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  • Exploring Physics Majors: How to Choose the Right Path for Your Career

    Chaucer Langbert https://www.linkedin.com/in/chaucer-langbert/ , a physics enthusiast with a background in astrophysics, will assist SK students in various physics levels, including AP Physics and AP Physics C. She emphasizes hands-on learning and solving a wide range of problems to prepare for competitive exams. Chaucer advises that dedicated practice outside of tutoring sessions is crucial, estimating 10-15 hours for those with foundational knowledge. She also highlights the importance of research, noting that it can be done with accessible tools like computer simulations. Chaucer aims to help students showcase a demonstrated interest in physics, which can benefit their college applications and future careers. Questions discussed: How can we identify areas of physics that students are particularly interested in pursuing further, whether in future tutoring or independent projects? Here are a few ways Chaucer suggested to identify areas of physics that students are interested in pursuing further: 1. Have an initial discussion with the student to understand which physics topics they struggle with or are most interested in. This can help target weaker areas for tutoring. 2. Encourage the student to try solving a variety of physics problems, including past exam questions. This can reveal which types of problems they enjoy and excel at. 3. Suggest the student explore areas of physics like planetary science, astrophysics, or applied math that align with their specific interests. Chaucer mentioned her own interest in planetary atmospheres and exoplanets. 4. Recommend the student consider doing research projects in physics, even if just using free, publicly available software and simulations. This hands-on experience can help uncover their passions. 5. Discuss how physics research and competitive exams can demonstrate interest and help with college applications, even for non-physics majors like pre-med or computer science. The key is to get the student actively engaged in physics in a way that aligns with their interests and goals. Chaucer hopes to take a personalized approach to identify the best path forward for each student. How can we ensure students are supported at each stage of exploring physics, from introductory lessons to competitive exams to independent research? Chaucer suggested to support students at each stage of exploring physics: Introductory Lessons: - Start with students who are just beginning physics, even if they haven't taken it in school yet.- Focus on building a strong foundation in physics concepts and problem-solving skills.- Ensure students have the necessary math background (algebra, geometry, trigonometry) to succeed. Competitive Exams: - For students interested in competitive physics exams, assess their current knowledge and identify weaker areas.- Provide targeted practice solving a wide variety of past exam problems, working on time management.- Discuss the exam structure, including any tiers or progression to national/international levels. Independent Research: - Encourage students to explore research opportunities, even if they don't require expensive equipment.- Suggest areas of physics the student may be interested in, like planetary science or astrophysics.- Help students connect with professors or research groups to get involved in projects.- Provide guidance on using programming languages like Python and Julia for simulations and data analysis. Across all stages: - Maintain a personalized, phased approach to support students based on their current level and goals.- Emphasize the importance of hands-on practice and revisiting concepts multiple times for true understanding.- Highlight how research and competitive exams can demonstrate interest and benefit college applications, even for non-physics majors. The key is to create a tailored learning path that allows students to progress from introductory physics to more advanced exploration and research at their own pace, with Chaucer and Harpal providing guidance and support along the way.

  • SK USACO Bronze Bootcamp Beginning Week of September 1st!

    Wondering how students should prepare for this year's USA Computing Olympiad? SK is here to help! We're excited to announce that the SK USACO Bronze Bootcamp will kick off next week! Led by our experienced CS tutor, Andrew Wang, this intensive 12-session training will guide students through the essential skills needed to excel in the USA Computing Olympiad (USACO) Bronze Division. Over the next three months, participants will dive deep into problem-solving strategies, advanced algorithms, and key concepts that will set them apart in this highly competitive arena. What is USACO Bronze? The USA Computing Olympiad (USACO) Bronze Division is an entry-level programming competition designed for students with a foundational understanding of programming concepts. Participants solve algorithmic problems under time constraints, honing their problem-solving and coding skills. USACO is an especially prestigious activity for prospective computer science students because it challenges them to apply theoretical knowledge in practical, high-pressure scenarios, demonstrating their ability to think critically and creatively. Success in USACO is recognized by top universities and tech companies as a mark of excellence, making it a valuable credential for students aiming to pursue advanced studies or careers in computer science. Who can participate? Please note that a solid foundation in basic programming, equivalent to AP Computer Science Principles, is a prerequisite for joining SK's USACO Bronze bootcamp. For all logistical details, including session times and materials, please join the program WhatsApp group. (See Harpal's program announcement in the 8th-11th grade channel, or reach out to Andrew Wang for more information.) If you're looking for more introductory CS support, read more about our tutoring services and AP CS prep ! If you’re not yet part of the SK family but are interested in our computer science or other competitive prep offerings, we’d love to chat with you! Reach out today to schedule a call and learn more about how SK can help you achieve your goals.

