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The decision to take the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) exam when it is optional for college admissions depends on several factors. Here are some considerations to help you make an informed decision:

1. Check Admission Policies:
   • Review the admission policies of the specific colleges or programs you are interested in. Some institutions may state that the GRE is optional, but it’s crucial to understand whether not taking it will have any impact on your application.
   • List of some of the colleges that have made GRE optional for graduate studies
   • Here are a few examples of schools that, at the time of my last update, had either made the GRE optional or had specific programs with this policy:
   • Harvard University – Some departments within Harvard’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences have made the GRE optional.
   • MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) – Some programs at MIT do not require the GRE.
   • Stanford University – Some departments within Stanford’s School of Humanities and Sciences have made the GRE optional.
   • University of Chicago – The Division of the Social Sciences at the University of Chicago made the GRE optional for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 admissions cycles. “Not Required/Optional: Applicants who do not submit a GRE are not penalized during the review process. We encourage applicants to GRE-optional programs to only provide a score if they feel it reflects well on their abilities.”
   • Columbia University – Some programs within the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at Columbia have made the GRE optional.
   • Brown University – Several departments at Brown University’s Graduate School have made the GRE optional.
   • New York University (NYU) – Some graduate programs at NYU have made the GRE optional.
   • University of California, Berkeley – Some programs at UC Berkeley’s Graduate Division have made the GRE optional.
   • University of Michigan, Ann Arbor – Some programs at the University of Michigan have made the GRE optional.
   • Johns Hopkins University – The Bloomberg School of Public Health at Johns Hopkins has made the GRE optional for certain programs.
   • Keep in mind that policies can change, and specific departments within a university may have different requirements. Always check the official admissions information provided by the institution or contact the admissions office for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
2. Strength of Your Application:
   • If your academic and professional background is strong, and you have other compelling aspects of your application (such as a high GPA, relevant work experience, strong letters of recommendation, etc.), you might not need to take the GRE.
3. Program Requirements:
   • Consider the specific requirements of the program you are applying to. Some programs may place more emphasis on GRE scores, especially if they are in fields where standardized testing is traditionally more important. For example, the screen grab from Harvard admission portal shows there are programs where GRE is not accepted, few have GRE as optional, whereas for few programs it is required. So it is always encouraged to check the university websites for the grad courses admission requirements.
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4. Competitive Nature of the Program:
   • If the program is highly competitive and many applicants will likely have GRE scores, taking the exam could give you an additional opportunity to stand out.
5. Personal Strengths and Weaknesses:
   • Assess your own strengths and weaknesses. If standardized tests are not your strong suit and you believe your application would be stronger without GRE scores, it might be reasonable to skip the exam.
6. Application Cost and Effort:
   • Consider the cost and effort involved in preparing for and taking the GRE. If you have the time and resources to perform well, it might be worth it. However, if preparing for the GRE will detract significantly from other aspects of your application, you may want to weigh the benefits.
7. Consult with Admissions Advisors:
   • If possible, reach out to admissions advisors or representatives from the programs you are interested in. They can provide guidance on whether taking the GRE is advisable based on the specifics of their admissions process.

In summary, the decision to take the GRE when it’s optional depends on the individual circumstances and the requirements of the programs you are applying to. It’s essential to carefully evaluate all aspects of your application and consider the specific policies of the institutions you are interested in before making a decision.

Strengthening your college application involves showcasing your strengths, accomplishments, and unique qualities in a way that makes you stand out to admissions committees. Here are some tips to enhance your college application:

1. Academic Excellence:
   • Maintain a strong GPA throughout high school.
   • Challenge yourself with rigorous courses, honors, and AP/IB classes when available.
   • Highlight any academic achievements or awards.
2. Standardized Tests:
   • Prepare for and take standardized tests (SAT, ACT) if they are required or strongly recommended by the colleges you’re interested in.
   • Consider taking subject-specific SAT Subject Tests if applicable.
3. Extracurricular Activities:
   • Participate in clubs, sports, or organizations that align with your interests and passions.
   • Take on leadership roles within your extracurricular activities.
   • Show a commitment to a few activities rather than spreading yourself too thin.
4. Community Service and Volunteering:
   • Engage in meaningful community service or volunteering experiences.
   • Highlight the impact you’ve made and the skills you’ve developed through these experiences.
5. Work Experience:
   • Include any relevant work experience, internships, or part-time jobs.
   • Emphasize skills gained and lessons learned from your work experiences.
6. Letters of Recommendation:
   • Request letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, or mentors who know you well and can speak to your abilities and character.
   • Provide them with information about your achievements and goals.
7. Personal Statement/Essays:
   • Craft a compelling personal statement that tells your unique story.
   • Demonstrate self-reflection, growth, and a genuine interest in the chosen field of study.
   • Tailor your essays to each college’s specific prompts or values.
8. Portfolio (if applicable):
   • If applying to an art, design, or performance program, submit a well-curated portfolio showcasing your work.
   • Follow any specific guidelines provided by the college.
9. Interviews (if offered):
   • If interviews are part of the application process, take advantage of the opportunity to express yourself verbally.
   • Practice common interview questions and be ready to discuss your experiences and aspirations.
10. Diversity and Inclusion:
    • Emphasize any experiences that contribute to diversity and inclusion.
    • Showcase your understanding of different perspectives and how you can contribute to a diverse campus community.
11. Demonstrate Interest:
    • Attend college fairs or information sessions.
    • Visit the campuses of the colleges you’re interested in.
    • Write a thoughtful “Why Us?” essay, explaining why you’re a good fit for each specific college.
12. Proofread and Edit:
    • Carefully proofread all application materials to ensure they are free of grammatical errors and typos.
    • Ask teachers or mentors to review your essays for feedback.

Remember that each college has its own criteria for evaluation, so tailor your application to meet the specific requirements and values of each institution. Additionally, authenticity and a genuine representation of yourself can go a long way in making a memorable impression on admissions committees.

Using podcasts to improve your English is a great idea, as it exposes you to authentic spoken language, various accents, and different topics. Here are some tips on how to effectively use podcasts for English language improvement:

1. Choose Appropriate Content:
   • Select podcasts that match your current English proficiency level. Some podcasts are designed for beginners, while others are more advanced. Look for content that is interesting to you and aligns with your language goals.
2. Listen Regularly:
   • Consistency is key. Make listening to podcasts a regular part of your routine. Daily or weekly listening will help you become more accustomed to the rhythm and nuances of spoken English.
3. Mix of Topics:
   • Explore a variety of topics to expose yourself to different vocabulary and contexts. This can include podcasts on news, culture, science, technology, or any other area of interest.
4. Active Listening:
   • Listen actively by trying to understand the main ideas and details. Take notes on new vocabulary, expressions, or phrases that you find challenging.
5. Repeat and Mimic:
   • Pause and repeat sentences or phrases you find difficult. This helps improve pronunciation, intonation, and overall speaking skills. Try to mimic the natural rhythm of the speakers.
6. Use Transcripts:
   • Some podcasts provide transcripts. Use these to follow along while listening. Reading along with the transcript can enhance your comprehension and help you identify new words.
7. Discuss with Others:
   • Engage in discussions with language partners, teachers, or fellow learners about the content of the podcasts. This reinforces what you’ve learned and provides an opportunity to practice speaking.
8. Focus on Different Accents:
   • Choose podcasts with speakers who have different accents. This exposure will improve your ability to understand various English accents, which is valuable in real-life communication.
9. Combine with Other Learning Tools:
   • Use podcasts as part of a broader language learning strategy. Combine them with vocabulary building, grammar exercises, and other language learning resources.
10. Set Goals:
    • Establish specific goals for your podcast listening. This could be related to vocabulary acquisition, understanding specific accents, or improving your listening skills in general.
11. Create Your Own Content:
    • After listening to a podcast, try summarizing the main points or expressing your thoughts on the topic. This practice reinforces what you’ve learned and helps you actively use the language.
12. Explore Language Learning Podcasts:
    • Consider podcasts explicitly designed for language learners. Some podcasts provide explanations of grammar, vocabulary, and language learning strategies.

Remember, language learning is a gradual process, and improvement comes with consistent effort over time. Adjust your approach based on your preferences and progress, and enjoy the learning journey!

While there may not be specific podcasts exclusively dedicated to TOEFL preparation, there are many podcasts that focus on English language learning, academic skills, and general language proficiency. Listening to podcasts in English can certainly help improve your language skills, which are crucial for the TOEFL exam. Here are ten podcasts that can contribute to enhancing your English proficiency:

