Help Solving Algebra Story Problems

Help Solving Algebra Story ProblemsHelp solving algebra story problems can be easily obtained in your local library or in online books. It is important to have the algebra story books because they give an idea about the nature of algebra and also the history of algebra. But, be careful, if you choose the wrong books, you might confuse your student.However, if you are confident in your abilities and know the purpose of algebra then there is no need for you to worry about help solving algebra story problems. But it would be better if you use the books that are assigned at school or college so that the student can have a better understanding of the subject. Once the book is opened, the child will not find anything strange and can understand the content.Algebra is nothing but numbers and symbols which are used in multiplication, division, subtraction, addition, multiplication and other similar subjects. These are the basic knowledge about algebra and it is very important to have the alge bra book so that the child understands the concepts better.The main problem with students today is that they are unaware of the subject and do not even know how to add and subtract fractions. If a child is aware of numbers, numerals and the main subject of algebra then he will be able to understand the story books very well. A number of books are available on the subject and the best one is to read the book and analyze what the author has said.The main difference between the mathematics books published in English and math books is that the English ones are shorter while the English ones have few more pages of explanation in them. Hence, when a child reads the English book he or she gets all the information in the beginning and then he or she has to solve the story problems.But, when the English book is compared to the math book which has a different purpose, it can be seen that algebra story books are shorter in size than the math books. It is just because math books are the solutio n for solving algebra problems.As a parent, you should choose the books for your child from both these types of books because a child has to learn from both the sources. The math book can help him understand the subject better while the English book can help him understand math. So, instead of thinking only of the cost, it is better to choose the books which can give the same results whether the book is written in English or in math.

