What to Do if Youre Waitlisted for a Class

What to Do if You're Waitlisted for a Class Youve made your schedule for the next semester and have all of your desired classes perfectly laid out but once you go to register, you find that one (or more) is already full. For any student, especially those wishing to finish their degree on time, this can be a substantial setback. What to do now? Dont panic; all hope is not lost! There are a few ways you can still try to make your way into the class, despite it having already reached the maximum number of students, but make sure youve familiarized yourself with your colleges policies on how to get into waitlisted classes. The first and most important tip is to make sure you dont cross any boundaries or overlook guidelines your school has already put in place for waitlisted students! With that being said, here are a few approaches you can take Show up anyway Particularly if its a larger class in a lecture environment, showing up on the first day can be an important first step. Some students might be under the impression that the professor will always contact you if a space opens up in the class. While this could be the case occasionally, you never know when a spot might open up at the last minute, so be ready to show up on the first day, prepared, presentable, and ready to take a spot in the class. Also, be ready for the professor to possibly ask you to come to the second day of class, in the event the class has a policy where previously enrolled students who didnt attend the first day of the class are dropped. If this is the case, the professor may ask waitlisted students to attend the second class day in order to accurately see how many spots will be taken. [RELATED: Top 5 College Study Tips] Show the professor you are committed It is vital to educate yourself on the class and potential material that will be covered to help prove you deserve a spot in the class. If you are fortunate enough to snag that spot, the professor will be giving his or her official sign-off to allow you in the class at the start of the semester, giving you an advantage of having your name and face fresher in the professors mind over other students. These circumstances make it key to make a lasting impression the first day of class that will stick in the professor's mind the remainder of the semester. Be prepared to compete for a spot To your dismay, you might not be the only student trying to get into the class. Depending on the size of your school and classes, the waitlist may have a limit as to how many students can move ahead on the list and ultimately into the class. Typically, these students are allowed in if registered members of the class drop on or before the first day, or (on occasion) if the professor decides the class can hold a few more students than originally anticipated. This is why it can be so important to show up on the first day, eager to learn and illustrate why you deserve a spot. Have a backup plan The unfortunate reality is that all of the students who originally registered for the class could show up on the first day, and the professor might decide the classroom cannot hold any additional students. If this ends up being the case for you, it is crucial to have a backup plan in place. Maybe you signed up for another class to fill its spot in the event you couldn't get in, or maybe there are other classes you were waitlisted for that you can still try to get into. You could also decide to prioritize this class during another semester and use your free time in its absence to focus on another academic area or an organization on campus or in the community. [RELATED: Avoid These Myths About College Professors] Regardless of whether you are allotted a spot on the first day of class, putting yourself on the waitlist can pay off. Even if there are a few other students ahead of you, you never know when their plans might change and you could get bumped up on the list! Just remember the importance of educating yourself on the class you are trying to get into, and illustrate to the professor that you will contribute positively to it throughout the course of the semester. 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.

