Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with applications

Android apps for a six-year-old?

Mo Nickels — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 15:04:22 -0800

I bought my son a low-end Android tablet and now I want to load it up with quality applications. I'm looking for equal parts entertainment, education, and beautiful UI. He likes drawing, art, nature, science, Pokémon, puppets, maps, animals, monsters, comics, making his own books, and I don't know what all. Something up to about age 10 would probably be fine for him

So, what apps would you recommend? Anything exceptional or particularly outstanding or unusual?

Or do you know a good, regularly updated list online? Nearly all the recommendations or articles I found online were shills, or filled with stupid apps no human child would use, or were filled with apps so ugly you'd have to put a paper bag over the tablet every time you turned it on.

I need to learn the basics of APIs

dylan_k — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 15:42:58 -0800

I'm a web developer who is very capable with HTML and CSS, but that's about it. I am fairly comfortable with SQL, but now I need to learn to develop an API. I'd like to read a good book on the subject. Is there such a book? All I can find are things that explain why an API is useful, or things that assume you already know what you're doing in order to build/use an API.

Don't judge me, just tell me what apps to "download"

availablelight — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 06:48:34 -0800

So I am now an owner of the Samsung Chromebook 3 (yup, "The $249 laptop from Google"). It fits, well enough, what I need, and it's definitely what I can afford. (I have access to a laptop at work.) My mind is boggled by all the options here (by both Google and 3rd parties). I'd love stuff that will be useful, and am not so interested in a ton of trial and error of junk. If you own a chromebook, or have a friend (or "friend") who does, can you recommend any apps I wouldn't want to be without, or at least without trying?

My primary usage will be web, personal word processing (here and abroad), and I would welcome anything along the lines of task management or anything else I haven't thought of that is out there and a delight to use (or at least adds some nice functionality away from home). I did use google docs all the time for cloud sharing and personal use before this, so the built-in functionality isn't such a mystery to me.

Where can you find reliable Android reviews?

sien — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 04:10:44 -0800

Where are there reliable Android reviews for both applications and games? Metacritic does not yet have an aggregator for Android and Play Store ratings are of little use. So what is recommended? I have a fantastic Nexus 7 as well as an Android phone and want to find what's great out there. What do you recommend?

How much emphasis to place on the C+?

Anonymous — Fri, 07 Dec 2012 07:20:28 -0800

How much focus, if any, on my "blemished" academic record, and my change of field, should I place in my personal statements for graduate school? I am applying for master's degrees in urban planning and policy, in the US. I have an undergraduate degree from a US college in an unrelated social science, say Star Wars studies for instance.

I am working through my personal statements and was wondering how much emphasis to place on two things:

(1) My freshman year, I got a C+ in introductory economics; so, not the field I'm looking to enter, but definitely related, as economics is often a recommended prerequisite for these programs, and urban economics is obviously related to planning/policy anyway.

Including the C+, I averaged a 3.6 the rest of my freshman year, the rest of my grades ranging from B+ upward. My sophomore through senior years, I earned A and A- grades exclusively.

How much explanation, if any, do I need to devote to this C+? I'm not concerned about my freshman year performance in general, which I think is fairly obviously a "freshman year hiccups, shaped up after that" typical academic trajectory. Maybe I'm just paranoid about the C+, but I can't help thinking of it as a blemish on my record. I can speak to exactly why I got a C+ and the lessons I learned from it, but how much space -- if any -- is it worth devoting to this?

(2) As I mentioned above, I'm changing fields. I'm focusing most of my statements on my specific research interests in planning, to demonstrate specific focus and that I know what I'm talking about (especially because I'm changing fields). How much, if any, should I focus on the change of academic fields?

Possibly relevant information for either/both questions:
- I didn't take very many courses in college at all related to planning -- I didn't come to a realization that I was really interested in the subject until after college, although all the signs were there. (D'oh!)
- Very good GRE scores.
- I've done research and work/volunteering related to planning since college, though my main job (generic white-collar job) is not really related to it.

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood... and I took the one where I went crazy for a month to raise my score 40 points... and that uh... has made all the difference?