1. BBC Learning English Podcast:
   • The BBC offers a range of podcasts covering grammar, vocabulary, and general language learning.
2. EnglishClass101:
   • This podcast provides lessons in English at different proficiency levels, including lessons specifically designed for exam preparation.
3. TOEFL TV:
   • Although not a podcast, TOEFL TV on YouTube provides useful tips, strategies, and explanations for various sections of the TOEFL exam.
4. IELTS and Beyond:
   • While this podcast primarily focuses on IELTS, many of the language skills covered are relevant to TOEFL as well.
5. The Fluent Show:
   • This podcast covers various aspects of language learning, including tips and strategies for improving listening, speaking, and overall language proficiency.
6. English as a Second Language (ESL) Podcast:
   • This podcast offers real-life English conversations, which can be beneficial for improving listening skills.
7. EngVid:
   • EngVid provides video lessons on various English language topics, including grammar, vocabulary, and exam preparation.
8. TOEFL iBT Insider:
   • This podcast focuses specifically on TOEFL preparation, providing insights into the test format, tips, and strategies.
9. The English We Speak (BBC):
   • A short and fun podcast series by BBC, covering common phrases and expressions used in everyday English.
10. TOEFL Talks:
    • TOEFL Talks by ETS (the organization that administers the TOEFL) covers a range of topics related to English language learning and test preparation.

Remember to use a variety of resources for your TOEFL preparation, including official materials, practice tests, and targeted study guides. Additionally, actively engage with English content, such as podcasts, to improve your listening skills and overall language proficiency.

A college essay, also known as a personal statement or admissions essay, is a written document that is an integral part of the college application process. It is a piece of writing that allows prospective college students to introduce themselves to admissions committees and provide insights into their personalities, experiences, values, and aspirations. College essays typically require applicants to respond to specific prompts or questions from the colleges or universities they are applying to.

The importance of a college essay in the college application process cannot be overstated. Here are some key reasons why college essays are significant:

1. Personal Insight: College essays provide a window into the applicant’s character and individuality. They offer a unique opportunity for applicants to express who they are beyond test scores, grades, and other application materials.
2. Differentiation: College admissions are highly competitive, and many applicants have similar academic profiles. A well-crafted essay can help an applicant stand out and be remembered by the admissions committee.
3. Fit with the Institution: Colleges seek students who meet their academic criteria and contribute positively to their campus community. The essay allows applicants to demonstrate why they are a good fit for the college or university.
4. Demonstrated Skills: Writing a compelling essay showcases an applicant’s communication, writing, and critical thinking skills. It’s an opportunity to demonstrate the ability to express oneself effectively.
5. Storytelling: A well-told personal story in an essay can be memorable and impactful. It can evoke emotions and connect the applicant and the reader.
6. Gauging Motivation and Ambition: Admissions committees are interested in understanding applicants’ motivations and ambitions. Essays can reveal what drives the applicant and what they hope to achieve in college and beyond.
7. Overcoming Challenges: Essays often allow applicants to discuss challenges or setbacks and how they’ve grown from these experiences. This can demonstrate resilience and maturity.
8. Creativity and Originality: Applicants can choose how they approach the essay prompt and how they tell their story. This provides room for creativity and originality in their writing.

In summary, a college essay is a critical component of the college application because it provides a holistic view of the applicant and helps admissions committees make more informed decisions. It allows applicants to go beyond the numbers and statistics and show who they are as individuals. Therefore, applicants must invest time and effort into crafting a well-written, authentic, and compelling college essay reflecting their unique qualities and aspirations.

How to write an effective college essay?

An effective college essay requires careful planning, thoughtful reflection, and attention to detail. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you craft a compelling college essay:

1. Brainstorm Ideas:
   • Reflect on your life experiences, values, interests, and goals. Consider moments that have had a lasting impact on you. Brainstorm ideas related to your chosen topic.
2. Create an Outline:
   • Develop an outline to organize your thoughts and structure your essay. Plan the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Decide on the main points you want to cover in each section.
3. Write a Captivating Introduction:
   • Begin your essay with a hook that grabs the reader’s attention. This could be an anecdote, a quote, a thought-provoking question, or a compelling statement.
   • Provide some context to introduce your topic and its significance.
   • Clearly state your thesis or the central theme of your essay.
4. Develop Your Story in the Body:
   • Use the body paragraphs to tell your story and support your thesis.
   • Include specific details, anecdotes, and examples to illustrate your points. Show, don’t tell.
   • Reflect on the experiences or lessons learned from the situation or event you’re discussing.
   • Connect your personal experiences to broader themes or values.
5. Demonstrate Personal Growth:
   • Emphasize how the experience or topic has contributed to your growth, self-awareness, or development.
   • Discuss any changes in your perspective, values, or goals that have resulted from this experience.
6. Be Authentic and Sincere:
   • Be yourself in your writing. Avoid trying to present a perfect image; admissions committees appreciate authenticity.
   • Use your own voice and writing style to convey your personality.
7. Stay Focused:
   • Stick to your chosen topic and the central message of your essay. Avoid going off on tangents or including irrelevant information.
8. Create Smooth Transitions:
   • Use transitional phrases and sentences to ensure a smooth flow between paragraphs and ideas. This helps your essay read coherently.
9. Write a Strong Conclusion:
   • Summarize the key points made in your essay.
   • Reiterate the significance of your topic or experience.
   • End with a memorable closing statement that leaves a lasting impression.
10. Revise and Edit:
    • After completing your first draft, take the time to revise and edit your essay. Check for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and clarity.
    • Consider the overall structure and organization of your essay.
11. Seek Feedback:
    • Ask teachers, parents, or peers to review your essay and provide constructive feedback. They can offer valuable insights and help you refine your writing.
12. Finalize Your Essay:
    • Make any necessary revisions based on feedback and proofreading. Ensure that your essay meets the word or page limit specified by the college.
13. Proofread Carefully:
    • Before submitting your essay, proofread it carefully to ensure there are no typos or errors. Reading it aloud can help you catch awkward phrasing or issues with flow.
14. Follow Submission Guidelines:
    • Follow the college’s application instructions for submitting your essay. Double-check all application deadlines and requirements.

