Why a Plus Tutoring Center is the Best Solution for Students?

Why a Plus Tutoring Center is the Best Solution for Students?A plus tutoring Nashville tutoring center can give you the opportunity to work with the people that matter most. A plus tutoring system for tutoring in Nashville can provide you with the expertise and the skills to reach all students from any background and to successfully prepare each student for the classroom. That's one of the reasons why this is a convenient system for students in a new school year.A plus tutoring center can give you the best way to reach all of your students no matter what their current academic skill level. Plus tutoring centers understand that not every student will be able to benefit from traditional programs. That's why they offer options for each student to meet their individual needs.The plus tutoring system can help you reach a variety of students with an application that can meet the specific needs of your students. Plus tutoring centers can provide you with more than just tutoring programs. Th ey can also help you find the right program for your child by simply attending your child's upcoming event to speak with a Plus tutoring Nashville tutor.Your tutoring center will give you the professional edge over your peers. Every program is designed to meet the needs of your students and their unique personality. Your entire staff can be available to help you so that you have the staff you need to help your students.The staff at a plus tutoring center can focus on your child's strengths and help your child excel at school. Students are encouraged to express themselves through various activities, games, conversations and computer and class time. Plus tutoring centers have a number of experts who can help the children and the teachers to reach all levels of learning.A plus tutoring center can work with your child's curriculum to help your child reach his or her goals. The tutors can help you with course choices and ask you questions about your child's educational needs. Plus tutori ng centers can also help the teacher and the students reach their educational goals and the teacher's professional growth.A plus tutoring center can help you maintain a successful educational environment that is inclusive of all students. Plus tutoring centers have an expert staff that can work closely with you. They can work with your child's teacher and help them reach their career goals.In the end, a plus tutoring center can help all of your students and your staff reach their goals and they can do it in a professional and efficient manner. Your entire staff will be available to help you, your student and your teachers. You will find it easier to reach your goals, your students and your teachers, with a PLUS tutoring Nashville center for all of your students.

SAT Prep Not a nightmare.

SAT Prep Not a nightmare. The SAT may seem daunting (definition:seeming difficult to deal with in anticipation; intimidating), but I promise you that the SAT is a lot easier than it seems! It simply requires patience and self-discipline.Here is some advice that people have given on the SAT. Hope you guys enjoy!Critical reading:Every time I didn’t know a vocab word, I would write it down on a piece of looseleaf whether it was from the passages or the fill ins.Learn the meanings of some prefixes and suffixes, and several or more common roots of words (again, depending on time). This means if you come across words you don’t know, you can make a good guess.Do not try to cram vocabulary two weeks in advance. The words aren’t obscure enough to justify that.GETHOT WORDS FOR THE SAT($2.53 for a used copy on Amazon). ALL OF THE WORDS ON MY TEST WERE IN THAT BOOK.Memorize the grammar rules. There's about 10 of them.Math:I highly 150% recommend getting your hands on a graphing calculator if you don’t have one. G et one off your friend or rent one or something, but get one.You also don’t need to memorize formulas for anything because you can get a program that’ll do anything with formulas for you.During the SATs you’re allowed to bring in a calculator with programs. DO NOT WASTE THIS OPPORTUNITY. But don’t waste precious time using a program when you could use your head and be faster.Even when going over your mistakes, make sure you understand how to do every single problem.I think math is all about practice, so just do as much as you can.Writing:Pick a side. Don’t try to be all smart and argue both. You think you can, and you’re probably right, but your argument will be a lot more nuanced and well-supported (which is a chunk of the mark) if you choose one side.You don’t need to worry about actually forming an argument supported by evidence. Spend 2 minutes planning and come up with exactly 3 points. In each paragraph, make your point and then bam, you’re good to go. You know why? Because you make up examples. Whatever you want- Make up dates! Make up people! Make up absolute shit that the graderknowsisn’t true! I mean, try not to write 500 words on how Shakespeare’s most famous play, ‘Roly-poly Ollie and Julianne Moore’, changed your life, but. Make up books, plays, personal anecdotes, whatever. It does not matter. You can do that. They’re marking you on whether or not you have examples, not whether or not they happen to be true.Listen up, because this is the most important: write a lot.Creditshttp://sebuttstianstan.tumblr.com/post/130560352253/tips-for-the-sats-things-prep-books-wont-tellhttp://doctortatertot.tumblr.com/post/128436756965/how-i-studiedto-study-for-the-sat

