Materials You Should Consider Using When Labbing

Materials You Should Consider Using When LabbingThere are many things to consider when choosing chemistry lab materials, and there are many advantages to this task. Using the wrong materials can put both your hands and your students' lives at risk. For this reason, students should spend as much time thinking about what materials they will use and how they will use them before they visit the store.Students should consider using their own lab materials when they do not have any materials at home. While most store-bought products are standardized, it is important to remember that some products contain preservatives and other chemicals that can harm your lab. Also, when you take tests with items that you have already purchased, you should only use approved materials. Some store-bought materials contain dyes, which may cause allergic reactions in children or people with latex allergies.When considering what materials to use, students should consult a chemistry instructor, who can recommen d the proper chemicals for your laboratory. They can also tell you what chemicals to avoid, if there are some you should avoid, and which substances might be harmful for your students. Keep in mind that the product that you choose should be the same, if not the same, as your lab supply list.Students should also consider what materials are more appropriate for the chemistry lab they will be using. One example is a laboratory that requires students to measure gases, solvents, and chemicals. Chemical reactions and measurements are difficult and dangerous if students use the incorrect equipment.The materials that students choose should be reasonably priced, but students should shop around to find the best prices. A few different suppliers can be found online, or at local school supply stores. There are also several different online suppliers that provide a wide variety of supplies, from the supplies you need to those that you can use for experiments. Be sure to compare prices so that yo u don't overpay for one type of materials but underpay for another.A lot of students think they know all there is to know about chemistry lab supplies, but that is often not the case. Teachers, parents, and students need to have a thorough understanding of chemistry before students enter the classroom. It is important to know what products you will need, and what types of chemicals are recommended for your needs.Students should make a schedule to review the type of chemicals and lab products that they plan to use before their visit to the store. This information will give them a good idea of what to expect, and it will help keep them safe during the visit.

Four Things Students and Tutors Should do AFTER an Initial Tutoring Session

Four Things Students and Tutors Should do AFTER an Initial Tutoring Session Improving Academic Performance As we’ve mentioned, there are many things you can do before the initial tutoring session to get the most out of tutoring. After you have attended your initial tutoring session, there are a few things you should do to ensure that you retain all the information you reviewed. In this blog article, we will discuss four things you should do after the initial tutoring session. Write Summary Notes It can be hard to absorb the lesson content or test-taking strategies your tutor is reviewing while also taking copious notes on the session material during a tutoring session. Because multi-tasking during a tutoring session may take away from you absorbing important material or test-taking strategies, I would recommend focusing on the lesson content during the tutoring session. After you’ve completed your initial tutoring session, be sure to take time to write down notes about test-taking strategies, content knowledge, and tips that your tutor reviewed during the session when everything is still fresh in your head. In fact, as Dr. Barbara Oakley teaches in her popular MOOC “Learning How to Learn: Powerful Mental Tools to Help You Master Tough Subjects,” summarizing in your own words is a powerful strategy for learning new things in general. You are more likely to retain information by summarizing lesson content or test-taking strategies in your own words, than if you copy thin gs down word for word. Practice, Practice, Practice! The age-old adage that there is no better way to absorb, retain, and excel at something than to practice at it as much as possible still holds true today. It may be the case that you quickly understood new content that your tutor reviewed with you. Or perhaps, you were able to quickly absorb and apply a new concept or strategy in your session. Even so, you should still take time to continue practicing using the new strategies or content that you just gained in order to commit it to your memory. Some ways that you can practice using a new test-taking strategy is to complete practice problems on a practice exam. To commit new content knowledge to your memory, try writing out or summarizing the content knowledge, drawing diagrams, or teaching it to someone else. Make sure that you are engaging in “deliberate practice” when completing practice problems. Taking time to focus deeply on what you are doing, why each step matters, and when and how you are making mistakes, is far more powe rful than rote repetition, as noted by the American Psychological Association. Practice new strategies/content knowledge regularly, preferably on a weekly basis until you are completely comfortable with it. Review In order to retain new and old test-taking strategies and content, it is important to review them regularly. Set aside a few minutes a day, or 30 minutes each week to review test-taking strategies and content. Additionally, prior to each tutoring session, take time to review strategies and content so that it’s fresh in your mind during each tutoring session. This will make tutoring sessions flow smoothly, as you can dedicate more time to building on concepts and strategies, rather than spending a chunk of time reviewing strategies and content that you covered in previous tutoring sessions. Complete Homework for the Week It is important to come prepared to each tutoring session, ready to learn new content and strategies. In order to do so, make time to complete any homework assignments or practice problems that your tutor assigned you. If you are having difficulty with the assignment, make sure to jot down your questions and ask your tutor about them during your next tutoring session. Taking the time to complete these four simple tasks after each tutoring session will help to improve your retention of new strategies and content, as well as improve your test scores and academic performance.

