Morrison and Boyd Organic Chemistry - What You Should Know About This Book

Morrison and Boyd Organic Chemistry - What You Should Know About This BookMorrison and Boyd Organic Chemistry are the latest essential guide for any aspiring chemistry student. This book contains a variety of projects that students can implement to gain insights into this fascinating subject. The primary projects presented in this book include tutorials about the elementary principles of chemistry, various online activities, and interactive quizzes. Each of these projects are introduced in order to give the readers a basic introduction into the field of chemistry.Morrison and Boyd Organic Chemistry also contains a variety of helpful notes for every project that the students will work on. This note consists of a series of activities that are designed to enhance the learning experience for the students. These activities usually take the form of making a short video or building a game using a new and exciting chemical concept. In most cases, the activities are designed to be fun to prac tice. For example, the chemistry quiz tasks that are included in this book are extremely fun to take.In the evenings, the students will have access to online tutorials in the form of forums, discussion boards, and video tutorials. These forums and video tutorials are very popular among the budding chemistry students. Moreover, Morrison and Boyd Organic Chemistry provide all the tools required to do a video tutorial for free. The videos feature interactive quizzes, screencasts, etc.The group discussions in Morrison and Boyd Organic Chemistry also go a long way in keeping the budding students interested in the subject. The discussions begin with a question and answer session and then go on for a while. Students are given a point system and a time limit to complete the questions. A good thing about these discussions is that they are relatively inexpensive compared to other homework assignments that many other students might be expected to do.The last project in Morrison and Boyd Organi c Chemistry is a very effective way to reinforce the information provided in the chapters. It is an enjoyable and simple activity that utilizes the periodic table. It is basically a fun chemistry activity that allows the readers to interact with the periodic table in a creative way.All in all, Morrison and Boyd Organic Chemistry provides a large variety of different projects to do at home with your own hands. The project topics are not difficult and help any student learn more about the subject at a more rapid pace.However, it is advisable that you should practice the online chemistry projects first before you attempt the real experiments. The online projects are less likely to produce disastrous results when it comes to taking a test. Moreover, students are presented with more materials with this book than with other popular chemistry books available in the market.

Guiding Your Freshman in High School Toward Success

Guiding Your Freshman in High School Toward Success If your teen is about to begin high school, you may be concerned about the transition. High school, after all, brings higher academic expectations and is a significant time of change for most students as they grow into young adults. As a parent, how can you help your teen survive and thrive his or her first year of high school? Here are several tips: Get to know the support staff Establishing good advocacy relationships at the outset of high school will be important during the next four years. Encourage your teen to stop into the guidance counselor's office early on. If he or she feels a connection with a teacher, seek that teacher's advice and help. Your support will certainly be important throughout high school, but your teen should establish a team of individuals to whom he or she can turn throughout the high school years. Don't wait for help High school isn't easy for everyone-be sure your teen understands the long-term consequences of falling behind and poor grades, and knows that he or she can and should ask for help. While high school teachers expect students to be more independent, don't let your teen wrongly assume he or she shouldn't seek assistance during tough times. He or she should visit the teacher outside of class and get outside tutoring help if needed. Let your teen know you are there to help when he or she feels overwhelmed by a difficult subject or issue. Get organized If your teen isn't a naturally organized person, now is the time to improve those organizational skills. Help your teen set up a reliable system of keeping track of papers that come home. If he or she has a desk, teach him or her to keep it tidy and consistently put things in their proper place so that homework time is productive, not frazzled. Make sure your teen establishes a study routine and sticks to it. Work on time management Perhaps your teen has grown used you helping manage his or her time, giving frequent reminders about outside commitments, homework and project due dates, and the like. Let your teen take the reins now. Teach him or her to make use of a planner or calendar to stay on top of homework assignments, upcoming tests and other obligations-and plan ahead properly. Guide him or her on this early in high school, but let him or her take responsibility quickly. Remind your teen to prioritize High school is a new and exciting social scene for your teen, and there's no doubt he or she will want to explore it. This is fine, but remind your teen that school comes first. Hanging out with friends should not take precedent over homework, but with effective time management, your teen can have a social life and keep up with school. Teach him or her about prioritizing to-dos (what assignments should he or she tackle first?) and setting goals and rewarding him or herself for meeting them (Facebook time comes after math homework is done). High school is sure to bring many changes to your teen's life-and your entire household-but with your support and encouragement, your teen can make his or her freshman year a great one and lay a positive foundation for the next four years.

