Why Read Before Class?

Everyone's college and grad school experience is a little different, but the one thing all have in common is reading. You already know that college entails a lot of reading. Expect your reading load to triple, at least, in graduate school. With such a huge set of reading assignments, you might be tempted to fall behind and not read before class. Here are six reasons why you should avoid temptation and , instead, read ahead of time, before class.
1. Make the most of class time.

When you read ahead of time, you're more likely to understand the organization of the lecture. You'll be better able to figure out what's important and what isn't (and thereby take effective notes).

2. Understand the topic and what you don't understand.

If you've read beforehand you can focus your attention on filling gaps in your understanding by paying more attention during some parts of the lecture and by asking questions.

3. Participate.

Most classes require at least some participation -- answering questions and participating in class discussions. It's easy to participate when you know the topic. Reading beforehand helps you to know the topic and have the time to consider your perspective and opinions.

4. Show off.

Reading before class lets you show that you've read, that you care, and that you are intelligent. You'll be able to ask intelligent questions and participate in a way that demonstrates preparation, interest, and mastery of the material.

5. Participate in group work.

Many classes require group work, often in class. If you've read, you're ready and likely will not mooch on your classmates, or benefit from their hard work. In turn, if you've read you can tell when the group is taking a wrong turn.

6. Show respect.

Reading ahead of time shows respect for the instructor and interest in the class. While instructors' feelings shouldn't be the primary motivator of your behavior, relationships with faculty are important and this is one easy way to get your relationship with your professor off to a good start.

Academic Calendar to Prepare for the School Year

There is one thing that all students – undergraduate and graduate – need: A calendar. Not just any calendar, but an academic calendar. Academic calendars are not just for students, professors also use them. What’s unique about an academic calendar? Well, it’s a calendar, but it’s specialized for academics because it follows the academic year, from mid-August to July, rather than the calendar year. This tiny difference allows students to use the same calendar throughout the school year rather than use one during the Fall semester and another during the Spring semester. It’s not uncommon, especially in graduate school, to make appointments and mark important days a semester in advance. Do yourself a favor and get an academic calendar.

What to Expect , The First Day of Class

The first day of class is the same in college and graduate school, and this is true of all disciplines. Day 1 is all about introducing the class. There are different ways of approaching the first day:
Some professors dive right into course content, beginning with a lecture.
Others take a more social approach, using discussion and team-building activities like games, asking students to get to know each other, and posing non-course related discussion topics.
Most professors will ask students to introduce themselves: What's your name, year, major, and why are you here? Many will ask students to provide information and may pass out an index card for each student to record contact information and perhaps answer a question such as why they enrolled, one thing they hope to learn, or one concern about the course.
The Syllabus
Regardless of style, whether emphasizing content, social , or both, all professors distribute the syllabus during the first day of class. All will discuss it to some extent. Some professors read the syllabus, adding additional information as appropriate. Others draw students' attention to main points. Some say nothing, simply distribute it and ask that you read it. No matter what approach your professor takes, it is in your best interest to read the syllabus very carefully.

Then What?
What happens after the syllabus is distributed varies by professor. Some professors end class early, often using less than one-half a class period. They might explain that it is impossible to conduct class when no one has read. In reality, this isn't true, but it is more challenging to hold class with new students who have not read and have no background in the field.

Alternatively, professors might end class early because they are nervous. Everyone finds the first day of class nerve-wracking - students and professors alike. Are you surprised that professors get nervous? They're people too. Getting through the first day of class is stressful and many professors want to and that first day as soon as possible. After the first day is done they can fall into the old routine of preparing and teaching class. And so many otherwise enthusiastic professors end class early on the first day of school.

Some professors however, hold a full length class. Their rationale is that learning begins on day 1 and what happens in that first class will influence how students approach the course and will therefore influence the entire semester.

There is no right or wrong way to begin class , but you should be aware of the choices the professor makes in what he or she asks the class to do. This awareness might tell you a little bit about him or her and might help you prepare for the semester ahead.

