College University D2B

Finding the Right College

2008-11-14T11:10:00.002-08:00

By Tom Tessin

To decide what kind of college may best meet your needs and requirements there are lots of things to think about. Listed are some factors that you will have to think in determining where you would like to go to the college.

Organization- College or University, Private or Public, or Church sponsored. Colleges are either public or private. Public colleges are one that is supported by state where they are situated. Many extremely ranked colleges in United States are the state-supported organizations. These colleges often provide excellent education at the price for in-state resident, which is lesser than similar private colleges. At early steps of your study, I would hearten you to think both private & public colleges.

Whereas private colleges often cost little more than the comparable state organizations, they often have monetary means to give generous need based or the scholarship based financial help. This help will make cost of the private college same or else less than attending the state college.

More choosy private universities & colleges have got religious association. The amount of spiritual control varies. But at beginning of the college search, we encourage you to examine all the private colleges, irrespective of the religious affiliation.

Educational- what courses & majors you are looking for?

Most important cause for going to the college is getting education. The kind of academic atmosphere & range of courses studied is significant factor to consider when choosing the college. Be cautious, however, of selecting the college based exclusively on it having particular major or else field of study. Investigation shows that about 90% of college graduates don't major in field of study that they initially had intended. This occurs for some reasons.

First, majority of the colleges have got majors in the subjects that you have never studied before like political science and anthropology. Next, as you get experience & maturity in the college, then your interests might change. Take some time to discover your choices and be sensible about your gifts. Make sure to follow a route of study, which is a genuine attention to you, not only one you imagine might lead to good career.

If you are having strong interest in particular area, like science, then it is vital to evaluate college's services & offerings in those particular areas to ensure they have sufficient resources. Keep in mind that lots of smaller colleges might not present majors in some professional fields, like business, engineering, and physical therapy. And if you are some of specific field of the study, make sure that colleges & universities you think offer major.

Do not exclude smaller college, but just because you think, sources might be inadequate. Keep in mind that all the resources of college are obtainable to the undergraduate students while at the large university; lots of specialized equipment may be reserved for the graduate students only. A few of biggest producers of the PhD's in the country are some small colleges.

Tom Tessin is an author for FINDcollegecards.com that is geared toward students looking for student credit cards

Don't Sweat the Cost of Medical School, Instead Work on Getting Those Good Grades in High School!

2008-11-14T11:10:00.001-08:00

By Hwang Keum-Ok

In the planning of going to medical school there are many different things you have to concern yourself with. You should be planning this from the day you entered high school because many things you do -- or don't do-- in high school can help your plans to get into a good school.

When being considered to attend a medical school the first thing school authorities check for is your GPA (grade point average) over the whole four years. You will need to keep your grades up because these schools are fiercely competitive schools to get into. You will also need to get as many quality clubs under your belt as possible to show your ambition, character, discipline, and multitasking.

Those two things alone sound simple but trust me they are not. You will, however, reap rewards for making sure you excel in those two areas. Next you need to think about the admissions costs for school and the overall cost.

The cost of this type of school is not cheap and medical school expenses can be pretty high. Although a lot of people are trying to get into these schools, the costs and fees don't seem to be slowing anybody down! Most people realize that there are a lot of programs that can help you pay for college like financial aid.

Medical school is a prelude to a high paying, very rewarding career and the cost of school, once you graduate and start working, will come back a thousand fold over the years allowing you to pay back any loans easily.

If your only concern is the cost of school, and you have all your other ducks in a row, then you are in good shape. You can always get student loans and financial assistance to cover the cost right now, and if your grades and clubs are in top notch shape you can often find scholarships to cover the cost of tuition, boarding, and other things anyway.

You can't let the cost deter you or discourage you from working hard and achieving your goals in high school no matter how unlikely it seems that you'll be able to come up with the money.

You should always think about it as if the cost is already covered, and all you have to do is try to get the best grades possible, join the right clubs, and work hard. That mindset will do wonders for you.

It is much easier to worry about the cost once you graduate with all your credentials set up -- grades, clubs, etc., than it is to flake out in high school get poor grades, have no clubs on your resume and then realize that you did have a way to pay for it but now you can't get in no matter how much money you have!

With poor grades you will have a tough time getting accepted into many, if any, medical schools and even if you get in this will look very poor on your record when you go to get hired, unless you do an incredible job in school, but even then it's not a good move.

"Where there is a will there is a way," and where there is an "A" you have a pretty good chance of getting in to the school you want, as well as possibly getting all of your school costs covered by a scholarship. Dream big -- but give yourself a fighting chance and plan ahead.

Hi! I hope you enjoyed reading this article on medical schools. For more information on this subject please visit http://www.medical-school-reviews.net

Medical School Reviews We recommend it highly!

Tuition Free Colleges - Is it True

2008-11-11T07:14:00.001-08:00

By Brian Garvin

I've been living on this planet for 39 years, and most people just don't believe me when I tell them not to worry about the economy being in the dumps right now, that with every Yin there's always a Yang to go with it. What I mean is when the government and slanted media start to say that things are coming to an end, there's always some kind of opportunity for relief to balance things out like Tuition Free Colleges that have been springing up lately.

One story we read recently was an ambitious couple who turned down three major Universities recently so they could go to the University of Virginia. This is one of many Tuition Free Colleges springing up across the United States. No exaggeration here, quite a few low income students are attending this college because they are offering special incentives to people without a lot of money but with a lot of talent.

With the economy the way it is, it's such a breath of fresh air to know that community colleges and even state colleges are turning into Tuition Free Colleges for their low income students. Many have even eliminated the need for them to apply for a loan at all.

While I'm all for working hard to get what you want and am personally the type of individual who doesn't like getting something for nothing, people born into bad economic situations but have the talent and will to become someone, I think this is a great way to add value to the american workforce and keep poor people away from economic depravity and even prison, since many poor people commit crimes to get what they need.

These Tuition Free Colleges are already available in over a dozen states even scattered all over the United States. If you want to know if a University in your area offers one of these programs just walk into the Tuition Assistance office of the school and ask them or make an appointment with an Academic Counselor.

Until I researched this I was always concerned that tuition costs would keep the upper middle class complacent and the rich richer. But I'm once again proud of America and the way they are handling this situation. I really believe anyone can make it if they are focused and serious and research Tuition Free Colleges available to those with the initiative and foresight to seek them out.

Learn about Incredible Tuition Free Colleges from Brian Garvin and Jeff West at Hot Topic Review Kings today.

Colleges & Universities Provide the Steps to Higher Learning

2008-11-10T12:28:00.001-08:00

By Ashley Conner

Colleges and universities are educational institutions that provide knowledge and skills for higher learning. Students who are accepted to colleges and universities are those who have graduated from high school or those who have completed the requirements for a high school diploma equivalent. However, there are some courses in colleges and universities that may require taking courses from preparatory schools before getting accepted. On the other hand, there are also some institutions that will take in only a small percentage of applicants based on a series of tests and qualifications such as art and theater schools.

Colleges and universities are quite similar in meaning and origin, but it was only recently that differences between the two were identified. These include universities defined as educational institutions with more than one college and offering higher education such as graduate programs. Meanwhile, colleges are defined as institutions that offer short courses and two-year course diplomas aside from their four year undergraduate degrees. Some colleges that have crossed-over into the definition of a university have retained their names with the word "college" in them due to historical reasons. This helps them to stay popular with students who are about to consider going to their particular college.

The first university in history was the Shangyang Higher School in China which was established during the Yu period between 2257 and 2208 BC. Other ancient universities originating from different countries include:

Takshashila University in Taxila, Pakistan established in 7th century BC

Nalanda University in Bihar, India which was famous for its center of Buddhist scholarship was established in 5th century BC

Plato's Academy in Athens 387 BC, the first higher education institution in Europe

University of Salero in Italy 9th century

Al-Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt circa 988

Most of the medieval universities in Europe were established under the guidance of the Catholic Church and were then known as cathedral schools or as "Studia Generali." These universities were educational institutions which provided education for priests, monks and other students from different parts of Europe during the 12th century.

Most colleges and universities are run by a board of trustees or directors and by a group of school administrators. They are often funded by the government, by donors or by the tuition fees paid by the students who attend them. Most of these schools are located in the local town or within cities that are close to other educational institutions. Students often have to undergo exams and submit requirements before getting accepted especially when applying for scholarships or if they come from other countries.

In the United States, where the first institutions of higher education were University of Oxford & the University of Cambridge, the terms college and university can be used interchangeably even though colleges may often refer to liberal arts colleges or those that offer vocational, business, engineering or technical courses. Both colleges and universities refer to any post-secondary undergraduate education and which are operated as public or private institutions.