5 Best Middle Schools in Fort Worth

5 Best Middle Schools in Fort Worth Middle school is a period of time where some of the biggest changes in a child’s life occurs. 6th through 8th grade are the transition from being a child to becoming a teenager, and it is in these formative years that a superb education is vital.After researching the best middle schools in Fort Worth we now have the concrete proof just how great they are. For our first ranking in our school district series, we’ll show you how we calculated the Texas Education Agency’s metrics from the most recent report (2014) to rank each school that met their standards. While the TEA Index is pretty comprehensive, Frog Tutoring decided to evaluate a couple additional factors in the study we found. The following methodology was used in calculation:STAAR Expectations (48%): When taking the STAAR test into consideration, we look at the percentage of students who met or exceeded the expectations of the test in a given year.TEA Index (48%): We utilized the Texas Education Agency’s 4 areas of aca demic excellence, which consist of Student Achievement, Student Progress, Closing Performance Gaps, and Postsecondary Readiness.Class Size (2%): Student-to-teacher ratio is important for an individual’s learning, so we took this into consideration.Online Reviews (2%): We have weighted each school’s popularity score based on Facebook reviews, Greatschools.org reviews, and K12.Niche.org reviews.If you’d like to see a more in-depth look at the TEA’s metrics for accountability standards, please click here. To determine a definitive ranking for the top middle schools in Fort Worth, we combined these 7 factors to create one number to compare and contrast the success of each middle school.Let’s take a look at the best middle schools in Fort Worth that make this city a great place to live!1.McLean Middle SchoolMcLean Middle School is in the the Westcliff area of Fort Worth. There are approximately 1,015 students enrolled at McLean, making it one of the larger middle schools in tow n. Although the class size is bigger than average (21:1 student-to-teacher ratio), expert attention is given to the students which results in an impressive STAAR test rating. 71% of McLean students meet or exceed the expectations for the STAAR test, which is 13% points higher than the state average. McLean consistently performs well, and very clearly deserves to be recognized for their impressive accomplishments in education.2. Stripling Middle SchoolNot too far from the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens, our number 2 school sits at the corner of Clover Lane and Bryce Avenue. Stripling Middle School has a student population of about 690, and has earned distinctions in a variety of areas such as Social Studies and Postsecondary Readiness. Stripling also performs very well on standardized exams like the STAAR test, with 64% (7% higher than the state average) meeting or exceeding the expectations of the exam. Stripling is a great middle school in the lineup of schools that Fort Worth has to o ffer.3. Kirkpatrick Middle SchoolNot too far from the Fort Worth airport and just to the east of North Hill Manor is our third middle school on the list. Kirkpatrick Middle boasts an impressive 15:1 student-to-teacher ratio and has earned distinctions in Social Studies and Postsecondary Readiness to name a few. Kirkpatrick also has a pretty high success rate with the STAAR test, with 64% of the student body meeting or exceeding expectations on the test. Kirkpatrick is a great school that earns high marks for it’s performance.4. Monnig Middle SchoolWilliam Monnig Middle School is just north of Ridglea Hills, and not too far south from the Ridglea Mall. Monnig has received distinctions in Math, Science, Reading, and Social Studies (in addition to many more). Because of the high quality of education that the student body receives, the STAAR test results are impressive. 63% of Monnig students meet or exceed the expectations of the STAAR test, a figure that bodes well for students in t heir secondary education and beyond.5. Benbrook Middle SchoolOur fifth school on the list is Benbrook Middle School which is located on the far Southwest side of Fort Worth. Benbrook has a large population clocking in at 911 students. The student-to-teacher is about a 19:1 ratio, and the school ranges from 6-9th grade. 56% of Benbrook students meet or exceed the expectations of the STAAR test which is just on par with the state’s average. Benbrook has also earned many distinctions in education (such as Postsecondary Readiness) that makes it one of the best middle schools in Fort Worth.Frog Tutoring Fort Worth Tutors are proud to present these 5 wonderful educational institutions. If you’d like to find out more about the best middle schools in Fort Worth and their statistics please visit the Texas Education Agency’s website.If you'd like to know more about a specific school's data, please click here.5 Best Middle Schools in Fort WorthCreate bar chartsNote: We wanted to take a s econd to explain our methodology, and how we arrived at factoring in each area of success for our rankings. First, we made an extensive spreadsheet (which you can take a look at for yourself here), and collected all of the data that we needed for our results. Then we converted each factor into a percentage and multiplied that number by the percentage of how much it’s worth in our ranking system. Let’s look at an example:McLean Middle School’s TEA Index ranking is 230/400.230 / 400 = 58%Since this is 22% of our total, we used the percentage above to measure how much it’s worth in our ranking system. Which in this case is 22% of the total score.58 x .22 = 12.76%If you’d like to know more about this process, please contact our coordinator, Judith, at judith@frogtutoring.com.

Whatever Is Good To Know Is Difficult To Learn

Whatever Is Good To Know Is Difficult To Learn Whatever is good to know is difficult to learn. ~Greek proverb Yes, knowledge comes at a price, sometimes we have to force our kids or ourselves to study. But I have a good news for you: TutorZ.com provides the best tutors who will help you whatever your age, ability and level. You will meet with tutors to discuss any issues or questions you may have on an individual level. We also have special needs certified tutors who can work with individualized education plans. And the most pleasant thing is that once you have learnt something new, you have something super special that nobody can take away.