5 Things That Happen When Kids Have Too Much Screen Time

5 Things That Happen When Kids Have Too Much Screen Time Tips from a Private Orange County Tutor: 5 Things That Happen When Kids Have Too Much Screen Time Tips from a Private Orange County Tutor: 5 Things That Happen When Kids Have Too Much Screen Time We all know that its not good for kids to spend their whole day watching TV or playing video games. However, screen time also includes looking at a computer, tablet, or cell phone.  Its important to think about having an appropriate balance because extended screen time can be a detriment in and of itself but may also take away from important activities that children should experience. So what are the downsides of too much screen time? 1. Time away from nature When kids are on their computers or tablets most of the afternoon, theyre not spending time outside playing with their peers or enjoying nature. Its important for people of all ages to have an opportunity to go outside when the weather is nice. Time in nature makes people more relaxed, can help kids stay calm and focused, and alleviate stress. Every hour a student is at their screen unnecessarily is an hour they could be enjoying the outdoors 2. Time in solitude When kids are at a screen, they are not interacting with other kids. Playing a video game with another live player in another state doesnt count.   Although video games and social media can be fun, is important that young kids dont spend too much time in solitude. This period is a huge transition when children can learn valuable social skills that will help them in the classroom and their social lives. Many students find it difficult to resolve small conflicts and follow directions in the classroom if they spend most of their day distracted by a computer screen or video game console (READ: What is an Experimental Section on a Standardized Test?). 3. Not enough sleep The blue light emanating from computers and tablets tends to keep people of all ages awake past their ideal bedtime. Its especially important for growing kids and teens to get enough sleep so they can rest and recover from the day before and be prepared to succeed in the classroom the next day. Additionally, teens that get caught up on social media sites will often distract themselves from enjoying a restful period before they go off to sleep (READ: Irvine AP Tutor: How Many AP Classes are Too Many?). 4. Lack of concentration Many kids struggle with concentration in general. However, younger students who have particular difficulty focusing on assignments or directions are often the same children who have unlimited screen time. Children are now using screens at school to complete assignments and do research in addition to any social screen time they spend at home. Although screen time is a side effect of some precious research materials, its important to keep the time limited when possible so that students dont lose their concentration altogether. 5. Too much work? Extended screen time may also be a symptom of too much homework. Students, especially as they get into high school, have hours upon hours of homework to do each day. If teens come home from school and sit in front of a laptop or tablet all afternoon and evening, they might be totally overwhelmed with academics. Its important to look at how much homework a student has for each class and see if any adjustments can be made. Perhaps they need to practice speed reading or learn to take notes more efficiently. They might need help learning how to skim through the important material to find key terms and definitions. Students shouldnt have to work on academics 12 hours a day, but if they are spending a ton of time at a screen, it’s probably an indication that they simply have too much homework to complete in one study session. Having your son or daughter work with a private Orange County tutor from TutorNerds will get them away from their phones. Our tutors are fun, interactive, and experienced in getting students to enjoy schoolwork. Call us today for more information. All blog entries, with the exception of guest bloggers, are written by Tutor Nerds. Are you an education professional? If so, email us at pr@tutornerds.com for guest blogging and collaborations. We want to make this the best free education resource in SoCal, so feel free to suggest what you would like to see us write.

