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Take a look through the academic, musical, sports, and other offerings and the tutors who teach them at Wyzant Tutoring.
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Give it a try ... you'll be glad you did!

GRE Math Formula Sheet - great tool for comprehensive math review

Still hunting all over the internet for formula sheets to use in prepping for the GRE? Well, I've searched high and low and, although I try to get free resources whenever possible, this was just too good a deal to pass up.

For just under $9 (plus $1.95 shipping), and an immediate download to boot, you get a comprehensive, yet concise formula sheet to review before taking practice sets and exams. I really can't think of anything they've left off this sheet and all formulas are relevant to the GRE.

You can click on the above image to view and order. There are also math formula sheets for other exams at these links:

ACT Math Formula Sheet: http://www.actmathformulas.com/
SAT Math Formula Sheet: http://www.satmathformulas.com/
GMAT Math Formula Sheet: http://www.gmatmathformulas.com/

I highly recommend this resource, a real time-saver!

New Credentials: Certified Project Management Professional

I have had a taste of my own medicine in having to prepare for a major exam ... I'm pleased to report that today I passed the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification exam!!

For those planning to take the PMP exam, I'll tell you a bit about my background and how I prepared for this exam.
Up until June 2011, I worked for two years in project management for the State of MN. This experience was invaluable in teaching me the basics of all aspects of project management.
From there, I purchased Andy Crowe's The PMP Exam: How to Pass on Your First Try. On Amazon, this book had about the same review rating as Rita Mulcahey's PMP Exam Prep: Course in a Book for Passing the PMP Exam but cost somewhat less. As I searched for additional materials, Rita's name kept coming up, so I checked out the 3rd edition of her title above from the library (although the manual is now in its 7th edition).

With each manual, I did not read the chapter content; instead, I took the chapter tests and reviewed the explanations for my errors carefully. (With Crowe's manual, I also reviewed the correct answer explanations). I liked the thorough approach that Rita's book offered; if I'd had the time, I'd have enjoyed moving through the book and its exercises at a comfortable pace.

I read various opinions regarding PMP materials, including one saying s/he studied Rita's book and scored 90-95% on the chapter tests but did not pass the test. I scored 60-70% on average in Rita's book and did pass, so go figure.

I took a quick look also at Oliver Lehman's free practice tests, though somehow they seemed more difficult than Rita's as the questions seemed to focus on the finer details of PM ("by the book" vs. real-life scenarios). I had time only to do a few questions, but will include the links here in case you find them helpful:

http://www.oliverlehmann.com/pmp-self-test/75-free-questions.htm

http://www.oliverlehmann.com/contents/free-downloads/175_PMP_Sample_Questions.pdf

Finally, I located a free PMP cheat sheet through www.vbpm.org. I had been looking for some time for a decent summary of key concepts which I'd hoped would help me feel less overwhelmed; this document really fits the bill. The main thing it lacks is a summary of inputs and outputs for each process, though it would have been much longer in that case.

As a PMI member, I have had access to the PMBOK, 4th edition, though I just couldn't make myself read such dry material. I've included a link/image below, in case you want to investigate it further.
I have to say that my previous real-life experience in PM was a big advantage in understanding the flow of project management and, frankly, just keeping me interested in the topic since I could relate my studies to real-world experiences.
Beyond my work experience, I figure I studied a total of 50 hours total, off and on over six months time. My chapter test scores didn't really improve from Crowe's manual to Rita's manual so I wasn't terribly confident I'd pass, though I do feel I have a better understanding of how I'd handle specific situations which, on top of those three letters I get to place after my name (if I choose to do so), is a great bonus.

You may ask: What is the passing score for the PMP? You will not receive a numerical score upon completion of your exam. Rather, you are given a qualitative score of P (Proficient), MP (Moderately Proficient), or BP (Below Proficient) for each domain. The key domains (those apparently given higher weights in calculating the exam score) are Planning, Executing, and Monitoring & Controlling.

For details on how an exam pass may be determined, see: http://www.deepfriedbrainpmp.com/2010/04/best-kept-secret-of-pmp-certification.html#more

From my readings on the subject, the passing percentage appears to remain at approximately 61% for scored items. (25 of the 200 test questions are not figured in scoring.)

Although I am unable to divulge specific questions from the exam, I would be glad to give you general guidance in preparing for the exam. Be aware that the content for the PMP exam will be updated on August 31, 2011.

By the way, here's a free PMP practice exam (probably does not reflect latest post-Aug 2011 content): http://headfirstlabs.com/PMP/free_exam/

I hope the information I've provided helps you find the right materials and the best approach for effective and efficient studying.

Hey, Good Luck on the PMP exam! Feel free to weigh in on your experiences with prep and/or outcomes.

Having trouble scoring high on GRE Verbal?

The key to scoring high on the GRE Verbal portion is to give yourself plenty of time to study lots of vocab, including definitions, word roots, synonyms, and word in context.
Remember, the GRE exam format is changing August 1, 2011. Your study materials will need to reflect this change, as much will be different about the revised exam.

What to expect with the New GRE exam

Some helpful study prep resources I recommend are displayed below:

Tutor-Tested Worksheets - Links Now Updated

The very popular STAR Tutoring Worksheets webpages have now been updated with new links in Reading, Math, Handwriting, ESL, and Standardized Test Prep --

Worksheets, Games, and Extras:  http://www.startutoring.com/worksheets.html
Standardized Test Prep (ACT, SAT, GRE, GED, ASVAB, etc) Materials and Worksheets:  http://www.startutoring.com/testprepstuff.html

Links are added on a regular basis. Check out and bookmark these great webpages now!