Anonymous — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 06:00:29 -0800

GRE-Filter: I was happy with my GRE scores. Then, I received word that I have the opportunity to get into a super-duper-top-tier doctoral program previously inaccessible. However, my Quantitative Score--while still in the range of accepted scores over the years for this program--is now less-than-stellar relatively speaking. Is it crazy to think I could study intensely for about a month and improve my score 30-50 points? Am I overthinking this? When I took the GRE, I totally killed the Verbal and Writing sections in addition to my subject test, but nabbed a 700 on the Quantitative Section (which to my recollection is around the 65th percentile--marginally above average among test-takers generally). It was lower than I had hoped for given the tier of doctoral programs I am applying to, but it was unsurprising given my track record of Quantitative scoring on ETS-family tests. However, for the cool programs I was interested in, my score was nevertheless generally hovering around the median/mean for Quantitative. Furthermore, the field I am going into--while empirical and little-q quantitative--isn't a "hard science" or a discipline like engineering, and in addition requires a lot of interpersonal intelligence and pragmatic experience. Rather than nudge the Quantitative Score up to Superstar levels, I instead focused on boosting my publications and practical lab and statistical skills (successfully, yay!). (Also, taking the GRE is a miserable experience I rather did not wish to repeat ever ever ever, obviously).

Game changer arrives. During my official "Oh Please Write Me A Graduate School Letter" meeting with my Superdoctor boss, he informed me that a certain Rising Superstar in our field is actually a former student of his who just got tenure at Super Program. Superdoctor proceeds to say that I should seriously consider applying to work for Rising Star, as Superdoctor's word would carry a whole lot with him. This program is notoriously difficult to get into unless you have a direct connection to a tenured faculty member. So, while I had previously adored this man's work and had heard he is a truly fabulous, kind mentor... I hadn't really been considering this program as I didn't think I had a connection! However, at this Super Program my once neither-hurt-nor-help Quantitative Score is a negative I need to overcome rather than a total wash. Now, it is totally possible that I would not get into this program even if I were the Platonic ideal of a Graduate School Applicant In My Field. However, for better or for worse I have a somewhat internal locus of control, and would like to do whatever I can do to nudge the odds in my favor.

I just need 30-50 points to make that score go back to not really mattering one way or the other! So, Metafilter, is it possible to go from a 700 to a 730-50 on the GRE Quantitative Section with one frenzied month-and-change of studying? Are there any particular study techniques, guides, or aides (e.g., I know Kaplan has a Quantitative Drill computer program) you would recommend to accomplish this task? For the purposes of this question, let's assume my Verbal scores would be stable enough and that getting the scores to the school on late notice will not be a problem. Giving myself a month, what is the P90x or the 100-Pushups plan to become a GRE Math Master?

One hitch is that these previously-mentioned scores are actually from a year ago, from the older version of the GRE. (Very severe family troubles pushed back my graduate school plans a year). There are two disadvantages then: that I have not practiced GRE-style math in a year, and that the style of math is different than before. Step #1 which is taking place tomorrow or similar would be to see where I am at currently. I could imagine my advice from y'all being very different if I have regressed totally on GRE-style math vs. if I have maintained my previous scoring level. I am not sure yet whether the format change is something that will benefit me or not--I see that there are more data-oriented question, which makes me happy as I currently work as a data analyst.

Alternatively: is this a totally insane adventure, am I tilting at windmills? Am I being overly neurotic focusing on one aspect of my GRE scores when more-or-less all of my other ducks are in a row with regard to graduate school applications, for one program out of several good choices? Graduate school applications are stressful and may be hurting my perspective/reality testing, to say the least.

Thanks, MeFi!

Two jobs with one application?

Hakaisha — Sun, 16 Sep 2012 16:35:05 -0800

Job number citing for two almost identical jobs? I applied to an admin job (Posting #1) at a particular company Friday night. Glancing through the description again, I noticed there was a job number I forgot to cite. Oops. I did put "Application: [job title]" in the subject line of the email though.

