What is Financial Accounting

What is Financial Accounting Explaining Financial Accounting ChaptersUK GAAPA Breakdown of Financial AccountingWhere the Financial Accountant Comes InRequired Knowledge and SkillsEvery year, come tax time, we become painfully aware of the need to account: for our earnings and assets, our gains and losses and, of course, taxes on our property.For businesses, that accounting takes place year-round: shareholders, investors and the government all have an interest in the financial health of the company.Unlike our individual tax claim process which happens once per year, every three months â€" or quarterly, reports are published detailing businesses’ financial profile.Note that, even though we might need a certified public accountant once per year, even companies that only report to stockholders every six months need financial and managerial accountants year-round because the numbers continue to tally on a daily basis.Those reports are not generated by magic or by an algorithm. There are very real people crunching numbers every day to render the m ost accurate financial statements possible for reporting.Those people are financial accountants. They are the invisible monitors of a business’ financial status.Your Superprof now takes you behind the abacus, to lay bare the accounting process, accounting procedures and accounting system someone with an accounting degree might labour under.Please note that accountants have long moved away from abaci and most have even abandoned calculators in favour of the spreadsheet but the visual is right on point, isn’t it?Are you taking accounting courses? Studying accounting concepts and learning accounting theory?Whether you are preparing for your CPA exam or only just learning about debits and credits as an undergraduate, this article is for you.public security in investment. To that end, it acts as an independent regulator that promotes quality corporate governance and reporting.Interestingly enough, this council is funded by the businesses whose financial regulation it oversees!Still, there is government oversight in standards setting practices.The Companies Act of 2006 sets out minimum reporting requirements. They may require some companies to file their accounts with the Registrar of Companies, another government body that will, in turn, make company reports available to the general public.Conversely, they may encourage companies with international dealings to make their financial disclosures in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards.This all sounds very convoluted but the bottom line is that the UK GAAP dictates to businesses in the UK how accounts must be prepared, and these principles work in accordance with the Companies Act of 2006.Find out if management accountants are held to the same rules...A Breakdown of Financial AccountingKeeping these standards and regulations in mind, financial accountants have one of two methods with which to perform their functions, or they may use a combination of both methods.The accrual method means t o record transactions as they occur, even if that requires projecting their completion.Let’s say someone buys something on credit. The revenue from that sale is only projected; the company will not see actual compensation until the payment is made, even if that payment is made in increments, over time.However, the transaction is treated as though it were complete for the purpose of bookkeeping because it gives a more accurate picture of the company’s financial condition at the time of that transaction.Larger companies whose revenue is derived from long-term payments would be severely impacted if they reported on their exact finances at any given period of time.Now we suppose a company, involved in a long-term project, only sees a trickle of income in each month.However, their production expenses â€" materials, personnel and operating costs, continue on as normal.That would reflect a dire financial statement indeed!That is why the accounting cycle â€" the name given to the proces s of recording accounting events, is so fundamental: making entries in the general ledger and maintaining the trial balance...By recording each transaction as complete at the time it is done, as opposed to cataloguing individual payments that might not offset operating costs, financial accountants give a clearer picture of the company’s financial standing.This method of revenue recognition is much more convoluted than cash accounting but deemed necessary because of today’s business practices.Cash accounting denotes recording transactions only when cash changes hands Source: Pixabay Credit StuxThe second method, cash accounting, entails recording transactions only when cash changes hands.Let’s say you buy £5000 worth of furniture from an independent furniture store, with the promise to pay in full by the end of next month.That transaction will not show up in their books until you have made your payment, even though the store’s inventory was diminished by that amount the mont h before.In the purest sense, this leads to some inaccuracy in accounting information because there is a gap between the inventory value and the financial value of the company until you pay for your purchase.Cash accounting does not provide an accurate picture of liabilities that have been incurred and not yet paid for.Furthermore, this accounting method impacts businesses at tax time because tax laws dictate that a company can only deduct business expenses that have occurred within the tax year, which may cause harm to a small business owner’s financial profile.Back to our furniture buyers, for a moment.They buy new furniture in March, with the payment due by April 30th, and that is the very date they make their payment. The furniture store will not be able to receive credit for this transaction on the previous year’s tax cycle.Most smaller businesses adopt this method of accounting because it is a simpler method of accounting, and more straightforward.Larger companies are requ ired by GAAP to use the accrual accounting method.Where the Financial Accountant Comes InThe role of the financial accountant is to record every financial transaction, using the generally accepted accounting principles, and prepare reports to that effect.S/he would collect data, analyse it and investigate variances. S/he also summarises that data and reports on positive or negative trends.Compliance with all applicable laws and regulations is mandatory! Therefore, financial accountants must stay abreast of every law and regulation change and implement those changes within his/her company.Working with managerial accountants, financial accountants provide financial advice by analysing operational issues; they develop recommendations and procedures to protect the company’s financial health.Ahead of shareholder and/or executive meetings, financial accountants conduct financial statement analysis, prepare special reports, help to prepare budgets and make financial forecasts.Should ther e be a financial inquiry, such as an audit â€" or worse: a forensic accountant is called in to examine a company’s accounting system! financial accountants gather and summarise data. They may be called on to interpret said data.With regard to taxation: financial accountants calculate quarterly estimated tax payments and prepare annual tax returns.Perhaps their most visible function is the preparation of quarterly and annual statements for government entities, company executives and shareholders.The sum total of knowledge, skills and abilities embodied in the financial accountant would not fit in a briefcase! Source: Pixabay Credit StockSnapRequired Knowledge and SkillsFar more than just basic accounting and being enraptured with numbers, there are a number of skills a financial accountant must embody.Knowledge of cost accounting, management accounting and principles of accounting in general, as they apply to the employing institution: those are accounting basics.Research skills al low for efficient investigating of financial matters and staying abreast of financial and accounting regulations.Statistical analysis permits such accountants to recognise business trends and advise for/against them, to make forecasts based on historical data and recognise outliers â€" a single event that impacted the business.The 2008 global financial downturn is an outlier; weak financial growth since then is a trend.Every financial accountant must have a sense of the business s/he accounts for.Obviously, a locally owned and operated business is not going to have the same financial profile or accounting needs as an international trading company.Even though they are not in on the actual decision making, because a part of the financial accountant’s duties involves making recommendations for the better health of the company, s/he must know a bit about the business and how to make it grow.Furthermore, in the case of mergers or takeovers, financial accountants should be on the front lines with their accounting information systems, ready to expound not only on the company’s assets but also on its liabilities.Summary: What is financial accounting?It is the process of recording, summarising and reporting transactions resulting from business operations within a specific period of timeSuch reporting can be done on a quarterly, biannual or annual basis and be done publicly, only to shareholders or only to tax authorities or other government entities.reporting may be done via a balance sheet, an income statement or a cash flow statementregardless of what type of reporting, the statements should reflect the company’s operating performance at the time of reporting.You could say that financial accountants have their fingers on the pulse of the business: from making recommendations to profitability, and reporting it.More so than an office suite in The Shard or a Lamborghini in the car park, financial accountants are the verity of any business.They are just not as visi ble or recognisable.Now discover the differences that define a managerial accountant from a financial accountant

