Buying Boiling Stones Chemistry

Buying Boiling Stones ChemistryBoiling stones are often used in any chemistry laboratory. They can be a very useful tool to use when working with chemicals and different substances that you may want to use for experiments. This type of stone is quite handy and easy to handle.Chemical reactions are a great way to test and evaluate a substance or a mixture of substances. Since science class teaches us that the most common ways to conduct a chemical reaction involve the simple addition of two different substances, it's only natural to think of boiling stones when we think of chemical reactions. These stones are generally used in place of glassware when conducting experiments because the boiling action can actually break down the components of a solution.Using this equipment has many benefits. First, it allows you to make small doses of substances and allow them to do their work without worry that the chemicals will react with each other or destroy one another. Secondly, it allows you to find out exactly what the substance that you're looking at looks like in its purest form.Because the boiling point of a substance is the temperature at which it becomes completely liquid, the material that you're using is kept protected from itself by having sharp edges. This prevents you from accidentally harming yourself while doing some of the difficult experiments that are done. The sharp edges also cut down on the chances of accidental exposure to the different chemicals that you are going to be using.Because of the variety of different types of boiling stones chemistry has come up with, you can find one that works perfectly for you. If you want something with a unique look, try purchasing one with a design or color of your choice. You might even be able to find one that you can stick to your laboratory wall as well!Some of the types of stones that you will be able to purchase include granite, quartz, and soapstone. While these stones are not often available in the same sizes as glass, they are usually the perfect size for general laboratory use. Soapstone is most often used in chemical labs because it is less expensive than quartz.Another benefit to buying stones that are also made from natural materials is that it makes the stones a lot more durable and last a lot longer. For example, a sapphire is considered to be a 'glass' and therefore can be used to hold chemicals in glassware. When you buy a sapphire and use it in place of glassware, it can last longer and retain its appearance and quality as well.Even though there are many types of stones, it is always best to go with high quality materials. Chemicals have an effect on each other, so it is important to ensure that your stones are the right fit for the project you are doing.

Help With College Algebra Answers - A Few Things to Consider

Help With College Algebra Answers - A Few Things to ConsiderWhen it comes to help with college algebra answers, there are few things that you need to know. The key is understanding how to read and understand the student's answers so that you can follow along and get the best grades possible.One of the most important aspects in helping a student with help with college algebra answers is giving them the answers for the correct answers to the equations. You must make sure they understand the answers that they give you because you will need to have the solution for the problems they have given you.It's very important that you talk to the students as you are asking them questions. Explain to them that it's not just a matter of answering the questions, but it's much more important that you actually understand what you are learning. You should have a strong understanding of the concepts that are being taught.Ask them questions in an 'ask and answer' type of way. They should know if you're h appy to talk with them about math or not and explain why you'll help them with college algebra answers.Make sure that you get help from their teachers if possible. This is really helpful when you get a question that is a bit more complex than your course taught.Keep in mind that they might have already done the work for themselves. In some cases you'll see students working alone or working with their classmates. If that's the case, ask them if they need any help.Help with college algebra answers is definitely needed by many students. Here are a few things to remember.

Find an English Tutor in Herne - If You Want Your Child to Learn to Speak English Quickly

Find an English Tutor in Herne - If You Want Your Child to Learn to Speak English QuicklyYou may be looking for an English tutor in Herne for the benefit of your child's education. Shetfordshire is home to some of the best schools and colleges in England, so you want to make sure that you pick the best to meet your child's needs. In fact, the English teacher in Shetfordshire is among the most sought after in the world.This is a good reason why many people choose to find an English tutor in Herne for their child's education. Herne is one of the best areas in England for this purpose. In fact, many schools in the area have English as one of their subjects, which makes it easy for parents to enroll their children in English speaking schools.If you are trying to find an English tutor in Herne then you will want to start with your local paper. The Shetfordshire Evening Post has a list of all the schools in the area so you will be able to search the local papers and easily find which schoo l is best for your child. This can save you a lot of time when looking for the best school for your child.The English teachers in the area are very helpful in helping your child learn the language. The best teachers can even help with learning how to use the internet in order to communicate with the outside world. It can be a very beneficial experience for your child to learn English using the Internet.When it comes to the cost of the tuition, some schools in the area charge a lot more than others. The best way to find out which school is going to cost you the least is to check out the internet. There are some great websites out there that you can use to help you find out what price range you will have to pay for the type of school you are looking for.If you really want to learn to speak the language then it is highly recommended that you look into the English tutor in Herne. Many schools have English as one of their subjects, so you can find one close to your area. You should also keep in mind that this is not a very expensive profession but you do need to have a high amount of motivation and dedication to make it a successful career choice.When you choose to find an English tutor in Herne you should make sure that you do your research first. The best part about this job is that there are many different options that you can choose from so it will be up to you to decide which path you want to take.

