Tutors in Louisiana Offer Great Courses For High School Students

Tutors in Louisiana Offer Great Courses For High School StudentsTutors in La and Alabama in particular are a great option for anyone looking to earn a higher education degree. Tutors in La can be found throughout the state, so you shouldn't have a problem finding one. They are also well equipped to handle all of your college needs, so don't feel overwhelmed when you visit. They will work with you to find you the best college degree for you and help you keep your credits up to date for future work.Tutors in La offer assistance in many different areas. For example, they may have special scholarships available to their students. These scholarships provide money to their students, allowing them to afford more expensive courses that their school may not offer. It is important to contact your local tutor in Louisiana and find out what scholarship opportunities are available to you. Most will have a large variety of scholarships to choose from.Tutors in Louisiana may also be able to introdu ce you to local colleges that will have programs available for your high school, community college or university. Often these programs will allow you to earn credit towards your associate's degree while taking classes at the college. This gives you an opportunity to study a subject that you love, while earning a degree.Many people need a bachelor's degree or an associate's degree before they decide to get their career started. This helps prepare them for a better career in any field. Tutors in Louisiana offer a wide variety of programs that are suited for those who want to attend graduate school or start a career. An associate's degree is often the first step to getting a job in a specific field.Many people want to have their own business one day, but only do so because they want to earn their own income. A master's degree is a great investment to any business owner. Tutors in Louisiana will teach you the ins and outs of running a business. You'll learn everything from creating the perfect business plan to making sure you have everything in order for your business to succeed.You can earn an associate's degree in a variety of different fields and depending on the area you live in, you might find yourself in various forms of vocational education. Many people come to Louisiana to gain the experience they need to move forward in their careers. Another benefit of working with a tutor in Louisiana is that they can help you decide which career path is right for you. With this knowledge you can take action to get that career started.Some people might not like to do things alone, so they might choose to earn their degree through online courses. This gives them the freedom and flexibility to study whenever they want and when they feel like it. By having an instructor follow you around the classroom, you can also be certain that you are being taught exactly how it should be done.If you have decided that you need more education for your career, your chances of being succe ssful are greatly increased if you have previously attended high school. You can take college courses and earn your associate's degree and bachelor's degree in the same year. Working with a tutor in Louisiana is the first step to getting this done. They will help you get your college degree and guide you every step of the way to reach your goal.

Uloop Morning Mix August 21

Uloop Morning Mix August 21 Locutus Borg via Wikimedia CommonsAs you probably have heard,  a total solar eclipse will cross the full U.S. for the first time since 1918. Only certain parts of the country will get the total effect, but almost everyone is going to see something today. NASA put together a series of maps detailing which states  will have the best views. The University of Georgia  campus will have a 99% eclipse, heres what they are doing to prepare. DONT LOOK DIRECTLY AT THE ECLIPSE, DUH You gotta have the right glasses! (Image via YouTube) As your Mom has probably already texted you about 10 times, Dont look at the Eclipse. Be careful you dont want to go blind! (Sun emoji, sunglasses emoji, heart emoji). But shes right, the sun can cook your eyes.   That means you need some special glasses, which are selling like crazy. Any on your campus? The Eclipse is causing millions of people to travel to get a good view. About 12 million people live directly in the path of totality; experts estimate they could be joined by about 7.4 million people traveling to watch the eclipse. That could make for some serious traffic and clogged cellular networks reports FiveThirtyEight. And it could cause some serious problems for first responders. Be safe out there today. And if all seems like a lot of work, Fast Company has 10 ways you can stream the eclipse from your computer or phone. SUSPECT IN BARCELONA ATTACKS HAS BEEN NAMED Sign that appeared at vigil for Barcelona victims over the weekend (image: YouTube) Spanish police named a suspect who they  believe was the driver of a van which ploughed into dozens of people in Barcelona, killing 13 and injuring hundreds. A search for  Younes Abouyaaqoub, 22, is taking place across Europe today. The members of the citys most famous sports team, did their part, wearing black armbands and holding a tribute to victims before kickoff.  â€œReturning to normality is a way of defeating those who want to disrupt normal life. Football is part of that,” the Catalonian president, Carles Puigdemont, told the Guardian. AND FINALLY, CAN YOU GET THROUGH COLLEGE WITHOUT TAKING NOTES? (Image via Pexels) Um, maybe?  Ian  Acosta  from the University of Illinois asks four questions that will help you decide whether you even need to spend time taking notes, whether you write them in a notebook old-school style or use your laptop and a program like Evernote. Find out if you are a note person right here.   That was painless right? You might have even learned a thing or two. Happy Eclipse Day!