Your Go-to Guide for Food Shelf Life

Your Go-to Guide for Food Shelf Life Image via Pexels Use your good judgment When it comes to food, I know things can get funky. You do not want to mess around with meats and fish due to the chance of food poisoning. Likewise, you always want to keep a close eye on dairy and baked goods due to the risk of mold and all sorts of grossness. My first piece of advice is to use your best judgment when treating a food and determining whether a food is safe to devour or if you should just toss it in the trash. If you have had raw chicken sitting on the counter for a few hours, toss that.  StillTasty.com notes that raw chicken, like other meats, if left for more than two hours at room temperature, is vulnerable to growing bacteria at 40 ºF-140 ºF. Likewise, if you have bread that has been sitting in your pantry for months and has mold spores on it, figure that it’s safe to throw it away. Your sense of sight and smell are great tools in determining whether to keep or toss a food item. Read labels On just about every packaged food there is a “sell by” date or expiration date. For items like meats, fish, dairy, and baked goods, make note of those dates in order to evaluate how long to hold onto your food. Now do not get me wrong, do not go reading every label and panicking that you’re going to get sick from eating an expired pack of peanut butter crackers. This tip, along with the one above it, go hand in hand. Read your labels and use your good judgment; if you are really unsure, Google is an excellent tool to use (after mom of course!). Plastic wrap and Ziploc bags When it comes to preserving food, Ziploc bags and plastic wrap are your best friends! Both help to not only keep your food fresh and safe from unnecessary air/bacteria but also to be more organized in your food storage! Image via Pexels Looking for a quick, simple visual on the shelf life of food? My chart will walk you through what you want to know, step by step.         Fruits Apples (fresh) *(whole) 5-7 days unrefrigerated Bananas *2-7 days unrefrigerated (until ripe) Oranges (fresh) *(whole) 5-7 days unrefrigerated Pears (fresh) *(whole) 1-4 days unrefrigerated Vegetables Broccoli (raw) *3-5 days refrigerated Baby Carrots *2-3 weeks refrigerated Celery Sticks *1-2 weeks refrigerated Bell Peppers *(sliced) 2-3 days refrigerated Dairy + Eggs Pasteurized Milk *5-7 days past “sell by” date refrigerated Eggs *4-5 weeks refrigerated Cheese *(Individually wrapped slices) -1 month refrigerated Yogurt *1-2 weeks past “sell by date” Meat + Poultry Raw Chicken (including breasts, thighs, etc.) *1-2 days refrigerated Raw Ground Beef *1-2 days refrigerated Deli Meats *(sliced at grocery counter) including ham, turkey, chicken, etc. 3-5 days refrigerated Raw Ground Turkey *1-2 days refrigerated Snacks + Baked Goods White Bread *5-7 days unrefrigerated English Muffins *2 weeks unrefrigerated Bagels *(freshly baked) 1-3 days unrefrigerated Muffins *1-2 days unrefrigerated *1 week refrigerated Leftovers Pizza *3-4 days refrigerated Chinese Food *3-4 days refrigerated Mexican Food *3-4 days refrigerated Italian Food *3-4 days refrigerated  **All information listed in this chart was obtained from StillTasty.com** Part of what is hard about being a college student perhaps is the added responsibility of maintaining your own goods. Relying on yourself and being dependent is not always easy; sometimes life stresses us out and we forget about the soggy, gross bowl of fruit on our table for weeks on end. However, if you follow my advice, you’ll have no problem adulting. As always, good luck!

Why Students Should Use a Tutor For Linear Algebra and Matlab

Why Students Should Use a Tutor For Linear Algebra and MatlabA tutor for linear algebra and matlab will be helpful to those who are studying mathematics in the first place. It will help students sharpen their skills and work together with math tutors who can also help them find the math classes they want. A tutor will help to get students through the courses that are difficult, and students will benefit from the guidance.There are lots of reasons why students should use a tutor for linear algebra and matlab. The first reason is that it can help students with their homework assignments, which is something that helps them stay on track with their studies. If they are on the right track, then they will find it easier to continue on to the next level of their studies.The second reason is that they can use it to meet a friend who is doing calculus, which can help them feel like they have a friend that is also studying for calculus. Math tutors will also help them keep track of their progr ess, since they need to do so to give them feedback. However, it can be important for students to use a tutor for math before their parents know they are doing well, because some parents might try to discipline them by giving them a harsher learning schedule.Students who are working in groups also need a tutor. Group study is a time-consuming exercise but using a tutor will make it easier for students to concentrate on math, without having to worry about their group leader's reaction. If they do not know when the group leader is going to call them to come to the front of the room for class, they might worry about doing well.Students who have trouble with a piece of math will need a tutor for matlab, because the tutor can give them help in doing a certain problem. They might be having problems with a test, and if they get assistance from the tutor, then they can continue with the testing even ifthey have a hard time with it. Another good thing about tutoring is that it is done over t he internet, which makes it easy for people to communicate with one another over the internet.The process of having a tutor for matlab and linear algebra may take a while. However, once they are there, they will know how to work with the tutor. In fact, one of the benefits of having a tutor is that it can take the student out of the group learning environment, which is good because it is good for the students' self-esteem. For instance, if the students want to do something different, but they are all in the same circle, then that can cause anxiety, which can actually make the students feel worse than they already were.Students should consider having a tutor for matlab and linear algebra if they want to improve their skills and increase their GPA. Then, they will not only feel better about themselves, but they will also be more likely to perform well at school.