How To Increase Your GMAT Analytical Writing Score

How To Increase Your GMAT Analytical Writing Score UPDATE: Some of this article's advice is now outdated due to changes in the GMAT. An updated article on the exam can be found here.The Analytical Writing section is the dark horse of the GMAT. Often ignored and rarely prepared for, the Analytical Writing section slides behind the curtain of the Quantitative and Verbal Sections. However, it can dramatically improve your chances of acceptance, and some schools even place minimum Analytical Writing score requirements. The following tips can make it easier for you to grasp what a solid essay is and the thought behind it. But, working with a GMAT Writing Tutor can help you take your essay to the next level, and ultimately improve your chances of acceptance. See more from Varsity Tutors on how to increase your GMAT score. Background: You will write two, 30-minute essays (Analysis of an Issue and Analysis of an Argument), scored 1-6. Your overall score is an average of the two, and it can range in half point increments. Each of your essays will be graded by a human reader and maybe automated, essay-scoring software, which will evaluate structural and linguistic features. But most importantly, your readers are looking for a logical organization of ideas, syntactic variety and topic analysis. The GMAT Analytical Writing Section boils down to this: make a legitimate point and convince your readers it is true (including your non-human ones). Chances are, you will see a business-related topic, but you might see a variety of other general-interest topics. The average score is 4, and a 5 or higher would rank you in the 90th percentile. To be accepted into top schools, you will probably need at least a 5. Analysis of an Issue: Here,you have to argue for or against a given topic. What you really need to do, is establish a firm position in your first paragraph, and then pick 3-4 examples to support your stance. Try to diversify your supporting examples. Use a business example, a historical example and a personal example. With this prompt, youre writing your typical 5-paragraph essay with an intro, supporting body paragraphs and a conclusion. Analysis of an Argument: Instead of arguing your belief on a particular topic, you will analyze an argument that is provided. You will be asked to discuss its strengths and weaknesses, and how you can make it better. You can write about how the argument presented has solid logic. However, you will be able to pull from so much more content if you state the argument is illogical. You want to look for faulty assumptions the author made. Thats your bread-and-butter in this prompt. Chances are, the prompt will take a giant leap forward, claiming one truth causes another, when the truths are actually correlated and not causally related. Look for that. The prompt will also ignore many factors that need to be considered, especially if its a business prompt. There are a lot of business factors that need to consider beyond profit margin, including: image, employee morale, environmental efforts, persona, ethics, etc. Write about how these are ignored. This does not have to be the typical 5-paragraph essay. But, you need to state if the argument is valid or not in your first paragraph, then have 3-4 paragraphs of examples supporting your point, and then a conclusion. Review with a tutor: Practicing can improve your writing, and it can do so dramatically. Pull a few prompts off the web and write essays for them, and have your tutor grade them and offer suggestions. Write as many of these as you possibly can. Be specific: Time is an issue, but you need to be as specific as humanly possible for both prompts. Instead of stating something like Wal-Mart focuses solely on cost-cutting, write something like: Wal-Mart takes measures to ensure employees do not earn overtime, uses energy-efficient light bulbs, operates with less packaging all of which improve its cost-cutting business model. Use numbers: Money is the universal business language. Most of your prompts will hint at costs, profits and revenues. Use these figures in your essay, either made up, ballpark figures or actual figures. Teach your reader something: Everybody has some weird, random knowledge that is never useful. Well, its useful here because you want your reader to learn something new by reading your essay. If your reader can stop and say: Oh, thats interesting. I didnt know that, then you have won. You have proven that youre intelligent. For example, cite a specific fallacy the writer makes in your analysis of an argument essay. See a full list here. Read business material: Youre applying to business school, and you need to be current and knowledgeable in the field. Read the business sections in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes and watch as much CNN as you possibly can. Bring this knowledge into your essays. Try to write something like: It would be wise for this company to avoid the same mistake company XYZ did in assuming. Read opinionated pieces: Newspaper columns, blogs, editorials, etc. Pay attention to how these writers form their arguments and try to mimic their style. You know the old saying: you are what you eat. Well the same holds true with writing: you write what you read. So, load your mind up with this style of writing, and it will all just fall out. Make stuff up: Dont lie about what existing companies did, but it is safe to make something up about a personal example. You have to argue your point, and if you only use existing facts/knowledge, you are severely limiting yourself. So, be creative and bring your brothers imaginary business model into your essay.

