4 Essential Tips You Need To Know To Get In PA School

The physician assistant profession is growing very rapidly, and it is understandable if you are looking to get into it. Being related to healthcare, it is in demand and pays very well too. However, getting into the field isn’t sunshine and rainbows as you have to be very resilient and give your 100%. Starting out your journey as a PA can be very daunting, which is why I am going to help you now with everything you need to know before you begin. Just as I wish there was someone who guided me when I started out, I have made it my life’s work to guide people throughout this stressful process so that they can make a positive change in their lives. 

Find a Program and Prepare Early 

First of all, you need to find and program and fit it into your schedule. There are a lot of PA programs out there, and you need to begin your research as early as possible so that you can strategically find a program that fits your requirements and culture. For example, if you are looking for a good program that can help you with preparing for PA exams, you can look into www.myparesource.com/sample. Once you have found what you are looking for, you should put maximum effort into it and study hard. 

Get Clinical Experience 

If you think that you will get into a PA school by just passing out from a program, you need to think again. You are also going to need some required clinical experience so that you can prove your worth. If you want to get into a top PA school, you might need practical experience of about 1000-4000 hours inside a clinic or a hospital. The best way to do that is to begin your training in community college so that you can get emergency room training side by side. 

Keep Your GPA High

Now, I know that your GPA doesn’t tell the whole story about your skills, but the world doesn’t work like that. It doesn’t matter how much of a rebel you are; if you have a dream of getting into a top-class PA school, you are going to need a high GPA. Many top schools require at least 3 GPA, and it might also be the minimum requirement for application. So, make sure that you set that as you benchmark. Moreover, you can also get involved in extracurricular activities if you want to make your application stronger. 

Work In the Summer 

After all, you have done to make sure that you get into a PA school, if you are still not satisfied with your efforts, you can use the summer to your advantage. There are a lot of medical schools that offer research programs to undergrads so you could join one of them to improve your application. You could also embark on a medical trip and give back to some of the underserved communities around the world, which will not only help you get into a good college but also help needy people.

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Too Much Stress in College: Best Ways To Cope With It

Most students look forward to joining college because it comes with new experiences, social settings, and freedom to explore life as a young adult. As much as college life is exciting, it has its fair share of stressful situations. No doubt, the workload is higher than when you were in high school. Loads of assignments, assessments, research papers, group forums, and much more can take a toll, especially on first-year students. You may have taken a challenging course that requires long study hours to ace the units. With so much to accomplish, juggling between maintaining a social life and academics can be overwhelming. 

If you do not maintain a healthy balance, you might find yourself dealing with stress without any coping mechanism. The independent education structure in college allows students to practice self-discipline and to plan their study hours conveniently. Thus, most students end up spending too much time on books without engaging in other extra-curricular activities, which can lead to academic stress.

Today, numerous custom writing services are available online ready to help out stressed students with academic writing tasks. Feel free to order essay writing and delegate your assignments and research papers to professionals and get time to engage in other school events. 

You can also battle with social stress during your first months in college since you are in a new environment where you have to form new social circles. Getting a roommate, balancing relationships, and new friendships with academics on the side can be quite tricky. So, what do you do to cope with stress in college? Read on to find out more about the best ways to reduce stress as a student in college:

Plan Your Schedule 

With new-found freedom, it is tricky for most students to organize their study schedules. You need to practice self-discipline and ensure that you attend all the lectures and complete your assignments on time. You might be tempted to attend a weekend party while your term paper is due on Monday morning, causing late paper submissions. 

It is vital to be an organized student by prioritizing your to-do-list. Create a convenient space in your room where you can concentrate during your study hours. If you have a messy and noisy roommate, you can become a frequent visitor in your quiet college library. 

Also, create a timetable and follow it strictly so that you can train yourself to have a regular study schedule and personal time to carry out errands and participate in various social events. It helps you to maintain a balance and avoid stressful situations where you have to work all night to complete assignments. 

Exercise

Regular exercise is a coping mechanism for stress. It reduces feelings of frustration as well as prevents weight gain. A ten-minute work-out can do wonders for your well-being, especially in the morning before starting your day. It releases tension and puts your mind and body in a healthy balance. 

Even if you are not an early riser, you can incorporate simple exercises in your daily routines, such as walking around campus, to the mall, or a friend’s house. You can also take physical education or gym classes during your free time. Enroll in yoga, salsa dances, martial arts, or gymnastics. Find an option that suits your preference and have fun while keeping academic stress at bay. 

Healthy Living 

Most college students feed on junk and sodas since they find it cumbersome to prepare a healthy meal. Taking care of your mind, body, and soul is essential in living a healthy life. While fast foods are readily available and affordable, it may seem convenient to grab on the go, but it will take a toll on your health in the long run. Eat a balanced meal to get the energy to face the day with confidence. Stock up fresh-fruits and vegetables in your room and learn to cook simple and healthy meals.

With hectic schedules, most students find it hard to get adequate sleep. Tight deadlines, anxiety due to exams, and pulling all-nighters can drain your energy. So, plan your schedule and sleep early to get enough sleep. It is vital for your physical and mental health. 

Wise Budgeting

You need to budget your money wisely to avoid financial stress. Do not engage in impulse buying, or you will end up broke within no time. Have a budget in place to guide you in your daily expenses. Try to make meal plans if you love eating out by cooking a few times a week. If you leave outside the campus, set aside your commuter allowance per month to prevent missing lectures. If you have an entertainment allowance, stick by it and don’t take money from your meal budget when it is depleted. Practice self-discipline, and you will enjoy a fulfilling financial future even after college.