Career Advice to Know Before You Graduate

Career Advice to Know Before You Graduate Image via Pexels 1. Nurture Your Resume: One of the most important elements of the job process is your resumè. In order to stand out the best you possibly can to potential employers, be sure to constantly and consistently construct your resume. Advisors at your campus career center can definitely help you refine, polish and boost your resume to make it attractive to employers. Don’t worry about the formatting being awful, not having a good amount of experience on paper, or the whole thing just being certified ‘trashable’, it is OK if your resume is a work in progress. 2. Dig Deep to Find Your Strengths: Many college students have a hard time figuring out their strengths. According to Raymond Tang of Careermetis.com, “Plenty of graduates, job entrants, and job changers only know what they are functionally good at i.e. being good at coding, filling out balance sheets, writing content, etc. but lack the identification of soft skills that are often overlooked.” Before you graduate, dig deep to find your softer strengths, identify the skills that you naturally possess- skills that will be attractive to potential employers. Advisors can help you identify these skills, and help you convey them to employers. Unfortunately, it is not enough just to know you have these strengths, you have to show them. 3. Learn How to Network Effectively: As technology has advanced, so has the increased presence of job opportunities on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Before you graduate, clean up your accounts by looking at pictures, posts, and comments that may not be appropriate and make you look better in the eyes of an employer. Second, search for your ideal job by using keywords on search engines, job sites, and social media. You can even look for people with similar interests as you in regards to finding a job! Doing these two things can definitely help you get on track to networking, but it also doesn’t hurt to reach out to your professors, join club organizations, and talk to classmates! Image via Pexels 4. Schedule a Meeting with Professors or Administrators:  For some students, it’s easy to build connections with professors and faculty in college, while for others it’s a difficult process. Regardless of it being ‘easy’ or ‘hard’ for you, one of the best things to do before you graduate is to meet up with your professors, whether they be from your freshman year or this current semester. Connecting with university faculty is important for because they can help guide your career search and they can also be apart of your growing network of people! Robert Hellman of Forbes  writes, “Even if you already have a job lined up, set up these meetings. You want their advice, and you want them in your network for subsequent career transitions.  Start building these relationships  now. You will be so glad you did in a year or two when you want to make your next move (or when your company starts letting people go in the next recession).” 5. Meet at Your Career Center:  Many students are under the false impression that going to a career center is an automatic guarantee of a job. While reaching out to a career center  can  help you find a job, it is not a lottery of job offerings with you having the lucky scratch-off ticket. With that being said, during your appointment with an advisor, expect them to help you narrow down career choices, pull out inner strengths, discover your passions and compliment those with your skills. This personal evaluation will help you figure out what kind of job you want and in a specific field! Post-graduation life is sometimes scary and overwhelming, especially when it comes to the working world. Sometimes things don’t always line up like they’re supposed to, however, if you do the work to create a steady path while you’re in college, navigating your career path after college will be a breeze. Don’t shy away from resources that can be utilized on campus and go outside your comfort zone. As always, good luck!

