Ask an MBA Admissions Expert Graham Richmond

Ask an MBA Admissions Expert Graham Richmond Varsity Tutors brings you insider tips and advice straight from nationally recognized admissions experts. As he pursued his MBA at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, Graham Richmond participated as a student admissions officer where he read hundreds of applications. After graduating from the program, Graham returned to the Wharton Admissions Committee and contributed to the redesigning of the schools admissions process while representing the program at conferences internationally as well. Graham eventually left and co-founded Clear Admit, an MBA Admissions Consulting service, where he has assisted thousands of students with their application processes and has earned an impressive reputation as a leading expert in the field. VT: How much time should be set aside to adequately prepare for and complete the application for an MBA program? Graham: Preparation time in terms of hours or months definitely varies per applicant and based on the application season as a whole, e.g., someone applying to one school in Round 2 (January deadlines) would have a very different application timeline than someone applying to six programs across the first two rounds (October and January deadlines). Applicants also need to account for factors outside the process of drafting the application materials themselvesGMAT or GRE preparation, for instance, varies broadly by applicant and could tack on months of intensive study before an online application form is even made. It would also be worthwhile to account for the time needed to, say, visit a class or tour a schools campus depending on applicants schedules and transportation options. Generally though, since most schools release their application deadlines and essay topics in the spring or summer before the admissions season begins, Id advise applicants to start organizing their application calendars then. Knowing when each application will be due and what it entails is first way to see how much time youll need to prepare. We estimate that our hourly clients work with their Clear Admit counselors for an average of 12 to 15 hours per school, and prospective MBA students should also tack on the time it will take them to initially draft their essays and other materials and complete other requirements, like standardized test scores as noted above. VT: What would you say is the single most important thing to focus on for this kind of application? Graham: Theres no right answer to how to ace an application, and Id say the most important thing for an applicant is to create an honest application that is both error-free, attentive to detail and that really lets the admissions committee get to know who you are (while ideally conveying your excitement for the MBA program in question). Admissions committees are looking to find out a lot about who applicants really are so as to determine how they might fit into a carefully balanced MBA class, and submitting applications that are vague or sloppy wont give the admissions committee much to work with or convince them that youre worth admitting. VT: What do MBA admissions officers look for most in the essay questions? Graham: Admissions officers are definitely looking to get you know you from the essays but also for a few other things. They are looking to see if youve done research on the program and can envision yourself on their campus, and they want to see that you have a good sense of your strengths, weaknesses, and preparedness for an MBA. More basically, they are looking to confirm that applicants can follow directions in the essays and write clear and compelling answers to the essay prompts within the guidelines specified. VT: What are the biggest mistakes one can make on this application? Graham: There are quite a few ways that applicants can send up red flags on their application, and I would say that reusing application materials across multiple applications is the main way candidates get themselves in trouble. Most notorious of course is the mistake of actually leaving in the name of School X when writing an application for School Y, which from my own admissions experience signals a definitely lack of respect for the school that receives the wrong name. In relation to my answer to the question above, not answering the question asked in your essay is another big mistake, and this might indicate to the admissions officer that you were either reusing an essay from another school or just not paying attention when you were drafting quickly. Another common mistake, and one that an admissions consultant could certainly help applicants avoid, would be simple grammatical, spelling or punctuation errors that also convey that applicants have put relatively little effort into their files or do not have the communication skills needed for an MBA. Finally, the use of excessive industry jargon can signal to the admissions committee that the applicant is unable to communicate their experiences in terms that are going to be easily understood by their future classmates. VT: What aspects of the MBA admissions process makes it most different from undergraduate admissions process? Graham: I like to describe MBA admissions as a mix of art and science given the fluid nature of schools selection criteria, and this quality actually makes the process more similar to undergraduate admissions than to say law or medical school applications. One important difference between undergraduate and business school admissions is that most applicants will be drawing heavily from their professional experiences when creating their MBA applications, which obviously doesnt come into play in such a way in undergraduate admissions. VT: Is there anything that automatically disqualifies an applicant from being considered for an MBA program (i.e. low GPA, lack of particular work experience, etc.)