Zipcodez.com is a widely-used local business listings service and search engine. It features a complementary collection of useful topics and resources from "Arts & Entertainment" to "Wireless & Telecommunications." If you are interested in "Colleges & Universities," you might also want to read "Gateway to the Working World - Colleges," "Post-Secondary Education - Community Colleges," and "Learn To Treat & Keep Animals Healthy - Veterinary Schools" available at http://www.zipcodez.com/article/featured-articles.htm.

College Tuition - Start Preparing Early

2008-11-10T12:27:00.002-08:00

By Kipp Bufworthy

Many high school students take the initiative to attend college and they often find that it is one of the best decisions that they make in their lifetimes. With this in mind, it is never too early to start thinking about college because time goes by quickly and it will be time to head to campus before you know it.

One of the main ways to begin preparing for college, besides thinking of where you would like to attend, is to begin saving for your college tuition. College can be very expensive depending on where you want to go, so the sooner you start putting away money for your college tuition, the better off you will be.

It can actually be quite easy to save up for your college tuition. If you work a job, you can automatically set aside a certain percentage of your paychecks each month to save for college tuition, so that you will not even miss the money. It is amazing how fast your tuition savings can build up with this method and it will build even quicker if you are putting the money into an interest earning savings account.

If you are already in college, and want to save money for your next semester's college tuition, you can try using the same method of putting aside money from each paycheck. You could find a good paying college internship and be even better off. Not only will you be earning money to put towards your college tuition from the college internship, but you will be able to gain valuable job experience from the college internship.

Kipp Bufworthy is author of this article on College Works Painting.

Find more information about Paying for College here.

Distance Learning College - Your Vehicle to Success?

2008-11-10T12:27:00.001-08:00

By Derrick Payes

Distance learning college is a system created for people who are not in a position to be tied down to attending regular classes. Their circumstances, whatever it may be, do not allow traditional study methods, yet there is a need or desire to do further study. It could be due to qualification requirements for promotion, while still hanging on to the present job, or it could be due to a student loan not being available.

Distance learning college allows you to fit your studies into your own schedule, and not the other way around. The program allows you to accommodate your work schedule, your family life, and financial commitments, and still be able to study. You decide when you have time available, and how much work you can handle.

What you have to keep in mind, though, is that you will be required to put even more effort into your (already full) day. By the time you can eventually settle down to study, you may be past your prime for the day. You could also get up early, but for some that may be even harder. It's very easy to get caught up in your responsibilities towards your family, and unexpected (overtime) demands from your employer, causing you to fall behind.

Ultimately, though, the single biggest benefit afforded by distance learning college is the ability to earn while you learn. You will be able to improve on your qualifications while still paying the bills, and keeping the household running as usual.

Are you planning on further study? Be sure to visit us today at our website on How to Get a Degree Online. Depending on your present qualification, you might want to read this article on Postgraduate Study

Wannabe Sports Medicine Physicians - How To Become One

2008-11-07T23:45:00.005-08:00

By Abhishek Agarwal

Who is a sports medicine physician? What does he or she do exactly? These are questions which are on the minds of many people who have recently heard of the term sports medicine physician. To become a sports medicine doctor one has to first be a physician and then undergo special training in sports medicine. Here the doctor concentrates on the long term health and fitness of his patients by helping them to overcome illness and injuries.

The main job of a sports physician is to help his patients to function at their peak level and prevent any untoward setbacks in their physical health which can affect their sports, school and working life.

These specialized doctors do not concentrate only on sportspeople and athletes but also people who take up training programs just to keep fit. What exactly does a sports medicine physician play in a person?s life? What qualifications are necessary for someone to become one?

A sports medicine physician doubles up not only as a general physician but also incorporates sports medicine into his treatment procedures so as to help prevent illness and help maintain perfect health of his clients.

Normally in any sports there is a team of doctors catering to the needs of the players and it is the sports medicine physician who normally heads the team of doctors. This team can be made of specialists in surgical procedures, sports trainers, therapists, coaches and others. All of them are experienced professionals who could have specialized in any one of the following fields like family practice, Emergency medicine, Pediatrics, internal medicine, rehabilitation and Physical medicine.

You will find that all sports medicine physicians would have completed an additional 1-2 years training in specialized subjects in sports medicine through fellowship programs which are accredited. After having completed their certificate in areas like Internal medicine, Family Practice, pediatrics or Emergency medicine, these professionals then become eligible to take up another special examination to qualify in the field of sports medicine.

These sports physicians then work to obtain more training in non-musculoskeletal areas like head injuries and their treatments, treating athletes with chronic illness like asthma and diabetes, in aspects of supplements, nutrition and performance based issues, and prevention of injuries.

Now having learnt what exactly a sports medicine physician does when it comes to treating in sports medicine the next step is to search for a qualified person in the field of sports medicine.

The best way to find a capable and qualified person in this field is through referrals. Seek the help of your family doctor, friends and those working along with you as they would provide the best advice. You can also take the help from athletes when searching for a good sports medicine physician.

You can also search in online listings or at the American orthopedic Society, American Medical Association and the Physician and Sports Medicine Association.

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Pursuing Chiropractic Career - Reasons To Choose Palmer Chiropractic

2008-11-07T23:45:00.003-08:00

By Abhishek Agarwal

There does not exist a text book or a certain method of teaching that does not pose to be the best existing in any field of study. Such claims are not something new to us. Chiropractors like all other professions have certain ways of teaching. Which would you consider the best? While taking this training you would be dedicating a lot of time and energy on it and you would also invest a lot in it so you would obviously be expecting the best. The Palmer chiropractic is considered the best method of teaching by many chiropractors. Such schools are really respected and studying in such places has its own advantage. They are equipped with the latest equipments and have a wide knowledge about the current research methods for helping people lead a quality life. If this is the place you have decided to go to there are several branches for you to choose from. Davenport in Iowa, Port Orange in Florida and San Jose in California are three such places where you can find these schools.

Each one of these Palmer schools is dedicated to provide quality education to its students seeking chiropractic education. The course duration over three years and its materials last for about 5 years. All three schools are as good as each other, however the one in the Davenport locality has its specialty. They not only offer a degree in the course but there are many degrees for a student to choose from. There are many students who opt for associates of science in chiropractic technology. This is the best option that you could go in for while you are at completing your bachelor's degree. They also have the Doctor of Chiropractic degree here besides the Bachelors of Science degree. You could also work towards a degree in masters for science if you like clinical research and anatomy. However these degrees are available only at Davenport. Below is a detailed account on what you can expect from all the three schools.

There are various subjects that are taught at various levels that are divided on the basis of the year the student is in. Lets have a look at the course structure year wise. During the first year they learn about subjects like neurology, diagnosis, physiology and anatomy. They also have a fair amount of bacteriology, pathology and chemistry. In the first year itself there is more time dedicated to these hours than regular medical schools. In the second year there are more interesting subjects. You get to deal directly with the chiropractic technique and you also get to learn x-ray technologies and management. There is a direct hands on experience in the third year where you will be spending majority of the time nursing patients in a clinic and working on business for your office.

As to which school you might want to join is completely up to you. But this school is undoubtedly the best in the field. Picking the right place to continue your education is always a difficult task. In advanced science and technology Palmer has its reputation.

Physical Therapy Schools - A Pathway To become An Efficient Physiotherapist

2008-11-07T23:45:00.001-08:00

By Abhishek Agarwal

Physical therapy requires adequate knowledge in order to ensure complete success as well of quality care for each patient. The United States has many schools of Physical Therapy.

As is obvious, physical therapists will receive training in different science courses. The training begins in high school where the prospective therapists will focus their studies on subjects like mathematics, anatomy, biology, physics and other related sciences. These courses will continue into college where one's grades should be high and academic performance is commendable. Once the students start entering physical therapist programs, the studies become more detailed and specialized. Pathology and Kinesiology, and other therapeutic programs and techniques are concentrated on. Internship in clinics of physical therapy is mandatory before one enters into accredited programs as this will help acclimatize the student with the industry of physical therapy. This also gives the student a small glimpse of what lies ahead in the profession. The volunteers will usually help in clinics and hospitals.

Apart from the education and qualification, potential therapists should also possess immense people skills. The profession requires the therapist to have one on one conversations with his or her patients with the necessity to educate and inform their patients about their condition and the various methods of treatment. Understanding, listening skills and compassion are vital and if a person is not comfortable with these skills, this profession is probably not for him. It is advisable to take as many courses as possible on developing these skills as they are the ones that are most important to effective treatment and evaluation.

Today, most of the states in America have an accredited therapy school. The Association of American Physical Therapy maintains an extensive list of schools of physical therapy that are under them. Presently, there are two degrees available: the masters and the doctorate. However, unless the student has passed the National Examination for Physical Therapy, he or she cannot be granted a license for practicing physical therapy. Only the students who have passed an accredited program on physical therapy are eligible to take this examination.

