The Difference Between PSYC and SDS Chemistry

The Difference Between PSYC and SDS ChemistryThe first thing to learn about the difference between SDS Chemistry and PSYC Chemistry is that the two are not synonymous. SDS is a science for learning about matter, and PSYC is a science for learning about human behavior. Therefore it can be very helpful to know the difference.SDS is not a science, and PSYC is not a science. However, these two courses are associated with each other in that the courses are taught in the same college. Therefore, if you want to learn more about these two sciences, the best place to start is by attending one of the two college courses. For example, if you have an interest in biology, then you might attend the biological sciences classes, while if you are interested in physics, then the physics classes are most likely your first choice.Once you are familiar with what PSYC is, then you can start studying PSYC as a science. The science of psychology can be a pretty difficult one to get into, but if you are inte rested in human behavior and psychology, then this is the course for you. Now PSYC includes sociology and anthropology as well. Psychology is a field of study which involves studying the nature of people, as well as the ways they act and react. Also, it looks at how human actions are influenced by personality and the human mind.This can be used to your advantage when you are trying to become a psychology student, because it helps you determine whether you should study sociology or psychology at school. You can also use this knowledge in a job setting if you are interested in medicine. Medical professionals tend to have different ideas about how their patients should behave, so the use of psychology in the workplace could be of great benefit.There are several other colleges that offer courses in PSYC. It will vary depending on the degree you want to get from the college. Some colleges offer more specific courses, and some don't offer any additional ones at all. In addition, there are various specializations in psychology, and some schools even offer specialized courses in psychology, including for individuals who are interested in working with autistic individuals. These courses are especially helpful for those people who are undergoing therapy for ADHD, or who are dealing with a social phobia.You can also find programs where you can take the appropriate specific studies to make a career as a psychologist, including such things as criminology, or psychology of violence. However, if you want to become a psychologist, then you will have to first get yourself prepared as a chemistry student. There are a few courses to take, and each of them has a specific purpose.To learn psychology, you can either take classes in your home or community, or you can take classes online through schools or universities. The important thing is that you do the research and find out what is available in your area, and the best way to do this is to look at colleges in your area, and see what they offer. This will give you an idea of the variety of courses that are offered in psychology, as well as the types of subjects they take.