Remember that an effective college essay is one that allows you to convey your unique qualities, experiences, and aspirations to the admissions committee. Take your time, be thoughtful, and aim to create an essay that leaves a strong and positive impression on the reader.

Common mistakes to avoid while writing college essays

When writing a college essay, it’s essential to avoid common mistakes that can detract from the quality and impact of your essay. Here are some common pitfalls to steer clear of:

1. Clichés and Generic Statements: Avoid clichés, vague statements, or generic language. Be specific and use concrete examples to illustrate your points.
2. Overly Formal or Stilted Language: Your essay should sound like you. Avoid overly formal or academic language that doesn’t reflect your natural voice.
3. Repetition: Repeating the same ideas or information throughout your essay can make it less engaging. Ensure that each paragraph contributes something new to your overall narrative.
4. Lack of Focus: Stay on topic and maintain a clear and focused narrative throughout your essay. Avoid going off on tangents or including unrelated information.
5. Tone and Attitude: Be mindful of your tone. While you should be honest and reflective, avoid coming across as overly negative, arrogant, or self-pitying.
6. Exaggeration or Fabrication: Be truthful in your essay. Exaggerating achievements or fabricating stories can damage your credibility and harm your chances of admission.
7. Failure to Edit and Proofread: Submitting an essay with grammar and spelling errors reflects poorly on your attention to detail. Always edit and proofread your essay carefully.
8. Lack of Depth and Reflection: Don’t simply recount events; reflect on their significance and how they’ve shaped you. Admissions committees are interested in your insights and self-awareness.
9. Lack of Originality: Avoid using cliché or generic topics that have been overused in college essays, such as sports victories, travel experiences, or community service trips. Choose a topic that allows you to stand out.
10. Inappropriate Content: Be mindful of your content. Avoid discussing controversial or inappropriate topics, including sensitive political or religious issues.
11. Ignoring Word or Page Limits: Adhere to any word or page limits specified by the college. Going significantly over or under the limit can negatively impact your application.
12. Neglecting the Conclusion: Your essay’s conclusion is your last chance to leave a strong impression. Don’t rush through it; use it to summarize key points and reiterate your main message.
13. Overuse of Thesaurus: Using a thesaurus to find complex or unfamiliar words can make your writing seem forced and unnatural. Use language you are comfortable with and that accurately conveys your message.
14. Leaving It to the Last Minute: Rushing through the writing process and submitting an essay without sufficient time for revision and editing can result in a subpar essay.
15. Not Seeking Feedback: Failing to seek feedback from teachers, counselors, or peers can lead to missed opportunities for improvement.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can increase the quality and effectiveness of your college essay, making it more compelling and memorable for the admissions committee. Remember that the essay is your chance to showcase your personality and unique qualities to the colleges you are applying to, so take the time to craft it carefully.

Rakuten’s cash back program is a popular way for shoppers to earn rewards and save money on their online purchases. It’s important to note that the availability of cash back offers can vary by retailer and location, so users should always check Rakuten’s website or app to see which stores are currently participating in the program and what cash back rates are being offered. Additionally, the cash back earnings can take some time to become available in your Rakuten account, typically within a few days to a few weeks, depending on the retailer’s return policy and confirmation process.