  • Meet Your Program Instructors: SK Mock Trial Institute, Summer 2024

    Over the course of this year's SK Mock Trial Institute, students will be honing their legal skills, enhancing their understanding of the judicial system, and mastering the art of argumentation. This journey would not be possible without our program instructors, each of whom has a robust background in mock trial and legal research. Somya Singh Somya Singh is an incoming freshman at Pomona College intending to major in economics and environmental analysis on the pre-law track . Somya discovered her passion for law while joining her school’s Mock Trial Team. She has experience with being an opening, general, and closing attorney. She was a runner up in the international Mock On Tournament of the Champions as a closing attorney her junior year. She is eager to share her insight with students in how courtrooms work, critical thinking when handling objections, crafting statement. Sammy Guerrero Sammy Guerrero is an incoming student at Georgetown Law School . He recently graduated from Harvard College, where he earned degrees in Biology and Government. During his time at Harvard, Sammy served as Director General of Harvard Model UN's Boston conference, overseeing the organization of one of the most prestigious MUN conferences in the world. Sammy is excited to share insights with students based on his experience as a delegate throughout his own high school MUN career, his time as HMUN DG, and his research focus in national security law. To hear more about our instructors, their teaching philosophies, and how mock trial has impacted their own lives, see more of our mock trial and summer programs blog posts!

  • Announcing SK's AP Biology Suite

    AP Biology is a staple for students of all stripes, especially aspiring pre-med students. The SK AP Biology Classroom Suite is designed to give students a head start on their AP Biology coursework. Included in the classroom are free course resources, guidance on units from the course, laboratory resources, and a comprehensive overview of the material to study for the AP exam.  This material is primarily designed to supplement course material provided by an AP Biology teacher or to help students get ahead when preparing to take the course. With AP classes, students can often feel overwhelmed or fall behind if they do not understand the language and instruction employed by their teacher or textbook readings. However, watching the videos, completing the worksheets, and doing the reading assignments can help students gain an additional perspective that may be useful in understanding the material, allowing them to succeed throughout the course and on the AP exam. Enrolled SK students can access the AP Biology Suite by joining the Google Classroom or by reaching out to sammy@successkoach.com . If you're interested in AP Bio support but aren't yet enrolled with SK, consider booking a call with us !