Digital Devices, Family Guidelines and Parental Controls

Digital Devices, Family Guidelines and Parental Controls In recent weeks, the Internet has been buzzing with talk about the impact of smartphone use on child and adolescent mental health following the publication of an open letter to Apple from investors asking the company to, develop new software tools that would help parents control and limit phone use more easily and to study the impact of overuse on mental health. As a mental health professional, I am acutely aware of the need for a better understanding of how sticky digital devices and apps (smartphones, social media, games, etc.) affect our children. Improved parental controls on phones and other digital devices are sorely needed, especially for parents of kids who struggle with attention challenges and impulsivity. While we will need to wait for research to be conducted and new parental controls to be released, there are things that parents of kids with ADHD can do now to gain more control over digital device use in their home. Create Technology House Rules. In general, kids (and especially kids with ADHD) are not capable of setting their own reasonable limits around screen time. Just like you wouldnt let your child be fully in charge of deciding how often and how much cake, candy, and cookies he or she can eat, you cannot expect your child to make healthy decisions about how often and how much he or she uses digital devices without parental guidance and limit setting. The best place to start with limit setting is by creating house rules that are discussed and posted at home. This lets everyone know what the rules are in advance, so it doesnt come as a surprise when they are enforced. Deciding on what the rules should outline can be challenging, so set aside some time to really think this through. Consider: (1) how often can your child use devices, (2) how long can your child use devices at any given time, (3) what is your child allowed to do with the device, (4) how will you monitor his or her activity, and (5) what will happen if he or she violates a technology rule? While there arent any hard and fast rules around how much screen time kids should be getting in a day, I generally recommend that parents keep it to no more than 30 minutes - excluding homework-related activities or FaceTime with family members. So, thats 30 minutes to spend watching YouTube videos or playing games each day. Most parents make exceptions for snow days, sick days, or the occasional Saturday or Sunday, but otherwise, its important to be consistent. If 30 minutes seems like far too little time, resist the urge to simply bump it up to 1 hour or more. First, consider alternative activities for your child, whether these are scheduled activities, or things they can do at home. Is there a way to shift the focus of his or her time from devices to non-screen activities? Most of the time, making the shift isnt hard if the activities are things that your child really enjoys. Once youve outlined your technology rules, have a family meeting. Talk about some of the challenges your family has been having with screen time (arguments, less quality time, lack of interest or time for other activities, etc.). Let your kids know that scientists are learning that too much time spent using phones, tablets, and videogames can make kids and adults unhealthy, just like eating too many sweets can take a toll on your health over time. Give your kids an opportunity to talk about some of the things theyve noticed are a problem with digital device use at home. Dont be surprised if they call out your own smartphone use as a problem! Be willing to make some compromises with your own device use, to be a good role model for your kids. In fact, Id recommend reading this recent Washington Post article on this very topic before your family meeting so youre fully prepared for the conversation. Create a Digital Use Contract. It may seem like an unnecessary or formal step, but research shows that when kids (and adults) sign off on something, they are more likely to stick to their commitments. Contracts should include specific guidelines for each child and age group, each device (phones, computers, tablets, etc.), each platform/technology (example: social media, web browsing, etc.) and each situation (example: dinner time, bed time, friends over, etc.). Common Sense Media has some excellent sample contracts on their website. Good contracts also require discussion, compromise and negotiations. Give your child the space to share his or her point of view, and if he or she has reasonable requests, then you should honor them. If your child has some say in the rules, he or she will be even more likely to hold up his or her end of the bargain. Use Parental Controls. Setting restrictions on the devices to protect your child from inappropriate content or off-limit apps and websites is important. While the parental controls that are currently available arent perfect, they do include basic functions that control at least some of what your child does on his or her device. Smartphones and tablets all include built-in features that allow you to lock everything from the Internet browser, FaceTime or Skype, iTunes, app purchases, app access, etc. There are also third-party apps available with some advanced features. Videogame consoles also include parental control functions that allow you to block games by age range or rating and disable in-game purchases. Some videogame consoles even allow you to limit the amount of time your child spends playing in a day once that daily limit has been reached, the console turns off automatically! Managing a childs digital device use is one of the biggest challenges faced by many parents of kids with ADHD (often its second only to dealing with homework time!). Your guidelines, strategies, and rules will need to evolve and adapt as your child grows and technology changes. Fortunately, there are great resources available online that can help you make smart decisions, and set the technology limits that your child needs. Additional Online Resources: Family Online Safety Institute https://www.fosi.org/ Common Sense Media https://www.commonsensemedia.org/ The Social Institute https://thesocialinstitute.com/ ABOUT DR. MARY ROONEY Mary Rooney, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of California San Francisco. Dr Rooney is a researcher and clinician specializing in the evaluation and treatment of ADHD and co-occurring behavioral, anxiety, and mood disorders. A strong advocate for those with attention and behavior problems, Dr. Rooney is committed to developing and providing comprehensive, cutting edge treatments tailored to meet the unique needs of each child and adolescent. Dr. Rooney's clinical interventions and research avenues emphasize working closely with parents and teachers to create supportive, structured home and school environments that enable children and adolescents to reach their full potential. In addition, Dr. Rooney serves as a consultant and ADHD expert to Huntington Learning Centers. ABOUT HUNTINGTON Huntington Learning Center is the tutoring and test prep leader. Its certified tutors provide individualized instruction in reading, phonics, writing, study skills, elementary and middle school math, Algebra through Calculus, Chemistry, and other sciences. It preps for the SAT and ACT, as well as state and standardized exams. Huntington programs develop the skills, confidence, and motivation to help students of all levels succeed and meet the needs of Common Core State Standards. Founded in 1977, Huntington's mission is to give every student the best education possible. Call us today at 1.800.CAN LEARN to discuss how Huntington can help your child. For franchise opportunities please visit www.huntingtonfranchise.com. This website does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The material on this site is provided for educational purposes only.