? Graham: I would say no, unless for instance an applicant is applying to a program whose stated requirements he or she doesnt meet, e.g., a dual degree program that specifies an undergraduate focus an applicant does not have. Some challenging factors of an applicants profile, however, are easier to resolve than others either before or during the application process, but only direct violations of admission policies are automatic disqualifiers. VT: What kind of work experiences should be highlighted in the MBA application? Graham: This is also something that varies really applicant by applicant. Some schools will state what kind of experience they want to see from prospective students, which is wise to take into account before preparing your application, but there is no single right answer. Generally, for example, leadership experiences are great to highlight, but an applicant who doesnt have an obvious record of quantitative achievements might need to focus more on those experiences instead. The balance of different kinds of experience really varies on an individual basis. VT: What advice do you have regarding GMAT test prep? Graham: There are a lot of different test prep services out there that tailor to a range of learning styles, and applicants test prep range from books to free GMAT tips from various online sources to paid one-on-one tutoring. While certainly not all applicants need to use a GMAT prep service, any applicant who wants to raise his or her score should look into the many different services out there to find one that matches their needs in terms of time commitments, teaching approach, etc. VT: Is it absolutely necessary to have work experience prior to starting an MBA degree? Graham: In a word, no, though this kind of requirement varies across different programs and the vast majority of candidates would definitely be well served to have at least two years of experience at the time they apply. Ive also known some programs to conditionally accept applicants provided they gained a certain amount of professional experience before matriculating, and of course Harvard has formalized this through the HBS 2+2 Program. Business schools really range on this issue, though, and applicants who find they are qualified to apply to their target programs without work experience still face somewhat higher stakes than others in the poolits very important that these applicants can clearly explain how an MBA is the only viable next step in their career despite their lack of work experience. VT: What are the characteristics of a great MBA program? Graham: I encourage applicants looking for a great business school experience to start by examining their own professional and academic needs, as well as their preferred lifestyle and location, to find out what program will be great for them. An MBA program isnt great because of ranking alone, and different applicants will have great fits with different programs. An applicant who wants to design his or her first-year curriculum, for instance, wont fit with the Harvard MBA while an applicant who doesnt like an urban environment isnt going to be happy at Columbia. In the end, a great MBA program has the right combination of curriculum offerings, extracurricular and leadership opportunities, campus experiences and career resources to suit its students, be it an aspiring leader in investment banking or a budding global entrepreneur. Go to ClearAdmit.com for more information and insights from Graham and his team.The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

10 Online Guitar Resources for Beginners

10 Online Guitar Resources for Beginners Suzy S. Attention beginner guitarists: you need to bookmark these sites ASAP! Check out this great guide from guitar teacher Milton J. When practicing guitar, you may want to explore more of what you can do with your favorite instrument. Or maybe you need a little refresher on something youre working on with your guitar teacher. The following online resources can complement what you are learning before or in your lessons! Take a look below. How to Tune A Guitar Use this website to learn  how to tune a guitar in various tunings like Standard, Drop D, and Drop C, in addition to tuning methods. Gieson Online Guitar Tuner This great, easy website  provides the aural tone in which to tune each string of the guitar in various tunings as mentioned above. This is a great resource to use to train your ear to hear and recognize open notes for various guitar tunings. How to Read Guitar Tablature Guitar Tablature is a musical notation dedicated to providing a simpler way to interpret notes for the acoustic, electronic and bass guitars. Consequently, this should not be understood as a replacement for learning to read sheet music, but rather a complement that will further your understanding of playing notes on the guitar. Video Tabs After youve understood and learned how to read guitar tab, you