Saturday, March 28, 2020

Educational Success in Park Ridge - Gets a Tutoring in Park Ridge IL Course and Learn How to Make Your Classroom More Successful

Educational Success in Park Ridge - Gets a Tutoring in Park Ridge IL Course and Learn How to Make Your Classroom More SuccessfulIt has been a long time since a school in Park Ridge, IL has needed to move its curriculum out of town. When Will County took over the School District, they did so with the intention of improving the education level in Park Ridge. The first step was to restructure and consolidate all of the schools in the district, including the Park Ridge Elementary School. With the start of a new school year in Illinois, the students of Park Ridge have a new and exciting learning environment.However, despite all of the recent changes, their schools are still quite successful. During their assessment of the area, it was found that not only is the district's curriculum more than adequate for students to learn, but that there is also an abundance of opportunities for career exploration, mentoring, and professional development for students to develop professionally and persona lly. Unfortunately, this is a trend that is becoming increasingly prevalent. Instead of finding ways to help children and families reach their educational goals and dreams, many districts are only focusing on the immediate financial benefits.Tutoring in Park Ridge, IL is one of the most promising things that the district has been able to implement in their schools. In other areas, they have lacked support for the most promising of talents and abilities. The increased concentration on tutoring allows students to continue to develop their academic skills while engaging in some of the greatest intellectual pursuits available.Some of the best tutors in Park Ridge, IL has gone back to school to find out how to teach. They have also created curriculum that help to extend the developmental skills necessary for success. With a set of resources and a curriculum, children in Park Ridge can be allowed to discover the true potential of their gifts while working to understand the real value of e ducation in today's world.Unfortunately, much of the money allocated to teaching is not spent on career development. This is a real shame, as the skills that come from a good education are also the most beneficial. With the knowledge that a high school diploma can open a whole new world of opportunities, all that is needed is some focus and preparation for a higher level of learning.Tutoring in Park Ridge, IL is an excellent way to put students in the classrooms where they will be able to receive this kind of focused instruction. As they begin to see the more specific goals that they are going to need to accomplish to reach their full potential, they will also see the more general reasons that there is value in going to college. This is a win-win situation for everyone involved.Tutoring in Park Ridge, IL will help students learn how to create a curriculum that addresses their specific talents and abilities. This will then allow them to be ready for college once they are ready. By do ing so, they will have built a foundation that will last a lifetime.

Friday, March 6, 2020

Dreaming of teaching abroad Here are the 5 best programs hiring right now!