Finding Support

Starting a new life in college is always stressful since you leave a secure support system at home – family members and friends. On the other hand, developing a new circle of friends and learning people takes time and effort. You might end up feeling home-sick and lonely during the first few days, weeks, or even months. So, ensure that you keep in close contact with people who matter in your life – parents, guardians, or close friends at home. Call your mother, send an email, or organize a video conference with your family. It might boost your attitude and motivate you to push ahead with school.

Also, you can find social support by joining clubs and discussion groups with like-minded students. Be social and start making friends in your class. Form study groups and engage yourself in different activities in college. You will avoid stress and loneliness since college life will start making sense in the long run.  

Ultimately, stress management is different for all students. What works for you may not work for another individual. Thus, it is imperative to find a suitable coping mechanism that will help you to reduce stress. Have a positive attitude, talk to someone, and engage in relaxing activities. Take care of your mental health since it is valuable and impacts your academic success.

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Creating The New Face Of Commerce – Are You Ready?

Photo credit: ArtHouse Studio

There has never been a time in history that global commerce has been more impacted than now. Coronavirus has killed more than 480 thousand people, with many more sick and fighting for their lives. The experts have no cure yet and all we can do is clean everything with bacteria-killing cleaners. We have to stay 6-foot away from all people and we must wear a facial mask if we go out in public. Offices, restaurants, and government offices closed. Essential business took extreme caution and allowed people minimum service. 

First steps

Thousands of people began working remotely. Setting up home offices and using computers with special software, they were able to struggle along. Cell phones, video meetings, and email took the place of home offices. 

No one can predict when the virus will end. When it does, how many employers will want to go back to the expense of a fully staffed office? Employees had to recategorize responsibilities. Will big business want to return to paying two people to do the job one currently handles? 

An open market

When commerce begins to recover, businesses will struggle to get back on their feet. However, highly trained employees will be able to select where they want to work. But, those who are really smart are making sure they will be at the top of the list. If you are one of those people, you may be asking yourself how.

Your employer is not the bad guy

You cannot blame your employer for the economy. In many cases, the strain closed companies altogether. In most cases, it became a case of sacrificing the few to save the majority. The majority is often described as people who could do more than one job. People who had been promoted over time were often asked to do their job and many parts of the job they had been promoted from. For example, a person may work in accounts payable. He may have hired an assistant to enter the data into the computer and generate weekly and monthly reports. The assistant could be great at what she does, but the company cannot afford her during the upheaval of the pandemic. So, the accounts payable manager will have to do both jobs.

Getting the jump – Free college

The people who are sitting at home must face one fact. In their company, they are non-essential. So, how can they become essential? They head back to school and learn what they don’t know. If you are a few years out of college, young grads walking in the door know things you do not know. You have the experience and they have the updated knowledge. So, to beat that, you need to get the knowledge. With the combination, you are the only employee your company needs, whether you’re a small-time intern or you’re doing the social media for construction companies.

People often think their hands are tied. They are laid off or barely able to pay the bills. How can they get more education? There has never been a better time. You can take free online courses from Universities. You can learn something new, or advance your knowledge. Either way, you will improve your position in the workplace. 

Taking online courses means you can do these courses from home. If you are laid off or working remotely, you can work this into your day and it does not cost you a dime. 

These are probably classes that nobody wants, right?

No, actually these are courses that entrepreneurs usually take. They are top-drawer and quality courses that you will be proud to put on your resume.  These courses include:

 

And, if you just want to get started in your business get Shopify Compass. It too is free online. Check the information for each course. Some are accreted, others provide you with a certificate of learning.

Do not neglect the classes that include learning how you utilize social media platforms and email strategies. Email and social media will continue to climb in the world of marketing. With millions of viewers, you cannot afford not to know these platforms.

Share the knowledge

This can be a bit tricky. You want people in your company to know that you have been training and working since you’ve been gone. But, unless you are close friends with the CEO or President of the company, you would not make a great impression.  

By blowing your own horn. You can share this with co-workers who are on the job and let the word travel that way.

Volunteer?

You may consider volunteering to help out when you know the company is going through difficult days. Keep your face known and keep your skills up to date. This also gives the powers that be,   reason to remember you much faster than he will remember the name of the guy that calls upset every week demanding to know when he will be given his job back.

Free Online University Courses

You could not control the pandemic. You could not stop the dip in the stock market. You weren’t expecting a lay-off of this magnitude. But it is here and you have to deal with it. Turn this disaster into your opportunity. Don’t waste your time. Let this be the time your mind grows. You are the master of your university. So take the steps today to have a better tomorrow.

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5 Ways to Verify Your Sources

When you are writing for academia or research purposes, knowing your sources are legitimate is an important part of the process. You want to know that your stories and facts are accurate, and came from a reliable source. It is especially difficult on the internet to decide if something is true or not, as many things on the web can be faked or forged.

When you find a source you would like to use, take some time to verify the validity.

But how can you tell that your sources are always trustworthy? 

Here are five ways to background check your sources:

1 – Background Check of the Author

Academic or non-fiction works should always have an author listed, and a location – perhaps the university or lab where the research took place, or just where they happen to live. There are websites that are most often used by employers to screen potential employees, but if you are really dedicated, you can sometimes screen people to find out their education background.

For example, at ScoutLogic, they have an education screening that can indicate the highest degree completed. That way, you can find out if an author with the Master’s degree really has one, or if the “research” you’re reading is unverified.

2 – Primary, Secondary, Etc.