D.C. in Crisis Answering Americas Questions

D.C. in Crisis Answering America's Questions source: http://www.artsobserver.com/2012/01/01/graft-tree-by-roxy-paine-ringing-in-2012-with-symbol-of-life-growth-order-and-chaos/ I was not pleased when I found this robot tree in the Sculpture Garden of the National Gallery of Art.  Roxy Paine’s sculpture supposedly represents the conjoined nature of order and chaos and the hope of a new year.  However I see this “art” for what it truly is, government mandated robotification of nature and wildlife.  What are their goals? Will the robot trees be used as weapons to enforce tyranny upon the citizens of the U.S.?  Will they be used to watch us? So many questions while so few are the answers. Pictured here is the Washington Monument in its current state of repair.  The Obama administration I am sure is tired of the old stone appearance and will most like plate the monument in chrome, much akin to the metal tree, and use it as a giant robot weapon that will terrorize people up and down the streets like Godzilla enforcing his robo-oppression. The sun sets on the monument, as it does on our great nation.  My fears were all too real. The things that I saw in D.C. left me dumbstruck with fear and doubt.  Some may see the grand ornate architecture of national buildings and wonder at the unwavering principle and respect they represent, but others see the truth.  How could our government commit such unthinkable horrors and house such abominable secrets?  It seems as the though Americas concern about the competency of our leadership is more real a fear than ever.  The only thing that brings me peace in this time of hopelessness is that these old buildings from Americas origins are still standing in a salute to Americas infallible spirit.  A spirit which President Overlord RobO-bama may try to extinguish, or should I say exterminate, in the near future.

5 Reasons to Hire a Los Angeles Tutor this Summer

5 Reasons to Hire a Los Angeles Tutor this Summer 5 Reasons to Hire a Private Los Angeles Tutor this Summer Summer is already in full swing and kids are enjoying a lot of time outdoors in the sunshine playing with family and friends. The four walls of the classroom are the farthest thing from their minds but, doing academics over the summer can be very helpful for some young students. Some students were falling behind during the school year while others may have lofty goals when it comes to applying to college. Whether students need to catch up or get ahead, working with a tutor over the summer can provide some benefits that make life easier now and in the future our private Los Angeles summer tutors are here to help you catch up and stay ahead over break. 1.   Work at your own pace One of the great things about working with a private tutor, during the summer or anytime, is that it allows students to work at their own pace without feeling rushed or having to wait for other kids in the class to catch up. Although summer school can be helpful, students will have to follow the pace set by the course provider that helps the majority of students who fall somewhere in the middle. On the other hand, some students just need help with one important aspect of learning, or they might need extensive help in every subject. When working with a private tutor, students can play a more active role in their supplemental education and talk about what learning strategies have worked for them in the past. 2. Focus on one subject Working with a private tutor also allows the students to work on just the one subject they need to improve. For instance, maybe they were struggling with algebra during the school year but excelled in both English and science. When working with a one-on-one tutor, students can study algebra until they feel 100% confident that they will be ready for the school year this fall and spend the rest of their summer enjoying the outdoors (READ: Five Educational Activities For Your Kid this Summer). 3. Study in the comfort of your own home Each student is different; some excel in a classroom environment while others prefer to tackle academic challenges in the comfort of their own home. Students who are a little bit shy and have trouble asking for help in the classroom can learn efficiently with the help of a one-on-one tutor. Additionally, students who are working on stressful subjects like SAT prep or college applications may feel a lot more relaxed in the peace of their home environment. Most private tutors will drive to the student’s home to make it easy and convenient for both the learner and their parents. 4. Tackle test prep Its a challenge for students to squeeze in their test prep in addition to every other subject theyre required to learn during the school year. Summer provides an excellent opportunity for students to get this difficult yet necessary task out of the way so they can achieve their best score when they take their SAT or ACT in the fall. Doing test prep over the summer with a private tutor also makes it easier for students to focus on their regular classroom subjects during the year because test prep won’t be taking up their free time. 5. Make up for lost time Students who missed out for one reason or another during the school year will benefit from having a private tutor to help with academics over the summer. Some children lose a few days of school to illness or may have fallen behind because they didnt understand the building blocks of a particular subject or topic. Being a little bit behind can become more and more of a problem as students get older so utilizing the summer to catch up is one of the best opportunities to stay at grade level and be successful in the long run. 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.

