Ask an MBA Admissions Expert David Petersam

Ask an MBA Admissions Expert David Petersam Varsity Tutors brings you insider tips and advice straight from nationally recognized admissions experts. A graduate of The University of Chicago MBA program, David Petersam is well-known for his knowledge of MBA admissions. His expertise is drawn from his experience in The University of ChicagoMBA admissions office, where he contributed to numerous admissions committee decisions. David is now the founder and President of AdmissionsConsultants, Inc., a service he started back in 1996 directed toward helping MBA applicants gain acceptance into the worlds top business schools. VT: How much time should be set aside to adequately prepare for and complete the application for an MBA program? David: Weve conducted numerous polls of our clients over the years and have never found any type of consensus for the number of hours needed. Some applicants dont come from work backgrounds that require a lot of writing and even many that do are surprised when they find it is harder to write about themselves than whatever topics they are generally used to writing. The important things to remember, however, are that (1) an early start is critical for the brainstorming and introspection phases and (2) it is generally better to apply in a later round with an application that reflects 100% of your best effort than rush an application into an early round that is full of incoherencies. VT: What would you say is the single most important thing to focus on for this kind of application? David: Be true to yourself. Have genuine reasons for why you want an MBA and why you want to attend that particular school. Any attempt to cheat the school with insincere reasons is equally an attempt to cheat yourself as you will be spending a lot of time and money pursuing a graduate business education. VT: What do MBA admissions officers look for most in the essay questions? David: Fit. While the term is often interpreted as elitist, exclusionist or just plain mean, applicants need to understand that it has a much different meaning to organizations. It has to do with how well an individuals abilities, ambitions and values complement those of the organization. When individuals and organizations are in synch, both benefit. The organization receives productive workers, committed members or enthusiastic students. The individual receives a supportive and appreciative home for his or her efforts and growth. VT: What are the biggest mistakes one can make on this application? David: The one that most surprises new admissions officers is the percentage of applicants who forget which school they are applying to. It happens more often than you probably think! VT: What aspects of the MBA admissions process make it most different from undergraduate admissions process? David: The first difference is that MBA programs expect you to have a clear vision of your career goals. The second biggest difference involves the admissions interview. It is not only far more evaluative, but it is generally by invitation only which means the goal of the essays is to secure an interview invitation. VT: Is there anything that automatically disqualifies an applicant from being considered for an MBA program (i.e. low GPA, lack of particular work experience, etc.)? David: Failing to prove that you can clear the academic qualifications hurdle (GPA and GMAT/GRE) is an automatic disqualifier. Everything else could be stellar, but if the school believes you cant handle the rigor of its program, you will be receiving a ding letter. VT: What advice do you have regarding GMAT test prep? David: A well thought out test prep strategy is just as important as a well thought out application strategy. You need to dedicate a segment of time to your preparations and if you run into any issues, seek out help. Chances are you are not the only one with that issue and competent help is available if you look hard enough. VT: Is it absolutely necessary to have work experience prior to starting an MBA degree? David: The key is to ensure your MBA will help you achieve your career goals. For most applicants, the pre-MBA work experience is an essential component in achieving those goals. However, since this is not always the case, the answer is no. VT: What are the characteristics of a great MBA program? David: All of the top MBA programs are well differentiated and different applicants will put different relative weights on different criteria. The only universal characteristic across all applicants is fit. Visit AdmissionsConsultants.com for more information on the services David and his colleagues provide.The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

What is Statistics

What is Statistics Statistics is used to organize and analyze data. Data can be in any one of the form. For example after an examination a student is awarded with a percentage (from 0 to 100) which is equivalent to a particular grade like A 90%, B 75%, C 65%, D 50%, E 35%, F 35%. Grading system with respect to the percentage is done by some researchers. Statistics is also used for the purpose of prediction. Prediction is done by each and every individual at some point of life. In other words, if students of Mathematics start their class with reading formulae for 10minutes everyday for half of the semester then the students will have made a prediction about reading of the formulae in Mathematics class.The person is not sure that the same things will occur again instead he can just expect the same things will happen. Where is Statistics used? Biology and social sciences Finance Manufacturing Marketing research Management Biotechnology Computing The main goal of statistics is to study and to draw a conclusion from the changes occurred in the values of independent variables (prediction) on dependent variables (response). Observational and experimental are two major types of studies.