You Missed Class: What Do You Do?

Regardless of how good a student you are, how detail-oriented, hard working, or diligent, you can be certain that you will miss a class at some point in your academic career. And likely many more than one. There are many reasons for missing classes, ranging from illness, emergencies, and bereavement, to hang overs and a desire to sleep in. Why you missed class matters - to you. If it was for irresponsible reasons, your absence signals that you need to take a closer look at your obligations and priorities.
What do you do after missing class? Do you just show up at the next class and start fresh? What about material that you've missed? Do you talk to professors? Here are 7 things that you can do when you're absent (before and afterwards)

1 . Understand that some faculty, especially graduate faculty, take offense at absences for any reason. Period. They might be a bit more warm for students who were gravely ill, but don't count on it. And don't take it personally.

2. Be aware of attendance, late work, and make-up policies. This information should be listed in your course syllabus. Some faculty do not accept late work or offer make-up exams, regardless of the reason. Others offer opportunities to make up for lost work, but have very strict policies about when they will accept make-up work. Read the syllabus to ensure that you don't miss any opportunities.

3. Ideally, email your professor before class. If you're ill or have an emergency, try to send an email to inform the professor that you cannot attend class and, if you wish, provide an excuse. Be professional - offer a concise explanation without going into personal details. Ask whether you may stop by his or her office during office hours to pick up any handouts. If possible, hand in assignments beforehand, by email (and offer to hand in a hard copy when you're back on campus, but an emailed assignment shows that it's completed on time).

4. If you cannot email before class, do so afterwards.

5. Never ask if you "missed anything important." Most faculty feel that class time itself is important. This is a surefire way to make a professor's eyes roll (maybe inwardly, at least!)

6. Do not ask the professor to "go over what you missed." The professor lectured and discussed the material in class and likely will not do it for you now. Instead, demonstrate that you care and are willing to try by reading the course material and handouts, and then asking questions about what you don't understand. This is a more productive use of your (and the professor's) time. It also demonstrates initiative.

7. Turn to your classmates for information about what happened in class and ask that they share their notes. Be sure to read more than one students' notes because students have different perspectives and might miss some points. Read notes from several students and you're more likely to get a complete picture of what happened in class.

Tips for Taking Notes in Class

Success in college and graduate school is not a matter of luck nor innate intellectual ability - it is a matter of skill. It is not simply the smartest who excel in grad school (many smart folks don't!). Instead it is the most prepared and competent students who succeed. One way to increase your odds of making it as a grad student is to learn important study skills, such as how to take notes in class.
1. Read.

This isn't a tip for during class, but for before class. Do the assigned reading before class so that you have a general grasp of the material and can determine if you have questions about major points. Reading before class helps you to anticipate the main points and the organization of the lecture. Familiarity with the material allows you to focus on your own questions and makes it easier for you to take notes on important points rather than capture the instructor's every word.

2. Use visuals, outlines, and handouts

Instructors often provide outlines, on overheads, black boards, handouts, etc. Use these as a guide to what's important to learn. However, realize that there is more to know than what appears on the visuals. Sometimes a professor will write a single word on the board and students will write that word in their notes. Guess what? The word alone will not help you; provide context. What does the word mean? What does it relate to? Why did the professor draw your attention to it? Remember that there is more to know than simply the visuals. Professors often (not always) draw students' attention to the most important information. But don't rely on them. Instead actively process the material and determine whether it belongs in your notes, regardless of whether it appears in a handout or overhead.

3.Pay attention to signal words and phrases.

Professors often give clues to what material is important by using signal words and phrases, such as: this is on the test (obvious!), important , remember, to summarize, to repeat, to conclude, and for example. Professors provide subtle and not-so-subtle clues to what's important. Pay attention.