The next thing you should do is determine what type of source you’re looking at:

  • Primary sources are the best options – they are actual, first-hand account of events or research. They are considered the authority on the subject but can occasionally lack objectivity.
  • Secondary sources are a step beyond primary sources, and usually involve some kind of interpretation or analysis of a primary option.

Anything that doesn’t count as either of these two types should be suspicious. Try to only cite works that fall into one of these categories.

3 – Fact Checking

If you’re looking at an article or research report, it will cite other sources with similar (or even opposing) data. Don’t just look up one thing and take it at face value. Compare it against other research and information in the same field.

If there is numerical data involved, make sure to double check the numbers to see if they add up. Not all data findings will be the same, but you should have a collection to back up your points and not just pick one and assume it’s the best choice.

4 – Look at the Web Address

If you are using resources from the internet, check the web address of the writing. If it comes from a “.com” or “.org” website, it may not be the most reliable option.

Try to find sources from “.edu” and “.gov” websites, which are more likely to have legitimate research and information. Some other types of websites will use data from these, so just be sure to check where your data is coming from before you use it.

5 – Check the Dates

It’s a little different if you are looking for historical information, but checking for the most recently updated data can help the validity of your research.

We learn new things everyday, and all subjects are consistently evolving. Even historical data can be “updated” to some extent, as we learn more about translation and find more artifacts, for instance.

Be sure to always look at the dates on your sources. Anything older than 10 years is likely to be disproved!

Conclusion

Research can feel like a tedious process, but it’s important to know your sources are accurate and legitimate. Taking the extra time to verify things like the date, the source, and the author’s background can help support your own research, too. Follow these guidelines and you will find excellent resources.

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Benefits of Using Communication Software in the Academe Setting

Schools equipped with the Internet have perks compared to institutions that don’t. When it comes to various information that are vital to teaching and learning, both students and teachers are not left wanting. They all have access to updated knowledge that books are limited to. 

What Communication Software Can Do For Your Institution 

Back in the days, communication only happens inside the classrooms when lessons are ongoing. Today, developers create software that utilizes technology that works as an online meeting software for students, teachers, and even parents. Thus, information and communication technology (ICT) gives educational institutions an edge.

Below are some of the benefits that a communication software can give your school:  

  • Improvement in Technological Skills 

Communication software in the classroom setting offers computer-based learning for students. It enhances their computer skills through practical means with academic lessons. 

The teacher allows them access by scanning codes, and the students can upload responses to individualized lessons. Students will learn to navigate, make research, practice troubleshooting issues, familiarize themselves with various commands, and learn how to use different apps or programming with a computer. 

  • Enables Teachers To Be More Detail-Oriented At Work and In The Classroom

When students use communication software with teachers, they get better guidance with their lessons. Students are also more likely to approach teachers thru virtual messaging if they need help on a certain subject. Because students have different learning abilities, teachers are also highly likely to change their teaching styles to accommodate individual needs.

At the same time, it allows teachers to pay close attention to the lessons and homework they give, especially if there are different tasks and responsibilities for each student. Search engine giant, Google, also recognizes the potential of effective teacher-student communication that they launched their own education platform called Classroom.  

  • Assists Collaborative Efforts 

Students use such software to share information regarding a school project, activities, or events. Now, the distance won’t be a problem because group members can share files with others anytime. 

When working on a collaborative project that involves a massive amount of research, a communication software proves useful for the distribution and gathering of information for academic writing groups. 

The software administrator may allow them access on school premises only or when each are in their respective homes so they can work safely in their preferred environment. 

  • Communicating Important Reminders 

Some platforms allow both students and parents access so that the teachers can send important memos on tests, events, homework, agendas, and more. It may include a class management system that the teacher can customize and add specific student information. 

This way, the teacher will be able to pass information to the parent that a student may not be keen on sharing with them.  

  • Lesser Communications Errors 

One of the best things about sending SMS or emails is that the sender is more inclined and careful when sending out information. Errors are easier to spot, and the technology allows editing and resending of messages to multiple people at once. 

The same applies to communication software. Information exchange is faster since it only takes seconds to reach the recipients. 

  • Records and Stores Information 

Communication platforms have one thing in common: they’re programmed to keep the history of sent messages, such as announcements, reminders, and other vital information, especially if it has to do with lessons and homework. This way, students can go back to these messages to review information. 

It’s also beneficial when there are important dates to remember, such as project deadlines and exams.  

  • Distance Learning 

Students who can’t attend classes for valid reasons may receive their lessons and homework online. It also allows teachers to video call students to see how they’re doing from home and enable them to discuss missed lessons. 

This way, no student is left behind. It’s also beneficial for working students who have the option of learning from anywhere online.  

  • Allows Families To Get Involved

A communication software, like in social media, can allow an administrator to add parents or guardians into the platform where much of the discussion ensues. The teacher then offers information to the family member about ongoing daily classroom events involving the child. This information is delivered in real-time, and communication is possible through mobile devices. 

The platform allows parents to get more involved with the schooling of their children. It’s especially helpful for children under special education. When the teacher is in constant communication with the parents, trust eventually develops, ensuring them that the school cares about the welfare of their children. 

  • For Meetings or Conferences  

If you, as a principal or teacher, have no time to attend meetings, you can suggest to the rest of the teaching staff to use communication software. It makes scheduling more relaxed and, most likely, guarantees the attendees to be there. 

The teaching staff can make use of the calendar to schedule important meetings with the rest of the school personnel or with the students’ parents.  

In Conclusion 

Bridging the communication gap between students and educators is essential, especially when it comes to learning. That’s why developers are finding ways to include the parents so that they can work with teachers to guide their children properly. 