The Chemistry Behind Advanced Chemistry

The Chemistry Behind Advanced ChemistryThe key to advanced chemistry is understanding the concepts of a reaction, learning how to manipulate substances using a catalytic cycle, and basic understanding of the common elements in the periodic table. These four major ideas have served as the basis for the chemical and biological understanding of a reaction ever since it was first discovered by the ancient Chinese and the early Indians. Though these basic concepts have come to us through time and are taught in various colleges and universities around the world, most chemistry students often tend to leave off from these basic fundamentals while learning about reactions.In short, the catalyst and catalytic cycle are based on simple laboratory experiments conducted by the Greeks. Later, chemists came up with a number of different theories to explain why the catalyst formed the reaction between the reactive chemicals and elements and the process to improve the outcome. Today, there are many d ifferent reactions taking place in your body as you go about your daily life. One of the main reactions you are likely to experience in your body is the metabolism of proteins into glucose, which you consume as a form of energy during your daily activities. Of course, other reactions that take place in your body are the breakdown of proteins into simpler forms that can be broken down further by our enzymes.When you take a look at the rest of the periodic table of the elements, you will notice that there are some very common elements present in them. Those compounds that contain oxygen, sodium, potassium, calcium, and other basic elements are considered to be alkaline, such as carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and carbon monoxide. Other common compounds are bases, which contain the elements that are acidic such as bicarbonate and hydrochloric acid.When you learn about the reactions between the reactants, one of the most basic parts of the reaction is the oxidation of the element, such as mag nesium, aluminum, iron, or any other metal. The amount of free radicals that occur depends on the strength of the reaction between the reactants. However, one more important idea that you need to grasp is the fact that the oxidation produces a reaction. This means that if you let the free radicals build up, they will eventually produce an even stronger reaction that will end up with burning your skin or whatever else you may be holding in your hand.The formation of oxidation can also be seen as the result of an increase in the temperature in a reaction. Once the temperature gets too high, the material changes from a solid state to a gas, which can actually cause it to dissolve in water. The formation of water as a result of this high temperature causes the reactants to change in another way. They form either a solid or a liquid. However, if the temperature continues to get too high, the solid will eventually break down and the liquid will then take its place.Let's say that you want to prevent the oxidation reaction from taking place. You will want to use the oxidation product, such as mercury, to stop the reaction. If you have done your research, you should know that there are many chemical compounds which will react with the substance that you want to keep away. This is why you need to be able to find the right compound for you to prevent the oxidation from happening.Another idea that you must understand is that of the two-phase reaction. What you will be interested in knowing is the two-phase reaction process, which happens when a substance is exposed to a second phase. As a matter of fact, you should have already understood this by now. It's important to know that one of the two phases that has been created in the first phase will combine with the first phase, turning into something else, called the product. You will need to be able to understand the reactions between the two products, the base and the product, before you can actually realize how this works .