?? 6 Must-Have Qualities of a Great Tutor

?? 6 Must-Have Qualities of a Great Tutor 6 Must-Have Qualities of a Great Tutor Behind many successful students is a nurturing tutor. Mentorship is a huge responsibility and noteveryone can do it well. It takes a large amount of compassion, generosity, and commitment to begenuinely invested in someone else’s growth and help them make progress in the right direction.After all, when you are just finding your feet in school, university or kickstarting your career, it helps to havea guiding light â€" someone who challenges you, advises you and helps you chalk out your path to success.Apart from knowledge, there are several other personalitytraits that are crucial for being a great tutor.If you're on the lookout for a great tutor, here are 6 traits you should definitely look for:Willingness to ShareIn a nutshell, tutoring is all about sharing knowledge, insights and experiences, isn’t it? An excellenttutor is one who proactively shares his wealth of knowledge and skills with you. They are able toidentify gaps in your skill set and don’t shy away from sharing th eir wisdom and learnings in order topush you to do better.You wouldn’t want a tutor who is uptight and arrogant. They might be extremely well-read andexperienced but none of that matters if they aren’t willing to share it with you for your own good.Exhibits a Positive AttitudeThere is a lot of power and responsibility that lies on the shoulders of a tutor. A cynical mentor willgive rise to an under-confident and anxious tutee. Similarly, encouraging tutors will leave a positiveimpact on their tutee. Hence, your success is largely dependent on the attitude and approach of yourmentor.Having a positive attitude does not comprise of mollycoddling and ignoring pitfalls. In fact, a positivetutor will ensure you don’t lose hope and will support you through the ups and downs you face inyour journey. Sometimes when it’s difficult to look at the bright side, having a positive mentor by yourside, who can help you bounce back does wonders to your motivation.Good ListenerAnyone who has a one-sided approach to mentoring is doing it wrong. Tutoring is a mutualrelationship, with listening being a very important aspect.Listening comes from a place of sincere interest and commitment. When someone is actively listening,they are engaged and invested in the conversation. It reflects in their body language and the way theyrespond to you. So, ensure you choose a mentor who actively listens to what you have to say ratherthan one who merely hears you out.ApproachableThere can never be love and respect where there is fear and intimidation. You need to be able to share agood rapport with your tutor and not be afraid to ask questions in order to make the most of thismentoring relationship. Approachability stems from the fact that your tutor takes tutoringseriously.If you constantly find yourself running behind your tutor asking for their time or are made to feel likea burden â€" it’s time to look for a new tutor.Provides Constructive FeedbackConstructive feedback is one that he lps the person grow and do better next time. While sugar coatedfeedback never helps, it’s also important to not be discouraging and vague while imparting feedback.Giving feedback is a skill â€" your tutor needs to point out areas of improvement, substantiate withexamples and also help you find a solution. At the same time, you should never take feedback personally because a tutor with good intentions is always on your side. Without constructive feedback, there cannever be progress.TrustworthyAn effective tutor-student relationship is one wherein both the parties are honest and transparentwith each other. Find someone who you can wholly trust and count on. When there is a sense of trustand confidentiality, you will be able to have more honest conversations which helplay the foundation of asuccessful tutoring relationship.* * * * *Author BioAdela Belin is the Head of Digital Marketing for a New York-based company, with a passion for education and the benefits of tuition.

