Q: Columbia has 17 graduate schools, providing masters, doctorates, and other advanced degrees in a wide variety of fields. Each school has different processes and requirements for application, so you will need to review them carefully. You will want to work with faculty who are accomplished in your chosen field, and will likely stay on for the duration of your time in the program. If possible, visit the campus and schedule an in-person meeting with your potential instructors. Some schools will provide information sessions, or help arrange these meetings. Columbia's graduate programs are some of the best in the country, and will need to see strong collegiate performance for admittance. Pay close attention to see if your chosen program has required courses, and make sure to focus your academic energies on earning high marks in those classes. Each program will likely provide a range of GPAs accepted each year. If this information is not easily accessible through the school's website, contact the program directly to see what information they can provide. Each graduate program has its own test requirements, and acceptable ranges for admission. Contact the program directly if that information is not readily available. Make sure to take all required exams, and arrange for proper submission of scores. Make sure you can clearly articulate why you wish to study at Columbia, and how the program will help you achieve your professional goals. Ask others, particularly trusted professors, to review your essay before submission to comment on its clarity and effectiveness. If you are finishing an undergraduate degree, your current school may offer additional help through a career services office. You will want letters from college instructors who are closely familiar with your work ethic, communication skills, character, and capabilities. Instructors who have ties to Columbia, either having attended the school or knowing Columbia faculty personally, can also provide good information, if not good letters. If they are willing, take the opportunity to talk with your letter writers about why you wish to attend Columbia, which can help provide a more personalized letter that really emphasizes your strengths as an applicant. Make sure you have all required materials ready when you submit the application, and provide as many supplementary materials as the program suggests.
A: Decide which school you should apply to. Contact potential advisors. Get good grades. Score highly on the appropriate standardized tests. Write a strong personal statement. Get strong recommendations. Fill out the application as completely as possible.

Q: Each whitening product works slightly differently. Some have to be removed after just a few minutes. Others can be left overnight. Read instructions on the package carefully to make sure that you receive the maximum benefit without causing harm to your teeth or mouth. It is essential that you do not leave products on for longer than the recommended time. Avoid acidic foods and drinks after use. These can hurt the effectiveness of the whitening product as well as irritate your sensitive teeth. Repeat whitening treatments as necessary. Don't whiten your teeth too often: simply use top ups as needed every six months or so. Whitening toothpastes are a gentler, slower way to whiten teeth. They will not work as quickly or effectively as other whitening methods, though they can be a great way to preserve your desired shade of teeth once you've achieved it in other ways. Whitening toothpastes do not have bleaching agents, but rather use polishing and other chemical reactions in order to remove surface stains. Look for a whitening toothpaste that has been approved by the American Dental Association or other professional dental group in order to ensure that the product is safe and effective. Some studies show that toothpastes with baking soda might be more effective at cleaning teeth than other toothpastes. Baking soda has also long been used as a natural tooth-whitening agent; however, baking soda can also irritate your delicate skin around your mouth. A toothpaste with baking soda should have concentrations low enough that you will receive some benefit from the baking soda without experiencing irritation. There isn't solid data about the usefulness or safety of natural tooth-whitening treatments; however, some individuals report positive effects from their use. Be wary when using these treatments, and it is a good idea to talk to your dentist first. These natural treatments include the following: Applying mashed strawberries to your teeth. Strawberries have an enzyme, malic acid, that supposedly brightens teeth. Mash fresh strawberries and apply them to your teeth. Let them sit for five minutes and then rinse. Using lemon juice and baking soda. Shake a small amount of baking soda onto a thick fresh lemon wedge. Bite into this wedge and let it sit for a few minutes, until the fizzing subsides. Note that strawberries and lemons both contain citric acid, which can cause your teeth to become weaker and predisposed to developing sensitivity. Use natural tooth whitening treatments with caution, and be suspicious of their claims.
A:
Follow package instructions carefully. Brush with a whitening toothpaste. Consider a toothpaste with baking soda. Be cautious about natural tooth-whitening treatments.