Introduction to Variables in Chemistry

Introduction to Variables in ChemistryThe study of variables in chemistry will help you a lot in your work. You will also be taught what variable refers to, and how it is a different thing from unit or charge, which is an important concept in chemistry.It all depends on the theory and the structure of the subject. For instance, the charge is not the same as its charge. Units are units of measure, while charge is usually proportional to the mass of an element.The great thing about this is that these two terms are very different. The amount of the vacuum level between two points can also change, depending on the units and their power. Similarly, the volume can be greater if the pressure is greater, but it can also be greater if the pressure is less. So, you should know about these different concepts in order to get a better understanding of the subject.Knowing the vacuum level is also very important for the reason that it can change some chemical reactions. For instance, if the vacuum level is not high enough, you cannot make the reaction go as fast as you want it to.The other important concept in this field is the effect of the vacuum level. If the vacuum level is not high enough, there will be no steam generation, and the resulting gas will be heavier than the mixture. The gases that are lighter are much less efficient at converting the energy into motion. So, you need to keep the vacuum level high in order to get the proper gas.This will lead to a more effective reaction in the end. Usually, the reason why these variables are important is that they influence the results of the reaction.Chemistry is one of the most important subjects that you can learn in high school. There are many ways that you can learn about the subject, and the best way is to learn about the factors that can affect the outcome of the reaction.

Tutorfair Resource Sharing Day!

Tutorfair Resource Sharing Day! Tutorfair holds a Tutor resource sharing day! To help tutors share ideas and be the best that they can be for their students we held at resource sharing event at Tutorfair headquarters on Friday 13th of January. As a tutor you develop your own unique teaching style and amass a collection of great resources to help your students with the more challenging topics. The difficulty can sometimes occur when, as a tutor, you want to learn new techniques or ask questions about areas that you are less familiar with. At Tutorfair we are aiming to solve this by bringing great tutors together where they can share learning materials, get hints and tips, as well as support from fellow tutors. On the day we had some great learning resources to share. Around 15 tutors, specialising in a range of subjects, gathered to impart their knowledge and expertise. Adam S, a maths tutor and qualified teacher, shared a great game he uses with this students to help explain probability. Have a go at playing it yourself here! Another great tutor Raphael O gave us a great way of using less paper. Replace paper with a whiteboard and pen and make teaching more interactive and save money on paper at the same time! With range of tutors from maths, science and language backgrounds there were some interesting opportunities to learn. It might surprise you how tutoring tips can be shared even across different subject areas. It was clear from this event that effective tutoring requires fantastic resources and passionate educators who are open to new ideas. If you would like to access some of these resources please visit our fantastic resource centre. If you are a tutor looking to take part there will be more events coming up every month. Checkout out more  Tutorfair blogs  here: 'What Should we be teaching our children?' Five Strategies to improve Academic Performance Are you looking for a tutor? If you would like some help finding a tutor to understand your child's educational needs, do give us a call on  020 3322 4748. Alternatively you can visit our website and enter the subject and level you are looking for.

Virtual Reality Revolutionizes Online Tutoring

Virtual Reality Revolutionizes Online Tutoring Virtual reality will make online tutoring as common place as one-on-one tutor over the next years this is the prediction of tutoring expert and founder of TutorZ Dirk Wagner. Today, many parents and students hold the belief that online tutoring has significant limitations. A tutor can notice the every so slight change in her students learning mood to slow down or speed up the pace of instruction among many other things. A computer-only interface does not yet allow for such a rich multi-sensory exchange of information. But what if multimedia-interface such as the Google or Vuzix become widely available and affordable? What if screen sharing apps such as Skype or teamviewer run on these goggles? It will break down the barriers digital barriers between learner and its teacher and revolutionize tutoring as we know it. The Trends Research Institute predicted in its Top Trends for 2014: “In higher education circles, the long-held belief that digital learning has significant limitations will fade.” Our “digital learning’s golden era” trend anticipated that once the stigma melted among university elites, the flood gates would open. In our opinion, virtual reality tutoring will be the best of both world: students have access to world-class tutors around the globe while having the experience of this tutor sitting next to him in the study room. Add to that in an area of unmanageable college debt and a stagnating economy online degrees are ow accepted as legitimate, and more affordable as its brick-and-mortar counterparts. So rejoice, tutors and students, the golden age of tutoring is about to come!