  • Program Wrap-Up: SK MUN Institute, Summer 2024

    High school clubs can be really difficult to navigate, but effective training and experience can give students a huge step up! Our summer programs equip students to achieve success and recognition in school clubs through our focus on a multitude of soft and hard skills. The Success Koach Model United Nations Institute (SK MUN) aimed to train students in the art of debating, United Nations style. Running from June 25th to July 5th 2024, this program included eight days of targeted instruction on everything MUN, 5 office hour sessions, and an all-day mock conference. Our first five days targeted General Assembly style Model UN, from a MUN introduction to in-depth conference strategy. The sessions were divided into drill and lecture portions, allowing students to gain a strong conceptual foundation while honing their communication and public speaking skills. Students participated in both prepared and impromptu speech drills, attempting to speak clearly and consciously for 30-60 seconds. We also simulated a mock informal debate, allowing students to freely roam through breakout rooms to network and create their own “blocs” (country groups). These first days included session-related individual and group homework assignments such as writing speeches and sample resolutions. Students were also given ample time to ask questions during session and office hours to sufficiently explore their interests and different niches in MUN. The last three instructional days were utilized to delve into a more unconventional style of Model UN known as crisis. This style is a lot more complex and unpredictable. These sessions focused more on interactive lectures and targeted classwork, so students could collaborate and learn through exploration. Students were given online quiz games, and their growth was evident through an over 10-point jump in every student’s score from the first to the last quiz. Students were also equipped with numerous crisis resources to review concepts independently and ask for help. On June 5th, after two allocated preparation days, students represented different countries in a mock United Nations Environment Programme committee, debating the topic of climate change. Throughout this mock conference, instructors were able to see each and every student’s growth in public speaking, people skills, critical thinking, and writing. Many students testified about coming in very nervous but were pleasantly surprised by the smooth-flowing, comfortable, and organized competitive environment. They mentioned that the mock conference gave them a safe space to explore the activity and experiment with strategy. We are so proud of our students for their commitment to this intensive and their evident learning to become a strong delegate. A huge congratulations to the students that won awards at our mock conference: Best Delegate: Surya Raman Outstanding Delegate: Aayana Bhagat Honorable Mention: Tanisha Arora Verbal Commendation: Hridya Avashist Research Award: Aayana Bhagat

  • Top 5 MUN Tips and Tricks from a former Harvard Model UN Director General

    Sammy Guerrero Before serving as an SK student mentor and an SK Model UN Institute instructor, Sammy served as Director General of Harvard Model UN's Boston conference, overseeing the organization of one of the most prestigious MUN conferences in the world. To put it mildly, Sammy has seen it all when it comes to MUN. So we asked him for his top five tips for success as a MUN delegate. 1) Do your research! Before the conference, make sure to do your research on key information. Know what kind of country you will represent—are you a full-fledged autocracy? A stable democracy? Somewhere in the middle? This will help to determine who your allies may be . After understanding your country, read the background guide from your country’s lens. Identify the issues that your chair would like to debate. If the primary focus of your committee is climate change, what elements of climate change? If your committee is focusing on international security, is the focus on nuclear weapons, conventional weapons, or something else? Make sure to research these issues, knowing the pros and cons of advocating for certain positions (poke holes in your opponents, strengthen your policies). 2) Act confident, even when you don't feel confident If a speech topic you are unfamiliar with is proposed, do not fret!  Give it your best shot and try to extrapolate your country’s position. Moreover, when it comes to presenting working papers and draft resolutions or answering questions during a Q&A session, every delegate is nervous. Don’t let your nerves inhibit you from volunteering for presentations and Q&A. Chairs take careful note of who is presenting and running Q&A, often identifying these individuals as leaders in their bloc. 3) Raise your placard often A big distinguishing factor for chairs when deciding awards is whether a country took risks and was a consistent participant . Chances are, if you don’t know what your country’s stance is on a particular issue, neither does your chair. You therefore wouldn't be “punished” if you accidentally break your country’s position. Thus, raise your placard and give the best speech that you can . If you’ve done a good job doing your research, you are fully prepared for anything that could be thrown your way. 4) Own the document for your working paper and resolution In Model UN, delegates often utilize online platforms to collaborate on document writing. When using such platforms, ensure that you always retain ownership and editing access to the document. As a member of Model UN staff, I have witnessed instances of delegates losing editing privileges to documents that they started by accidentally handing over ownership to others. Given the nuances of online technology, these issues often take a while for conference staff to resolve, meaning that delegates can fall behind in committee. I always recommend that delegates retain access to their ownership and editing privileges to avoid these issues. 5) The enemy of my enemy is my friend In addition to having sponsors, signatories often have a lot of power in deciding which resolution passes. Oftentimes, a resolution requires either ½ or ⅔ majority to pass. Make sure to appeal to smaller countries and/or delegates operating on the periphery of blocs to gain a sufficient amount of support for your paper to pass. Want to learn more? See our other Model UN blog posts and follow Success Koach for future Model UN programs!