Gatech Chemistry Review

Gatech Chemistry ReviewGatech Chemistry is a unique story about two children, Frida and Ester, who each have their own special talent, but both need a way to be more than they are. Together they discover and develop their talents in math, music, language, dance, and writing.In Gatech Chemistry, you will be introduced to the two characters, Frida and Ester, who have been separated for years, and finally, reunited when Ester's grandmother has an accident and dies. There is an incident involving a horse that Frida is unable to avoid, and he finds himself in jail.This intense personal drama is based on the true story of a boy who, because of an accident when he was five, cannot communicate through words. As a result, he is confined to a private school with another child who has none of his emotional and physical abilities.The tragedy is that the boy, until now, had been able to make up his own songs and music in the child's language, and play in his band. His mother, a hospital reception ist, became so frustrated and angry that she decided to tear the entire family apart, to punish her son. She has had no further contact with him since then.Gatech Chemistry follows the tragic events that led to Frida's and Ester's reuniting. This is told in first person, and you can hear the emotions of each character as they prepare to face the unknown once again. You will find yourself rooting for them to succeed against all odds.Science fiction readers will enjoy this book for the plot, and the dynamic relationships between the two characters. On the other hand, readers who enjoy family stories and books about more traditional characters will enjoy this one as well. Gatech Chemistry also offers insight into a very real problem of failure to communicate.Gatech Chemistry is an inspiring story about two amazing children who do what they believe is right. They are lucky, because they have each other, but the author also offers insight into children and families everywhere, to show ho w important it is to be strong.

English Tutoring - A Cost Effective Way to Learn

English Tutoring - A Cost Effective Way to LearnFor those students looking for an English tutoring services to help them with their English language training, there are many schools that offer English classes. However, the downside is that you will have to pay the fees of these schools in order to enroll in these courses.This way of English tutoring can be used for children who do not want to go to the traditional school but do not have time to attend school. This is due to other commitments or the fact that they do not have any special skills in English. They can also use this method to improve their communication skills.If you are a parent and want to enroll your child in a school, then you will need to look at the available facilities that the school has to offer. This can be done through online resources. This will include the activities and other lessons that are taught. This will help you know more about the classes offered by the school.Moreover, you will have to get to know t he teachers and the teaching techniques that are used in the school that you wish to enroll your child in. You can check the website of the school so that you can get information on the English tutoring that the school has to offer.A variety of different English classes are offered by many schools. One of the main advantages of English tutoring is that you can customize the course that you wish to have. In addition, it is possible to find a private English tutor so that you can find a more affordable option.In fact, if you have to pay a fee, you may opt to study in a private school instead of paying for the tuition of the same child. The advantage of opting for private English classes is that you can learn at your own pace and focus on individual areas.Also, you will be able to customize the classes so that you can choose the ones that you wish to learn. It is important to ensure that the teacher knows the English language and has been teaching English in the school for quite some t ime.