Getting Through College On A Low Income

Getting Through College On A Low Income Image via Isorepublic.com Get as much financial aid as you can Fill out the FAFSA application every year You have likely heard of FAFSA (the Free Application for Federal Student Aid) before. This application will match you with financial aid, such as scholarships, grants, and loans, provided by the federal government that you qualify for. They will determine how much financial aid you qualify for by calculating your family’s “expected family contribution” (how much your family is expected to pay for your school expenses based on how much money they make). As the name implies, the application itself is free to fill out, and it could possibly provide you with a good amount of financial aid. It might look intimidating at first, but there are online resources that can help you fill out the FAFSA. Filling out the FAFSA every year can help you get the federal financial aid you need. Be careful about the loans you take out As a college student, you might need to take out student loans. It might be your only option to pay for college. However, you should be careful about the loans you take out because loans are certainly not “free money.” They will need to be paid back with interest. You will likely be offered some loans, but do some research on them before you accept. Figure out what type of loan it is (and some loans might be better for you than others), and most importantly, how much the interest will be. It’s also a good idea to know when you need to start paying it off. Some loans will allow you to defer payment up to six months after you graduate, other loans will require you to start paying as soon as you graduate. If you will need to take out a loan, be mindful of which ones you take out. If you can, get a job or start a “side hustle” Being a student, in and of itself, is a full-time job. But if you can find the time and energy, it would be a good idea to have a stream of income (or multiple streams of income!). You can do this by getting a job either on or off-campus, or by starting a “side hustle.” It could be anything, from working at a local coffee shop to working as a student researcher in a lab on campus. As far as a side hustle, you can start your own business and offer a product or service. These things will provide you with some extra money to alleviate the financial burden of being a student. If you can spare some time in your busy life as a student, consider getting a job or starting a side hustle. Visit the financial aid office often It’s a good idea to visit your school’s financial aid office often, as this will allow you to stay on top of your financial aid situation. It is an opportunity to make sure you are not missing out on any potential grants, scholarships, or loans you are eligible for. Your school might offer scholarships they don’t advertise, and you want to make sure you know about them! Sometimes, the only way to find out is asking them straight up in person. Visiting is also a good opportunity to let them know if there have been any significant changes to your financial life, like a new job. Visit your college’s financial aid often to make sure you are staying on top of your financial aid situation and are getting the aid you need. Search online for scholarships Your financial aid office should not be the only place where you look for scholarships. If you do a quick Google search, you will find many online scholarship databases like Fastweb that will help you find scholarships you are eligible for. There are many scholarships listed, so it might take a while to sift through them to find a couple that work for you. Still, it’s worth scouring the Internet to find a good scholarship. You never know if you will find the scholarship that will be just what you need to pay off your tuition. Be frugal with your school supplies Rent your textbooks One of the biggest scams college students fall for is buying their textbooks brand new. Don’t let yourself fall for it! Buying all your textbooks brand new at the campus bookstore can cost you hundreds of dollars. Instead of buying your textbooks brand new, rent them or buy them used from an online retailer. For example, Textsurf is a great place to compare textbook prices and then buy or rent textbooks. Personally, I would recommend renting your textbooks, since it will save you money and space in your bookshelf. It is usually cheaper than buying, and at the end of the semester, you can send the book back (so it will not sit on your bookshelf collecting dust). If you prefer to read your textbooks on your computer or tablet, you can rent or buy an electronic textbook, which is also inexpensive. A great way to get through college on a budget is to rent your textbooks rather than buying them. Reuse your school supplies from last year Although it’s fun to walk through the “back to school” aisle at Target, it might not be the smartest thing to do if you are a college student on a budget. But be honest with yourself: do you really need another set of pens or pencils? Do you really need another binder? A new backpack? Most of the time, you don’t need these supplies brand new. (Of course, if your binder or backpack is falling apart, you have my permission to buy a new one. But if it’s still functional, you don’t need to get a new one.) Take a minute to decide which school supplies from last year you can reuse. This will save you money in the long run! Take advantage of resources you have as a student Use student discounts One big resource you have available to you as a student is your student discount. At many stores, if you present your student ID, you could get a substantial discount. For example, at the Apple store, you can get a student discount. These stores often don’t advertise their student discounts, so don’t be shy to ask for it when you go shopping. Chances are good that stores nearby your campus will offer a student discount, even if they don’t advertise it. Even online services, such as Amazon Prime and Spotify, offer good student discounts. Be sure to take advantage of those student discounts! Attend the free events around campus Entertainment often costs a lot of money, especially if it’s close to a college campus. However, your campus likely has events taking place every so often, and almost every time, these events will be free. For example, instead of going to the movie theater (which is expensive), go to a free concert at your school. As you walk around campus, pay attention to the signs you see posted, as that is the place your school will advertise these events. Special events aren’t the only entertainment you can find for free (or cheap) on campus. Your school might have its own movie theater, stage, or museum that you can visit. These free or cheap entertainment ideas will help you save money, and will definitely help you get through college on a low income. Visit the campus library Similarly, buying books can get expensive quickly. Instead of buying books from a local bookstore, borrow it from the campus library or a local library, as it will be totally free. Take advantage of these free resources! Get some academic help As a college student on a budget, it’s a good idea to try to graduate as soon as you can, because you don’t want to pay for any additional semesters of college. To help you graduate as soon as possible, you should get some academic help by visiting your advisor. Your advisor will ensure you don’t miss any required classes and that you will have completed all your requirements in four years. (You really don’t want to be a second semester senior and find out you have not yet finished all your requirements!) Save yourself some money and graduate on time by visiting your advisor and making sure you are on track. Another way to keep yourself on track is to ensure you don’t fail any classes, especially not your required classes (since you will likely need to re-take it, which will force you to increase your course load for the next semester). Work out at the campus gym Just like entertainment is expensive, fitness is expensive. Even though you are young, your health should be a priority, but you don’t need to sacrifice your budget to keep yourself healthy. Instead of buying a gym membership and working out there, work out your campus gym. Your campus gym will likely be free of charge (or for a small fee). This way, you will still be able to work out while still saving money. This is a great way to stay healthy in college on a low income. Choose a good living situation Housing and roommates To get through college on a low income, it’s important to make good choices with your living situation. You have many choices as a college student. For example, you can choose to live on or off-campus, and with or without roommates. Living in a dorm on campus will generally be less expensive than living in an apartment off-campus. Similarly, living with roommates will be cheaper than living on your own, since you will be able to split the rent cost with your roommates. These lifestyle will choices will help you save money. Owning a car Besides your living space, the biggest lifestyle choice you will need to make is deciding whether or not to own a car. Buying a car is a big expense, but it’s more than just the price you pay for it at the dealer. Every month, you will need to budget for gas, insurance, and parking passes. Not to mention, you will also need to budget for any unexpected repair costs that can and will happen. For that reason, I would recommend you don’t own a car to save you from those costs. Instead, take the campus shuttle bus, public transportation, and ride-sharing services to help you get around the city while still saving money. Cut cable Another lifestyle choice you will need to make is whether or not to keep cable. Cable is expensive, but with the many streaming services we have available today, cable is not necessary. Instead of cable, opt for YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, or Hulu. With these options, you don’t need to spend all that money on cable; just pick the service that has the content you like and only pay for that one. Cutting cable can help you get through college on a low income. Image via Isorepublic.com Take good care of the money you already have Pay all your bills on time While you are still a student, it’s a good time to start practicing good money management habits that will last for the rest of your life. Plus, it’s important to take care of the money you do have right now. One of the best ways to take care of your money is to pay all your bills on time. This will help you avoid late fees. If you have a credit card, pay it off in full every month It is especially critical that you pay your credit card bill on time. Getting a credit card is a good way to build your credit, but only if you are confident that you can manage it correctly by paying it off IN FULL every month. If you can’t do that, don’t get the credit card, because it will only lower your credit score. Clearly, college life is expensive. Still, you can make it through college on a low income if you follow the tips we discussed in this post.