I went to the company's website, where I found a second job posting (Posting #2). Posting #1 was not listed on the company website (I found it on a different website), but 1 & 2 are practically identical.

The titles are the same, the duties are the same, the respective job numbers are off slightly (e.g. 0102 vs 0105). Posting #1 prefers someone with a bit of knowledge in X (possibly they might want to develop the candidate towards cross training in X later?) and a little more education, but the specifically described job duties and other qualifications/skills are word for word the same as posting #2.

I'm almost glad I didn't specify the job # in my application, because I'm practically applying for both - if I can learn more about X per Job #1, great, but I'm fine with #2 too.

Should I email a followup saying I was specifically applying for posting #1? (My education background is higher than what #2 asks, more in line with what #1 asks, but I do not have background in X per #1's preference.) FYI, this is not an "online application system" - both postings direct one to email the same generic HR email @ company.com.

I need my own TA

mrfuga0 — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 21:26:26 -0800

Can anyone walk me through the application procedure for international graduate students at the University of Cape Town? I'm having a hard time making sure all my application materials are where they need to be, as well as my international student materials. The website is super confusing (I can't even figure out where to pay my application fees) and no one seems to answer emails.

Best way to save song lyrics for offline usage?

[vagabond] — Tue, 04 Sep 2012 16:52:28 -0800

What is the best app/way to download and cache lyrics for a large iTunes library? I would really love to have an offline database of lyrics for all of my songs. My collection is quite big and sometimes obscure so I wouldn't mind adding some lyrics manually but I'm not sure how to go about it. Can anyone point me in the right direction? Thanks in advance! :)

Asking for letters of recommendation by email?

stoneandstar — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 01:32:59 -0800

Thinking about applying to graduate school while living off-campus-- when and how to ask for letters? I've seen a few questions that have addressed my separate concerns, but couldn't find one that addressed them in conjunction. Namely, I'm currently finishing my undergrad degree, graduating at the end of the summer. One professor graciously offered to write me a letter at the conclusion of her class one year ago. There are two other professors I would like to ask, for myriad reasons. However, I've permanently moved 1000 miles away from campus. One of the professors (my advisor) recently helped me complete my senior capstone project, and I'm at this moment writing him a (short) letter of gratitude for his help.

So my basic questions are:

1) Is it alright to ask for a letter by e-mail? (I'm thinking yes, if done properly.) Should I be short and sweet about it? Should I ask now, even though I won't be applying for another year?

2) Should I ask for a letter in the same email as the note of gratitude to my advisor? At first I assumed that would be tacky, but then I thought it might save him time and organization if I were direct about it now, while my project is still a fresh subject.

I know this kind of problem must be confronted all the time-- several of the grad students I know applied several years after their undergrad, so either they must have asked right away or contacted professors later by e-mail. I think I'm just sort of feeling out the right level of formality. Thank you!

I would love some App ideas for a new Nexus 7 tablet.

wwax — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 10:09:37 -0800

I would love some App ideas for a new Nexus 7 tablet. I got a Nexus 7 for my birthday and I am in love with it. I have never had a smart phone or tablet before and am already addicted to it, so what can't live without Apps would you recommend a new table owner try out. I don't mind if the app comes from sources other than Google play and I don't mind paying for Apps if they are good.

It comes with basics installed like Chrome, gmail, feed readers and the like.

I would love some game recommendations, I prefer puzzle style games like Bejeweled or tetris over fps and the like but if there is a good one for the format I'll try it out if only to make my husband jealous. Also a music and media players suggestions as I am not super thrilled with the ones that came with it.

It runs Android 4.2 Jellybean.

Please keep this about App suggestions and not a discussion about my (or anyone elses) choice in tablets.

Like a moth to a naked light.

Nomyte — Mon, 14 May 2012 15:45:19 -0800

How can I improve my chances of getting into graduate programs? I would like to attend a competitive graduate program in applied mathematics. My interest is harmonic analysis and computational linear algebra, with application to neuroimaging (e.g., MRI) and possibly image processing more generally. I tentatively applied to one applied math program last fall to test the waters. My application was not rejected until two days before the acceptance deadline, which I took for a good sign. Help me be more successful when I apply to this and similar programs in the fall.

