitness program, going so far as to see how your schedule could be rearranged to accommodate a Pilates class, three times per week?Are you hunting around for more specific, more intensive workouts? Perhaps hoping to train to competition level?With Superprof's online fitness trainers, you will rediscover your dream figure: a sculpted upper body, toned legs and arms to put a professional furniture mover to shame. it wouldn't do for you to appear, ready to work out and your trainer not be available.Any training program targeted to your upper body will inevitably lead you to overall fitness and wellness.How to Get Fit at HomeWhat if t here is no way for you to commit to regular training sessions: your schedule is just too crowded.In that case, you have two options:1. You forgo the chance to work with a fitness professional and wing your personal training program.Somehow, you gain the knowledge of proper training procedure: warm ups, aerobics, stretch, build muscles, cool down and, through all of that, adopt good nutrition.All while avoiding counter-productive work and preventing injury.2. Instead of spending all that time on the Internet, trying to find the optimal workout â€" among all of the contradicting articles, you make slight adjustments to your schedule and find a personal trainer to work with you at home.Nationally, in-home personal trainers are required to have achieved at least Level 3 certification, as well as First Aid Certification.A personal trainer in the gym should have earned at least Level 2 certification.If you opt for working out at home, you should clear a space dedicated to your fitness goa ls; one that affords you the room to move around as needed.You may also want to invest in a bit of equipment: at least a quality mat, and perhaps some dumbbells.If a specific aspect of athletics â€" say, crossfit training is your passion, you might consider dedicating an entire room to getting in shape for it.You might consider buying a workout bench with weights, resistance bands, a pull-up bar â€" these are at the inexpensive end of the fitness equipment spectrum.If you're going all out, you could equip yourself with an elliptical trainer, a stationary bike and a rowing machine.Target areas to build upper body strength are:Arms. You will build and define biceps and triceps through work with resistance bands, pull-up bars, free weights and isometrics.Abdominals: sit-ups, crunches, planking, leg lifts â€" all of which work the four abdominal muscles.Pectorals: thanks to bench presses and other weight-based moves, your chest will soon have the definition you crave.Don't forget your b ack: if you spend any time on a rower, or even if you swim as a part of your fitness program, your back muscles can't help but get toned.Swimming is, incidentally, a great way to cool down after a strenuous workout.In fact, athletes at intermediate level often forget to work their back muscles, unless they have a trainer to remind them.Should you be among that number, inadvertently overlooking your dorsals, Lean It Up, a premier fitness magazine, lists thirteen exercises to chisel out back muscles.Curling is the most well-known exercise for working biceps Source: Pixabay Credit:JarmolukFitness Education for Your ArmsWorking your arms in a gym, at home or even in your office is a relatively simple affair.Do you have any dumbbells? That is all you need for biceps curls, the most renown arm muscle exercise.For lack of a dumbbell, you could use resistance bands to work your arms.  Weights don't get it for you? Installing a pull-up bar in your bedroom doorway is a simple act, and then yo u can use your whole body to work your arms (and pectorals).You can find pull-up bars at the gym, too.We concede: pull-ups require advanced body conditioning. Furthermore, several muscle groups besides your arms are involved, like: your stomach and back muscles.If neither dumbbells, nor chin-ups suit your wallet or style, you could try a home-grown solution.Use filled water bottles as weights, or even food tins.Especially if you are just starting your training, these everyday products could fill the need for fitness while saving you money, until you decide that physical fitness training will be a permanent part of your active lifestyle.Another equipment-less move you could incorporate into your workout routine is the push-up.This classic move works your arms as well as your stomach, chest, and back.And those dangly arm muscles so many of us middle and golden agers try to hide: the triceps, oft overlooked and under-worked!A bench press is the best way to tone and condition that muscl e. But, unless you have a home gym set-up, you are not likely to meet a bench press unless you go to the gym or fitness center.If you are a member of a senior fitness group, you are already most likely doing exercises to tone and strengthen your arm muscles.There are in fact several ways to work out without spending a pound on exercise equipment. Consulting with a Superprof fitness instructor could open up a world of exercise science and methods.Resistance Training for your LegsGenerally, exercising your legs can lead to two, equally rewarding results:1. Reduction of cellulite, loss of fat and overall toning and shaping.2. Increased flexibility and muscle mass.If the first result is what you are looking for, squats and lunges are the moves for you to focus on.If you are ready to take your leg workout to the next level, address yourself to the machines designed for that purpose: the leg press and leg curl machines. Using free weights: the dead lift would be good, as well as...Why not talk with a Superprof certified  personal trainer london  about your optimal fitness plan to develop leg muscles?Aqua jogging and aqua biking have seen a rise in popularity because of their low-impact properties.You can run and ride in water, working the same muscle groups and getting the same cardiorespiratory effects, but with no danger of musculoskeletal injury.If you are one of the estimated 2.3 million Briton battling obesity, aqua jogging may be the perfect way for you to get your cardio workout in a most refreshing manner.Besides working your body, aqua biking and jogging burn a substantial amount of calories. So, if your goal is to lose weight, water fitness programs â€" after consulting with a health and fitness professional and a dietitian, may be just the ticket.However, if the great outdoors calls to you, traditional biking is always an option.Remember that giddy feeling you