Learning Arabic in Arabic-speaking Countries

Learning Arabic in Arabic-speaking Countries Going to an Arabic-speaking Country to Learn Arabic ChaptersWhy Learn Arabic through Immersion?The Formalities when Studying in Arabic-speaking Countries10 Tips for Studying in Arabic-speaking CountriesChoosing a University in an Arabic-speaking Country“Patience is the key to well-being” - Muhammad (pbuh)Heading to one of the 22 countries in the Arab League (countries with Arabic as an official language) is the best way to learn the different aspects of the Arabic language: the writing system, Arabic vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar, the history of the language and its culture, etc.Arabic is the language used in the Islamic faith and is spoken in both Middle Eastern countries and across North Africa.There's nothing better than going to somewhere like Dubai for learning how to speak Arabic. There are more than 70 universities and training centres and the United Arab Emirates regularly tops the lists for the quality of its teaching.Education in Arab-speaking countries is a top priority. In fact, investment in education in the Midd le East and North Africa (MENA) is 5.3% of the GDP of the country.For example, in the US, this figure is only 4.9%.So are you ready to learn Arabic and more about Arab culture?In this article, we'll be looking at the reasons behind learning Arabic through immersion, what you'll need in terms of visas and paperwork, tips for studying in Arabic-speaking countries, and how to pick the right university in an Arabic-speaking nation. HalimaArabic Teacher £13/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors KotaibaArabic Teacher 5.00 (3) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SoledadArabic Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NancyArabic Teacher 5.00 (1) £18/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors TaouesArabic Teacher £8/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DinaArabic Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AbrarArabic Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors UsamaArabic Teacher 5.00 (1) £17/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsWhy Learn Arabic through Immersion?Linguistic immersion and stepping outside of your comfort zone are some of the best ways to learn a foreign language.Living in a country where the language is spoken is a great way to learn. (Source: jpeter2)By heading abroad you’ll have to change your routine, your cultural identity, and your everyday language.  It’s like having a second life as an adult.Learning Arabic by speaking every day in an Arabic-speaking country, be it with a host family, at work, in a language school, or as part of a language exchange programme, is a great way to regularly practise your new language every day of the week.Through immersion, students can perfect their Arabic and also learn more about the culture and history of the country they’re living in, the history of the Islam, customs in the Arab world, family traditions, Arabic literature, etc.Arabic is a Semitic language and Arabic words have a system of triconsonantal roots.  Reading (from right to left), writin g, and speaking Arabic is famous for being difficult. By spending time in the Persian Gulf, the Arabian Peninsula, or the Maghreb, learning Arabic is fun, interesting, useful, and fast!There are plenty of reasons to study in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, in Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, or Morocco:Learning to speak Arabic fluentlyHaving an unforgettable timeLearning foreign languages more quicklyIncreasing your linguistic skillsLearning more about different culturesSeeing the outside worldMeeting new peopleLearning new skills for your career.Have you always dreamt of going to the Persian Gulf or North Africa?Soon your dream will come true!The Formalities when Studying in Arabic-speaking CountriesYou have to prepare for a trip to an Arabic-speaking country, or anywhere else for that matter.You'll need to get a visa if you want to study in Arab countries. (Source: Pamjpat)There are a lot of formalities before you can move to an Arabic speaking country.  There’s one thing that most Ar abic-speaking countries tend to have in common: you need to pay for your classes and request a student visa or a residency permit.12.3% of students in the middle east going to university in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as opposed to the 8.5% going to Jordan.The best destinations for learning to speak Arabic are probably Egypt, Jordan, or the UAE.Why?The Arabic spoken in these regions is closest to Modern Standard Arabic, the literary form of Arabic which is understood by the majority of Arabic speakers.For example, Moroccan and Tunisian Arabic have been influenced Berber and is hugely different from that of the Mashreq people in the UAE, whose mother tongue is a dialect of Arabic known as Levantine.  