Make Your Mom Feel Special on Mothers Day - Aloha Mind Math USA - ALOHA Mind Math

Make Your Mom Feel Special on Mothers Day USA Mother’s Day is around the corner (12th May this year) and it’s a special day to show your mom how much you care. While most of us go by the motions of daily life by taking our mothers for granted, this is a day celebrate how truly special our mom is. Life would not be the same without showing our gratitude and appreciation to the beautiful woman who brought us into this world. Make your mom feel special with these simple yet beautiful ways on Mother’s Day. Cook Mom’s Favorite Meal While most of our moms have spent a good portion of their lives in the kitchen preparing our daily meals, fussing over what we want to eat, baking those gorgeous muffins and cakes on our birthdays, and tirelessly looking after the needs of the family and kids, doesn’t it make the day all the more special to give our moms a break from the kitchen and cook them their favorite meal? Yes, indeed! Spa Day Your mom needs pampering for all the long hours she puts at work, to keep the house well, take care of the family and everything else in between. Show her a relaxing time at a spa where she can spend the day getting a facial, massage, manicure, pedicure and a foot reflexology treatment. Bring Home a Special Cake Bring home a special cake with a theme that describes her well. It could be touching, entertaining, funny or just simply heartfelt. Get your mom to cut the cake and make her feel special on Mother’s Day. Handmade Gift What better idea than to make something for your mom yourself. Whether it is a handmade card or a knit cardigan, your mom is going to appreciate what you have done to make her feel special by going that extra mile to show her how much you care. No matter what you choose to give your mom, however big or small, the idea is to make her feel special, appreciated and loved. ALOHA Wishes all the moms a Happy Mother’s Day! At ALOHA we have learning programs that enhance the overall learning development of your child. Visit our website for further information http://www.aloha-usa.com/