had as a child, when having a bike made you neighbourhood royalty?You can recapture that glee wh en riding solo, or with a small group. You could even join a club! And, if you are so motivated, you could compete, either in races or on a dirt track.If riding a bike seems daunting, if exercise programs for your legs don't quite get it for you; if you'd rather not don spandex and dance around to a pumping aerobic beat, you could always enjoy:walking, speed walking or joggingswimming or a water exercise classyoga â€" fundamental principles of stretching and breathinga rousing Zumba routine â€" dance your way to fitness!Any of these cardiovascular workouts will go a long way to help tone and shape your legs.Get a fitness classes near me here.Lunges are a classic way to work your thighs Source: Pixabay Credit: SilviaritaInclude Nutrition in Your Program DesignThe cardinal rule of personal fitness training: hydration.You will hear it from your personal fitness trainer, your gym instructor; from any fitness specialist whose knowledge you seek.What you drink is as important as how often : before, during and after your workout, you must drink at least water, if not an electrolyte solution.What you eat is important, too.To close this article, we could simply write: eat healthy, but that wouldn't tell you very much. And there is indeed much to say on the subject of nutrition for athletes!This is as specific as we'll get, for now:proteins will help build musclesglucides will help build endurancevitamins and minerals to support and enhance bodily systemsBeyond that, if you are serious about building a healthy lifestyle, please consult with a nutritionist for an individualized diet plan.Or, you could talk with your Superprof health fitness specialist, who is knowledgeable of your body composition. S/he would know the best foods for your body type and overall fitness goal. Search 'personal trainer near me' now.

What is it Like to Attend North Carolina State University at Raleigh

What is it Like to Attend North Carolina State University at Raleigh The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Laila received her bachelors degrees in Spanish and public relations from North Carolina State University at Raleigh. She is currently an online tutor specializing in Spanish, English, and ESL/ELL. See what she had to say about her experience at North Carolina State University at Raleigh: Describe the campus setting and transportation options. Laila: North Carolina State University has a fairly large campus. Its student body population was just under 30,000 when I studied there. This was much larger than my small hometown of 500 people. Such a large student body may sound intimidating for some folks, but once you make friends and get into your core classes, it feels much smaller. Because it is the size of a small city, transportation was reliable and constant. You could certainly walk to your classes, or take the Wolfline bus system, which ran day and night. Some students also biked, and some drove cars, but the bus system was clean and consistent. I never felt unsafe on the campus, but as with any populous area, students should expect to exercise caution and be smart to help deter avoidable security incidents. How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Laila:The availability of the professors, of course, depended on the particular professor, but most of them were pretty available for the students. All professors had office hours that they either honor themselves, or that their TAs would honor. The availability of the academic advisors also varied. I changed my major once and added on a second major during my time at North Carolina State University, so I had more academic advisors than the average student. I didnt find my academic advisor for psychology (my initial major) incredibly available; I got the impression that he was very focused on his research, and I felt I was marginal to him. In contrast, my advisor for communication (my second major) was extraordinarily available and very friendly, so it really depends. I would suggest to any student to take ultimate ownership of and responsibility for your academic success and to make your academic priorities that of your professors. Also, form relationships with professors and depart ment staff outside of your advisor. How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Laila:North Carolina State University has a lot of dorms, since there are so many students (I lived on the 10th floor of a tower dormitory my freshman year). Of course, those with seniority have first pick of where to live, and most freshmen are placed on Central Campus to help them become acclimated to campus life and help ensure their success, which I think is good. There are also off-campus apartments that you can live in, either with friends, or with other students (many apartments have roommate matching options). For food, there are two dining halls on different sides of the campus for convenience. There are also many restaurants on the two main streets surrounding the university, as well as convenience stores on campus with basic food items like milk, cereal and of course, Ramen Noodles! There are plenty of socialization opportunities, especially during the first few weeks of the semester. A lot of student groups plan events and the university sponsors events, too. There are also a ton of student organizations (around 300), and if you dont find one you like, you can also start your own! Theres a department in the student center whose whole purpose is to support student organizations, so youre in good hands. Which majors/programs are best represented and supported? Laila:North Carolina State University is probably best known for its engineering school, as well as its research in the hard sciences. However, it also offers almost any major you could think of. I had two majors: Spanish and communication, with a concentration in public relations. I chose Spanish because I had fallen in love with the language and found myself very passionate in my pursuit to master it, and I later added on public relations because I enjoyed both writing and working with people. I think there was a good deal of support for both of my degree programs. For example, with Spanish, the professors were always sending out opportunities to help further students linguistic and cultural fluency, both locally and internationally. For public relations, there were local societies that afforded many networking opportunities, and also a semester-long internship built into the plan of study. I took advantage of these opportunities in a number of ways. I studied for a semester in Puerto Rico at a school with a good reputation for communication studies. I also completed three internships: one with a Latino advocacy nonprofit, where I interviewed Spanish-speaking lay health advisors; one with a state government entity, where I created marketing materials and translated information to Spanish; and one with an advertising agency, where I provided research and client support for the public relations department. I do think North Carolina State University does a good job of providi ng support and information about opportunities; ultimately though, its up to the student to take advantage of them, so dont be afraid to dive in! 