Tips for Navigating Difficult Office Politics - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / Tips for Navigating Difficult Office Politics - Introvert Whisperer Tips for Navigating Difficult Office Politics The term “office politics” often conjures images of saber-rattling co-workers talking themselves up, gunning for a promotion, or claiming a project all for themselves. Nothing could be further from the behavior of an introvert. However, it’s certainly possible for those who are less socially outgoing to successfully engage in difficult office politics. Here are a few ways that introverts can use their natural inclinations and abilities in order to navigate the often dangerous waters of workplace politics. Remember Your Strengths Introverts are typically calm and collected. While they may not possess great leadership skills, their strengths lie in areas like genuine productivity and detail-oriented focus. Introverts can begin and end a project correctly, demonstrating incredible consistency throughout the process. They also are extremely good at actively listening to others, thinking things through, and being aware of those around them. Don’t accept the notion that this state of affairs leave you at a disadvantage. Instead, boldly wield your strengths to your advantage, especially whenever you find yourself faced with a situation that involves difficult office politics. Continue to refine your interpersonal skills, as they will be an invaluable asset at your job. Doing so can also affect your future prospects, if you know how to highlight your interpersonal strengths when applying for work. Take the time to think things through in a calm and collected manner. Make sure to pick your battles. Look for win-win scenarios that lead to genuinely productive results for everyone involved. Remember that consistency is one of the great undervalued traits of incredible leadership. In other words, don’t try to copy the boisterous, off-the-cuff style of others; instead, lean on your own natural strengths. Rely on Relationships While extroverts may single-handedly take advantage of opportunities when they arise, introverts often must take a more measured, strategic approach to advancement in the workplace. Yes, at some point, you may have to go up against that annoyingly ambitious, blustery colleague for an assignment or promotion. However, it’s always smart for a self-aware introvert to set the stage beforehand through building meaningful, strategic office relationships. In other words, make sure to lean on the strength of select individual relationships within the office in order to create a base of allies that can support you and even stand up for you from time to time. Convey Your Communication Needs If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you already know that you’re an introvert. If that’s the case, don’t be afraid to let others in on the information, especially bosses. Introverts usually need a fairly quiet space in which to operate. If you’re meeting with a boss or co-worker in a situation that involves office politics, ask if the meeting can be held in a quieter space so you can focus. Grab a spare office or unused conference room. Don’t be afraid to speak up in little ways like these in order to set the stage for your own success. Networking While building a select group of strong relationships is important, general networking is also a critical part of office politics. While this may often be done in group settings, an introvert can accomplish quality networking by simply by taking the time to engage with superiors, co-workers, and employees one on one. Take them out for coffee, invite them to lunch, and look for opportunities that can open up a chance for you to network. This allows you to build relationships and let those you work with learn about you, your background, and your accomplishments. This is naturally much easier to do on your terms in a controlled scenario. However, it’s also important to make sure that you know where to draw the line with one-on-one relationships. While you want to succeed in genuine bridge building, you also want to ensure that your professional interactions remain firmly within reasonable, ethical bounds. Particularly when it comes to more withdrawn individuals, if a co-worker begins to show signs of crossing the line into sexual harassment or assault, make sure to take steps to report it immediately. “Bragging” There are few things more intimidating to an introvert than the idea of needing to talk themselves up. The call to self-promotion is hardly one that comes naturally. Regardless, it is absolutely required when you’re trying to prove that you’re worthy of being heard. Once again, while it’s important to practice talking about yourself in a positive light, there are multiple ways to lean on your own strengths in order to set yourself up in the best way possible on your terms. For instance, begin internally by taking the time to get comfortable with talking about your accomplishments. Set up mental reminders that these are simple facts and figures. Your performance speaks for itself, whether you talk about it or not. Therefore, you can treat discussing your accomplishments as a matter of fact. It’s little more than a natural conversation piece, so to speak. Rather than seeing it as an attempt to deceive others into liking you more, look at it as a simple communication of who you are to those who don’t fully know you. In addition, take the time to keep detailed records of your accomplishments and report to your superiors regularly, not just during performance reviews. This gives you a chance to genuinely explain what you’ve accomplished without being under the gun to “promote yourself” in a high-pressure scenario. In fact, this can often even be done with the written word via email or social media. Quietly Dominating the Office Hopefully, at this point, you’re aware of the different tools and abilities that introverts have at their disposal as they navigate through the turbulent waters of their office’s political arena. Rather than giving in to the temptation to simply mirror the extrovert-friendly tactics that typically win the day, look for opportunities to use your own quiet strengths in order to be heard. Whether it’s through individual networking, gently highlighting your accomplishments on a regular basis, or finding ways to accentuate your natural abilities, there are plenty of ways to quietly dominate your own office politics and work your way up the corporate ladder in the process. By Sam Bowman Sam  Bowman  is a freelance writer and introvert who enjoys getting to utilize the internet for the community without actually having to leave his house. In his spare time, he likes running, reading, and combining the two in a run to his local bookstore. Go to top Power-Influence-Office Politics: it comes down to your Strategic Relationships and understanding of how you build each one of these elements. I want to help you accelerate your career by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my video that outlines all of this and meaningful actions you can take today!   Start watching now by clicking here! Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleashing your professional potential. Introvert Whisperer