Levantine Arabic is the dialect closest to Egyptian Arabic.Anyway, let’s get back to the topic in hand, to study in Dubai, Amman, or Cairo, you’ll need to get a student visa.To study in Cairo, you’ll first need a tourist visa, which costs $15. Afterwards, you can demand an exten sion to a student visa once you’re there.Would you like to study in Dubai?The student visa, which is valid for 12 months, can cost up to £600 and universities have tuition fees of up to £15,000. You’ll also need sponsorship from the university and a letter of recommendation.Keep in mind that the cost of living in Dubai is very high. Many students need a loan to cover the costs.You’ll then need medical insurance that’s valid in the United Arab Emirates.  If you can’t borrow money from the bank, you may be eligible for a bursary (if you’ve got good grades).Funding agencies include:Royal familiesThe host universityThe UK universityYou could always ask for a scholarship from the Qatar University including the student visa, return flights, and lodging.Keep in mind that you can request a scholarship in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, or Morocco, even though the cost of living in North Africa is lower than elsewhere in the world.10 Tips for Studying in Arabic-s peaking CountriesWhether you’re studying in the Persian Gulf or North Africa, there are always risks.Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, is famous for being one of the best destinations to learn Arabic. (Source: enjoytheworld)The Middle East and North Africa often get bad press following the Arab Spring uprisings against Ben Ali, Mubarak, Gaddafi, and Bashar al-Assad and the conflicts in certain countries as well as terrorism.Generally speaking, the areas in the Arab League that should be avoided are:Border regionsInland regions in AlgeriaLibyaWestern EgyptSyriaIrakSomaliaThe safest countries include Morocco, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Jordan, Eastern Egypt, and Lebanon.Before you leave, we recommend you get intensive Arabic lessons from a private tutor so that you can get around once you’re there.  English and French speakers are in luck as in Lebanon and North Africa as there are populations who speak these languages. That said, you should still learn Arabic for everyday use.Here’s our advice for going to an Arabic-speaking country:Getting Arabic lessonsFinding out which cities to study ArabicChecking the alert level for the countryRequesting a student visaApplying for a scholarshipLooking for accommodationBuying flightsGetting health insuranceGetting all the essential documents (passport, visa, driving licence, admission letters, etc.)Contacting British authoritiesLearning about local customsSpending time in an Arabic-speaking country will make you aware of how much Western Europe and Arabic culture have in common.Choosing a University in an Arabic-speaking CountryMorocco, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates are the three safest Arabic-speaking countries you can study in.A year at a university in Dubai could really help your career. (Source: Free-Photos)Almost nobody goes to study in Mogadishu, Baghdad, or Damascus.  Students tend to go to Doha, Abu Dhabi, or Amman. Abu Dhabi is the only place in the world to have a neighbourhood dedicated to un iversity study.You’ll need to think of certain things before you start applying to different universities:Your level in ArabicBudgetCareer optionsSafety in the countryThe type of Arabic you want to learn (literary Arabic, Egyptian Arabic, standard Arabic, etc.)The cost of livingJob opportunitiesLiving in certain countries isn’t ideal. For example, Saudi Arabia doesn’t have the best record when it comes to women’s rights.  On the other hand, practising Muslims can study science with the best teachers in a Muslim school. You can also choose a school according to your level, too.In Dubai, Morocco, Tunisia, and Lebanon, university places are very competitive. If you are planning on studying in one of these universities, you’re going to have to work hard and get good results.Find great Arabic courses London now.Unfortunately, universities in Arab countries are also victims of socio-economic inequality.  If you’re still interested, you’re going to have to really work for it andBefore you go, you should consider learning some Arabic here in the UK with private tutors. On Superprof, you can get private tutorials, online Arabic course, or even group tutorials.One on one private tutorials offer the best in terms of tuition but also cost the most per hour. Online tutorials are cheaper as the tutor doesn't have to factor travel into their hourly rates.Group tutorials are the cheapest option as the cost is split between the students. However, this means you won't get the lessons tailored to you as you would in the other two options.