It dawned on me recently ...

... in comparing the students I've tutored who have scored high on previous attempts at standardized tests and those who have achieved an average to low score. I had been offering each set of students the same basic lesson plan, namely timed practice sets, error review, and strategy discussion and implementation.

When the lower-scoring students weren't responding as well as the high-scoring students, I began mulling over the reasons. Typically, they don't achieve high grades in school, either, so I reasoned they lack interest, motivation, aptitude, or even personality factors, such as fortitude and a drive for success. (By the way, both types of students usually are extremely busy in their personal/academic/social lives which seems to be the #1 reason they see a tutor, to help with time management.)

However, I'm coming to believe that one of the primary reasons low-scoring students, in particular, see a tutor is for the personal engagement, and that this is the key to their success. Once I figured this out, I altered sessions for lower-scoring students to include brief tutorials on a specific subject, inviting back-and-forth interaction on use of and success with strategies, and discussion regarding available and efficient use of study time to meet individual goals.

The varied lesson plan that includes ample "face" time keeps lower-scoring students engaged and on task. The comments I receive after these modified sessions have been overwhelmingly and sincerely positive in contrast to the requisite "Thanks, it helped a lot".

While higher-scoring students may or may not appreciate extra "talk time", I find that the systematic, goal-driven focus prevalent in high-achieving group goes a long way towards helping them achieve their objectives.

Think you've tried everything with your low-scoring student? "Try a little tenderness", as they say, as the extra attention may make all the difference in helping this student to excel.

A comparison of high achievers' and low achievers' attitudes, perceptions, and motivations.(Statistical Data Included): An article from: Academic Exchange Quarterly

ASVAB Scaled Scoring

As a tutor for the ASVAB,  I am often asked how to obtain an AFQT scaled score for practice exams. Although I have found methods online for doing so, the results have not been useful. The formula I most often see is:
AFQT Scaled Score = 2VE + AR + MK, where VE is obtained from a WK+PC conversion chart.

In addition, AR and MK apparently are weighted scores that only the Department of Defense can calculate, and that depend on the difficulty of questions answered correctly.

Have you found an AFQT calculation method that gives meaningful results? If so, please post here ... I'd welcome this information, as would other ASVAB tutors and test-takers, I imagine.

By the way, I've used both Master the ASVAB (link at left) and ASVAB: Your Total Solution by REA, and have found Master the ASVAB to be more thorough in its coverage of most subjects, particularly the Word Knowledge section, which is pretty sparse in REA's Your Total Solution.

I recommend finding flashcards for vocab study to speed up the process. Here are 533 terms and definitions for practice:
http://quizlet.com/4536961/asvab-word-knowledge-flash-cards/

Other materials I've used with decent success can be linked to through the images below. Happy Studying!

Want to study more effectively? Mix it up.

How about a fresh take on effective study methods? This one is worth a look!

Want to study more effectively? Mix it up.

GRE Tips: Overall and by subject

Working with my GRE student over the past couple of weeks, we've tested and implemented highly effective strategies for scoring high on practice problems.
I've located a link that sums up these strategies quite nicely. Take a look at: http://www.testinfo.net/gre/gre-tips.htm#overall

As Kaplan is one of my favorite publishers for standardized test prep, I've included a image link (left) to one of the resources I currently use. I will continue to post materials for the current GRE exam until August 1, 2011, when the format and content of the exam will change.

Questions about the current GRE exam or study methods and strategies that really work? Just ask!

Good Grades, Poor Standardized Exam Scores ... Why??

Parents are often perplexed when their child gets top grades in school, but can't seem to crack an average score on the standardized exams. Unfortunately, performing well in high school classes and achieving high scores on the standardized exams are outcomes that do not necessarily go hand in hand for a number of reasons.

First, while working through a prep manual, and perhaps using flashcards, are the typical methods for improving the standardized exam scores, a student can learn the required material for high school classes by taking and reviewing lecture notes, studying from the text, discussing topics as a small group, and preparing for exams that focus on narrowly-defined topics. The student can use diverse study methods to fine-tune and enhance the prep work.

On the contrary, the student does not know the specific content of a standardized exam. Given the time constraints many students have due to academic, athletic, or social commitments, the exam prep study plan usually consists of a general review of many topics.

In addition, many students simply panic in the testing environment and, consequently, may submit a sub-standard result. Consistent practice in a simulated test environment and careful review of errors are essential habits for any exam prep student to develop, but this is especially true for the average and below-average student.

Finally, an unspoken, but most effective trait of the high-scoring standardized exam taker is confidence. Many students score low on standardized exams because they mistakenly think they can get by on the bare minimum of study time: a practice exam here or there, or a half-hearted review of select portions of the 2-inch-thick study manual. But this is what high-scoring test-takers know: Make a study plan and keep it; allow plenty of time for practice; test and implement strategies for responding to questions quickly and accurately; and chart progress to pinpoint weak areas and keep motivation high.

The average student or weak test-taker can do well on standardized exams by considering a new approach to test-taking that includes using several methods of study, prioritizing exam prep among competing commitments, consistently reviewing and practicing of concepts, and building confidence by preparing well in advance of test day. The outcome of a standardized exam often sets the stage for opportunities in higher education or a career, so it pays to make the most of your exam prep.