Dreaming of teaching abroad Here are the 5 best programs hiring right now! So, you’ve just finished college and you’re thinking about teaching English abroad when a thought strikes you: You could go anywhere in the world. In a few months, you could find yourself in a place you’ve never imagined. With people you don’t even know exist right now. Teaching abroad opens up a world of opportunity that’s as exciting as it is terrifying. I mean, it’s a big world out there - where to begin? Well, a great place to start out is through a paid teach abroad program. Finding the best teaching English abroad program for you means getting the international adventure you’re looking for, safe in the knowledge you’ll have a paycheck at the end of every month and support on hand to help you navigate setting up your new life in a new land. While the best teach abroad programs may provide a smoother transition than just turning up in your country of choice and hoping for the best, they also require a little bit of admin on your part before you pack a bag and indulge your wanderlust. Narrowing down a program that ticks all the right boxes for you and maximizing your chances of getting accepted before you apply can set you on track for an unforgettable adventure. Getting accepted into a teach abroad program First things first, before you apply for a teach abroad program you’ll want to check that you fulfill some basic entrance criteria. Not all programs are the same, but there are three things that most programs ask of their future English teachers: 1. A bachelor’s degree International schools may look for licensed teachers to teach specialist subjects, but the most common general request for English language teachers is for a bachelor’s degree in any field. 2. A TEFL qualification Many teach abroad programs ask for TEFL qualifications, and doing one is also a great way to gain confidence in your teaching skills, boost your CV and let future employers know that you’re ready to share your knowledge with the world! A good TEFL course should give you the teaching tips and techniques you’ll need to organize your classroom and get the best out of your students as an English teacher. There are thousands of TEFL courses out there to choose from, including intensive and part-time options, as well as face-to-face learning or gaining TEFL certification online. As a general guideline, it’s best to pick a TEFL qualification that’s at least 100 hours long, offered by an institution that’s internationally recognized and within your budget - like Teach Away’s very own TEFL course, offered in conjunction with the University of Toronto. 3. Great English language skills! If you’re a native speaker you don’t have to worry about proving your skills in this area, but non-native speakers shouldn’t be put off either! Different countries and programs have different requirements. If you’re a non-native speaker, doing a TEFL course can help show that, not only do you have top-notch teaching skills, but you’re also fully at ease with teaching the English language. Recommended reading: What qualifications do I need to teach English abroad? Now you’ve got the admin out of the way, it’s time to sign up for your perfect teach abroad program! Except, umm… Which is the best teach abroad program for me? The answer to this question really depends on what you want to get out of your experience, professionally and personally. Are you looking for a change in lifestyle, a cultural immersion, or an international adventure? Here are a few questions to help you narrow down what your perfect overseas teaching job might look like, starting with the biggest question of all… Where’s the best place to teach English abroad for me? When you picture yourself living overseas what comes to mind? Are you strolling down cobbled streets in Europe, powering through an Asian megacity or basking in the Middle Eastern sun? Perhaps you’ve always wanted to improve your Spanish or try to get to grips with Mandarin? Do you love Vietnamese food, Spanish guitar music or Korean movies? These might sound like small things to base a big decision on but when stepping out into the great unknown, following your heart a little means you’re sure to enjoy the adventure. Besides the country that you’ll be living in, think about opportunities in the surrounding areas too. Teaching in Germany, for example, would put you in the perfect position to take weekend train trips all over Europe. Sign up to Teach Away today for access to the latest teaching jobs around the world. What kind of lifestyle do I want while I’m teaching abroad? Beyond your teach abroad fantasy lifestyle, there are a few practical ways to make your decision, too. Thinking about small things like what kind of weather you prefer, whether you’re better suited to working 9-5 than evenings and weekends and whether there are any favorite hobbies you’d like to keep up while you’re away will make a big difference to your lifestyle once you arrive. If your favorite way to unwind after work is going for a run in the fresh air, then maybe living in a rural setting rather than a super crowded high-rise city would be better for you! You might not have a detailed idea of the lifestyle you want, but narrowing down a few preferences will help you pick out a program that truly suits you. What kind of English teaching do I want to do? Don’t forget a lot of your time abroad is going to be spent teaching English! Committing to a teach abroad program often means signing up for at least one school year so make sure you take some time to think about what will make you happiest in your professional life while you’re away. For example, do you think you’d prefer the structure of working in the state school system or the flexibility of working for a private school? Can you see yourself teaching kids, teens, adults or a mix of all three? Make sure you read up on the types of teaching different programs offer to find one that will make your time as an English teacher as fulfilling as possible. What