How to Do a Group FaceTime Posted: 29 Nov 2017 04:00 PM PST This wikiHow teaches you how to do a group video chat on your iPhone or iPad. Though group video chats are not supported by FaceTime, you can get the same effect with a free iMessage app called Fam. EditInstalling Fam for iMessage - Open the App Store . It's typically on the home screen.
- Tap . It's under the magnifying glass at the bottom of the screen.
- Type into the search box. A list of results will appear.
- Tap next to "Fam – Group video calling for iMessage."
- Tap .
- Enter your PIN or use Touch ID. Once you verify your identity, the app will install on your phone or tablet.
- Open Messages . It's typically at the bottom of the home screen.
- Tap the group with whom you want to video chat. This opens a conversation with that group. You can select a group with as many members as you wish, though Fam recommends less than 16. Once you hit 16 users, each user's video will be too small to see.[1]
- If you don't already have a group conversation, create one now.
- You'll only be able to use Fam with other iMessage users. Once you start a group video chat, your contacts will be prompted to install Fam on their iPhones or iPads.
- Tap . It's at the bottom of the conversation.
- Tap the square made of 4 circles. It's at the bottom-left corner of the screen.
- Tap the plus (+) icon. It's at the bottom-left corner of the screen.
- Tap . It's at the top of the screen. This opens a list of apps waiting to be added to iMessage, including Fam.
- Slide the "Fam" switch to .
- Tap . It's at the top-right corner of the screen. Fam is now installed and ready to use. You'll be returned to the group text conversation.
EditMaking a Group Video Call - Select your group conversation in the Messages app. If you're already there, you can skip this step. Otherwise, open Messages, then tap the group with whom you want to video chat.
- You'll only be able to use Fam with other iMessage users. Once you start a group video chat, your contacts will be prompted to install Fam on their iPhones or iPads.
- Tap the square made of 4 circles. It's at the bottom-left corner of the screen. A list of apps will appear, including Fam.
- Tap . It's the pink icon with a black and white eyeball inside. The keyboard area will change into a cam, and you'll see a "Start Group Video" button.
- Tap . It's the pink rectangle at the bottom of the screen. A link will now appear in the typing area at the top of the screen. You'll need to send this to the group to get started.
- Tap the Send button. It's the arrow icon at the bottom-right corner of the message. The other group members will now see the link in the group chat.
- Tap . Now you'll be connected to the video call. All you'll need to do is wait for the others to tap the button and get Fam.
- To pause the call to use another app, tap the pink Fam icon at the top of the screen, then press your iPhone or iPad's Home button. Tap the red bar at the top of the home screen when you want to resume the call.
- To leave the call, just close the group chat conversation in iMessage.
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How to Get Better Grades in High School Posted: 29 Nov 2017 08:00 AM PST Getting better grades can seem like a daunting task. It might take some effort, but there are steps you can take to meet your full potential. Start by believing in yourself and developing an optimistic attitude. Take notes in class and study a little every day instead of cramming. If you need extra help, don't hesitate to ask your teacher or try to find a tutor. Stay organized, keep track of your due dates, and avoid putting things off until the last minute. Maintaining your health is essential to academic success, so eat nutritious meals, get plenty of sleep, and exercise daily. EditMaking the Most of Class Time - Encourage yourself. It's easy to get down on yourself if you're not doing so great in school. However, the first step to getting better grades is to be optimistic. Acknowledge that there's some room for improvement, but tell yourself you have the power to achieve better grades.[1]
- Instead of thinking to yourself, "I'm a failure and I'm just not a good student," tell yourself, "With a little effort, I can and will do better!"
- You could also try saying your name and "you" instead of "I." Say to yourself, "Sam, you can do this! If you stay focused on your work, you can achieve your goals!" Pumping yourself up like this can be a more powerful motivator.[2]
- Pay attention and participate in class. Do your assigned reading, and if anything confused you, come up with questions you could ask during class. When your teacher asks a question, raise your hand to offer an answer.[3]
- Asking and answering questions instead of dozing off will show your teacher that you care about school. You'll improve your participation grade, and they might be more responsive if you ask for extra help.
- If you're naturally shy, it might be tough to participate in class. Take a breath, relax, and do your best not to worry about what other people think. If it helps you stay on track, try writing down questions you could ask in class in advance.
- Take clear notes by hand. Try to take notes as thoroughly and legibly as possible. While you want to be thorough, summarize the lecture instead of copying it verbatim. Use abbreviations and key words instead of full sentences so you can keep up with your teacher. Skip lines so it's easier to read your notes later, and try to keep information organized with section headings and bullet points.[4]
- For instance, if your history teacher was talking about the House of Lancaster, then moves on to the House of York, start a new section in your notes. Use stars, Roman numerals, or any outline system that works for you.
- Handwriting notes instead of typing will help you absorb information better.
- After class or during a free period, compare notes with a friend to make sure you didn't miss any key details.