ELS Language Centre, Malaysia

ELS Language Centre, Malaysia ELS Language Centre, Malaysia About ELS Malaysia ELS Malaysia was established in 1990 and is a franchise of the US-based ELS Language Centres. We specialise in teaching Academic English, test prep programmes such as TOEFL and IELTS and work place English. Since 1990, ELS Language Centres Malaysia, has built a reputation as being one of the best English language training providers with a network of instruction centres in Subang Jaya, Johor Bahru and ELS@UPM. In addition to top class teaching and learning facilities, we are dedicated to providing excellent student services. The ELS Intensive English Programme Certificate (CIEP) is recognised by many top Malaysian higher learning institutions. We teach English to more than 3,000 students a year. Among the awards ELS Malaysia has received include: Brand of the year award (2014-2015National Award) 5-Star Quality Standards Award (2015 MOE) Education Excellence Award (2015 NAPEI) Malaysia Language centre of the Year (2016 Frost Sullivan) View our Brochure

Live Twitter chat with Teach Away, November 27

Live Twitter chat with Teach Away, November 27 If you’d like to participate in our growing Twitter chat, we’re back this week on Thursday, November 27, from 8 - 9 pm GMT, with Elaine as our host.As one of our superstar Placement Coordinators, Elaine will take the reigns this week over at the @teachaway Twitter account. If you’d like to ask her a question about teaching overseas, Elaine has a great deal of experience with NIS schools in Kazakhstan, Esol Education in the Middle East and Egypt, and several other schools in the UAE.Elaine has been with Teach Away for about a year, before that she lived in Ireland, her country of origin, working in recruitment. When she’s not searching the globe for the best teachers to send overseas, you might find her in the gym working on suspension training or Total Resistance Training (TRX), or taking some time to herself to travel.So, introduce yourself to Elaine and ask her anything about teaching in the countries that she recruits for. You know the drill: Participate by tweeting at us and include the chat hashtag #askteachaway. Elaine will retweet the question before she tweets her answer, that way everyone can follow the Q&A.If you’re not on Twitter, click here to sign up. Once you’ve signed up, or if you already have an account, just follow @teachaway.Just like last week, we’ll share the whole Twitter chat on our Teach Away blog the following day, so if you can’t participate, you can check it out there.