Coping with Rejection College Notification Letters

Coping with Rejection College Notification Letters College Notification Letters: Tips On How To Cope With Rejection College notification letters are due to arrive in a few short weeks. Most high school seniors are on edge at this point in the year, hoping that they were accepted to their first choice school. Although most students will get into college somewhere (especially if they seek the guidance of one of our Irvine college admissions consultants), they will also receive a rejection letter. Students are advised to think about reasons why they may or may not be accepted to a particular university before they open their letters so as not become overly discouraged. 1. The statistics were against them If the student applied to a university with a less than 10% admittance rate, the reality is the statistics just weren’t in their favor. Searching for a specific reason as to why they didn’t get into an Ivy League or near Ivy League school is not helpful and will lead to excess frustration. Students should not worry too much and know that its not necessarily a reflection of them as a student or person but rather the university’s picky admissions requirements. Lesson learned: Resilience is powerful and is actually one of the best qualities a young person can have. People will receive multiple rejections before they land their dream job or get into the graduate school of their choice (READ: 8 Reasons Applicants Fail to Get Into the College of Their Choice). 2.  It just wasn’t the right fit Some students apply to school because they felt pressured or because of the school’s reputation. However, many students will not have conducted extensive research to see if the university was really the right place for them to spend four years. If the admissions department feels that they are not a good fit for a student, the student is not likely to be admitted. Lesson learned: Students who attend a school that is not the right fit for them may struggle for the next four years; they should look at the schools they were accepted to and think about which one would truly be the right place for them to flourish. 3. Similar applicants Many universities would like to provide a diverse student body so that admitted students can gain a broadened life perspective. A diverse population is a great thing and offers admitted students more opportunities to become multi-talented world citizens. However, this can sometimes play against an applicant if their application was similar to many others. Lesson learned: Its important that a student is able to stand out on their college application and offer something that their peers cannot. College juniors can learn from their older peers by thinking about what would make them stand out next year. Examples would include a unique volunteer or community service experience, taking AP exams outside of the norm, and fully developing a hobby or interest that is unique (READ: Navigating the Basics of the College Application Process). 4. The student didnt apply to a diverse range of schools Students are always encouraged to apply to a range of schools. Regardless, many students apply to several schools that happen to be very similar. Students who apply only to Ivy League schools, only to large public universities, or only to small specialized schools may find that they have more rejection letters than expected.??Lesson learned: High school seniors should look at the places they were accepted to and choose one that will be the best fit for them. High school juniors can learn from their older peers by remembering to apply to a range of schools when its their turn. The more the merrier when it comes to college applications. On a rare occasion a student will find that they are not accepted to any of the colleges they applied to. This usually isnt because of the student’s grades and test scores but rather because they only applied to “reach” schools or did not choose a “safety” school. Students who find themselves in this situation are advised to sit down with their academic counselor at school as well as with their parents and review how best to spend the next 12 months. Students who are not accepted to college at all should know that they are not doomed to a life without a bachelor’s degree. Students can always apply next year, but they should think about what didnt work out the first time around so they can remedy these issues in the 12 months that follow (READ: Tips from an Irvine College Consultant:   International Scholarships 101). In short? Although getting a rejection letter is emotionally difficult and frustrating, students should be advised that resilience is one of the best qualities they can have as a young person and try to move on as best they can. Students can then look at the list of schools they were accepted to and start focusing on a positive and productive academic future. 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 post about.