4. Don't record every word.

Process the material. Some students write down every word the professor says. That won't help you when it comes time to study. Don't write it all without thinking or processing it. Try to determine the important concepts. For everything you write, note the details, why it is important, how it relates to other materials, and include an example. You may not have enough time to include all of this information during class, but immediately after class spend 10 minutes reviewing your notes to add details and link ideas to other information. You'll be glad that you did so - especially when it comes time to study for an exam.

How to Approach your Teachers for Help

What are common reasons why you might seek out professors for assistance?

Few students make it through college or graduate school without seeking assistance from a professor for help at one time or another. In fact, it's important to seek help rather than let problems fester and intensify. So, how do you approach a professor for one-on-one time?
Why Seek Help?
What are common reasons why you might seek out professors for assistance?

You've fallen behind in class because of illness
You've failed a test or assignment and do not understand the course material
You have questions about the requirements of a given assignment
You need advice on the subject of your major
You cannot reach the class teaching assistant during his or her posted hours
You need clarification on policies and/or schedules
OK, so there are lots of reasons to seek assistance from professors.
Why Do Students Avoid Seeking Professors' Help?
Sometimes students avoid asking for assistance or meeting with their professors because they're embarrassed or intimidated. What are common anxieties experienced by students?

Feeling "out of the loop" after missing several classes
Fear of asking a "dumb question"
Fear of confrontation
Shyness
Discomfort over approaching a professor of a different age, gender, race, or culture
Tendency to avoid interactions with those in authority
If you're going to progress as a student -- and especially if you wish to attend graduate school, you must set your intimidation aside and ask for the help that you need.
Approach Your Professor (Politely and Respectfully)

Contact. Determine the preferred mode of contact; check the course syllabus as professors indicate their preferred methods of contact and related information. Ask yourself: Is this urgent? If so, then contact by phone or stopping by his or her office during office hours is probably the most logical step. Otherwise, you can try e-mail. Wait a few days for a response (remember that teaching is a professor's job, so don't expect replies over evenings, weekends, or holidays).
Plan. Check the syllabus for the professor's office hours and policies before you make your request so that you are already familiar with their schedule. If the professor requests that you return at another time, do your best to meet at a time which is convenient for him or her (e.g., during office hours). Don't ask a professor to go out of his or her way to meet you at a time that is inconvenient because professors have many more responsibilities than teaching (e.g., lots of meetings within the department, university, and community).
Ask. Asking is the only way to learn your professor's preferences. Say something like, "Professor Smith, I need a few minutes of your time so that you can help me with a question/problem I'm having with ___. Is this a good time, or can we set up something that is more convenient for you?" Keep it short and to the point.
Prepare for Your Meeting
Pull your thoughts together beforehand (as well as all of your course materials). Preparation will permit you to remember to ask all of the questions that you need answered and arrive with confidence to your meeting.

Questions. If you are anxious at all about talking with your professor, prepare a list of your questions beforehand. Be efficient and try to accomplish everything in one meeting, rather than coming back time and time again with further questions.
Materials. Bring your class notes and syllabus with you to refer to, if you have questions specifically related to course materials, so that you have all the details you need. If you need to refer to a text book, bookmark the pages that you will need to refer to so you can get to them quickly.
Notes. Come prepared to take notes (i.e., bring a pen and paper to your meeting). Notes will help you record and remember the responses to your questions and prevent you from asking the same questions later in the course.
At the Meeting


Be punctual. Punctuality signifies respect for your professor's time. Do not arrive early or late. Most professors are pressed for time. If you need to meet with your professor again, ask him or her if you can set up another appointment, following the suggestions above.
Address. Unless your professor has indicated otherwise, address him or her by last name and with the appropriate title (e.g., Professor, Doctor).
Gratitude. Always thank the professor for his or her time and express any gratitude that you feel is appropriate for the specific help that he or she has provided. This rapport will leave the door open for future appointments.