can take a look at playing with a few free video tutorials of video tabs, including over 500 lessons in classic and 90s rock. Getting Started With Playing Guitar This course is provided in the form of a 2-hour course by guitar teacher Erich Andreas. He helps beginners gain confidence in chord constructions and transitions, an important component in playing the guitar as either a rhythm or lead guitarist. All Guitar Chords Another wonderful guitar chord resource is All Guitar Chords. With easy-to-read diagrams, All Guitar Chords shows how to structure open position, split position, and barre chords. It also has a really cool tool for learning the chords that make up different scales such as the pentatonic scale. Chord Book If seeing how chords are made on a virtual fretboard versus merely a chord chart is easier for you, Chord Book will work wonders for you. You can play around with Chord Book’s virtual fretboard and learn how to properly build chords. This resource also has a handy “Strum” option so that you can hear what your chords should sound like, a feature that will help you develop better tonal memory. Ultimate Guitar In essence, Ultimate Guitar is your one-stop shop for guitar tabs and song chords. Search for a song or artist like it’s Google and watch as it’s filtered by ratings for the most popular guides on the Internet. I use this resource virtually every day for the last decade and it’s only gotten better as the years have gone by. Music Radar Music Radar is a wonderful guitar resource that includes interviews with music industry professionals and a library of videos on acoustic guitar, bass guitar, amplifiers, song structures, recording advice and more. Master Guitar Academy In this YouTube channel that I covered previously, Robert Renman offers an education on guitar, all while showcasing an impressive background in music theory. Now that youve gotten accustomed to the guitar a bit, the time is nigh to find your local guitar teacher and learn even more! Happy practicing and playing! Milton J. teaches guitar, piano, singing, music recording, music theory, opera voice, songwriting, speaking voice, and acting lessons in  Corona, CA. He specializes in classical, RB, soul, pop, rock, jazz, and opera styles.  Learn more about Milton here! 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 ShellyS

Why Learn Spanish To Benefit You

Why Learn Spanish To Benefit You The Benefits of Learning Spanish ChaptersWhat Different Reasons Are There to Learn Spanish?Why Study Spanish?How Can You Learn Business Spanish?How Has the History of Spanish Led to Its Modern Day Popularity?Why Should You Learn Spanish at School?Study Spanish to Live and Work in a Spanish Speaking CountryWhat Are the Best Ways to Learn to Speak Spanish?Where Is Spanish Spoken?Spanish is one of the most important languages the world, and this is reflected in the number of native speakers that there are worldwide, and the emphasis that is placed on learning the language around the globe.Spanish is a rich and beautiful language that is spoken across a number of different countries around the world. It is one of the UN's 6 official languages, and the language is the most widely spoken language in the Americas.Although some younger students might not see the advantages of learning Spanish due to their age, these are just a few of the reasons why the Spanish language isTherefore in this article we will cover one central theme; why learn Spanish?If you like the sound of this, but you don't have a language school nearby, then you could look for private or group lessons with a Spanish tutor. These could be in your house, or at a friend's house. By learning in a group, you can share the experience with your family and friends at the same time as developing your language skills in Spanish.There are some more modern methods that are now available. You can learn Spanish online, or you can learn Spanish with a tutor via webcam. Both of these options mean that you don't even need to leave the comfort of your own home!Remember, the method you choose is important as you want to get off to a good start. If you have a bad early experience, you will be more likely to stop learning Spanish all together.Keep in mind the way you like to learn, your budget, and what you want to achieve from your Spanish tuition before you commit to any one method.Where Is Spanish Spoken?Learning Spanish doesn't only gives you a numb er of options for choosing your next job, but also for choosing your next holiday destination.We have talked about how widespread the Spanish language is, but where exactly is Spanish spoken?If you had previously thought that Spanish is only spoken in Spain, you would be very much mistaken. In fact, it is a language that is spoken in Africa, Europe, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. And these are only the countries where it is an official language!It is a language that dominates heavily from the U.S-Mexico border in the north, all the way through to Ushuaia at the tip of Argentina, with Brazil, Suriname, and Guyana being the only countries where Spanish isn't an official or recognised language in Central and South America.Spanish is also spoken in Equatorial Guinea in Africa, and Cuba and the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean.Did you know that Superprof offers Spanish courses London, Spanish courses Manchester and Spanish courses Birmingham?

