Author: privatetutoringathome

Okay, our goal at PrivateTutoringAtHome.com is to help parents, students, and tutors alike be super successful. We know many of you are shaking in your boots as you prepare for the ACT and SAT and GED and GMAT and LSAT, and any other acronym standardized test you can think of.

So, in honor of the standardized test, we’ll be posting 1 question and answer this whole month and the focus will be on critical reasoning. Deal? Good. So join us daily for some seriously yummy critical reasoning buffet.

Critical Reasoning Question 1

In Los Angeles, a political candidate who buys saturation radio advertising will get maximum name recognition.

The statement above logically conveys which of the following?

A. Radio advertising is the most important factor in political campaigns in Los Angeles.

B. Maximum name recognition in Los Angeles will help a candidate to win a higher percentage of votes cast in the city.

C. Saturation radio advertising reaches every demographically distinct sector of the voting population in Los Angeles.

D. For maximum name recognition a candidate need not spend on media channels other than radio advertising.

E. A candidate’s record of achievement in the Los Angeles area will do little to affect his or her name recognition there.

Think you know the answer?

The correct answer is D. An L.A. political candidate who buys saturation radio advertising will get maximum name recognition. In other words, such advertising is sufficient for maximum name recognition. If so, then is must be true that, as (D) says, a candidate can get such recognition without spending on other forms of media.

(A) suggests that radio advertising is the most important factor in L.A. political campaigns, but nothing like this was mentioned in the stimulus, so it’s not something that you can infer. Nor were we told the specific results of attaining a maximum name recognition, so (B) is out. Similarly, we don’t know precisely what is meant by “saturation radio advertising,” so we can’t infer anything as detailed as (C). Finally, although we know saturation radio advertising is sufficient for getting maximum name recognition, we can’t infer that other things, such as candidate’s record mentioned in (E), have little effect on name recognition.

When I answered this question, I thought the answer was either B or C. Knowing both these answers were incorrect, helps me to understand that I need to work on assuming details not given.

The other day while driving to work, I was listening to the radio. On the radio, the commentator interviewed a professor from Duke University about the Year Round School Pros and Cons. The Duke University professor was very pro year round school and he began his argument with the following question:

If aliens visited the earth, what would they say about our school buildings that are empty 3 months out of year?

I laughed at the question – I thought it was funny. But then, I realized how right he was. For as much as we claim education as a priority, it doesn’t really show in our actions by choosing to wholesale close our schools down during the summer.

So, from a public policy perspective and, more importantly, what is best for our children? Year Round School or the traditional 3 months off type of school year?

Pros of Year Round School

As a parent, I can think of several reasons why year round schooling might make sense. Here are a few:

• Consistency: As with most things, learning comes in small bite sized pieces. That usually means learning a little bit everyday for a long period of time. Having a year round school supports that idea. For parents, this is a good thing. It allows parents to plan for the year and prevents issues around finding child care during the summer, as for some households, both parents work.
• Mental Dullness: When taking breaks from learning for long periods of time, such as 3 months, it takes longer to get back into the groove when school does start again. Moreover, our memory is weakened and we remember less from the last 90 days. And, because of all of this, we likely learn at a rate slower than if we had continued to learn throughout the year.
• For the teachers, this is a good thing. It ensures more consistent pay and earnings. This creates stability and also allows the teachers to plan more effectively by having a year round schedule.

Cons of Year Round Schooling

The concept of year round school isn’t perfect or is it a panacea for learning or education. It has some weaknesses and here’s some I could come up with:

• Kids need breaks. And, some kids actually need 90 days of breaks.
• Parents plan for vacations during the year and really rely on the 3 months summer vacation. One way to get around the lull of not learning for 3 months is to hire a private tutor. Doing that however is an added cost that could be avoided if we had year round schooling.
• Teachers often have a second job during the summer to supplement their income. Taking that away would impact some teachers pay.

I’m not sure where I fall in the debate exactly. I do feel that year round schooling has significant advantages and can’t help but think it’s better for students. I think the public policy debate often ignores the recipients of the change. In this case, it’s the kids. What do most kids think?

If you are someone in search of a tutor in the San Diego area, you are in no doubt wondering “how much do tutors charge in San Diego?” And, if you are a tutor, you’re also probably wondering the same thing: What are San Diego Private Tutoring Rates? Well, you’ve come to the right place.