AIIMS 2010 Entrance Exam Dates - All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi

AIIMS Medical Entrance Examination Dates for PG and UG Courses 2010

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE OF ENTRANCE EXAMINATIONS
TO BE CONDUCTED DURING THE YEAR – 2010


1 All India PG Medical & Dental – 2010 ( AIPGMEE 2010 )


Entrance Examination
10th January, 2010 (Sunday)


Result Notification
15th February, 2010

2
Ph.D. Programme – January, 2010


Entrance Examination
17th January, 2010 (Sunday)


Result (written test)
19th January, 2010


Departmental Assessment
21st January, 2010


Final Result Notification
25th January, 2010

3
AIIMS-PG (MD/MS/M.Ch.(6 yrs.)/MDS)-July, 2010


Entrance Examination
9th May, 2010 (Sunday)


Result (to be declared)
25th May, 2010


1st Counselling
11th June, 2010


2nd Counselling
18th June, 2010


Open Selection
28th July, 2010

4
DM/M.Ch/MHA-July, 2010


Entrance Examination
16th May, 2010(Sunday)


Result (written test)
19th May, 2010


Departmental Assessment
21st May, 2010


Final Result Notification
23rd May, 2010

5
M.B.B.S.- 2010


AIIMS MBBS Entrance Examination
1st June, 2010 (Tuesday)


AIMMS MBBS 1010 Result (to be declared)
15th July, 2010

6
B.Sc.(Hons.) Para-Medical Courses-2010


Entrance Examination
5th June, 2010 (Saturday)


Result (to be declared)
10th June, 2010


1st Counselling
15th July, 2010


2nd Counselling
22nd July, 2010

7
B.Sc.(Hons.) Nursing – 2010


Entrance Examination
13th June, 2010 (Sunday)


Result Notification
23rd June, 2010

8
B.Sc. Nursing (Post-certificate) – 2010



Entrance Examination
19th June, 2010 (Saturday)


Result (written test)
21st June, 2010


Personnel Assessment
22nd June, 2010


Result Notification
25th June, 2010

9
M.Sc. Nursing – 2010


Entrance Examination
27th June, 2010 (Sunday)


Result (to be declared)
2nd July, 2010


1st Counselling
16th July, 2010


2nd Counselling
20th July, 2010

10
Ph.D. Programme – July, 2010


Entrance Examination
4th July, 2010 (Sunday)


Result (written test)
7th July, 2010


Departmental Assessment
9th July, 2010


Final Result Notification
12th July, 2010

11
M.Sc. Courses - 2010


Entrance Examination
10th July, 2010 (Saturday)


Result (to be declared)
19th July, 2010

12
M.Biotechnology-2010


Entrance Examination
17th July, 2010 (Saturday)


Result (to be declared)
21st July, 2010

13
AIIMS-PG (MD/MS/M.Ch.(6 yrs.)/MDS)-January, 2011


Entrance Examination
14th November, 2010 (Sunday)


Result (to be declared)
25th November, 2010


1st Counselling
10th December, 2010


2nd Counselling
16th December, 2010


Open Selection
28th January, 2011

14
DM/M.Ch/MHA-January, 2011


Entrance Examination
5th December, 2010 (Sunday)


Result (written test)
8th December, 2010


Departmental Assessment
10th December, 2010


Final Result Notification
14th December, 2010

VITEEE - 2010 VELLORE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY ENGINEERING ENTRANCE EXAMINATION

For Admission (2010) to Undergraduate Engineering Courses and programmes at the undergraduate level at Vellore University (formally Vellore Institute of Technology )

VITEEE 2010 (All India Engg. Entrance Exam)
VIT rated among the top 10 Premier Institutions by India Today - 2009 ranking

B.Tech Programmes Offered: (Duration – 4 Years)

1. Bioinformatics
2. Bio-Medical Engineering
3. Biotechnology
4. Chemical Engineering
5. Civil Engineering
6. Computer Science & Engineering
7. Electronics & Communication Engineering
8. Electrical & Electronics Engineering
9. Electronics & Instrumentation Engineering
10. Information Technology
11. Mechanical Engineering
12. Mechanical & Energy Engineering