There are a number of countries that have schools of physical therapy and various programs related to it under the name physiotherapy. Like in the US, these physiotherapy schools also work to promote a high education level in order to ensure that the patients are receiving the best possible care. These programs, vary from state to state even within the United States, though the aims and objectives are all the same. In the United Kingdom, only three, as opposed to four, years of college is required. In Canada, students need to have an undergraduate degree in order to be eligible for applying to a school of physical therapy.

Schools of physical therapy are required to ensure that the patient and other service seekers of this therapy receives the best possible service. As this particular profession is dedicated to the cause of restoring mobility to people in suffering and pain, it becomes necessary to be a master of all courses of study as well as have excellent interpersonal skills. Schools of physical therapy are present in almost all states; but it is always better to ensure that they are fully accredited.

Joining A Chiropractic School - Tips To Become A Doctorate In Chiropractic Studies

2008-11-07T23:44:00.004-08:00

By Abhishek Agarwal

All of us, when we are in college think about of our future. Shall I go for a graduate school or start working for full time? Such questions arise in the minds of all of us when we are on the verge of completing our college. But if you are planning to continue your education then I would definitely advice you to consider your education in a chiropractic school and obtain a doctorate in chiropractic studies. You would have many options after you are doctorate in chiropractic studies. You can even go for private practice, help people in rehabilitation centers or even work in a hospital or clinic. To ensure a smooth admittance you need to understand and gain knowledge about the local chiropractic schools.

First of all, you need to consider your performance at the college. You need to have a GPA of 2.5 to 4.0 to enroll for most of chiropractic schools. Moreover, some chiropractic schools also requires you to have a degree in liberal arts or at least in any one of sciences. You also need to have done some coursework in the field of biology, chemistry, psychology and humanities along with sixty hours of English. This is the easiest path to enter in one of these chiropractic schools. All these requirements are helpful when your application goes to such chiropractic schools as they would get impressed easily. If you feel that you are weak in some subjects, then you can take some classes locally.

The story does not end here. When we are selected by a chiropractic school for admission the next question that arises in our mind is, how long would it take to become a licensure or a graduate. In most of chiropractic schools it is standard four years duration to achieve a MD degree. According to the course curriculum, you would be taught about the basics of biochemistry, biology and anatomy for the first two years. Some other courses such as microbiology, pathology and public health might also be taught in these years. You would learn spinal manipulations and adjustments along with specialized subjects like laboratory diagnosis, nutrition, and orthopedics in the last two years.

You are now eligible for an exam by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners after you have your chiropractic schools degree. You are licenced to practice your craft only after the completion and passing of this exam. Many people think that they are relieved from the chiropractic schools after passing this exam but this is not true. In some states you need to dedicate certain hours in continued education even after you qualify the exam. These classes are based upon the specialty in various fields such as sports injury or industrial health.

If you are a career oriented person, then choosing to enroll in a chiropractic school is one of the best decisions you would have ever made. Although it is a long process and studies but if you consider its consequences then you can understand the advantages of it. It completely depends on your choice that whether you want to help people with your knowledge or enjoy a rewarding career.

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Choosing Sports Physical Therapy Colleges - Tips To Select The Best

2008-11-07T23:44:00.003-08:00

By Abhishek Agarwal

Sports physical therapy is the hottest and fastest growing sector. Obviously, there is plenty of interest to study and find a job in this field. Sports physical therapy colleges are present in each state, other than Alaska, so selecting a college close to where you live to study at, is a fairly easy task. With people becoming more involved in physical fitness and the growth of sports as a career, the demand for qualified physical therapists is also growing exponentially, to cater to the requirements for training as well as rehabilitation.

The sports physical therapy colleges offer Doctorate and Masters programs. Different colleges will be known for the quality of different programs. Some of the better known colleges preparing students for a career in sports physical therapy are the Alabama State University, Northern Arizona University and Quinnipiac University, CT for their Doctorate programs and California State University, Sacramento for its Masters course.

The course work at sports physical therapy colleges is diverse and exhaustive. The studies cover various aspects of the development and growth of the human body. Some of the courses that they cover are on Human Body Sequences, Manual Muscle Testing, Neuroanatomy, Therapeutic Exercise, and Electrotherapy. Human body sequences is all about the development of human body through the life span, from birth till death. To perform the correct treatment for people of all age groups, this is a critical course. Manual muscle testing class teaches about conducting physical examinations of the human body. All together, these courses are designed to give you, the future physiotherapist, complete knowledge about pain reduction, improving the function of muscles and the skeletal system and rebuilding a patient's physical fitness.

When deciding upon a sports physical therapy college, whether in your state or outside, look out for certain aspects before deciding on one to join. These factors include the cost of on or off campus boarding and lodging, unless you plan to travel to the college. Tuition fee is of course the primary cost to be considered. While some institutes will have better tuition fee structure, in order to study at the best possible institution, check out every possible avenue for scholarship or a work study program. Certain hospitals and medical organisations may even be affiliated with sports physical therapy colleges. If they take you on and you make a commitment to work for them for certain time after course completion, they may be willing to take on your study cost. As in everything else, thorough research will pay you well in this case too.

A financially rewarding career that is also high on job satisfaction awaits you after completing studies at a sports physical therapy college. You just have to organize the finances and get set for studies.

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Chiropractic Colleges - How To Pursue A Chiropractic Career

2008-11-07T23:44:00.001-08:00

By Abhishek Agarwal

Chiropractic Colleges have become a very popular choice of career as this method of treatment is needed in most areas of treatment. Physicians recommend this form of relief for several health problems. Almost everyone at some time or the other has a problem with their bones and joints and needs this kind of assistance. Once you have completed your school education you are ready to go ahead with the career of your choice.

Where to start for your choice of a chiropractic college

Now that you have decided upon the career that you want to go ahead with, you will have to think of which institute to join and how to go about it. The best place to start with is the Council on Chiropractic Education. The have listed only the best institutes as their members after carefully screening the colleges to ensure that they give what is required of them and is approved by the council's guidelines. You would still have to check with the guidelines of your state whether all that is required by then is provided by this institute. Sometimes you may need some additional training to get a license to practice in your area of the country.

What are the basic requirements to gain admission in these colleges

It is always an advantage to have a bachelors degree in any one of the liberal arts or sciences while applying to a chiropractic college. However, this is required by only one school now. What is required of you is 90 hours of semester and some courses in science to gain entry into these institutions. If you have done subjects like anatomy, neurology, physics, microbiology and chemistry you are in a very good position to get admission into any one of these schools. Courses like orthopedics, pathology, gynecology and obstetrics could also be very beneficial to you.

Time required to complete the course

This complete course comprises of 4200 hours of classes, which would take about 4 years to complete. You would have to spend time in regular classes with clinical experience and work in the laboratory. The final two years of this course are devoted to practice and clinical study. Time would also have to be spent on neurology, nutrition, and geriatrics. As chiropractic is involved with the treatment of the whole body, you would have to be thorough in your knowledge of the entire body and all the systems and how they are interlinked with each others functions.

The best thing would be to select a college that is closest to where you live and this guidance and information would be available with the Council on Chiropractic Education. This is one of the professions that is very popular and also growing rapidly, so the choice is a wise one. There is no shortage of jobs in this area and you will do very well in your career.

American College Of Sports Medicine Programs - All That Aspiring Students Need To Know

2008-11-07T23:43:00.000-08:00

By Abhishek Agarwal

The American College of Sports Medicine, an institution held in high esteem the world over, specialises in exercise science and sports medicine. A leader in its field as well as the biggest of its kind, it has pioneered research in the diagnosis, prevention and cure of sports injuries and new developments in exercises.

Services provided by the American College of Sports Medicine

The departments at this institution offer a wide spectrum of services in the discipline of healthcare. Athletes, players of various sports, and cosmonauts besides ordinary people with physical challenges, have all benefited from the services of American College of Sports Medicine. The motto of the American College of Sports Medicine is to facilitate and integrate research, learning and practical usage of sports medicine with exercise science towards increased physical output, overall health and better quality of life.

Certificate courses

The certification courses offered by the American College of Sports Medicine are of a wide range, in keeping with its rich experience in sports medicine and related services, and reputation. The certifications at the American College of Sports Medicine are open to any person that qualifies for them.

The most popular certification programs as well as the category of applicants they are suitable for, are listed as follows:

- Health Fitness Certification

- ACSM Certified Personal Trainer

This course is meant for fitness trainers who wish to offer individualised fitness programs to their clients.

- ACSM Health / Fitness Instructor

Instructors conducting corporate, community and commercial programs on health and fitness will benefit from this certification.

- Clinical Certifications

- ACSM Exercise Specialist

Certificate course for professionals conducting exercise tests and training the people suffering from cardiovascular, metabolic or pulmonary ailments, for better health through exercise.

- ACSM Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist

People facilitating exercise management programs for patients of chronic ailments or any form of disability go through this certification.