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? Laila:I found it fairly easy to make friends as a freshman. North Carolina State University breaks the incoming freshman class into orientation groups, so many of the friends that I carried throughout my undergraduate career were those from my orientation group. Having an outgoing, or at the least, friendly, personality also helps. You can also make friends from any student organizations that you become a part of as well, so I would definitely encourage getting involved, especially based on your interests. Join the Spanish club, a Bible study group, or an engineering society like NSBE, or even start your own group. Many students later join a fraternity or sorority, which is also a way to make friends, network, and engage in diversions. I would say that Greek life plays as big of a role in your life as you allow. Many students go Greek, while others opt for different activities. Either way, theres always something to do on campus. How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services? Laila:I was one of the students who visited the Career Center several times, especially in my junior and senior years. I found them very helpful in critiquing my resume or cover letters, and even offering career advice. I would definitely recommend that all students start visiting the Career Center at the start of their junior year, if not sooner. They can give you a lot of tips on how to job search and tell you about recruitment events. Many companies do recruit on campus engineering firms, nonprofits and international companies, so there are lots of opportunities presented to students. How are the various study areas such aslibraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Laila:The great thing about the library was that it stayed open 24/7 (though I think now they close at 11 p.m.). If you had to study late, there were campus-sponsored escorts that would take you to your dorm. The main campus library, D.H. Hill, has 4.5 million items (yes, million!). It also has cool things like microfiche of The New York Times editions from the 1800s, a digital media lab, plenty of computers, and private study rooms. Unless its around finals, finding a place to study is easy to do in the library. During finals, you may have to look a little longer, but youll still find somewhere to study. Theres also now an additional library that has been built since Ive graduated, which Im told is very nice. Some people also study in the campus lounges, but that can be hard because they are also used for cooking, watching television, and playing games, so I would definitely recommend the 10-story library over the lounge. Describe the surrounding town. Laila:Raleigh is a city that feels like a large small town, but theres plenty to do. There are museums, the state fair in October, concerts, plays, basketball, football and hockey games, restaurants, 5Ks, trails, etc. There are also other colleges nearby in Raleigh (Shaw, St. Augustines, Meredith, Peace), and Duke, NC Central, and UNC Chapel Hill just down the road. Personally, I didnt do much exploring of the actual city until after I graduated, but a lot of students go downtown for fun. How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Laila:North Carolina State University has a large student body population, which was just under 30,000 (undergrad and graduate students) when I studied there. Such a large student body can be intimidating for some folks, but once you make friends and get into your core classes, it feels smaller. General education classes can have as many as 300 or more students. The classes for my majors, though, typically had around 20-30 students, sometimes even as few as 10, depending on the course. I wasnt really affected by the class sizes, even for the larger classes. I was never shy about asking questions, utilizing office hours, and introducing myself to the professor so that I wasnt just another face. Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Laila:Professor Gray was probably the toughest instructor among those who taught Spanish, and I had her for my Spanish 201 class as a freshman. I did fairly well in that course, and I even tutored others. I enjoyed her because she challenged us, but a lot of other students avoided taking her classes. Since Spanish was my major, I took 300- and 400-level Spanish courses, and one semester, I decided to take another, more in-depth course that she taught: Business Spanish. I did horribly in it! It was not any easy class, by any means, and she was an instructor who gave students exactly what their work merited. Ever relentless, I didnt let it shake me. Once I had a better understanding of Spanish, its structure, phonetics, and more vocabulary, I took another business Spanish course, also taught by Professor Gray. The second time, I understood far more, and I also utilized her office hours whenever I needed to. It paid off when I earned an A+ for the semester! I have the deepest respect fo r Profesora Gray. She remains one of my favorite teachers from North Carolina State University, and I even go back and speak to her classes (in Spanish, of course!) as one of her star student examples. Check out Lailas tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Ask a Medical School Admissions Expert Dr. Sahil Mehta