What You Need To Know About SLO Computer Science Tutors

What You Need To Know About SLO Computer Science TutorsA Cal Poly SLO computer science tutor is a special kind of tutor that can be called upon for the different subjects of computer science. The person should be ready to work in a group and if the job is not fixed in terms of duration, the cost is higher. There are some more considerations you need to look into when you are about to hire a SLO computer science tutor.First of all you need to know whether or not you are going to get one SLO tutoring as a part of your SLO program. If the SLO tutoring is part of your SLO program, you need to know how much your tutor is paid for their part of the SLO programming. This could range from $50 for a student to hundreds of dollars for a full-time instructor.The SLO computer science tutor is actually very important in the times we are in now. Computer science has become a way of life for the vast majority of college students today. There are so many online schools that actually demand a degree in computer science or a computer engineer in order to get enrolled in any of their programs. One is looking for an SLO computer science tutor in order to learn how to code the computer systems and applications that are being put out by companies today.SLO tutors help students learn how to use a computer and proper guidance and training can make all the difference between a good student and a bad student. SLO can actually help with your job application too. You will find SLO tutors working as interns with major corporations such as Apple, NASA, Microsoft, and Cisco Systems among others.Because the demand for SLO tutors is so high, it is essential that they have basic computer science information. When you go to the website for a SLO computer science tutor, you will need to know exactly what information you are going to need in order to provide a great tutoring experience. This information includes the hours that are worked, the materials they are using, the specializations that are being taught, etc.This will ensure that they are only taking on new students in a long period of time. You will also want to get an idea of the hourly rate as this will ensure that you are getting a good tutor for your money.You do not want to end up as a teacher job, you want to work with real professionals instead. That is why you should get your SLO computer science tutor as soon as possible. It is going to pay off big time in the future when you have all the knowledge needed to help students learn and develop a great career in computer science.

6 Resources for Creating Your Own Sheet Music

6 Resources for Creating Your Own Sheet Music Suzy S. As you develop your musical skills, you may become interested in writing your own music. While learning to play an instrument and being able to play others music is a wonderful skill, nothing compares to creating sheet music full of your own compositions! As a budding songwriter, you’ll need to add some additional skills to your repertoire. Writing music can be as simple as putting a pen to paper, or you can take advantage of the many songwriting tools technology offers. Whether you’re sketching out notes for yourself, writing the next pop hit, or creating sheet music of arrangements for a big band, the most important step is to just get started. First: Where to Find Free Blank Sheet Music The easiest method is the oldest! Nothing beats a crisp blank piece of staff paper as you pick up your pen and begin your musical journey. There are many free resources online for printing blank staff paper. Here are two of the best: Blank Sheet Music This website allows you to print any kind of blank sheet music for free. No matter what instrument you’re writing for, you can find pre-designed sheet music for it here. They offer blank pages set up for piano and keyboard (grand staff), blank guitar tab, bass clef, blank mandolin sheet music, and even sheet music set-up for choir. Music-paper.com Music-paper.com is a site that not only offers more than 100 different downloadable and printable PDFs of blank staff paper, it also offers information on how to write music! Whether you’re looking for paper to jot down your next pop song or orchestral opus, you’ll find it here for free. Next: Apps Programs for Writing Music Technology has changed the way we do almost everything, and writing music is no exception. Today, there are hundreds of applications and programs that can get you started composing on your laptop, desktop, tablet, or smartphone.  They range in price from free to several hundred dollars. Here are some of the best: MuseScore MuseScore is a free program that allows you to create, play, and print sheet music. It’s a great alternative to professional notation programs like Sibelius and Finale (see below). Muse Score is available for Mac and Windows along with various open source systems like Linux and Fedora. When you visit the MuseScore website, make sure to take advantage of their online video tutorials to help you get started. Music Composer  (Android) Available for free on the Google Apps store, Music Composer works on your Android smartphone or tablet. It’s an intuitive, easy-to-use application that helps you notate your musical ideas on the go, whenever and wherever inspiration strikes! It features a notation editor (that supports chords), and easy options to change tempo, clef, key signature, time signature, keys, and instruments. Also, Music Composer comes with 128 instrument sounds built in so you can hear your music played as you write it! When you’re finished composing, you can then export your sheet music as a printable image file or a playable audio file. Sibelius ($599.95) Sibelius is the world’s best-selling music notation software used by professional composers, publishers, and advanced music students. It allows you to quickly express and promote your music, allowing you to share both audio and video of your work. It is the fastest, smartest, and easiest way to write music for performance, film, television, or the classroom. It’s a professional tool worth considering if you are serious about composing. Finale ($600.00; $350.00 for students and educators) Finale is another professional-level music notation program. Many music programs are drag-and-drop interfaces where you select items from a menu and drop them on the staff, but Finale offers complete freedom and flexibility. It offers extremely realistic playback of your compositions and allows you to print charts and scores. Finale also offers several lower-priced, upgradable products, including Printmusic (a “lite”version of Finale, at $119.95), which can print up to 24 staves. Another option, Songbook, is a free digital sheet music app for your tablet great for bringing all of your music to rehearsal on your tablet! Composing is natural next step as your music skills advances. Whether you take the simplest approach of putting pen to paper, opt for free notation apps, or invest in a professional-level notation program, the key is to just get started! A great way to learn about composition is to work with a qualified teacher. If you already study with one, ask your teacher to help you. He or she can offer insight into the best way to get started and can help you with the learning curve if you choose to use software. Good luck! View all Takelessons.com Free Sheet Music Resources. Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher Photo  by  basheertome