Starting From Scratch The Basics of Entrepreneurship

Starting From Scratch The Basics of Entrepreneurship image via www.mahmoudzalt.com According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, an entrepreneur is someone who organizes, manages, and assumes the risks of a business or enterprise. Not everyone is cut out to be an entrepreneur. Starting your own business requires a lot of patience, money, and time, and definitely a spark of passion. If being an entrepreneur is something you think you are cut out to do, here are some pieces of advice to keep in mind for creating your business and keeping it afloat. Have a good team: When you start a business, you want to make sure that the people you have on board with you are smart, well-rounded individuals, who you can trust and who will help your business reach its full potential. Eric Pellaton, who has been an entrepreneur for ten years, said that he recommends “hiring people who are smarter than you.” image via teams-fs.com Having a team of people with their wits about them will aid you when you need people to bounce ideas off of or even get help from. “You can’t do everything all by yourself in the business, so it will definitely help to hire the right people and therefore have a team which excels in different areas,”  Pellaton said. Daniel Vazquez, CEO of Hoplon Financial Group, agreed with Pellaton. “Surround yourself with those that are much smarter than you and you can trust it’s okay to be the dumbest guy in the room, he said. A lot of the time, entrepreneurs get trapped because they have a great idea, but they themselves don’t know how to run a business. This is where a good team comes in. Hiring someone with business management expertise will allow you to put more focus on your idea and how you want it to play out. Georg Cramm, a founder of ADS Engineering GmbH in Basel, Switzerland, said it is essential to “get to know your business partners before you start business with them, because you are going to need to be able to trust them.” Starting a business is risky enough, and you don’t want to be associated with people who may not have the same interests as you. Cramm gave me an example that happened to him when he was starting his first company.  â€œMy very first company I founded in 1988 out of college. As diploma work my colleague and I designed and built a solar city car. During this work, we met people that were interested in our work and they asked  us to join them in founding a company to build and sell solar cars. Enthusiastic as we were at the time, we joined the “party.” The relation didn’t last too long (about 8 months). I learned my lesson!” This is a perfect example about how you need to know who you are going to be working with and how rushing into things is never a good idea. Be protected: Though having a good team is essential, it is still a great idea to protect yourself, because you never know what may go wrong and according to Pellaton everything that can go wrong will go wrong twice. image via globalgoodgroup.com Keeping that in mind, you want to be able to prepare for the worst. Gilbert Fluetsch, founder of Fluetsch Consulting, said that “in order for an entrepreneur to be protected, he/she should form a partnership, LLC (limited liability company), or even Incorporate.” Pellaton recommended to “set up a contract and already have a good lawyer at your disposal.” Having these things already worked out will save you a lot of time and energy, and you won’t have to be scrambling if something gets messy in the business. Cramm said that he utilizes a memorandum of association. “This document regulates how the value of the company is defined  at any time and how the shares of the company are treated,” he said. You want to make sure that you clearly outline things like what happens to the shares when a partner leaves the company, who can buy at what price, etc. Pellaton also mentioned that you should pay attention to the administration and accounting details right from the beginning. Things will get very complicated if you shove these off to deal with at a later date. Another helpful piece of advice from Cramm is to “check your company name and make sure that you will not be confronted with any trademark issues.” The same goes for patents; you really want to avoid infringements. Let’s talk money: So you have a great idea. Now what? In order to get your idea going anywhere, you are going to need some money. image via thewritersguidetoepublishing.com Fluetsch said “once you have an idea on what you would like to do, you put a business plan together that describes the market you are going to tackle, the economics, and last but not least, the financials.” Most of the time, entrepreneurs start out with a small loan from family members to get their business started. When starting a business you are going to need lots of patience, because you definitely don’t want to jump into something you can’t handle. You want to make sure that the funding for the starting phases will be well covered. Vazquez recommended not to “spend money you think you are going to make before its made.” You definitely don’t want to jump the gun and have to pay for it later, literally. You also have to realize that when you start a company, the decisions you make are not only affecting you, but everyone that you work for. “Remember that you are responsible for the financial well being of all that work for you so keep that in the back of your mind with every decision you make,” Vazquez said. Here is an article on Entrepreneur.com that will give you some guiding tools on how to raise money for your business. Know what you are getting into: When starting a business, you need to be realistic and ask yourself, according to Cramm: 1)     What is your core business? 2)     What is your market? 3)     Who is your team? 4)     How are you financed? 5)     How is your cash flow planning? These questions will give you a good foundation for a business plan. Pellaton also said that the business process is going to take “three to five times longer than you thought and cost way more than you would have imagined. image via www.roundpulse.com Dreaming up something is one thing, but putting it in action is a whole different ball game. Here is an article by Scott A. Shane in The New York Times, highlighting that “failure is a constant in entrepreneurship.” Now, this isn’t to say that you should just give up and quit on your idea, it is just to give you a realistic perspective of the things that are going to be pinning against you. Fluetsch mentioned that switching from being an employee to an entrepreneur means “you are switching from a steady paycheck, benefits, and a relatively secure work environment, to a new, unknown situation.” When you have your own business, there won’t be a constant paycheck each month. You are going to have to constantly be looking for new business, and satisfying your customers to stay afloat. image via havingtime.com The verdict: If you know that starting a business is what you truly want to do, you need to make sure that you have the passion, the wits, and the patience to pull it through. You will have to put in long hours, make sacrifices, trust the people you work with, and make tough decisions from time to time. Vazquez said not to give up. “You will find that success is right around the corner and usually its around the corner you never turned because you gave up.” No one said it would be easy, but if you can pull it through it will definitely be worth it, and I salute you because venturing off on your own definitely takes a good amount of guts! Run your own business, get control of your future, make an impact on your life. To learn more about College Pro, click here or call 1-888-277-7962.