kind of salary could I make teaching abroad? If you’re looking for the highest salaries for English teachers, countries in Asia and the Middle East, like China, the UAE, South Korea, Japan and Vietnam are at the top of the scale. English teachers in these destinations often earn enough to enjoy their time abroad and save money too. While other destinations may pay less, one of the benefits of teaching English abroad through a program over going freelance is that you are guaranteed to make the same amount every month, making it easier to work out a budget and make sure you don’t miss out on any once in a lifetime opportunities. An added plus is that most programs also offer other perks like language lessons, free housing or even flights to and from the country you travel to! When looking at potential salaries don’t forget to check out living expenses in your country of choice. Recommended reading: Top countries to make the most money teaching abroad in 2018 Where is the highest demand for English teachers? There is high demand for teachers in China, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam and The United Arab Emirates, to name a just a few countries. These are some of the best countries to teach English and save. But don’t worry if the destination you want to go to isn’t on this list; there are great teaching programs running in countries all over the world! The good news is whatever kind of teach abroad program you’re looking for, there’s one to suit just about everyone! Here are some of our favorites: 1. Teach Away’s Explore Program - China An ancient culture steaming into the future without losing its rich artistic, culinary and national traditions. If you can picture yourself spending a year in China then the Teach Away’s Explore program might be for you. There are positions available all over the country and beyond world-famous Beijing and Shanghai, it’s worth checking out lesser-known destinations for a unique cultural experience. Eastern city Suzhou, for example, is known as the Venice of China because of the pretty waterways that fill the city and southern Shenzhen is close to beautiful beaches and the bright lights of Hong Kong. Depending on the program you choose, benefits on the Teach Away Explore program include health insurance, housing, return airfare and Mandarin lessons. 2. The Jet Program - Japan Japan’s government-funded JET program has been running for decades - a testament to how much demand there is among foreigners to experience this fascinating country like a local. And who can blame them?! From Buddhist temples to manga, via ramen and cat cafes, Japan’s unique culture is as intriguing as its people are infamously polite. Multiple positions available in public schools all over the country mean diverse experiences on offer. A position in the countryside might mean a cultural and linguistic immersion, whereas urban positions could place you in one of Japan’s world-class, 24-hour cities. Benefits for JET program teachers include affordable accommodation, 5-6 weeks of holiday plus national holidays, round-trip flights and Japanese lessons. 3. UAE Government Schools - United Arab Emirates Whether you head for world-famous Abu Dhabi or one of the lesser-known Emirates, working in the UAE will make you part of a large international community where you can meet people from all over the world. UAE Government Schools is also a great teaching program for couples, with or without kids. Working within the national education system also means you’ll get a local perspective on the futuristic cities, old-world culture and stunning natural beauty abundant in this sun-drenched corner of the world. Between exploring traditional souks, poolside brunching in luxury hotels and trekking through the desert, there will be plenty to keep you entertained outside of work hours too. English teachers on the UAE Government Schools program are required to have a teaching license or CELTA and two years teaching experience. Benefits for teachers normally include a tax-free salary, round-trip flights, health insurance and housing. 4. EPIK - South Korea Whether it’s kimchi, k-pop or cutting-edge cosmetics that piqued your interest, South Korea has all that and so much more to offer. Rural and urban positions are available throughout the country, and wherever you work South Korea’s compact size means that a mountain ski trip, the dizzying lights of a vast metropolis or serene rice fields are never more than a train ride away. Nestled between China and Japan, South Korea is also the perfect jumping-off point for exploring other destinations in Asia. Benefits for EPIK English teachers include a settlement allowance, housing, subsidized health insurance and completion bonuses. 5. CIEE - All around the CIEE is one of the most flexible programs out there in that it offers teaching positions in almost every corner of the globe! If you still haven’t settled on a specific destination for your English teaching adventure then how about narrowing it down to Chile, China, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, Morocco, Portugal, South Korea, Spain, Thailand or Vietnam?! CIEE is also one of the most supportive programs â€" wherever in the world you go you’ll have 24/7 emergency assistance, iNext international insurance, pre-departure support and an in-country orientation when you arrive. Depending on the CIEE program you choose, language classes may also be available. So, which program are you signing up for? If you’re torn between two (or three!) why not try starting the online application process and see where it takes you? The process will encourage you to think more deeply about your motivation for signing up and what each experience might have to offer you. And if none of these options seem like the right fit, don’t lose hope just yet! Try searching online by location or program type and see which other programs might match your interests. You never know, your perfect teach abroad program might be just a few clicks away!