Do You Change your Pace Often Enough - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / Do You Change your Pace Often Enough - Introvert Whisperer Do You Change your Pace Often Enough? Change of pace is an important aspect of our functioning in work and life.   More than anything else, when you change the pace of how you work or manage your life, it perks up your focus.   You can start looking at your work in a new way, often sparking new and creative ideas or approaches. Changing how you do things can re-energize you as well.   It’s like running a race or taking a hike.   It’s good to stop periodically to catch your breath, sip water and assess your progress. It’s in those moments when we pause that we allow ourselves to plan our next steps and the path ahead.   While on the surface it may seem like we have stopped work and aren’t productive, in fact, it’s some of the most important time we spend.   We can all use new, creative approaches to our work or solving a problem and certainly we need the energy to keep moving forward.   That will only happen by taking a break or changing your pace. I leave you with this trivia: Did you know vacations, weekends and retirement are all inventions of this past century??   In other words, time off of work hasn’t always existed?   It only evolved as a result of manufacturing and people leaving farming as a means of making a living.   Farmers can’t reasonably stop tending animals or crops for a vacation (at least not without doing loads of planning for who picks up the work while they’re gone). Go to top Do you know what your next career step is?  Many people don’t. I want to help you accelerate your career by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my eBook on how to construct your Career SMART Goals â€" that will help you put together your actions and keep you accountable. Get your copy now and start your action plan today! Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleashing your professional potential. Introvert Whisperer