Transformation Math Tutors

Transformation Math Tutors Transformations in math refer to the ways in which a given geometric shape can be transformed in the coordinate plane by the methods of reflection, rotation, translation or dilation. The process of reflection, rotation and translation mean that the given shape is being flipped, turned or moved respectively in a certain direction in the coordinate plane. However, with these three methods the objects size never changes and stays the same. But Dilation is a method in which the objects size is changed by a certain scale factor. Example 1: In an X-Y coordinate plane, ABCD is rectangle where point A is at (1, 4). The image of the rectangle ABCD has the point A at (-3, -1). Which transformation is used here? Given: point A= (1, 4) and point A= (-3, -1) Since the points have been moved, hence the transformation used here is Translation! The x coordinate has changed from 1 to -3 =change= 1 (-3) = 4 units to the left. The y coordinate has changed from 4 to -1== change= 4 (-1) = 5 units down. Example 2: The length of a side of an object is 6 units. The length of the image of the same object is 18units. Which transformation is used here? Given: object side length = 6 units Image side length = 18 units. Here, clearly the size of the object has been changed since the length of the object is changed. Therefore the transformation used here is Dilation. Scale factor = (Image length) / (Object length) = 18/6 = 3 This implies that the object has been enlarged by a scale factor of 3!

What Are The Different Hindi Dialects Spoken in India and Which Should I Learn

What Are The Different Hindi Dialects Spoken in India and Which Should I Learn Which of the Hindi Dialects of India Should You Learn? ChaptersWhat is the Hindi Belt?Hindi and Urdu: One Language, Two Languages or Two Dialects?Learning Hindi: Hindi Dialects in IndiaIndian Hindi Creoles and PidginsHindi Dialects Outside of the Indian SubcontinentWhich Hindi Dialect Should You Learn?It’s hard enough to try and figure out which language of India you should learn - Sindhi, Telugu, or Tamil? Or maybe Punjabi? Is it easier to learn an Indo-European language or will you dare to try one from the Dravidian language family?But once you have decided on Hindustani as the language in India with the most speakers and as being the most universally understood, you still find yourself confronted with the question:Is there only one dialect of Hindi? If not, which should you learn?Superprof is here to help! if not, or if you already speak and read Arabic and don’t want to learn another new alphabet, Urdu is the way to go. You’ll be understood on either side of the border anyway.However, if you are more interested on an academic l evel, you will notice greater differences in the language of poetry and literature, and you will have to consider whether you prefer Muslim literature or Hindu literature. However, if you find yourself in a bind and can’t decide - and don’t mind studying on the other side of the Pond - the University of Texas offers combined Hindi-Urdu language programs.Hindi is written using the Devanagar script. Photo credit: basicshit.org on VisualHuntIf you choose Hindi, it’s probably best to stick with the standardised version. Everyone in the Hindi Belt and much of North India will understand standardised Hindi, and if you are moving to India you will soon pick up the local dialect - it’s easier to find Hindi lessons near you than a teacher who speaks Awadhi or Bundeli.However, if you are moving to Fiji or the Andaman Islands, finding a tutor who can teach you the local Creole is the way to go - maybe you can find Fiji Hindi class online to help you out.Whichever you choose, when learn ing Hindi, make certain that your teacher or language coach speaks Hindi as his or her mother tongue. Many Indians understand Hindi (Bollywood again) but didn’t grow up speaking it. They might have a good grasp of Hindi vocabulary, maybe even speak it relatively fluently, but they won’t know the finer points of grammar and idiom the way a native speaker would.

4 Duets to Sing for Beginners (Plus Tips to Shine!)

4 Duets to Sing for Beginners (Plus Tips to Shine!) Sign up successful 2. (I’ve Had) The Time of My Life from Dirty Dancing (1987) This very romantic upbeat 80s rock song makes you want to dance right from the beginning! Its best for a male bass and a soprano or alto; each singer has his or her own verses and then you sing the chorus together. 3. A Whole New World from Aladdin (1992) This beautiful Disney love ballad by Alan Menken can be sung in either gender, although its best if a tenor and a soprano sing this song. It has beautiful lyrics, and is great to perform at a coffeehouse, karaoke night, or school recital. 4. Take Me or Leave Me from Rent (1996) This fiery love song between two women from Jonathan Larson’s musical Rent is a strong belt song. It shows lots of attitude and emotion, and is very fun to sing! Its definitely a good one to work on those Broadway chops! And as youre practicing these duets to sing, keep the following tips in mind: Pick a song you both like. There are many duets out there, ranging from contemporary RB love songs to country ballads, and showtunes to classical pieces. Pick a song that will showcase both your voices, whether singing male and female, female and female, or male and male. Also, if you feel it is appropriate, don’t be afraid to try a song that was meant for the opposite gender sometimes these are the best duets! -Practice your parts alone, then together. First work hard at learning your vocal part on your own, and then practice and perform with your partner. If both of you are trying to learn your parts at the same time, if you are singing in unison or in harmonies, it’s going to be more difficult. It is best if you are both feeling solid and comfortable on your own parts before putting them together. Also, explore different duet combinations some voices blend more than others, and if the duet is not working for some reason, it could be because your voices are clashing. You and your partner should be working as a team. Add parts together and harmonies. Now that you have practiced both of your parts individually, it’s time to put them together! Do it slowly at first. Take each part section by section, and slow it down if you need to. While you should be listening to your duet partner, try not to let their part distract you. Duets can be sung in different ways, by two people singing different verses, and the same chorus, or completely different lyrics at the same time. Choose a duet that is right for you, and that you are passionate about. Once you have mastered your duet, I encourage you to add some interesting harmonies your audience will love this! I wish you all the best in working with your duet partner, and if you feel like you need more help, schedule a voice lesson with me through at TakeLessons! The song ideas dont stop here   check out our list 400+ songs to sing! Liz T. teaches singing, acting, and music lessons in Brooklyn, NY, as well as online.  She is a graduate of the Berklee College of Music with a B.M in Vocal Performance and currently performs and teaches all styles of music, including musical theater, classical, jazz, rock, pop, RB, and country.  Learn more about Liz 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  morganknorr