Ask a Medical School Admissions Expert Dr. Sahil Mehta Varsity Tutors brings you insider tips and advice straight from nationally recognized admissions experts. Having been accepted to three of the top ten medical schools in the country as well as being the founder of a prominent Medical School application consulting service, Dr. Sahil Mehta truly knows all the ins and outs of the Medical School Admissions world. Previously, he has served as an interviewer on admissions committees for both Columbia University and the University of Chicago. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from Columbia University and then went on to attend the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine. Dr. Mehta has helped hundreds of students get into top medical school programs with his expert advice and had plenty to share with us as well. VT: How much time should be set aside to adequately prepare for and complete a Med School application? Sahil: The application itself has many parts. You'll need to write a personal statement, perfect your CV, gather letters of recommendation and your transcripts. While each of these individual steps may not seem to take very long, in total, they can take up a great deal of time. You should plan at least three months ahead of time to start to do all these things. In particular the personal statement can take awhile as can gathering the appropriate letters recommendation. As with everything else you do, putting aside more time and planning ahead will only help you succeed. VT: What is the single most important thing applicants should focus on with this application? Sahil: Without a doubt the two most important things are your MCAT and GPA. As far as the application itself one should really focus on writing a great personal statement that will separate you from the pack. Remember, medical schools are reading thousands of applications, many of which have the similar stats and even similar activities. Its how you present these that will separate you. VT: What are the biggest mistakes one can make on a Med School application? Sahil: Submitting late. Submitting late will be detrimental to your chances at most medical schools. While schools have admissions deadlines that sometimes say December, many will have filled a significant portion of their class by then, if not all of it! You need to get your application in as early as possible and that usually means June. The second mistake that people make more often than they should is coming across as cocky in their personal statement or their application. VT: What do Med School admissions officers look for most in an applicants essays/personal statements? Sahil: They want unique and interesting personal statements. Remember many individual members of an admissions committee are reading hundreds of these a day. If your personal statement is like everybody else's it's going to get the same treatment as everybody else. In order to stand out you should have a unique story. Build your personal statement from the experiences you've had and spin them in a way that is fun and interesting to read. The first few sentences of your essay really can make or break your personal statement and subsequently your entire application. VT: Is there anything on a students application that would automatically disqualify them from being considered for the program? Sahil: Academic dishonesty can easily lead to being disqualified. Additionally things that are huge red flags are multiple withdrawals from classes and a poor letter recommendation. In todays world of admission consultants, a personal statement that appears to be written by somebody else besides you will automatically get you rejected. If you do not have any of these other things but for some reason come across as a cocky and arrogant individual that can automatically disqualify you as well. VT: What about the Med School admissions process differs the most from undergraduate admissions? Sahil: In the medical school admissions process you are competing for one of about 150 spots. In college you're competing for one of 1000 or even more spots. Almost everybody who's qualified will get into college somewhere. That's not the case with medical school. There simply a limited number of seats and many well-qualified people will not get in. Schools want to diversify their class and are not just looking for people with great MCAT and great GPAs but for people with life experience, diversity and who make good team members. All in all you should not be discouraged if you don't get into medical school the first time around. VT: What undergrad majors best prepare one for med school applications? Sahil: There's not one undergraduate major that will prepare you better than another. Certainly a science major can help you through your first two years of medical school, but being a physician is more about communicating with your patients than anything else. Developing those skills can come from any number of majors, not just biology or chemistry. Medical schools will not look down upon particular majors provided that you've done well in the prerequisite classes. VT:Is there anything you might see on a students application that would quickly put them ahead in the running? Sahil: In this day and age where everybody comes in with shadowing, volunteering, and a bit of research work, it is definitely hard to separate yourself. However if you can show that you're passionate about something and have given it your all, that will certainly look better than spreading yourself thin across multiple activities none of which you are actually care about. VT: What advice do you have regarding MCAT test prep? Sahil: The MCAT is a test of subject knowledge but also of endurance and reasoning. The best preparation is to do well in your prerequisite classes. I recommend to students that they buy a few MCAT review books and just sample them as they're going to the classes. That way when they put aside dedicated time to study (2 to 3 months is recommended) they will be reviewing the material for that third and fourth times rather than the first. VT: What do Med School admissions officers look for in recommendation letters? Sahil: Letters of recommendation are always better from people who know you best. Not only are we looking to judge people based on their grades and how they performed in class but deeper than that we want to see that the student is able to develop relationships with their professors. A professor who can talk about activities and perhaps their relationship with the student outside of the classroom as well as how well they performed in the classroom goes along way. It's always best to get these from people who know you best rather than just big names. Check out Dr. Mehtas website, MedSchoolCoach.com, for more information.The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.