Solve Problems Instantly By Online Calculus Problem Solvers

Solve Problems Instantly By Online Calculus Problem Solvers It is extremely difficult to ace statistics if math is not your cup of tea. There are heaps of aides and apparatuses in order to learn Calculus ideas successfully specifically from online calculus tutors. Below are the best math calculus applications. That can help students to get deeply indulged in the subject with more ease and get calculus homework help. Best math calculus applications Shmoop AP Calculus Shmoop AP Calculus, it is the best study instrument for kids who take AP Calculus. The application incorporates various full-length exams to help you get distinctive sorts of problems. Get problems on test and assemble the speed to complete test on time. Uncommon drills help students to take a shot at exact apparatuses and ideas especially with calculus assignment help. While the application is impeccably planned keeping weak math students in mind. The drills are suitable for those who take different calculus courses. How #Calculus #Teachers Can Plan And Conduct #Tutoring Sessions Successfully https://t.co/HDvRqB3l4p via @tutorpace â€" Tutor Pace (@TutorPace) November 19, 2015 Calculus Pro It gives apparatuses in examining statistics sitting at home. Instructional exercises are incorporated within the application on distinctive subjects. For example, limits, integrals, rules, arc length, and more. As an example: charts, pictures and test questions are integrated to help children. It fabricates their mind with a top to bottom understanding of troublesome topics. Free Graphing Calculator This application provides with the best part of any math class. This application spares you from purchasing and bearing a costly calculator for graphing. When you need to make a diagram utilizing this application. You have the advantage to zoom in and out, discover convergences and make tables of values as per the functions. Likewise, you can even search out for other related information as well as basic formulas. Why #calculus Is Tough And How To Study Calculus With Ease https://t.co/LsAIAycQd7 via @TutorPace â€" Tutor Pace (@TutorPace) November 19, 2015 iCalculus iCalculus, is specifically intended for students terrified with calculus and the individuals who use calculus in real life scenario. The application fathoms most regular equations in calculus which incorporates differential as well as linear equations systems. This application bolsters diverse capacities and can complete different financial operations within minutes. Wolfram Calculus Course Assistant It is superbly intended to offer you some assistance with completing your math homework and get ready for statistical exams. This application can be utilized as an answer-checker. Tackling math totals for you and give orderly clarification to take care of the issue. It is particularly intended for students at diverse math levels. Yet offers maybe a couple derivatives solving methods. So not helpful for kids managing abnormal calculus problems. Calculus FTW   This application helps in comprehending math by giving regulated answers for most normal questions. You can discover problems for every single idea. It is essential in math class and clarifications of significant concepts. When you need to take care of a problem all alone and got stuck then this application gives you hints related to the question. AP Exam Prep This application helps to take AP Calculus AB or BC necessary for AP exam. The application accompanies 25 free common questions for AP Calculus exams. Additionally, students may pick to purchase more problems for additional charge. As students experience application they can mark the questions in order to do a review or make a strategic plan for concentrating on the areas where you have problems. Avail High School #calculus Tutors To Approach Calculus Exam With More Confidence https://t.co/Ue0mqBekFx via @TutorPace â€" Tutor Pace (@TutorPace) November 19, 2015 Video Calculus This application furnishes you with huge amounts of video. It is based on lectures to take advantage and ace distinctive subjects within statistics. To Go from Tutor.com It is an energizing application (it is a membership based application). Application that gives you a chance to get genuine help with math issues. Calculus Tutor It is a helpful math book application and 6 hours video training modules to give awesome establishment on calculus. Learn To Solve Complex Problems In Quick And Unique Ways With An Online #calculus Tutor https://t.co/kJw92tzet7 via @TutorPace â€" Tutor Pace (@TutorPace) November 19, 2015 Formulus HD Gives you access to a great deal of equations for school math and college math. This application covers derivatives, integrals, and a whole lot of other topics to choose from.