I work as an MRI technician at a university. I have previously worked for three years as a research assistant in cognitive psychology. I have been taking math courses for three years as a non-degree-seeking student. My lowest grade is a single B+. I have taken a number of upper-division undergraduate courses (e.g., analysis), but no graduate courses yet. The courses I've taken basically add up to the requirements for a bachelor's in math.

I plan to take my first course in the target program in the fall. It has the evocative course catalog number 666.

My biggest weakness is a lack of meaningful letters of recommendation. My BA is in cognitive science, not math. I graduated with it six years ago. My former professors barely remembered me four years ago, when I turned to them for work-related references, and they certainly don't remember me now. I was an unremarkable student. During my adventures in mathematics, I have not taken more than one course with any one instructor: it's a large department with lots of faculty members. No one knows me well, except for my former lab supervisors. They have known and mentored me for years and will write glowing letters, but they are psychologists, not mathematicians.

My GRE scores are 170/166. The conversion charts provided by ETS suggest that this is equivalent to 800/800. My essay score is only a 4.5 — I imagine I could improve it with practice, but I also suspect that it's an insignificant factor during admissions. I was intimidated by the subject test in math and didn't take it. I plan to study for it over the summer and take it when it's offered again in October.

I am comfortable with MATLAB and have a few years of experience using it for scripting in the context of data analysis. I am familiar with several other languages, but am not idiomatic in them.

I have a number of co-author credits on conference posters and papers, but they are all in cognitive disciplines. My ability to do independent methodological research in neuroimaging is limited by my lack of background: really, that's the point of attending the program. I could continue collaborating with faculty on psychology and neuroscienceresearch, but I'm not sure what that would contribute to my application.

I have met a few times with faculty from the program that is my first choice. They are sympathetic and encouraging, but make a policy of avoiding specific advice beyond "just apply and see what happens." It is a competitive program that ranks well nationally (top 20). I would also like to apply to other similarly ranking programs that match my interests.

Short to-do list:

take subject test in math
take a graduate class in the target program and do well
explore opportunities for collaborative research
meet again with faculty at first-choice program
explore similar programs to target with applications

What else?

What are some examples of small web apps that earn their creators a side-income? What are the stories behind them?

philipy — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 08:47:01 -0800

What are some examples of small web apps that earn their creators a side-income? What are the stories behind them? The kind of things that I have in mind are hobby projects that earn their creators maybe from low hundreds up to high thousands of dollars per month. (i.e. Somewhat more than just barely covering the server bills, but not necessarily anything close to income from a full time job.)

But feel free to interpret the question broadly if you know of interesting examples that don't fit that.

If you can tell me the stories behind the app - if for example, you are the creator, or know the people involved - that would be even better. For example: What inspired the projects? How much work were they, and how much work are they ongoingly? How have they evolved over time? What kinds of costs and revenues are we talking about?

It's also fine if you don't know any of that, and just have a URL or somebody's blog post to point to.

Side note: This question was partly brought to mind by mathowie's Webstock talk, and Fuelly is an example of the kind of thing I have in mind.

When do I tell my boss I'm applying for another job?

Mrs Roy G Biv — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 08:51:00 -0800

When should I tell my supervisor about a job within our organization that I intend to apply for? I work at a large public university in an administrative capacity. I've been here for almost 6 years and was reclassified (promoted) last year. My supervisor (George) has been very supportive of my career and furthering my professional development; we get along well. Additionally, things are not so great within our department due to a lot of organizational change. My current job has never been a great fit but I think I've done well and I seem to be respected within my group.

A job has recently been posted that I'm interested in. It's a better match for my skill set and my interests. It is within a different unit at the university albeit one that we (George and I) work with frequently. The person who would be my supervisor (Becky) is well-known by everyone in my department and my department and hers frequently collaborate. The job is probably slightly senior to the one I currently have though definitely not above the level of George. He's a director within my department; I'd be an assistant director within the new department.