Learn How to Sew with a Serger with our Sewing Classes

Learn How to Sew with a Serger with our Sewing Classes Sewing Tutorials in Using a Serger: Overlock Stitch, Straight Stitch, and Cutting ChaptersWhat is a Serger?Which Serger Suits You?Stitching Made Possible with a SergerLearn to Sew: With or Without a Serger?The Straight Stitch on Sergers: Are They Worth the Cost?If you have been watching sewing tutorials online â€" or are taking sewing classes, you may well have heard about a mysterious and efficient machine called a serger.While your basic sewing machine is capable of rendering quality stitches and beautiful garments, a serger permits a wider range of stitching and finishing, as well as working with a greater variety of fabrics.Have you every tried to sew jersey or other knits on your sewing machine?The stretch, the curl of raw edges; the likelihood of bunching under your presser foot...There was a time, in the history of sewing, that needles of bone or wood were the only type of notion available.Aren't we grateful that technology has refined the practice of home sewing!These days, sewing machines are computerized, allowing for precise plying of needle and thread, making it easier than ever for the seamstress, tailor or dressmaker to turn out quality clothing in no time flat.Let Superprof ease your way into beginner sewing â€" from the blind stitch for hemming to the buttonhole; from garment patterns to sewing curtains and pillows...Now we enter the enticing world of home sewing on a serger.Such a finishing stitch is only possible on a serger Source; Wikipedia Credit: SeniorCrochetTo  preserve and protect your fabric's raw edge manually â€" stitching it by hand,  you would require meticulous and time-consuming work.Contrast the hours you could have to spend edging your fabric with the mere minutes the efficient serger would require for the same task!It would probably render a much more even sewing stitch, too!You can learn more about sergers/overlocks by discovering the history of sewing …Which Serger Suits You?In fact, there are 2 types of machines that can fulfill these multiple functions:One with a single needle that renders a whip stit ch of varying grades, depending on how the machine is set â€" fine or gross stitching.Sergers are double-needled and can use up to five spools of thread, and cuts off the seam allowance as you stitch.Again, keep in mind: for fabrics such as jersey, fleece or lycra, you will be best served with a serger!Some types of fabric, especially thinner or more delicate ones, are very difficult to work with a classic sewing machine.The overlock also ensures a beautiful finish of the hem, especially on those fine fabrics. If you like to make your own clothes, you should definitely consider investing in such a machine.Imagine working silk on a standard sewing machine. Or even more challenging: by hand!What about a material that stretches easily, such as tricot or some other poly knit fabric?Not everything can be made out of cotton â€" that ultimately workable type of cloth, after all!One of the greatest advantages to working with a serger is the ability to stitch stretchable materials effortless ly.Of course, if you are unusually adept at sewing by hand or with a machine, you could already possess exquisite sewing techniques, and might have sewn whole wardrobes, using a zig zag stitch instead of overlocking your edges and seams.Join the discussion: is sewing a skill that only women should cultivate?A serger can sew rolled hems and seams, but cannot sew buttons or buttonholes Source: Pixabay Credit: WeinstockHowever, a serger renders an especially precise hem, with minimal fabric loss.Even though we are currently in the grip of winter, you may be looking at sewing patterns for summer clothing â€" keeping your sewing room busy in preparation for spring.If that is the case, mastering the rolled hem on a serger would be ideal, because such a hem is particularly suited to light, airy fabrics.You might start with easy projects: maybe a dress or skirt, with a choice of using a 2- or 3-thread stitch.If you opt for a 3-thread hem, you will get a finer rendering; a 2-thread will give the right side the same appearance as the wrong side.The Flatlock SeamAs its name implies, it is a flat seam: most likely, you are familiar with them if you own a lot of sportswear.A prominent example of such a seam can be found on casual wear collars.This seam consists of two fabric panels butted together. It is executed by selecting that particular type of stitch.Of utmost importance when sewing in this