All You Need To Know About Jazz Drums!

All You Need To Know About Jazz Drums! So You Want To Learn To Play Jazz Drums? ChaptersWhy Choose A Jazz Drum Set?What Are The Features Of Jazz Drums?Can You Play Jazz With Electronic Drums?Which Jazz Drum Set Is Right For Me If I Want To Learn Jazz Drums?Jazz is a hugely popular and enduring music genre and is one practised by many musicians around the world.As a result, it’s hardly surprising that there are lots of drummers out there that enjoy jazz drumming. Even if you’re just starting out when it comes to learning how to drum, it can be really beneficial to try out different styles and genres of music to see which style of drumming most interests and suits you.If you have prior experience with jazz drumming or think that jazz drumming might be a route you’d like to go down, this article outlines some of the factors you might like to consider, such as:The benefits of having a dedicated jazz drum set;What you might find in a jazz drum set; andThings to consider when buying a jazz drum set.Just like there are different types of guitar, there are also di fferent types of drum sets, including jazz drums. (Image Source: CC0 1.0, FirmBee, Pixabay)An acoustic guitar; orA folk guitar.When it comes to drumming, you need to make a choice between acoustic drums and electronic drums. If you decide to play acoustic drums, then you should try and choose to a kit that is geared towards the style of music that you’d like to play.For example, a jazz drum kit would be a great purchase for anyone looking to play styles of music such as jazz, modern jazz, jazz-rock, blues, Bossa Nova or Latin rhythms.In other words, if you’d like to play one of the above musical styles, then the type of drum kit you should buy is essentially set out for you (i.e. a jazz kit would be a great choice).This is because other types of drum kits, such as a rock and roll drum set or a fusion set, will produce different sounds, which may not match the kind of sounds that you’re hoping to achieve when playing in a jazz style.However, it’s worth remembering that nothin g is set in life, and you are of course free to choose to play on whichever style drum kit you choose!There are lots of different ways you can customise a set of jazz drums. (Image Source: CC0 1.0, OpenClipart-Vectors, Pixabay)What Are The Features Of Jazz Drums?One of the advantages of jazz drum sets is that they are usually relatively easy to move around thanks to the small relative size and weight of the various elements in the kit. This can be particularly handy for any drummers that have to travel around with their drum kit a lot, for example, to attend gigs, a jazz festival with their jazz band or big band, or when performing in a concert hall with an orchestra.What’s more, drummers may find it easier to play a jazz drum set in a small space, as the sound emitted is less likely to pierce through the ears of the audience!When it comes to specifications though, it’s worth noting that playing the drums on a jazz drum set is not the same thing as playing the drums on a rock an d roll drum set. This is because the configuration shouldn’t be the same and neither should the size of the various elements in the kit.Generally speaking, a jazz set may comprise the following:Two tom drums â€" one 10 inches and one 13 inches;A small 18-inch bass drum;A 13-inch snare drum;A hi-hat;A ride cymbal, which is used often in jazz; andA crash cymbal.Of course, anything goes in the world of music, so don’t feel as though you have to stick with this composition if you don’t want to!Which Drumsticks Should I Choose If I Want To Play Jazz?When it comes to selecting sticks to help you play jazz, it’s worthwhile looking at drumsticks that are as thin and light as possible. For instance, a 7A size should do the job, but feel free to test out other drumsticks as well. Equally, metal or plastic brushes are a good choice when playing jazz, particularly when using the cymbals.What’s more, when it comes to playing jazz, you can also sometimes make use of a percussion mallet and even your hands â€" ultimately, your creativity can guide you when it comes to the tools you can use, either when you're practising or performing a drum solo!Can You Play Jazz With Electronic Drums?Electronic drums tend to suit styles like rock, pop or funk, and as a result are less suitable for styles such as jazz. However, that’s not to say that you couldn’t use electronic drums to play jazz music!In the ideal world, a jazz drum set would be a great choice if you had your heart set on playing jazz, but if you don’t have any choice in the kind of kit that you buy a good set of electronic drums could also get the job done.Ultimately, it’s worth remembering that if you are committed to jazz drumming, then you should be able to achieve your goal with whatever kit you have around, even if it’s not the best configuration for that style of music, so don’t feel too disheartened if you can’t get your hands on a jazz drum set straight away.When buying a set of jazz drums, it's also worth thinking about the type of drumsticks you'd like to use. (Image Source: CC0 1.0, flockine, Pixabay)Which Jazz Drum Set Is Right For Me If I Want To Learn Jazz Drums?Choosing what drum set you would like and what elements to include as part of your kit is a very personal decision.One way to go about choosing a drum set is to pick a drummer that you admire. For example, you might consider some of the greatest drummers or best drummers to be legendary figures such as:Max Roach;Tony Williams;Buddy Rich;Jo Jones;Elvin Jones;Art Blakely; orPeter Erskine, to name a few!Once you've picked out a jazz drummer or jazz drummers, you could attempt to recreate those jazz artists' drum kits as much as you can.Of course, professional musicians are likely to have top-end equipment, so don’t feel as if you have to buy the most expensive kit available to emulate them â€" simply pick a kit that is likely to be a close match to your preferred drummer’s that also sits nicely within yo ur budget, however big or small that budget may be.It’s also worth knowing that you can buy some ready-made jazz drum sets, meaning that you don’t need to go out and buy each piece separately. For some, this convenience is a big advantage, while others prefer to buy their elements separately to allow for some form of personalisation or customisation.Again, there’s no right answer, it’s more a case of personal preference.Equally, when looking to buy a jazz drum set, don’t be afraid to ask around for recommendations from friends to see what they would suggest you buy, or if they'd recommend any particular brands, such as Zildjian. Alternatively, a knowledgeable sales associate at your local music shop might be able to point you in the right direction when it comes to what kit or instruments to buy.If you’re in a position to try out a jazz drum set before you buy it, then take that opportunity, as you might find out that one set that you had your heart set on doesn’t quit e resonate with you for one reason or another after you try it out.Once you've found your ideal drum kit and you're all set to start learning to drum and play along to your favourite beats - or even make your own, you might also want to think about whether or not you'd benefit from having a drum lesson or several drum lessons with a tutor.You can get a lot out of drumming lessons, including online drum lessons, as the drum tutor can give you feedback on your performances or drum solos by listening to how you play. Whether your aim is to improve your overall rhythm, technique, tempo, improvisation, timekeeping, or you just want to get better at playing the drums more generally, drum lessons might help.Superprof has a wide number of tutors you can choose from, whether you consider yourself a beginner, intermediate, or even an advanced musician.If you found this useful, why not check out our blog on how to play the drums without a drum kit!