Rakuten Cash Back, often referred to simply as “cash back,” is a rewards program offered by Rakuten, an online shopping platform. It allows users to earn a percentage of their purchase amount as cash back when they shop at participating online retailers through the Rakuten platform. Here’s how it works:

1. Shop Through Rakuten: To earn cash back, users start by visiting Rakuten’s website or using their mobile app. They then search for the specific online store or retailer where they want to make a purchase.
2. Activate the Cash Back Offer: After finding the desired store, users click on the store’s link within Rakuten. This action activates the cash back offer for that retailer. The user is then redirected to the retailer’s website.
3. Make a Purchase: On the retailer’s website, users can shop for products or services as they normally would. They can add items to their cart, proceed to checkout, and complete their purchase.
4. Cash Back Earnings: After the purchase is made, Rakuten tracks the transaction and calculates the cash back earned based on the percentage specified in the cash back offer. This percentage can vary from store to store and can also change periodically.
5. Cash Back Accumulation: The cash back earnings are accumulated in the user’s Rakuten account. Users can check their account to see how much cash back they have earned.
6. Redemption: Rakuten users can redeem their cash back earnings in one of two ways:
   • Receive a check in the mail: Users can request a physical check to be sent to them.
   • Receive cash back via PayPal: Users can choose to have their earnings deposited directly into their PayPal account.
   • Receive cash back via amex membership poitnts.

1. Sign Up for a Rakuten Account:
   • Start by creating a free Rakuten account. This is the first step to accessing cash back and various deals.
2. Install the Rakuten Browser Extension:
   • To make it even easier to earn cash back, install the Rakuten browser extension (available for most web browsers). It will notify you of cash back opportunities and automatically apply cash back to your purchases when you shop through Rakuten’s partner stores.
3. Shop Online Through Rakuten:
   • Whenever you plan to make an online purchase, whether it’s for textbooks, electronics, clothing, or even ordering food delivery, visit Rakuten first. Search for the retailer or product you’re interested in, and click through the Rakuten link to that store. This ensures you earn cash back on your purchases.
4. Look for Student Discounts:
   • Keep an eye out for stores that offer student discounts in addition to cash back through Rakuten. Many online retailers offer special discounts to students, and when combined with cash back, you can save even more.
5. Stack Coupons and Deals:
   • Rakuten often features coupon codes and special promotions on its website. Stack these with cash back offers to maximize your savings. Look for additional deals like free shipping or buy-one-get-one promotions.
6. Use Rakuten for Travel:
   • When booking flights, hotels, or rental cars for academic conferences or vacations, use Rakuten to earn cash back. Many travel websites and airlines partner with Rakuten.
7. Refer Friends and Family:
   • Rakuten has a referral program that allows you to earn extra cash back when you refer friends and family to join. Share your referral link to boost your earnings.
8. Set Up Notifications:
   • Enable notifications from Rakuten to stay informed about special promotions, double cash back events, and limited-time offers. This way, you won’t miss out on great deals.
9. Redeem Your Earnings Wisely:
   • When you’ve accumulated enough cash back, consider redeeming it for a gift card or PayPal payment. Use this extra cash to offset your student expenses or treat yourself.
10. Budget and Plan Your Purchases:
    • Take advantage of cash back offers when you plan your purchases. This can be especially helpful for big-ticket items like laptops or textbooks.
11. Stay Informed:
    • Keep an eye on Rakuten’s blog and social media channels for updates on the latest deals, promotions, and tips for saving money.

A few often confused words often asked in exams

1. Accept vs. Except: “Accept” means to receive or agree to something, while “except” means to exclude or leave out.
2. Affect vs. Effect: “Affect” is usually a verb meaning to influence or have an impact on something, while “effect” is usually a noun meaning the result or consequence of something.
3. Complement vs. Compliment: “Complement” means to complete or match something, while “compliment” means to praise or admire something.
4. Its vs. It’s: “Its” is a possessive pronoun meaning something belongs to “it,” while “it’s” is a contraction of “it is” or “it has.”
5. Their vs. There vs. They’re: “Their” is a possessive pronoun meaning something belongs to “them,” “there” is an adverb referring to a location or a situation, and “they’re” is a contraction of “they are.”
6. Lose vs. Loose: “Lose” means to no longer have something or to fail to win, while “loose” means not tight or to release something from restraint.
7. Then vs. Than: “Then” refers to a specific point in time or a sequence of events, while “than” is used in comparisons to show a difference in degree or amount.
8. Your vs. You’re: “Your” is a possessive pronoun meaning something belongs to “you,” while “you’re” is a contraction of “you are.”