manner is to disable your serger's cutting blade.You can also select this type of stitch to make decorative borders if you are making a scarf, or adding ruffles to a sleeve.The Classic HemWho has never stitched a hem?In a hurry and your pant's cuffs have come unraveled. A quick bit of hand sewing, a snip of the scissors, and that's got it, right?Have you ever dismayed over how elementary your hand sewing stitches look, compared to machine-stitched hems?This type of hem, rendered on a serger, was executed with 3 threads, giving it a professional grade look.Sewing on a serger will t ake you far beyond these basic notions! Source: Pixabay Credit: BluemorphosLearn to Sew: With or Without a Serger?Of course you can learn how to sew without a serger! However, you should invest in a basic sewing kit containing:a sewing needle complement â€" an assortment of different sizes, for different types of fabrica needle threader might be a good tool to have, toosewing thread: at least of the basic colours, for easy sewing projectsyou can buy specific shades later, for specific craftingA thimble or twoa scissors set: fabric shears, pinking shears and maybe even a rotary cutterstraight pins and a pincushionbias tapeelastic and velcroThese are the sewing basics. There will certainly be much more available at your sewing notions counter; these are just to get started on needlework.Of course, not even fabric shears can match the precision of a serger's cutting implement, when it comes to eliminating seam allowance.Furthermore, you would have to be mighty experienced to achieve a finish  that would be comparable to anything a serger could yield,  by hand or even with the best sewing machine.As great an advance as machine sewing was, novice seamstresses may find themselves dismayed to see their beginner sewing projects come unraveled after just a few turns in the washing machine.Sewn with a serger, your garments' lifespan will be much longer.Do you absolutely need a serger to achieve beautiful finishes?Of course not! There are other finishes, like the zigzag stitch or a nice French seam, done on a standard home sewing machine, to finalize your sewing work.Still, to assure quality, durability and attractive work: of all the sewing tools available, the serger is the only one to deliver all three!Also learn the terminology for all of your sewing tools and materials...As great an advance as the sewing machine was, sergers render a more professional look to everything you sew Source: Pixabay Credit: Sabine van ErpThe Straight Stitch on Sergers: Are They Worth the Cost?If you love to sew, have entire drawers full of free sewing patterns; have a room replete with sewing supplies...If every member of your family has a complete wardrobe sewn by your hand, most likely you will redeem the cost of your serger within a few months.However, if you have just completed your Sewing for Beginners class and, at best, have managed to turn out a pillowcase â€" or some other simple sewing projects, perhaps you should hold off on your investment.At least, for a little while, until you get another sewing lesson or two under your belt.Overlock machines use two needles and up to five spools of thread at once, and can be highly specialised.The downside to such a machine is that it does not function like a regular sewing machine so, if you are just starting out in dressmaking, you might spare yourself the just over £200 price tag.Conversely, if you intend to establish yourself as an independent tailor, you might consider more complicated machines, with all the bel ls and whistles, that could set you back nearly £500!As you consider your serger purchase, bear in mind some of the top names: Janome, Brother, Toyota, Singer, Bernina and Pfaff.Think about what options you would like to have, versus those that are absolutely necessary for efficient use of the machine, such as: a retractable (or easily removable) blade, and a needle threading accessory.It might also help to have a catcher under the knife, otherwise you will have errant threads everywhere.You can learn a lot more about sewing in general and serging in particular by reading sewing books, joining a sewing circle or taking part in a sewing bee.We hope that this article has helped to point you in the right direction as far as selecting your very first serger!Now you can learn how to sew from the masters of fashion!If searching for ‘sewing classes near me’ come direct to Superprof and find your sewing classes from Edinburgh to Sewing courses London.Discover more about:interfacing fab riccouture clothing