?? How To Get Into University (If You Have No GCSEs)

?? How To Get Into University (If You Have No GCSEs) How To Get Into University (If You Have No GCSEs) Did you know that receiving private tuition has a dramatic impact on your ability to get into university for a certain subject? Universities love that despite your lack of GCSEs, you have been proactive in your learning and highlights your drive to excel.Obtaining a solid selection of GCSEs is like having a key that opens countless doors. It can lead to various jobs, apprenticeships, college, sixth form and, of course, university.Each university course will have its own specific set of requirements. Often, universities will specify the minimum grades they expect at GCSE maths and English alongside the more requirements for more advanced qualifications, such as A-levels. Usually, to be eligible to apply, you would need at least a C in both of these subjects.Without the required GCSEs, even if you have the necessary A-Levels, the institutions will likely reject you as a candidate.So, what should you do if you didn’t make the grades? And what if you don’t have any GCSEs at all?Well don’t give up on uni just yet. There are an array of options out there for people without GCSEs. Luckily, it just so happens that we’ve got the low-down on them for you. See what the score is below!Functional Skills: The GCSE EquivalentFunctional skills are a great qualification for those that are looking to secure the equivalent of a GCSE grade C in English, mathematics or ICT â€" the three most common subjects needed for university entry.Each course provides learners with a broad understanding of the topics and equips them with the skills they’ll need to obtain the GCSE equivalents. To get your GCSE grade C equivalent, you’ll need to successfully complete a Level 2 functional skills course. What’s great about these courses is that they can usually be completed in a matter of weeks!The way the courses work is simple:Learners go through enrolment, initial assessments and diagnostic assessments. Next, students undertake training, either online or in the classroom, complete practice tests and finally, once they’re ready, they take their final exams. To help guide them through the process, each student has an assessor that will mark their work along the way and give them feedback to ensure they can achieve the best possible results.Whilst it’s possible to work through the courses yourself, learners who are doing several courses at once in preparation for university could really benefit andhire a private tutor to provide additional support. These tutors can also provide you with additional guidance for university admissions and give you pointers on your transition to higher education.For those students needing to secure those all important English, maths and ICT grades before applying to university, taking Functional Skills could be the perfect option. With such a quick turnaround time it could be exactly what you’re looking for!Whilst Functional Skills can be a great start for more vocational university courses, you should bear in mind that these qualifications are only useful for students who are seeking the equivalent of a C grade. If a student needs an A or B, they would need to look into GCSE retakes instead.Looking Beyond The Traditional:There are many routes into university beyond securing the more established GCSEs and A levels. Of course, every university is different, but providing you choose the course that’s right for you, there’s almost always a way to prove you’re capable enough to secure a place.The BTEC OptionWhilst Functional Skills are an alternative to GCSEs, there are a growing number of students also opting to take a BTEC over the more traditional A-levels.Each year, over a million learners take on BTEC courses to acquire some hands-on qualifications. These are far more vocational in nature than A-levels but are still accepted by many top universities.There are over 2,000 BTEC qualifications across the following areas:Applied ScienceArt and DesignBusinessChildcareConstructionEngineeringMediaHealth a nd Social CareHospitalityICTPerforming ArtsPublic ServicesSportTravel and TourismSo, students are not limited in their academic options. These courses will certainly meet the vast majority of university requirements, but they also have the added value of providing students with the vocational knowledge and skills they’d need to go straight into full-time work.An Educational Shake-UpIf BTECs, Functional Skills and GCSEs weren’t enough, the UK government also recently announced that they’re planning to expand their repertoire of available qualifications to include T-Levels.T-levels: What are they?Described as ‘the same quality as A levels’, T-levels are an option for 16-19-year-olds hoping to focus on a more technical form of educationThese courses will be developed and implemented over the next 4 years, eventually acting to simplify the manner in which the nation delivers vocational training, providing greater clarity on the value of this type of qualification in comparison to the A-level.Similar to BTEC courses, T-levels will give young people a chance to study across 15 sectors, in subjects ranging from construction to beauty. These courses will replace thousands of others to create a much more transparent job market.Take a look at the list of some of the proposed courses below. They will be released gradually over the next 4 years.Childcare and EducationDigitalConstructionLegal, Finance and AccountingEngineering and ManufacturingHealth and ScienceHair and BeautyAgriculture, Environment and Animal CareBusiness and AdministrationCatering and HospitalityCreative DesignBut will universities accept T-levels as an A level equivalent? Well, as the courses are still being developed, it’s too early to say for sure.What we do know is that so far a number of institutions including Sheffield Hallam, Nottingham trent and Liverpool University have all gone on the record as holding a positive inclination towards the proposed T-levels. And whilst many of the mor e prestigious universities aren’t committing to the T-levels just yet, it is likely that with time, the value of the new qualifications will become more obvious.And there you have it, proof that you can get to university without GCSEs! What’s more is that with a growing focus on technical skills and experience in the job market, taking the path less-travelled may well give you the competitive edge on your fellow university graduates!Written by Nicole B from The Learning Station.Now that you have read our article about how to get into universities without GCSE's, we think you might find these articles about alternatives to university, and what do to if your child's A-Level results aren't what they hoped!Alternatives To University Your Child Might Not Have Thought AboutHere's How To Help Your Child To Get A Successful CareerHelp! What To Do If Your Child Doesn't Get The A-Level Results They Expected