Bidding On Jobs Tutoring From Work At Home Tutors

Bidding On Jobs Tutoring From Work At Home TutorsThere are many tutoring companies that are willing to give you a chance if you are searching for a part time job. If you would like to get rid of your extra work at home job then you can choose to bid on the jobs for tutoring that are offered by these tutoring companies.You will be able to earn an extra income in addition to your other income. The work will be of varying types from Home based tutoring to Tutoring in the local community. The working conditions will vary depending on the tutoring companies that you are looking at.Most tutoring companies will start your task based on your experience and qualifications. Some of the tasks that you will be doing will be very simple, while others will be more difficult and require a lot of studying skills. However, you will be required to work independently and have to pay the company for the work you will be doing.The basic jobs that tutoring companies can offer you are Home tutoring, day tu toring, job tutoring, summer tutoring, team-tutoring, online tutoring, web-based tutoring, online placement tutoring, computer tutoring, workshops for various subjects. Some of the tasks that you can do will also include homework help, project tutoring, advising people on their jobs, keeping notes, keeping work files, and working with children who are attending school. In some of the tutoring companies, you will be responsible for supervising teachers at their job.Be aware that your task might not be the one that they are offering you at the moment. Some of the tutoring companies will change their tasks and policies based on the clients that they are looking for. You can look for a business in the online marketing area if you would like to bid on jobs with tutoring companies.Your work at home will consist of finding the required tasks that they are offering and organizing them in a manner that your boss can use. It would depend on the company as to how much time they give you to com plete the work. The amount of your salary will depend on the amount of money that they are willing to pay you. However, there are several tutoring companies that will give you a free service in return for your services.Even if you are not earning extra money, it is important that you learn how to manage your time wisely. If you would like to earn extra money then you can find websites that will give you tips as to how to manage your time well. Make sure that you are getting what you are paying for so that you don't end up wasting your time and effort.

College Algebra Math Help For Free

College Algebra Math Help For FreeStudents in college or universities who are not fond of math are looking for college algebra math help for free. If you want to tackle the equations of college algebra, you need to use a certain solution or algorithm that is available online.Algebra is a very useful and important subject, but most students shy away from it. Since it is so difficult, most students think that the only people who can do it are genius students. If you wish to learn this subject in college, you should keep in mind that most of the students get upset when they are not able to complete it. They become self-conscious and frustrated, which causes them to drop out of the subject.Algebra can be made easy if you learn the required algorithms and solutions. You need to make sure that you always refer to your textbooks and the course notes. That way, you will be able to remember how to solve the equations of college algebra. Once you understand the concepts, you can move on to fin d out the applications of algebra.If you are one of those students who want to get college algebra math help for free, there are a few websites that you can check out. There are several websites that offer their resources for free, but these are outdated. There are websites that offer a lot of resources at free of cost. These resources are extremely helpful, but only those students who know what they are doing can understand them. These sites usually have links to the official sources.These free resources are usually useful for just a few months. That is why you need to keep them in your memory at all times. There are websites that give access to the good and updated resources. These sites are reliable and will guide you through the entire process. You can make use of these resources for college algebra math help for free.It is a good idea to learn the concepts before you tackle the problems. By learning the concept first, you will also know the equation well enough. This will make you easily solve the problems in college algebra. The great thing about algebra is that it makes use of solutions. If you know the solutions, you can solve any kind of problem.If you wish to study at college, you need to remember the concept of college algebra math help for free. You can also ask your teacher for the solution of the problem.