Help With Teaching Algebra! -The basics

Help With Teaching Algebra! -The basics Do you need help with teaching algebra? Super-tutor and Tutorfair founder Mark Maclaine shares his tips gleaned from 15 years as a maths tutor helping students to crack the dreaded algebra. This is part one of two blog posts so keep an eye out for the next one. Please add any questions or suggestions to the comments section. Algebra is one of those topics in maths that can cause no end of problems later on if it’s not properly understood at the beginning. Recently I met a 16-year-old student who’d managed to get a long way without properly understanding algebra, but then got stuck as her questions got harder. Going right back to the basics, she was able to unravel it. I’m going to share a method that I learnt a couple of years into my tutoring, and have slowly refined over the last decade through the help of my fellow tutors and wonderful students. Firstly, here are the basics that you should know: Children are often taught the basics of algebra using boxes like this: Easier questions like this can often be solved by inspection. That’s simply the posh way of saying ‘I looked at it (or inspected it) and knew the answer.’ Students who know that adding 3 and 7 makes 10 can see that the missing number must be 7. Drawing boxes all the time can be a bit fiddly, especially if there is more than one missing number - how do you know which box is which? So in algebra we just replace these boxes with letters. Let’s pick “a”.                                           In this case a = 7, because 7 + 3 = 10. So, inspection works for easier questions like this. What happens when things get more complicated? The answer: we use the arrow method. The ‘arrow method’ is a way of solving equations that use algebra. It takes a little time to understand but when you follow it properly, it is very hard to get questions wrong. Solving algebraic equations is like a game. The aim is to get the letter on its own on one side of the equation. The first thing we do is to draw an arrow below the equal sign and place another equal sign there: You don’t have to draw an arrow, it could just be a line. The main purpose of this is to separate the two sides of the equation from each other. On one side we have a + 3 and the other we have 10. Now, let’s talk opposites: So how do we get the ‘a’ on its own? We can see that 3 is being added to ‘a’ to make 10, so the opposite of adding 3 is to subtract 3: When solving these equations, remember that what you do to one side you must do to the other. Since 10 â€" 3 = 7, we have the answer. This method is vital for more complicated questions that can’t be solved ‘by inspection’. Just a note: In algebra we usually leave out the multiplication and division signs, instead using the following notation: This also helps avoid confusion when the letter x is used to represent a number. Next week we’ll look at how to solve some more complicated equations so make sure you check that out. If you need some help with maths, why not have a look at Tutorfair’s website which has a whole list to choose from?   Here’s a selection of three of Tutorfair’s maths tutors: George S - Enthusiastic UCL undergraduate Melanie A - Gives children the mindset for success Matthew S - First rate science and maths tutor;Cambridge graduate

Taking Care of Business - English Listening Exercise

Taking Care of Business - English Listening Exercise Looking for a good video for an English listening exercise I found this clip from the movie Taking Care of Business. Im sure Ive seen the movie at some point, but I cant remember it.I was looking for a video that would help our students in a real work meeting in English; I wanted the language to be fast paced to challenge our English learning students.   