Research Endowments

The ACSM Foundation and the Office of Research Administration and Programs, an offshoot of the American College of Sports Medicine, has on offer grants for research for ACSM student members as well as researchers. The funding can be utilised for research in:

- Injury prevention

- Space physiology

- Weightlessness

- Factors influencing exercise and disease risk

- Exercise and aging

- Exercise and heart rate response

The Research Administration and Programs department is also a reliable source of scientific information for several National Center departments.

Publications of the American College of Sports Medicine

General public can access information and research studies on sports medicine, exercise science, fitness and health through the publications, books and video products of the American College of Sports Medicine. These include four journals, namely:

- Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise

- ACSM's Health & Fitness Journal

- Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews

- Current Sports Medicine Reports

Besides these, the institution also publishes a bimonthly newsmagazine.

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Plan For College - Secrets of College Honors Knowledge

2008-11-07T10:22:00.003-08:00

By Tom Tessin

Talk to the big achievers & that ease zone at times expands to perhaps ten to twelve schools - "elites," who previous year stunned us college advisors just by edging down in "lower than about 10%" admit rate. With Stanford turning thousands of valedictorians yearly and the big state schools getting tens of hundreds of apps every year, just applying to handful of schools, which everybody else is applying...is not win-win plan.

So here is a big, heartening number - there are over 1500 four year, regionally credited, residentially based, bachelor degree colleges & universities in the country. Wrapped inside lots of of those 1500 plus "traditional" scholar experiences, are stunning gems recognized as "honors experiences, and " where small, choosy group of students will get to work with the distinguished faculty in specialized surroundings & enjoy all top sources of the college. Thanks to thousands of honors experiences all over the country, even most spirited student can cast net across lots of attractive schools & land an exceptional undergraduate education.

The honors experiences also come in various fantastic set-ups. First up are the honors colleges. Keep in mind that the universities are groups of colleges. At several schools, there is distinct honors college who has its own admissions & financial help process, prospectus, & lots more. Next are honors programs (at times referred as "scholars" courses) that can be series of particular courses, parts or major track, which is division of many academic aids at college. Finally, the honors semesters are focused experiences, frequently associated with the internships and travel. The colleges may as well have their mix-and-match adaptations of honors experience.

If you are academically aggravated student who likes stretching mind & spirit, here are few reasons why one school with honors experience fits on your college list.

Ultimate academic experience. Honors experience on any of the campus generally presents very close contact with the most important faculty members, most challenging routes, and cream of student crop.

Devoted facilities. Several honors colleges got their personal residential housing for the students. At minimum, the honors programs normally present special lounges, personal computer labs and other facilities for the honors students.

Similar price, good education. When you get accept in honors experience, you normally pay similar tuition, fees & residential bills as some other students on the campus - however you get "upgraded seat." A few programs & colleges charge extra fees for extra sources you may access, however they have unique scholarships that will help to pay for those.

Best of worlds. Love idea of big state school knowledge? Even on largest campus, the honors experience will give you lots of benefits of smaller, and private college.

A hope of self-actualization. Not like some very high school classes, the college honors experiences are not about doubling the workload; they are radically expanding the worldview. You may look forward to the leadership grooming, specialized internships, service learning, field trips, advanced undergraduate research, recreational events, personal advisors, trips abroad and lots more.

Tom Tessin is an author for FINDcollegecards.com that is geared toward students looking for a student credit card

Do You Need College to Succeed?

2008-11-07T10:22:00.001-08:00

By Roger M Ingbretsen

As the cost of a college education spirals and loans becoming more difficult to get, maybe it's time for you to reconsider if you really need college to succeed? Try the following exercise to help you make some career decisions.

Write a list of what you want in your life - this can include everything from a lot of free time to financial security. Next make a list of what you are good at doing and what you really like to do. Then compare the two lists and see if the comparison sparks ideas about possible occupations. Finally, talk to someone who is presently employed in the jobs that look interesting to you. Find out the good, the bad and the ugly of those careers. Find out if the job will be required for several years and does the job meet your expectations. If the desired job requires a college degree, fine; if the job requires some specific training, fine, at least you will be informed.

A good career plan requires a focused approach to finding what you want and an unwavering commitment to secure your own personal future through continuous learning.

In addition to determining what path you will take to enter or stay employed, you must realize America is now faced with the reality of global competition. You are not just in competition with other Americans seeking a job in your preferred career; but with others from around the globe.

The burdens, complexity and high expectations placed upon the current workforce and those who will enter the workplace are becoming very intense, demanding... and rewarding. The age of the "knowledge worker" is here! Basic work skills are much more than basic!

Don't confuse the term knowledge worker with college degree. Knowledge worker denotes the ability to apply knowledge to effect outcomes and produce results. A college degree is the completion of obtaining a certain level of knowledge which may or may not have any impact on the individual or others with regard to a career.

Whether a college graduate or a not, the expectations placed upon the current workforce, and those who will enter the workplace, are indeed becoming very high.

Here is the much-cited list complied by the US department of Labor and the American Society for Training and Development of the "basic skill groups" that employers today believe are important for both current and future individuals who occupy positions at virtually any level within the workplace.

- Knowing how to learn throughout life

- Reading, writing and computation skills

- Listening and oral/written communication skills

- Creative thinking and problem solving skills

- Interpersonal skills

- Negotiation and team work skills

- Self-esteem, self-motivation, goal setting and personal career development skills

It is interesting that these skills are considered "basic" and yet over half of the current workforce has had little or no training for this group of skills. Other than reading, writing, computation and oral communications the above skills list represents a switch to skills requiring strong personal attributes and attitudes. These have not been normally associated with traditional vocational, academic curriculum nor the industrial workplace.

These skills can represent a challenge to those who find themselves in a catch-up mode and already in the workforce. Once again, we must be reminded that the rest of the world is using this same list to prepare its current and future workforce. The information age has made this approach to work both necessary and possible. The knowledge age now makes these skills, attitudes and attributes a requirement!

In today's global market, and with the proliferation and availability of information worldwide, it is very hard to predict from where your next competitor will come. The good thing is that it works both ways. Your organization, or you as an individual, can plan and shape your future by focusing your energy on developing the ability to thrive on change, and drive change to your own personal career benefit.

As an individual you must constantly acquire "solid factual information" and gain "relevant knowledge." Factual information (not rumors or news sound bites) and relevant knowledge (knowledge useful to you and others) translate into power and strength in the workplace. Information and knowledge informs us and creates conditions that effectively support our future success.

A Very Important Point: To beat the competition, (local or global) and stay employed, you must become an engaged, resilient and knowledgeable individual who adds value, drives outcomes, and completes objectives... college degree or no college degree!

Faster than most imagined, the confluence of social, economic, but most of all technological forces, have brought a new twist to the world of work. Small businesses create two-thirds of new private sector jobs, employ more than half of all workers, and account for more than half of the output of our economy. Small business offers some of your best career opportunities. This is yet another reason for you to become serious about gaining as much "usable/relevant training" as possible.

There are many family wage jobs in the market that do not require a college degree. Some of these careers may be appealing to you and will not require the expense of a degree. However, most well paying careers will require some skill specific training.

About Ingbretsen Consulting LLC: Interested in putting these tips into action? Roger Ingbretsen provides business guidance to professionals, managers, supervisors and all individuals looking for "real world" career development information. He'll coach and guide you step-by-step as you seek greater success in your career and the success of your organization. To know more and claim dozens of Rogers free articles go to http://www.ingbretsen.com For more information on careers go to http://www.planyourcareernowebook.com

How to Face College Rejection

2008-11-07T10:21:00.002-08:00

By Julie Harvard

You have spent all your time and efforts to prepare the college application. You have sent out the college application form attached with all the requirement documents. You are confidence that your selected college will accept your application because you have met all the admission criteria. But, sometimes thing does not happen as what we expected. When you receive the letter from the college, you thought it should be the acceptance letter, but unfortunately the letter informs you that you have not been accepted. So, what are you supposed to do now? How are you going to face the college rejection?

When you apply the college, you have set your mind and your heart to make commitment to this school, but now you have been rejected by it. At the moment you received this bad news, your spirits must be broken and have no clue on how to proceed in your next step. But, don't let this panic moment drag for too long because college rejection does not means the end of the world, there is something that you can do to turn around the situation.

You should not give up and accept the college rejection. If this is the college you are planning to spend your college life with, then don't give the 2nd chance of being accepted by making an appeal to the college decision. You need to tell the college in your appeal letter why they should accept you. Therefore, before you make the appeal, try to think back what are the mistakes you have made during the application preparation, there must be an oversight of some kind that result in the rejection. Or, there are extraneous circumstances surrounding your application that need extra clarification. List down the key points that you think the college should re-consider your application; then write a well written appeal letter to college's admission department. You may need to make a few appeals and the college may keep rejecting you, try a few time before you give up.