We’ve done some analysis on private tutor hourly rates for San Diego. Below are our findings.

Methodology

We queried our internal database for all the San Diego tutors, their zip codes, and the hourly rates. We also have the subjects they teach.

Based on that information, we present to you our findings. We hope that this information will be helpful to you, whether you’re a tutor or whether you’re a potential client searching for a tutor.

1. 43 San Diego Zipcodes are represented.
2. The total number of tutors is 3996
3. Based on their publicized tutor hourly rate, the average tutoring hourly rate for San Diego is $42.30 per hour.

San Diego Tutor Hourly Rate (Distribution)

The spread between the lowest tutor hourly rate and the highest tutor hourly rate for San Diego is large. The highest hourly rate reported is $120 and the lowest hourly rate reported is $35. About half the tutors are above $40 and half are below $40. So, as you can see, the spread is very large.

What This Means if You’re a Tutor

If you’re a tutor, then the possibilities are broad. You can test the market, given the zipcode you are severing, to see which rate will get you the most business. Of course this study doesn’t take anything else into account – only the zipcode and the hourly rate. If you have other factors that give you a rate premium, then we suggest you make that known.

What This Means if You’re a Client

If you’re a potential client searching for a tutor, then the possibilities are broad. It means that you’ll be able to most likely find a tutor in your budget, since the spread of hourly rates is so large.

And below is a table, showing the zipcodes and also the average hourly rate per San Diego zipcode.

Tips for Returning to School as an Adult

Returning to college has its challenges and perks, but attending school while juggling daily responsibilities can be frustrating. Don’t hesitate to pursue your educational dreams because of anticipated complications. Use this advice to make going back to school as an adult an easier and more rewarding experience.

Select the best educational path for you

One of the challenges of returning to college is to decide on the degree path most beneficial for you. Obtaining a technical degree in two years may be a good option to earn an Associate’s or certification, while a Bachelor’s degree or higher will require a commitment of four years or more. Don’t be afraid to become educated in a field that ignites your passion for learning. Consider taking a career assessment to help you determine a compatible field of study for your unique personality, skills, and interests.

Fund your education

It is imperative to obtain sufficient funds to pay your educational bills. Consider grants, federal and private loans, work-study, and any other financial source to help make it happen. There are tons of specialty scholarships offered by colleges for adult learners, so explore all of your options to supplement your education.

Consider reputable online colleges

Online colleges provide an excellent opportunity for adult learners to infuse college into their lives. You may want to explore distance education to obtain the degree of your choice in a cyber setting. This option is truly convenient for people who work and raise a family. It is important to check if an online college is accredited to ensure your degree is honored.

Obtain childcare if necessary

Many returning college students quit because they do not have access to reliable childcare. If you intend to go to school on campus and you have children, it is important to secure a babysitter. Your degree is important, and with it you can improve your life and provide the best for your loved ones when you graduate.

Create study time

You must take out adequate time to study if you wish to excel at any college or university. Be sure to visit a comfortable location to complete your study time in peace. A twenty- minute study session while focused is better than an hour of distracted study. Studying with peers who are taking the same course allows everyone to better understand difficult concepts.

Use study aids

Although most colleges provide a number of resources to its students, it is wise to obtain additional study aids to boost your learning power. Obtaining knowledge on course subjects through outside resources provides additional clarification while enhancing learning. Try reading study guides, software, and educational websites to obtain useful information to impress the ideas into your mind.

Get a tutor

It can be extremely frustrating to leap back in the educational swing after years of being out of a school setting. A personal tutor can be extremely helpful in making course concepts easier to understand. Personalized help is a major plus. Your tutor will instruct you on your time, review your work, and offer solid guidance.

Stay motivated

Maintaining motivation as a new student can be strenuous for anyone, but it is absolutely essential if you desire to obtain a degree. Mature students who are returning to college must develop a support system to keep them inspired and positive. It takes a continuous commitment to earn an education, but a host of family and loved ones can cheer you on along the way.

Use technology to make it easier

Technology has made going back to school as an adult easier than ever, so don’t hesitate to utilize it. A laptop or a tablet is an innovative addition for the modern student on the move. An mp3 player is useful for playing recorded lectures and listening to study material. Downloadable eBooks permit one to read course texts anywhere. Be sure to improve your computer skills to further enhance your ability to excel in school..