Why is Learning Maths so Important for Children

Why is Learning Maths so Important for Children Help your Kids with Maths: An Essential Part of Learning from Day One ChaptersThe Aim of Learning Maths at Nursery School and KindergartenMaths Teaching at Primary SchoolArithmetic for Children: Essential SkillsTools to Help Children Practice MathsMathematics is one of the most important subjects taught in school. From nursery, children learn about numbers, arithmetic and geometry.Throughout primary and secondary school, children are constantly delving deeper with their understanding, learning to break down numbers and do multiplication for the first time with a multiplication table, as well as tracing geometric shapes.Later on, in their academic careers, students are taught about algebra, trigonometry and calculus.The basics must be mastered if students want to increase their chances of academic success in the future. And if they face obstacles along the way, there are solutions available to help.Emphasising maths from kindergarten will provide children with a strong basis for reasoning, estimation and thinking logically in later life. Playing games r elated to maths, completing exercises with them during the holidays and searching for maths tutors together will increase their interest and expertise.Give children the tools to make sense of the world ¦ source: sasintThe first calculations done by a child represent a big step in their learning. Beyond knowing their times tables by heart, this shows that they have taken a logical route to finding a solution.Knowing the sign for 'add' and the one for 'subtract', finding the product and the difference are all steps along the path to a way of thinking that seems obvious to adults but is quite advanced for young students!By using arithmetic to solve a problem, children familiarise themselves with the properties of numbers and how to manipulate them. With practice, this becomes easier and children will be able to do simple sums as a reflex. Children will also employ techniques and develop automatic reactions to mental arithmetic questions.To help them make good progress, it is important that children can see the applications of maths in real life. Visual association will help the child develop an appreciation for operations and their uses as they can see an end goal.And maths mastery is down to practice!Tools to Help Children Practice MathsIs your child struggling with maths? Don’t let problems fester.Before turning to a private maths tutor, think about offering an alternative approach to learning to help your child view maths problems from a different angle.With a fun approach to learning, you child will be able to improve their skills whilst enjoying themselves!Exercises During School HolidaysExercise books help children to stay on the ball and commit information to memory during the time when they are not at school.Self-motivated children will enjoy working through their homework books and may not even see it as work.Even so, if your child sees workbooks in a negative light, they are far less likely to work hard and it and take it seriously, and there will, t herefore, be little benefit.This is why it is important for parents to encourage their children along the way, providing support in their learning.Educational AppsChildren love playing on phones and tables, which is perfect for getting them to play educational games!Apps for learning times tables are particularly easy to find. The child can track their progress, which motivates them to keep improving.Children learn best when they're having fun! ¦ source: Pixabay - StockSnapThese apps are real games with challenges to overcome, levels to pass and a story to follow.CartoonsIt’s easy to find educational cartoons online, which can help explain maths to children.Supporting your child this way will give them the opportunity to learn maths by a different, and maybe more effective method than the ones used at school.Learning about a new topic which is explained visually can completely turn around a child’s understanding.Board GamesDo you enjoy playing games as a family?If your youngste r is struggling with their maths skills, why not suggest playing an educational board game  adapted to their age?Developing logic and reasoning skills, learning calculations and broadening their understanding of graphing are all advantages of family games, which allow the child to make progress without feeling isolated.Having a good time with their parents can mean a boost in self-esteem for children and they learn without any pressure.Beyond helping your child with their maths by incorporating it into games, you can also make maths a part of your day-to-day life.Without pressing them too much for an answer, ask your child questions to help them learn to appreciate the practical uses of math in real life.Baking a cake is a good time to get in some practice:I have a mug of 100g of flour and I need 250g of flour for the recipe. How many mugs of flour should I use?If I put the cake in the oven at 3:50pm for 25 minutes, when will it be ready?There are many ways to get your children to a ppreciate maths and its uses, and this is completely worth the effort as laying a solid foundation will enable learners to build their knowledge with less difficulty later on.Find a local and an online maths tutor for A-level and GCSE maths revision all over the UK on Superprof’s great tutoring platform!

