College Reputation

Checkmate!

Scholar's Mate:
Fool's Mate:
Some Opening Principles and Chess Strategies

1. It is Better Chess Strategy to Develop the Knights before Their Respective Bishops.
2. A good chess strategy is to Develop Both Knights before the Queen’s Bishop.
3. A good chess strategy is Do Not Develop your Chess Pieces Exclusively on One Side.
4. A good chess strategy is as a Rule Do Not Play a Piece beyond Your Own Side of the Board in the Opening.
5. A good chess strategy is if You Have Castled Do Not Permit the Opponent to Open a File on Your King.
6. A good chess strategy is to Avoid Pinning the Opponent’s King’s Knight before He has Castled, Especially When You Have Yourself Castled on the King’s Side.
7. A good chess strategy is to Avoid Making Exchanges which Develop Another Piece for the Opponent.
8. A good chess strategy is to Avoid Exchanging Bishops for Knights Early in the Game.
9. A good chess strategy is to Avoid Premature Attacks.

http://www.johnpratt.com/items/chess/menu.html

Sample Outline for a Talk

Be sure to put your name on your outline!

Include your speech title here

Audience

Analyze your audience. What do they already know about your topic? Are they interested in the topic?

Refine and limit topic

Based on your analysis of the audience you may need to slightly change your topic, by either changing the focus, or the scale of the topic.

Purpose: (Why are you giving this talk?):

Write down a clear statement of what it is you intend to achieve. What is the goal of your speech.

For example, you can write; The purpose of this speech is to inform the audience how to travel in Japan without spending to much money.

Thesis: (What is your major argument?)

Now, convert the purpose statement into a 'thesis statement'. A thesis statement is one sentence in the introduction in which you declare your purpose and topic.

For example, a thesis statement of the above purpose statement would be; 'Traveling in Japan need not be an extravagance.'

I. Introduction

A. Greeting: "hello, my name is ....."
B. Attention getter: think of a sentence that will make the audience sit up and listen.
C. Credibility statement: this means explaining to the audience why you are 'qualified' to speak about the subject.
D. Thesis statement: see above
E. Preview of main points: what are your main points? Tell your audience why you think your presentation will be useful to them.

Transition: think of a sentence that will make it clear to the audience that you have finished the introduction, and are now about to start the body of the speech.

II. Body: Main Points #1, #2, #3

Main ideas	Supporting ideas	Details & Examples	Visuals
Write your main points and ideas here	What ideas will you tell the audience to support your main points?	What details or examples do you have?	Will you have any visuals to help explain your points?

Transition: think of a sentence that will make it clear to the audience that you have finished the body and are now coming to the end of the speech.

III. Conclusion

A. Signal closing: "and in conclusion...."
B. Restate thesis
C. Review main points: summarize your main ideas and think of which piece of information you really want the audience to remember.

1. Main point #1
2. Main point #2
3. Main point #3

D. Memorable statement or call to action: think of a final sentence to help the audience remember your speech.
E. Thank audience for listening

Remember to: smile, make eye contact with most friendly audience, look confident, keep good body posture, and use hand/facial gestures to signal main points (thumbs-up).

Bibliography

Be sure to include non-print expert sources (e.g., those experts you have interviewed or heard on a broadcast).

Use a standard format such as APA, MLA, or Turabian. (URLs are not sufficient.) Go to the APA Style Wizard for assistance at http://www.stylewizard.com/index.html

http://www.nsknet.or.jp/~peterr-s/public_speaking/detailoutline.html
http://people.whitman.edu/~weilercs/TalkingTips/How_to_give_a_speech.pdf

Gestures: Get Moving!

Let go of your stiff death grip on the lectern and learn how to make your speeches interesting through body language.

The human body contains more than 700 muscles, but few of those are used by speakers – except when using their arms and fingers in a life-preserving clutch of lecterns and laser pointers or frenetically clicking on PowerPoint slides. Speakers tend to focus most of their efforts in search of the perfect word to illustrate their precious points, despite overwhelming evidence proving that, in fact, our bodies speak louder than words.

Your effectiveness as a speaker is directly related to your ability to invoke emotion and interest through the use of non-verbal communication. Your listeners judge you and your message based on what they see as well as what they hear. In public speaking, your body can be an effective tool for adding emphasis and clarity to your words. It’s also your most powerful instrument for convincing an audience of your sincerity, earnestness and enthusiasm. Whether your purpose is to inform, persuade, entertain, motivate or inspire, your body language and the personality you project must be appropriate to what you say. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “What you are speaks so loudly that I cannot hear what you say.” So be sure your appearance, posture and attire is appropriate as well.