Pals Tutoring Services

Pals Tutoring ServicesPals Tutoring is a reputable company in the education business and is well respected for being part of the National Assessment Governing Board. The company trains school children to get the best out of their education and has developed very effective methods of assessment and evaluation. Pals Tutoring uses different methods of teaching. One of the primary focuses of the company is on the math and English language arts.You can learn about their services on the Pals Tutoring website, which will help you understand how they are able to help your child's school work. They have a number of sites where you can check out different educational programs for your child, as well as track your child's progress and see how many points have been earned by your child. You can also enroll your child in an AP course with them.Students also receive opportunities to learn through Pals Tutoring. There are specific programs that can be offered for credit or without credit. This may include working on the concept of fractions, complex algebra concepts, calculus, discrete mathematics, trigonometry, algebra or even more.Pals Tutoring will need to talk to your child's teachers and parents need to know what is planned. There will be consultation sessions for your child to discuss the plans. As Pals Tutoring will take this time to explain all of the reasons why they are going to recommend the plan, it may be a good idea to discuss the matter with your child's teacher as well. A lot of parents find this process helpful and will use it as a tool to help them make the right decision on the curriculum and plan.As Pals Tutoring are registered with the NCBE (National Council for Behavioral Education), they have a lot of resources for teachers. They have methods, techniques and programs to help your child to get better and get ahead in his or her studies. Their plan is not just about learning the basics, but being able to apply them on a day to day basis. With a little res earch and study, you should be able to find a system that fits your child and the needs of his or her school.They are always there to assist with the needs of your child in his or her school. It is important to find out what your child needs, and what he or she can benefit from, so that you can focus on what is important. As Pals Tutoring services are helpful, you will find it helpful to your child's school and help him or her to become the best student that he or she can be.There are a lot of options available to you, which you can select. Whether you decide to use Pals Tutoring or other method, you can find a solution that fits you, your child and your school.