Communication software is vital to lessen the risk of misinformation as well as to keep essential data for reference. During this pandemic, it’s also useful for long-distance learning that students of all ages can use to keep learning no matter the odds.  

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Keep Your Cool: Fire Safety at Conferences

Fire presents a risk anywhere it occurs – from wildfires in dry forests to accidents and mishaps at an academic conference. If you’re a conference organizer, you should not underestimate this threat.

Structural fires can be devastating and dangerous when gathering for a conference. Local safety codes will guide public protection measures and requirements, but the prevention does not end there. As a host for a conference, you have the responsibility to practice smart fire safety to protect your attendees. 

Fire prevention involves many factors. Some of the essential tips are as follows. 

Assess the Risks 

There is a plethora of handbooks and publications centered on educating people about fire safety and applicable codes. When selecting a conference venue, you should be familiar with these codes and recommendations. Keep in mind these codes might vary based on state or local ordinances. If you travel for conferences and use a rotation of locations, you should know the codes in each location. 

Some local governments allow you to request fire marshal safety inspections. If this is an option, take advantage of it. A marshal can inspect your site and provide a risk assessment and recommendations. 

If the inspection is not an option, use the resources available to assess your property and institute necessary changes. You can also request assessments from experts in the area, such as professionals who specialize in Florida home restoration from fire damage, to ask them about risk analysis. 

Invest in the Equipment 

One of the best protection measures is merely having the right equipment on hand. For most conference locations, this equipment is an automatic sprinkler system for primary fire protection. 

This system – and all other fire safety equipment – should be subject to regular testing and replacement. You certainly do not want to find out your sprinkler system is not working when a fire starts! A faulty system can destroy the site.

Other standard equipment includes smoke detectors and extinguishers. Ideally, both will be on every floor, and each volunteer or conference staff member will be well aware of the extinguishers’ location. When coordinating with a conference venue, ask about these protective measures and the equipment’s last test date.

Preparation

While property is salvageable and replaceable, lives are not. One of the most critical steps of fire safety is to prepare volunteers and staff members. Fire safety tips include: 

  • Fire Plan: All volunteers/staff should know what to do in case of a fire. While a drill for all conference attendees might not be possible, you could incorporate training into the volunteer orientation. Use this time to highlight the best exit routes and basic safety procedures. 
  • Safety Officer: A great option is to designate someone to serve as the fire prevention officer. This person will help identify escape routes and safe meeting points while keeping this information updated. They can ensure new staff and volunteers are aware of this information during onboarding.
  • Appliance Safety: Appliance malfunctions or misuse can quickly start a fire. Make sure you leave space for appliances to heat up and give time to cool down. All appliances should be away from combustible materials and unplugged at the end of the day. 
  • Wire Replacement: Power cords should undergo inspection for broken connectors, fraying, or cracked insulation. Fault wires require immediate replacement, and employees should be aware of maximum wattage so they do not overload the power strips – which can lead to a fire. 
  • Evacuation Plan: Post evacuation plans around the conference venue; these escape routes should not include elevators. If you have attendees with disabilities, this evacuation plan should account for that and the additional assistance that would be necessary. 
  • First Aid: If there are fire injuries, staff and volunteers should be able to locate first aid kits, and these kits should be in central locations. The venue might even provide these kits.
  • Equipment Education: Part of your fire safety education should include demonstrating how fire extinguishers work. It does not help to have extinguishers if no one knows how to use them!

Conclusion 

Even the most prepared conference host and venue can fall victim to a fire. As a host, it is your job to institute safety measures for the good of your conference attendees and volunteers. Time is of the essence when a fire is happening, so volunteers/staff need to be able to respond correctly, safely, and quickly. Consider consulting an expert for risk analysis and assessment for the best outcome and peace of mind.

 

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8 Tips to Secure Admission to a Great Grad School

Aside from getting high grades in college and scoring well on the GRE, there are more things to consider when applying for graduate school. Fortunately, you can already start preparing even if you are still taking undergraduate studies. This is a great way to utilize your strengths and improve your weaknesses as early as possible to build a competitive profile. Take advantage of different opportunities that can help influence your application for grad school.

Regardless of the path you want to pursue, don’t forget to make the most of your college courses. This will not only help boost your skills and confidence but could also lead you to your dream school. As you learn and experience new things during your undergraduate journey, you also prepare yourself for your next journey. It is best to get a good score in GRE with minimal effort with professional prep materials and invest the rest of your time in making the overall application stronger.  So, here are some tips to help you secure admission to the best grad schools:

1)      Analyze your options

First things first, ask yourself if you want to go to graduate school. Take time to analyze your academic and career goals in attending grad school. After all, dedicating at least two more years to doing homework, reports, research, and more is not a joke. On top of that, enrolling in grad school means spending thousands of dollars on top of whatever loans you may already have out. Remember, though grad school is becoming more of the norm, there are many valid reasons why you may not be ready for it at this time.

Once you’ve thought through your goals and have decided to pursue a graduate degree, you can start preparing yourself right away. Of course, your preparation starts with your chosen field and the goals you set for yourself. Your choice of degree may stem from an area where you’re competent or even passionate. A degree that combines both would lead to the most satisfying results throughout the years.

2)      Join different clubs or organizations

One of the best ways to discover new skills and indulge in your interest is to join different clubs or organizations. You can even meet new people outside your usual circle of friends, classmates, and department. Joining professional clubs and social clubs can help you determine the depth of your interests. Your performance can also show how much you want to be part of a community in your school.