Here’s how you can incorporate appropriate body language into your speeches:

• Start with eye contact. Being prepared – having control of your message – is a prerequisite for being able to project and establish a bond with the audience. Don’t just pass your gaze throughout the room; try to focus on individual listeners and create a bond with them by looking them directly in the eyes for five to 10 seconds.
• Smile!
• Express emotion with your facial muscles. For inspiration, take a look at the The Human Face, a BBC documentary narrated by John Cleese of Monty Python fame, now available on DVD.
• Avoid distracting mannerisms – have a friend watch as you practice and look for nervous expressions such as fidgeting, twitching, lip biting, key jingling, hands in pockets or behind the back.
• Telling a story? Highlight the action verbs and look for ways to act out one or more parts. Speaking about marathon running? Run a few steps.
• Stay true to your personality. Don’t copy gestures from a book or other speaker, but respond naturally to what you feel and say.
• Make gestures convincing. Every hand gesture should be total body movement that starts from the shoulder – never from the elbow. Half-hearted gestures look artificial.
• Vary your speaking position by moving from one spot on the stage to another. For example, walk to the other side of the stage as you move to a new topic or move toward the audience as you ask a question.

http://www.toastmasters.org/MainMenuCategories/FreeResources/NeedHelpGivingaSpeech/TipsTechniques/GesturesGetMoving.aspx

10 Tips for Public Speaking

Feeling some nervousness before giving a speech is natural and even beneficial, but too much nervousness can be detrimental. Here are some proven tips on how to control your butterflies and give better presentations:

1. Know your material. Pick a topic you are interested in. Know more about it than you include in your speech. Use humor, personal stories and conversational language – that way you won’t easily forget what to say.
2. Practice. Practice. Practice! Rehearse out loud with all equipment you plan on using. Revise as necessary. Work to control filler words; Practice, pause and breathe. Practice with a timer and allow time for the unexpected.
3. Know the audience. Greet some of the audience members as they arrive. It’s easier to speak to a group of friends than to strangers.
4. Know the room. Arrive early, walk around the speaking area and practice using the microphone and any visual aids.
5. Relax. Begin by addressing the audience. It buys you time and calms your nerves. Pause, smile and count to three before saying anything. ("One one-thousand, two one-thousand, three one-thousand. Pause. Begin.) Transform nervous energy into enthusiasm.
6. Visualize yourself giving your speech. Imagine yourself speaking, your voice loud, clear and confident. Visualize the audience clapping – it will boost your confidence.
7. Realize that people want you to succeed. Audiences want you to be interesting, stimulating, informative and entertaining. They’re rooting for you.
8. Don’t apologize for any nervousness or problem – the audience probably never noticed it.
9. Concentrate on the message – not the medium. Focus your attention away from your own anxieties and concentrate on your message and your audience.
10. Gain experience. Mainly, your speech should represent you — as an authority and as a person. Experience builds confidence, which is the key to effective speaking. A Toastmasters club can provide the experience you need in a safe and friendly environment.

http://www.toastmasters.org/tips.asp

College Public Speaking

Aida: The Grand March

Steve Jobs

My model for business is The Beatles: They were four guys that kept each other's negative tendencies in check; they balanced each other. And the total was greater than the sum of the parts. Great things in business are not done by one person, they are done by a team of people.

Campus Safety Tips

1. Never walk alone. Use the buddy system.
2. Be aware of your surroundings.
3. Park in well lit and busy areas.
4. Know the locations of all Emergency Telephones on campus.
5. Report all suspicious persons and activities to campus security
6. Carry your purse or book bags close to your body.
7. Be alert and look around when using ATMs.
8. Do not use a shortcut through alleys.
9. Always let someone know where you are going and what time you expect to return.
10. Keep the campus police number, near your telephone or store it in your cell phone.

Top 20 Skills – EDGE (Rhodes Scholar)

1. Long term Career Plan & Goals: 10yr – HS Diploma, AA, BA, MCAT, Med Sch, Residency
2. Study Skills & Time Mgt. Cornell map, daily calendar, master problem sets, essay outline, map lecture, memory skills
3. Low Stress College Education: Max 3-4 subjects sem; Mix 1-2 science courses; No Science Major; 5yr BS Plan
4. Financial Mgt. & Budgeting: How to reconcile a bank stmt; P&L to manage a home; How to shop wisely (Mint.com)
5. Public Speaking: College Courses + Toastmasters (video taping), get out of comfort zone
6. Leadership Skills: Coll club membership
7. The Art of Networking, Resume writing, References Letters
8. How to Think Creatively – Out Of The Box
9. 2nd very Fluent Language Skills
10. Business Hobby: Writing, Piano, Archery, Cycling, roller-skating, Amateur artist,
11. Publish articles – BC school paper, The Observer
12. Sex Education: Girls Can Program; Date Rape; Drugs; Sexual diseases; Dating guidelines
13. Home Economics: Cooking; self-grooming; CPR; Power Tools; Proper Etiquette
14. Mentoring & Teaching
15. World Knowledge: Time, National Geo; The Atlantic
16. Think Like A Genus: quickie math; Speed Reading; (know the unusual)
17. Positive Thinking - Understand that failure is a temporary situation
18. Home & Personal Safety: Campus etiquette; Gun range; RAD self-defense classes; pepper spray
19. 2nd income: real estate