Balance your schedule to avoid overload

Balancing your schedule is a vital aspect to avoid stress overload. Setting aside a few days a week for scholastic tasks will help you obtain good grades without burning out. Be sure to get enough sleep every night to reduce stress on your system. A balanced diet grants you higher energy levels and improves your ability to concentrate. Simplifying your life by organizing your schedule ensures you can earn your education while completing your daily responsibilities.

Consider tuition reimbursement programs

It is possible that your employer may pay for a portion, or all of your education through a tuition reimbursement program. This offer is incredibly helpful for students on a limited budget. Be sure to inquire if your employer offers this advantage to its employees.

Discuss your concerns

If you find that your academic troubles are mounting on top of one another, it is important to discuss them. A close friend, loved one, colleague, or teacher can offer you sound advice that helps alleviate the pressure. Your academic advisors and professors will guide you through the educational process, so aim for positive, collaborative relationships with all of them.

A college education bursts open doors of opportunity for adults of all ages. Gain an edge with knowledge by returning to school and moving to the next plateau. If you are going back to school as an adult, it is important to choose the right educational route that is complimentary for achieving your career goals. By using this advice, you can better balance school with the rest of your life. Take charge today to obtain the education that transports you to a higher level.

Academic credentials can be a key differentiator for your child and could shape his or her future. You can certainly find an academic tutoring service that your children can attend in the Summer. But, that need certainly hinges on the key question: How can kids keep up on academics during the Summer?

Summer time is what most school kids wait for since the first day of school. On the last day of school the bell rings and all the kids run out the door never to think of school again until it starts again three months later. But you, as parents, don’t want your children to forget everything they’ve learned or fall back during the summer months. So what do you do to keep them in check with schooling but still allowing them to have fun? Here are some suggestions:

1. Have them practice a couple of times a week.

You decide how often, but there are plenty of websites you can print work sheets off. Even just asking your children, “What was you favorite thing you learned?” will help them retain the information.

2. Have your children teach others.

If you ask your children to help others learn, it will make the work seem less daunting. They will most likely feel honored or proud of themselves because they were chosen for the task. Quite the sneaky way to help them remember what they’ve learned! Whether you sign them up to be a tutor, ask them to teach a younger sibling, or teach the kid down the street, it will be an effective way to help them stay in check.

3. Help them retain information bu making it fun, keeping a balance.

You can make them play games using skills they’ve learned. Give incentives for after they’ve done a worksheet, do a fun activity where they have to do their own independent thinking and solve problems.

Your children will thank you for a fun time when really they’ve been learning too! Then when school starts again, the transition won’t be so hard.

How can we Help Young Adults Excel Through Summer Programs?

Summer is a time that virtually every child looks forward to all year long. While some individuals may view summer as an opportunity to lay around the house and sleep until noon every day others see a wealth of potential in allowing a child to grow through experiencing new adventures. Helping a child achieve personal excellence through participating in summer programs for high school students allows them to get ahead in life by learning something about themselves and developing their skills. These benefits will help them as they grow older and find themselves making decisions about their career choices as well as many of life’s other challenges.

There are many different types of summer programs for high school students that are available. Many of these programs are specific to a given location. Parents who live in the area may wish to have their child participate in these programs or they may make the decision to send their children to programs in different areas of the country. It is safe to say that there is a program available for virtually every interest. There are also both short-term and long-term programs available which allows students to take advantage of a variety of different activities.

Career Exploration

Many summer programs for high school students help them to earn money. Students may also be able to take advantage of attending summer programs which allow them to explore a given career field as a means of determining their interests and further pursuing the profession. There are many summer programs available to help students decide what they want to do with the rest of their lives by giving them the opportunity to be directly involved in a profession for a period of time. This is accomplished through allowing them the chance to participate in the same activities they would be doing if they held this profession and giving them the chance to see what it is really like from a first-hand point of view. This type of experience can prove to be extremely valuable when helping young adults decide how they want to spend the rest of their lives.