Taking leadership roles can help you build your leadership skills and be more responsible. Many admission officers prefer applicants who show commitment and determination to grow as leaders while they mature. With this in mind, it’s better to stay dedicated to clubs for more than a single semester. As much as possible, participate in activities starting when you’re freshman until you’re a senior.

 

3)      Enhance your presentation skills

Whatever your line of profession, working on your verbal skills is very important. If you are a timid person, you can start by practicing your verbal and presentation skills. This can make your regular classwork become practice for the bigger target audience you have in mind for grad school.

Grab the opportunities to give a speech to your entire department or even the student body. The more experience you gain, the more you get used to it and boost your confidence. Over time, talking in front of people, regardless of how large the group, will be easier. This way, presenting everything you need for an admissions interview won’t be a problem as long as you’re well-prepared and confident.

4)      Enter contests

Believe it or not, entering academic contests can also help boost your application for grad school. Of course, contests related to sports could make your profile interesting but let’s focus on the academic accomplishments first. For instance, there are entrepreneurship case competitions, poetry competitions, and robotic competitions. If you’re lucky to spot one that you have some skill in, you can also enter scholarship competitions to help support your grad school.

5)      Volunteer for community projects

Being a volunteer can help you engage yourself in new environments where you can also meet different people. You can be a volunteer worker in social groups where you can teach kids. At the same time, you can learn about other people’s lives and experiences as you join in more projects. Aside from gaining precious experience, the project could also become eye-opening as you know yourself more.

Moreover, the more time and effort you invest in these kinds of projects, the more recognition you can get. Depending on your performance, your academic project could even lead to a publication. Who knows, the faculty or head of the project could even write you a recommendation when the time comes.

6)      Get an internship or part-time job experience

Aside from the mentioned points, your job experience is one of the things that leaves a huge impact on grad schools. If you are planning to apply to a business school, a part-time job or an internship can help you gain more experience. Regardless of how long your time is in the workplace, your work experience can help you build your profile and increase your chance of being admitted to a great grad school.

Of course, you also have to work hard and impress your boss if you want to build bridges. You have to show them how motivated you are to learn new things and improve yourself on your chosen path. Eventually, internships could also help you land a full-time job after you graduate from college. Though working full time can take you longer to finish your master’s degree, it may be worth it if the job is in your field. If you still have student loans and rent to pay, you may have to work while studying to accomplish your goal.

7)      Create an impressive resume and LinkedIn profile

The resume is one of the most vital elements that Admission Officers always review when accepting applicants. It provides a quick overview of your personal, academic, and professional experience so be sure to include everything in it. Add your experience, work history, and accomplishments to show how much you have grown over the years. This way, you can see how you shift from your undergraduate part-time jobs to your professional career.

It is also best to create a LinkedIn account. Build your LinkedIn profile as early as possible and ensure that your offline network is connected to you. Double-check the details on your profile to provide concise but interesting information about your background.

8)      Build a good relationship with faculty

Most graduate programs require 2 letters of recommendation from someone who personally knows you. Starting to build a good and long-lasting academic relationship between you and your college professors is helpful. You can bond over your shared interests and work together on an academic project which you can add on your profile. If you want to apply as an undergraduate without any professional experience yet, then this will be even more important.

Conclusion

Securing admission to the best grad schools is easier said than done. Although some of the tips above may seem like “no-brainers”, they work as vital elements in your application. As part of your preparation, it’s good to put yourself out there and grab the opportunities that come your way. Explore your passion and know what you need. Having high grades in the GRE is not enough if you lack confidence or cannot demonstrate your commitment to academics, leadership, the community, etc.

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Tips for Preventing a Car Accident When You’re Driving With Friends

There is a lot of negligent behavior that can lead to a car accident. From drivers who text behind the wheel to speeding and aggressive driving, it’s true that there are a lot of things you can personally do to prevent an accident. Just don’t make the mistake of thinking you’re the only variable you have to consider when it comes to driving safely.

Unfortunately, passengers can cause accidents too, especially if those passengers happen to be your friends. Whether you’re driving friends home after school or you’re cruising around campus with your friends between classes, it’s important to make sure your passengers aren’t the reason why your car ends up in the shop and you end up in the hospital.

Here are some rules you may want to follow to ensure you and your passengers are safe while you’re behind the wheel.

Reduce the Number of Passengers in Your Car

Passengers have a huge effect on the safety of everyone in the vehicle, especially if the person operating the car is a teenager. If you’re in your teens, or even if you’re in your early 20s, you should seriously consider reducing the number of passengers in your car.

Only driving one passenger is better than driving two, and two is always better than three. Decide how many friends you’re comfortable having in the car and stick to that rule.

You may also want to consider which friends you give rides to. For example, giving three of your quietest, introverted friends a ride may not be a problem, but transporting three of your party friends could greatly increase your chances of getting into an accident.

Passengers Should Not Be Allowed to Use Controls in the Car

No matter who you decide to give a ride to, the passengers in your car should never be allowed to mess with shared controls. That includes adjusting the thermostat, changing the radio station, and adjusting the volume. Any controls that may affect the driver should be left alone.

There are some things your passengers can adjust. There’s no reason why they can’t adjust their seat or roll down their window, as these adjustments aren’t likely to surprise, startle, or irritate you while you’re driving.

Passengers Should Keep Their Volume Low

Did you know listening to the radio can contribute to distracted driving? That doesn’t necessarily mean you have to turn the radio off, but it does mean you should probably turn it down.

The radio isn’t the only thing in the car that can get loud. Passengers can get loud too, and when they do, it can be a huge distraction while you’re driving.

