Vertical Angle Definition Tutors

Vertical Angle Definition Tutors When two straight lines intersect each other, then the angles formed which are opposite to each other are known as vertical angles, and such vertical angles are equal in measure. So this implies that the vertical angles, which are the opposite angles formed when two lines intersect each other are congruent angles and this definition helps us calculate various other angles very easily. Vertical angles play a very important role while measuring angles in different cases of geometry. Example 1: Given below is the diagram of the intersection of two straight lines. If the value of a = 70, then find the value of x from the diagram shown below. Given, a = 70 From the diagram we can observe that, a and x are opposite to each other and hence they are vertical angles! Hence their value should be equal to each other. This gives, value of x = value of a = 70. Example 2: Given below is the diagram of the intersection of two straight lines. If the value of x = 85, then find the value of y from the diagram shown below. Given, x = 85 From the diagram we can observe that, x and y are opposite to each other and hence they are vertical angles! Hence their value should be equal to each other. This gives, value of y = value of x = 85.

3 Mistakes Youre Making as Youre Learning Guitar Chords

3 Mistakes Youre Making as Youre Learning Guitar Chords Suzy S. Dont make learning guitar chords any tougher that it has to be! Read on to check yourself with some helpful advice from Tulsa, OK teacher Chris F... I have been teaching guitar for several years now. Every now and then I evaluate the effectiveness of my teaching methods. What Ive discovered is that there are many bad ways to go about teaching and learning guitar chords. Based off my experience, here are some ineffective ways people try to learn chords: They try to learn too many chords at once (and dont learn any of them well). They dont use a capo. They don’t use Roman Numerals. Let me break these problems down one by one and suggest some alternative habits that will get you learning guitar chords and playing better in no time. Trying to learn too many chords at once   95% of popular music is made up of four kinds of chords. Often, these chords are G, C, D, Em. These are the first four guitar chords that you should know like the back of your hand. Countless songs in all genres can be played with these four chords. If you can play these four chords quickly and well, you’re better off than someone that can play 15 chords just alright. The  next two chords you should learn are Am and F. Those six chords will open up countless songs. Keep in mind that you’ll run across chords like Em7 and Cadd9. Those chords have additional  details which will be easy to add down the road. For now, just play the first letter in the chord. Similarly, chords like G/B and D/F# should just be read as the first letter for now. Don’t make the mistake of getting caught up in too many little details. Learn the six chords above and play as much as you can with them. Not using a capo A capo is a device for guitar and other fretted instruments that moves all the pitches on the guitar up a certain amount (e.g. up two frets or five frets). They are inexpensive and are absolutely essential for learning guitar chords and songs. With a capo, countless songs can be played with the six chords mentioned above. The songs are still playable without a capo, but much harder chords are required to play them. Fortunately, the six chords above are easier to play  and  sound better than the non-capoed chords. Invest in a capo and you’ll use it all the time. Not using Roman Numerals Roman Numerals in music is a way of thinking about chords like numbers. For example, when we’re in the key of G (all that means now is that we’re using G, C, D, and Em together),  G = I, C = IV, D = V, and Em = vi. These numbers are based off of the musical  alphabet. G is 1, A is 2, B is 3, C is 4, D is 5, and E is 6. These numbers represent something much more important than G, C, D, and Em. In fact, it’s these numbers (and no so  much the chords) that are going through the brains of the pros when they’re playing through a song. Why these numbers are used will become more and more clear down the road. Memorizing and practicing them is the important thing to start with as a  beginner. To practice this, take ten or more chord charts and replace G, C, D, and Em with I, IV, V, and vi. For example: You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. You make me happy, when skies are grey. (G C G) You’ll never know dear, how much I love you. Please don’t take my sunshine away. (C G Em G D G) You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. You make me happy, when skies are grey. (I IV I) You’ll never know dear, how much I love you. Please don’t take my sunshine away. (IV I vi I V I) If you get these numbers in your head now, you’ll learn songs much more faster down the road. It may seem pointless, but it’s one of the most useful things you can do as a guitarist. There is much more to be said about Roman Numerals, but that will have to left to another article. Avoid these three mistakes and you’ll have a huge advantage as a guitarist and a musician. Happy playing! Chris F. teaches guitar, piano, music theory, and more in Tulsa, OK. He has been active in collegiate percussion ensembles, marching and concert bands, various choirs, chamber music groups, jazz combos, an award winning jazz big band, bluegrass combos, drum and bugle corps, and private lessons on several instruments, as both a section leader and as a teacher. Learn more about Chris here!   Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher Photo  by simon_music