5 Strategies to Manage Introverts at Work - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / 5 Strategies to Manage Introverts at Work - Introvert Whisperer 5 Strategies to Manage Introverts at Work Emma Otusajo August 6, 2017 Adaptability, Communication, Leadership No responses Managing Introverts in the Workplace Your team is made up of many characters and every manager knows that although they can’t all be pleased at the same time, it is up to them to make them feel comfortable so that they can thrive in their job. Part of a manager’s job is to try different strategies to reach out to each staff member to make sure they are content, happy and given what they need to enable them to perform at their most productive. When considering whether staff have more of an extroverted or an introverted nature, this can impact on a manager’s approach to working with them and the working environment created. Happy staff means everyone gets more work done and that means the team is more productive â€" yes! The more flexible a manager can be with their approach the better â€" and staff will be grateful for these thoughtful approaches, too. So how, as a manager, can this be achieved? Learning a little something about what makes people introverted or extroverted can help. It all comes down to those brain chemicals we call adrenaline, which introverted people are highly sensitive to, as author Alen Mayer states in his book Introverts in Business: Being Quietly Successful. Extroverts, on the other hand, do not produce enough of the feel-good chemicals dopamine and adrenaline and are more likely to look for outward events that give them the uplifting feelings to raise their levels. This is why those staff who appear quieter don’t necessarily have a lack of ideas, while those who speak the most are not always right. Here are some practical suggestions to use at work to ensure more introverted staff are just as at ease and comfortable in the office as their colleagues: Let Employees Know Agenda in Advance and Write Down Ideas You’ve all been to at least one team meeting where 2 or 3 people dominate the entire conversation and you can’t get a word in. Then when your manager does ask you what you think, all you can draw is a blank because, as an introvert, ideas don’t come to you straight away. Before you know it, your colleagues are commenting about how quiet you are and your manager thinks their one quiet employee is not interested in the project. Managers can get around this by giving their team members time to think about the project in advance. Preparing an agenda ahead of time or simply letting your team members know what the topics will be will help and allow them time to come up with their own ideas, ready for the meeting. Praise and Criticism   When it comes to praising staff, a manager may think it’s great for everyone to be congratulated and recognised at the next team meeting by way of an official announcement, but get ready: Not everyone will be. While not all, many introverted staff will feel overwhelmed by suddenly being in the spotlight and overwhelmed by the spontaneous liveliness that takes place. Managers could try letting their staff know in advance that they are going to be mentioned at the next team meeting so that at least the employee has a chance to turn down the offer. An extrovert may appreciate praise from their manager when it is given in the presence of a team dinner or meeting. Introverts will much prefer and appreciate being praised on more of a one-to-one basis to let them know how much they’re valued. This is the same for giving constructive criticism â€" do it at the next appraisal or review meeting to give your introverted staff member time to think about it and respond. Communication in the Workplace   In an environment where there is pressure to get things done and to do tasks quickly, managers can often expect answers to their questions or demands to be given on tap. This is especially pressurising when a manager stands over your desk expecting you to find what they need or answer them straight away. When asking a question, a manager can give their staff time to run through their thoughts briefly or to find what it is you need, so that they don’t feel any undue pressure. Wait for them to finish speaking when they’re in the flow (which is worth it when they do) â€" interrupting them will throw them off track and they may not be able to finish making their point, or won’t feel that they have been listened to. Different Workspaces in Your Environment   With the introduction of open plan offices and hot desking, while for some it was an opportunity to interact with more people during the day and be more sociable â€" for the more introverted staff, it was more of a nightmare. For the introverts among us, entering an open plan office means more people looking up at you, as if you’re walking down a catwalk putting on a show you really don’t want to do. Even if you do seek out the comfort of a familiar face, any conversation you have carries out across the room! Managers, organise workspaces to allow for some small, more secluded spaces so that employees can have at least semi-private conversations and not feel like they are no show by anyone and everyone. This can consist of booths and small, partitioned offices that make staff feel like they’re not so much in the spotlight. Seeing Everyone’s Strengths   While it is important to enable time for introverted staff to have some quiet in the office or by themselves, it can be equally as important to plan team training or activities that bring all your colleagues together. Learning about one another’s differences and getting to each other on a more personal level is always going to be a positive when it enables staff to understand each other’s strengths, shown through the activities planned. An activity to build a raft together? That quiet girl who sits in the corner knows how to tie rope together so that the raft can be strong. Tasks outside of the office can also remind introverts to see the strengths of their extroverted colleagues â€" but do give them plenty of notice of the get-together first. Go to top OFFICE POLITICS Power-Influence-Office Politics: it comes down to your Strategic Relationships and understanding of how you build each one of these elements. I want to help you accelerate your career by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my video that outlines all of this and meaningful actions you can take today!  Start watching now by clicking here! Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleashing your professional potential. Introvert Whisperer