Make it clear to your passengers that they need to keep their volume low. That means talking quietly on their cell phones, conversing quietly in the backseat, and not singing loudly to their favorite songs on the radio.

Determine Personal Rules and Make Them Clear

Making it clear to passengers what controls they can and can’t use, in addition to keeping their volume down, are good places to start, but there are plenty of other rules you may want to consider sharing with your passengers.

A few passenger rules you may want to consider include no:

  • Feet on the dashboard
  • Eating or smoking in the car
  • Littering or leaving garbage in the car
  • Slamming the doors
  • Backseat driving

Just make sure you’re willing to stick to the rules you decide you want your passengers to follow. If you have a friend who regularly breaks one of the rules and it’s driving you crazy, it’s totally okay to refuse to give them a ride in the future, no matter how much they may complain.

Impaired Drivers Should Always Sit in the Backseat

Being the designated driver is a great way to keep everyone from getting into serious trouble. Unfortunately, it won’t necessarily keep you safer. Having drunk passengers can be just as dangerous as having a drunk driver because they can be a huge distraction.

That doesn’t mean you should just give up and drink too, and it doesn’t necessarily mean everyone has to stay home. You can keep yourself and everyone else in the car safer if you require impaired drivers to sit in the backseat where they will be less of a distraction.

Give Passengers a Job When Driving in an Unfamiliar Area

Much of the time, when you’re driving with friends in the car, you’re probably going somewhere you’re familiar with. There’s no need to ask passengers to help if you’re driving to or from school, but if you’re taking a trip or driving on an unfamiliar side of town, it’s a good idea to give your passengers a job.

For example, on a trip, the passenger sitting in the front seat can be the navigator. That way, you don’t have to take your eyes off the road to research your next turn. Passengers in the backseat can keep their eyes open for rest stops, restaurants, and parking spots. 

Everyone Needs to Wear a Seatbelt

Most of the reasons why everyone should wear a seatbelt center around the fact that seatbelts can keep everyone from getting seriously injured if you’re in an accident. Even by following these passenger tips, you can still find yourself in an accident, and making sure everyone is wearing a seatbelt is a great way to prevent injuries.

Seatbelts have another benefit—they can keep passengers in their seats. Friends who would otherwise climb over seats or stand through the sunroof will be stuck in their spots where they are less likely to distract you while you’re driving.

By all means, follow the rules of the road, put your cell phone in the backseat, maintain your vehicle, and practice defensive driving techniques. Just don’t forget that the passengers in your vehicle can have a huge impact on your safety too! With the tips on this list, you can ensure everyone in your car is as safe as possible.

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How To Use Peer Reviewed Research In Your Academic Paper

In this recurring and evolving age of information, one shouldn’t limit themselves to curiosity and exploration for knowledge. Everything starts with an idea and becomes the foundation of something new or better that contributes to society. If you’re seeking solutions to problems, the best way to find it is through evidence and research, thus you’re encouraged to write academically.

Academic writing is a piece of uniformly written work with brief, concise, truthful, and systematic evidence. This aims to find a solution to a problem and its results are either an invention or innovation.

The research process of academic writing doesn’t solely involve collecting preexisting information from different sources and combining them to label as your own. Instead, research involves a thorough investigation imbued with critical thinking. In order to write your academic paper, analytical thinking skills are paramount.

With that being said, when writing your academic paper, you should gather information only from reliable sources, such as peer reviewed research. These scholarly works are important pillars of science that should be utilized with full responsibilities by the researchers, while gaining its benefits as well.

 

What Is Peer Reviewed Research? 

Basically, peer reviewed research is a scholarly article, journal, research paper, or any written work that is reviewed by two or more experts in their designated field, along with suggestions and recommendations for revision, before being accepted for publication. There’s no researcher and research that produced a perfect work for the first time, thus the need for a larger room for improvement.

Peer reviewing matters greatly on the field of science. As a researcher, you should hold ethical responsibility for the sake of the quality and truthfulness in your work. You have to keep in mind that findings and results that you collect will contribute to the advancement of society. Thus, it’s only proper to put research, upon which researchers make claims about certain phenomena, under scrutiny by anyone accountable for it. 

There are numerous approaches to peer review, but generally, the two most common are: single-blind peer review and double-blind peer review. In a single-blind peer review, the reviewer knows who the author is but the reviewer’s name is hidden from the author. On the other hand, both parties are anonymous to one another in a double-blind peer review.

A peer review process is complex and strict, simply because of the importance it holds to the scientific community. If you’re interested more in discovering peer review and its manifestations, make sure to check out this post: What Is Peer Review In Science? A Complete Guide.

 

Importance of Using Peer-Reviewed Work On Your Paper

Now that the concept and importance of peer review is explained, let’s now go to the significance of incorporating it into another body of work. First of all, take note that not all journals and its enclosed articles are peer reviewed, especially free-to-access, online journals. So when you search for sources in your academic paper, and if you’re particular to peer reviewed research, you’ll have to dig in deeper. 

In terms of finding reliable and complete peer reviewed sources online, your university library account is essential to access those information. First, you can search for peer reviewed sources in your own university’s database and make sure to filter the ‘refereed’ from those that are not. 

In Google scholar, most peer reviewed journals only feature their abstract and a few short information about the research. Other peer reviewed journals that show their complete research might not have as good quality as those private ones, so take advantage of utilizing your university subscription. 