Speed Reading Can it Really Be Done

Speed Reading â€" Can it Really Be Done Suzy S. Want to learn how to read faster? Tempted by all the promises of speed reading programs and classes? Find out if theres truth behind the strategies in this guest post by Ann Arbor, MI teacher  Elaina R Imagine a library full of frantic-looking students, their eyes darting back and forth as they flip through textbooks. These students are attempting the controversial art of speed reading. Unfortunately, many of these students will probably find that they remember very little of the information they are so busily scanning. This begs the question: do these strategies for learning how to read faster really work? Or is it a fantasy thought up by busy students? Let’s explore the concept of speed reading, whether or not it works, and what might work better. What is Speed Reading? Speed reading involves quickly glancing through text. The goal of this type of reading is not to absorb every word. Instead, readers want to quickly understand the gist of the text. They want to be able to regurgitate important themes and summarize the text, even if they miss the details. As you can imagine, speed reading only works in certain situations. Unfortunately, reading a textbook isn’t one of those situations. There are certain things you cannot scan through with good results. Speed reading is best for simple reading, such as: • Mainstream news articles • Advertising emails and letters Speed reading is bad for complex reading, such as: • Textbooks • Scientific articles • Literature Speed Reading Techniques For lighter reading, here are some tried-and-true techniques that can help you glean the overall themes quickly. Although these techniques probably won’t help you read Chaucer any faster, they might help you clear your inbox or read the news in less time. The glance-over: Look over chunks of text a few lines at a time, picking out important elements (such as nouns and numbers) as you go. The diagonal: Cut a diagonal through each paragraph with your eyes, searching for these important key elements. Just read faster: Look at each line individually, but at a very rapid pace. Better Than Speed Reading If you are tempted to try speed reading in an academic setting (you forgot to study for the big test, for example), know that you arent going to learn how to read faster in one night. Instead, here are a few techniques that may be more useful to you: Read just a hair faster: Instead of attempting to read at lightning speed, go for just a slightly brisker pace than usual. Don’t go overboard â€" just be conscious of your speed and, while still reading and processing each word, see if you can handle a few more words per minute. Chapter summaries: Many textbooks come equipped with summaries at the end of each chapter or section. Others have key words grouped at the ends of chapters. Use these! If you have to study a whole textbook in one night, read all of the summaries and look up any specific topics that are confusing. Headings and tables of contents: You can also go through textbooks and look just at the headings and subheadings. Alternately, take a gander at the table of contents. Use this as a guide to help you revisit (and properly read!) the hardest sections. Study buddies: Get together with classmates, compare notes, and test each other. If you don’t know where to start, try randomly flipping to a page in the book and asking each other questions from it. If one section is no problem, move on to the next one. This goes without saying, but the best way to get to know the material is to actually read it. Learn how to manage your time so that you can complete assigned readings, take notes, and really absorb the material before crunch time. Not only is a natural reading pace more effective, it can also be fun. If you have trouble managing your time and studying well, consider hiring a tutor to help you hone these skills. Elaina R. is a writer, editor, singer, and voice teacher based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Her book  Slaying Your Admissions Essay Dragon  shows how to write application essays that are actually fun to read. Elaina has served as an editor for several notable books as well, including NFL great Adrian Peterson’s autobiography  Don’t Dis My Abilities. Learn more about Elaina here! Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher Photo  by  RLHyde