Ask an Admissions Expert Neil Kamdar

Ask an Admissions Expert Neil Kamdar Varsity Tutors brings you insider tips and advice straight from nationally recognized admissions experts. Neil Kamdar is a co-founder of K2 Educational Consulting, a college admissions consultancy founded in 2008. He obtained his undergraduate degree in business from New York Universityand went on to complete his Masters in Business Administration at Yale University. K2 Educational Consulting provides guidance from Ivy League-educated consultants for each step of the admissions process. VT: How far ahead of time should a student begin working on his or her college application? Neil: Ideally, a student should understand what colleges are looking for well before his or her senior year of high school. Students should know that the classes they choose, the extra-curricular activities they are passionate about, and the leadership roles they undertake are all part of the college application process. Because there are so many moving parts in this process, it is important to understand how to approach it as a whole. We recommend starting work on the application during the summer months after junior year. Students should begin by making a list of the possible schools where theyd like to apply. They should then identify all the parts of these applicationsessays, recommendation letters, transcripts, etc.and make a timeline with deadlines for each component. By starting the college admissions process with a clear understanding of tasks and deadlines, you can eliminate a great deal of stress from a tedious process. Stick to your timeline, and you will turn in a much be tter application without scrambling last-minute to throw items together. VT: What are the best ways to go about selecting a terrific essay topic? Neil: The biggest mistake we see in college essays is that students dont answer the question correctly. As simple as it sounds, it is very common for a student to be descriptive in his or her essay but miss the entire point. Colleges want to see how you have grown, hear the experiences that have shaped you, and ultimately read how you can take your experiences and add value to their campuses. Try to identify moments in your life that have truly influenced you. In your essays, make sure you clearly identify how these experiences have helped you grow, and how that translates into your future goals. Often, students get caught up in writing as much as possible. Remember that length is not necessarily an indicator of quality. On the contrary, it is better to be concise, yet impactful. Pick a topic that you are passionate about, and let that passion show in your essay. VT: Are there any essay topics you get tired of seeing or would warn students to stay away from? Neil: There isnt anything wed recommend staying away from in this regard. However, as stated earlier, make sure the essay has meaning. It should be about experiences that you have had, and it should highlight your growth. Any essay can do this if written correctly. However, answer the question properly for each essay. I wouldnt suggest staying away from any topics, but ensure that the topics you do consider can deliver impact. VT: What is the biggest mistake a student can make on a college application? Neil: The biggest mistake a student can make is taking the process lightly. Many times, even the best students do not realize what is entailed in the application process. Up until this point, they have never applied for anything as serious as college. It is important to start early and recognize every facet of the process. The worst mistake is to procrastinate and throw something together at the last minute. Why waste all of your hard work in high school with a poorly compiled application? Start early and give each part of the application the attention it deserves. VT: What is the typical process an admissions officer goes through to evaluate applications? Neil: It can vary depending upon the school. Initially, each application will be reviewed in a very quick time frame, where it will either move on to the next round or be eliminated. Once this has occurred, admissions committees will review the remaining applications and look for important attributes. In addition to examining grades and test scores, they will look for leadership, passion, and initiative packaged in clear, concise, and coherent essays. Finally, they will consider your recommendation letters. The truth is that each admissions committee may value different items. However, each part of the application is very important, and being strong in one area does not mean you can put forth a lesser effort in other areas. VT: What do you think is the single most important thing a student should make sure they