University of California-Berkeley A Student Interview

University of California-Berkeley A Student Interview The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Rohaum is a San Diego tutor and 2014 graduate of University of California-Berkeley. He holds a Bachelors degree in Molecular and Cell Biology and tutors several subjects, including Biology tutoring, French tutoring, and Pre-Algebra tutoring. Check out what Rohaum had to say about his time at University of California-Berkeley: 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? Rohaum: In my opinion, the campus setting is a blend of an urban environment and a natural atmosphere. There is a lot of greenery on campus, as well as a lot of shops and restaurants around the campus. The campus itself is relatively safe. I have walked alone through campus late at night several times, and I have never had any issues. However, in terms of the areas around campus, some parts are safe, while others are not. The area south of campus is known to be more dangerous, and I would not advise walking alone there late at night. The area north of campus is a very safe and quiet neighborhood (there are many families that live there in addition to students). A car is definitely not needed, as most places are either within walking or biking distance. BART trains can get you to other parts of the Bay Area. The bus system is also pretty extensive, and one of the benefits of the University of California-Berkeley is that the tuition includes a bus pass that is valid for the whole semester. VT: How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Rohaum:The availability of professors varies heavily based on the class and the department. In my experience, the professors who teach humanities courses are more accessible than those in the maths and sciences, since there are generally fewer students trying to go to their office hours. For example, I tried to attend several of my professors office hours in order to get to know them so I could ask for letters of recommendation for my medical school applications. Unfortunately, about 20-30 other students had the same idea, so office hours were very crowded, and it was very difficult to speak one-on-one with professors. In general, though, availability depends on how large the class is, how many students try to go to the office hours, and how much of an effort the professors put into trying to be available for as many students as possible. The same applies for teaching assistants. In regard to academic advisers, it can be difficult to get appointments, and sometimes you have to wait a couple of weeks before you can speak with an adviser. VT: How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Rohaum:There are multiple dorms, each with its own vibe. For example, there are dorms that are more social, one that is more for students in the sciences, one for athletes, a boys-only dorm, and a girls-only dorm. I stayed in a triple, which was pretty small and cramped. But I have seen suites and doubles which are large and look nice. It all depends on the building you end up in and what kind of room you get. Most of the dormshave co-ed bathrooms, which was a shock to many of us at first. However, using co-ed bathrooms is something that most students become accustomed to within the first few weeks. The dining is fine. The food is not amazing by any means, but there are enough options provided so that everyone is able to have a decent meal. And in terms of socialization, many dorm buildings encourage an open-door policy so that everyones room is open to any student who would like to come in and talk. (Of course, this is not mandatory, so you can keep your door closed if you prefer privacy.) The resident assistants also plan numerous socials to help people living in the same building get to know one another. 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? Rohaum:From what I saw, the most represented majors were Physics, Engineering, and Computer Science. That being said, I did not feel that there were any majors that were necessarily under-represented. University of California-Berkeleydid support my Biology major well (especially since it was one of the most popular majors on campus). There were plenty of different classes to take, and there were many research positions open to students. The main drawback was that I did not feel that there were as many resources dedicated to helping pre-medical students as there could have been (which may be linked to the fact that the university does not have a medical school). 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? Rohaum:It was relatively easy for me to make friends as a freshman. I was fortunate because the friends I made during orientation shared several of my classes with me. In general, however, it can be difficult for people to make friends considering how large the student body is. But there are a lot of different clubs and events that people can participate in if they feel like they are having a hard time finding strong friendships. (For instance, there is a day during the first week of classes where all the clubs set up tables on Sproul Plaza to advertise themselves, which is the perfect opportunity for someone to look for a crowd of people with similar interests to him/herself). Greek life does play a somewhat significant role in campus social life (they are always hosting events), but it is very easy for those who do not want to be associated with Greek life to have a strong social life on campus. I personally went to very few Greek events during my time at University of California-B erkeley because there were so many other fun activities both on and off campus. VT: How helpful is the Career Center and other student support services? Do many reputable companies recruit on campus? Rohaum:The Career Center provided a lot of useful services, such as resume building, mock interviews, and advice on how to apply to graduate school. The only issue was that there were a lot of students who were in need of their services, so there was sometimes a long waiting time to get an appointment. For example, at one point, when I wanted a pre-medical advising appointment, the earliest open time slot was in three weeks. VT: How are the various study areas such as libraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Rohaum:There are multiple libraries on campus, a large student union, and multiple student lounges in each dorm building. The libraries all have multiple study areas, as well as private study rooms that you can reserve. There is usually plenty of room on campus and in the dorms to study. The only time when it might be difficult to find a spot is during finals week. 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? Rohaum:There are many amazing restaurants, including several that are not very common in other areas (Salvadoran, Indonesian, Peruvian, Ethiopian, and Caribbean cuisine). Besides restaurants and bars, there are not too many activities to do in Berkeley itself, but it is very easy to get to other parts of the Bay Area, such as San Francisco (where you could go to places such as Chinatown and Fishermans Wharf), Oakland (where you could go to Jack London Square), or Emeryville (where you could go shopping). A big part of the Berkeley experienceis exploring the Bay Area, and I highly encourage students to take advantage of Berkeleys closeness to all of these great places. VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Rohaum:The student body is very, very large. My classes generally had about 100-150 people in them. However, the numbers varied widely. Some of my courses had less than 10 people, while others had over 500. It was a big shock for me initially, since I came from a small private school where there were only 100 students per grade. Still, I became accustomed to it after a couple of weeks. I was surprised by the fact that it was easier to make friends in large classes than I thought it would be. Almost everyone feels overwhelmed by the large class size, and they are all looking for friends to help make the size feel more manageable. VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one you regret the most. Rohaum:My best experience in a class was when I took MCB 150L, which was an immunology laboratory class. I had heard a lot of horror stories about how difficult the class was and how many hours had to go into it, so I was very intimidated when I walked in on the first day. However, the professor was very friendly, and he and his teaching assistants approached every student individually while we were conducting our experiments to see how we were doing and to answer any questions we may have had. And while the class did require a lot of work, some students formed a study group that always got together outside of class to work on lab reports and to help each other study for midterms. I had a great time with my study group, as we found ways to have fun while working on this class. It made me realize that one of the best ways to make a difficult class fun is to find a great group of people to form a study group with. Check out Rohaum's tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Definition And Use Of The Number E In Maths!