  • What's the Value of a Humanities Degree? 4 Growing Strengths of a Humanities Education

    In an era dominated by STEM fields, there's a persistent myth that humanities degrees are a one-way ticket to unemployment or financial struggle . Many concerned parents steer their children away from these disciplines, fearing a future of job insecurity and limited earning potential. But is that stereotype grounded in reality? It's worth noting right off the bat that humanities students are an increasing rarity . As one pair of authors pointed out in an article for the The American Academy of Arts & Sciences, the number of bachelor's degrees awarded in the humanities fell by 16% between 2012 and 2020; bachelor’s degrees awarded in engineering and in health sciences increased by 56% in that same period. It's no secret that humanities departments have been struggling to attract students, in large part because of the trope of the barista with an English degree. While standing data does show a marginal discrepancy in the immediate financial outcomes of STEM and humanities majors, that stereotype is wildly overblown. As of 2018, 3.6% of adults with a bachelor's degree in the humanities were unemployed, as opposed to 3.1% in engineering, 2.9% in the life sciences, or 2.0% in the health/medical sciences. While concerned parents are often quick to advocate that their child abandon a humanities education in favor of a more stable field like engineering, the stats show that such advice isn't necessarily grounded in reality. Furthermore, there's evidence to suggest that while STEM degrees have long been lauded for their stability, humanities may be back on the rise in the coming years for five key reasons: (1) Resilience to Automation In an era of rapid technological advancement, humanities degrees offer a unique advantage: a machine is much harder-pressed to take your job. Jobs requiring empathy, cultural understanding, and complex communication are far less likely to be automated. Humanities graduates are generally shoe-ins for roles that involve nuanced decision-making, ethical considerations, and the interpretation of complex information—skills that AI and robotics struggle to replicate. In an era where we are seeing dramatic AI-driven layoffs in Silicon Valley and beyond , this resilience to automation provides a form of long-term job security that some STEM fields may lack as technology continues to evolve. (2) Diverse Career Paths Humanities degrees open doors to a wide array of career options across multiple industries. From marketing and journalism to public policy and education, the skills gained in humanities programs are highly transferable. This versatility allows graduates to pivot more easily between sectors as job markets evolve, potentially leading to more stable long-term employment prospects. This has seemingly proved to be an issue for some STEM majors, as highly technical degrees sometimes limit a degree-holder's ability to pivot to another field in the face of lacking job prospects. Aerospace engineering, for instance, bears the fourth-highest unemployment rate among bachelor's degrees , at 7.8% unemployment. (A far cry from the aforementioned average of 3.6% across humanities degrees.) The adaptability of humanities graduates can be a significant advantage in an increasingly unpredictable job market. (3) Growing Demand in Tech and Data Fields There's a reason why Stanford and MIT—two of the most prestigious tech schools in the world—have invested heavily to become the two best humanities schools in the US . The tech industry is increasingly seeking humanities graduates. Especially on the cutting edge, there's heavy demand for talented individuals to predict the social/human implications of emerging technologies , and to design guardrails for everything from social media algorithms to AI suites. As MIT deans Agustin Rayo and Hashim Sarkis write , "...science and engineering operate within human societies and serve the world best when informed by the cultural, political, spatial, and economic complexities of human existence and ways of inhabiting the earth." The ballooning of the tech sector has also created more "technical" humanities roles  like that of the content strategist, UX researcher, or technical writer, which often prefer or require humanities backgrounds and offer competitive compensation. (4) Government and Non-profit Sector Stability Government and non-profit sectors offer a haven of stability for many humanities graduates. These sectors often provide steady employment with regular pay increases and strong benefits packages. Many roles in these areas, such as policy analysis, program management, and community outreach, align well with humanities skillsets. Additionally, public service loan forgiveness programs can offer significant financial benefits for graduates working in these sectors, reducing the cost of a humanities education. Bonus fact : according to the US Census , only 28% of adults with STEM degrees go on to work in STEM fields! There are plenty of job opportunities beyond STEM, and a humanities education might be the right fit for you in getting there. Ultimately, the biggest reason that students and parents shouldn't write off the humanities is that some people are genuinely happier pursuing a humanities education. One of the biggest myths that we at Success Koach are out to bust is the idea that everyone can follow a cookie-cutter formula towards happiness; there are humanities-oriented paths that can yield stability and success, and we can help you get there. For more about the humanities, read about SK's humanities advising or check out our humanities blog posts!