The Importance of Origami in Japan

The Importance of Origami in Japan Origami in Japan: Culturally Significant or Fun Pastime? ChaptersThe History of OrigamiWhat does Origami Symbolise?Why is Origami so Important in Japanese Culture?How to Make Simple OrigamiTo say that origami is strictly Japanese art would be misleading; plenty of other cultures know how to make origami.For instance, children around the world routinely tempt fate with a fortune teller and send paper aeroplanes soaring. More than one paper boat has floated across bodies of water big and small, carrying with it the wishes of the child who launched it.Perhaps you’ve folded such things yourself.Origami, literally ‘fold paper’, is just one of many Japanese words to describe paper art. Others include kirigami â€" ‘cut paper’ and kusudama, a modular origami ball consisting of many identical units glued or sewn together.Kusudama’s literal translation is ‘medicine ball’. Their origins have been traced to ancient Japanese culture, when they most likely consisted of flowers or herbs and were burned as incense or displayed.In spite of the vocabulary, to say that origami is synonymous with Japanese culture is to discount both origami and culture; after all, every culture has plenty of historical markers that are no longer relevant today.The Japanese are a modern people and their society is, in many ways, a model of progress so to assume that the sum total of being Japanese is sitting around and folding origami is a bit unfair.It also cheats western paper folders of acknowledgement for their contributions to the craft.Really, the topic is not whether origami is strictly a Japanese art form â€" it’s not, but how much the ancient art of origami still impacts Japanese culture today.Let’s get our exploring gear and head out to discover! NanaJapanese Teacher 5.00 (3) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors YukoJapanese Teacher 5.00 (3) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EllyJapanese Teacher 5.00 (1) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MomokoJapanese Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discove r all our tutors MelanieJapanese Teacher £14/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JamesJapanese Teacher 5.00 (5) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors PippaJapanese Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarikoJapanese Teacher £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsThe History of Origami Doesn't this give a new meaning to origami book? Image by Claudia Peters from PixabayIt is safe to say that if paper had not been invented, there would be no paper craft.That’s not to say that there was no such thing as thin sheets to write on and roll up before the Chinese politician Cai Lun’s discovery, around 105 CE, that long fibre pulp strained through cloth made very fine paper.Papyrus, parchment and vellum predate paper by several millennia but they do not lend themselves well to folding, nor can they hold a shape for long.We can say the same for cloth; even heavily starched, one cannot expect cloth folds to keep their given form.So, whereas the art of folding certainly predates making paper, folded paper art was not established until some centuries later.The Chinese, originators of this new style of paper, soon realised delicate artistic creations using paper but it took a couple more centuries for paper to arrive in Japan.No one is really sure exactly when the Buddhist m onk showed the Japanese emperor how to make paper but, by the Edo period (1603 to 1868), Japanese people were folding paper for fun, for training and for ceremonial events.Meanwhile, elsewhere in the world, paper was becoming more widely used, especially in crafts for kids.Learn more about the history of paper and how origami became associated with Japan...What does Origami Symbolise?Standard origami paper is square, often double-sided and comes in varying sizes but you can create origami out of any paper that will keep a crease.Some people use a dollar bill to fold origami butterflies while others use chewing gum wrappers to make napkin holders, bracelets and Guinness Book of Records entries.These types of paper are decidedly out of the norm for origami â€" it is doubtful that Washi paper comes in the same dimensions as a US dollar. Still, the passion for folding is obvious in these creations; why else would anyone bother folding them?On the surface, one might say that such origami projects reflect the patience and perseverance of the artist.On the other hand... do they have any cultural significance? Do they add value to a culture or provide aesthetic beauty?Canada might be proud of their record-holding paper artist and holidaymakers might be happy to fold an origami shirt out of their leftover dollars but it is not likely that any of those works would be displayed in an art museum... Origami cranes are especially significant in Japanese culture Image by Thanks for your Like • donations welcome from PixabayOn the other side of the world, however, traditional origami models invoke both heritage