Definition And Use Of The Number E In Maths! Math Education: What Is The Number E In Math? ChaptersWhat Is An Irrational Number?What Is The Number E When Learning math?How Useful Is The Number E Outside Of Mathematics?Basic History Of The Number  E  Mathematicians History Of The Study Number  E  How To Calculate The Number E?How To Remember The Number E?Resources To Learn Math Using The Number E For The Mathematics StudentWhen you think about maths probably what comes to mind is Addition and subtraction, Multiplication and division, Negative numbers, algebra, the distinctive number i,   differential equations, Geometry, Trigonometry (trig) or fractions etc. But while you are learning complex or even basic math, it is unlikely that you think about the definition or history of parts of your calculations. Because you will be busy calculating, solving and checking the math problems so that you have the right answer.It can, however, be useful to understand the story behind the symbols, numbers and mathematical principles that you use in your everyday math class. If you find you rself with a mental block why not take a closer look into some of the histories of your equations. Today we will take a look at the number e and understand why it is made up some of the most important numbers in mathematics.An irrational number is a number which can not be made into a fraction and whose decimals go on infinitely. Photo Source: UnsplashWhile a math tutor does cost money, it is the best investment you can make to get yourself past any difficulties. If private math tutorials or tutoring is too expensive an investment for your math curriculum however you can use free math exercises, math games like Sudoku, jigsaw puzzles, quizzes, math videos worksheets or math courses that can be found online to further your mathematics education. This interactive math, Subtract boring study routines and start counting cool math and fun math into your study routine. This is an effortless way to work at multiplying your understanding and math practice.If you like to learn about special numbers read more about pi and its history, the curious prime numbers or the secretive perfect numbers.