The importance of self-esteem in your child - ALOHA Mind Math

The importance of self-esteem in your child As adults we may have gone through enough challenges in life to understand what self-esteem is all about. Do we give it the same amount of importance where our children are concerned? Not all parents realize the impact our outlook and reactions have on our children. Having a healthy self-esteem is very important as children undergo so many challenges not only in school but among peer groups also. Some of the things we can do at home in order to improve self-esteem for kids are: Encourage and support This is especially important in situations where children have failed or not done well in something. If we do not teach them how to have a positive outlook and have confidence in themselves, it may result in low self-esteem. Avoid negative language Both in speech and body language, the best approach is to use positive terminology and avoid negative language when there is a need to rebuke the child. Terms such as “stupid” or “dumb” have a very strong impact, and they are very difficult for young children to recover from. Communicate with your child To head off self-esteem issues, it is important to have a healthy channel of communication with your child. In this way, you will always know when the child may be having trouble, whether with peers or anything else in school. By discussing with your child about how to increase self-esteem, they will learn how not to let small failures get in their way. Teaching respect Teaching children respect for others is one of the best ways to teach them to respect themselves. Creating a family environment where everyone respects each other will help to bring children and self-esteem together. Once children develop a sense of self-esteem, their confidence in facing different challenges will definitely increase. Parents need not worry as much about aspects like negative peer pressure or exam stress, as the self-esteem forms an umbrella for your child. One great way to build a sense of confidence in your child is to introduce them to Abacus and Mental Math classes at Aloha USA. For more details please see: http://www.aloha-usa.com

Why Get a PhD in Chemistry?

Why Get a PhD in Chemistry?In recent years, the number of universities offering a PhD in Chemistry has increased enormously. A few years ago, such PhD programs would be relatively rare; but in the last decade or so, more are popping up each year.Nowadays, it is not uncommon for students to apply for a PhD in Chemistry without having had a postgraduate education in chemistry. Some major chemical companies, such as Dow Chemical, do not even have a chemical engineer on staff. They have their own departments of electrical engineering and mechanical engineering, but it is unlikely that a student with a PhD in Chemistry will be particularly well-suited to those fields.There are also a few problems with pursuing a PhD in Chemistry that environmental scientists and other physicists often face. Usually, a PhD in Chemistry is regarded as the 'final' PhD, as the very best students are frequently the only ones who are chosen for a Ph.D. program. However, it is not a guarantee that any given stud ent will be good enough to get into an area where he or she might benefit from a PhD.When you go to get your PhD in Chemistry, there is usually a program at the University of Cambridge. Cambridge is one of the top universities in the world and one of the most prestigious for studying the chemical sciences. Like most British universities, Cambridge is highly ranked in the research intensity index, where research faculty are evaluated by the extent to which they devote their careers to the research needs of the university. This means that you could very well earn the highest possible degree, but a PhD in Chemistry from another university may not be suitable for you.Students with a PhD in Chemistry are usually considered very well-qualified for careers in industry, as almost all companies have 'expertise' in the field. For this reason, many chemical engineers end up working in the chemical industry as analysts, or find jobs at 'strategic' companies that specialize in certain sectors. M any PhDs in Chemistry end up doing work in universities, either in the lab, in teaching, or in pharmaceutical companies, and this has the added benefit of making you well-qualified for jobs in these companies.But not everyone can make it into the industry at all. There are also plenty of jobs in the academic environment, especially in very interesting sectors, such as molecular biology and pharmaceuticals, but you will still need to have a PhD in Chemistry in order to get these positions.It is true that if you want to become a successful chemist, then getting a PhD in Chemistry is one of the most important steps towards that goal. But if you already have a PhD in Chemistry, you should not consider it as a 'bonus' to the degree, but rather as a necessary step in pursuing your dream of being a chemist.