Student Thoughts on Attending University of WisconsinMadison

Student Thoughts on Attending University of Wisconsinâ€"Madison Alexis earned her bachelors degree in Spanish from the University of WisconsinMadison. She specializes in Spanish tutoring, English tutoring, and a number of other subjects. Below, she shares her experience at the University of WisconsinMadison: Describe the campus setting and transportation options. Alexis: I loved the University of WisconsinMadisons campus when I was an undergrad student. I consider the campus to be urban, as it is located in the heart of downtown Madison, Wisconsin. However, it also offers a lot of scenic areas, such as Lakeshore residential area, Lake Mendota, etc. You do not need a car, but a bike is always nice if you need to get somewhere in less than 15 minutes. How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Alexis: As long as the student is proactive and putting in the effort to communicate with their professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants, their general availability is very flexible. Most of my professors had quick response times with emails and were willing to schedule meetings outside of office hours. How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, and socialization opportunities with other students? Alexis: I would definitely suggest living in the southeast residential area, that way you are closer to events that are taking place downtown. The dorms are where many students meet their best college friends! There are many options for dining; the dining halls have been recently remodeled and have tons of space. If you arent a fan of the dining hall, try using a Red Card (a meal plan that allows you to shop at the grocery store or dine out at local restaurants). Which majors/programs are best represented and supported? Alexis: The university best represents the school of business or programs related to math and science. I studied Spanish, Chicano, and Latino studies, and gender and womens studies because I am passionate about learning language and better understanding privilege in our society. How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Does Greek life play a significant role in the campus social life? Alexis: Its easy to meet a lot of new people and make new friends if you are involved in organizations and events on campus. College is the time to push yourself to break out of your shell. Greek life exists on campus, but Greek Row is tucked away so it doesnt dominate the feel of campus. How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services? Alexis: The Career Center is extremely helpful. I made many trips to their offices to brainstorm future careers. They also hold many career-related events that you can attend. Reputable companies are always looking for UW-Madison students. How are the various study areas such aslibraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Alexis: There are so many libraries on campus, and they are all easily available and spacious. Describe the surrounding town. Alexis: When you arent in class or studying, lots of fun stuff happens on campus. For example, if you are a football fan, you can see Wisconsin Badger games at Camp Randall or enjoy a walk around the Capitol during the weekly farmers market. How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Alexis: The student body is about 40,000 students. I did not have any issues with class sizes. Lectures had a lot of students, of course, but there were always discussion sessions that consisted of only 10-15 people. Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Alexis: My most memorable experience was when one of my professors from freshman year reached out to me as a junior and asked if I would like to pursue a grant to do collaborative research with her. I took on the challenge, received the grant, and formed a great relationship with my professor, which made me feel like I truly belonged on campus and better prepared me for the possibility of grad school. Check out Alexiss tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