Home Security

1. Bright external Motion Lights
   
2. Visible Fake/Real Cameras @ strategic locations
   
3. No Trespassing Signs
4. Locked external Gates
5. Low-cut trees/scrubs
6. Prickly/Spiny plants under windows areas
7. Barking dog
   
8. Windows screened (limit passer-by views)
   
9. Key-Lock each Window (fire exits)
   
10. Central Alarm System - Motion Activated
11. All entrance ways - Battery operated alarm system
12. Sliding door pin-locks & cross bars
    
13. Main doors - security slide-latch for limited opening
    
14. Bedroom - dead bolt locks (including all doors)
    
15. Garage door - bolted inside (universal remote opener)
    
16. Bolted Fire and Theft Safe
17. Easy sliding & dark window shades/blinds (grommet holes)
    
18. Internet computer camera system
19. Radio turned-on upon leaving
    
20. Expensive electronic item viewable upon entry (early warning)
    
21. S&W Revolver - .38 spc (The Bodyguard) - Holster, trigger plug, ring activation trigger, bio-metric safe.
22. Alert Police Station, neighbors when on vacation (fill out form)
    

Imagine Leadership

The Keyword Memory System

The Keyword system is the most effective memory system for learning medical terms. I've provided examples below to show you how to use this method. A good time to use this system is when you have a term for which there is no readily-available mnemonic.

The way you use the Keyword Method is by combining the use of substitute words with visualization (a two-step process). First you convert the sound of the word into smaller, simpler concepts. Then you associate those concepts with an image representing the actual meaning of the word.

Remember that when using any of the memory systems, you must make an effort to clearly visualize the images. The images are the "cues" (or clues) that help you retrieve the information from your memory, much like the label on a file folder.

Example 1 - "ginglymoid". This word means "pertaining to or shaped like a hinged joint." If you could somehow associate the phrase "hinged joint" with this term in your memory, you'd easily be able to remember the definition. The first step with the Keyword system is breaking down the word phonetically into smaller sounds you can word with.

The word ginglymoid is pronounced "jing-lei-moyd" according to Taber's medical dictionary. Thinking carefully about the sound of this word, I realize it sounds a bit like "jingly mud" (of course, you would use whatever phrase pops into your mind).

For jingly mud, a silly but memorable image could be a gigantic bell stuck in the mud. I am trying and trying to ring it, but the mud is very thick and I'm breaking my back trying to pull it out. Try to see this in your mind's eye in great detail - what color is the bell? what metal is it made of? does it have a wooden handle? And so on.

To associate that image with the definition, I modify the picture to imagine the handle of the bell is not straight, but actually has a human elbow (a hinge) in the middle! As I pull on the bell, this elbow bends, making it even more difficult to pull the bell out of the mud.

There you have it. When I read or hear the word "ginglymoid", it will automatically make me think of "jingly mud", which instantly calls to mind the bell stuck in the mud. The image I visualized will remind me that this is no ordinary bell, but it has a hinged joint on the handle. Therefore, ginglymoid => hinged joint.

Explaining this out took a lot of words, but when you perform these steps in your mind using images, it goes very quickly.

Don't forget, you need to periodically review your image to set it firmly in your mind. It only takes a second to review an image. Review images after 10 minutes, then 30 minutes, then 2 hours, then less frequently (perhaps after one day, then one week). This will really put the image and the associated medical term into long-term memory.

Example 2 - "Minimata's Disease". This disease is a neurological disorder caused by accidental ingestion of mercury, which is a poison. To remember this fact and the name of the disease, we simply need to associate Minimata (pronounced "mee-nee-mah-tah") with mercury.

Remember that the visual images are cues, which means they don't have to include every part of the word or definition to remind you of the true meaning. If you study and understand a concept, then the visual image cue simply acts like that filing cabinet label and allows you to access the part of your memory where that information is stored.

"Minimata" sounds to me a lot like "meany mat". I picture a very mean door mat with arms, legs, and an angry face. This could be like the Welcome mat that many people have by their front doors. Now, most people know that your typical thermometer contains mercury (the silver liquid inside).

I visualize this angry mat taking a huge thermometer out of his mouth (I guess he was sick, and that's why he's mad) smashing the thermometer on the front porch. This splashes the silver mercury all over and gets broken glass everywhere, which is very hazardous.

You see with that image, it is not only silly, but it also adds exaggeration (a "huge" thermometer) as well as action (smashing the thermometer). These all help make the image more memorable.

When I read or see the phrase "Minimata's Disease", I'll realize it sounds like "meany mat". This will remind me of the mean mat who smashed his thermometer and spilled mercury every where. Oh yeah! Minimata => mercury poisioning.

http://www.medicalmnemonics.com/

A Successful Man

"Not every successful man is a good father, but every good father is a successful man"

How to Draw a Butterfly

How to make a Bonsai Tree

Sculpey Clay Monkey

How To Study.Org

http://www.howtostudy.org/resources_subject.php?id=26

“Half of what I say is meaningless, but I say it so that the other half may reach you”.