7 little Self-care tips for lazy people to start today

Introvert Whisperer / 7 little Self-care tips for lazy people to start today 7 little Self-care tips for lazy people to start today Evelyn Kail March 4, 2017 Adaptability, Emotional Intelligence No responses So, your life isn’t really going as planned. You missed the bus this morning and got to work late, your lunch buddy canceled on you so you ended up eating a tiny sandwich from the deli alone, your boss keeps piling more and more work on you and your pants are starting to feel a little tight. To top it off, you think you see a zit beginning to develop on your forehead. Then you go to bed, wake up, and this series of events repeats itself (with a little variation, of course). All you need to fix these problems is a little self-care. That’s where we come in we’ve got a simple self-care guide that even the laziest of people will be able to follow. Read on to find out more! Tip #1: Exercise No one is stranger to the positive effects of exercise lowering risk of diabetes, heart disease, etc., as well as improving mood by releasing endorphins but while everyone is quick to tell you why you should exercise, you rarely get advice on how to actually begin exercising (and how to stick to it!). Going to a gym may be daunting if you’re not very fit (especially if you’re shy too) as being surrounded by a bunch of muscle maniacs is rather intimidating. But you don’t have to go to a gym, you can work in exercise right into your busy schedule! Walk instead of taking the bus or a cab. Take the stairs instead of the lift. Take 15 minutes a day to do some squats or lunges right at home. If you’re really serious about exercising and getting fit, it’s a good idea to invest in a stationary exercise bike at home. That way, you won’t have to go to the gym and you can still get a gym-quality workout! Tip #2: Wash your face twice a day You need a good skincare regimen to keep your skin looking fresh and healthy. While you may not have the time for a long routine that involves multiple pots of creams and ointments, you should definitely set aside 5-10 extra minutes every night to 1) remove all your makeup and 2) wash your face with a gentle cleanser to get rid of all the dirt and grime your skin has accumulated through the day. Be sure to wash your face in the morning too! Apply a facial moisturizer after each wash to replenish the moisture that was just stripped away. If you’re more serious about skincare, try to exfoliate your facial skin and apply a soothing face mask 1-2 times a week. Your skin will then glow with health and vitality! Tip #3: Sleep Your brain and body need sleep to recover from the long day you just had. You should aim to get at least 6 hours of sleep a night, but 8 hours is the ideal amount. Try going to bed 10 minutes earlier each night. It’s perfectly alright if you can’t fall asleep the second your head hits the pillow. Simply lying there with your eyes closed will help your brain and body rest too. Tip #4: Meditate Reduce your stress and anxiety by meditating at least once a day. All you need to do is find a quiet spot with minimal stimulation (no loud noises or bright lights), close your eyes, and let your mind go blank. It helps if you can play soothing music too. You don’t have to meditate for a long time 5 minutes a day is enough. Tip #5: Eat more fruits and veggies! What you eat doesn’t just affect your health, it also affects your mood. If you eat healthy, you’ll feel good, both physically and mentally. Fruits and veggies are loaded with vitamins and minerals that will boost your body and mind, so try to incorporate them into your diet. The next time you feel a craving for candy, munch on an apple or a carrot instead. Tip #6: Get some sun Spend 10-15 minutes out in the sun each day to soak up that vitamin D. You should aim to be out in the sunlight before 10 AM, as this is when the sun’s rays are the most beneficial. Read a book in the park or go for a walk you’ll feel much healthier and happier afterward. Tip #7: Rest up Sleep isn’t enough rest; you need to take short breaks from work (and life) during the day too! Otherwise, you run the risk of getting overwhelmed with all the work you have in front of you. Every 45 minutes or so, step outside for some fresh air or watch a funny video on YouTube basically, take a short breather. Then, get back to your work. You’ll find that your productivity and efficiency will be much higher. We understand it’s difficult to start following all 7 tips at once, so pick the easiest one and work your way through the rest of the list at your own pace.

The PSAT is over now what

The PSAT is over â€" now what Parents of high school juniors, you may be wondering what your student should be doing to prepare for the SAT now that the PSAT is over (or almost over, if your student is taking the test on Saturday). PSAT scores don’t come out until December, so many students put off further test preparation until after winter break. However, it can be academically beneficial and stress-reducing to get a head start on test preparation for spring!Students can use the time between now and when PSAT scores come back in December to take a practice SAT and ACT and see how they do on each test. Colleges accept either the SAT or ACT for admission. We here at AJ Tutoring recommend that students take both the SAT and the ACT â€" after all, that gives you two chances to succeed!If your student would like some help preparing for the tests from our fabulous AJ tutors, it’s a great idea to complete a few tutoring sessions before winter break. This schedule allows the sessions to be spaced out before th e March SAT or April ACT. And with high schoolers’ incredibly busy schedules these days (I’m thinking of my student who plays two sports, participates in student government, and takes 4 APs), spreading out the tutoring reduces stress and allows ample time for academics and other activities.We know that junior year is a busy year, especially at competitive high schools like Paly, St. Francis, Los Gatos, Saratoga and many others, where college preparation starts early and never lets up. Joe and Aaron, the co-owners of AJ Tutoring, are experts at developing tutoring and testing plans that work for students’ individual needs and schedules. Email or call them today (info@ajtutoring.com, (650) 331-3251) to discuss your student’s game plan now that the PSAT is over!To summarize, juniors waiting for PSAT results should: • Take a practice SAT and ACT and compare the test scores • Continue to excel in academic courses at school • Talk to Aaron or Joe about a testing schedule for junior and senior year • Complete three or four tutoring sessions before winter break