8 Expert Tips for Improving Spanish Reading Comprehension

8 Expert Tips for Improving Spanish Reading Comprehension Suzy S. Struggling with Spanish reading comprehension? Here are some helpful tips from Honolulu tutor Jinan B... Are you intimidated by texts, magazines, or books in Spanish?  Do you feel overwhelmed at the thought of reading and understanding written Spanish? The following tips will allow you to increase your Spanish reading comprehension and help you feel assured as you navigate new linguistic territory. 1. Notice the title and any photos or graphics in the text. These things will give you an idea of the style and content of the text. Improving reading comprehension in Spanish is like becoming a detective, and things like the title and images are your clues! 2. Draw on your own experience with and knowledge of the topic. Its likely the reading selection may cover some material that you already know. Thinking about keywords and points that the author may address, based on your prior knowledge of the topic, will increase your ability to decode the text in Spanish. 3. If there are reading comprehension questions attached to the text, read through the questions first so that you can look for the answers to the questions as you read. This will increase your engagement and understanding of the text. Knowing the questions ahead of time also gives you an idea of what the main points of the text may be, since the questions are often centered around general comprehension. 4. Get a gist. Skim the whole text to get a basic idea of the meaning. Dont worry about reading it thoroughly yet or understanding everything. Then, as you read it more in depth, you can scan each paragraph before you read it more carefully. 5. Consider the context of the text. Depending on where the story takes place, if its literature, you might expect to see informal or formal language. If its a news article, you might expect to see clear facts and details presented. Understanding how the author might convey the information allows you to anticipate the text and increase your comprehension. 6. Use cognates. Cognates are ever-helpful words that sound similar in Spanish and English and often share the same Latin root. If youre struggling with understanding a passage, try to determine what you already know simply from finding the cognates. (Note: Be wary of false Spanish cognates!) 7. Watch out for figurative language. Often, when you first start to read in a foreign language, you can forget that not everything is intended literally. Figurative language can be complex to grasp since the expressions are usually not equivalent in Spanish and English. However, if you anticipate some use of figurative language, it can reduce the amount of confusion you encounter with the text. 8. Use your knowledge of grammar. Understanding how the sentence is constructed can help you understand the meaning. Identify the subject, predicate, any conjunctions, direct and indirect objects and prepositions, and prepositional phrases. This is especially helpful if you encounter a wordy and complex sentence with many parts. Breaking it down can be the key to comprehension! You will find that the more you  practice using these tips while reading Spanish, the more your reading comprehension will increase. You can also read a text before your lessons: use the strategies above to gain as much understanding as possible, and then go over it with your Spanish  tutor  to further increase your Spanish reading comprehension. May your reading time be productive and fun! Jinan B. tutors in Honolulu, HI. She is currently an  Assistant Professor in the Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Sciences at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, teaching various courses including  Community Nutrition, Concepts in Nutrition Education, and Advanced Child and Adolescent Nutrition.  Learn more about Jinan here!   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  Juan José Richards Echeverría

Master These Metal Guitar Scales So You Can Shred

Master These Metal Guitar Scales So You Can Shred Megan L. Practicing scales and scale-based exercises are a great way to build the speed you need to shred like a pro! Guitar teacher Noel S.  shares his favorite tips to get you started How do you get the speed and energy in your guitar playing that you need to truly shred? There are four simple skills youll need to master, and Ive put together exercises here so you can practice them all. Lets dive in and get started! 1.Right Hand Alternate Picking Speed You have two goals in this exercise. One is to develop perfect timing as you pick alternately up and down on a single string. It is best to start at slower speeds, to monitor and improve your mechanical movement. I know you metal guitar players want to shred ASAP, and for this part, the fastest way to get there is to take your time. Minimize your movement away from the string as you pluck and listen for perfect timing to align with your metronome clicks. Make sure youre hearing pure sound connect to pure sound, no pick noise or silence in between. Heres the scale pattern to practice alternate picking, using an A minor riff from one of my solos. Practice it on every string in steady 16th notes. To add extra connectivity and speed, pull-off the first note of every beat onto the second one, using the left hand. 12-0-0-0-10-0-0-0-8-0-0-0-7-0-0-0 / 5-0-0-0-5-0-0-0-3-0-0-0-1-0-0-0 / 4-0-0-0-1-0-0-0-4-0-0-0-1-0-0-0 / 4-0-0-0-7-0-0-0-10-0-0-0-12-0-0-0 / 5 Time for goal two, teaching your muscles to eliminate wasted movement by playing at fast tempos (144 BPM and higher). Play the same exercise, starting at that metronome setting, remembering a lot of clear, fast, connected notes sound great and a lot of fast noise is nothing. If you have to use bursts to get started, play one beat as 8th note and the next as 16th notes, working to eventually extend those fast note sections into more beats. 