Traveling

Students also have the opportunity to travel during many of the summer programs. The program itself may be designed to expose a student to other cultures and allow them to experience the way that people in different parts of the world live. This is often true of sponsored trips to other countries. Moreover, a student may have the opportunity to travel within the United States if he or she wishes to attend a summer program that is not offered locally. For example, individuals who are interested in participating in a summer program that involves researching marine mammals will have to travel to an area that offers such programs if they live in areas away from the water. This too proves to be a valuable experience because it allows students the chance to see if they can realistically expect to be happy working in a given profession as well as living in a different geographic location.

Private Tutoring

Some students may find that they need additional help with academic subjects in order to prepare themselves for college. Still others may wish to get a head start on their college career by learning subjects that are not offered to them through their local school system. In either case, hiring a summer private tutor to assist the student with his or her needs can prove to have a dramatic impact on academic performance later on. A summer private tutor can be hired locally or through a virtual tutoring program.

There are many opportunities that are available to high school students in order to help them achieve success later in life. Summer programs and private tutoring are just two of the most popular avenues. High school students have a myriad of choices available to them regarding both their college and professional careers and making wise choices while they are out of school for the summer can help them to get ahead after they graduate from high school. In addition, taking advantage of the opportunities that are before them throughout the summer often enrich their lives in ways they could never have imagined. The chance to enhance existing skills and learn new ones while making new friends cannot be equaled.

If you’re an aspiring attorney or future lawyer, or if you’re just hoping to do well on the LSAT Test so you can get into Law School, then this page is for you. This page is meant as a resource for those who live in New York and are interested in acing the LSAT.

LSAT Tutor NYC

Here are several tutors that live near New York City and provide LSAT Tutoring services and find a NYC LSAT Tutor.

How to Study for the LSAT

LSAT Study Schedule

How much should you study? The easy answer is “every chance you get without burning yourself out”. But, as we know, you have school, work, maybe a family, church stuff, volunteer stuff – other items that take up your time and attention. So, here’s one possible LSAT study schedule that you may want to try.

• 60 Minutes before work or school
• 60 Minutes during lunch
• 60 Minutes before bed

Now, this is for “study” – as in studying each LSAT section or the sections you are struggling on. Taking practice LSAT tests are a different story and don’t necessarily fall into the schedule I propose above.

In general, if you have to ask “how much should I study for the LSAT?” – the answer maybe that because you are even asking that question, you may not want it bad enough.

Study as much as you can, but be smart about it.

LSAT Sections

Logic Games

Letters are Variables

Ignore the games’ topic and instead focus on relationships between the letters.

Easily and Quickly Categorize

Quickly place logic games into main categories:

• linear/sequencing
• grouping (in-and-out/matching)
• combinations of the two main types.

Focus on LSAT Keywords in set-up and Pay attention to the Rules

I’ve had to learn this the hard way – PAY obsessive attention to detail.

Diagram Efficiently

Remember economy of motion and thought here: Symbolize the game’s variables and rules with minimal writing.

Create minimum # of diagrams

Combine rules early in the game to eliminate some possible scenarios. If you created a diagram previously, reuse it to avoid making new ones.

Be Smart with Time

Be judicious on whether it’s worth spending more time on main diagram or on questions.

Don’t Worry Too Much and Enjoy the Games

May the odds be ever in your favor – that’s right. Have fun with it. As you learn to enjoy the logic games, you’ll find that you will do better.

Logical Reasoning

The LSAT Logical Reasoning section aims to test your mastery of well formed sentences, proof, assumptions, and also basic logic. Here’s an example of what you might see. This example is from Alice in Wonderland – yes, there’s some interesting argument and methods of inquiry in that movie:

“[Y]ou should say what you mean,’ the March Hare went on.
‘I do,’ Alice hastily replied; ‘at least — at least I mean what I say — that’s the same thing, you know.’
‘Not the same thing a bit!’ said the Hatter. ‘You might just as well say that “I see what I eat” is the same thing as “I eat what I see”!’
‘You might just as well say,’ added the March Hare, ‘that “I like what I get” is the same thing as “I get what I like”!’
‘You might just as well say,’ added the Dormouse, who seemed to be talking in his sleep, ‘that “I breathe when I sleep” is the same thing as “I sleep when I breathe”!'”

Are you sufficiently confused? Okay, let’s deconstruct the conversation.