Generally, academic journals are categorized into ‘tiers’ which classifies their standing within the field and their selectiveness in accepting articles for their journal. The higher a journal sits on the ranking, the higher their reputation in providing top-of-the-line research, as well as their standards for accepting. Before papers are being submitted in their system, they always provide author guidelines that will be the basis of their acceptance or rejection. 

By definition, peer reviewed research are definitely reliable and credible sources to, not just add into your paper, but prioritize in doing so. They sit on a higher standard, quality, and authority in providing what information you need, as compared to non-peer reviewed ones. Basically, they’re not just ‘something’ to incorporate, but should ideally be on your work.

How To Incorporate Them Into Your Paper

Once you’ve found peer reviewed research to include on your paper, the next challenge now is how to incorporate them into your paper properly, with utmost critical and analytical thinking. Take note that peer reviewed research belongs under any scientific work, thus they’re cited as how all research would be, but we’ll get into the specifics later.

Before adding sources into your paper to prove your claims, you’ll have to find them first. But, it can be difficult to recognize peer reviewed research from non-peer reviewed ones, so you need to be creative in finding them. Most professors will require you to utilize peer reviewed research anyway. Peer reviewed works can also be referred to as “scholarly journals” or “refereed journals.”

To make your hunt a lot easier, here are some helpful tips:

  1. Limit your database, filtering only peer reviewed research. Whether you’re searching for sources in your university’s database or the online database, always narrow down your search through selecting that option or feature before clicking the search button. As mentioned earlier, some high quality peer reviewed research might only show a short summary, thus widen your exploration.
  2. Search in reliable websites and databases only. No matter how difficult finding sources can be, always make sure that you’re getting information only from legitimate and reliable websites. Some of the best and most reliable databases are listed here by the University of Michigan.
  3. Confirm that the publication is a peer reviewed research. Now comes to the most detailed part is to authenticate a peer reviewed research, especially if you weren’t able to identify if your source is really peer reviewed. Thus, you’ll have to look for journals physically. Although they’re not entirely successful with all resources, here are some suggested steps:
  • Look up for the masthead of the paper, usually enclosed in a box at the front or end of the whole publication. This contains necessary publication information. If you still haven’t identified it as peer reviewed, proceed to the next step.
  • See the masthead if there’s any information about methods for journal submission. Usually, there’s a written “…submit three copies…” if they’re peer reviewed, suggesting that the work has to be submitted to the reviewers first before being accepted for publication. However, this is not always the case.
  • Lastly, do your own judgment. Definitely, there are criteria to check if the work is professionally written. Check for technical terminologies, complete research parts (abstract, chapter 1 to 5, accessory parts), and most importantly, legitimate bibliographies and footnotes. 
  • If you have already conducted these steps but you’re still not sure if it’s peer reviewed, don’t be afraid to consult your instructor, colleagues, and even your institution. More sources from different minds means that you can have more diversity in your work.

Once you’ve compiled all your peer reviewed sources, it’s time to write your academic paper and incorporate these ideas in a unique and informative way. Now, onto the real process of putting these peer reviewed research into your academic paper, here are some tips that you can treat as a writing guide:

Start Early and Steer Clear From Procrastination

Everyone has probably gone through this at some point of their life: not starting a task immediately and finding themselves procrastinating right before the deadline. Writing an academic paper obviously takes time, and since your scholarly sources are written to be understood by mostly experts, it will take more time for you to incorporate them into your paper. 

To overcome this challenge, start your research early. Once you step into the process of incorporating and analyzing your scholarly sources, they’re more difficult to read and translate in your way. Most ideas will be new and unfamiliar to you. Thus, compile relevant peer reviewed research papers and start reading the abstracts and summaries first to identify if they’ll be helpful for your topic. 

Then, sort out all scholarly sources that are relevant to your topic, then start reading them thoroughly. The most time-consuming part of your research is definitely the second chapter which comprises the review of related literature and studies, which you will discuss the findings in scholarly journals that are related to your topic.

Conventionally, the second chapter always goes after the first, obviously. However, writing the second chapter first before the statement of the problem can give you a broader view of the topic.

 

Follow The Style Guide Of Journal Of Choice

Academic papers are always written systematically through following a specific format. Since journals and publication platforms sometimes vary in terms of formatting, always follow the style guide of your journal of choice. If your paper is a subject requirement, then use your professor’s provided style guide. 

Practicing this skill will be helpful when you continue to write during your academic and corporate future. Every journal has their own style and configuration so make sure that you follow them strictly, and set your personal preferences aside.

When incorporating your scholarly sources, never copy paste them as is, especially if they have a different style guide. These sources are meant to support and give evidence to your claims, so you need to explain them in a way that is connected to your topic. Make sure that you use these information while complying with the required style guide.

 

Make Use of Proper Citation

Peer reviewed or not, academic research has to be credited to its rightful authors. Failure to meet this ethical responsibility leads to a serious crime known as plagiarism. When mentioning ideas that are not originally yours, always make use of proper citation. 

Generally, sources and references are used not just to prove your claims, but it can also present facts and statistics, highlight relevant examples and illustrations, give authority to a certain idea, and so on. Before you add a source in your paper, it’s noteworthy to identify the purpose of utilizing it and how it will be presented in the best possible way. 

When utilizing your sources and writing them in your own words, always cite the source. Generally, there are three major citation style guides used in academic writing, depending on your field or topic:

  • American Psychological Association (APA): Education, engineering, social sciences
  • Modern Language Association (MLA): History, art, English, music, philosophy, linguistics, language, religion
  • Chicago Manual of Style: Supports two styles: (1) Chicago Notes and Bibliography, history and humanities, and (2) Chicago Author-Date, natural sciences, physical sciences, and social sciences

At the end of your paper, the list of all scholarly sources utilized in your research is always expected, and this is known as either the bibliography or reference list. 