and cultural standards.In Japan, the culture of ‘cute’, kawaii, is pervasive.From anime characters to their irrepressible love for cats, the Japanese revel in anything that appears childlike and charming.It should then come as no surprise that you can find folding instructions online for a Pikachu, an anime creature that resembles a cat and is most certainly cute.All cuteness aside, there is a much deeper symbolism present in Japanese origami: each of the origami animals traditionally associated with Japanese culture ties in with their Shinto beliefs.For instance, their origami dragon represents a water god that can shapeshift into a human, while dragonfly symbolises power, courage and happiness.What does an origami flower stand for? How about an origami crane... and w hat is the story behind folding a thousand cranes?Take the time to learn the meaning behind the most traditional origami designs in Japan.Why is Origami so Important in Japanese Culture?If you had to name three qualities that best describe the people of Japan, what would you come up with?We’re not promoting stereotypes here; many of the positive attributes we heap on Japan actually have their roots in fact.Overall, Japanese people enjoy order.From removing shoes before entering their home to having a place for everything and keeping everything in its place, it would be rare to find a dishevelled, disordered person in Japan.That same attention to detail is one character trait that lends origami a special significance in the Land of the Rising Sun.You might interpret it as a classic tale of whether following origami instructions as children caused such diligence or whether conscientiousness is a national characteristic that leads to a wealth of easy origami. Bowing has long fallen out of favour in our country, except maybe at horse shows! Image by David Mark from PixabayJapanese people have a tendency towards formality.For the most part, gone are the days when a gentleman would tip his hat in greeting in our country but, in Japan, bowing is still very much the norm.On the streets, subways and in boardrooms across that country, bowing is a sign of respect: the deeper the bow, the greater the veneration.Bowing can be traced back more than 1,500 years, when the practice of bowing to deities was carried to Japan from other Asian countries.From then, it became a Shogun’s signature, with ever more elaborate bows signalling the more accomplished fighters. Soon, everybody was bowing whether they were a warrior or not.Bowing fell out of favour for a period but the practice was revived in the early 1600s, and ojigi (bowing) has been a staple of the Japanese culture ever since.Oddly enough, it was during the time that the Shogun ruled Japan that origami folding became a cultural staple.The more experienced warriors would teach young initiates how to make origami and then task them to fold ever more intricate designs. These exercises were both a test of discipline and an exercise meant to develop precision.The exacting nature of paper origami demands the ability to visualise â€" unlike other visual arts, a blank sheet of paper gives few clues to what it could become and even fewer step instructions on how model it.Fortunately for new initiates, these days, some brands of Japanese paper are printed with a crease pattern so that you will know if that sheet of paper is destined to become an origami bird, a cicada or a water bomb.These are just two of the reasons why origami is important to the Japanese culture; can you think of a few more?How to Make Simple OrigamiAfter all this talk about Japanese culture and the art of paper folding that is often attributed exclusively to them, you may be keen to get started on your first pap er art project... or did you want ideas for origami for kids?Before you raid the paper pack by your printer, you should know that origami paper is thinner and more resistant to tearing than other types of paper. Still, if you are just starting out, any square piece of paper will do to practice your folds.Go ahead and trim off the excess from your standard paper; we’ll wait.Most likely, to arrive at square paper, you made a diagonal fold, so that the top of the page aligned with the side, right? You will have further use of diagonal folds the more you get into origami.For now, fold your paper in half, as though you were closing a book; be sure to crease the paper well. Now open it; the resulting V is called a valley fold.Now, rotate your paper 90 degrees, turn it over and again fold it in the same way, being mindful of your creases. Unfold the paper; the upside-down V is called a mountain fold.Mountains and valleys are fundamental to every origami project, as are the pleat, crimp a nd reverse fold. You can start off with simple designs such as an origami heart or an origami star and then work your way up to more complex designs, ultimately incorporating tessellations and working your way up to 3D origami.Now that you’ve gotten started we can’t wait to see all of the beautiful origami you will turn out once you learn how!Send us an update, won’t you?