A Day in the Life at University of Houston

A Day in the Life at University of Houston The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Pooja is a Houston tutor specializing in Biology tutoring, Geometry tutoring, History tutoring, and a number of other areas. She is currently a junior at University of Houston majoring in Biology and History. See what she had to share about University of Houston: VT: Describe the campus setting and transportation options. How urban or rural is the campus? Did you feel safe on campus? Are there buses or do you need a car/bike? Pooja: The campus is relatively small and easy to navigate, as all the buildings are at a maximum 10 minutes away from one another. The campus is very bike-friendly, and many people are seen biking to and from classes. University of Houston also offers a campus bus route that goes between most of the buildings, as well as to the stadium and parking lots that are farther away from campus. The METRORail was also extended to the university this past semester. It will be operational in the fall, which will be great for commuters! VT: How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Pooja:Professors are always available during their office hours to answer any questions you may have. Although it may seem intimidating, I have found that professors are much more relaxed during office hours, as well as personable. They love having students visit them, which is what office hours are for, after all! The academic advisers, however, are usually hit or miss. Your meetings with them may only be about 10 minutes long, and they are just to make sure you are on track. I would much rather talk to a professor concerning any academic questions. The teaching assistants are for the most part helpful. They are picked to be in that position because they have previously done well in the course. It really depends on how dedicated they are to their job. I have had great teaching assistants, but also ones who did the minimum, which was very frustrating. VT: How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Pooja:There are many dorms on campus, and I would highly recommend partaking in dorm life as a freshman. You meet so many people that you can form close bonds with for the rest of college. There have been studies that show that those who participate in college life tend to graduate happier and more quickly than those who do not, so getting the full college experience is crucial! Most of the rooms are for two people, although some are suites (where two two-person rooms share a bathroom). Many of the newer dorms also have study lounges on each floor, which is a huge benefit when you need to do some late-night studying away from the temptations of your bed! There are also many dining options on campus that fill a variety of cravings and that are open relatively late. VT: Which majors/programs are best represented and supported?What did you study and why? Did the university do a good job supporting your particular area of study? Pooja:Bauer College of Business is definitely hugely supported by alumni and is now recognized nationwide. I am pursuing a double major in History and Biology. I picked History initially because I absolutely love the subject. I had a wonderful AP United States History teacher in high school who made me love the material, and it has stuck with me ever since. As for Biology, I decided that I wanted to go into the health field when I am older, and as a result, I realized that I would need to take the MCAT. As I began taking the requirements for medical school, I noticed that I almost had enough hours for a major in Biology and decided to go for that as well. VT: How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Does Greek life play a significant role in the campus social life? Pooja:Freshman year I went to a school out of state, but I am sure my experience there was similar to what it would have been at University of Houston. Although it may not seem like it, most people are just as nervous as you are about meeting new students. My advice is to take the risk! I went to a new state knowing no one, and the girl who lived across the hall ended up becoming one of my closest friends. College is like a new slate, and you should take every chance you can to meet new people and have new experiences. At my first school, Greek life played a huge role in campus social life, and I myself was in a sorority. However, at University of Houston, Greek life does not play as big of a role as it did at my first school. But there are many fraternities and sororities to join, and there are also tons of other student organizations as well. VT: How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services?Do many reputable companies recruit on campus? Pooja:The Career Center offers many workshops on interview preparation and how to ramp up your resume! Although I have never personally gone to one of these workshops, I have heard that they are quite helpful. Many reputable companies, especially those in the Business field, do recruit on campus, including Accenture and KBM Group. Many of these companies come to career fairs, so it is a benefit to attend those as much as possible! I have many friends in the Bauer College of Business who have obtained internships and even jobs from these career fairs. VT: How are the various study areas such aslibraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Pooja:Finding a place to study on campus can be challenging, especially during finals. I usually head to the library to study, but I try to avoid the crowded areas. There are sections of the library where there are individual study carrels, and I usually head there since it is much quieter and less distracting. Most of the buildings on campus have ample study space, so it is really just about exploring and finding somewhere that is comfortable for you. VT: Describe the surrounding town. What kinds of outside establishments / things to do are there that make it fun, boring, or somewhere in between?To what extent do students go to the downtown area of the city versus staying near campus? Pooja:University of Houston is about a 10-minute drive from downtown Houston. There are tons of museums and restaurants nearby, as well as the zoo and the Toyota Center, where many concerts are held. There are also many coffee shops near campus which I absolutely love! One of my biggest hobbies is checking out new coffee shops as potential study spots, so going downtown is pretty common for me. Besides downtown, nothing else is too close to campus. University of Houston is right off of three different freeways, which makes traveling to different parts of Houston fairly easy. VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Pooja:University of Houstons student body is quite large, although it does not seem like it, since over 50% of the students commute. Introductory classes are generally pretty packed, but not to the point that it was uncomfortable for me. Professors are always more than willing to answer any questions you may have in office hours if you feel uncomfortable asking in front of many students. As you take more and more upper-level courses, you find that your class size shrinks significantly. VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Pooja:My favorite professor, hands down, was Dr. Vida. The first course I took with him was a genetics lab, and although it was extremely difficult and time-consuming, it really pushed me. Through it, I realized that I was capable of so much more than I had previously thought. Dr. Vida was also not only a professor, but a mentor as well. He deeply cared for all of his students and their success, so much so that he remembered over 300 names and actually took the time to get to know his students. I am taking him again this semester, and although the course is extremely challenging, it is about so much more than just receiving a good grade. Dr. Vida stresses the importance of learning to learn and not just to make an A in the class. He is truly what any educator should be: passionate about the subject and patient. Check out Poojas tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Practical Learning with Online Tutoring