italki The Online Homeschool Foreign Language Program Im Telling Everyone About!

italki â€" The Online Homeschool Foreign Language Program I’m Telling Everyone About! This post originally appeared on Raising Arrows a personal blog site run by Amy Roberts. Reposted with her permission. My oldest daughter, Meg, loves languages. She is taking formal Spanish via a computer program plus teaching herself bits and pieces of several other languages. She’s a quick study; however, she has told me on multiple occasions that she really needs someone to speak the languages with her because the computer lacks the interaction and feedback of a live person. So, when I learned about italki.com, an online foreign language instruction site that provides teacher/student interaction via Skype sessions, I was hopeful this might be the answer to her dilemma. Answer would be an understatement. Within a couple of lessons, it was obvious to us that italki was EXACTLY what Meg needed. I’m sure by now, you are a little curious about what this program entails. And if you are anything like me, you might even be a little skeptical of anything involving strangers online. Let me give you a run down of how we use italki. How to get started with italki.com First, we set up an account. I used my email address and Meg’s name. That way, every email that came from italki.com came to me. I chose to leave Meg’s profile blank for safety purposes. You will need to have a Skype account and input the account name so the teacher can connect with your student. {Skype is free. Just download and go!} Next, Ty and I sat down and looked through French teachers. Lamar from italki had suggested a few professional teachers to us, so we started there. {By the way, Lamar is super helpful! A company with prompt and courteous customer service always gets my attention.} You’ll see on the italki Homeschool page suggestions for teachers in several different languages. Our teacher, Melissa, is on there! We chose her because of her credentials. We absolutely made the right choice! Once you have a profile set up and you have chosen a teacher in the language you are wanting your child to learn, you need to purchase either by the lesson or a packageof lessons. We did a package because it is cheaper. How much does italki cost? Each teacher has a different rate, so what you are looking for is the ITC/hour. Because the teachers on italki are from all over the world, there has to be a standard unit to go by. These are called language credits or italki credits (ITC). For Melissa, we pay 197 ITC or $19.75 per hour lesson, but with the package (see the red rectangles on the left that say PACKAGE), we are getting 10 lessons for the price of 9. Once you have purchased ITC, you schedule a lesson. Each teacher has a list of times and days that work for them. They are listed in your time zone, so no need to worry about trying to figure out the time difference. You will receive a notification from italki shortly before your session is to start. Meg gets herself up the morning of French and gets the computer ready. She keeps a pen and paper handy as well. She also has a headset with microphone if needed. Now, I get to brag! After 6 lessons, we were so impressed by what we were seeing and hearing, we decided to record a short video of Meg speaking French. Take a moment to watch the video! {Can’t see the video? CLICK HERE to watch on YouTube.} That girl makes me smile! Now, after 15 lessons, she speaks amazingly well! She told me recently she has even begun to dream in French! Who would benefit from italki? Let me give you my personal opinion on who would benefit most from italki. A student who shows an aptitude for languages. A student who wants to go on to study a foreign language in college. A student who wants the experience of speaking a foreign language with another person. Foreign language instruction is an area of our daughter’s homeschooling we are willing to spend extra money on. I have no doubt her aptitude for languages is God-given. We want to give her every opportunity we can to hone that skill. Italki is exactly what we needed to do this. So, now you can see why I am telling everyone about italki! This really has been an answer to prayer. Head on over to italki and check it out for