• Mistaken Reversal: “x then y” versus “y then x” in “I see what I eat” versus “I eat what I see”
• If/then Structure: “If I say it, then I mean it”

Make sense?

Reading Comprehension

Here are a few reading comprehension LSAT tips:

• Identify Viewpoint and their main arguments
• Then summarize the viewpoints
• That’s it

LSAT FAQ

What is the LSAT

The LSAT is a half-day, standardized test administered four times each year at designated testing centers throughout the world. The test is an integral part of the law school admission process in the United States, Canada, and a growing number of other countries. It provides a standard measure of acquired reading and verbal reasoning skills that law schools can use as one of several factors in assessing applicants.

The test consists of five 35-minute sections of multiple-choice questions. Four of the five sections contribute to the test taker’s score. These sections include one reading comprehension section, one analytical reasoning section, and two logical reasoning sections. The unscored section, commonly referred to as the variable section, typically is used to pretest new test questions or to preequate new test forms. The placement of this section in the LSAT will vary. The score scale for the LSAT is 120 to 180. A 35-minute writing sample is administered at the end of the test. The writing sample is not scored by LSAC, but copies are sent to all law schools to which you apply.

The LSAT is designed to measure skills that are considered essential for success in law school: the reading and comprehension of complex texts with accuracy and insight; the organization and management of information and the ability to draw reasonable inferences from it; the ability to think critically; and the analysis and evaluation of the reasoning and arguments of others.

 When Should I Take the LSAT?

You should take the LSAT as early as possible before law school application deadlines. In recent years, many law schools have requested that applicants take the test by December for admission in the following fall’s entering class. If you think you may want to repeat the test after getting your initial score, plan to take the LSAT first in either June or October.

How Should I Prepare for the LSAT?

The LSAT measures skills and knowledge that develop over a period of time. Thus, you cannot prepare for the test by making a last-minute effort to master specific subject areas. However, persons who have thoroughly familiarized themselves with test directions and questions types, who have practiced on available sample tests, and who have studied information available on test-taking techniques and strategies, may feel more secure on the day of the test. You may also purchase additional nominally priced LSAT preparation materials.

New York Law Schools

If you’re interested in staying in New York City, then you may want to consider these law schools in NYC. We present some information on the Law School in New York, the application fee, and some interesting facts about the law school

Albany Law School of Union University	$70	NY	Albany
Brooklyn Law School	$0	NY	Brooklyn
Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, Yeshiva University	$75	NY	New York
City University of New York School of Law	$60	NY	Long Island City
Columbia University School of Law	$85	NY	New York
Cornell Law School	$80	NY	Ithaca
Fordham University School of Law	$70	NY	New York
Hofstra University—Maurice A. Deane School of Law	$0	NY	Hempstead
New York Law School	$0	NY	New York
New York University School of Law	$75	NY	New York
Pace University School of Law	$65	NY	White Plains
St. John’s University School of Law	$60	NY	Queens
SUNY Buffalo Law School	$75	NY	Buffalo
Syracuse University College of Law	$75	NY	Syracuse
Touro College—Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center	$60	NY	Central Islip

NYC LSAT Tutor Videos

With Summer just around the corner, parents are most likely planning summer vacations and activities for their children while the parents are at work. This will usually include summer tutoring for their children. Today, I want to start a series where I highlight tutors from major cities that offer Summer Tutoring programs and services. Today’s focus is Summer Tutoring in Houston Texas.

Summer Tutoring Houston Texas

There are more. Find a great summer tutor in Houston today!

Popular Houston Summer Tutoring Subjects:

If you haven’t had enough of school this year, OR, you didn’t get the results that you wanted, summering tutoring can help!

Some of the more popular reasons for doing some studying during the summer include:

• Make up classes – either didn’t pass or didn’t do as well as you wanted
• Prep for the next year – Yep, there are a lot of students looking to get an edge on what’s coming up and a little time over summer can make the difference.
• Entrance exams such as the SATs, GREs, GMATs, ACTs, Subject Matter tests, LSATS, Nursing exams and more!
• Because they can – If you love school and weren’t able to take all the courses you wanted during the year, now’s your chance!

Whatever your reason for looking for some summertime help, we’ve got tutors available 24/7, online and offline ready to give you the boost that you need now!