Soft Skills Every Introvert Needs to Master - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / Soft Skills Every Introvert Needs to Master - Introvert Whisperer Soft Skills Every Introvert Needs to Master We as introvert often consider the fact that maybe it is too late for us to make a change in ourselves. Instead of harboring such unproductive thoughts, we need a positive frame of mind about practicing and perfecting new soft skills. So what are these soft skills introverts need to master? Develop Organized Thought Process Communication can sometimes become repetitive and redundant. You have to find ways to make it fun and lively. You must be cognizant of the words you want to use to express your thoughts. There is no harm in taking half a second more to process your feelings. Since introverts, we need to make sure that we can communicate what we want to say explicitly. The momentary silence is often helpful in letting you focus on the conversation instead of slipping away words that you may not have wanted to say. Stop Complaining and Start Smiling   If you have ever read the book, “How to Stop Worrying and Start Living?” by Dale Carnegie, you must have read the chapter focusing on “not to cry over spilled milk.” This particular chapter discusses the story of a professor who teaches people how to stop worrying. Every time the professor walks into the class, he has a glass of milk on the table. He picks up that glass and drops it onto the floor. Everyone in the classroom becomes uneasy at what the professor just did. Later, the professor explains to the students, no matter how much he may whine, complain, or regret, that would not bring back the milk. Therefore, always smile to radiate positivity that can help everyone stay positive and focused. Learn to Forgive Yourself   We often face stressful situations in life where we are unable to make a decision. However, we may not always make smart choices. Sometimes, we tend to make decisions that do not go the way we would have liked. It is OK not to make all the decisions perfect in life. We must give room to ourselves to accept our mistakes and grow out of them. There is no point living in the shadows of past regrets. Unless we can break the shackles of the memories of our bad decisions, we will keep on struggling to find a way forward. Learn to forgive yourself and move forward with all your heart, passion and tenacity to surmount challenges in life. Practice Starting Conversations by Asking Questions   Sometimes, we introverts are too shy to break the ice and start a conversation. Some individuals may not agree. But many believe that it is difficult to start a new discussion, particularly with a stranger or person who we do not know that well. One way of doing that is by asking questions and getting inquisitive about other people’s lives. When you take an interest in other person’s life, they would be more than happy to share their stories. They would be able to share their observations and would be glad to enjoy your company. You would often read the usual career related soft skills that people often ask us to master. But as an introvert person, most of us have these non-existent fears or limitations that if we can overcome, can help us grow as individuals. Author Bio: Let me emphasize that Self-Promotion doesn’t have to be obnoxious to be effective.  But, if you don’t Self-Promote you, who will?  If you ever want to get ahead, you have to learn how to Self-Promote. I want to help you accelerate your career by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my video that shows you simple, yet effective ways to Self-Promote. Start watching now by clicking here! Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleashing your professional potential. Introvert Whisperer