Atoms, Modal Verbs and Phrasal Verbs An English Listening Exercise

Atoms, Modal Verbs and Phrasal Verbs An English Listening Exercise If youve been taking our English classes for any time, you probably already know that modal verbs and phrasal verbs are some of the most difficult things to learn. Weve done a lot of lessons to explain them, including a video series on English modal verbs.Recently I was watching this TED Ed video on the size of atoms and noticed that it had a lot of modal verbs, and a few phrasal verbs as well. Its a really interesting video, with great animation. You can watch the video below, and then try to answer the questions in the exercise. Fill in the gaps with phrasal verbs or modal verbs. You can put your answers in comments, and well let you know if theyre correct.1. You probably already know that everything is ____ __ __ little tiny things called atoms.2. You _____ even know that each atom is made up of even smaller particles called protons, neutrons and electrons.3. Lets ____ __ each of the atoms.4. You _____ remember the old pictures of atoms from your science class.5. If you ______  _ ___ the blueberry and ____ searching for the nucleus, ___ be invisible.6.  So, if everyone on the earth _____ their own car, and they dont, and you put all of those cars into your box, that _____ be about the density of a nucleus.Reading questionsHow big would the nucleus be if you made the atom the size of a football stadium?What do you think the gorilla in the background is a reference to? (Hint, it is related to another scientific experiment). Mariz  Hi Paul, it is certainly a good exercise! I have a friend whos teaching an ESL course I will refer this to her. The students for sure will like this ?? LOIEnglish Thanks Mariz! Im glad you enjoyed it. How did you do on the the exercise? Anna Pfitzner COULD you publish the tapescript as well?