The Young Woman and the Starfish

A man was taking a sunrise walk along the beach.
In the distance he caught sight of a young woman who seemed to be dancing along the waves. As he got closer he saw that the young woman was picking up starfish from the sand and tossing them back into the ocean.

“What are you doing?” the man asked.
“The sun is coming up and the tide is going out; if I don’t throw them in they’ll die.”
“But, there are miles and miles of beach with starfish all along it – you can’t possibly make a difference.”

The young woman bent down, picked up another starfish and threw it back into the ocean. “It made a difference to that one,” she replied.

Happy Father's Day

"The greatest gift a father can give his children is to love and respect their mother"

Student Contract - Beg Semester

Dear Professor XXXXX

It was a pleasure meeting with you and my fellow classmates, on this, our first day of class. I look forward to this semester knowing an enthusiastic teacher will tutor us. I promise to adhere to your syllabus since it is the contract that underscores your student expectations. In addition, I commit to attend all classes, baring any emergencies, complete all assignments, to the best of my ability, and to do so on or before the required due dates.

As a Biology Major and a Premed Student, it is important all through the semester that I work very hard to maintain an A grade status. So please feel free to suggest any extra credit assignment and/or research project necessary to maintain my grade at its optimum level throughout your college course. In addition, any and all critical feedback will be most welcomed, as I know I will learn most from my mistakes.

Your Committed Student,

Alana S
Student ID #: XXXXX

Student Contract - End Semester

Dear Professor XXXXX,

Thank you for giving me +four memorable months of learning and exploring the wonderful world of XXXXX. I stayed committed to my original agreement by adhering to your course syllabus, attended all classes with the exception of one (due to illness), finished all my home work assignments in a timely manner, and completed all extra credits as you recommended. I was grateful for all your critical feedback, and I know my grade saw significant improvement once I enacted your suggestions.

As a Biology/Pre-Med. student, I realize that the road ahead of me is long and arduous. Nevertheless, one day, I will look back at these exceptional times and think to myself how lucky I was to have experienced the Joys of Learning from a teacher as special as YOU.

I am truly grateful that I was your student, and the lessons you imprinted upon me, will last a lifetime! Thank you for your thoughtfulness, generosity, and especially for giving me that special confidence from knowing that I was one of your more “Exceptional Student”.

Yours with deep affection,

Alana S
Student ID#: XXXXX

PS: I do hope I will have the privilege of being your student again this XXXXX for XXXXX.

You don't take a photograph, you make it.

Without art, the crudeness of reality would make the world unbearable.
George Bernard Shaw

Nature is my medicine.

The tulip and the butterfly
Appear in gayer coats than I:
Let me be dressed fine as I will,
Flies, worms, and flowers exceed me still.
~Isaac Watts

The poetry of the earth is never dead.

Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair. ~Kahlil Gibran

Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.

What humbugs we are, who pretend to live for Beauty, and never see the Dawn! ~
Logan Pearsall Smith

Rules and models destroy genius and art.

The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance.
Aristotle

Things do not change; we change.

Art doesn't transform. It just plain forms.

Art is the desire of a man to express himself, to record the reactions of his personality to the world he lives in.
Amy Lowell

If there is no struggle, there is no progress.

How can they say my life is not a success? Have I not for more than sixty years got enough to eat and escaped being eaten?
Logan P. Smith

All art is but imitation of nature.

There are no rules for good photographs, there are only good photographs.
Ansel Adams

A picture is worth a thousand words.

Experience is a great teacher.

Everything has been said before, but since nobody listens we have to keep going back and beginning all over again.
Andre Gide

For your information, I would like to ask a question.

He who rejects change is the architect of decay.

If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude.
Maya Angelou

Life is an experiment

But now I have come to believe that the whole world is an enigma, a harmless enigma that is made terrible by our own mad attempt to interpret it as though it had an underlying truth.
Umberto Eco

Auto Printer Sharing Switch

2-Port USB 2.0 Printer Auto Sharing Switch [ GUB211 ]
Mac & Win Driver: http://www.iogear.com/support/dm/driver/GUB211#display
Technical Support Hotline (available daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM PST) at 866-946-4327.