Thursday, March 5, 2020

3 Ways to Improve Your Focus at Work

3 Ways to Improve Your Focus at Work unsplash.com When you’re a college student, making the transition from attending just a few classes a day to completing a full work day in the real world can be quite daunting. We look at adults working that 9-5 shift and wonder, How do they do it? Especially when the job involves sitting at a desk and slaving away at project after project until the day is done, maintaining a steady level of motivation and focus seems impossible. In contrast, during the academic year, I spend my days bouncing back and forth among various activities: a few classes in the morning or afternoon, an hour or so at the gym, some time to do homework and study, and occasionally the chance to hang out with friends. And even for my previous summer jobs as a lifeguard and swim instructor, my work days were usually segmented with small breaks in between. This summer, however, I experienced the 9-5 life firsthand with a marketing internship at a data analytics company. While I certainly enjoyed the work I was given, sitting in front of a computer in a cubicle for most of the day sometimes meant that keeping up my focus proved to be a challenge. Of course, once we college students finally do transition into the working world, we want to be able to give our jobs our full attention no matter what kind of job it is. To prevent yourself from slacking off or losing focus at work, here are some ideas to help you stay sharp, attentive, and motivated. Get up and move around pexels.com You don’t have to be chained to your desk all day. If you feel that you’ve been spending too much time sitting in the same spot, staring at a computer screen until your eyes glaze over, take a break. Stand up and stretch or take a short walk; you can do a couple laps around your office floor or go outside for some fresh air. Maybe get a drink of water or something light to snack on, if you think that will help. The point is, moving around even a little bit will get your blood flowing and facilitate a change in scenery. Perhaps by the time you get back to your desk, even if your little adventure only lasted five minutes, you’ll feel more refreshed and mentally energized. Make the most of your breaks You might not get many breaks throughout the day, but that’s just an opportunity to get more value out of them. When you take your lunch break, for instance, don’t spend it scrolling through social media on your phone while absentmindedly shoving food into your mouth (as I have been apt to do). Instead, use that time to unwind as much as you can and appreciate what you’re doing in the moment. If you’re eating, take the time to savor your food. If you’re going for a walk, focus on enjoying and just being in a new environment outside of the office. You can even find ways to make the most of your bathroom breaks (for the few minutes that they last). Certainly, having to use the bathroom while you’re working can be distracting and uncomfortable, so make sure you go when you need to. If you’re feeling tired or just generally in a hazy mood, you can also splash some water on your face and fix yourself up in the mirror. Taking the time to freshen up, even if it’s doing something as minor as applying more lipstick or adjusting your shirt, can go a long way to help you feel more put together which ultimately allows you to be less distracted by little things and more focused on your tasks at hand. Create a schedule pexels.com Having a schedule will help keep you accountable and focused on what you have to accomplish. Write up a list of all your tasks and estimate how much time you expect to devote to each one. Most likely you won’t end up sticking with it exactly, but it will serve as a good guideline throughout the day. Plus, setting a time limit for each task e.g. one hour to complete this or that assignment will make you feel as if you’re working against the clock, and therefore keep you focused on whatever you’re doing for that allotted time.

SAT Computer Science Tutor

SAT Computer Science TutorAre you a prospective sat computer science tutor or a working individual who wants to learn more about sat tutoring? While some people start a career in this field because they want to make an impact on the lives of others, there are others who just love doing it. This is especially true for those who enjoy making new friends.People who are interested in enrolling in a sit teaching are usually computer science professionals who find teaching math and physics in their specialty. These specialists want to put themselves out there by making some connections with those who share their interests. They may also be part of a campus organization or an association that helps people like them get the support they need. While there are many ways of helping others, taking a computer science course is still the first step.These programs are usually offered through many colleges and universities, which are located in cities all over the world. Students can enroll in one o f these programs by finding the right school through a list or a map of tutoring centers available online.Many students have taken and passed examinations while studying for their high school education but failed to realize the potential in them. So what they will do is to get started with sitting. There are many schools that offer programs that help students get the support they need to get prepared for college.However, for those who are beginning their career and planning to continue with their typical university life, this can be very difficult to accomplish. It is not easy getting motivated and practicing a class every day because it can be boring and even frustrating.To be able to pass the sat exam you must have a thorough understanding of computers and computer science. Of course, if you are good in computers, you can usually pick up the basics quickly. However, if you are not good in computers, the training inthe program can really help you learn.For those who are interested in starting a career in this field, taking a sat computer science course is definitely recommended. If you have enough motivation and perseverance, it will be possible for you to become a sat teaching. If you think this would be your career path, visit a good teacher or take a look at the various online opportunities available to help you get going in this new field.