yourself. I’d love to hear what you think! italki â€" The Online Homeschool Foreign Language Program I’m Telling Everyone About! This post originally appeared on Raising Arrows a personal blog site run by Amy Roberts. Reposted with her permission. My oldest daughter, Meg, loves languages. She is taking formal Spanish via a computer program plus teaching herself bits and pieces of several other languages. She’s a quick study; however, she has told me on multiple occasions that she really needs someone to speak the languages with her because the computer lacks the interaction and feedback of a live person. So, when I learned about italki.com, an online foreign language instruction site that provides teacher/student interaction via Skype sessions, I was hopeful this might be the answer to her dilemma. Answer would be an understatement. Within a couple of lessons, it was obvious to us that italki was EXACTLY what Meg needed. I’m sure by now, you are a little curious about what this program entails. And if you are anything like me, you might even be a little skeptical of anything involving strangers online. Let me give you a run down of how we use italki. How to get started with italki.com First, we set up an account. I used my email address and Meg’s name. That way, every email that came from italki.com came to me. I chose to leave Meg’s profile blank for safety purposes. You will need to have a Skype account and input the account name so the teacher can connect with your student. {Skype is free. Just download and go!} Next, Ty and I sat down and looked through French teachers. Lamar from italki had suggested a few professional teachers to us, so we started there. {By the way, Lamar is super helpful! A company with prompt and courteous customer service always gets my attention.} You’ll see on the italki Homeschool page suggestions for teachers in several different languages. Our teacher, Melissa, is on there! We chose her because of her credentials. We absolutely made the right choice! Once you have a profile set up and you have chosen a teacher in the language you are wanting your child to learn, you need to purchase either by the lesson or a packageof lessons. We did a package because it is cheaper. How much does italki cost? Each teacher has a different rate, so what you are looking for is the ITC/hour. Because the teachers on italki are from all over the world, there has to be a standard unit to go by. These are called language credits or italki credits (ITC). For Melissa, we pay 197 ITC or $19.75 per hour lesson, but with the package (see the red rectangles on the left that say PACKAGE), we are getting 10 lessons for the price of 9. Once you have purchased ITC, you schedule a lesson. Each teacher has a list of times and days that work for them. They are listed in your time zone, so no need to worry about trying to figure out the time difference. You will receive a notification from italki shortly before your session is to start. Meg gets herself up the morning of French and gets the computer ready. She keeps a pen and paper handy as well. She also has a headset with microphone if needed. Now, I get to brag! After 6 lessons, we were so impressed by what we were seeing and hearing, we decided to record a short video of Meg speaking French. Take a moment to watch the video! {Can’t see the video? CLICK HERE to watch on YouTube.} That girl makes me smile! Now, after 15 lessons, she speaks amazingly well! She told me recently she has even begun to dream in French! Who would benefit from italki? Let me give you my personal opinion on who would benefit most from italki. A student who shows an aptitude for languages. A student who wants to go on to study a foreign language in college. A student who wants the experience of speaking a foreign language with another person. Foreign language instruction is an area of our daughter’s homeschooling we are willing to spend extra money on. I have no doubt her aptitude for languages is God-given. We want to give her every opportunity we can to hone that skill. Italki is exactly what we needed to do this. So, now you can see why I am telling everyone about italki! This really has been an answer to prayer. Head on over to italki and check it out for yourself. I’d love to hear what you think!