When you apply for college admission, you should always apply for multiple colleges, so that you still have options if the appeals process to your favorite college doesn't work. You can always accept the offer from the other college and then transfer to your favorite college after two years. Or, you have choose to study general education at a community college that located near your home while build up your college credit and polish your transfer to apply for any transfer to you top choice college later.

Summary

College rejection isn't fatal and can happen to any application. You should react positively and try your best to rebound from rejection to end up exactly where you want to be.

Julie Harvard, an author who writes topics related to education especially in online education programs. You can explore more information and resources about online college degrees from her website at URL: http://www.studykiosk.com.

Get Your Doctoral Degree For Today's Job Environment

2008-11-07T10:21:00.001-08:00

By Dean Novosat

Are you planning on going to graduate school? If so, you have plenty of options as you embark on your doctoral studies. When it comes to doctorates, most people automatically think about getting your medical degree in becoming a physician or a dentist. However, you can obtain a doctorate in many different fields of study. For example, you can earn a Ph.D. in almost any major that you would have studied in undergraduate college.

Some popular choices for doctoral degrees include: engineering, finance, women's studies, economics, government, and all the different science majors. Many students who continue their undergraduate work into graduate school eventually move on and become researchers, teachers, or professors. There are even Doctorate of Divinity degrees for those wishing to enter the ministry.

If you decide that you wish to earn your doctorate in business, you may consider attending one of the top business schools in the nation such as Harvard, Yale, or the Wharton School of Business. A Ph.D. from any of the schools will almost guarantee you a top paying job at one of the nation's largest corporations.

Doctoral degrees, are not just with their name implies. You don't have to be a medical doctor once you heard your doctoral degree. A Ph.D. will help you in any career field. It proves that you have the knowledge and understanding to be an expert in your chosen field. This will make you a major asset in almost any environment. Research has shown that the most highly successful people in the corporate world have their Ph.D.'s and these people also garner a higher wage than those without their Ph.D.'s.

Dean Novosat writes for http://www.doctoralstudiesexpert.com - Doctoral Studies about higher education.

Effortless Studying - Find Your Best Time of Day to Focus

2008-11-07T10:20:00.000-08:00

By Ali Hale

We all have times of day when we can race through our to-do list, concentrate effortlessly, and produce our best work. And we all have times of day when we just want to slump on the sofa and watch something mindless on the television.

Here's how to figure out when you study best, so that you can plan your studying for your most effective hours. Studying when you're on tip-top form will make your day go much more smoothly.

1. Experiment with studying at different times of day

Even if you think you're a night owl or a morning lark, try studying at hours that you wouldn't normally work. If you tend to wake up s-l-o-w-l-y and rarely do anything but drink coffee and surf the 'net until midday, try starting studying as soon as you're dressed, for a change. If you never work after dinner, try making an essay plan at ten pm.

You may well just confirm your suspicions that you study best at a specific time - but you might also surprise yourself!

2. Keep a "study log" for a few days

Once you've got a feel for the times when you think you study well, start keeping a log for a few days. It's up to you how you do this, but one simple method is to grab a sheet of paper for each day and divide it up like this:

8am - 10am

10am - 12noon

12noon - 2pm

2pm - 4pm

4pm - 6pm

6pm - 8pm

8pm - 10pm

(Obviously, jiggle the times around a bit if you get up at 6am or if you're never in bed before 2am...)

As you go through the day, jot down what you're doing during each timeslot (eg. "writing essay on Chaucer", "having lunch then watching television") and also write down how you're feeling; tired, motivated, energetic. After doing this for a few days, you'll have built up a clear picture of when you can work easily, and when you struggle to concentrate.

3. Plan your day to maximise your best times

The final step is to put what you've learnt about yourself into practice. For some students, you may be tied to studying at specific times - perhaps you have lab sessions from 9am - 5pm. Most students, though, have considerable flexibility over their schedules; far more than the majority of full-time employees.

If you know you concentrate well from 8am-10am, then make sure you get to bed at a reasonable hour so you're actually awake during your best studying hours. If you've been going to the gym at lunchtime, but find you're great at racing through essays between 12-2pm, then why not head to the gym during your 4pm-6pm "slump" instead?

Many people find that they can accomplish as much in one hour of solid, focused attention during their "best" time as in two or three hours of frustrated effort during a time of day when they're naturally tired. Make sure your schedule is working for you, not against you.

Ali Hale is a postgraduate student of Creative & Life Writing, and runs the blog Alpha Student ("Helping you make the most of your time at Uni"). Ali works as a freelance writer and website creator, and is on the staff of several large blogs. If you're looking for a writer or a website, you can hire her via Aliventures.

College Internship - Completing More Than One

2008-11-06T11:15:00.006-08:00

By Vickie Faria

Many students spend a great deal of time worrying about whether or not they will find a great paying job soon after graduating from college. Although not all students are lucky enough to land a job that they love right after graduating, there are steps that you can take to set yourself apart from the competition and increase the likelihood that you will be chosen for a competitive position.

If you are worried that you may not have enough relevant job experience to land a high paying job right out of college, you may want to consider completing a college internship. Potential job employers normally only hire candidates with relevant career experience, and completing an internship college is one of the best ways that you can gain that experience while you are still in college.

College internship opportunities usually only last for two or three months, so some do not offer enough experience to set yourself apart from the competition for high paying jobs after college. Other internship college opportunities on the other offer a great deal of experience, so you should be selective when choosing one.

It is fairly common for students to complete more than one college internship during their college years. Some students even choose to complete an additional internship college after they graduate from college.

One reason why students choose to complete an additional college internship after graduating from college is that they will be completing the internship for a company that they hope to be hired on for a career position. After their college internship is completed, depending on their performance, it is often times likely that the company will choose to keep them on as a full time employee.

More information on College Works Painting internships for students is just a click away.

Did You Hear About How to Use a Calculator on the GMAT?

2008-11-06T11:15:00.005-08:00

By Scott Strepina

This is a very common question and the answer is simply no you can not use a calculator on the GMAT. Initially most people think this is a huge negative and believe they are now going to have to figure out how to multiply large numbers in there heads in less than 2 minutes.

Let me tell you why not being able to use a calculator on the GMAT is a good thing. First this limits the problems to answers that can be reasonably computed with out the use of a calculator. If you find yourself in a position where you need to multiply 1456 * 1987 you are probably headed down the wrong track and need to adjust your strategy.

On the GMAT you will still finding intimidating large numbers and lengthy decimals that will have you looking for your calculator but all that is actually needed is a good understanding of math fundamentals. There is often a quicker way in which you need to develop your skills to point out repeating digits after the decimal or to memorize basic fractions.

While this may seem basic you need to be sure that you can rattle of instantly that 3/8 = .375 every second counts when you are taking the GMAT.

While I know some people are desperately trying to find out how to use there calculator on the GMAT, the answer is a big no.

Practice, Practice, Practice is the way to a high GMAT score. You not only have to know how to solve a variety of problems you need to be able to complete them in a quick fashion. The only way to fine tune your skills for this is to complete a significant amount of problems before the exam. Not starting and then getting stuck and then moving onto something else but completing questions from start to finish. Overall it is not bad news that you can not use a calculator on the GMAT.

Find out more on why you do not need a GMAT Calculator Sign up for "The world Famous 21 Question Video Practice Exam" and have a GMAT expert walk you through 21 problems step by step over the web and in your in-box.

International Students in Bologna

2008-11-06T11:15:00.003-08:00

By P. Scottyn

Bologna is home to the oldest university in Europe and, as a result, is popular with visitors on school group travel.

The University of Bologna (or the Alma Mater Studiorum Universita di Bologna) was established in the 11th Century and is the second-largest university in Italy. Due to the accompanying student population of around 100,000, Bologna is a bustling university town with a thriving academic and social scene.

The university has 23 different faculties and offers a number of courses in English for international students. The university also arranges courses on local culture and history for international students - which give an interesting insight into the region.

International students on the Erasmus program tend to book into one of the excellent Bologna hostels at the start of their stay in the city. These hostels prove a great 'meeting place' for people in the same situation looking to find a group of friends and ultimately a house for the year.

Sites

For those looking for some respite from their books while in Bologna, the city heralds many superb tourist attractions. For example, the Palazzo dei Notai on the edge of the Piazza Maggiore is a must see location, as is the Basilica San Peronio.

Likewise, the Two Towers of Bologna continually draw in the crowds. These imposing medieval structures are thought to date back to around the 12th century, although their actual intended use remains unknown.

Sustenance

Bologna is of course the birthplace of Bolognese sauce. This means that pasta-loving students will be able to brush up on their Italian cooking skills during school group travel to the city.

The dish is a local specialty and can be found on the menu at most restaurants. It's also a mainstay in the kitchens of most bologna hostels, meaning that you don't necessarily have to splash out on restaurant dining to sample the local favorite. Other culinary treats to look out for in Bologna include cured meats such as prosciutto and hard cheeses.