- Get extra help from your teacher or a tutor. The squeaky wheel gets the grease, so don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it. If a particular lesson makes your head spin, ask your teacher to help you break down the information after class.[5]
- You could also see if your school offers a peer tutoring program. If all else fails, try talking to your parents about getting a private tutor.
EditFocusing on Your Homework - Remove all distractions while studying. Find a quiet spot away from your household's hustle and bustle to study or do homework. Put your phone in a drawer or otherwise out of sight so you won't be tempted to check it.[6]
- Some people focus better when they listen to music. If it helps you sink into your studies, try putting on some classical or instrumental tunes.
- Take a break after 45 minutes. Your brain can only stay focused for so long. Take 15 minutes to get up, stretch, go to the bathroom, get a snack, or another activity that gives your brain a rest.[7]
- Try to schedule regular breaks between assignments or sections instead of just getting up in the middle of doing a homework problem.
- Take notes as you read. Keep your notebook handy when you do your assigned reading. Make a rough outline of the textbook chapter by writing the section heading, summarizing the main ideas, and defining key concepts. You'll be better prepared for class, and you'll appreciate your notes when it's time to study for the big test.[8]
- Highlighting or underlining as you read isn't a very effective technique. It's one thing to only highlight a section's thesis, or its one major argument. However, coloring a bunch of text throughout the section won't help you retain information.
- Start a study group. A study group can help you and your friends stay focused and motivate each other. Further, everyone learns and picks up information differently. Someone might get a concept that's giving you trouble, and you might be able to help another student with a tough topic.[9]
- Ask 3 or 4 classmates to set up a group study time after school, on the weekends, or during a free period.
EditStaying Organized - Keep your notes, assignments, and work space organized. Set yourself up for success by using one notebook or binder per class. When you sit down to work at home, choose a spot where you can stay focused and organized, like a big table or desk, instead of a sofa or bed.[10]
- Use a planner to organize your time. Write down due dates and test days as soon as they're assigned. In addition to school work, you might have important dates related to clubs, sports, or other activities. Use your planner to help you keep track of all academic and extracurricular responsibilities.[11]
- If you have a big game the day after a term paper is due, you can break up the assignment into smaller chunks. Work on outlines and drafts in the weeks prior to the due date. If you don't use a planner and lose track of time, trying to prepare for the game and finish your paper in the same week might get overwhelming.
- Create a study schedule instead of cramming. Cramming increases stress and makes it more difficult for your brain to absorb information. Instead of cramming the night before a big test, study one chapter early in the week then, the next day, review it and study the next. Add and review each piece gradually to build up the entire test unit.[12]
- Suppose you have 3 tests on Friday. Cramming on Thursday night would set yourself up for failure. Instead, break up the test material into sections, and give yourself plenty of time during the week to study one section at a time.[13]
- Avoid putting off assignments until the last minute. Like cramming, procrastination only leads to stress. Even if you have a few days to complete an assignment, finish it as soon as possible to keep your workload in check.[14]
- For instance, your teacher might assign something on Tuesday that's not due until Friday. Putting it off until the night before will give you a homework-free night on Wednesday. However, you also have a test on Friday, so doubling up your workload Thursday night isn't worth it.
EditTaking Care of Yourself - Eat nutritious meals. Your brain needs lots of energy to stay at peak performance. Make sure it gets the fuel it needs by eating your daily required servings of proteins, fruits and vegetables, dairy products, and grains.[15]
- Breakfast is especially important, so have a bowl of fortified cereal or a cup of Greek yogurt with fruit and nuts before school.
- Get a good night's sleep. It's tempting to stay up all night texting your best friend or crush, but a lack of sleep is terrible for your grades. Try to stick to a normal sleep schedule, go to bed early, and aim for 8 to 10 hours of sleep per night.[16]
- If necessary, you could catch some extra shuteye on the weekends, but do your best to go to bed and wake up at the same times every day.
- Exercise at least a half hour per day. Physical activity can help students improve their grades. If you don't play a sport or have gym class every day, set aside 30 minutes after school for a walk, jog, or bike ride.[17]
- Walking and running also help spur creativity. If you're trying to come up with a good essay topic, mull it over while you go for a walk.
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How to Remove Late Payments from Your Credit Report Posted: 29 Nov 2017 12:00 AM PST Late payments on your credit report can lower your credit score. This can be a problem if you are applying for a home or car loan. However, you may be able to write a goodwill letter or make a negotiation with your creditor to have the late payment removed. This typically works if you have only 1 or 2 late payments on your account. If you think the late payment is an error, then write a dispute letter to the credit reporting agencies. EditWriting a Goodwill Letter - Thank the creditor and detail the reason for the letter. Start your letter off on the right tone by thanking your creditor for their service. This way, the creditor will be more open to removing the late payment. Additionally, make sure to state that your letter is a goodwill letter and not a dispute letter.[1]
- For example, "To whom it may concern, I have been a loyal customer for over five years, and I would like to first thank you for your services throughout the years. I am writing to ask that a goodwill adjustment be made to my account. This is not a dispute of accuracy of credit reporting."