Science of Chemistry - The Complete Course For All Interests

Science of Chemistry - The Complete Course For All InterestsIf you love nature and the great outdoors, then the Science of Chemistry will definitely be the best choice for you. This course gives you the ability to handle all of the important elements that you need to understand to fully understand the science behind the chemistry. It is designed in such a way that you will easily learn the important principles of the physics, chemistry, and biology.It is not necessary that you need to take any major college degree to work on these amazing technologies; all you need is a basic understanding of chemistry. These courses will show you how to use various kinds of chemicals to create different kinds of materials.DNA filtration technology is one of the important things that you can learn about when taking a Science of Chemistry course. It is very interesting because you will learn how to manipulate DNA molecules to create new materials. You will also learn the possible applications of DNA f iltration technology in medical research and many other aspects of technology.This course will give you the opportunity to showcase your creativity in the American Science Fair. You will be given the chance to show off your analytical and creative skills and to make use of some awesome tools to create your own innovative projects. You will have the ability to create everything from natural and synthetic foods to body products that you would need to create.The course will also allow you to handle and use any sort of solvent which includes acids, bases, ammonium salts, heavy oils, organic solvents, oxygen, and many more that involves high temperatures. You will be able to handle more complex materials by learning how to formulate alcohol and sodium chloride. A Science of Chemistry course is great if you love being creative and having the freedom to create all sorts of work.The course will also cover everything about using chemical apparatuses and techniques. You will be taught how to handle and clean up any kind of substances that can be harmful to the environment. The different chemicals that you will use in your day to day work are also explained so that you will have a better understanding on what chemical will be the best for a certain type of work.These courses are indeed the perfect solution for those who love to learn and to understand the fundamentals of chemistry. Learning chemistry is fun because it can take you to different places and bring you into contact with new ideas and concepts. It will also provide you with a good career path that you can easily enjoy and utilize for years to come.