No student experience would be complete without sampling the local nightlife. Live music is a particular highlight in Bologna - the city was declared a UNESCO City of Music in 2006 and several different performances in multiple music styles can be found on most nights.

Cafes and bars showcase local musicians, while the city's piazzas are the perfect place to take in some impromptu street performances. It's also here when, late at night, happy students from across the city congregate and really let their hair down.

Before settling down and becoming a copywriter for HostelBookers.com Paul Scottyn did a backpacking tour of Italy, he checked out a variety of the country's budget group accommodation, including a number of most Bologna hostels

Not Sure? A College Search For Flexible Programs

2008-11-06T11:15:00.001-08:00

By Mohammed Jamali

While some people may know exactly the college they would like to attend, they may be undecided as to their exact degree program or field of study. For these individuals many schools provide a Major as well as a Minor degree or focus. For those who aren't sure about the career path they want to enter or the school they should attend, a college search can be a bit more complicated.

In order to meet the academic needs of an individual unsure of their future professional needs, many colleges and universities provide an "undecided" option, or a "general studies" program. This allows a student to begin earning the credits that every graduate needs to complete any degree program, while also considering and exploring their future plans and goals.

A college search for schools with such flexible programs usually begins with state colleges and universities, though most community colleges also provide flexible options. These schools will allow a student to receive high-quality educational experiences at a lower cost than a private four year school, while living free of the pressure of picking a set program or field of study.

Many other students at these schools will also be entering into their four year degree in the same circumstances, "undecided" or "general studies", and this presents a nice opportunity for a student to interact with others trying to figure out their futures as well.

Any four year degree has a large portion of study dedicated to liberal studies, meaning an opportunity to choose from almost any class or course that is open to a student. For example, a history major could sign up for an astronomy course, a drafting class, or a graphic design course to meet some of their general degree requirements. In this way a student is able to encounter potential career paths, or spark an interest that could lead to a choice in degree or field of study.

Guidance counselors are an important connection for students beginning a college search for flexible programs and degrees. They will be able to recommend the appropriate school to meet the student's budget, preliminary goals and deadlines. They are also excellent at analyzing a student's existing strengths and interests and offering advice, support and suggestions for potential degree programs or fields of study.

Many state, public and community colleges or universities have an open enrollment opportunity, which eliminates the need for an application essay, or competitive acceptance requirements. They will however adhere to strict deadlines and class limits. This means that any student interested in applying should do so as early as possible to guarantee their place in the class and have access to as many enrollment opportunities as possible.

These schools will generally be at a significantly lower cost than a private college or university and can allow a student to build up their transcript at an accredited school without committing to a large amount of college debt or school loans.

For more visit our college search resource center for the most comprehensive article database we can provide, whether you're searching for the perfect college, doing a scholarship search or a career search. College is one of the most important decisions you will make in your life and it's important that you make an educated one.

Why You Should Study in Australia?

2008-11-06T11:14:00.002-08:00

By Manjusha Nambiar

Australia is known for its brilliant academic faculties and world-class educational institutions. Every year, thousands of students from different parts of the world choose Australia as their overseas study destination. Australian universities offer a wide variety of courses from doctoral level study to vocational training and short-term courses. In your chosen field, the institutions provide you with some of the best infrastructure, academic environment and opportunities. Furthermore, you will find excellent opportunities to hone your sports, artistic and literary talents apart from your chosen field of study.

The academic environment in Australia

Australian degrees, diplomas and other awards are recognized worldwide. Australian universities are famous for exceptional facilities provided at competitive prices in a safe and friendly environment. Australian universities expect students to actively participate in the learning process. There is great emphasis on private, self-motivated study, research and analysis of data. Universities in Australia normally expect overseas students not only to have good scores in qualifying exams like GMAT and TOEFL, but also to have work experience for entry into their Master Degree Programs. In technical fields such as engineering, medicine and science, there are more hours of lectures, tutorials and practical classes where students are expected to spend more time in individual reading and research.

Australian Education System

The academic curriculum in Australian universities is scientifically planned and it caters to students from many countries. The Australian Education System has three segments: primary education, secondary education and tertiary education. Tertiary education itself has two components: Universities (Higher Education) and TAFE (Technical and Further education). TAFE is a government recognized system of vocational education and training. It is the major provider of the skills required by the Australian work force. The TAFE year runs from February to December.

What is TAFE and how is the quality of education?

The Technical and Further Education System (TAFE) in Australia was formed about 30 years ago. It is an Australia-wide system providing extensive range of education and training services. Its main stream courses are government oriented. TAFE courses are more vocationally oriented and on completion, you are ready for a job. After completion of the diplomas one can directly articulate into any university of his/her choice. Normally one-year credit is given for the TAFE diplomas.

TAFE courses are taught in modern, well-equipped colleges but some specialist courses are delivered in the workplace, in the student's home or in overseas countries.

TAFE courses provide training for: accounting, administration, advertising, banking, catering, construction, drafting, manufacturing, telecommunication, tourism, trade and many more specializations.

Admission and Visa Eligibility

For admission and visa eligibility, you will need to:

Enroll in a full time course of study

Have the minimum entry qualifications for the course

Have a good standard of English

Have good health

Be financially able to meet course and other institutional fees and living expenses.

Admission process

Once you have selected the course for your study, you will need to:

Fill the application form for the university

Send all the supporting academic records and other required documents

Send application fee if applicable (some universities charge a processing fee)

Send photocopy of passport if available, or copy of application for passport lodged.

The academic year in Australia starts in February. There are two semesters in each academic year.

Autumn: February to June (Vacations - June to July - One month)

Spring: July to November (Vacations - December to February - 2 months)

Last date for application

By end of October for autumn session

By end of May for spring session

The author is the editor or dailylearningtips.com, a website that provides study abroad information and test preparation tips.

Can't Find a Job, Go Back to College! Part One

2008-11-06T11:14:00.001-08:00

By Lauren Axelrod

The hardest fact about life is that it's unpredictable. Many times the state of our situation changes causing a down spiral of horrendous things to occur. Not only does this affect us but, it puts a strain on the ones around us.

From personal experience, I know how hard it can be when things occur that you think can not be changed. The fact is, it will only get better if you change the direction of where you are going.

Some of us, when we are 18 and graduating from High School say we'll never look back. Most students will hurry off to college and get a degree and not know where to go with it because our whole life has been spent living off our parents and not trying to hack it in the real world on our own.

Others, will bypass the entire college experience and lounge around their parents couches letting their education drift away into the mindless episodes of "Southpark" and "SpongeBob Squarepants".

I'm here to tell you that when something in your life changes like losing a business, getting fired, or even getting laid off there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

The same idea can be applied to the youth of the nation. When your 18 year old leaves school in search in search for a better world beyond college and beyond the everyday grunt work of a telemarketing cubicle job I believe they will find the light exists on a college campus.

Your greatest strengths can be explored and the experience will not only fulfill a empty whole in your life but, it will reward you handsomely.

Along my journey, I have met many professionals crossing the stepping stones of a new career. These relationships have blossomed into an online collaboration of writings, poetry, and historical pieces to not only entertain but, to educate.

You can check out my educational and informative Blog at http://www.laurenaxelrod.blogspot.com

How to Select a Court Reporter School

2008-11-06T11:13:00.000-08:00

By Jennifer Charleston

When considering a Court Reporting school, you should make sure the school has been approved by the National Court Reporting Association. Since NCRA is the organization that issues exams and certifications, approved schools will be sure to include the required teachings and training in their curriculum, as well as prepare you for the certification exam. You can see a list of NCRA approved schools on their website.

Another choice to make when selecting a Court Reporting school is the type of classes you wish to take. Do you need daytime classes, evening classes, or maybe you need to find a school that offers online courses or a combination of an on/off campus curriculum? What ever your scheduling requirements, you should not find it difficult to locate an educational facility that offers what you need.

Court Reporter education is provided by universities, colleges, vocational, trade and technical schools that offer in classroom and online training. There are also varying programs and degrees offered, from earning a certificate, to a bachelor degree.

So you have found a couple of schools that are NCRA certified and they fit your scheduling and program requirements. What other information do you need to know about the school? Some questions you may want to ask are:

1) Do they offer or qualify for financial aid or assistance?

2) What is the admission process?

3) How long is the program?

4) What is included in the tuition?

5) What equipment do you need to buy?

6) How do they manage the internship program?

7) What is their job placement record?

8) What theories are taught?

9) What are the requirements to graduate?

Now that you have the basic answers to your questions, go to the web and Google the school or schools. Look for blogs, forums, alumni sites, or other information that is out there and may help in your decision and comfort level with the school(s). Join a couple of the sites and ask questions, but beware of plants or paid bloggers. If the information you are getting on the school is praise beyond belief, then you may want to look for a site with more realistic information.