BC Computer Competency Test

http://www.broward.edu/outlines/CGS1060C.pdf

BCC Basic Student Technology Literacy Test Objectives
What skills does BCC’s Basic Student Technology Literacy Test cover?
BCC uses a version of the IC³ Training and Certification Program exam. The exam covers a broad range of computing knowledge and skills that proves competency in the areas described below. Students seeking to satisfy BCC’s Basic Student Technology Literacy Competency must demonstrate knowledge in the three exam areas: Computing Fundamentals, Key Applications, and Living Online.
Computing Fundamentals Competencies:

This exam covers the following areas:
Computer Hardware:
1. Identify types of computers, how they process information and how individual computers interact with other computing systems and devices
2. Identify the function of computer hardware components
3. Identify the factors that go into an individual or organizational decision on how to purchase computer equipment
4. Identify how to maintain computer equipment and solve common problems relating to computer hardware

Computer Software:
1. Identify how software and hardware work together to perform computing tasks and how software is developed and upgraded
2. Identify different types of software, general concepts relating to software categories, and the tasks to which each type of software is most suited or not suited
3. Identify fundamental concepts relating to database applications

Using an Operating System:
1. Identify what an operating system is and how it works, and solve common problems related to operating systems
2. Manipulate and control the Windows desktop, files and disks
3. Identify how to change system settings, install and remove software

Key Applications: This exam covers the following areas:
Common Program Functions:
1. Be able to start and exit a Windows application and utilize sources of online help
2. Identify common on-screen elements of Windows applications, change application settings and manage files within an application
3. Perform common editing and formatting functions
4. Perform common printing functions

Word Processing Functions:
1. Be able to format text and documents including the ability to use automatic formatting tools
2. Be able to insert, edit and format tables in a document

Spreadsheet Functions:
1. Be able to modify worksheet data and structure and format data in a worksheet
2. Be able to sort data, manipulate data using formulas and functions and add and modify charts in a worksheet

Presentation Software:
1. Be able to create and format simple presentations

Living Online: This exam covers the following areas:
Networks and the Internet:
1. Identify network fundamentals and the benefits and risks of network computing
2. Identify the relationship between computer networks, other communications networks (like the telephone network) and the Internet

Electronic Mail:
1. Identify how electronic mail works
2. Identify how to use an electronic mail application
3. Identify the appropriate use of e-mail and e-mail related "netiquette"

Using the Internet:
1. Identify different types of information sources on the Internet
2. Be able to use a Web browsing application
3. Be able to search the Internet for information

The Impact of Computing and the Internet on Society:
1. Identify how computers are used in different areas of work, school, and home
2. Identify the risks of using computer hardware and software
3. Identify how to use the Internet safely, legally, and responsibly
Areas Tested On The Exam

The Computer Competency Exam covers five essential areas of computer skills in which students need to be able to demonstrate competency:

• MS-Word
• MS-PowerPoint
• MS-Excel
• The Internet
• Basic Computer Concepts

MS-WORD:

Students should be able to perform the following tasks in MS-Word:

1. Open a document
2. Edit/Enter text
3. Cut/Paste, Copy/Paste
4. Find/Replace
5. Adjust line spacing
6. Change font, formatting
7. Use the spell checker
8. Use the thesaurus
9. Use the grammar checked
10. Change font/formatting
11. Insert date or date field
12. Set/Adjust tab setting
13. Add Bullets/Numbering
14. Add/Edit document Header/Footer
15. Insert page break
16. Insert page numbering
17. Change margins
18. Adjust page setup
19. Insert/Format a table
20. Preview a document
21. Print a document
22. Save a document
23. Insert a comment
24. Insert/Edit footnotes/endnotes

MS-POWERPOINT:

Students should be able to perform the following tasks in MS-PowerPoint:

1. Create a blank presentation
2. Use the AutoContent Wizard
3. Create a presentation using a design template
4. Change views
5. Add a new slide
6. Add/Edit a Header/Footer
7. Add Text/Bullets
8. Format a slide
9. Promote/Demote text
10. Insert an image
11. Create a text box
12. Apply slide animations
13. Apply slide transitions
14. Change slide layout
15. Print handouts
16. Print notes
17. Save/Save As
18. Set up timings
19. Save for another computer
20. Save as a web page

MS-EXCEL:

Students should be able to perform the following tasks in MS-Excel:

1. 1. Delete Rows/Columns
2. 2. Edit text
3. 3. Edit numbers
4. 4. Format cells
5. 5. Apply Borders/Shading
6. 6. Align cells
7. 7. Adjust Row/Column Height/Width
8. 8. Auto format worksheet
9. 9. Adjust print area
10. 10. Print a worksheet or workbook
11. 11. Insert formulas
12. 12. Edit formulas
13. 13. Create a chart

The Internet:

Students should be able to perform the following tasks on the Internet:

1. Navigation
2. Refresh a page
3. Return to home page
4. Change your home page
5. Use favorites
6. Add to favorites
7. Stop page loading
8. Search the Internet
9. Enter a URL
10. Check browser settings

Basic Computer Concepts:

Students should be familiar with the following computer concepts:

1. Know proper email netiquette
2. Understand the difference between CC and BCC
3. Understand the definition of a computer
4. Know the purpose of RAM memory
5. Identify different ways to access the Internet
6. Understand the purpose of a link on a webpage
7. Know what the HTML language is used for
8. Understand email attachments
9. Understand Windows file-naming conventions
10. Recognize that email attachments that may be infected with a computer virus
11. Know what a boot sector virus is
12. Define a Trojan virus
13. Recognize the symptoms of a computer virus
14. Recognize a virus hoax email message
15. Select appropriate methods for performing backups of computer files