How to Survive Layoff at Work - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / How to Survive Layoff at Work - Introvert Whisperer How to Survive Layoff at Work Layoffs are indeed ugly situations. Imagine, waking up one day and going to work only to realize that the workplace has turned into a battleground. Your colleagues are overworking. It’s a tooth and nail-biting competition, and everybody wants to look good even at the cost of making someone else look bad. It might be a situation of sheer panic and nerve-racking experience. But with the right approach and smart actions, you can very well get through this. Here is a step by step guide to surviving or successfully overcome a layoff at work- Step 1 Be Well Prepared! Preparation is the key to dealing with any form of crisis.  No matter what, be prepared for the worst-case scenario. Preparation in hand means to consider all possible outcome of a situation and land up with a plan of action accordingly. Be ready with a Plan-B Update your LinkedIn profile and other professional handles Give yourself time and don’t be anxious Reach out to people and don’t feel limited Step 2 Maintain Distance From Gossipmongers One important thing people tend to ignore in such situations is getting into an unnecessary talk. Remember to stay above the fray and avoid conflicts or disorderly discourse. Stay quiet and be observant. Be observant Don’t blab or whine about the happenings Open your ears and be a good listener Maintain distance from negative talks Don’t get distracted by all the rumours and stay focussed on your plan Be confidential of any of the information provided to you Hold down the temptation to trap your boss into personal conversations Being silent during a layoff is the best way to carry yourself at the office. You never know when can your words be used against you. After all, nobody wants to get off the team without any reason. Step 3 Earn Your Value If ever you felt like putting up your best behaviour at the office, then it has to be this day! Remember your first day at the workplace, recall the feeling of enthusiasm and optimism running down your veins, it’s really not easy to put up such a temperament in the situation at hand, but it’s not impossible either! Go ahead and earn your value in front of your boss. Prove your worth Carry a happy vibe and alleviate stress among your peers Make sure the work goes smooth List your accomplishments smartly Get your work noticed Initiate work-related talks and subtly highlight your potential Acting all sweet and nice is a good idea but make sure you don’t overdo it. Try keeping a balance and bring your emotional quotient upfront. This is the perfect time to portray your maturity and the ability to deal with unpleasant situations. Step 4 Be Proactive You need to be aware and have a realistic perspective while dealing with a layoff. Take charge of things and adapt to the unusual scenario. Show that you are a proactive individual and don’t lose your personality traits over such things. Remember, you are what you do in tough situations and you’ll be noticed favourably if you know how to manage it effectively. Update your Resume Learn about newly introduced technologies Start building skills and increase your market value Keep a check on new opportunities Involve yourself into productivity Start cutting down your finances Seek health and other insurances if you haven’t already Since you are unaware of the impending doom to fall, you need to be considerate of every possible outcome. Remember, it is not your vacation time, so don’t act leisurely. Invest your time into doing something productive. Instead of brooding over to your friends, make the most of this time and take it as an opportunity for self-improvisation. Polish yourself and make the most of this time. Step 5 Use Your Network This is a golden time to make use of the network you have! You might have come across a lot of people who carry a name in the industry during your tenure. Make use of it. Build your outreach in the market Make a strategy to approach authorities Be open about your layoff Attend conferences, meetups, and expos Put yourself on the show Learn effective networking and be active in your social circle Don’t hesitate to take help from friends and family Your network will open more options for you and build a gateway to pave your path and shape your future journey. It will also make you feel better and help you in handling the stress with some peace. After all, things always get better when you have a team or people to count on! Conclusion Getting laid off at work is a tough time to go through. It is a situation which follows the survival-of-the-fittest rule and one needs to be vigilant in order to survive it. No matter how bad it gets just don’t be hopeless about it and keep your head held high. You need to believe in yourself and maintain a positive outlook. Everything happens for a reason, you never know what is likely to come. Don’t feel bad when encountering an ugly situation. After all, there’s always something bigger and better waiting for you at the end of dark times. AUTHOR BIO