Discover What Is Chemistry Tutor Thermodynamics

Discover What Is Chemistry Tutor ThermodynamicsIf you are interested in pursuing a career in chemistry, you must first know what is chemistry tutor thermodynamics. Many people are unaware of these terms, however many are aware of both. Chemists who work in laboratories or in academia might also be aware of these terms. Therefore, if you want to learn more about the world of chemistry, here are a few words about chemistry tutor thermodynamics.The fundamental science that comprises all the other sciences in the world is Chemistry. It is known as 'composition' and is considered as the basis of all the other sciences. In Chemistry, the elements are studied. These elements can be composed of either Hydrogen and Oxygen or Carbon and Nitrogen. Other elements and chemical compounds can also be composed of Hydrogen and Oxygen or Carbon and Nitrogen.Chemistry is also one of the most useful sciences for people who are employed in industries, and also those who are working as teachers in schools . In Chemistry, it is very important to know and understand the elements, the bonds between the elements, and the properties of these elements. In the years ahead, this field will also be one of the most important branches of biology in the coming years.Chemistry is also one of the most useful subjects when it comes to chemical engineering. This field is also very important and will continue to be so in the coming years. Chemical engineers are responsible for the application of these elements, which in turn, makes use of materials from these elements. Chemists who work in industries are responsible for understanding how to utilise these materials. The process of making chemicals by using these elements is known as 'chemistry'.There are many different degrees in Chemistry. One can complete different levels and pursue his/her career. To become a teacher in a school, one needs to have a certificate or degree in Chemistry. Some schools offer different subjects in Chemistry, such as Orga nic Chemistry, Metals, Organic Chemistry, and Biological Chemistry. The same subject may also be offered to other students.A person who wants to become a doctor in chemistry or a scientist should be well equipped with knowledge about Chemistry. Students need to have a basic knowledge of Chemistry, otherwise, it is impossible to enter the field of chemistry. Knowledge about chemical reactions and chemical transformations is another major skill that is essential for this field. All students should also have good written and verbal communication skills. An ideal student is an intelligent person who can analyse the world, take notes and work on problems with diligence.If you are interested in pursuing a career in Chemistry, there are many options available to you in online colleges, universities, and private schools. In a few years, it will be very difficult to distinguish between an online college and a regular college, especially if the student is enrolled at a traditional school. How ever, one thing that you have to keep in mind is that your goal in pursuing a career in Chemistry is not only to earn money or to be a chemistry professor. It is more important that you get a good education in this field.

Ranks Among Other Services That Can Make A Great Tutoring Center

Ranks Among Other Services That Can Make A Great Tutoring CenterSetting up a tutoring center is an excellent choice when you want to reach out to a specific group of students. It can also be beneficial for your business, education, etc. And if you are serious about learning about the features of a tutoring center, you can read on and find out what they have to offer.Sony offers a wide range of tutoring solutions, including many that are specifically targeted to children. This offers some innovative and unique learning opportunities for the children. From their infancy, children are at a disadvantage. In order to overcome this disadvantage, Sony offers solutions that can make learning more engaging and fun for children.The Sankei is a Japanese publishing company. The Sankei publishes book titles that are related to science, technology, and mathematics. This company offers tutoring centers for children in all stages of development. These centers are very successful because the children of students studying at these centers do not really need to learn independently.An individual who wishes to get into a new line of work may not feel comfortable approaching an established teacher for help. Also, there might be a lack of confidence in asking for help. In order to bridge this gap, there are tutoring centers that have trained teachers. Also, these teachers are trained to meet the needs of students.Although there are advantages to be had from setting up a tutoring center, it can have some negative aspects as well. The problem with doing this is that children can easily get bored if they are constantly under instruction. If you set up a center with limited resources, it can easily be a situation where there is a lack of interaction between children and their teachers.Offering a service that is both fun and educational can help create and strengthen relationships between children and their teachers. It can also help build good communication skills in the classroom. Both parents and teachers can enjoy these benefits as they help them achieve.Before deciding on whether or not to set up a tutoring center, it is important to get in-depth research done on the area. There are certain features that are not advertised by the tutoring centers that will help in knowing whether or not it is right for you. To get more information, you can visit the site below.