Costa Mesa Tutor The ACT Writing Test Comparing Old and New

Costa Mesa Tutor The ACT Writing Test Comparing Old and New Tips from a Costa Mesa ACT Tutor: Preparing for the ACT Writing Test Tips from a Costa Mesa ACT Tutor: Preparing for the ACT Writing Test The ACT has made a change to the writing portion of the test. This can be confusing for students who are trying to compare the old test with the new one or who may be taking the exam multiple times. Its important for students to understand fully what they will be expected to do on test day so that they are prepared and confident. The changes to the ACT are not as significant as those applied to the SAT, but they are worth knowing about its never too late or too early to book your private Costa Mesa ACT tutor from TutorNerds. 1. Scoring guidelines This is where it gets a little confusing. The current essay is graded on a scale of 1 to 36, while in the past it was graded on a scale of 1 to 12. The current exam is scored based on four subdomains. These domains, as stated on ACT’s website, evaluate the students ability to do several things: “Analyze and evaluate multiple perspectives on a complex issue, State and develop your own perspective on the issue, Explain and support your ideas with logical reasoning and detailed examples, Clearly and logically organize your ideas in an essay, Effectively communicate your ideas in standard written English”. On the current test, two expert graders will give the student a score of 1 to 6. So, each domain will have a minimum score of 2 and a maximum score of 12. The final composite score can be a maximum of 36. Its critical to note that the scores arent simply added up to a final score. On the old ACT, the essay was scored by two graders, who each gave a score of 1 to 6 adding up to a composite score of 2 to 12 (READ: ACT Aspire: What is it?). 2. The prompt A portion of the current sample prompt, directly from the ACT website, reads: “Write a unified, coherent essay in which you evaluate multiple perspectives on the increasing presence of intelligent machines.” Students need to have developed strong analytical and persuasive writing skills. Most students would agree that this type of prompt is more complicated than the prompts from the old ACT, which included asking writers to take a position on topics such as school uniforms or whether or not technology should be censored in the classroom. A major change is the addition of three sample perspectives, which students will have to analyze. In the past, students just read the prompt and responded to their writing. The essay will also require extensive reading comprehension and advanced analytical skills. 3. Time allotted The present ACT essay will need to be completed within 40 minutes. This includes trying to read and comprehend the prompt, develop a position, make an outline, write, and edit. This is 10 minutes longer than the old ACT essay which allowed students 30 minutes to prepare and write. Students shouldn’t be fooled into thinking that they have an extra 10 minutes to bide their time. Rather, they will be responding to a more complicated prompt and will need this additional time to analyze and create an outline (READ: ACT Tips from a Private Irvine Tutor). 4. How to prep Students are encouraged to sit down with their Costa Mesa ACT tutor or study group and create a plan of action for their writing portion test prep. Because the ACT essay is now graded on four separate domains: “ideas and analysis, development and support, organization, and language use and conventions” (taken straight from the ACT website) students are encouraged to prepare to utilize all of these skills. Students should first focus on their ability to read, understand, and respond to the three sample perspectives. They should also work on their compare and contrast skills. They will then need to write and edit a clear and cohesive essay with good flow and varied vocabulary. 5. Is the writing portion still optional? Yes, the ACT writing portion is still optional. Students who sign up to take the exam can still choose to skip it but only if all the colleges and universities they are applying to do not require the writing portion. Just because the ACT has made this part optional doesn’t mean that it’s optional according to any particular college admissions department. Students are encouraged to check with the colleges they are applying to and determine whether or not they will take the writing portion. Resources: Writing Sample Essays About the ACT Writing Test 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.