Helping Your Child Succeed

Helping Your Child SucceedThe tutoring club in Brookfield, CT has many talents that range from the typical to the very special. Whether it is sports tutoring, artistic tutoring, or the more traditional academic tutoring, there are plenty of services offered at this great tutoring service.Brookfield is a very big city located in northern New England. It is home to many colleges and universities and also provides many opportunities for those who live outside of New England. One of the very best services offered at the tutoring club is the appearance of physical fitness.Some of the tutors at the tutoring club Brookfield, CT can help with weight loss, abdominal exercises, Pilates, and yoga. If you need to be physically fit or if you want to lose a few pounds, they are sure to help you achieve your goal.Aside from getting fit, these tutors can also help to develop individual skills in students such as reading, writing, math, art, or reading comprehension. Students who are taking part in o ne of the education courses such as calculus, astronomy, or art may benefit from the tutoring club Brookfield, CT. These tutors are experienced and are always willing to answer your questions.Many parents want their child to attend college, but due to financial constraints or the lack of funds, they cannot afford to send their child to college. When there is a tutoring service at Brookfield, CT, they will be able to help your child take part in a tuition-free class.At Brookfield, CT, the tutoring tutors can help your child to pay for their college, even though they are not yet in college. When they apply for financial aid, they can ensure that their family will be able to afford the tuition fee. Even when the applicant is not in college, there are plenty of opportunities available for them to complete their college education.Tutoring in Brookfield, CT can provide you with many opportunities for your child's future. Not only do they get a chance to be educated, but they will also get a chance to excel. You must be prepared to help your child fulfill their dream by providing them with the tutoring service that they require.