Essential Equipment for Tutoring Singing Lessons

Essential Equipment for Tutoring Singing Lessons What Equipment do I Need to Become a Tutor and Start Teaching Singing ? ChaptersDo You Have to Play an Instrument to Teach Singing?Why a Good Collection of Parts is Essential to Vocal CoachingWhat Equipment do I Need to Teach Singing?Useful Software for Singing LessonsAs a singing teacher, you will know that singing is about far more than making music. Singing is a means of expression and communication that brings joy to many.For many music students, singing lessons offer a stress-busting session where they can come out of their shells and work on their own personal singing style.This is why it is essential that singing teachers recognise the individuality of each of their students and use their personal traits to help create their unique singing style.However, in order to be successful in doing this, there are some pieces of equipment that singing teachers cannot do without. CalumDrama School Entrance Teacher 5.00 (15) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ToriSpanish Teacher 5.00 (1) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors OliviaSchool support Teacher 5.00 (2) £21/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarkESOL (English) Teacher 4.76 (17) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors YuweiChinese Teacher 4.33 (6) £19/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JenniferMusic reading Teacher 5.00 (1) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LouiseAutoCAD Teacher 5.00 (3) £60/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RickyPercussion Teacher 5.00 (7) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NicolasGuitar Teacher 5.00 (2) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MyriamOrganic chemistry Teacher 5.00 (13) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JonathanEconomics Teacher 5.00 (9) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Oluwakemi imoleMaths Teacher 5.00 (1) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AlexPhysics Teacher 5.00 (1) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AdamSinging Teacher 5.00 (14) £48/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ValentiniMusic reading Teacher 5 .00 (2) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MilenaMaths Teacher 5.00 (5) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RashmiEconomics Teacher 5.00 (1) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsDo You Have to Play an Instrument to Teach Singing?The likelihood that you have asked yourself this question as a new voice teacher is quite high.Even though playing an instrument such as the piano or the guitar is not a strict requirement for voice coaches, there is no doubt that it helps.Traditionally, singing teachers accompany their students on the piano, but it is becoming more common for singers to be accompanied on the guitar instead.But why are accompaniments important?As the teacher, before the student attempts a full song, it is incredibly important to get a feel for their tone so you can think about which musical styles will best suit them (e.g. classical, opera, jazz, musical theater, etc.). If you can accompany your student, the process of identifying their tone qu ality and musical ability is significantly easier.Providing an accompaniment can make all the difference ¦ source: Pixabay - Free-PhotosLearning to sing with a musician playing the piano puts the student into a performance environment and helps to prepare them for performances and auditions in the future as they can gradually overcome any stage fright or nervousness. Creating an atmosphere that is optimised for progress in vocal lessons is key to achieving singing success.Being accompanied by an instrumental helps each vocalist to situate themselves and better understand their role within a piece. Accompaniments also help with training the singer’s musical ear as they get used to chord sequences and cadences.Some singers also play an instrument themselves, so practicing their pieces with an accompaniment may help them to overcome the challenge of singing with an instrumental accompaniment before they attempt to play it themselves.If you’re an aspiring singing teacher but you do n’t play an instrument, don’t worry! Playing an instrument isn’t essential to your success as an instructor and you can always download accompaniments from the internet instead.Why a Good Collection of Parts is Essential to Vocal CoachingWhen you’re delivering vocal coaching, having a good stock of pieces and songs for your students is essential.Ideally, you should have pieces for all musical genres, styles and vocal ranges so that there is something for everyone.If you’re leading a choir, you should be paying particular attention to the way you plan your rehearsals and make sure that you always have plenty of parts for your singers!Thanks to the internet, getting hold of parts isn’t as difficult as it used to be, and you can download music as your choir grows.Knowing how to read music makes learning pieces significantly easier for students, as they can attempt to sing through songs that are totally new to them and begin to work on the performance sooner.However, as a si nging teacher, you’re certain to encounter singing students who have never learnt to read music.In this case, there are two possibilities:Introduce them to musical notation and basic music theory during singing lessonsAdopt an alternative working method which is based on listening and musical ear trainingIdeally, you should offer each student pieces which suit their vocal style and personal tastes which they will be able to perfect more easily.What Equipment do I Need to Teach Singing?So, now you have a good selection of pieces and maybe a piano to work with, you’re almost ready to get going!The humble metronome is the backbone of singing rehearsals ¦ source: Pixabay - swooshedEvery teacher has their favourite gadgets for their voice lessons which complement their teaching style, but there are some tools which really are essential.The Essentials for Voice CoachesIf you teach in your own home, you will probably have the most professional tools at your disposal.These will most li kely include:A metronome  to keep the rhythmA music stand  to keep your hands free of music and maintain a good postureScores to use in rehearsalsA digital audio recorder so that students can listen to themselves singingThese four simple things are fundamental to a successful singing lesson. Once you have acquired these items you can start to think about other equipment you think could be of use to your students.For example, you may wish to invest in a good-quality microphone and recording system to create a sort-of mini studio in your home. This will give your students a good opportunity to learn to sing as if they are performing and get used to the equipment.Using Computers in Singing LessonsIt seems there is nothing modern technology can’t help us with. Laptop computers can be useful for singing teachers offering online tutoring jobs in a variety of ways.Not only are laptops easy to transport, but they can also:provide an accompaniment to their performance from musical download s or by playing a CD recordingrecord the student singing to show them their progress over timefilm students while they perform to help them work on their posturehold software for organising teaching schedulesOf course, the way in which you choose to use your equipment will vary according to the needs of each of your students, however, it is always a good idea to have tools available, even if you don’t always use them.For example, a student who is aiming to master their own voice and develop their talent will not have the same needs as a student whose goal is to become a professional performer.It’s up to you as the teacher to adapt your lessons to the individual needs of each student, whether they need to work on their self-confidence, tone quality, vocal exercises, breath control, vibrato and other vocal techniques.Discover what qualifications you need to become a singing teacher.Useful Software for Singing LessonsThe advantage of using a laptop is that you can connect a microph one and headphones as well as downloading software, however, smartphone applications can be just as useful to singing teachers.Use software to help students understand their singing ¦ source: Pixabay - florantevaldezAn additional advantage to using a mobile phone application for recording students is the increased portability, which is useful for teachers who teach outside of their homes.There is a wide range of music software available to download. Two of the most widely-known include:Vocevista: to analyse the voice in detail by viewing pitch as a frequency for exampleAudacity: this software is very useful for removing the vocals from a recorded song and editing recordingsThere is a multitude of software which is simple to use and relevant to specific aspects of learning how to sing.If you want to give your students something to work on between classes, there are plenty of singing applications available which can help them explore their talents.Sometimes it can be difficult to be motivated to sing outside of lessons, so a mobile application can be a lifeline for any lonely singers who need a virtual duet partner to make practicing fun.Here are two examples of useful phone apps:Sing Sharp: This app has pretty much everything when it comes to learning to sing. Aside from learning the fundamentals, Sing Sharp can teach you all you need to know about vocal warm ups and supporting your notes with your diaphragm.Swiftscales: This is probably the most professional app, however, it’s not always easy for beginners to use. Nevertheless, Swiftscales encourages students to accentuate their good qualities to become a well-rounded performer.As a voice coach, it’s up to you to use your equipment effectively for the benefit of your students as well as giving them the means to explore their own talents by themselves so that they can blossom into confident performers.  Learn how to set your rates for Singing lessons  or find singing tutor positions around the UK including tutoring jobs London, Manchester and Birmingham.