Best Tools that Make Research Paper Writing Easier

Best Tools that Make Research Paper Writing Easier Best Tools that Make Research Paper Writing Easier Don’t you just love procrastinating the moment when you start writing an important research paper? You’ve already done a preliminary research, but haven’t moved from that point for weeks. When the deadline gets too close, you start getting anxious and desperate to find an easy way out. Don’t worry; there are great online tools that you can use at this point and still end up with a brilliant research paper by the deadline. Colwiz This reference manager will accelerate the research process and enable you to sort, cite and share the sources you intend to use. You can use Colwiz to locate relevant articles and manage the notes and references through cloud backup. The best part is that the tool enables you to automatically format the bibliography with over 6500 citation styles. ReadCube In order to write a successful research paper, you need to do a lot of reading, managing and citing. With the help of ReadCube, you can progress through the different stages of completion with ease. The tool enables you to import PDF files from your computer and make them searchable. You will also get daily article recommendations based on the library you collect. That’s the best way to get more material without even trying. Qiqqa This free reference manager and research manager is one of the most effective tools you could possibly use during research paper writing. It enables you to organize the PDFs you will use for the project, import them into separate libraries, search through them and detect duplicate sources. Quiqqa provides intuitive information about papers, as well as connections between different concepts. You can also use the tool to share library documents, notes and metadata with a selected group of people. Mendeley If you were looking for a free tool that helps you manage the writing, research and citation process with ease, then Mendeley will surely make you happy. Mendeley gives you 2GB space for online storage, which is enough to keep all your sources secure in one place. You can access the collected materials online or offline, and annotate on the go by highlighting and adding sticky notes throughout the text. Mendeley also enables you to generate the citations and bibliography in the style you choose. Citavi The most difficult part of the research paper writing process is finding your way around the pile of sources you managed to assemble. Thanks to Citavi, you can avoid chaos by saving the important quotations accompanied with proper citation information (including page numbers). Then you can use the tool to insert the quotations and thoughts you saved directly into the document. EndNote This powerful tool enables you to collect and manage different reference materials and manage the journals, research papers, essays or books you write. The ability to search through extensive online databases and access full-text articles will enable you to complete your research papers much faster. EndNote also has a collaborative feature that’s perfect for team projects. Commitment is the most important tool Now that you have the right apps and websites that will help you write that paper, it’s time to do the actual work. Research paper writing is a challenging task, but the tools we listed above can make it way more interesting. Explore your options and start working on the assignment today! Robert Morris is an educator from New York. He is developing new online course on writing for students. His goal is to spread the word that paper writing is an easy task and he shares valuable tips on this topic. Find Robert on  Google+.   All blog entries, with the exception of guest bloggers, are written by Tutor Nerds. Are you an education professional? If so, email us at info@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 post about.

The Entropy Chemistry Definition

The Entropy Chemistry DefinitionThe entropy chemistry definition is a very basic one. In short, it simply means the rate at which a substance (such as a liquid or a gas) evolves in its surroundings. For example, the entropy of water evaporates as it passes from one container to another, or heat dissipates as it goes from one body to another. It is fairly easy to see how this describes the processes of the universe, which has existed since the beginning of time.The term entropy is actually defined as the change of a quantity over time. In its simplest sense, a substance can change from a liquid to a gas. The more complex form of the entropy chemistry definition would then be the change of a quantity from one state to another over time.There are many problems with this terminology. One, it might be harder to understand the concepts than they appear to be. Two, it may make it seem as if the universe isn't evolving in its own terms. For example, if you have an equation for heat energy, a nd entropy is equal to the heat contained in the equation, it can be argued that the process of evolution is not going on, even though it may happen in real time.There are many aspects of the thermodynamic entropy that are not well understood. As far as I am aware, there is no single scale on which these things fall, although I've always been told that the size of the molecules is a key aspect. Of course, a thermo-chemical equation is the most common. This kind of equation represents the temperature, pressure, and volume of the system under consideration.The second form of the entropy chemistry definition that I'm aware of was introduced by Sir Isaac Newton in 1687. It was later adapted by Robert Boyle, who was a famous chemist. He took this form of the definition and made it more formal. The importance of the model that he developed can be seen in his Laws of Thermodynamics, which were published after his death.The second definition of the concept is quite similar to the first. In the second definition, the definition is limited to the quantity that is written in the equation. In the first definition, the definition is the same as in the first definition except that the term 'entropy' is replaced with 'coefficient of thermalization.' The real difference in these definitions is that the second one is much more formal, and it gives the total change in a substance over time. As such, it is a more accurate description of the idea of a substance changing over time.Both definitions are correct. The difference between them is merely that the second one describes the change of a quantity over time. However, it has some practical applications that are useful in the realm of entropy chemistry.

Are You Looking For a Math Tutor For Algebra Free Online?