Are You a Work Martyr If You Answer Yes to Those 5 Questions - Take Action! - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / Are You a Work Martyr If You Answer “Yes” to Those 5 Questions - Take Action! - Introvert Whisperer Are You a Work Martyr? If You Answer “Yes” to Those 5 Questions Take Action! 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

Opportunities for Volunteer Musicians

Opportunities for Volunteer Musicians Suzy S. You’ve been practicing and taking music lessons for a while. Are you looking for your next musical challenge? Playing with other musicians is one of the quickest ways to improve, and with National Volunteer Week coming up (April 21-27, 2013), why not make a impact in your community by volunteering your talents? Here are some ideas to get you started Volunteer at events and galas Non-profit or community events always need entertainment! Often these events are for great causes, and its also an awesome way to get your name out there, network, and find new fans! If youre already part of a group or band, try reaching out to specific organizations and expressing your interest in helping out. Better yet, why not organize your own benefit concert? Volunteer with specific organizations There are tons of organizations and non-profits that deal specifically with the music industry and music education. The San Diego Music Foundation, for example, coordinates several events throughout the year that require volunteer help. Their Guitars for Schools program provides Taylor guitars for San Diego-area elementary and middle schools for use in classroom and after-school music activities. Musicians on Call is another amazing program that sends volunteer musicians to hospitals and other healthcare facilities to share the power of music.  Its branches are located in New York, Nashville, Philadelphia, Miami, DC, and Los Angeles. Not in one of those major cities? Not to worry. VolunteerMatch.org is an awesome resource for finding organizations in your area that are looking for help! Volunteer directly at hospitals or nursing homes Music is used as a therapeutic tool in many hospitals and nursing homes across the country. Try contacting your local hospital to see if theyre accepting volunteer musicians. Opportunities at hospitals can range from performing to actually teaching music to patients. If youre considering music therapy as a career path, try looking into internship positions, also! Volunteer at festivals and concerts Even if you dont play an instrument, music fans can get involved with the community by volunteering at music festivals and concerts. If youre interested in music promotions or event planning, you can learn a lot about this important part of the music industry, as well as connect with other music lovers! Church groups Music is a huge part of many different religions, incorporated into worship services, religious ceremonies, and of course, weddings and funerals. Check with your congregation to see if there are opportunities to perform and help out. Piano and guitar are perhaps the most popular instruments found here, but solo opportunities exist for practically any musician, depending on your communitys style. 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 Mark Brannan