Teacher Tips to Get the New Year off to a Great Start

Teacher Tips to Get the New Year off to a Great Start Holiday break is behind you, yet your students still seem to be in vacation mode. What can you do to get things back on track quickly? Here are a few ideas for how to re-energize students for the winter semester: Catch up. Talk with your students about what they enjoyed about their breaks. Make the transition a little smoother by easing into the work and giving students a chance to restore that camaraderie with their classmates. Set class goals. Surely you have an agenda for this semester, but rather than tell students what it is, talk through your objectives for student outcomes and get their buy-in. Invite student input where you can. Go over expectations. January is a good time to refresh students memories on class expectations and processes that you went over at the start of the school year. Share your expectations and consequences for not meeting them and trust your students to behave accordingly. Have students write their own goals. Some students might have already thought about their New Years resolutions why not dedicate some class time to that process, too? The first week back to school, ask students to think about what they want to accomplish this semester, academically and otherwise, the steps theyll need to take to get there, and how you as their teacher can support them. Tidy up. Get your classroom in order, and have your students get their desks, binders, and backpacks in order, too. Yes, you could spend your free time doing this, but getting your students involved gets them more invested. Survey students. What did they like about the fall semester? What projects or lessons were particularly engaging? Talk about things youd like to do differently throughout the winter and spring and ask for their ideas. Lastly, be enthusiastic yourself! Nothing is more inspiring than your own attitude, so if youre eager and forward-looking, theres a greater chance that your students will be, too.