Are You Looking For a Math Tutor For Algebra Free Online?You can get a math tutor for algebra free online. With the exception of perhaps a first-year calculus or first-year Algebra course, most people don't really need that much help with their calculus homework. However, even in math, there are many different approaches to solving problems, so getting a teacher to show you how to do it yourself can be really helpful.It may seem silly at first, but without some sort of professional tutor for algebra, you could find yourself looking at more textbooks than you actually need, and that can have some consequences. I think the first year calculus course, or even the first-year Algebra course, is really a given. I mean, how can you learn calculus unless you're doing it in a very structured way?If you do need a math tutor for algebra, you have a couple of different things you can do. The first thing is, I don't know, give up on taking the course and finding another one at the same time.That seems a little weird, but I know a lot of people who have, and then they end up never taking any of the future calculus courses, because they get bored with the pace. Plus, they don't like spending money, which means that they need some sort of intervention.Another thing you can do is try to find a math tutor for algebra free online. However, this does have some caveats, because some math tutors aren't exactly what you would call a pro. In other words, they're not necessarily giving you a free pass when it comes to math.There are usually some strings attached, like a strict pace and not talking about your grades or your future calculus courses. If you can find a tutor for algebra free online who is willing to do this sort of thing, then you can certainly give it a shot.On the other hand, if you are using the internet to look for a math tutor for algebra free online, you may want to know some details about the person you are going to work with before you sign up. Especially if you ar en't sure what your expectations will be, make sure the person you are working with is well trained. This will help you avoid future problems, especially if you have enough motivation to complete the tutoring.