2. Right and Left Hand Synchronization The next step is to make sure you can shred with BOTH hands on a single string. Now that we have great right-hand mechanics, watch the left hand for the smallest movements possible. Ive written this riff based on the G harmonic minor scale. Again, play it on each string using all 16th-note alternate picking. Left hand indicators are i (index), m (middle), r (ring) and p (pinky) 3-6-5-6-3-6-5-6-2-5-3-5-2-5-3-5 / 5-8-6-8-5-8-6-8-3-6-5-6-3-6-5-6 / i p r p i p m p i p m p i p r p 8-11-10-11-8-11-10-11-6-10-8-10-6-10-8-10 / 5-8-6-8-5-8-6-8 / 3 i p r p i p m p Again, the burst is a fantastic tool for breaking through your speed threshold! 3. Outside Uppick String Crossing There are other variables for string crossing and this one will be the most useful for us to shred in step 4! Outside picking means your pick crosses from one string to another on the outside of that string pair, not from in-between (inside picking) Practice this movement using a B minor pentatonic scale in position 7 , again using all 16th notes. -10-7710 1010-7-710-77 99-7 79-779- 99-7-79-77-9- -9-9-7-79 -10- 4. Three Note Per String Scales These scales use consistent patterns across the strings, allowing for a streamlined raceway where you can speed! We maximize that here with an even MORE consistent string-crossing pattern (as practiced above in scale number 3). In 16th note groups, we add everything weve learned so far to this ascending A harmonic minor scale, an explosive opening or great climax for a solo. Get it up to 160 bpm, then 176, then all the way up to 200! 7 6-9-10- 5-7-9-5-7-9- 6-7-8-6-7-8- _____5-7-8-5-7-8- 5-7-8- Practice these exercises every day when you pick up your guitar and youll be up to speed and playing your favorite metal songs in no time! Keep building your guitar skills and learn even more metal guitar scales with help from a private music teacher. Find your guitar teacher today! Noel S. teaches guitar, piano, and music theory lessons in Beachwood, OH. He holds a Masters degree in music from Dusquesne University and he has been teaching since 2001. Learn more about Noel.   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 Feliciano Guimaraes

Academic versus Conversational Vocabulary Differences

Academic versus Conversational Vocabulary Differences Vocabulary Differences Arranged by Parts of Speech There are extensive linguistic differences between different registers of English (Biber et al., 1999, p.9). Academic and conversational registers reveal a complementary frequency distribution of vocabulary and grammatical forms. Some of the principle differences are as follows: Vocabulary Differences Arranged by Parts of Speech Nouns Conversation has a lower density of information and therefore fewer nouns (Biber et al, 1999, p. 66). 60% of lexical words in academic prose are nouns (p. 65). Plural nouns are used 3-4 times more in academic prose than conversation (p. 291). Nominalization is much more common in academic prose than other registers, especially â€"tion and -ity (p. 322). Adjectives Adjectives are least common in conversation and most common in academic prose, The comparative form is used three times more often in academic prose than in conversation. Conversely, superlatives are more common in conversation than in academic prose (p. 65). Pronouns Conversation is marked by a high frequency of pronouns and a low frequency of nouns (p. 1042). The words everybody, everyone, everything, somebody, anybody, anyone, anything, and nobody are common in conversation but rare in academic writing. Conversation uses pronouns in anaphoric expressions (to refer to an already established idea), whereas academic writing uses definite noun phrases in anaphoric expressions (p. 266). Preposition+which relativizers are only common in academic prose (p. 625). Determiners The determiner that is 11 times more common in conversation than in academic writing, where it is relatively rare. This, used as a determiner, is more common in academic writing than in conversation, occurring 2500 versus 1500 times. The big exception is with the phrase this one which occurs 3000 times in the conversation corpus and not at all in the academic written corpus. Verbs Conversation has shorter clauses, and so verbs and adverbs are much more frequent in conversation and fiction (because it contains quoted speech) and much less frequent in academic prose (p. 65). Certain verbs are particularly common in conversation and particularly rare in academic prose: try, buy, put, pay, bring, meet, play, run, eat, watch, pick, wear. Negation is most common in conversation and least common in academic prose (p. 159). Only in conversation is the progressive used to emphasize the reported message itself as in, “She was saying…” (p. 1120). Across all registers, 85% of verbs are tensed, while 15% of verbs are modal constructions (p. 456). Modals are most common in conversation and are about half as common in academic prose (p. 456). The progressive aspect is more common in conversation than in academic prose. The present perfect is about 30% more common in conversation than in academic prose (p. 461). Have/has got is the most common present perfect verb