What is it Like to Attend University of Pittsburgh

What is it Like to Attend University of Pittsburgh The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Brian is a New York City tutor specializing in MCAT prep tutoring, Physics tutoring, Algebra tutoring, and much more. He graduated from University of Pittsburgh in 2009 with a Bachelors degree in Biological Sciences. See what he had to say about his school: 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? Brian: The University of Pittsburghs main campus is in the heart of the citys Oakland neighborhood. While it has the feel of a college town, the university buildings are interspersed amongst city restaurants, shops, and cafes, so youll never be isolated from the rest of the world. There is always something to do, and everything you need is within walking distance. If something is slightly farther away, city buses are free to use for University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon students. Many students ride bikes around campus, and usually only commuters bring cars. Taxicabs and $5 limo services are also available for students interested in exploring other parts of the city. Although the campus is in the city, Oakland and the surrounding neighborhoods are extremely safe. Dorm entrances require swipe access by 24-hour security guards. University police are very responsive to incidents and work closely with the city police. The university also provides its own campus bus service, as well as SafeRider, an on-call van shuttle service for non-emergency transportation during the evening and early-morning hours. VT:How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Brian: Professors, advisers, and teaching assistants (TAs) are as available as you choose to utilize them. I have never had a problem going to a professor or TA for help, whether for their class or for career advice and letters of recommendation for summer internships and medical school. To this day, I still keep in touch with a couple of my professors and make sure I stop by their offices when I revisit Pittsburgh. The Department of Biology and pre-medicine advisers were wonderful, and I would often stop by in-between classes just to chat with them about non-academic issues. They were key for getting me into medical school. The world-renowned University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Presbyterian and Montefiore Hospitals are also on campus and provide many research and volunteer opportunities for students interested in the healthcare fields. VT: How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Brian: There are numerous undergraduate dorm options ranging from single rooms to suites with private bathrooms-- even apartment-style complexes for upperclassmen with separate rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, and living rooms. Most dorms have their own 24-hour fitness centers in addition to the three campus gyms. Housing options are located throughout the campus and are chosen based on a lottery system favoring upperclassmen. Seniors are not guaranteed university housing, and many students move off-campus after their freshman year. Off-campus housing can be within walking distance and is extremely cheap. I was paying just over $400 a month, which included all utilities, but knew of friends who paid even less. There are numerous dining options both on and off-campus. The university requires students living in dormitories to purchase meal plans, which can be used at cafeterias and Starbucks coffee carts all throughout the campus. As mentioned earlier, there are numerous private eateries and bars in the city that have wonderful deals and half-off menus for students. In warmer weather, Schenley Plaza has a large lawn and outdoor seating for their unique cafes. There is so much to do as a student in Pittsburgh. PITT football games are played at Heinz Field, home of the Pittsburgh Steelers, and are a great opportunity to hang out with friends and make new ones while cheering on the Panthers. Student tickets are ridiculously cheap and allow one to sit right up to the first row of the lower levels! The university provides shuttle service to the stadium and also sponsors a tailgate for every home game, providing free hot dogs and food, as well as grills to cook them on. PITT basketball games are played on campus at the Petersen Events Center. There are also cheap tickets with a courtside student section. Pitt also has large state-of-the-art recreational facilities, including the 40,000 square foot Baierl Student Recreation Center. It features cardio equipment, free weights, a matted stretching area, a multi-purpose room, and racquetball courts. There are two other fitness centers on campus, as well as an Olympic-size swimming pool, basketball courts, more racquetball courts, and other multi-purpose rooms with boxing and kick-boxing equipment. 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? Brian: The sciences are extremely strong at the University of Pittsburgh, especially anything that has to do with medicine due to the affiliated world-class hospital system. The nursing and physical therapy programs are amongst the top 10 in the nation, and the pharmacy school is extremely strong as well. I cannot speak much about other majors, but my former roommate was a business and political science major who recently graduated from law school at Pitt and who mentions it as a top program. I majored in the Biological Sciences and had minors in Chemistry and Religious Studies. I was always interested in biology and found myself even more interested in medicine, so I chose the major that I did. As mentioned earlier, the departments advisers and pre-medical adviser were wonderful. 