Where To Stay On Your Trip To Portugal

Where To Stay On Your Trip To Portugal Visit Portugal: Finding Your Holiday Accommodation ChaptersChoosing A Hotel In PortugalCheaper Accommodation AlternativesUnusual Accommodation In PortugalCompare Before You Book If You Want The Best PriceIf you visit Portugal, you will find an enchanting country with a long list of attractions, from world heritage sites, White sand beaches, monuments, resorts, Stunning cobblestone towns, wine route villages, awe-inspiring waterfalls and hilltop monastery/pilgrimage sites. No matter where you go it can be the best places to visit. The country has discoveries waiting for all travelers, the foodie who wants to try eating in the café lined streets to the adventurous traveller who wants to put down the travel guide set off exploring the best places to go.From Madeira, Faro, Lisbon (Portugals Largest city), Porto, the Algarve, the Azores islands and everything in between. Portugal is a small country that makes a big impression, the places to visit and to stay will live on in your memory as some of the best Journeys that you have had. You will soon find yourself booking yet another trip back to spectacular Portugal.In Portugal, hotels, houses, apartments and rooms await tourists throughout the year not just in the summer months. If your Itinerary is organised to visit the Valleys, Landscape and beautiful regions of the Algarve, the Azores, Coimbra, Belem, or the bustling capital city of Lisbon. Then after you book your arrival transport, you will need to book somewhere to sleep. We will look at some of the types of accommodation that you can choose to enjoy your holidays. Here are our accommodation Travel tips.Portaguese people are friendly accommodating. Photo Source: UnsplashThe Airbnb option is special since it can be as much an apartment rental as a room rental homestay.By renting an apartment, you can see how it feels to live in the country like a local, and if you rent only one room, it gives you the opportunity to meet your host and talk to about life in Portugal. Airbnb is also an asset for the wallet, as th ey do cost much less than Hotels in almost all areas.Try CampingIn a tent, camper, mobile home, camping accommodations are reserved for holidays in all parts of Portugal. It would be a mistake not to consider camping as a holiday accommodation option abroad. Not only can you save money but you also get to have a little adventure. Portugal is full of campsites, they can enjoy facilities such as a swimming pool, playgrounds, wifi or washing machines.To book a pitch, you only have to pay from around €3, but prices can be seasonal especially in tourist areas. Which mean prices go up in summer and go down in winter. But prices are so low that even summer prices may leave you with plenty of money to spare.Unusual Accommodation In PortugalTepee, Yurt, boat, huts on the beach, Palace, Castle, cabins in the woods, unusual accommodations are becoming more and more popular among holidaymakers. Portugal has plenty of options for you to choose from should you like to try a unique accommodation .Unique AccommodationIf you are happy to sign up for an Airbnb account, you will be able to search and find a long list of unique accommodations. However, you can also search on google for solutions or ask around when you get to your destination.Other unusual accommodations are also available in Portugal such as a windmill redeveloped on the south bank of the Tejo for 80 €, or a tipi by the sea for 71 € per night.Free Accommodation In PortugalIt may seem hard to believe, but you can find free accommodations in Portugal.CouchsurfingOnce registered on the Couchsurfing site, you will search through the profiles of interesting Portuguese people and get in touch with them depending on the place you want to visit. If the person is available on the dates you want, you can sleep on his sofa or in a bed, depending on what space they have available.While this does not always guarantee the best comfort, the benefit is that you get to meet new people who live in the country who are keen to spend time with you in exchange for a bed. This is great for people travelling alone or for people who would like a free guide from the local point of view. Normally in exchange, you may spend some time with your host as friends do, you may also cook for your host or bring them a thank you gift.Work Exchange ProgramsWoofing, Helpx, Workaway are work exchange programs which allow you to stay for free in exchange for helping your host with a project. In exchange for free housing and sometimes even food, you work for a few hours a day to work on a farm, in a house or project of the hosts choice. It is good to agree on everything before arrival and be honest about your experience and interests. These options also can allow you to work in hostels or with travellers, which may come with other freebies like tours, day trips and free entry to attractions.Free ParkingIf you own a campervan or truck, there are many places to park without having to pay. To find the best places for yourself try the app Park4night or other similar apps which share local information for tourists who are driving.If you arrive in Lisbon you can have a tour in the capital city. Photo Source: UnsplashCompare Before You Book If You Want The Best PriceOnline comparison sites are often used by vacationers to find the best prices for accommodation. While many people may use accommodation booking sites to book their accommodation, many people still do not compare booking sites. If you are looking for the best price, you should compare the price offered for your hotel on a few sites. Websites like trivago will search the entire web and provide you with the cheap price offered across website online.This is because the same hotel can offer different prices for the same room even on the same dates. To get the best price, it's worth doing a bit of extra research to find out if you are paying the best price offered for that room. Additionally, sometimes it can be cheaper to book directly with the hotel/ho stel. And if you are able to book in advance, you may receive an early booking discount which could make the price really affordable.While some travellers need to prepare an entire program in advance, others prefer to improvise during their stay. Both can be risky, so reading reviews can help you avoid disappointment. Remember also that if you travel during a special season such as a festival or holiday, you may struggle to find free rooms available. But if you are flexible, there will always be something for you even at the last minute. Enjoy Tourism!