Creating A Scholarship Game Plan

Creating A Scholarship Game Plan Parents of high school students have plenty on their minds, but at the top of the list is paying for collegeand for good reason. The cost of college has risen steadily for the last three decades.* While many families plan on taking out federal loans to help cover the cost, teens should absolutely apply for scholarships. That gift aid (free money) can make the cost of college a little or a lot more affordable. There are thousands of scholarships out there that can come from many different sources: the federal government, state government, colleges and universities, private organizations, nonprofits and even businesses. It is definitely worthwhile to search and apply for scholarships, but in a methodical, organized way. Here are a few tips on creating a scholarship search game plan: Create a spreadsheet for tracking research. Before teens start researching scholarships, its a good idea to develop a system for keeping track of them. Many of the popular scholarship engines out there have a dashboard of their own that allows students to manage their scholarship matches and application progress, but its wise for teens to have their own database too since they might apply to different scholarships from different sources. A simple Google Sheet or Excel spreadsheet will do the trick. Research. Too often, high schoolers disregard the idea of scholarships, thinking theyre reserved only for the highest achieving students. However, there are scholarships for students from many backgrounds with various skills and in different niches. Students should do their research, keeping several things in mind: Get to know the guidance counselor. Sign up for any college platform or email list recommended by the high school guidance counseling office (such as Naviance), which is likely to be the best way to keep on top of deadlines for scholarships the school advertises. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is used by both state and federal agencies (and colleges use the FAFSAs Student Aid Report to determine the financial aid award they offer, which might include scholarships). Keep small scholarships in mind, as they tend to be less competitive and can add up quickly. Start early, as many scholarships require elements like letters of recommendation and essays. Find ways to be efficient, like reusing/revising personal statements and essays to fit similar but slightly different scholarship applications. In addition to the guidance counselors office, there are many other places to look for scholarships: Scholarship databases like scholarships.com and fastweb.com Local foundations, community organizations, businesses and civic groups Library resource desk Dedicate time each week to scholarship research. There are lots of scholarships available to students, but those who earn them are dedicated and diligent. Teens should make time every week for researching scholarships and applying to those for which theyre qualified. Log progress. Teens should update their scholarship spreadsheet regularly, which will keep deadlines top of mind and keep them motivated to continue the effort. Heres an example of how a tracking system might look: Name Provider Website Deadline Award Criteria Other Status Johnson Scholarship ABC Foundation ABCFoundation.com 11/1/2019 $5K - $10K per year for tuition + fees in-state schools 3.75 GPA New Freshman, Top 10% of class Average SAT 1300 Average ACT 30 Letter of rec Interview required Requested letter from Ms. Smith 8/10/2019 Started online application 9/1/2019 Applying for scholarships takes effort, but the task is much less stressful when teens stay organized. Parents, encourage your teens to approach the job in a disciplined way, which will make it easier to apply widely and streamline the application process. * Trends in College Pricing 2017, published by the College Board, states that over the past three decades, the dollar increases in published tuition and fees (in 2017 dollars) ranged from $1,550 (from 1987-88 to 1997-98) to $2,690 (from 2007-08 to 2017-18) at public four-year institutions and from $5,860 (from 1987-88 to 1997-98) to $7,220 (from 2007-08 to 2017-18) in the private nonprofit four-year sector.