Hands-On Practice for the Computer Competency Test

http://cfcc.edu/learninglab/cc/tutorial.html
http://www.stedwards.edu/it_dept/competency/tutorial.html
http://www.ric.edu/technologyCompetency/tutorials_email_answers.php
http://www.bedford.lib.nh.us/Basics.htm

How to Write SAT Essay under 25 Mins

Bottom-Line

1. What is the Essay Topic
2. What is your position (agree, disagree, neutral)
3. Why are you taking this position (give 3+ main arguments to prove your case)
4. Use the 3+ arguments to summarize your Thesis
   
5. Introductory Paragraph: recap the essay topic, state your position, and summarize your +3 arguments into a thesis sentence
   
6. Body Paragraph: Provide examples and evidences supporting each arguments (quote academic info and cite sources)
   
7. Conclusion Paragraph: restate your thesis and expand your arguments. Elaborate on Thesis - leave your reader with solutions, answers, ideas, alternatives
8. Review essay for the following:
   

How an Essay is Graded

1. Intelligent / Convincing Argument
2. Relevant examples/evidences to support Argument
3. Clear Organization (smooth progression from idea to idea)
4. Use of imaginative sentences and complex vocabulary
5. Freedom from grammatical errors and mistakes

Developing Thesis

1. Rewrite the essay requirement and objectives
2. Take a Point of View on the Topic – do you agree, disagree, or neutral? (one Argument only)
3. Brainstorm:
4. Ask several questions as to why you are taking a specific position on the Topic
5. List examples/evidences that support each questions
6. Map/Outline your Essay to clearly organize each evidence with supporting details
7. Write a Thesis that summarizes all the Main Evidences that support your central Argument
8. Supporting Details does not have to be included. Why? You are convincing reader of your Point of View, not explaining!
   

Follow a standard Essay format:

1. Introductory Paragraph (tells the reader what your essay is about and the position you’re taking)
2. Rewrite the essay requirements and objective (Topic)
3. Rewrite Thesis that summarizes all the evidences that support your main Argument
4. Body (reason(s) why reader should agree with your position)
5. Evidence #1: Topic Sentence + Supporting Details + Summary/Transition Sentence (to lead into next paragraph)
6. Evidence #2
7. Evidence #3
8. Evidence #4
9. Conclusion (summarizes your arguments supporting your Point of View)
10. Restate Thesis that summarizes all the evidences that support your main Argument
11. Move beyond the Thesis and restate some supporting details to finally conclude your original Argument

Other Ideas

1. Restate simple sentences with more complex and colorful sentences
2. Does your final Essay follow your original Map/Outline? Is it a smooth progression from idea to idea?
3. Use/replace simple vocabulary with 25 complex words list
4. Do not use same/similar vocabulary words twice
5. Use computer thesaurus to find colorful words
6. Use descriptive/action words before Nouns/Verbs
7. Recheck essay for grammatically mistakes
8. Map/Outline Articles – will keep you focused, and provide additional ideas to explore.
9. Always use your personal experiences, books/magazine read, past college subjects ideas, and personal life examples to support your Point of View on an Essay topic.
10. Fill-up your Essay by citing research materials that support your main argument

Grading
Score Point 5—Superior
The writer is in command of the conventions of language. The writer makes very few, if any, mistakes in sentence formation, usage, and mechanics. Some evidence is shown of advanced or innovative techniques.

Score Point 4—Effective
On the whole, the writer correctly applies the conventions of language, though there are some mistakes in sentence formation, usage, or mechanics. However, none of these errors are serious enough to interfere with the overall flow of the response or with its meaning.

Score Point 3—Adequate
The writer is fairly successful in applying the conventions of language. Several mistakes in sentence formation, usage, or mechanics are present. While the density of these errors may interfere with the overall flow of the response, they do not interfere with its meaning.

Score Point 2—Marginal
The writer is marginally successful in applying the conventions of language. Patterns of mistakes in sentence formation, usage, and mechanics significantly detract from the presentation. At times the meaning of the response may be weakened.

Score Point 1—Weak
The writer’s achievement in applying the conventions of language is limited. Frequent and serious mistakes in sentence formation, usage, and mechanics make the response difficult to understand.

Mahatma Gandhi Quotes

“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”

“Nobody can hurt me without my permission.”

“The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.”

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”

How To Scan A Document (Win Photo Gallery)

XP
Click start, click printers and faxes, click scanners and cameras, double click on image scanner device (name), welcome to scanner and camera wizard pops up then follow instructions from there.

Vista

1. Click the Windows Vista ( ) icon, click All Programs , and then click Windows Photo Gallery .
2. Click File , and then click Import From Camera or Scanner .
3. Click Import , and then click Scan .