What is it Like to Attend Bryn Mawr College

What is it Like to Attend Bryn Mawr College The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Cassie graduated in 2012 from Bryn Mawr College, a small womens college located outside of Philadelphia. She majored in English with a minor in Psychology and currently tutors in Philadelphia. Cassie specializes in many subjects including Reading tutoring, Biology tutoring, and ACT prep tutoring. See what she had to say about her 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? Cassie: Bryn Mawr is located in a suburb of Philadelphia, about nine miles from the main part of the city. Its been named one of Princeton Reviews Dorms like Palaces and most beautiful campuses. In the spring, the trees blossom with pink flowers, and in the fall, colored leaves coat the walking paths. The buildings at Bryn Mawr are modeled after those of the Ivy Leagues and Oxford and Cambridge at the time of establishment (1855), the adoption of this gothic architecture was supposed to indicate that women, too, could be serious scholars. The campus is within easy walking distance of the SEPTA regional rail, which provides a 20-minute ride into Center City Philly. SEPTA tickets are six dollars each way, but Bryn Mawr provides each student with a few free tickets each semester to encourage fun (seriously!). More locally, students will either walk or use bikes to get into the town of Bryn Mawr, which includes a small movie theatre, boutiques, and a lot of great restaurants. Transportation between Bryn Mawr, Haverford, and Swarthmore colleges is provided for students via the Blue Bus or Swat Van, depending on your destination. VT: How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Cassie: Professors want students in their offices. Each professor has designated office hours for walk-ins, but scheduling an appointment with a professor if the walk-in hours dont fit your schedule or if you feel that you need more support is always an option. I never had a professor turn me away from meeting. And if our schedules didnt work out, my professors were consistently available via email and sometimes even via personal phone. The high availability holds true for deans (each student is assigned her own dean, who, by the end of her first month at Bryn Mawr, WILL know her by her first name) as well as TAs (though TAs are not as extensively used at Bryn Mawr as they are at larger institutions). VT: How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Cassie: Bryn Mawr is consistently ranked for having the best campus food. Where else will you get fresh-squeezed orange juice on Sunday mornings? There are two dining halls, each of which has separate specials on a given night. Further, there are special dinners (Thanksgiving; Fall Folic; May Day) throughout the year that feature everything from barbecue to chocolate fondue. Also on campus are two cafes that serve both as collaborative study areas and sources of late-night snacks. The dorms at Bryn Mawr hinge on community. The College has an honor system, and a lot of people feel comfortable leaving their dorm rooms unlocked. I have personally left my Macbook out on a table for hours at a time without worrying about whether it will be stolen or not. Mawrters are a supremely respectful bunch and generally will abide by the rules voted upon for each dorm at the start of the school year. The social life at Bryn Mawr isnt for everyone, though. Bryn Mawr is a very intense place filled with high-achieving, driven women. Its more likely that youll find a Mawrter in the library, meeting with one of her many on-campus organizations, or watching TV with a few friends on a Saturday night than at a party. Parties exist, but it isnt the norm to go to one every weekend. On average, students party perhaps once a month. 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? Cassie: Bryn Mawr is a liberal arts college and embodies that to a tee. Students have wide distribution requirements in the classic sense of the liberal arts. No one major is best represented and supported; instead, some majors tend to be more popular than others. Bryn Mawr is traditionally known for the rigor of its science programs, and thus has a lot of biology major. However, each class has more than a few English and psychology majors, and the College boasts a much higher rate of women majoring in the hard sciences and math than coed schools. I was an English major, psychology minor, and late-decision premed student. Bryn Mawr couldnt have been more helpful and supportive in accommodating me as an interdisciplinary student. The College really encourages varied interests; many premeds major in something other than science. 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? Cassie: Its very easy to make friends as a freshwoman. Each dorm is organized into Customs Groups, which begin meeting as soon as the new students set foot on campus half a week earlier than the upperclasswomen. Each Customs Group has about ten students and is mediated by two sophomores, who help the new students navigate academic, social, and extracurricular circles. In addition to Customs, joining club and sports teams are easy ways to make friends and find supports in other classes at Bryn Mawr. And because dorms tend to be close-knit, many of the women living near each other become fast friends. Bryn Mawr does not have Greek life. VT: How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services?Do many reputable companies recruit on campus? Cassie: The Career Center (CDO) is shared with Haverford College and is constantly sending out information about workshops, mock interview opportunities, and upcoming job and internship opportunities. The office has individual career counseling sessions and encourages students to come in whether theyre freshwomen or seniors ready to graduate. Companies rarely recruit on campus, however. VT: How are the various study areas such aslibraries, student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Cassie: For its 1,300 undergraduate students, Bryn Mawr has three major libraries, a handful of smaller libraries, unlocked classrooms, a campus center, nooks, crannies, and back smokers (in which no smoking is allowed, obviously) to accommodate the studying Mawrter. Bryn Mawr is an intensely academic school, and thus it takes its study spaces seriously. There is never a want of spaces to study. 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? Cassie: The town of Bryn Mawr, as I mentioned earlier, has a ton of restaurants, a small film institute, and a lot of boutiques. Its really cute, but if students want something more exciting than cute, Center City Philly is a twenty-minute train ride away. Mawrters get excited about Restaurant Week and First Fridays (free entrance to art museums!), as well as concerts, historical sites, and the occasional night out clubbing. On average, a Mawrter will get into Philly a handful of times a semester. Because of the intensity of the academic workload, Mawrters tend to stay closer to home on weekends, attending on-campus concerts and parties at Haverford, and leave the Philly trips for the beginning and very end of the semester. VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Cassie: I graduated with 407 in my class. The student body is around 1,300. Since I wanted a very small, very academically driven school, Bryn Mawrs size and community-feel felt perfect for me. I did have moments where I felt things were too small, but getting off campus and into Philly or the surrounding area helped the feeling of being enclosed. VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Cassie: I took general chemistry in my senior year on top of a course load that included a senior thesis. It was brutal. I was assigned constant problem sets and felt, at times, that I was getting nothing out of my effort. Luckily, my professor was willing to meet with me weekly (and sometimes more than weekly). He was available at all times via email, as was my lab professor and class TA. I would not recommend taking any intro-level science courses with a thesis and while participating in varsity sports intro-level courses are often problem set-intensive but difficult is typical for a Mawrter and I found that the experience better prepared me to handle the demands of the workplace. Check out Cassies tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.