Italian Language Teaching Examination DITALS

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

Ask a Medical School Admissions Expert Rishi Mediratta

Ask a Medical School Admissions Expert Rishi Mediratta Varsity Tutors brings you insider tips and advice straight from nationally recognized admissions experts. Rishi Mediratta is co-author of the bookCracking Med School Admissions: Trusted Advice from Students Whove Been There, as well as a medical school admissions adviser. He obtained his undergraduate degree in Public Health Studies from Johns Hopkins Universityand went on to complete Masters degrees in Medical Anthropology and Public Health. Rishi attended medical school at Stanford University, and he is currently a resident physician at Stanford Childrens Health and Lucile Packard Childrens Hospital Stanford. VT: How much time should be set aside to adequately prepare for and complete a Med School application? Rishi:Start working on your applications as soon as possible so that you can turn in your American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) application when it opens in June. I cannot stress this point enough. The earlier you turn in your application, the more likely it is that you will receive a medical school interview and, in turn, get accepted into medical school. For some students, completing the entire AMCAS application takes several months to one full year. The tasks required to complete the AMCAS application include: submitting your transcripts from college and any graduate work, completing and submitting your MCAT scores, writing a medical school personal statement, gathering your letters of recommendation, and writing the descriptions for the work/activities section of the AMCAS application. Don't underestimate the amount of time it takes to finish all of these components of the AMCAS application. VT: What is the single most important thing applicants should focus on with this application? Rishi:I think a student has to create a great narrative about why he or she wants to go to medical school and what makes him or her unique from other applicants. Our team often tells the students we advise to create themes for their applications. Does the student really love research? Health education? Helping special needs patients? The theme should be evident throughout multiple parts of the application from the personal statement, to a letter of recommendation, to the secondary essays. VT: What are the best ways to go about selecting a terrific personal statement topic? Rishi:For the AMCAS personal statement, you should start by asking yourself these questions: What am I going to do with my medical degree? What do I want to tell the admissions committee about myself? Are there any interesting stories related to medicine or healthcare that are unique to me? What cultural experiences have I had that formed my experiences with healthcare? What do I want the reader to learn about me from reading my personal statement? Are there any skills or personality traits I want to highlight? One thing I always tell applicants is to create a story that highlights your message of why you want to become a doctor. Dont just make your medical school personal statement an extended laundry list of your extracurricular activities. In addition to the AMCAS application, there are also medical school secondary application essays. In your secondary essays, try to not write about the same topic that you wrote about in your medical school personal statement. VT: Are there any essay topics you get tired of seeing or would warn students to stay away from? Rishi:Any topic is really fair game. I wouldnt say there is something you shouldnt write about. If the topic or experience is important to you, then write a compelling story about it. Our team has advised students who wrote about topics ranging from being part of Division I athletics, to conducting clinical research with patients, to helping a woman with multiple sclerosis, to working as an Emergency Medical Responder. Again, I want to iterate that your medical schoolpersonal statement should be a story that highlights your attributes and interesting personal stories. Most of thesuccessfulmedical school essays I have read over the past few years focus on one or two experiences, rather than four or five different activities. VT: What are the biggest mistakes one can make on a Med School application? Rishi:The biggest mistake a student can make is to turn in his or her application late! I have met students who have literally been told that they would have received an interview invitation if they had turned in their applications earlier. Dont be in this situation. Turn in your AMCAS application as early as possible (at the latest by mid-July) and your medical school secondary applications by mid-August. Turning in applications early will especially help those students who are worried about their GPAs and MCAT scores. VT: What is the typical process an admissions officer goes through to evaluate applications? Rishi:Some schools screen AMCAS applications based on a student's GPA, MCAT scores, and the university he or she attended. Other schools do not have a preliminary screening process. The applicant then receives an invitation to submit a secondary application. Next, admissions officers choose which applicants will receive an interview. After the interview, admissions committees will discuss their applicants. If committees feel like you are a strong applicant, then you will receive an acceptance letter. Other students may also receive a waitlist or rejection decision. VT: How should students go about determining the culture of a medical school, and whether they would be a good fit? Rishi:The best way to learn about the culture of a medical school is to visit the school and speak with students who go there. For pre-clinical years, some great questions to ask are: Are you graded on a pass/fail system? Are the students collaborative? Can you give examples of this collaboration? What are the most popular extracurricular activities? What is the housing situation like? Do people live in the same dorm buildings? Are people spread out? What resources are available to students if they need help with medical school classes? For clinical years, some great questions to ask are: Do most people take a year off? What clinical sites do students do their clinical rotations at? Is the school flexible as to when you take your Step 1 and Step 2 exams? VT: How important are grades and standardized test scores when admissions decisions are being made? Rishi:Grades and standardized test scoresare important, but they are only one piece of your medical school application. Students stand out through their passions, extracurricular activities, and leadership. Again, highlight these factors through your essays, interviews, and letters of recommendation. VT: What tips do you have for students asking their teachers for letters of recommendation? Rishi:In regards to letters of recommendation, try to build strong relationships with your recommenders. Dont be afraid to ask for letters one to two years before you apply, right after you take a class. Schedule a meeting, if possible, to speak with your recommender about why youre applying to medical school. Come prepared with a draft of your personal statement and examples they can use for your letter of recommendation. Give your recommender plenty of time to write your letter! Some students inform their writers near the AMCAS application open date, and their AMCAS applications get processed at a much later date. Also remember to write a thank you letter to your recommenders, and to update them on the outcome of your application. VisitCracking Med School Admissionsfor more information. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.