I am slightly offended by the video, and I dont recommend watching it if youre easily offended, but I do think it is funny. The video isnt the best quality either, but I think the language they use in the video is important and most of the English in the video could be heard during a business meeting (although I hope you never hear some of this in a meeting!).Pay close attention to the transitional words. These are when we change subjects, introduce ideas, and ask for opinions. They are slightly more formal and sophisticated than our everyday English but they are important in business settings.Listening Exercise: Fill in the gaps bel ow from the video. Write your answers in comments and well respond.1. ____ _____ ___ ____ Spencer, Fridays close was at 56. 2. One of the most _______ stocks traded. 3. My ________ is this. 4. The ______ ______ after all, is money. 5 A toast to competitiveness, ____ _______, profit, and _______. 6. Weve been ______ that for years and we are looking for a new ____. 7. Are you ______ with high qualities products. 8. I think its __________. 9. But then again I like really greasy stuff. 10. How _____ you insult our _______.Writing Assignment: Tell me about a business meeting that you have attended. Do you conduct your meetings in the office or do you sometimes have meetings at restaurants? Which do you think is more productive? Have you attended a meeting in English? If yes, was it difficult? Why? Use your transitional words to introduce your opinion, and change topic: Here is the deal, after all, my point is, the bottom line, Im sure youre familiar with. Aleksandra Lobova 1. Here is t he deal Spencer, Friday’s close was at 56. 2. One of the most active stocks traded. 3. My point is this. 4. The bottom line after all, is money. 5 A toast to competitiveness, good management, profit, and honesty.6. We’ve been using that for years and we are looking for a new image. 7. Are you familiar with high qualities products.8. I think it’s sacks.9. But then again I like really greasy food. 10. How do you insult our product. LOIEnglish Aleksandra, Good work! A few corrections:Question #8: I think its outrageous. (The word that you are hearing is sucks. Spencer uses this repeatedly to describe the different foods. It is informal and somewhat profane however, it is used in everyday language quite often.)Question #9: How DARE you insult our product. (dare-to defy or challenge, to take a big risk.) I dared to go on a blind date.Good listening skills! Ilka 1. Now heres the deal Spencer, Friday’s close was at 56. 2. One of the most _______ stocks traded. 3. My point is this . 4. The border line after all, is money. 5 A toast to competitiveness, good management, profit, and honesty. 6. We’ve been using that for years and we are looking for a new image. 7. Are you familiar with high qualities products. 8. I think it’s __________. 9. But then again I like really greasy stuff. 10. How dare you insult our products. LOIEnglish IlkaQuestion #2: activeQuestion #4: bottom line (the final total of an account, balance sheet, or other financial document. The underlying or ultimate outcome or criterion: the bottom line is Im still married to Denny | the bottom line is, does it work?)Question #8: I think its outrageous.Good work Ilka. Sean Hwang Now here is the deal active point bottom line good management, honesty using, image familiar outrageous dare productI have had business meetings both in the office and at restaurants. The meetings in the office are more comfortable for me since I just need to focus on business related topics, meanwhile at the meeting at restaurants, more colorful topics are required to facilitate the meeting. Meeting in English is still challenging for me, given my limited proficiency. However, I hope it will be better trying to practice many useful phrases presented here. LOIEnglish SeanGood listening!A few notes on your writing: meanwhile-this isnt the correct choice here. Meanwhile is used as a time reference to signify something is happening at the same time. Julie has meanwhile, found herself another dance partner. A better choice for this sentence is on the other handMeetingS in English ARE still challenging for me, given my limited proficiency. However, I hope it will GET better BECAUSE I CAN practice many useful phrases presented here.Thank you for answering!