College Admissions Calendar for the Year

College Admissions Calendar for the Year SEPTEMBER In September, sophomores and juniors should register to take the PSAT, a practice run for the SAT, or the PLAN, which is a pre-test for the ACT. The PSAT is given in October, and the PLAN is given on different dates at different schools. A good result on the PSAT can also help you qualify for The National Merit Scholarship Competition and the National Achievement and National Hispanic Scholars programs. Seniors who have not taken the SAT or ACT (or those who want to take them again in hopes of higher scores) should sign up for the SAT Reasoning Test and/or SAT Subject Tests, which should be taken in October and November, or the ACT, which should be taken in September or October. Seniors should also make sure they have all of the applications for colleges they're targeting, and the forms needed for financial aid. Sophomores, juniors and seniors who are concerned about their test-taking skills and those who need to strengthen their content knowledge should consider test preparation p rograms. The best programs offer personalized instruction, provide real education as opposed to simple tips and tricks, and use official SAT and ACT exams to help students strengthen their skills. Students should not wait until the last minute to prepare; school counselors can direct students to the programs that are best for them. OCTOBER In October (or earlier), sophomores, juniors and seniors should attend college fairs. Also in October, if not before, seniors should ensure that they have lined up character recommendations for any colleges that may ask for them. Teachers, employers and coaches can all write letters of recommendation. Seniors who are applying for early decision should send their applications in now. Seniors who haven't taken the SAT Reasoning and/or Subject Tests or the ACT (or those who want to take the tests again in hopes of better results) should sign up to take them in December. NOVEMBER In November, all students in need of financial aid should be searching for grants, scholarships and work-study programs, with help from counselors and other sources, such as the National Research Center for College and University Admissions (www.nrccua.org) and the National Association for College Admission Counseling (www.nacacnet.org). If you're hoping for federal aid, you'll need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (www.fafsa.ed.gov) DECEMBER In December, sophomores and juniors should receive the results of the PLAN and the PSAT. Review the results carefully to determine the skills and knowledge that you need to strengthen prior to taking the ACT or SAT. If you're planning to take the ACT in February you should register now. If you're a senior, make sure you send your official test scores to the colleges and universities you're considering. JANUARY-FEBRUARY In January and February, and throughout the spring, students should continue investigating colleges that suit their interests. Visiting during the months that classes are in session will give you the best sense of campus life. If you're a junior and you've completed the math courses covered on the SAT Reasoning Test, you should register to take this test in April. If you haven't done the coursework, you can register to take the test in May or June - but make sure you prepare. If you're a senior hoping for financial aid, encourage your parents to complete their income tax forms as soon as possible, since you'll need the data from those forms for your FAFSA. If you've already completed your FAFSA, you might receive your Student Aid Report (SAR) in February. Review this carefully and correct any errors. If you sent in the FAFSA more than four weeks earlier and haven't received your report, contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 319 337 5665. MARCH-APRIL If you're a sophomore, you should register now for the June SAT Subject Tests. These are one-hour exams testing your knowledge of subjects that you've completed. Talk with your counselor to determine which tests you should take, and when. If you're a junior, you should register now for the May or June SAT Reasoning Test and/or the May/June SAT Subject tests. Sophomores and juniors who want to take the ACT in June can also register up until May 4. Seniors should be reviewing college acceptances and financial aid awards. If you've decided on a college, inform the institution of your decision. If other colleges have accepted you, you should inform them that you're not going to attend so slots can be filled by other students. MAY and JUNE If you're a sophomore, you should be thinking about summertime activities that will build skills suited to the academic tracks or careers you're considering. Juniors should likewise be looking at activities that strengthen their academic records. Seniors should decide by May 1 which college they want to attend. Seniors should also affirm when payments for tuition, room and board are due. JULY and AUGUST Many students prefer to visit colleges during the year for a good view of campus life, but the summer is also a good time. If possible, make it a family event. While it's easy to become overwhelmed with the college preparation process, being well-organized and well-informed will lessen the pressure considerably, giving you more time to experience what can be one of the most important - and exciting - phases of your life.