What is it Like to Attend Pratt Institute

What is it Like to Attend Pratt Institute The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Steven received his bachelors degree in Communications Design from Pratt Institute and his masters degree in Management from New York University. He is currently a tutor in New York City specializing in AP Studio Art, English, and math, among other subjects. See what he had to say about his experience at Pratt Institute: Describe the campus setting and transportation options. Steven: I had the luxury of attending undergrad in Brooklyn at Pratt Institute and my post-grad in Manhattan at New York University both very different experiences. All of my responses focus on Pratt Institute, but Ill refer to NYU for the sake of comparison. As far as college campuses go in NYC, Pratt Institutes historic Brooklyn campus is second only to Columbias. Its one of the main reasons I decided to attend Pratt Institute. I had visited other colleges around the country including RISD, ASU, NAU, Caltech, Parsons, and SVA and none of their campuses compared to Pratts beautiful, tree-lined campus. Pratt Institute is safe, vibrant, and nestled in the very fun and energetic neighborhood of Clinton Hill. Its also very conveniently located within a short walking distance to the subway system that will take you to Manhattan in 10 minutes. Pratt Institute also offers safe student parking. And the new Citi Bicycle sharing program just opened a few hubs nearby so you can hop on a bike and explore the neighborhood. How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Steven:Most of the professors are working professionals that teach on the side. This is so important for communications degree students because it means that the professors are constantly tuned in to emerging trends and that they are highly connected to industry leaders and companies that you may want to apply to once you graduate. How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Steven:I lived in the dorm during my freshman year. It was everything I had hoped it would be. I still keep in touch with my suitemates. Pratt Institutes caf is sort of the central hub of the campus. Its where everyone congregates. Its where I made plans for the weekend, did my homework, and made friends. The food was inexpensive and convenient. The caf, and student housing, is all on-campus so theres literally no commute time. Its very convenient. Which majors/programs are best represented and supported? Steven:When I was attending, the Communications department was growing and receiving an influx of investment for new computers, labs, and studio space. By the time I graduated, it was a world-class department with everything a graphic designer, illustrator, or art director could ask for. However, communications students were always a little jealous of the architecture students. Their department had just opened a newly designed building that had new 3D printers, laser engravers, and just all-around beautifully-designed studios. 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? Steven:I wasnt very outgoing in college, but it was very easy for me to make friends. Most Pratt Institute students like most artists are inherently introverted. But when you put a bunch of them in one spot, with an open campus design and all the tools they need to explore their artistic fantasies, they tend feel right at home. Pratt Institute does a great job of creating a sense of creative safety. The first thing youll learn at Pratt is that its okay to make mistakes every freshman professor will remind you of this. And I quickly realized this also applies to making friends. Its okay to be yourself. You have the ability really get to know yourself to take time to figure out who you really are. Theres no pressure at Pratt Institute to conform to some perceived, idealistic standard. But this also means you might change. And I hope you do. Its a good thing. If you graduate from Pratt Institute as the same person that you arrived as, then youve failed. You attend Pratt Institute to become the person you were meant to be. How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services? Steven:Pratt Institute has a great team of academic advisors at their Center for Career and Professional Development. They organize internship fairs, guide students and alumni on career decisions, and help promote their portfolios through the online portfolio database. The level of support Pratt Institute provides is invaluable to students entering the job market. When I was about to graduate, I stopped by at least once a week to work on my resume and to work on my interview skills. I also landed my first internship through the internship fair that they host. Pratt Institute graduates are highly desirable, so all of the major companies compete for the students. How are the various study areas such aslibraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Steven:Pratt Institutes library is my favorite building on the campus. The Stacks, as theyre referred to, are comprised of several levels of glass floors. Sometimes I would go in there just to sit and relax. The Student Union is very active; they always have events and social gatherings planned for students throughout the year. Describe the surrounding town. Steven:When I tired of the caf food, I would walk one block to DeKalb Ave or Myrtle Ave for pretty much anything I had a craving for. Ive been back to campus several times since Ive graduated and the restaurant options have exploded. The current students are very lucky. A few blocks away in Fort Greene is Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM), which is a long-standing cultural institution known for its live performances and their annual Next Wave Festival. BAM also hosts movie premiers where Ive had the chance of meeting Amy Poehler, Paul Rudd, and Rachel Weisz. In the warmer months, the famous Brooklyn Flea Market brings together vendors from all over NYC to one central location just blocks from Pratt Institute. Everything is offered: from handmade furniture and jewelry to lobster rolls. If you decide to live off-campus, be aware that the demand for apartments is so high in the surrounding neighborhoods of Clinton Hill, Fort Greene, and Bed-Stuy that you can now expect to pay more than $2,000 for a 300-square-foot studio apartment. I lived in Fort Greene for 10 years and I considered myself lucky to be renting a $1,600 studio. Brooklyn has become so desirable that rent is now approaching Manhattan prices. For many people, student housing will be the only option. Whatever the consequences may be, Brooklyns popularity is one of the great benefits of attending Pratt Institute. The three surrounding neighborhoods are arguably the most exciting places to be in NYC right now. In my opinion, Brooklyns ascension as a cultural trendsetter is a direct result of the artists that graduated from Pratt Institute that decided to stay in the neighborhoods. How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Steven:The class sizes are really dependent on the subject. Lecture classes such as Art History are typically very large, but thats expected. My core classes, such as Graphic Design or Sculpture, were small with an average 10:1 ratio. Most of the subjects taught in the core classes are inherently subjective so its important to have that level of personal attention by the teachers. Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Steven:The most memorable and valuable lesson I learned occurred on my first day at Pratt Institute in Light, Color Design (LCD) class. Its a lesson that proved to be relevant even to this day at my current job at JPMorgan Chase. Along with the other students, I spent hours playing with Color-Aid trying to compose a design to meet the assignments requirements: depict the view from my vantage point out the classroom window a pretty typical first-day assignment. When I and the other classmates finished, we pinned our 6 by 6 designs up on the wall for the other students to critique. We were all nervous, not only because it was our first time being critiqued in college, but also because it was our first time doing the actual critiquing. Most of us had no experience doing that. The teacher explained the method of critiquing that Pratt Institute uses is called constructive criticism. The goal is not only to discuss the negative aspects of each classmates design, but to also describe the positive aspects and then to take it a step further by offering ideas on how to improve their design and explain why we thought it worked or didnt work. This is a great life skill. And its something that came up again while I was s tudying Management for my Masters degree at NYU. In management, the most effective method is to guide or coach people. This means pointing out exactly what theyre doing right and what theyre doing wrong which is exactly what I had already learned at Pratt Institute. Check out Stevens tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.