  • Why the "Two Worlds" Closing Argument is a Staple in Debate

    Jump to: Why Use "Two Worlds?" How to Use the "Two Worlds" Strategy Effectively Example of the "Two Worlds" Framework in Practice In the realm of formal debate, closing arguments can make or break a team's performance . They are the final opportunity for debaters to solidify their stance, undercut their opponents' arguments, and leave a lasting impression on the judges. So how do you make the most memorable and effective closing argument? Enter the "Two Worlds" approach. Why Use "Two Worlds?" The "Two Worlds" framework involves presenting a clear, contrasting vision of the future under either team's argument. Simple as it may sound, it has become a staple in competitive debate for a few key reasons: 1. Clarity and Simplicity One of the primary strengths of the "Two Worlds" strategy is its inherent clarity. By distilling complex arguments into two distinct visions of the future, debaters make it easier for judges and audiences to understand and compare the impacts of each side's case. This simplification is crucial in a debate context, where a flood of arguments and rebuttals can often leave audiences and judges overwhelmed. By painting a vivid picture of the "world" under each policy, debaters cut through the noise and highlight the core of their arguments. 2. Emotional Appeal Human beings are naturally drawn to stories. The "Two Worlds" strategy taps into this by creating a narrative around each team's arguments. When debaters describe the potential future their policies could create, they evoke emotions such as hope, fear, and aspiration. This emotional appeal can be incredibly persuasive, as it goes beyond logical reasoning to engage the audience's feelings and values. Judges are more likely to be swayed by a vision that resonates emotionally, making "Two Worlds" a valuable tool for success at the podium. 3. Impact Comparison Debate is fundamentally about weighing the impacts of different policies or arguments. The "Two Worlds" strategy excels in this regard by directly comparing the consequences of each side's proposals. By juxtaposing the benefits of their own case with the drawbacks of their opponents', debaters make it easier for judges to see which side offers the more desirable outcome. This direct comparison helps to highlight the superiority of one argument over the other, making the decision-making process more straightforward for judges. 4. Focus on Big Picture Amateur debaters often get bogged down in technical details and minor points of contention, but the most effective move is to raise the stakes of your argument: what's the big-picture impact? The "Two Worlds" strategy helps debaters zoom out. By emphasizing the more general (or even, as the name of the strategy implies, global ) impact of their arguments, debaters remind judges of the broader significance of the debate. This shift from micro-level details to macro-level implications can be pivotal in persuading judges to favor one side. 5. Memorable Conclusion The closing argument is the last thing judges and audiences hear before making their decision. A strong, memorable conclusion can leave a lasting impression and tip the scales in favor of a debater's team. The "Two Worlds" strategy, with its vivid and contrasting visions of the future, often proves more memorable than highly technical arguments or rebuttals. Judges are likely to remember the compelling imagery and clear dichotomy presented by this strategy, increasing the chances that they will favor the team employing it. How to Use the "Two Worlds" Strategy Effectively To maximize the effectiveness of the "Two Worlds" strategy, debaters should: Be Vivid and Specific : Use concrete examples and detailed descriptions to paint a clear picture of each "world." Connect to Core Values : Appeal to fundamental values such as justice, freedom, and well-being to resonate emotionally with judges. Highlight Key Impacts : Focus on the most significant and persuasive impacts of each side's arguments. Stay Consistent : Ensure that the "world" presented aligns with the arguments made throughout the debate to maintain credibility. Use Strong Rhetoric : Employ persuasive language and rhetorical devices to enhance the emotional appeal of each vision. Example of the "Two Worlds" Framework in Practice Here's an example of how a debater might employ the "Two Worlds" framework for an affirmative team closing argument on the question of whether governments should prioritize the task of combatting climate change over their interest in fostering economic growth. Ladies and gentlemen, we stand at a crossroads. Today, you have heard arguments from both sides on whether governments should prioritize climate change mitigation over economic growth. As we conclude this debate, let's step back and envision the two worlds that lie ahead based on our decision today. [World One: Prioritizing Climate Change Mitigation] In the world where we prioritize climate change mitigation, we take bold steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, invest in renewable energy, and protect our natural ecosystems. Imagine cities powered by clean energy, free from the smog and pollution that choke our lungs and darken our skies. Picture thriving forests, clean rivers, and oceans teeming with life. In this world, our children and grandchildren inherit a planet where extreme weather events are rare, where food and water security are ensured, and where biodiversity flourishes. Economic growth in this world is not stifled but transformed. Green jobs abound in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and conservation efforts. Innovation thrives as businesses develop new technologies to adapt to a low-carbon economy. Our health improves, reducing healthcare costs and increasing productivity. By prioritizing climate change mitigation, we build a resilient economy that can withstand environmental shocks and provide long-term prosperity for all. [World Two: Prioritizing Economic Growth Over Climate Mitigation] Now, let's envision the world where economic growth is prioritized over climate change mitigation. In this world, fossil fuel industries continue to dominate, and environmental regulations are relaxed in the name of short-term profits. Picture a planet where natural disasters become more frequent and severe – hurricanes devastating coastal cities, wildfires consuming forests and homes, and droughts leading to widespread food and water shortages. In this world, economic growth is a mirage, as the costs of climate inaction – disaster relief, healthcare, and loss of productivity – far outweigh any immediate gains. In this world, inequality deepens. The poorest and most vulnerable communities bear the brunt of environmental degradation, while the wealthy insulate themselves from the worst effects. The economy becomes fragile, reliant on finite resources that will eventually run out, leading to economic collapse and social unrest. This world is marked by conflict over dwindling resources, mass migration due to uninhabitable regions, and a planet on the brink of ecological disaster. [Conclusion] Ladies and gentlemen, the choice before us is stark. We can choose the path of short-sighted economic growth, leading to environmental devastation and societal collapse. Or we can choose the path of sustainability, where economic prosperity and environmental stewardship go hand in hand. By prioritizing climate change mitigation, we invest in a future where our planet and our economies thrive together. Let's be the generation that chooses wisdom over greed, long-term prosperity over short-term gains, and a livable world over a world on fire. Thank you. Even this brief sample closing speech demonstrates the power of the strong imagery that a debater can invoke using the "Two Worlds" framework. Whether you're a novice debater or an experienced competitor, mastering the "Two Worlds" strategy can be a game-changer in your debate toolkit. Want to learn more tips and tricks like this? You can find more speech and debate content under our blogs , or enroll with Success Koach to get personalized debate training on top of access to experts across model UN, mock trial, college admissions, and countless other fields.