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? Brian: It was rather easy to meet people right away, as the university puts a huge emphasis on the orientation week before classes begin. They sponsor tons of social activities to get students together and comfortable transitioning to college. While there is a large Greek presence on campus, they are friendly to non-members and will occasionally host events that allow non-Greek students to attend. Many of my friends were in fraternities and sororities, but I chose not to join. Even so, I was invited to hang out at their houses and attended Halloween gatherings and sorority date nights. Outside of fraternities and sororities, there are numerous opportunities for socializing. VT: How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services?Do many reputable companies recruit on campus? Brian: I did not take advantage of the Career Center, as I knew I was going to pursue post-graduate studies. I got my advice from the pre-medical adviser. The school does host a career fair once a semester at the Petersen Events Center, which always has an enormous turnout by many reputable companies. VT: How are the various study areas such aslibraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Brian: Hillman Library is the main library on campus, and it has a large study area and floors with quiet study rooms. This library is the most popular and tends to get crowded, especially during finals week. Students are free to use numerous other libraries around campus that are quieter and far less crowded. Any of the classrooms in buildings throughout the campus are also fair game for student use, provided there are no classes taking place at the time. The Cathedral of Learning is a truly unique place to study in its castle-like environment or in its Nationality Rooms. The 33rd floor of the building also has a study area with an amazing view of the city. In warmer weather, many students study outside at outdoor tables and benches or on lawns throughout the campus. Students are also given a printing quota every semester, which they can use at seven computer labs throughout the campus that have Windows, Macintosh, and Linux computers. Nordys Place (after Chancellor Nordenberg) is the universitys newly renovated student union that has a snack bar, dining area, flat screen HDTVs, table tennis, billiards, and other games-- even live performances. Each floor of every dorm that does not have suites or apartment-style living has a lounge with tables, couches, and TVs for student use. 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? Brian: As mentioned above, the campus is integrated into the city, so there is something to do for everyone. Division I and professional sports teams are huge in Pittsburgh, and it is hard to not get sucked into it. Pittsburghers are die-hard Pittsburgh sports fans and bleed black and gold. Pittsburgh is an extremely cultured city boasting world-class museums, including the Carnegie Museum of Natural History and Carnegie Museum of Art, as well as the Andy Warhol Museum, all free and easily accessible to students. The Strip District is a market district featuring fresh foods and produce and shops of all cultures. For religious observers or those who are simply curious, Pittsburgh churches and temples have gorgeous architecture and are extremely welcoming to students and visitors, often providing free meals and social events. For the outdoorsman/woman, there are numerous trails to bike, as well as multiple opportunities for hiking/camping and hunting just outside of the city. Although students will usually stay near campus on an average day, most students will take advantage of the abundant opportunities around the city throughout their college careers. VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Brian: There are about 4,000 undergraduate students a year, which makes for a sizable student body. Because of this, the Student Government Board is taken seriously and is provided with a lot of responsibility and power for decision-making. General and introductory classes are large and will often be 300-400+ students. Upper-level courses will be much smaller and will often be only 10-20 students. This was perfect for me, as much less individual attention is needed in introductory classes, while more difficult upper-level courses allowed students to interact closely with professors. The University Honors College offers courses in all areas of study with smaller class sizes (10-20) even in introductory-level classes, but they tend to be more difficult and involve term papers. VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Brian: Pitt offers many great electives, both serious and recreational. While I had a blast taking fun courses such as scuba diving, jiu jitsu, sports conditioning, and EMT, my most memorable experience with a class turned out to not be one of my strongest or favorite classes. Writing has never been my strength, but during my junior year, I decided to take the upper-level writing course Research Writing even after hearing how tough the course was. I worked extremely hard and diligently, but struggled through it. I got a low-70 on my first paper and was devastated, but I did not give up. I talked to the teacher and asked for extra help and tips for improving. I took advantage of the writing center on campus and picked up pointers there, as well. I improved drastically as the course went on and got a 96 on my final paper, though it was not enough to overcome my slow start, and my average fell just shy of 90. While the end result was not what I envisioned for myself, I was extremely pleased with the experience and my improvement over the semester, as was the professor. I stayed in touch with her the rest of my college career and the year after, and she was more than happy to write a letter of recommendation in support of my applying to medical school. VT: Anything else youd like to add? Brian: The moment I stepped foot on the University of Pittsburgh campus, I knew that was where I was going to college. I applied to very few schools and up to as late as January, I had only applied to (and got accepted by) Rutgers University. I ended up applying to three other schools, but I didnt send in my Pittsburgh application until the end of March. I had no special desire to go to any particular school and would have been happy staying in New Jersey where I was born and raised, but visiting the city of Pittsburgh in April of senior year prodded me to take a chance and experience a completely different setting than I was used to. I made my decision right then and there and never looked back Check out Brians tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.