HP officeJet Flatbed 6300

You Are Not Alone

Life is like a box of chocolates

You never know, what you'll get. (Forrest Gump)

Talking Animals

Life is simple, its just not easy

Life is like a blanket too short. You pull it up and your toes rebel, you yank it down and shivers meander about your shoulder; but cheerful folks manage to draw their knees up and pass a very comfortable night. ~Marion Howard

Today Is A Gift

Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That's why it's called the present.

Our Place in the Universe

Education Program Timeline

1. Home School Education: Grades 1-6, Pre-Ged, GED, PSAT, SAT
   
2. Home School Transcript
3. BC Letters & Application
   
4. BC AA Program Outline
5. Study Methods & Maps
   
6. Federal & State Grants Worksheet
7. Scholarship - Brights Futures Application
8. Scholarship - Craig Dickerson (Home School)
9. Scholarship - BC Application: (1) Coca Cola Endowed s/ship, (2) FPA of Broward College s/ship, (3) Morris K Udall Foundation s/ship
10. Scholarship - Others
    
11. College Technology: Printers, Copiers, Scanners, Voice Recorders, Digital Cameras, Magazines
    
12. FAU Pre-Planning & Visit (Honors Program, Pre-Med & Credential reg)
13. MCAT - ExamKracker Reference Guides (Phy, Chem, Bio, Org Chem, Verbal Reasoning)
14. MCAT Study Plan - Summer 2012 (Princeton Review Books)
    
15. Clinical Experience: Ped, Shadow Dr, FAU internships
    
16. MD Career Advisor Manual
17. MD Process & Time-line
    
18. MD Financing - Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loans
19. MD 4yrs Projection & Repayment (Residency)
    
20. MD Library
21. MD Application, Recommendation Letters, Essays, Interviews, Toastmasters
    
22. Blog Log
    

How To Study For MCAT Verbal

Map the Main Argument for each Passage

1. Identify each passage’s MAIN ARGUMENT (the purpose / overall point of each paragraph). The goal is to see each passage as not just a bunch of information, but rather supporting a central theme.
2. Map in your head each passage’s “central theme” in one sentence/phrase. Again, if you can't come up with something for this step, then you haven't done a good job of reading of reading the passage.
   
3. Do not focus on the detail(s) supporting the argument. Details build on the central idea, but it is background information, supporting opinions, and a list of examples. Once you understand the point, and you can make sense of it in context, you can forget it and move on.
4. Goal is to analyze each passage for clues to tell you what the author’s overall “bias” is. The author must have some sort of interest, or he wouldn't bother to sit down and write the essay.

• What is his purpose for writing each Passage?
• What is his purpose for writing the Essay? What is he trying to convince you of?
• What is his overall attitude ((positive, negative, or neutral?)

Circle Key Words

1. "EMPHASIZING” key words. Is he stressing it to support his general argument?
2. “OPINION” key words: "I think" or "personally", also: clearly, obviously, on the contrary, simply, everyone, no one, pervasive, etc. These can help you find out what the author thinks.
3. “TRANSITION” key words. These help you follow the structure of an argument. Some of these overlap with the above set, but here you’re looking for ways to follow how the author builds his case, more than what exactly the case is. Some of these might be: then, however, also, but, primarily, further, in contrast, etc

Tricks

1. Speed read – use fingers/pen to follow words
2. Pause after each paragraph, make sure that you’ve understood the overall gist
3. Summarize each passage’s “central theme” in one sentence/phrase.
4. Don’t just pick an answer because it sounds good. Wrong answer options are designed to be tricky. They're written to look like right answers. The final answer must fit the overall central theme of the passage/essay.
5. The main thing to remember for inference questions is that the right answer MUST be true based on the passage. If it may or may not be true, then it is not correct.
6. Use process of elimination to reject weak answer options that does not fit the central theme of the author’s argument.

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=223930

Why Study Elementary Algebra?

Elementary algebra is the most basic form of algebra. It is taught to students who are presumed to have no knowledge of mathematics beyond the basic principles of arithmetic. In arithmetic, only numbers and their arithmetical operations (such as +, −, ×, ÷) occur. In algebra, numbers are often denoted by symbols (such as a, x, or y). This is useful because:

• It allows the general formulation of arithmetical laws (such as a + b = b + a for all a and b), and thus is the first step to a systematic exploration of the properties of the real number system.
• It allows the reference to "unknown" numbers, the formulation of equations and the study of how to solve these (for instance, "Find a number x such that 3x + 1 = 10" or going a bit further "Find a number x such that ax+b=c". Step which lets to the conclusion that is not the nature of the specific numbers the one that allows us to solve it but that of the operations involved).
• It allows the formulation of functional relationships (such as "If you sell x tickets, then your profit will be 3x − 10 dollars, or f(x) = 3x − 10, where f is the function, and x is the number to which the function is applied.").

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Algebra

Me & My Sis

Scholarship Essay

February 22, 2010

Re: Craig Dickinson Memorial Scholarship

Dear Members of the Scholarship Committee:

Please consider my application for your esteemed award. I know only a privilege few will be weighted heavily, and I compose my letter with the gigantic hope that you will review my application with the greatest of foresight.