  • Meet Your Program Instructors: SK Speech & Debate Institute, Summer 2024

    During SK's 2024 Speech and Debate Institute, students will be honing their public speaking skills, enhancing their understanding of various debate formats, and mastering the art of argumentation. That journey would not be possible without our program instructors, who bring a broad set of debate and public speaking skills to the table. Swasti Hiremani Swasti Hiremani is a rising freshman at the University of Michigan (and recent SuccessKoach alumni!); she will be pursuing Urban Technology and is excited to learn about how cities of the future will incorporate data science and technology. In high school, public speaking was a big part of Swasti's life, with 8 years of debate experience and 4 years of high school model UN, and she is more than ready to bring that expertise to SK students! While she loves a good debate, she also is fostering a long-time passion for writing, with 4 years of experience as Editor-in-Chief for her school's yearbook under her belt. For fun, she enjoys spending time with her family (+dog!), taking pictures on her DSLR, and exploring San Francisco with friends. Tessa Conrardy Tessa recently graduated from Harvard with her BA in Government and her MA in Regional Studies of Russia, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia. In the course of her work on Russia and the post-Soviet space, Tessa has competed and presented in a number of public speaking capacities. Tessa placed first in the advanced division Speech Contest at the 2024 New England Olympiada of Spoken Russian. Tessa has also presented her research during conferences at Columbia and Harvard , and has spoken on academic panels —most recently, during a conference at Tbilisi State University. To hear more about our instructors, their teaching philosophies, and how speech & debate has impacted their own lives, see our other speech & debate blog posts !