How I Gained 260 Points on the GMAT

How I Gained 260 Points on the GMAT GMAT MBA Admissions Blog Five times.....yes.....five times......I took the GMAT five times for admission to business school. Was there something wrong with me? For a while, I thought there was but now that I look back....Absolutely not.Standardized exams are just one of those things that I've always had to work hard at to score decently. I should have taken a hint when I scored about average on the SATs in high school.My mind just works in mysterious ways and I'm sure that if the GMAT tested for emotionally charged responses, I'd score very well.Regardless, scoring high on the GMAT is definitely possible when you put in the effort to think like a standardized test taker. This involves various pieces of knowledge, logic, systematic thinking, and a lot of practice.So...how does one get there?For me, it was a long road. 2 years to be exact. But it was worth it.For starters, according to the Graduate Management Admissions Council (GMAC), better known as the guys who make the GMAT exam, about 10% of GMAT retakers obtain a significant gain of 100 points or more.That 10% takes a lot of hard work but with the right attitude, you can accomplish anything! What exactly was the end result for me?A 260 point gain! So yes, it's doable!When you think about it, you have a ton of options to increase your score: self-study, study groups, tutoring, prep courses, and online forums. Which one is thee right one for you is something only you can answer. It will definitely rely on how committed you are, too!I'll share my experience with you after taking the GMAT each time. 1st Attempt When I took the GMAT the first time around, I took it cold. No study guides, no prepping, and some knowledge on what the exam was about. If you had asked me what a data sufficiency question was, I might have given you a deer-in-headlights look! But I bit the bullet and took it. $250 later and a score of a 420, I was a bit short of breath. The feeling of disappointment lasted for a few days and it gave me the motivation I needed to sign up for a Kaplan prep course. I had to start somewhere. I didn't dwell on the score so much. I just got back up and knew what I had to do. Lesson learned? Take a free practice exam on mba.com. Some prep courses such as Manhattan GMAT give a free diagnostic exam. Go to the library, lock yourself up, and take the whole thing. Yes, that includes the writing section. From there, conduct an informal self-assessment and see what your weaknesses are just by looking at the answers you got wrong. Ask yourself whether it was time management, a lack of knowledge or approach that contributed to the questions you answered incorrectly. Although there are a variety of factors involved in answering questions incorrectly, this is a start. Make a plan, and follow it. Whatever you do, don't take the GMAT cold, go for lukewarm. 2nd Attempt Two months later........a 460. A 460?! Blargh! A 40 point increase even after taking a prep course?! Two weeks prior, I had a completed a 6-week Kaplan course at $1,500! I had taken a few of their practice exams and scored okay on some of the exams, definitely nowhere near a 460 though. I was confused. I was also spending over 30 hours working on practice problems. I really wasn't sure what I was doing wrong. But alas, I moved forward. At this point, I knew I was in for a challenge and I was determined to do well on the GMAT. Lesson learned? Now that I look back, the Kaplan prep course was definitely not for me. If you're going to take a live class, make sure it goes at a pace that's suitable for you. Also, try and take a glance at some of the resource materials and get a sense of what you're looking at. I know there are a ton of prep courses out there, but if you've made your mind up, ask around and do some research before you spend that type of money. In my case, I really put in the time and energy but I was missing something and I wasn't sure what that was quite yet. 3rd Attempt Bam! A 530. Okay, I broke the 500 mark but seriously, I was aiming for a top business school and I had my eyes set on MIT Sloan whose average GMAT score was well over 700. At some points, I think I wanted to break down but I kept strong. I spent almost five months studying by myself and using my old Kaplan materials to practice, practice, practice. I was spending 3-4 hours a day during the week and 6-8 hours during the weekends studying. It was pretty intense. I also became aware of other resources such as Beat the GMAT, GMAT Club, and some other websites to read success stories and see where I could improve. Lesson learned? Email other GMAT takers and see what's working for them. Don't spend TOO much time reading and writing on the forums as this can become a full-time job in itself. Reach out to a few folks who are studying and have done well on the GMAT and see what are some of their methods. I definitely learned a few tips that worked for me. At this point, I started to see what I needed to improve my score and I figured I needed another prep course. A good one that would work for me. And that's exactly what I did. 4th Attempt A 580! Woohoo! Okay. I was getting closer. Although it was only a 50 point increase from my previous score, it was a 160 point increase from my 420. I didn't want to spend time really thinking about getting a higher score. I knew I needed one but I just