in an y register, occurring over 1000 times per million words in conversation, but less than 20 times per million words in academic prose (p. 465) Coordinators “But” is more frequent in conversation and fiction, and less frequent in academic prose. “And” is more frequent in academic and fiction than conversation and news. In conversation, “and” is used as a clause level connector. In academic prose, and is used as a phrase level connector (p. 81) . Contractions Verbs and not are contracted most frequently in conversation and fiction. Verbs are contracted less than 2.5% of the time in academic prose, and not is contracted 5% or less. (p. 1132) Adverbials The word since is used to introduce a reason in academic prose 95% of the time, but it is used to indicated a point in in time in all other registers (p. 848). The word while is used for concession in 80% of occurrences in academic prose, but it is used for time references 100% of occurrences in conversation (p. 849). The word though is used primarily as a linking adverbial in conversation but as a subordinator in written registers (p. 850). Clauses Expressions like see if, wonder if, know if and ask if are common in conversation and rare in academic prose. Know whether is 8 times more common in conversation than in academic writing. Determine whether, the most common post predicate wh-clause in academic prose, occurs 20 times in academic writing and not at all in conversation (p. 692-693). References Biber, D., S. Johansson, G. Leech, S. Conrad and E. Finegan (1999), Longman grammar of spoken and written English. Harlow: Pearson Education. Please follow and like us:

Best GRE Prep Guide How to Easily Get the Score You Deserve - Private Tutoring

Best GRE Prep Guide How to Easily Get the Score You Deserve Anna L Jun 14, 2018 We Can Help You Find the Best GRE Tutor Near You! It's Simple and Secure - Get Real Results Fast. Find Expert Private Tutors at Reasonable Rates Today! InPerson or Online Online InPerson Weve created our best GRE prep guide to help you easily prepare for your upcoming exam!   The GRE, or Graduate Record Examination, is the key exam that is required to gain entrance to many graduate programs and some business schools. A successful test prep and solid score will open up schools as well as financial opportunities that you havent explored yet. Whatever the reason for taking the exam, success in this standardized test is crucial. So how to you prepare and study for this unique examination? This guide will help you understand what is involved in the GRE and how you can best prepare yourself to do well on the GRE to achieve the results you deserve. GRE General Test vs GRE Subject Test The GRE General Test features questions that are relevant and useful to the courses you will be taking at graduate or some business schools. The General Test is all you need to gain entry to your desired institution, however, if you are planning on majoring in a specific subject area, then the GRE Subject Test will help set you apart from your competitors. If you have an undergraduate major or extensive background knowledge in any of the following areas, the GRE Subject Test may be an additional test that you want to consider; Biology Chemistry Literature in English Mathematics Physics Psychology Our review guide will look at the GRE General Test, but it is worth considering taking the Subject Test as an extra test option if you feel it will broaden your opportunities that you hadnt thought of before now. Best GRE Prep What is the GRE General Test? There are three sections in the GRE General test; Analytical writing Quantitative reasoning Verbal reasoning The test can be taken on a computer or on paper, though its moving quickly to only being able to be done online. In this test you have the opportunity to skip questions that you don’t feel comfortable with, as well as the opportunity to go back and change your answers. If success doesn’t come the first time around, you may re-sit the test. This may sound appealing (and make you think you dont really need to prepare for it), but the cost for the test must be paid with each attempt so figure out whether or not you want to put in a bit of time to get the results. GRE Test Sections: Whats Included Analytical Writing â€" this section requires focused responses that articulate complex ideas that are supported with relevant reasons and examples. You must examine claims and evidence, and discuss with well written English. Quantitative Reasoning â€" this section examines your ability to understand, interpret and analyze quantitative information. You will use mathematical models to solve problems and your basic skills of arithmetic, algebra, geometry and data analysis will be tested. You are allowed to use a calculator when completing this section. Verbal Reasoning â€" here you will analyze and draw conclusions, identify the author’s assumptions and/or perspectives, and understand the author’s intent in a literal and figurative manner. You will be tested on your ability to summarize text, selecting the key points from the text as well as understanding the structure of the text. Your understanding of the meanings of words and sentences will be tested, as will your ability to recognize relationships between words and concepts. How to Prepare and Study for the GRE The skills required to succeed in the test are developed over a period of time and not related to any particular field of study. For this reason, preparation is crucial to success. Unlike many other examinations, where content can be revised and learned, the GRE