When do I tell George that I'm applying for the assistant director position? Before I even submit the application? That sort of seems like jumping the gun a little and it's not a sure thing that I'd even be interviewed for the job so I'd prefer not to needlessly stir things up. On the other hand, George may be helpful in positioning myself for the job and since everybody knows each other, I'm sure word would eventually get out.

I've briefly mentioned to Becky that I'm interested in the job to see what her response would be. She was neither encouraging nor discouraging and I couldn't really get a read from her as to her thoughts.

Coding sample as part of a job application?

jsturgill — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 13:22:29 -0800

If I'm applying for a junior developer job in a web company, and they ask for a code sample along with the resume, what sorts of things would make a good sample? How much code is just enough/too little/too much? What would make a sample supergood, or the opposite? Bonus points if you can provide a reasonable approach for someone without any existing code in a public repository. (I'm working on it, I swear!)

When does helping become cheating

muhonnin — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 02:31:18 -0800

How much help is too much help when it comes to a friend's application to an accountancy training programme? A friend is applying for entry-level training programmes within various accountancy firms. Her English language skills are advanced, but not quite fluent. Her comprehension is great, but while her speaking and writing are always clear and effective, she makes frequent minor grammatical errors. She has asked me to review her applications with a view to checking if she's including the kinds of things that employers are looking for--she hasn't specifically asked me to check her grammar, but the applications contain several small mistakes. Should I provide corrections for each of the errors, let them stand so as not to provide employers with a misleading picture of her level of fluency, or steer a middle course? Any guidance (especially from those who process applications of this kind) would be most welcome. . . .

Why do grad schools need to know what other schools you are applying to?

Anonymous — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 20:43:15 -0800

Why do grad school applications ask you what other schools you are applying to? Will being honest hinder my chances at getting into a competitive program? My two top choices both ask applicants to list any other schools that they're applying to. I see nothing to lose, generally, but although my numbers are technically fine (okay, even!), my academic record is a little unusual: Four semesters of dean's list, followed by five semesters of normal grades and an F (for incomplete grades I didn't address the following semester because I was young and terribly, terribly dumb, see also: serious depression and how not to deal with it), followed by a general getting-it-back-together return to the dean's list. Yes, that's a lot of semesters, and as a result, in terms of an actual number, my GPA is ok (but not great).

I'm now four+ years out of school, and I've lived abroad mostly and been a hard-working young professional type. I realize there will be less importance placed on my undergrad record; however, because of those blemishes, I'm afraid that admitting that such-and-such program isn't my only choice (even though it's my top choice!) will hurt my chances of getting into that program.

Is there a nice-looking website that will let me track multiple college applications?

krisken — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 09:06:49 -0800

Is there a nice-looking website that will let me track multiple college applications? Ideally, for free? I like the layout of ivymap.com, but don't want to pay $10.

How do I write unique cover letters?

raynax — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 07:48:18 -0800

Help me write eyecatching cover letters. I'm in the process of looking for a job on the other side of the country. Basically, I moved across country to attend grad school, then stayed here for law school. I'm almost done with law school and desperately want to move back to my home state.

I go to a school that has a good local reputation (in neighboring states), but it's not really well known at all in my home state. I have excellent grades and (I've been told) an impressive resume (whatever that means--not much, probably, since I can't seem to find a job).

Because my school doesn't have that many connections in my home state, I'm resorting to cold emailing firms that I'd like to apply to. How do I write cover letters (cover emails, really) that will catch people's attention? What kinds of things would prevent my email from getting deleted right away?

Is there a creative way to begin my emails? I'm thinking that the standard
"Dear X,
I'm a student a Y university, and I'm writing to inquire about career opportunities at your firm"
would probably get deleted right away.

Sign Up Here One Click In Real Life

Potomac Avenue — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 11:49:25 -0800

Looking for a user friendly way to let people sign up for an email newsletter at a live event. Other than forcing them to enter their emails right into the right website, how can I simplify the current process of a person writing their email down, and a different person writing it into a spread sheet, and then someone else uploading the emails into the newsletter system? Is there an iPad app for this? Equipment: Ipad or laptop. Almost never wifi
Users: people stopping by a booth, often not very tech savvy. They only will spare a second to write down their emails, and if it's not easy for them to access they'll just skip it. Shoving a laptop in their faces can seem either sketchy or arduous.
Numbers: anywhere from tens to hundreds of signatures at each event.