went back to the drawing board and picked up where I left off. Before my fourth attempt, I took an 8-week Manhattan GMAT self-study prep course. I spent less time studying but followed their regimented syllabus which is awesome. Aside using their materials, I was also participating in the forums a little more but I was only interacting with students who were solving questions. I also created my own support group on the Manhattan GMAT website and even set up a study group in my hometown. Here is where I started to really learn a lot. While studying with my study group, I began to realize that I learned best when someone taught me the right way to answer a question. A lot times, things had to be explained to me in various ways before I could understand some of those moderately difficult math and verbal questions. I also became aware that the students in my group were using tutors. Neither of the tutors were affiliated with any major test prep companies, they were general tutors who understood standardized exams. I was a bit hesitant to hire a tutor since I had spent quite a bit of money already. At this point, I was running on fumes since I really had devoted a lot of time and energy to the GMAT. But after seeing positive results come out of other students, I decided to invest one more time. Lesson learned? As you move forward, understand your strengths and weaknesses. How do you learn best? It's more than just going over answers over, and over, and over again. I can't tell you how often I went over incorrect answers over and over again only to get them wrong again later. I wasn't truly understanding how to solve the questions. It's all about your gaining various approaches to answering questions that are commonly asked on the GMAT. Once you know this, you'll start to see a difference. 5th Attempt And the fat lady sang! A 680!By this point, I had decreased the number of study hours studying to 15 a week and had hired a tutor with whom I was meeting once a week. It definitely paid off as I started to see a huge difference in my study habits and diagnostic scores on certain online exams. All along, what I really needed was someone to guide me through various questions in a way that was easy for me to understand. Right from the get go, the tutor understood where I faltered and made sure that I COMPLETELY understood WHY I was getting certain answers wrong. We focused on questions that I guessed on and answers that I answered incorrectly. I was able to see, for instance, that I was spending way too much time trying to answer difficult questions, when in reality, I should have been trying to answer the question and then making an educated guess if I could not answer it in time. I also learned various patterns in questions that were frequently asked - both the verbal and quant sections. My tutor also showed me various techniques and strategies for answering questions quickly when I was on a time crunch. I learned new concepts that I had not picked up in prior prep courses. There are so many ways to solve those math questions, and they're endless ways to interpret a passage; my tutor made sure I understood what the question was really asking. I was also staying away from those emotionally charged answers that got me every time. Lesson learned? The details go beyond this. What I learned most about my tutoring experience was that she understood my way of thinking. We went over my exam history and how my weaknesses lied in the verbal section. Although we spent time on the quant section, we spent more time looking at critical reasoning and reading comprehension. Together, we built strategies and tactics for dealing with the harder questions. I could not have done any of this without a tutor. And had I known this would have been the result when I first started studying for the GMAT, I would have gladly reallocated my funds to hiring a tutor. So before you invest, think about your study habits and learning style. This will help you out tremendously as you venture on a quest to get a high GMAT score. Believe me, a higher GMAT score is definitely possible. A 260 point gain doesn't come out of thin air. It happens when you put in the hard work. It will also depend on how much time you spend doing high-quality studying. There's definitely a psychology to this whole process but if you have dreams, don't let the GMAT get in the way. Knock it down. What about you? Do you have any successes? Have you used a tutor? Your comments are welcome! Please visit our GMAT tutoring page to learn more about how MyGuru and our highly qualified tutors can help you get your best possible score in the most efficient way possible! This was a Guest Post byOscar Pedroso, Founder of MBA Writers Block Here's a bit about Oscar and MBA Writers Block: In October 2011, MBAwritersblock.com was born as a way for me to share my experience of applying to business school. I spentthree yearsand almost$11,000applying to seven top MBA programs. I believe no one should ever have to spend that much money to pursue an education in business. So my first goal is to show you, that with hard work and perseverance, you can tackle the business school writing process by learning how to write powerful essays. My second goal is to turn MBAwritersblock.com into a powerful resource for young professionals applying to business school, online and off, so they can apply intelligently and inexpensively.