measures your ability to respond to the information given. By gaining an understanding of the types of questions asked in the test, you will be able to develop the skills to answer the questions accurately and confidently. The following five points are easy ways to prepare and study for the GRE to ensure your greatest success. Best GRE Prep Means Spend the Time Preparing Like many other examinations, last minute studying is not useful. The more time you spend preparing for the GRE, the better your results will be. It is recommended that you spend 4-12 weeks developing your skills for the test. Naturally, spending more time will result in the best outcome possible. Create a Study Plan or Schedule While success in the GRE should be your priority, the fact is that life often gets in the way. Job commitments, exercise, social engagements, and relationships must also take place. In order to spend the necessary time preparing for the GRE, you need to make sure you allocate enough time. Take a look at your week and designate certain times to study, as well as what you will study in each session. Be prepared to make some sacrifices, but remember that it will only be for a short while. Your study schedule needs to be realistic, specific, achievable, and flexible. Use an old fashioned, pen and paper diary or calendar, or schedule study sessions into your phone. Study Sample Questions There is no point spending hours and hours preparing for the GRE if you aren’t preparing effectively. It can be easy to get carried away reviewing content that is not relevant to the examinations. The most valuable method of studying is to focus on practice and sample questions. These give you an excellent understanding of the type of questions that will be asked. Sample questions are easy to find, as are explanations for the correct answers to help ensure you are practicing correctly.   Theres online sources, review books to name just a couple!   Also, dont forget to try timed sample questions. This helps simulate the time pressure of being in the actual exam. Personalize Your Program By understanding your own strengths and weaknesses you will be able to create a study and test prep plan that meets your specific needs. Take a sample full test and see where you are weakest and work to build up those areas. Definitely spend more time on the areas you find difficult, or on the subject areas that are most relevant to your educational goals. GRE Prep Books Additional Resources That Work After you understand what you need to know and how the test is laid out, it’s time to find the right study material. GRE exams are quite common in the US, and you can find prep books in any library or bookshop, all you need to do is start the hunt and find the best ones. Check the official site and see what they recommend. Ask your local librarian if he or she has any other manuals to help you out and take them too. It’s important you find the right sources for studying with up to date information and correct answers.   Weve collected a list of some of our favorites, Check Them Out HERE Find a GRE Tutor Near You Enlisting the help of a professional tutor will help you remain motivated and on the right track to success. They are able to provide valuable feedback and you can really fine tune your skills in the one-on-one environment, whether its an online tutor or in home tutor option. A good local GRE tutor   or GRE tutor online will be able to assist with your study schedule, identify your strengths and weaknesses, and respond accordingly. Finding a good tutor can be difficult. They need to not only have the knowledge and skills to teach you, but also understand your goals. A personality match is also crucial â€" feeling comfortable around your tutor will ensure you ask plenty of questions and are honest about your understanding of key concepts. Check out the following link to find highly qualified GRE tutors in your area: http://www.PrivateTutoringAtHome.com/GRE/ Overall, sitting for the GRE   does not need to become a stressful event for you if you prepare correctly. Understanding how the test works, what are the different types of questions asked, and then implementing some valuable study tips will help you to achieve the results you need to take your education to the next level. Using the best GRE prep tools and taking the time thats needed is all that you have to do. Good luck and let us know how it turns out for you! Find the Best Private Tutors At Reasonable Rates - Get Real Results Fast! 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3 Healthy One-Bowl Meal Recipes

3 Healthy One-Bowl Meal Recipes Image via http://myrecipes.com We all reach that point of the week when you need something exciting to lift you out of the workday slump and motivate you to make it to the weekend. This is why I love to treat myself to exciting meals that not only require minimal effort but can also help to keep me on track of my healthy diet. Whether it is lunch or dinner, I suggest that you try out a dynamic one-bowl meal that mixes up a variety of delicious ingredients to create an epic combination of flavors! Whether youre into seafood, rice, burritos, or noodles (to name a few) you can find a tantalizing bowl that suits your preferred tastes while indulging your appetite without any guilt. If all youve ever used those bowls for are soup, salad,  or cereal, get ready  to widen your dish horizons! Shrimp and Bean Burrito Bowl   Image via http://myrecipes.com The main power player in this dish is the tangy sweet chili sauce, which kicks up the flavor of the shrimp. This