Dont Wait to Act for Kids with ADHD

Don't Wait to Act for Kids with ADHD When parents have concerns about their childs behavior or academic performance, they are often told by friends, family, teachers, and doctors that they should wait and see if things improve before seeking professional help. After all, maybe what is concerning the parents is just a phase or a developmental stage that will pass on its own. Since kids and the expectations placed on them are constantly changing, there are times when a wait-and-see approach makes sense. For example, this can be a good method for when a child is initially adjusting to a new teacher or when there are major changes at home, like the addition of a new sibling. In contrast, when there are persistent behavior challenges at home or at school, like difficulty following basic rules, difficulty getting along with classmates or teachers, oppositional behavior, or difficulties with focus or completing schoolwork, then a wait-and-see approach is not helpful and could even be harmful for kids who may have ADHD. With the start of a new school year, parents are especially attuned to their childs behavior and academic performance. So, its not surprising that this is the time when new or heightened concerns are often raised. Its also a major adjustment period for kids, which means teachers and professionals may be more likely than ever to hand out wait-and-see advice. The problem is that when kids or teens have ADHD, or suspected ADHD, waiting too long can lead to missed opportunities for social, cognitive, and academic development. The longer kids go without help, the more likely they are to experience excessive criticism, miss gaining important academic knowledge or skills, and miss opportunities to foster new friendships. So, how long should you wait to seek professional help or an assessment for a possible ADHD diagnosis when your child or teen is struggling at the start of the school year? And what are the signs that professional help is needed? While there are no hard and fast rules to follow, here are some basic guidelines that can be helpful: If you are considering having your child or teen assessed for ADHD after the start of a new school year, then it is important to give a teacher 4-8 weeks to observe your child in a new classroom. This is generally enough time for your teacher to develop an understanding of how your child or teens behavior and academic skills compare to age- and grade-level expectations. However, it is not necessary or helpful to wait longer than two months (at most) if your child is struggling. Keep in mind that waitlists for assessments can be long, so get on a list right away and expect that it will likely be at least two months before an assessment slot becomes available. If homework time is a battle at the start of the school year, and nothing you do seems to improve the situation, then get additional help as soon as possible. Homework demands will only increase as the school year goes on, and its highly unlikely that things will get better if you take a wait-and-see approach. Talk to your childs teacher, a school counselor, a psychologist, or a learning center, like Huntington Learning Center, about what you can do to take the stress out of homework time. If you and your child are struggling to get out of the house on time in the morning, either because of behavior challenges, school refusal problems, or because your child cannot stay focused long enough to complete a basic morning routine, then get help as soon as possible. Its much easier to establish a morning routine that works early in the school year than it is to change a routine later after bad habits have become entrenched. If your child is struggling socially and is having difficulty making new friends, then it may make sense to wait about a month to see if they settle into their new classroom or school. However, if your child has a long history of social difficulties, and their current social challenges are part of an ongoing pattern, then seek help as soon as possible. There may be things that you, a therapist, their teacher, or a school counselor can do early to set your child up for social success this school year. Finding help for a child who is struggling with behavioral, social, or academic challenges can be difficult. If you suspect your child may have ADHD, then your pediatrician can be a good place to start. School counselors can also be a great resource, especially when it comes to social difficulties. Teachers and learning centers, like Huntington, can help with academic problems in the classroom and during homework time. Lastly, psychologists and therapists in your area who specialize in ADHD or behavior challenges can be very helpful. If the first professional you talk to dismisses your concerns or tells you to wait and see if things improve, then be persistent and find someone who can provide your child with the help they need now before too much time passes by. 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.