- Explain the reasons for the late payment. Acknowledge that the late payment is your fault, but that certain circumstances prevented you from paying on time. Explain what happened so the company can sympathize with you. Avoid using the excuse, "I forgot."[2]
- For example, "During the time that the late payment occurred, I became hospitalized due to an illness. Unfortunately, this caused me to lose my job and I wasn't able to make my payments on time."
- Include the reason that you want the late payment removed. If you need to improve your credit score to qualify for a car or mortgage loan, include this in the letter. If you have an existing loan with a high interest rate, then wanting to refinance your loan is also a legitimate reason for wanting to improve your credit score.[3]
- For example, "I am about to begin the process of purchasing a new car. When reviewing my loan options, the loan officer notified me that the late payment was preventing me from taking advantage of low interest rates."
- Remind the creditor that you were making consistent payments. Pointing out that you were making consistent payments before the late payment occurred may help sway the creditor's opinion in your favor. Additionally, if you have been making consistent payments since the late payment occurred, point this out too.[4]
- For example, "Once I overcame my illness, I was able to find a new job. I have been making consistent payments since then. I would also like to note that I had been making consistent payments before my illness. Since I have a pretty consistent record, I am asking that you please give me a second chance, and remove the late payment from my account."
- Conclude the letter by thanking them for their time again. Maintain a friendly tone, even if you think there was some kind of error. Also offer to answer any questions that they might have, or provide any supporting documents that may help them decide.[5]
- For example, "Thank you for your time and consideration. I really appreciate it. Please feel free to contact me for any additional documentation that would assist you in reaching a positive outcome."
- Send the letter to the company's Vice President, CEO, or director. You may be able to find this information on the creditor's website. If you are in debt to your bank, ask the officers at your local branch for an address.[6]
- Make sure to request a "return receipt request" service. This way you can keep track of what the creditor received for your records.
EditNegotiating Removals - Contact your creditor's customer service. Visit the website of the creditor you are in debt to. Call the customer service number provided. Explain to the representative that you would like to talk to someone about a late payment on your account. They will either transfer your call, or give you the account manager's information.[7]
- A customer service number is typically located at the bottom of the webpage.
- Sign up for automatic payments. Many creditors will agree to remove a late payment if you sign up for automatic payments in exchange for the removal. Let the creditor know that you have the funds, like a stable job, to qualify for automatic payments.[8]
- This method works well if you only have 1 or 2 late payments on your account.
- Offer to pay off the balance. Tell the creditor that you are willing to pay off all or part of the debt in exchange for deletion of the late payments. If the creditor agrees, make sure to request the agreement in writing.[9]
- If you have a payment that is more than 120 days late, then this method may not work.
EditDisputing a Late Payment - Obtain a copy of your credit report. Request a credit report from all three credit reporting agencies: TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian. You can do this by calling 1-877-322-8228, or by visiting their website at annualcreditreport.com. You will need to provide your name, Social Security number, address, and date of birth.[10]
- You are allowed a free copy of your credit report every 12 months.
- Write a dispute letter. At the top of the letter, write your complete name and current address. Write a letter that is simple and to the point. Identify each disputed item on the report and the reasons for why you are disputing the information. Then request that the disputed item be removed or corrected. Before sending the letter, make a copy of it for your records.[11]
- For example, "To whom it may concern, I am writing you to dispute the information on my report. The late Amazon payment is an error because I paid it on time. I am asking that the item be deleted from my account. Enclosed is my report with the disputed items circled, as well as my bank statement supporting my position. Please review the information and correct the error as soon as possible."
- Include supporting materials. Include a copy of your credit report with the disputed item circled in red. Include copies of payment records from your bank, court documents, and any other materials that support your case.
- Make sure to include copies of the original documents instead of the original ones.
- Send the letter and documents through certified mail. Send your letter and supporting documents to each reporting agency. Make sure to request a "return receipt requested" service. This way you can keep track of what the credit reporting agency received. The following are the addresses for each agency:[12]
- Experian, P.O. Box 2002, Allen, TX 75013
- TransUnion, Baldwin Place, P.O. Box 2000, Chester, PA 19022
- Equifax Information Services, LLC, P.O. Box 740256, Atlanta, GA 30374
- Wait for a response. Credit reporting agencies must investigate your case within 30 days. If verification shows that the error on your report was valid, then they must remove it and update your information. The agency will send you a letter in writing with the results, and free copy of an updated report if changes were made to it.[13]
- If the agency cannot verify the information's accuracy on your report, then they will remove it.
- Negotiate with your creditors. If the disputed information ends up being accurate, then you may be able to negotiate a deal with your creditors. Offer to pay off the debt in full in exchange for removing the late payment from your account. The creditor may even settle for a partial payment of your debt in exchange for removal.[14]
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