Consider Studying in Staten Island For Chemistry Tutors

Consider Studying in Staten Island For Chemistry TutorsIf you are seeking a chemistry tutor, consider studying in Staten Island. The students who attend the Stony Brook University system is a prime example of the nation's best public school. Graduates of this university are highly sought after by employers, and many want to take this opportunity to complete their educations. When you look at different types of jobs that are available, you will see that you will benefit greatly by taking classes at a location such as Stony Brook University.When you take a science course in a classroom setting, you will have an understanding of the scientific process, which will give you a better advantage when you're applying for a science job. If you take this course, you will have an enhanced appreciation for the rules of physics, and for chemical reactions, because you will understand what goes on in a laboratory setting. You will also learn about the chemical reactions which are used to make most chemicals, and you'll see how chemistry can be used to produce items such as plastics, paints, or ink. By taking courses in a classroom, you will also get an idea of the topic, and whether or not you will be able to relate it to the work you do in the workplace. Your knowledge of chemistry will increase your chances of landing a science job.The next step in pursuing a science job is to get the information you need about the hiring procedures. The science job market is competitive, and hiring decisions are based upon several factors, including whether you already have a PhD. This means that your accomplishments with your degree in science are not enough to guarantee you a job. Your grades will be an important factor, but even this is just one of the things that will be considered.Getting a job requires two steps. First, you will have to go to an interview, which will involve showing your resume and introducing yourself. You'll be interviewed for a particular position and they may ask you to be interviewed for multiple positions in order to keep the application moving. Once the interviews are over, you will be informed of the decision by the department head. In this case, if the department decides to keep you on, you'll still have a chance to pursue your education after you finish school.You can also get a chemistry tutor in Staten Island. You can research the internet for local tutors, as many offer courses as well as personal instruction. You'll also need to decide what type of chemistry class you'd like to study, and that faculty should teach you. With this in mind, you will find that you are making a good choice when you choose your tutor in Stony Brook. A good chemistry tutor will provide the right type of chemistry class for your schedule and taste.Many New York City new chemistry tutors will even offer to help you transfer credits from another school, so that you can take your courses from home. This can make it easier for you to complete your college edu cation. Other aspects of your education can also be transferred, such as subjects like math, if you're going to take calculus in high school. Having your mathematics and science combined in one course can provide you with a much more satisfying education.Science is one of the most popular subjects at the undergraduate level, and if you decide to continue your education, you will find that taking chemistry courses will be a lot easier. Studying in Staten Island will give you a chance to study chemistry in a dynamic environment, and will give you a great education in the field. This is an excellent way to start your life in the sciences and to get yourself on the right track for a career in that field.

4 Benefits of STEM Studies

4 Benefits of STEM Studies Course offerings in STEMscience, technology, engineering, and mathematicshave become much more numerous and varied at the high school level in recent years, and there has been a concerted effort in many parts of the country to increase the influence of STEM studies in high school curricula. Nevertheless, many students who do not plan to study STEM-related subjects in college often enroll in the minimum number of required STEM courses during their high school careers. There are many benefits to students completing STEM classes outside their minimum graduation requirements, and these benefits apply equally to students who plan to major in a STEM field in college and to students who do not. Intellectual challenge One such benefit is the challenge that STEM courses offer. Certain students find classes in engineering, mathematics, science, and technology less difficult than liberal arts offerings, but these students frequently major in a STEM-related field in college. For students who are more naturally inclined toward the liberal arts or social sciences, the challenge of a STEM course can serve as a vehicle to further build their academic skills in all disciplines. Here are some great tips on how to succeed in science and engineering. Preparation for general education requirements In addition to the intellectual benefits that students receive from STEM classes, completing such studies while in high school can assist students with their graduation requirements in college. Most universities require students to participate in at least some STEM education while completing STEM courses in high school may not allow you to forego those requirements, this exposure can better prepare you for succeeding in those general education classes. Better preparation typically results in a better grade, and every improvement to your college GPA can improve your career and graduate school prospects. Employable skills STEM courses can help students build skills that are key to employment, even if their careers are not in a STEM field. STEM offerings, for instance, promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The STEM curriculum teaches students to collaborate in order to discover solutions to complex, multi-step problems, thus building the teamwork skills that so many employers seek in job candidates. It is often the skills developed while working with the materialas opposed to the material itselfthat will benefit students most. You may also want to consider thesegreat reasons why you should have a part time job in college. Variety of offerings Finally, the scope of STEM has expanded greatly in recent years to encompass classes that you may not have thought were available in years past. For instance, subjects such as alternative energy, digital design, and television production are increasingly common. Students who tend to avoid math and science courses would do well to notice the diverse array of offerings now available under the STEM umbrella. Modern high school STEM studies have expanded greatly beyond the standard high school math and science courses that most students already take, and at their advanced levels, these classes provide curricula that do a great deal to promote collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Enrolling in such classes beyond the minimum requirements can help prepare students both for college and for the workplace in a myriad of ways. Students who would otherwise not consider STEM studies should give them a second look as they contemplate their high school course schedules. You may also want to check out the STEAM movement.