Ideally they would step up, sign the tablet like it was a piece of paper, and the app would put it in a spread sheet and the screen would reset.

OK, if that's impossible, is there an app that will show a simple, single input line that they can type into it and it will pop into a spreadsheet? Or a program on a laptop that will at least LOOK more friendly than HEY HERE USE EXCEL THANKS STRANGER!

Or is there an even easier solution that I'm missing?

Thanks!

what is the deal with the family educational rights and privacy act of 1974?

Hoenikker — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 14:49:46 -0800

I'm applying to graduate school. Apparently I have the right, under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (34 CFR 99.12), to examine letters of recommendation written about me. Every application I've filled out so far has asked me if I'd like to waive this right, should I? I'm applying to MFA programs in creative writing, if that makes any difference. I've already declined to waive this right on most of my applications, but now I'm worried that maybe I should go back and change it.

Is there a higher bar of native apps? Why or why not?

ignignokt — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 13:05:15 -0800

Is gathering application usage data for analytic purposes ethical? The gathering of usage statistics for web applications (and online games) is established as an activity does not require explicit user permission. People are accustomed to that.

However, native apps on desktops and mobile devices sometimes ask for permission to gather and report usage information. Some apps do gather usage data, but don't ask. Putting aside the factor of a bit of extra bandwidth needed to make the reports, ethically, how are native apps different from web apps and online games?

And what are the cases for asking or not asking for permission when gathering usage data?

Help me keep my commute educational...

shaun uh — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 08:07:36 -0800

What are some good educational phone applications? I spend a lot of time on the bus and have been enjoying two apps I found, one which quizzes you on countries of the world and one which quizzes you on human anatomy. Both are really fun, and now I know the locations of both Lesotho and my capitulum! (They are not in the same place.)

I've got a Droid, but feel free to recommend apps for other types of phones. Please recommend anything that *you* find neat, but if you wants topics of interest, mine include: anything to do with science or history especially, anything to do with statistics, math, engineering, computer science, language learning.

I know that I like the quiz based apps that just help you memorize a lot of useful information, but if you have a different type of app to recommend, feel free! There's a lot of stuff to know that can't be easily formulated as a quiz game.

Your default install application listing for a windos Computer

bleucube — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 05:23:08 -0800

What are your default installs on a windows computer? I build or rebuild a lot of computers for friends and family. I'm looking to create a list of default applications for the installation process. On a new Windows box, what are your default installs right after the OS?

So far I have (not in any order):

- Java
- Adobe Reader
- Adobe Flash Player
- Adobe Shockwave
- Silverlight
- All the windows updates
- Micrsoft Security Essentials
- Open Office

I'm sure I'm missing a bunch of stuff that could be useful. I know there will be some differences based on computer usage (example skype for video conferencing, utorrent for downloads). If you install another browser, and various add-ons throw it on your list.

If you install it, I want to know about it.

Thanks!

"Well, he can't make a resume..."

OrangeDrink — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 12:25:56 -0800

Are skill based CVs used for entry level job applications in the US? After posting this question, I switched my resume into a skills based CV, and I haven't gotten much response. The one place that did call me in seemed specifically baffled by the skill based CV, to the point where one interviewer said "So, uh, what's this?" and gestured at my CV. I'm pretty sure I'm doing mine right and that it's following the standard skills based CV format. I never saw one when I was interviewing people for a job at the coffeeshop where I work, and I didn't see one when I was hiring for interns.

It's nice though - I don't have to use my cover letter to justify my qualifications for a job DESPITE my resume rather than because of it. I just worry that resume readers are seeing my CV and being confused by it rather than interested.

I should note that I'm mostly applying for small nonprofit organizations in San Francisco, where they're not likely to have a solid HR department - the last interview I had was for an office assistant replacing herself. Any thoughts? Are these totally weird out here?