Its Who You Know 5 Networking Resources For Your Internship Woes

It's Who You Know 5 Networking Resources For Your Internship Woes Image courtesy of Flickr Having said that, I still apply to random online positions that I find interesting on the off-chance that the employer likes what I have to say enough to get me on the phone or something. I think Hughes would agree that the point of his advice is not Stop applying to random internships that sound interesting, but it is rather to emphasize a different approach to the process. Bringing on a familiar face, after all, is easier than hiring whoever it is you gauge from a resume and perhaps a cover letter. Tufts knows this as a practice common across each step in life, not just internship and job searching: We conduct research every day. When you’re applying to college, you don’t rely on online resources; you talk to teachers, guidance counselors, family members, and students at your target schools. Later, when you’re moving off campus, you ask for advice about realtors and apartments. When your family comes to visit, perhaps you get tips about good restaurants in Boston. Each of these scenarios involves collecting useful information. When applied to career search, networking is a process of asking people for information about occupations, employers, and industries. With each person you speak, you learn more about the world of work and where you best fit. People are your primary sources. There you have it When I think of outlets for networking available to college students I think of the five that Ive written about below. Go ahead and keep using LinkedIn, Intern Sushi and even Facebook to find internships because they are still viable options; however, real people are the key to the secrets of the real world. As our title above already stated, its all about who you know. 1. Alumni Image courtesy of Flickr Now that I am a part of the Tufts Alumni Admissions Program, I get how much wisdom we acquire over our four years in college. An alum from your own school, especially, has insight into his/her past (your present) and the future. Chances are, you can find a willing alum out there who can help you along in your internship search. Most schools offer some sort of resource to help connect current students and former students. Some schools organize meet-ups and luncheons to meet alums. Go with a friend if youre nervous youd be surprised how friendly and willing alums are to give their advice and contact information. It helps when these alums are in your field of interest, of course. As a biopsychology major, for example, I know there are not a whole lot of schools who offer that degree. Sure, you could double major in biology and psychology, but it is different. Talking with some recently graduated seniors who also had that major gave me a pretty specific and informative perspective on my options. Devin Merullo, someone I interviewed for a previous article (go check it out), gave me some good advice on graduate programs and said hed put in a good word at a Tufts lab I was trying to intern at last year. I didnt get the gig, but it was cool to have that reference. One could even put classmates into this category since what we do on a daily basis in classes is working together. With Facebook nowadays, we take for granted how connected we all are, but later in life, we may find our former classmates able to help in the same ways an alum might. 2. Professors Obviously, part of this process is up to your ability to judge peoples personalities. Do not confide in alumni whom you knew as an undergrad if you remember that person as a mean human being. Same goes here: dont force a relationship with a professor you do not like. Take the good with the bad. Of course I would never recommend you to pass up an opportunity, but there are few things worse than pretending to be nice to someone you abhor. With that said You can always hold on to that professors name and contact information and, down the road, could always whip it out if need be. If you like a professor, do your best to participate in class and perhaps ask them to be your academic adviser if you havent selected one yet. My adviser has given me a lot of good advice and an experienced ear to throw ideas off of. When I mentioned I was looking to get more hands-on experience in my sophomore spring, she suggested I help with some research being done in her lab. That semester I worked with one of her graduate students who has now gone on to do pretty well in the field of spatial psychology. 3. Family Members Maybe you want to be a lawyer and Mom has a friend from high school who just happens to have a private law firm. Maybe Mom can ask her friend if you could intern there one summer. No? At the least, Mom can give her friend your name and vice versa. Maybe Moms friend has a buddy who actually needs some help around his office These things happen more often than you might think. Luckier still would be if Mom herself was a lawyer and could open up a few doors for you. 4. University Career Services Image courtesy of Wikipedia Use these places while you can. As a senior, Im just now realizing the qualities of Tufts Career Center. They have free drop-in times every day of the week where you can do pretty much anything during those allotted times with one of the career center employees: a resume check, internship search or just a talk about your future. They might even give you names of people who have contacted them about opportunities. For networking services specifically, Tufts has multiple programming events for students: Tufts Career Advisory Network, Tufts Career Internship Fairs, Career Internship Connection, Campus Events, Social Media Outlets, etc. Obviously, you have to seek this information out, but part of working on your networking is just that work. For the professionals hired at your universitys career center it is their job to help you along your way after graduation. There is an enlightened self-interest involved here since they do so and care about you mainly so they can bolster their post-graduation employment numbers, but hey, what do you care? If theyre going to give you top notch assistance, you should be happy. 5. Past companies Through Uloop I have made so many connections with fellow writers across the nation. I was able to pursue a three-month internship with Bleacher Report because of Uloop. Not in the I put it on my resume way, but because Hughes directly put me in touch with the internship program director over at Bleacher Report. This one may require you to remember your manners at your current job. After all, no one wants to help out that guy who never did his work, never contributed, etc. Be a team player and who knows what doors your peers or employers might fling open for you. Run your own business, get control of your future, make an impact on your life. To learn more about College Pro, click here or call 1-888-277-7962.