Ten Most Common Study Mistakes

Ten Most Common Study Mistakes Improving Academic Performance Tests are part and parcel of school, and are especially important in higher education; whether it’s midterms and finals in college, language exams or massive paid exams required for certifications, tests are used to demonstrate each student’s knowledge of the material and determine whether or not they’ll pass. Studying for an adequate amount of time before taking the NCLEX is vital (ignore the nursing pun), as it has a direct impact on your final test score. However, simply setting aside a large amount of study time won’t guarantee high test scores; the effectiveness of studying is just as important as the amount of time is spent on the material. To aid the study process, here are ten common study mistakes nursing students make, and how to avoid them. #1. Studying Too Much Studying for longer tends to produce higher test scores, but there comes a point where study length begins to have an adverse effect on grades. This is especially true for nursing students, as so much of your time is tied up in working. Also, since being a nurse tends to be more stressful than, say, an accountant, the effect of too much time spent studying may exacerbate things even more. Prepping for longer than 9 hours can cause a loss in focus, failure to retain the information, and fatigue from cutting into time better spent sleepingâ€"since sleep is a commodity in the nursing world, try to get as much as possible! #2. Studying Too Soon It’s not a good idea to study a few hours before the NCLEX, even if students believe this means the information will be fresh in their minds. Studies have shown that relational memory is directly related to sleep, so the most ideal time to study is at least 24 hours before the test so you can sleep on the information. #3. Studying in One Place While students may have an ideal study location, such as a library, your bedroom, or a hospital bed that’s not taken, it’s far better to study in a few different locations. Frequent changes in environment will lead to a stronger memory of the study material, as environmental context reinforces memory. #4. Studying All Night As previously mentioned, sleep plays a vital role in your memory. All-nighters are okay every so often, but nursing students need a decent amount of sleep after study sessions in order to retain the information they stored. If you’re too pressed for time to get a good night’s sleep, try to get a power nap in at the very least. #5. Studying Only One Way It’s important to take the material students are studying and apply it in different ways. It’s important for students to read different sections out loud, transcribe notes onto paper with a pen, and quiz themselves with flashcards. If they simply memorize the study guide, instead of gaining any practical knowledge, they’ll just be able to regurgitate the study guide on a blank sheet of paper. #6. Studying on an Empty Stomach To study better, your brain needs to have the proper nutrients. Most nursing students already know of the benefits caffeine has on focus, but there are some other foods that will improve your memory and concentration, such as avocados, fish and dark chocolate. Also, find a nutritionist at your hospital and get them to give you a basic meal planâ€"this should be somewhat easy if you have good relationships with your coworkers. #7. Studying Alone Students can be prone to distraction and cause mistakes in their notes that they’ll fail to catch IF they study alone. Studying with a partner or a study group will ensure students get through material quickly, and can compare notes to ensure accuracy. #8. Studying in a Bad Mood Most students can get easily stressed out, especially as the NCLEX date approaches. As a result, that stress may cause their memory to suffer. It’s important to encourage students to relax before any study session. They could try meditation, light exercise, or breathing essential oils such as lavender and eucalyptus. Those options can soothe those nerves and clear their head. #9. Studying Without Breaks Be sure to encourage students to take frequent breaks when studying for long periods of time. An effective study schedule is the Pomodoro Technique, which recommends taking short breaks every 25 minutes of work, with longer breaks interspersed over longer periods. #10. Studying With Distractions Technology can be very helpful when studying, but it is just as likely to be detrimental due to the limitless distractions of smartphones and the Internet. Students should try turning off their phone or disabling the network connection on their computer. Without the distractions they may find it easier to concentrate and be more productive. Conclusion Studying for the NCLEX can be daunting, but not impossible. It’s important for students to plan out their study sessions ahead of time, so they can devote enough time and energy to the study process. Similarly, it’s imperative that their mental and physical health isn’t neglected during their studies. Sharing these techniques with your class will make the studying process easier and get students ready for any test at any education level. About the Author Crush the NCLEX is an online resource dedicated to helping professionals pass the NCLEX Exam on their first try. They provide reviews of NCLEX study materials and provide unmatched study strategies to fast track each student’s success. Learn more at http://crushthenclex.com/.

TutorNerds Featured on OC Mom Blog End of the School Year Tips

TutorNerds Featured on OC Mom Blog End of the School Year Tips TutorNerds Guest Post on the Orange County Mom Blog: 4 Tips to Help your Child Concentrate Through the End of the School Year As students are wrapping up the school year, its important to make sure theyre on track to finish strong. To help with this, one of our private Orange County tutors wrote a guest post for our friends at the OC Mom Blog. It’s that time of year again, school is almost over, and students are excited to get out of the classroom and into the swing of summer. Unfortunately, this can make it harder for students to concentrate on what’s important including end-of-year testing, final exams, and final projects that will make a big difference in their overall GPA. There are lots of things kids can do to stay on track and work towards academic success for the remainder of the year. Make the most of your summer break! With our experienced Orange County tutors that work with your schedule, youll be able to catch up and get ahead on your academics all while relaxing and having fun in the sun. Call us today to book your private Orange County summer tutor from TutorNerds! Members of the TutorNerds team and our private tutors write every blog post. If you have any questions about our blog, please email us at pr@tutornerds.com.