Want more information on court reporter careers? Learn how to become a court reporter and find out what does a court reporter do from http://www.careertoolkits.com

Why College Students Value Self Storage Units

2008-11-05T12:51:00.003-08:00

By Kurt Kleindienst

College students are notorious for their uncanny ability to acquire vast amounts of "stuff" in their door rooms and apartments. When they move back to their parent's home for the summer or graduate into a new home, some of the belongings they have accumulated may not fit or be welcome. That is why every college student (and parents of college students!), should consider self storage as a way to ensure the safe storage of their student's stuff.

Self Storage for Students:

Looking for somewhere to store all the collegiate memorabilia you've accumulated over the year? Perhaps your parents won't appreciate or allow some of your coveted college "decorations"? Self storage provides the perfect solution. With self storage, your parents don't even have to know what sort of out-there collections you've amassed--in fact, no one does. Part of the security of self storage units is that you are the only person who has a key. So you and you alone control who has access to your belongings.

Many self storage facilities use closed-circuit video surveillance systems to monitor the comings and goings of all customers and associates. Plus, modern storage units are equipped keypad-controlled access and individual door alarms, providing additional levels of security.

For college students traveling for a semester abroad, a self storage unit provides a great alternate to moving everything back home. Simply store your items at a storage facility near campus and when you come back from traveling, you'll have everything you need to re-establish your college home. The beauty of a storage unit is it provides an excellent option to keep your things safe and secure--allowing you to travel and explore the world without worrying about whether your parents are 'helping you' get organized by throwing away a bunch of your things.

Self storage is not just for your school's summer and winter breaks, however. Many students securing jobs out-of-town after college are faced with the prospect of having to throw out many of their prized collegiate possessions because of apartment size and storage restrictions. If you cannot bear to part with your collection of memorabilia, and know that you will regret selling it when you eventually purchase a home with enough room to house it, securing your belongings in your own self storage unit is the perfect way to keep your things out of sight, but certainly not out of mind. You'll find residential storage to be a great way to remove clutter from your home.

When the summer is over, or you finally can afford that big apartment, you can pick up your things from the self storage facility and bring them home to enjoy.

Self Storage for Parents:

Your home is your haven and having a college student at home for the summer can definitely create a little chaos. Add boxes of 'school stuff' that litter his/her room or worse your prized garage, closet or attic space--and you're organized home just got a little "unlivable."

Using a self storage unit to keep these items close to school (and out of your house!) is a great way to save your own home's organization, while allowing your student to keep his/her belongings and save the effort of lugging all that stuff home! It also gives your student the opportunity to assume some responsibility. He/she will be responsible for moving in and out of the unit--and while the items are stored, he/she will be the only one with the key to his storage unit. Giving your child the responsibility to store his valuables while away at college is good 'training' as a future homeowner, as he/she learns the lesson that clutter can be remedied without having to throw away priceless memories.

Self storage is the perfect solution for both parents and college students. Self storage units provide a safe, secure, and affordable way to store every valuable belonging--even when it's that famous bottle cap collection.

Mr. Kleindienst is a self storage company executive. He works for Safeguard self storage, a self storage facility that offers various self storage units.

Saint Louis University

2008-11-05T12:51:00.001-08:00

By Mark Bradley

Saint Louis University, also known as SLU, is a private, co-ed Jesuit university in St. Louis, Missouri. The Society of Jesus founded St. Louis University in 1818, and that makes SLU the oldest university west of the Mississippi river. Founding a University west of the Mississippi in 1818 was a huge accomplishment, considering how the US was still primarily an east coast nation at this time. The Association of Jesuit Colleges and universities made SLU one of its 28 members, and then was accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.

These are basically all the dry facts, but St. Louis University is anything but dry when you take into account its stunning architecture and wonderful athletic teams. Currently 12,309 students are enrolled at SLU, and they come from all 50 states and more than 80 foreign countries, meaning that St. Louis University is the 4th biggest Jesuit University in the US. The university provides undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, and the undergraduate program is ranked 80th in the US.

Let's get to one of my favorite aspects of St. Louis University: the architecture and surrounding neighborhoods! There is some truly unique and beautiful architecture on the SLU campus, and some of the surrounding towns offer great entertainment, food and fun, not just for students, but for the residents as well.

When you take a stroll through St. Louis University, you'll often stumble across a number of interesting and smartly-designed buildings; many of them with their own unique history. Two stand out in my mind as being exceptionally beautiful; with a long and interesting history that will last for ages to come.

The Historic Samuel Cupples House is a St. Louis landmark......well, not officially. The Cupples House is far and away the most beautiful mansion on the St. Louis University campus, and if you get the chance to spend an evening on its historic patio, drinking from a fine selection of wines by the glass, you'll be a more enriched person for it!

The Cupples House is a Romanesque Revival building from the late-nineteenth century. The Romanesque style is quite interesting; refuting the more intricate and complicated style of Victorian architecture, with its winding turns, great arches, and flashy design. The Cupples House, on the contrary, is built in the style of stability, strength, and simplicity.

Venture-off through St. Louis to see a great variety of styles and masterpieces of architecture in the 19th and 20th century styles. You may find something that surprises you, like Art Deco buildings that stimulate the imagination, and even old Spanish Mission Deco buildings like the one found in Grand Center, St. Louis, designed by P.T. Barnett. With its rich Spanish style and unique feel, this building always turns heads.

Mark Bradley is a real estate historian and investor. Specializing in renovating historic architecture. For a 15 page historic report on Mark's Spanish Mission Building at 3207 Washington Ave St Louis Mo 63103 go to: 3207washington.com

Making Sure No Child is Left Behind - Education Law Degree

2008-11-05T12:50:00.004-08:00

By Maja Aleksic

While I do not have a law degree, working in education has allowed me to cross paths with education lawyers on numerous occasions. I found the issues they deal with on a daily basis to be both noble and challenging.

What is Education Law?

Education law deals with schools, school systems and school boards charged with educating children. It is a branch of civil law that encompasses the laws and regulations that govern federal and state education, administration and operation of educational institutions, school athletics and education programs, methods and materials.

What do Education Lawyers do?

Education lawyers work very closely with school faculty, staff, students and administration. They spend their time going over issues such as discipline, suspension, expulsion and discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex and disability. Additionally, education lawyer's deal with questions related to school attendance, authority, civil rights, dress codes, drugs, disability, home schooling, immigrant visas, medical requirements, sexual harassment, and special education rights. As you can see, the span of topics coming across the desk of an education lawyer is impressive.

Careers in Education Law

Given that the span of topic covered by this area of the law is quite broad, so are the career opportunities. With an education law degree you could represent post-secondary educational institutions and institutions of higher learning in a number of different matters. Your clients could include a number of colleges, universities as well as school districts.

While representing these education institutions you would work on issues involving discrimination, disability, financial aid, and accreditation and licensing issues facing schools, staff and teachers/professors. Additionally, you could represent individuals, parents or students as well as teachers, professor and school employees on similar issues.

Job Outlook

Education law, and the lawyers that practice it, will continue to be a part of the education system. They are a necessity tasked with ensuring that every student has a fair and equal access to education.

According to the Department of Labor Statistics, employment of lawyers is expected to grow 11% during 2006-2016, about as fast as the average for all occupations. The increased demands for legal services will result in increased job opportunities. However, due to a large number of students graduating from law school, competition for jobs is quite intense. Those with strong academic records will have the best job opportunities.

Maja Aleksic has a doctorate in education psychology and has worked for both the Arizona State Department of Education as well as a prominent Arizona High School District. For more tips and advice on choosing the best legal online degree program, courses and career opportunities go to http://www.Select-Online-Degree.com/education_law_degree.html

College Fairs - Good Reason to Stay Home

2008-11-05T12:50:00.003-08:00

By Paul Lloyd Hemphill

I attended another college fair at a Massachusetts high school where nearly 100 colleges were in attendance. Sort of. These fairs are one-stop opportunities to see what a college has to offer, but it's really a time to pick up the school's literature and meet an admissions person.

That's all.

Unfortunately, many of these colleges didn't send their own admissions people, but instead sent people with dated perspectives: alumni with sweet but irrelevant memories for a 16-year-old who shows up to the booth. Perhaps guilty of such bad marketing were colleges like Villanova, Hamilton, Hobart & Williams, Wake Forest, and UMaine. Maybe they knew something about college fairs that made it worthwhile NOT to send their admissions people.

For this post, I submit the following observation. According to my own subjective categories, here are the colleges that impressed me the most:

Most creative and practical presentation catalog: Bridgewater State

Most influenced by a student's interest in their college (HINT: send emails, make lots of phone calls, show your face frequently to admission people): Holy Cross

Most informative catalog so you don't have to visit campus: UMaine, Orono

Most bang-for-your-buck (3 required internships): Endicott

Most worth-looking-into engineering college: Illinois Institute of Technology

Most noticeable college for creative writing: Eckerd (sunny Florida)

Most attractive for accounting and math majors: Eastern Connecticut Univ

Best packaging for college fairs: St Michael's

Most frequented booth: Northeastern

College fairs should be attended only by students (read: parents should stay home) so they can meet the admissions people. It's a way of getting a first sense of the school, but hardly enough of a sense to establish an objective opinion (read: students should stay home).