present in the best possible way on their application? Neil: Certain aspects of an application are impossible to change, such as your grades and test scores. However, there are ways to demonstrate value in the application. At K2, we believe that the single most important item to present is how a particular student can add value to a university. This is illustrated through passionate essays that show leadership. Any time a student takes initiative, it resonates with any admissions committee. When writing your essays and submitting recommendations, make a concentrated effort to present leadership qualities and passion, so that people know what you can potentially bring to their school. VT: How should students go about determining the culture of a university, and whether they would be a good fit? Neil: The best way to determine the culture of a university is to visit the school. Campus visits are a great way to understand how you would fit at a particular school. It will give you a sense of the campus atmosphere, as well an idea of the culture of the student body. If visiting is difficult, reach out to people who have attended those colleges. Ask them about their experienceswhat they liked, what they would improve upon, etc. If you already know what you are looking for in a college, that is great. However, dont underestimate the importance of diligent research. There are often aspects that you may not have considered that can make a huge difference. We suggest developing criteria and grading prospective schools according to those criteria. It may take effort to obtain the information, but it will be worth it when you are at a school that is the perfect fit for you. VT: Early-action, early-decision, binding/non-binding, regular decisions...With so many choices when applying, what do you recommend to students? Neil: This depends on the situation. If you know what school you would like to attend, and that choice involves a degree of certainty, Id recommend applying early-decision. Colleges value commitment, and if you show you are interested, without a doubt, it can help your chances. However, most students dont definitively know where they would like to attend. In those instances, I would recommend applying early-action (non-binding). This can simply jump-start your application process and potentially eliminate the stress of waiting until later in the year to find out your admission status. However, if your test scores are not where youd like them to be, or your grades could use some improvement, wait. Take the first semester of your senior year to focus on your academics, get your test scores in order, and craft your story. While applying early can help, the quality of your application is much more important than its timing. VT: How important are grades and standardized test scores when admissions decisions are being made? Neil: In my experience, grades are the single most important attribute of any college application. Colleges want to see a consistent body of work that shows dedication and a commitment to academics. They want to select a student who has challenged him- or herself with honors/AP classes, while also balancing other responsibilities. That being said, they will also recognize marked improvements over the course of a high school career. Standardized test scores, including SAT and ACT scores, are also very important for any application. These are the tangibles that cannot be overlooked. However, dont be discouraged if your grades or scores are not up to par. Put effort into your application so that you give yourself the best chance of succeeding. Every aspect of an application is integral to the process, so don't sell yourself short because you aren't happy with your grades or scores. VT: What tips do you have for students asking their teachers for letters of recommendation? Neil: Develop a plan in the summer before your senior year. Determine the number of recommendations youll need, and identify the teachers that you think will do the best job. Be sure to ask them as soon as possible at the start of the school year, and do your best to make the process as easy as possible for them. Provide them with a list of your accomplishments, as well as a detailed resume, so they know what other activities youve been a part of in your high school career outside their classrooms. It is important to realize that teachers will have multiple students asking them for recommendations. Follow up regularly to remind them of your deadlines, as they may forget. By being proactive and asking early with all necessary material prepared, you can ensure a timely and quality recommendation letter. VisitK2 Educational Consulting for more information. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.