Practical Learning with Online Tutoring 0SHARESShare The term online tutoring is creating a buzz among students these days. Earlier private tuition were limited to those who were not able to concentrate more in class and who were considered weak students, but now with the introduction of online teaching websites, the tuition become a way of practical learning. Students as well as their parents are gradually adopting this way of learning through online teachers. Not only these teachers teach the theoretical aspects of the subject, but also make sure to give live solutions of the subject queries. The live training, though seems tedious online, is effectively carried on by the online tutoring websites. Faculties available on these teaching websites take live sessions with the help of web interactive tools including audio/video chat, digital pen or interactive white board. The whole process gives the feel of a real-time classroom and students grasp the things in an effective and easy manner. [starbox id=admin]

Minor Scales for Guitarists

Minor Scales for Guitarists Learning Music Theory for the Guitar ChaptersWhat Is the Minor Scale?The Natural Minor Scale on the GuitarThe Harmonic Minor Scale on the GuitarThe Melodic Minor Scale on the Guitar“I’m only myself when I have a guitar in my hands.” - George HarrisonIf you’re also only yourself when you have a guitar in your hands, you’ll need to work on your technique if you want to define yourself as a guitarist.Almost everyone in the UK likes music in some way or another.  But if you want to learn guitar and more about scales, you’re going to need to persevere.With pentatonic scales, major scales, chords, modes (Mixolydian, Dorian, Phrygian, etc), there are plenty of things for guitarists to learn.In this article, we're going to look at how beginners can familiarise themselves with the fretboard by learning the minor scale. PeterGuitar Teacher £12/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EdgarGuitar Teacher 5.00 (8) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors PaulGuitar Teacher 5.00 (12) £18/h1st lesson free!Discove r all our tutors DanielGuitar Teacher 5.00 (3) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ToddGuitar Teacher 4.75 (4) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SamueleGuitar Teacher 5.00 (5) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors KurtGuitar Teacher 5.00 (3) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RyanGuitar Teacher £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsWhat Is the Minor Scale?The minor scale, after the major scale, is arguably the second most important guitar scale to learn.Make sure you're one with your instrument. (Source: Pexels)It’s the second mode of the major scale. A mode is defined by the intervals separating the fundamental and the different degrees.The interval is the distance between two notes: usually a tone or a semitone. On a guitar, a tone is usually separated by two frets and a semitone is separated by one fret.  To play a scale, you have to apply a mode.The minor relative scale is built from the 6th degree of the major scale. The six th degree of C is A.  To better understand a minor scale, you need to focus on the interval between the tonic (the first note) and the third.In the major scale, there are two tones in the interval whereas there are three semitones in the minor scale.  The minor third gives the minor scale a more melancholic feel whereas a major key feels more optimistic.To be fair, there’s no such thing as the minor scale. In fact, there are several minor modes that produce minor scales.All minor scales have an altered third. The other notes that are altered are the sixth and sevenths.  Each major scale has a relative minor scale, the scale that it shares all its notes with. The difference is in the order of the notes that are played.How Can You Recognise a Relative Minor Scale?The recognise a minor scale, you need to check that there are three semitones between the tonic and the third. When the third is minor, it’s almost always a minor scale. This is true of all minor relative scales.There are three minor scales each with their own structure: the natural, the harmonic, and the melodic, which we’re all going to look at in more detail.  The three minor scales are very similar. There are only a few differences between each of them. They’re very useful for improvising, composing, and also harmonising and making chords.The Natural Minor Scale on the GuitarThe natural minor scale is also called the Aeolian mode. This is the first minor scale you should learn.Work on your guitar playing whenever you can. (Source: FirmBee)Just like the major scale, the natural minor scale is made up of seven notes. There are 6 notes between the first and last notes. Each note is no more than a full tone apart (be it a tone or a semitone). Here’s the structure of the minor natural scale:I to II: A tone.II to III: A semitone.III to IV: A tone.IV to V: A tone.V to VI: A semitone.VI to VII: A tone.VII to I: A tone.There are two ways to remember the scale:1T - 0.5T - 1T - 1T - 0.5T - 1T - 1T2 - 1 - 2 - 2 - 1 - 2 - 2The second of these two methods is the intervals in the scale in terms of frets.  If you remember the structure, you can play the scale in any key. You should need to remember that certain notes will become either sharps or flats and vice-versa.  For example, the A minor scale is the following: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, A.  