What is it Like to Attend Skidmore College

What is it Like to Attend Skidmore College The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Brandon is a New York City tutor specializing in several subjects such as Economics tutoring, Reading, and College Essay prep tutoring. He majored in Theater, Economics, and Government when he attended Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, New York and graduated in 2011. See what Brandon had to say about his alma mater: VT: Describe the campus setting and transportation options.How urban or safe is the campus?Are there buses or do you need a car/bike? Brandon: Saratoga Springs is probably one of the most beautiful cities in the northeast; it is mostly a summer vacation town, so it doesn't feel like a college town, but there are plenty of options (food, clothing, etc.) for college students. The economy during the summer months drums up enough business for Saratoga to host some of the most amazing restaurants in the northeast, apparently keeping the record for the largest concentration of bars and restaurants in the continental United States (maybe hearsay? Either way, the town feels like that is true). Getting downtown is as easy as taking a free bus from campus, I think they still run every 30 minutes. VT: How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Brandon: My professors were almost always available to speak with and I became close with a few of them. Whether a professor is in his or her office all day or not, every professor has mandated office hours during the week. If these conflict with you, most are usually helpful and willing to accommodate. VT: How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Brandon: The dining hall is amazing. Friends of mine from home who came to visit said it was the best thing they've ever experienced, especially at a college. Dorm and housing life is always getting better; a new housing establishment has just been finished and the other options are centrally located and easy to get to. I took the off-campus housing option my junior and senior years, just because I love the city of Saratoga and wanted to be more connected with it. Actually, living downtown is different from living on campus; Skidmore is like it's own little community, and so is Saratoga. I just wanted to get a little more connected with the Saratoga community. VT: Which majors/programs are best represented and supported?What did you study and why? Did the university do a good job supporting your particular area of study? Brandon: Well, it's hard to say which program or major Skidmore sees at it's most important. Sure, there are an abundance of students majoring in Business, Studio Art and Foreign Languages, but there is room for other kinds of majors. I majored in Theater and felt very well taken care of. My junior year, I mounted a production of Jean-Paul Sartre's No Exit at the historic Caffe Lena in downtown Saratoga Springs and Skidmore gave me a grant to pay for the space and the rights for the play. The Theater department was a tight-knit group and we took care of each other. On the other hand, my housemate senior year majored in Physics and went on to graduate school at University of Washington, studying Aerospace Engineering; so, whatever you study, you will probably be accommodated. VT: How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Does Greek life play a significant role in the campus social life? Brandon: I found it really easy to meet people and make friends my freshman year. I was really stressed out about making friends and doing well before I went, but once you arrive you realize that most people are in the same boat; everyone is essentially friendless, so if you put yourself out there, people will respond. Greek life doesn't exist at Skidmore, but we have A'Capella groups, and they come close. I was in one, so it seems that way. People who weren't in A'Capella groups probably didn't care too much though. VT: How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services?Do many reputable companies recruit on campus? Brandon: The Business department at Skidmore is reputable and one of the most active on campus. Ben and Jerry's Phish Food ice cream flavor came from an idea that a group in the Business department's 101 class came up with. Most of my friends received a lot of help from the Career Center and were successful in finding jobs upon graduation. It was different for me; I entered the professional theater world after I graduated, so there was not much Skidmore could have done for me other than train me and give me connections with people after graduation, both of which I received. VT: How are the various study areas such aslibraries, student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Brandon: I mostly studied in the library or in my room (aside from majoring in theater, I minored in government and studied economics Skidmore's Liberal Arts tradition took a hold of me). The library was great and spacious, while I was there at least. Recently, I've heard murmurs of over-crowded-ness around campus, but that may not be true. VT: Describe the surrounding town. What kinds of outside establishments / things to do are there that make it fun, boring, or somewhere in between?To what extent do students go to the downtown area of the city versus staying near campus? Brandon: Saratoga is the best city in the north-east. Every time I go back to that place I have a perpetual smile on my face. Some of the best food I've ever tasted comes from Saratoga. It's so quaint, yet so cultured; there are art galleries, performing spaces, shops with oddities, and plenty of delicious food. While there, try The Local, Ravenous, or Putnam Market. There are so many other places, try it all! I lived downtown my senior year, some of my friends did the same thing. I'd say by senior year about half of the class is living downtown, while the other half stays with the on-campus Northwoods housing option, which is just as awesome. VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Brandon: I don't think I had a single class size over 30, and most of them hovered around 10 or 15. I was generally amazed by class sizes. I had an acting class my junior year that was 5 students; this was amazing. I got so much up close and personal work with one of the best acting teachers around, a permanent member of the SITI company and excellent actor in his own right. Government and Economics was generally the same thing, I was mostly very pleased with class sizes. VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Brandon: My teachers were all so available; I regret not utilizing all of their office hours more and not becoming friends with more of them. The more you forge a close relationship with a professor, the more you will learn. You'll be more engaged in the teacher and the material, and the teacher will be more engaged with you. Only good things can come of this. Check out Brandons tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.