  • Building Strong Study Habits: Tips and Strategies

    As a high school student, building strong study habits is essential to academic success. Effective study habits not only help you retain information but also enable you to manage your time, reduce stress, and improve your overall academic performance. Here are some tips and strategies for building strong study habits: Create a study schedule: It's essential to set aside a specific time for studying every day. Create a study schedule that fits your daily routine and stick to it. This will help you develop consistency and discipline, making staying on top of your coursework easier. Identify your learning style: Everyone has a unique way of learning, and it's essential to identify your learning style early on. Do you prefer visual aids like diagrams and videos, or do you learn better by listening and discussing? Understanding your learning style will help you tailor your study habits to suit your needs. Minimize distractions: Find a quiet study space where you can concentrate without distractions. Turn off your phone, log out of social media, and avoid other distractions that may disrupt your concentration. Take breaks: It's important to take regular breaks during study sessions to avoid burnout. Taking a break can help you recharge and refocus, making it easier to retain information. Use active studying techniques: Passive studying techniques like reading and highlighting may not be enough to retain information. Active studying techniques like summarizing, taking notes, and practicing problems are more effective for retaining information. Collaborate with peers: Studying with peers can help you stay motivated and gain new perspectives. Form a study group with classmates who are serious about academic success and hold each other accountable for staying on track. Seek help when needed: Don't be afraid to seek help when you're struggling with coursework. Reach out to teachers, tutors, or classmates for help with difficult material. By building strong study habits early on, you'll be well-equipped to handle the demands of high school coursework and prepare for college. Remember to be patient, consistent, and disciplined, and don't hesitate to seek help when needed.

  • Meet Your Program Instructors: SK Model UN Institute, Summer 2024

    Over the course of this year's SK Model UN Institute, students will be honing their diplomatic skills, enhancing their understanding of global affairs, and mastering the art of negotiation and debate. That journey would not be possible without our program instructors, each of whom has a robust background in competitive model UN. Sammy Guerrero Sammy Guerrero is an incoming student at Georgetown Law School. He recently graduated from Harvard College, where he earned degrees in Biology and Government. During his time at Harvard, Sammy served as Director General of Harvard Model UN's Boston conference , overseeing the organization of one of the most prestigious MUN conferences in the world. Sammy is excited to share insights with students based on his experience as a delegate throughout his own high school MUN career, his time as HMUN DG, and his research focus in national security law. Madhurum Bhuvan Madhurum Bhuvan is an incoming pre-law student at UC Berkeley with intended majors in psychology and cognitive science. After being introduced to Model United Nations in 5th grade, Madhurum went on to serve as the President of her high school Model UN team , which now sits at #1 in the Bay Area MUN circuit . Taking over 100 delegates to prestigious conferences all over the nation, she has gained valuable insights on MUN procedure, strategy, and leadership that she is eager to share with students. Tessa Conrardy Tessa recently graduated from Harvard with her BA in Government and her MA in Regional Studies of Russia, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia. Tessa has chaired a number of committees at MUN and MUN-adjacent conferences, including a Regional Bodies committee for Harvard Model UN , a CIA special committee for Harvard Student Agencies MUN , and a House Judiciary committee for Harvard Model Congress . To hear more about our instructors, their teaching philosophies, and how MUN has impacted their own lives, see MUN blog posts like our informational webinar and Sammy's top 5 MUN tips and tricks !

  • SK Speech & Debate Institute Info Session

    Ahead of our 2024 SK Debate Institute, program instructor Swasti Hiremani and SK CEO Harpal Kochar met to discuss the benefits of speech & debate, the structure of the program, and the timeline for registration. This info session took place on May 28th, 2024, but find below a recording of the session and the slides from the session. Webinar Recording Webinar Slides To keep an eye out for future speech & debate and other summer programming, make sure to follow SK on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube, and to follow updates on our website!

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