These are exactly the same notes as in the C major scale.How to Practise the Natural Minor Scale on the GuitarIf you’re a beginner, focus on the fingering from the pentatonic scale, learning the rhythm, the basic chords, and barre chords. Come back to minor scales after you’ve studied the guitar for a while. It’ll be simpler!You'll need to study a bit to get the hang of scales. (Source: Free-Photos)Start by learning the structure of the natural minor scale.  Then try playing the scale by starting from any note on the neck, then across one or two strings, then on three, working your way up until you can play it across all six strings.  It’ s a great way to practise using your plectrum and your fingering with your left hand (the reverse if you’re left-handed).To improve your guitar playing, here’s a way to remember the C natural minor scale:1T - 0.5T - 1T - 1T - 0.5T - 1T - 1TC D Eb F G Ab B CThe reason we don’t say D# because you can’t have two Ds in the same scale, that’s why you say Eb (they’re the same notes, after all).  Try to do the same starting from F (answers at the end of the article).The Harmonic Minor Scale on the GuitarThis is the second most common one. You’ll inevitably come across a style of music that you’ll want to play and want to learn how to improvise and compose. In this case, you’ll want to learn a scale as useful as the minor natural scale.The minor harmonic scale is built on the minor natural scale.  There are three semitones between the tonic and the third. The main difference is that there’s a semitone difference on the seventh.  By starting from the A minor scale, the G will be altered: A B C D E F G# A.Here’s the structure of the minor natural scale:I to II: A tone.II to III: A semitone.III to IV: A tone.IV to V: A tone.V to VI: A semitone.VI to VII: Three semitones.VII to I: A semitone.To better understand, here are two ways to remember it:1T - 0.5T - 1T - 1T - 0.5T - 1.5T - 0.5T2 - 1 - 2 - 2 - 1 - 3 - 1This is a little complicated to remember but if you remember that it’s just the minor natural scale with the seventh raised by a semitone.You can also learn more about the chromatic scale.How Can You Practise the Minor Harmonic Scale?The principle is the same for the minor natural scale. You need to just keep practising at a slow pace with the help of a metronome and work your way up.  Your brain will take a bit of time to assimilate your new knowledge.Start with the C minor natural scale, here’s the C harmonic minor scale and adding a semitone to the seventh note: C D Eb F G Ab B C.Try to do the same starting from F (answers at the end of t he article).The Melodic Minor Scale on the GuitarThe minor melodic scale is even rarer in pop and guitar rock music it’s pretty common in metal, jazz, and even blues music.The melodic minor scale is useful in a number of different genres. (Source: dotigabrielf)To work out the minor melodic scale, you need to start with the minor melodic scale and augment the sixth.By starting with the A minor harmonic scale: A B C D E F# G# A.  The structure changes again:I to II: A tone.II to III: A semitone.III to IV: A tone.IV to V: A tone.V to VI: A tone.VI to VII: A tone.VII to I: A semitone.Here are a few ways to remember it:1T - 0.5T - 1T - 1T - 1T - 1T - 0.5T2 - 1 - 2 - 2 - 2 - 2 - 1In comparison to the minor natural scale, the minor melodic scale has the sixth and seventh notes raised by a semitone.  It’s quite easy to remember the minor natural scale and then transform it into the minor harmonic scale and the minor melodic scale.You could also get guitar lessons London!How Can You Prac tise the Minor Melodic Scale?The minor melodic scale is very similar to the major scale.Consider the A major scale (A B C# D E F# G# A) and the A minor melodic scale (A B C D E F# G# A).  It’s almost the same! The only difference is that the third is a semitone lower in the minor melodic.You can work on the minor melodic alongside the major scale.  For the C minor melodic scale, start with the C minor harmonic scale, and increase the sixth by a semitone. You’ll end up with: C D Eb F G A B C.Try to do the same starting from F (answers at the end of the article).  Practise transposing scales to other keys. Work on them regularly and don’t forget to never give up.If you want to become an expert at the guitar, you just have to keep practising!Here are the answers from earlier:F minor natural scale: F G Ab Bb C Db Eb FF minor harmonic scale: F G Ab Bb C Db E FF minor melodic scale: F G Ab Bb C D E FDid you get it?Whether you're interested in playing guitar solos, want to play guita r in a band, do a few licks, or create better chord progressions, every guitar player should learn to play scales.Whether you want beginner guitar lessons, to study intermediate guitar techniques, or master some blues licks, there are plenty of great online guitar resources to get you through learning scales and improving your guitar playing.Additionally, if you need help with a chord progression, fingering, strumming, or how to read tablature, you should consider enlisting the help of a private guitar tutor.Private tutors tailor their lessons to their students so if you whether you want to learn blues guitar, jazz guitar, or rock guitar, your tutor can focus on the guitar licks and riffs that can help you learn how to play guitar in the style that you're interested in.A lot of the tutors on Superprof offer their first guitar lesson for free. Use this free guitar lesson to see if you get along with the tutor, work out whether you want to focus on music theory, improvisation, rhythm guitar, etc., and agree upon the conditions of your lessons.