sauce is the perfect balance of spicy and sweet and serves for a tasty glaze on the shrimp. For a vegetarian protein, you can opt for cubed tofu instead of shrimp, and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock in the bean mixture. Ingredients: •3/4 cup unsalted chicken stock (such as Swanson) •2 (15-oz.) cans unsalted kidney beans, rinsed and drained •1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter •5/8 teaspoon kosher salt, divided •5/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided •2 teaspoons olive oil •1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined (about 24) •1 1/2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce (such as Mae Ploy) •1 (8.5-oz.) pkg. precooked brown rice (such as Uncle Bens) •1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro •1 ripe avocado, sliced •2 tablespoons crumbled Cotija cheese •4 lime wedges Instructions: 1. Bring stock and beans to a simmer in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove pan from heat. Place bean mixture, butter, 3/8 teaspoon salt, and 3/8 teaspoon black pepper in the bowl of a food processor; process until smooth. 2. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add oil to pan; swirl to coat. Sprinkle shrimp with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and remaining 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Add shrimp to pan; cook 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove pan from heat. Stir in chili sauce. 3. Heat rice according to package directions. 4. Divide bean mixture and rice among four shallow bowls; top evenly with shrimp, cilantro and avocado. Sprinkle with cheese. Serve with lime wedges. Tuna Poke Bowl With Brown Rice Image via http://myrecipes.com Poke (pronounced POH-keh) is a popular Hawaiian salad featuring raw tuna. It is a refreshing and flavorful dish that feels light yet is filling and satisfying until the last bite. If attempting to recreate this dish at home, be sure to purchase your seafood from a reputable retailer. Don’t be afraid to inquire about the source of your fish, as the quality of the tuna can either make or break this bowl. Ingredients: •2 cups hot cooked short-grain brown rice •1 cup very thinly sliced lacinato kale (stems removed) •2 tablespoons rice vinegar, divided •1/4 teaspoon kosher salt •2 1/2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce •1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil •1/2 teaspoon Sriracha chili sauce •1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger •1 pound raw sushi-grade ahi tuna, cut into 3/4-in. cubes •3/4 cup cubed seeded peeled cucumber •1 small avocado, peeled and diced •1 green onion, thinly sliced •1 1/2 tablespoons white sesame seeds, lightly toasted Instructions: 1. Combine rice, kale, 1 tablespoon vinegar, and salt in a bowl; toss to coat. 2. Combine soy sauce, sesame oil, Sriracha, ginger, and remaining 1 tablespoon vinegar in a large bowl, stirring well with a whisk. Add tuna, cucumber, avocado, and green onion; toss gently to coat. 3. Divide rice mixture evenly among four bowls; top with tuna mixture. Sprinkle evenly with sesame seeds. Serve immediately. Mushroom and Chicken Marsala Bowls Image via http://myrecipes.com Chicken Marsala is an American variation of the traditional Italian scaloppina dishes, of which there are many varieties throughout Italy. This dynamic chicken marsala bowl garners its flavors from the crisp sweetness of the marsala wine, the rich texture of the chicken thighs, and the buttery flavor from the brown mushrooms. Serve over quinoa or brown rice for a fiber packed, hearty, and satisfying fall dish! Ingredients: •2 1/2 tablespoons butter, divided •1 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed and drained •1 1/2 cups unsalted chicken stock, divided •3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, divided •1 1/2 tablespoons canola oil, divided •1 (6-ounce) package fresh baby spinach •1 pound mushrooms, quartered •8 ounces skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces •1/4 cup minced shallots •1 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme •4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced •1/2 cup dry Marsala wine •1 teaspoon Dijon mustard •1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Instructions: 1. Melt 1 1/2 teaspoons butter in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Add quinoa to pan; sauté three minutes or until toasted and fragrant. Add 1 1/4 cups stock; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 12 minutes. Remove from heat; let stand 10 minutes. Stir in 1/4 teaspoon salt. 2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 1/2 teaspoons oil to pan; swirl to coat. Add spinach; cook 1 1/2 minutes or until beginning to wilt. Remove spinach from pan. 3. Melt 1 1/2 teaspoons butter in pan. Add 1 1/2 teaspoons oil; swirl to coat. Add mushrooms; cook eight minutes, turning to brown on all sides. Remove mushroom mixture from pan. 4. Add remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons oil to pan; swirl to coat. Add chicken to pan; sauté four minutes, browning on all sides. Add shallots, thyme, and garlic; sauté 1 1/2 minutes. 5. Add wine and remaining 1/4 cup stock, scraping pan to loosen browned bits. Cook two minutes or until liquid is reduced by two-thirds and becomes slightly syrupy. Remove from heat. 6. Add remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons butter, mustard, pepper, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, stirring constantly until butter melts. Stir in mushrooms and spinach.