 

Integrate Your Sources Seamlessly

If you’ve successfully compiled all your scholarly sources, determined the purpose of using them, and identified which citation style guide to use, it’s time to integrate them into your paper through three methods:

  • Paraphrasing: In paraphrasing, you put the relevant ideas from the source and translate them into your own words, while still giving credit to the original author. Paraphrased texts are almost the same length as the original text since you’ve put attention to details, but in your own words. It’s best to use this method when the original idea wasn’t clearly explained and you seem to have a better way of doing it.
  • Summarizing: As the word suggests, summarizing is creating a summary of an idea, thus highlighting only the key, concise points of a text. Summarizing is best to do when presenting all the main ideas in a paper briefly.
  • Quoting: When the ideas that you’ll incorporate into your paper are entirely important and specific, you have to quote them directly from the author. Always enclose these direct quotes in quotation marks and add proper citations. 

With overflowing resources, you might become too overwhelmed and overuse these information. Always keep in mind to be selective and concise. Include only relevant information that can contribute to your paper’s topic, since not everything in your scholarly journals will be directly relevant to your research. You’ll definitely encounter using two to three paragraphs, if you’re lucky enough, amidst a scholarly paper with multiple pages.

While filtering out only the essential information, also take note to stay focused on your topic. Your sources are only meant to support your claims, thus your paper shouldn’t be centered on these. Moreover, don’t overuse too many sources and quotations into a single paragraph.

 

Salient Points

Research is a mesmerizing endeavor that never stops – you think of a central idea to solve your problem, find relevant information to support them, and try to prove your claims. It’s a continuous learning process that encourages people to keep on pursuing their curiosities. While scholarly sources are abundant in different fields of science, you should be able to recognize, classify, find their purpose, and incorporate them into your research in a logical manner. 

 

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Making Friends in College: Tips that Work

There are many tips on making friends in college. What for? Why do you need these tips? Some people – we know this from life and numerous movies about college students – have only one or two best friends or maybe even just a sibling and are doing just fine. They completely devote their student life either to study or to some hobby. They have a goal, and they don’t need to hang out aimlessly. Mostly these guys and girls are introverts. They can make more friends, but they don’t need it. But such students are a minority. What about the rest?

So You Are in College…

Being alone in college, especially if you live on campus, is next to impossible. And quoting someone famous, “One cannot live in society and be free from society.” So even if you have the strongest desire to keep your distance, be ready to accept the fact that it’s not going to happen, always someone will keep you company, even if you do not want it: a teacher, a roommate in a dorm, a neighbor at a table in the dining room, and so on. 

But one thing is the society that is being imposed on you, and another thing entirely is the society that you want and seek. We are social beings and need to be surrounded by people. Just be sure to choose the right ones. 

So the question is, What to do? How to make friends with people who potentially may change your life for the better?

There are a lot of “classic” tips, whole instructions and guidelines, which contain various tips on how to make friends in college. Some of these tips are more like good wishes because, in practice, not all of them work.

On the other hand, some of the tips are quite suitable for their use, because they are taken from life and tested by real people. Below we will try to share only the tips that do work.

Become Interested in Others

If you want to make friends with someone, you must show genuine interest in a person. Ask about his or her hobbies, favorite movies, exciting experiences like traveling or backpacking, about their day and family, but not in a stalking way though – just a friendly interest. Let them ask you the same questions, and don’t be shy to answer. It may turn out you have lots in common, and the next thing you know, you are the best buddies.

Try to be open and friendly, but don’t overshare, or you might end up earning a reputation of a weirdo. Show only your positive sides, and leave your flaws for the next level of friendship.

Of course, for some, it may contradict the Be Yourself advice, but in this case, you need to take time and be sure it is the right person you are opening up to.

Remember not to impose your company on another person, especially if he or she gives you the cold shoulder repeatedly. Here it is best to politely “bow out” and leave.

It’s All About the Right Place

Let’s also think about where and how it’s easiest to make friends in college.

Where does a college student spend the most time? The answer is obvious: in the classroom, in the dorm, and in the cafeteria. It is easiest to try to make a friend in one of these places. You will have to get acquainted in any case cause you will not be able to remain incognito for all of your university years.

And one of the simplest ways to make a friend is to suggest a joint pastime: going out for a coffee or lunch before the classes start, walking together to the next class or back to the dorm, watching a movie in the nearest cinema, or going to a university event. Spending time together will let you learn more about the potential friend and whether you’d like to continue building a friendship. It is also an ideal moment to let the other person learn more about you. As mentioned above, try to show your best self. And most importantly, be positive: people tend to feel uncomfortable and confused around sad and or negative individuals!

Joint pastime is not limited to fun activities only. You can also be spending lots of time on a joint project or working together on complicated writing assignments, for which you can hire professional essay writers and spend the extra free time getting new knowledge on favorite subjects.

Sports events, social activities, music groups, theater performances, libraries, and any other type of student activity you can think about – all are great places to make friends, and at the same time, do what you enjoy. Just like you get interested in other people, they will get interested in you and will try to make friends with you. Just be sure not to get too nervous and give them a chance to know you. After all, not only you want to build friendships in college.

Final Thoughts

Having someone to have your back in college and share unforgettable moments of being a student is priceless. Often friendships built during the college years turn into lifetime friendships. Don’t rid yourself of a chance to find a new best friend by staying aside and distancing. We only live once!

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