Essay Writer English Writing Online Tutorpace

Essay Writer English Writing Online Tutorpace Essay writing is very important in English. Writing an essay usually plays prominent role in almost every English class. In essay writing the student needs to first understand the given topic. Its always recommended to have a rough draft of the essay before presenting the final essay. Research the topic before starting the essay. Uses reliable sources which provide good academic content. If any of the research or article is used in the essay do not forget to recite the source to make the content trustworthy. Analyzing the topic is very important as well. Analysis helps to add the students ideas and imagination into the essay. This makes the essay different of any other article and add individuality to it. The main step in essay writing is finding the thesis statement. The thesis statement should be relevant to the topic and very specific. The student needs to keep in mind that the essay is constructed on the basis of the thesis statement. A good essay has a well written thesis statement. The next step is to use the rough draft as an outline to the number of paragraphs required. The main points and the description of the topic is written in the following paragraphs with well supported statements. Then the conclusion of the essay. Conclusion is the summary and the wrap up for the essay. A conclusion that ends well signifies a good essay. Presenting an essay keeping all these key points in picture shows the students potential in writing.

What to Look For in Your Medical School Search

What to Look For in Your Medical School Search The following piece was written by Anubodh Sunny Varshney. He is a Dallas Fort Worth tutor for Varsity Tutors and current medical student at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. Attending interviews at multiple medical schools isnt just for you to sell yourself; its also a valuable opportunity for you to gather some key information about different institutions all across the country. Below are some factors to think about when youre comparing these medical schools. Class size The size of your classes can range from the 50s up to the 250s each year. Small classes tend to build a more cohesive group and may allow for more personal interactions with faculty. However, large classes may bring the opportunity to make more friends who are similar to yourself, and in no way rule out the ability to build relationships with faculty. Think about whether or not you want to be in a more intimate environment versus a more traditional academic setting. Location The location of a school will affect your personal life, finances, clinical exposure, and many other factors. Be sure to weigh this heavily and think about your personal preference for an urban vs. suburban vs. rural location. Pre-Clinical Curriculum Many schools use a pre-clinical curriculum that falls somewhere on a spectrum between problem-based learning (PBL) and traditional lectures. PBL involves working through patient cases in a small group setting with faculty. This requires significant background reading and research to learn all of the aspects of the case. Evaluations usually involve a component of participation assessed by small group faculty as well as exams, though this can vary. This is considered a more active learning style, and suits many students well. In contrast, a lecture-based curriculum involves what most students are used to in college. Lectures are delivered and students are expected to take notes and do outside reading as necessary in order to better understand the material. Evaluations are usually via written exams. This style suits students who excel at comprehending and understanding material more passively. In reality, most schools now have a component of both PBL and lectures in varying fractions. Its important to understand that no matter what the curriculum, all schools must cover the minimum amount of material you need to take the USMLE Step 1 after your pre-clinical years. Also, realize that your score on this exam is one of the most significant factors taken into account when evaluating your residency application. So, be sure to look for a curriculum that will help you learn the best, not a curriculum that claims to be less rigorous. In the end, youll have to learn all of the material needed to move into your clinical years, so there are no shortcuts regardless of the curriculum. Hospital system During your clinical years, your goal will be to build the foundation of skills and knowledge you need to be a physician. In addition, you must have a wide exposure to medicine so you can decide your future career path. So, be sure to look out for schools where you will be provided with ample volume, autonomy, and variety in patient care. As a general rule, schools affiliated with more types of hospitals (private, public, government, etc.) tend to give students a broader exposure to medicine. Also, higher volume hospitals tend to allow students greater autonomy in evaluating patients. Student life This encompasses things like facilities, opportunities to be involved in extracurricular activities, and overall student well-being. Be sure to look at schools student centers and see what they offer (gyms, multipurpose rooms, study areas, etc.). Also, most schools will have numerous student groups. Be sure to look for schools that already have groups that align with your interests, or that are flexible in having students start new groups. Most importantly, be sure to speak with several current students on your visit and ask them how they like their medical school experience. Their opinions are your most valuable tool in getting an insider view at a particular school. Check out Sunnys tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.