As a homeschooler from 1st grade to 10th grade, I was lucky to receive a first class education from my remarkable parents. I began my home schooling program since the public school system intended to penalize me one grade from promotion because my birth date was technically a few weeks away from their “austere” cutoff period. In addition, my younger sister suffered from pulmonary lung disease and my parents wanted her at home to personally supervise and administer her daily medications. Not to mention the fact that homeschoolers are free from the many sins that plagues the public school system. It is my humble opinion, that a public education is counterproductive to producing a holistic approach that fortifies a strong mind, body, and soul experience. My home schooling upbringing has taught me to be patient, attentive, studious, and discipline, while providing me with unparalleled excellence in reading, writing, math, and the sciences.

Because the public school system was unwilling to allow my parents to indulge in their schoolroom curriculum, thus refusing us access to technical books and materials, my parents had to design a specific study regiment that was tailor-made for my home study program. As such, grade 1 through 6, I was focused primarily on learning from the noteworthy, “What your 1-6 graders needs to know” book series. This educational serial was more than adequate for learning through grade 6th, and presented plenty of challenging lab experiments and course materials to supplement the other math and reading assignments my parents felt necessary to augment my learning experience. In fact, my parents required regular readings from our library of more than 75+ works of classical literature, such as, Little Women, Oliver Twist, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, etc. These books were not the condensed or watered-down versions, but true originals as intended by their authors from conception. To this day I still continue to read these great works of literary masterpieces on a regular basis.

However, by grade seven, I had to find new sources of educational inspiration, and my parents decided that completing the Pre-GED course assignments would present enough of a challenge to arouse my intellectual prowess. Within one year I was able to complete the entire math, writing, reading and science curriculum. All this at the seventh grade level!

Having completed the entire Pre-GED course sequel, and with no public school assistance to supplement my homeschooling education, my parents were once again faced with the dilemma of what to teach me in the eight grade. Luckily, they had the foresight of challenging me with the obvious next step to the Pre-GED sequel, and that was the preeminent GED. I completed the entire GED course curriculum in my eight and ninth grade, and finished two complete practice tests that were taken under similar exam conditions. What was remarkable in this venture, is that I was only 14 years old at the time, and I had studied the entire public school curriculum that was reserved for the more mature and experienced adults. In fact, my parents consulted with the GED testing authorities and pleaded with them to grant me permission to sit for the GED examination, but they refused do so on the grounds that I was underage and handicapped by my tender youth.

With nowhere else to turn, and having completed my GED studies, which was equivalent to the entire high school course syllabus, my parents were once again confronted with the daunting task of finding me fresher educational challenges. This ultimately led to my focus on the PSAT and subsequently the SAT examinations, since they were necessary prerequisites to qualifying for the Bright Futures Scholarship Award. By the 10th grade and then only 15th years old, I successfully passed the SAT with an outstanding score of 1,660 (see attached).

Having completed the SAT with a remarkably high score relative to my peers, I literally had an extremely good chance at acceptance to almost any first-class private university of my choosing. Instead, I applied and was accepted Fall 2009 to Broward College at the tender age of 15 years. The admission official stated that I was quite possibly the youngest person to ever attend their college. I have since completed, and in the process of completing, 15 credits, and plan on taking 9-12 credits this summer. I currently have a 4.0 GPA, and I expect to graduate next summer with a major in Biology. Once I graduate with an AA in Biology, I plan to sit for the Medical School Admission Test (MCAT) before I am accepted as a junior at Florida Atlantic University. Ultimately, my major goal is to apply to FAU School of Medicine before my 19th birthday!

Why do I deserve this scholarship?

Unquestionably, my academic excellence is unrivaled by almost any Florida public, private or homeschool students that I am aware of. Acceptance at a major Florida public college at the tender age of 15 is a remarkable achievement by any standards. Throughout my annual evaluation by a certified broward schoolteacher, I always scored at least 2 grades above any of my peers. My continued volunteerism at the Broward Public Library is a testament to my dedication to public service. Although I have completed the 75 hours of volunteer service required for the Bright Futures Scholarship almost 1 year ago, I still continue to actively dedicate 4-6 hours every week of my free time to the Northwest Regional Public Library.

On a more personal note, this scholarship award will be money well spent on a new computer and other necessary school supplies. Although, my parents had purchased a new computer as a gift for my outstanding achievement for gaining acceptance to Broward College, our home was unfortunately burglarized and my beloved Macbook computer stolen. In addition, I would like a laser printer for homework assignments, a voice recorder to tape classroom lectures and a digital camera to capture science lab experiments, not excluding my overall college experiences.

Furthermore, I believe that my tenacity, dedication, and unusual academic achievement will dispel any myth, if any exist, that homeschoolers lag behind anyone receiving a top-notch public education, or private training for that matter!

Yours with high hopes,

Alana S
Proud Student of Broward College