Something dawned on me recently: how you begin your day can (and usually does) impact the rest of your day. Then I thought to myself – “how do I wake up?” and the answer was sobering: I wake up to a loud and irritating “beep”, “beep”, “beep” from my alarm. That’s not good because the sound of that alarm and the feelings it creates can already set the mood and tone for the rest of my day.

So, what did I do?

I turned to Justin Bieber for the answer.

Justin Bieber Baby

I programmed my iPhone (which is my alarm clock now) to go off at 6 AM, but instead of an irritating alarm, I have the alarm set to Justin Bieber’s “Baby” song. And, I have to say, after a while, Justin Bieber has made a big difference.

So, here are the lessons learned:

1. How you begin your day can determine the rest of your day. Start strong and positive. Drink water and eat well. Wake up with Gusto.
2. Consider the small habits you have, such as the alarm you use. Make small changes – tiny changes can make a big difference.

Yes, I’m talking to you Tutor, Parent, and Student. This article is for all of you. Take it as a good advice from someone who learned the hard way and who has missed out on the joy of Justin Bieber’s “Baby” for years.

Today we welcome John Gower, who is knowledgable about all things finance (i.e., How to Pay for College). In this article, he’ll share with you some tips on how to manage your money before you enter college and especially while you’re in college.

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As high school seniors prepare to head to college, the prospect of independence is near. However, that independence might not be as hands-off as they (or you) would like. Managing your child’s expenses while they are living at home is quite different from doing so while they are in a dorm room halfway across the country. Before the big move-in day, consider these tips for steering your soon-to-be college freshman towards a life of financial independence and success.

1. The basics: Staying in the green

If you have not done so already, help your student open a basic checking account. Many banks offer accounts targeted to students with no minimum balance or maintenance fee. The account you open does not necessarily have to be at the same bank you yourself frequent. A better gauge of which bank to pick may be the proximity to the campus your child has chosen to attend. Finding an account with the lowest fees and having easy access to an ATM for cash withdrawals ought to be the driving concerns, as most else can be managed online.

Tuition and housing costs aside, there are still a number of expenses that necessitate the use of a checking account. The occasional weekend trip, basic personal expenses, or a work-study job on campus are a few of many activities that will force your student to start some sort of budget management habits. Teaching your child how to manage his or her checking account without incurring overdraft fees is a great stepping-stone for the future.

2. Money management: No excel worksheet needed

The average student loan debt for a graduate in 2012 was around $27,000. Whether or not your child’s education costs will be covered by loans, grants, scholarships, college savings, or a combination of the above, keeping your student aware and involved in the payment schedule is a place to start responsible financial habits.

This does not entail leaving your student out in the cold to deal with complex financial aid issues, but instead giving them some additional responsibility. This can be as simple as making tuition payments themselves (on time) or being in charge of paying for housing each month. If that seems like too much to handle from the get-go, consider instead making out a small home utility bill such as cable or internet in your student’s name to get the same benefit of building responsible and timely payment habits.

3. Plastic: Put away those scissors for now

Due to new regulations passed in 2009, banks are now prohibited from passing out free water bottles, t-shirts, and other goodies on campus as recruiting efforts to get students to sign up for credit cards. So while you don’t have to worry as much about your student coming home on their first Thanksgiving back with a pocket full of plastic, there is still good reason for concern. Start building good credit habits early, as when your child reaches the age of 21 they can apply for credit cards without a co-signer.

There are a number of benefits to helping your student build credit. A high credit score will help them once they are out in the real world signing apartment leases, getting credit history checked by employers, and applying for car loans. Credit cards of course have their pitfalls. They have the potential to be widely misused if not grounded in the fact that plastic is indeed spending real money that must be repaid in full. In order to fully understand this, your student should know what the terms minimum payments, annual fees, and APRs mean at the very least.

If you have allowed your high school graduate to piggyback on your existing credit card, remember to keep a close eye on the account, as anything they do has the potential to hurt your credit history.

The tips above are a great starting point for beginning a conversation between you and your college-bound senior. Start small, and most importantly communicate and be available to guide your child as they navigate tricky financial waters in college.

John Gower is a writer for NerdWallet, a personal finance website dedicated to helping consumers find the best free checking account, high interest savings account, rewards credit card and more.