Switching from Private to Public High School 5 Tips

Switching from Private to Public High School 5 Tips 5 Tips for Switching from Private to Public High School 5 Tips for Switching from Private to Public High School Some kids will start out in a private school setting from the time they are young and then find themselves transitioning to a public middle or high school. This transition is something that can be done successfully, but it can also be a challenge especially if kids dont know what to expect. Although each school situation will be different, there are a few universal situations that can help a student prepare for the impending transition. 1. Classroom size One of the major differences between a private and public high school/middle school is the number of students in the classroom. A private school will serve a small to a moderate number of students who hail from the surrounding towns. A public school however, will serve any and all students who live in the local area. When transitioning from private to public school students should be aware that they will likely be 1 of 40, not 1 of 15. If they want the same level of participation they had at their previous school, they should sit in the first two rows and visit the teacher during extra help hours (READ: 5 Things That Can Ruin Your Study Space). 2. Attention from your teacher Because a private school teacher may have as little as 15 students in the class, they can generally get to know each student -and their learning style, their strengths, and weaknesses- individually. This means that a student who is starting to falter will get prompt attention whether they want it or not. More supervision can equal higher grades in some situations. A teacher who has 40+ students in class may not be able to logistically attend to the individual needs of every student, as a result, transitioning students are encouraged to take the initiative to speak up and let their teacher know if they didnt understand an assignment or if they need extra help with a specific concept. All teachers are there to help, but its important to ask. 3. Campus size In addition to a larger classroom size, students who will be starting at a public school will often find themselves navigating a much larger campus than they are used to. During this transition, students can feel overwhelmed or even lost. Some public high schools are as big as a small college campus. Its a good idea to take a tour of the campus before the first day of school and figure out where each class is located. Additionally, students should locate the library, lunch area, and front office. Middle school students will likely have an assigned buddy to take them around the first week, but high school students will probably be left to their own devices (READ: 4 Differences Between High School and College). 4. Core curriculum Because the state mandated public school curriculum, they are relatively inflexible. Students will have a choice of elective class and perhaps a choice between honors and standard classes, but for the most part their schedule will be chosen for them. This can be a big change if a student was used to petitioning into an alternate class with a favorite teacher or being excused from one class for another. 5. After school activities In general, both public and private schools offer extracurricular and after school activities. Students who are adjusting to a new social setting should consider joining a club or group so they can make a few new friends straight away. Because changing schools can be a bit overwhelming, getting to know new people can be a big benefit! Making the transition from private to public high school is challenging. Make the adjust smoother with the help of a private Irvine academic tutor. Call us today for more information. 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.