VITEEE 2010 Important Dates
B.TECH. ADMISSION CALENDAR
Date of Advertisement December 13, 2009
Date of Issuing the VITEEE 2010 Application Forms December 14, 2009
Last Date for Submitting the Forms February 20, 2010
VITEEE-2010 April 17, 2010
Commencement of Classes July 1st week, 2010

To obtain the B.Tech. admission application form please send a DD for Rs.750/- (Rupees Seven Hundred and fifty only) in favour of "VIT University" payable at Vellore. The brochure and application form will be mailed you in the third week of December. The DD needs to be sent to

DR. E. JAMES JEBASEELAN SAMUEL
Admissions Officer
VIT University
Vellore-632 014,
Tamil Nadu, India.
Phone: + 91-416-220 2125,
220 2157, 220 2168
Fax: +91-416-224 5544, 224 0411
Email: admission@vit.ac.in

B.Tech. PROGRAMMES 2010 Batch

VITEEE 2010 NOTIFICATION
To be advertised on December 13, 2009

Given below are the Details for Last Year

VITEEE Eligibility :

Candidates who are Resident Indian or Non Resident Indian whose date of birth falls on or after 1st July 1987 are eligible to apply for VITEEE. They should have studied in regular, full time formal education in their schooling.
A pass in 10+2 or its equivalent with a minimum average of 60% of marks in Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics or Biology (PCM/PCB).
A pass in 10+2 or its equivalent with 50% average marks in Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics or Biology (PCM/PCB) for
Candidates belonging to SC/ST
Students hailing from Jammu & Kashmir and from the North Eastern States of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizroram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura.

Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics (PCM) candidates are eligible for all the programmes.
Physics, Chemistry & Biology (PCB) candidates are eligible only for B.Tech. Bioinformatics, Bio-Medical Engg. & Biotechnology programmes.
Candidates appearing for the 10+2 examination in March/April 2009 are also eligible to apply.



Vellore Institute of Technology Admission Procedure:


Entrance Examination Centres
Agartala, Agra, Ahmedabad, Ananthapur, Aurangabad, Bangalore, Bareilly, Bhagalpur, Bhilai, Bhopal, Bhubaneshwar, Bokaro, Chandigarh, Chennai, Coimbatore, Dehradun, Delhi, Dhanbad, Durgapur, Gangtok, Goa, Gurgaon, Guwahati, Gwalior, Hissar, Hyderabad, Indore, Itanagar, Jabalpur, Jaipur, Jalandhar, Jamshedpur, Jhansi, Jodhpur, Kanpur, Kochi, Kolkata, Kota, Lucknow, Ludhiana, Madurai, Mumbai, Nagpur, Nainital, Nellore, Noida, Patna, Puducherry, Pune, Raebareli, Raipur, Rajahmundry, Rajkot, Ranchi, Rourkela, Salem, Shimla, Silchar, Siliguri, Surat, Thiruvananthapuram, Tiruchirapalli, Tirunelveli, Udaipur, Varanasi, Vellore, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, Warangal

Issue of Applications will start on Monday, 14th December 2009
The application form can be obtained
From the designated branches of Post Offices on cash payment of Rs. 750/-. Details of branches from which applications will be sold is available in the VIT website: www.vit.ac.in
By sending a Demand Draft for Rs. 750/- drawn in favour of “VIT University”, payable at Vellore, to the Admission Officer with a request letter containing the full address of the applicant. (or)
By handing over a DD for Rs. 750/- in person at VIT University, Vellore (or) at our Chennai Administrative office.

Publication of VITEEE results in leading websites.

Call for counselling in batches and allotment of branches on the basis of the rank.

Contact Details

Admissions Officer
VIT University
Vellore-632 014,
Tamil Nadu, India.
Phone: + 91-416-220 2125,
220 2157, 220 2168
Fax: +91-416-224 5544, 224 0411
Email: admission@vit.ac.in