What Life Skills Do I Need Before University

What Life Skills Do I Need Before University Many students who head off to university for the first time have never before lived on their own, which can seem intimidating. There will probably be a lot of things that your parents did for you that you'll now have to do for yourself. Before you head off to university, here are some life skills to keep in mind. (They'll come in hand day-to-day and may even impress your roommates and friends at the same time!) Organisation Learning organization skills sounds silly. Many students may wonder what being organised even looks like. To help you visualize it, grab a planner. Start writing things down. Planners are especially useful with keeping deadlines straight. Learn to take note of homework assignments, test dates, and any upcoming academic or social events you may want to attend. Luckily, smart phones and countless apps can replace paper and pen if that's more comfortable for you. Study skills The majority of us have to work at mastering writing, studying, and other academic skills. Since everyone is different, each of us may have to approach the art of studying differently. Find out how you learn best: whether that's utilizing visuals, words, or activities. Adapt your study sessions to accommodate the way you best take in information. If you're a visual learner, make colored note cards before a test. Find a space conducive to studying that offers the materials you need. The library is a great place to start, especially if you have loud roommates! Cooking Making food at home is often more affordable, tastier, and healthier than ordering takeaway. It may take a few tries to master simple recipes, but don't lose heart. Watch cooking shows, and follow recipes to the letter with your first attempts. Start with foods that are impossible to screw up: like an omelette or a simple pasta dish. Work up to more complex meals, and try to cook with what's in season or what produce looks good at the grocery store when you visit. Money management Chances are, even if you receive financial aid for tuition and housing, you probably have a personal bank account that you'll use for miscellaneous bills - things like food and entertainment. If you work a part-time job during school, take note of how much you make monthly and budget out your spending accordingly. Allow yourself some luxuries, but don't get caught up at the shops, especially if you have friends whose parents constantly replenish their bank accounts. Money is a personal issue, and one that you should be honest and mindful about throughout your unviersity career. You're sure to master countless other skills while away at school. Start by mastering these few things and you'll probably have a leg up on the majority of your classmates. Share your knowledge, and have fun!

Feeling Low It Could Be Seasonal Affective Disorder

Feeling Low It Could Be Seasonal Affective Disorder Image Credit to normanrosenthal.com The start of spring semester can be daunting for a lot of reasons.   You have to start planning for your summer, applying for internships, and if you’re graduating, you have to start searching for jobs.   You have to get used to a new schedule and transition from the holidays back into the daily grind.   But there’s another reason that the beginning of spring semester can feel especially daunting: the weather.   If you attend college in New England, or anywhere in the world where winter is no joke and sunlight is scarce, the term spring semester is a bit of a misnomer.   Actual spring weather doesn’t come around until at least mid-March, which means you’re kicking off your term in cold, often snowy weather with very little sunlight.   This may seem like a trivial detailâ€"but it’s actually not.   Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression and it’s very real.   So if you’re having a hard time dragging yourself out of a funk in mid-January and wondering why it se emed so much easier in September, consider the possibility that something bigger than you could be the cause. Season Affective Disorder has a list of symptoms similar to those you probably already associate with depression, including but not limited to: anxiety, loss of energy, social withdrawal, oversleeping, appetite changes (especially increased carb-cravings), and difficulty concentrating.   The Mayo Clinic notes that cases of Seasonal Affective Disorder tend to become more common the farther one moves from the equator.    This is thought to be due to the decreased amounts of sunlight during winter in these locations.   Seasonal Affective Disorder is very treatable, but you do have to get yourself to a health center if you suspect you might be suffering from the disorder.   Be prepared for your appointment; this webpage has a great list.   Once they see you, a doctor can diagnose you and suggest appropriate treatment options.   These typically include light therapy and/or oral medication, but there are lifestyle changes and alternative medicine options you can try if you are concerned a bout taking pills.   Regardless, do keep in mind that the proper diagnosis and care can only come from an appointment with a medical professional. If your symptoms aren’t terribly severe and you feel you’re missing some of the key aspects of actual depression but still feel sluggish and not yourself, it’s also possible that you might have a Vitamin D deficiency.   According to the Daily Mail UK, nine out of ten people in Britain have a Vitamin D deficiency.   It’s not at all unusual to see such a deficiency, especially in climates that don’t see a lot of sunshine.   Harvard Health published a pretty comprehensive article on the topic.   It contains a particularly helpful discussion on how Vitamin D deficiency is an issue in regions that lie above or below the equator by thirty-seven degrees or more.   This puts New England squarely in the area where Vitamin D deficiencies are commonplace.  If you think you aren’t getting enough Vitamin D, make an appointment with your school’s health center and share your concerns with a professional.   Correcting a Vitamin D deficiency usually just involves taking a Vitamin D su pplement.   These are pretty readily available; CVS carries them.   Your doctor should be able to suggest the correct amount to take and even perhaps which brand is best. Regardless, don’t worry.   If you suspect you may have Seasonal Affective Disorder or a Vitamin D deficiency, there is no reason to panic.   Both conditions are very treatable and there are lots of helpful books on the subjects.   A great one to have if you do find you have Seasonal Affective Disorder is Winter Blues by Norman Rosenthal.   He has a very helpful website as well.   Arm yourself with knowledge, but don’t overreact, and bear in mind: Spring is on its way.