Shenzhen METEN International Education Ltd.

Shenzhen METEN International Education Ltd. Shenzhen METEN International Education Ltd. Meten International Education Group, also known as Meten English or METEN, is a global-leading experiential language training institute founded in 2006. Metens headquarters are in Shenzhen, New York and Beijing. Over 10 years Meten has grown to over 100 learning centers across China and now staffs a team of over 3,000 professionals in ESL teaching, educational research and development, marketing and tutoring services. Meten provides various programs catered to different learning demands: Meten General English, Meten Test Prep, Meten Overseas Services, Meten Preparatory Academy (G7-12), and likeshuo.com (Meten Online VIP). By the end of 2014, Meten learners have reached almost 200,000. Meten has become the fastest institution to have reached impressive development milestones in the English language training industry. Aiming at building and leading the experiential English training brand globally, Meten has invested in the expansion of its business in the form of mergers and acquisitions integrating 8 other specialized English training institutions. To better serve the markets demand for English learning in China, Meten Service USA Corp was established in March 2016 as a U.S. corporation focusing on providing the best service to Chinese students who come to the United States to study in high schools as well as in universities. Meten has always maintained a high degree of social responsibility awareness. We not only have cultivated a number of international talents for the society, but also have made great contributions to public charities. Now, Meteners charity footprints are all over Chongqing, Sichuan, Guangxi, Yunnan, Tibet, Jiangxi, Guizhou and Hunan, helping thousands of poor students. Metens focused attitude and enthusiasm in charity pave the way for more children to have equal opportunities and access to education. Meten continues to promote the development of English training in China with high quality instruction and world-class learning environment. View our Brochure View our Brochure View our Brochure View our Brochure View our Brochure View our Brochure View our Brochure View our Brochure View our Brochure View our Brochure View our Brochure View our Brochure View our Brochure View our Brochure View our Brochure View our Brochure