Should I Go to University of Maryland, Baltimore County

Should I Go to University of Maryland, Baltimore County Teauna earned her bachelors degree in biological sciences from University of Maryland, Baltimore County. She specializes in algebra tutoring, biology tutoring, and a number of other subjects. Check out what she shared about her time at University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Describe the campus setting and transportation options. Teauna: I recently graduated from University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) and the campus was very diverse. Just by stepping on campus you are sure to encounter someone from a different culture than you. We are located near two rural towns, but not far from the city of Baltimore. There are free shuttles that transport students to and from the surrounding towns as well as a shuttle that goes to the Baltimore Harbor. There is also access to MTA (Maryland Transit Administration) buses which you will have to pay to use. I felt extremely safe on my campus. The campus itself is encircled by a road that is typically used only by people who are coming to or leaving campus (so, mostly students and faculty). We have blue lights located throughout the campus that can be used to call for help and you can contact the campus police at any time even just to walk you back to your dorm at night if you ever feel unsafe. The campus is pretty small and if you live in on-campus housing, you will never need a bike or car to get to class. Your farthest class takes 10 minutes to get to, and thats if youre walking at mild pace. The campus is also wheelchair accessible. How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Teauna: Most professors are very available and approachable. They love taking questions after class and respond quickly to email. They also have several office hours during the week in which you can talk to them. As a freshman, you get a general advisor and they have many students so it may be a little harder to get in touch with them. However, during your sophomore year you are placed with a major specific advisor. These advisors have less students and are more available. They are interested in getting to know you as a person and not just your academic life. Teaching assistants can vary. Some are more approachable than others. Because many teaching assistants are also students, they may have less availability. How would you describe the dorm liferooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Teauna: UMBCs dorms are great. You may find yourself complaining here and there about small cosmetic issues, but compared to most colleges the dorms are amazing. Most freshmen end up in the typical dorm room which includes two beds, two desks with chairs, two wardrobes, and a sink to be shared between you and your roommate. Then you have a bathroom that connects you to an adjacent room. The people who live there are your suitemates. The four of you will share a bathroom which is much better than having a communal shower. You can also order a microfridge from the school which will allow you to have a refrigerator and a microwave in your room. You could also choose a dorm that has two bedrooms (that hold two people each) and is connected by a living space which includes a couch, coffee table, end table, and chair. You also have a bathroom. Then there are the apartments. There are 3 apartment complexes on campus which include 4 bedrooms, a living room, bathroom, and a full kitchen. And they are furnished! You get a couch, coffee table, kitchen table with 4 chairs, beds, closets, and desks with chairs. For dining you could eat at the dining hall, which some people enjoyed (I didnt). Its similar to a high school cafeteria. Then theres the Commons. The Commons is a building located in the center of the campus that has a student organization space, gameroom, restaurants and more. Here you can choose restaurants that serve Indian food, Chinese food, Mexican food, Italian food, a grill that serves typical American burgers and chicken tenders, or Mondos which sells subs. There is also a Chic-Fil-A and Starbucks located at the University Center. Most dorms are a 5 to 10 minute walk from all the dining options and classes. There are plenty of opportunities to socialize with other students. The student events board plans many events throughout the year for students to get to know one another. If you live on campus, the residential assistant will plan programs for you to get to know the people on your floor. If you are commuting then there are programs for you as well. There are several student organization and if you dont find one you like, its pretty easy to start your own. You can also attend a summer bridge program so that youll start the year already knowing several people and some faculty. Which majors/programs are best represented and supported? Teauna: Majority of students at UMBC are STEM majors and there is a lot of support for STEM majors, from scholarships to tutoring to research positions and more. I studied biological sciences because I want to be a dentist and most of the prerequisites for dental school would be covered in that major. Also, I genuinely love biology! UMBC offered all of the aforementioned support to me as well as supporting me in my goal to go to dental school through their pre-professional advising and the pre-dental student organization. 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? Teauna: I actually attended the summer bridge program called Collegiate Success Institute. We did a lot of team bonding and spent a lot of time together during the 6-week on campus program so I actually started my freshman year with several friends and made more friends soon after simply by living on campus and participating in activities with the people I lived with. Greek life does not play a significant role in the campus social life. We have a few fraternities and sororities, but not being in one will not affect your social life. How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services? Teauna: The Career Center is very helpful in providing advising and resume critiques. There are also several career fairs that are hosted on campus and have included companies like Kennedy Krieger Institute and Northrop Grumman Corporation, Stanley Black and Decker, and more. Career Services also posts job listings in every academic area. How are the various study areas such aslibraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Teauna: The libraries can get very crowded during the week and may be hard to find a place to work. However, if you can find a place you can choose from quiet floors where everyone has to be quiet or normal floors where talking is allowed. Dorm lounges can be nice but they cannot be reserved, so it may be hard to find a lounge where people arent already there. Since most people hang out in the dorm lounges and the Commons, youll probably be better off studying in your room. If not, you can try reserving a study room in the library. Describe the surrounding town. Teauna: There isnt too much to do for fun in the surrounding towns. There are a few old fashioned shops in Catonsville that might be fun for some, but taking the shuttle to the Baltimore Inner Harbor can be really great. The Inner Harbor is full of shops and restaurants. The Gallery Mall is a huge mall with several floors and great stores. You could rent a boat and go for ride or simply hang out by the water with friends. Most students just go to Arundel Mills Mall on the shuttle because its only a few minutes away. Its all a matter of personal preference and how far youre willing to travel. However, these shuttles are only available on Saturday and Sunday, but you can get there by taking the MTA any day of the week. How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Teauna: The student body is fairly small in comparison to most universities. The school has about 11,000 undergraduate students. I was generally pleased with the typical class sizes. Most science classes were large lectures that had about 200 students, but as you take higher level classes the size gets smaller and smaller. In my last year at UMBC I was taking science classes that had maybe 40 people in them. Most psychology and history classes are also around 40 people. Even with the large lectures there would often be a discussion portion where the class sizes were much smaller. Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Teauna: My most memorable experience was with my Calculus II professor freshman year. I had done horribly in the class and waited until the end of the semester to talk to her (side note: always meet with your professors as soon as you notice you arent doing so well]). She was very honest, but extremely kind and forgiving. She told me that shed be teaching the class in the summer and to register for the class. She assured me that she would not let me fail. I took the class in the summer and with her help I got an A. Check out Teaunas tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.