College fairs are a classic Show & Tell: Here's our fantastic catalog, you should love us because of these three hundred and sixty-seven reasons - with photos, which means you should feel soothing goosebumps about spending your parents' life-savings with us.

If you must, collect literature and free pens because that's about all you or your student are going to get out of it. I suspect 16- and 17-year-olds are more savvy than the colleges: they discovered the internet a long time ago, and they can order all the college's marketing stuff online. Plus, a student makes an impression by visiting the campus, not the fair.

That was the "inside" info I got from these admissions people...who showed up.

Paul Lloyd Hemphill specializes in designing, marketing, packaging and selling a student to a college by using the very same techniques colleges use to design, market, package ans sell their services to unsuspecting students. Visit his free video website: http://www.videocollegedad.com

How to Determine the College Tuition Price Tag

2008-11-05T12:50:00.001-08:00

By Vickie Faria

Deciding to attend college can be a positive, exciting step in your life. You will make new, often life-long friends and study various topics that are of interest to you. Before you can attend college, however, you should probably figure out how much it is going to cost.

College tuition can be very expensive or very reasonably priced, depending on which college you decide to attend. It is no secret that universities such as Yale and Harvard come with a steep price tag. Other universities can be relatively inexpensive, it just depends on where you want to go and which college will meet your needs.

Before deciding on which college to attend, ask each one for an information packet, including the college tuition costs. You can compare each university and also get a feel or why one college tution is more expensive than another.

College tuition costs vary depending on if you want to attend school in your state of residency or go out of state. Colleges often charge in-state students less than out of state students. Some states also offer reciprocity to students from neighboring state so it may be beneficial to ask prospective colleges if they offer this.

The initial college tuition price tag that colleges give you when researching their campuses can vary as well, depending on if you are eligible for scholarships or grants. Universities generally offer scholarship opportunities to incoming students. Students will usually have to request the scholarship forms and complete them to be considered for the award.

More information on College Works Painting community benefits for your home is just a click away.

GMAT Blog

2008-11-05T12:49:00.002-08:00

By Randy Paes

Starting a gmat blog is a great way to study for the GMAT. It helps you keep a working diary of your progress.

When writing a gmat blog you don't need to spend a lot of time on the design. Blogging isn't about design; it's about focusing on content. Content is key. Many people have done it and their scores have profited from it .

To begin you just need a blogger account. It's completely free and you don't need any website design or coding skills. Blogger allows you to pick a template and start blogging in less than 5 minutes. The cool thing is that blogger allows you to create categories that help keep your blogging entries organized.

Your blog entries don't have to be fancy. I recommend writing an entry every day or anytime you have learned something new. You can focus on any aspect that interests you. You should do your best to try and explain what you have learned in each blog entry. In order to explain it you will find that you have to really understand ideas.

As an added bonus you may get readers to read your blog. It's a great way to study not to mention have a voice. People can leave comments and contribute to the discussion. It's a great way to give back to the GMAT community.

Blogging makes the GMAT experience feel fun and fresh. Everyday is a new period of learning and reflection. In fact, you will look forward to study for a very grueling test. It helps you review otherwise complicated material.

Randy is the author of the 800 gmat blog and is currently working on his MBA. His blog features detailed gmat strategies and resources to beat the gmat.

Visit the 800 gmat blog.

How to Write a Quality Term Paper in 7 Killer Steps to Grade A

2008-11-05T12:49:00.001-08:00

By Jan Verhoeff

Okay, nobody ever knows if they'll get an A on their term paper or not, but you can do your best and cross your fingers. It's the old online-college charm. Hit the keyboard running after you're too danged tired to care, and you'll have a term paper by morning? Or not.

Back in college after a few years out (even the online variety), you have lost the groove (or you never had it) and your composition teacher is bound to extrapolate on the fine form that you don't have for writing anything suggested in class. The phenomenon is guaranteed! But, you don't have to settle for less than your best. You can give it all you've got in 7 killer steps and hope for an "A".

#1 - Know your stuff

Select a topic you're at the very least interested in, and write what you know. Just get some words on paper, so you can get started building your idea. Your thesis statement will come from these words of wisdom , write well.

#2 - Pick a format

Whatever format your college professor recommends is the best choice. Don't be too creative here. Word 2007 doesn't rule on the grading curve, so stick with APA, MLA, or whatever instant format your professor recommended.

#3 - Get comfy, to write

Put on your most comfortable pair of jeans or sweats and settle in your favorite chair with your laptop on your knee and a favorite drink nearby. (Tea or coffee works well, avoid anything stronger than cola.)

#4 - Research your topic

If you haven't already got a notepad full of carefully prepared notes, now's the time to Google up your topic and find out about the links and references you'll need to insert in your term paper.

#5 - Organize your thoughts

Some folks use outlines to write from, others just set out to get the words on paper. Whatever format you choose, put it together and find a pattern that makes sense to you.

#6 - Write your rough draft

By the end of a few hours, you should have 6 or 7 pages of content that looks somewhat similar to what your finished product might look like, eventually. With a few scribbles of red, notes in the sidebars, and footnotes of some kind in your document with links or references to your source materials.

#7 - Perfect your paper

This is where you cut the end off your red pen and bleed all over the paper, reorganize your thoughts, add some serious vocabulary, and determine the actual content of your final paper with proper grammar, corrected spelling and a stream of thought that flows from beginning to end of the paper. Getting your education online is easy, but you have to write the term paper. Yes, dear, it's required.

Do a little dance, sing around the room, order in Pizza Hut and celebrate. You're done! And it only took five weeks of procrastinating, thirty minutes of shivering, teeth chattering worry and concern, and twenty-four hours of hard labor to write your term paper.

Article writing is so much easier. Visit http://advertizeyourbusiness.com and get Two FREE Article Marketing Templates that will help you find easier ways than term papers to add content to your blog or website, and bring instant traffic to your business online.

College Internship - Taking an Unpaid Position

2008-11-04T11:00:00.002-08:00

By Vickie Faria

As a college student, you probably lead a very busy life. You probably are not only dealing with the stress of passing your classes with satisfactory grades, but also with gaining job experience that will help you land a high paying job after college.

One way to gain job experience that can help you land a great job after you graduate from college is to complete an internship college. The dilemma that many students face when choosing a college internship however, is whether to take a paid or unpaid position. If you are the typical college student, you probably do not have much money in savings and need a job to sustain your life style. If this is your situation, you may have to work another job in addition to your internship college if your internship is an unpaid position.

You may be wondering if it will even be worth your time to complete an unpaid college internship if you will have to work another job just to sustain yourself. The answer to this question lies basically in the type of internship college that you are considering completing. If the unpaid position you are considering completing has a great reputation for equipping students for their careers, it may be worth your time and effort to accept the position. However, if the position does not have a strong reputation, or you know little about it, you might want to do more research before accepting the job. Remember, if you decide that an unpaid position is not the right choice for you, there are probably many paid positions that will be better options for your situation.

More information on College Works Painting internship opportunities for students is just a click away.

Selling College Textboooks Online

2008-11-04T11:00:00.001-08:00

By Tom Tessin

College students are with more confidence than ever while it comes shopping online. This obvious reflection will not vibrate more, than in business of purchasing and selling second-hand college textbooks. For first time in the history, students are lastly getting good end of this when "college store takes the entire" industry.

According to NACS, books & supplies for 2 to 4 year students comes at right below $1000 per year at about $988. Actually college textbooks & supplies have risen in past year than what it was in previous seven, outpacing increase by double. Selling used textbooks in the past, used to be icing on cake. Now, the students want much hit for their money in times.

There are three things that you can do in order to get best fiscal experience from selling your book: First, overlook your campus store. While you first go on campus, all these guys might look like your friend. But, they are now trying to eek each piece of income out of all student purchasing books so that they can stuff their coffers with parents and students hard earned dollars. Conversely, they will not present anything what you have paid for new or else used college book you might have owned.

Next, become social in your different student organizations on the campus. Even with advent of internet, the word of mouth is s most efficient means to market the product and service, even while it comes to sell the used textbooks. And if you are fortunate, you will get price, which is better than store and potential buyer can receive better cost than if they would had paid through store.

Last, if you have still not known yourself with the search on internet, would be good time. Nowadays mantra to flourishing textbook selling is, "One who search most early, make most when semester ends. So become known with how one can search in Yahoo, Google, and MSN. When you lastly have the idea of how process works, then focus on the actual second-hand text search companies who will compile more second-hand college textbook details than you can ever think of. You may have information that can serve your requirements good in no time.

Enough to Get By

Lots of students see college as the power. They go to the college not just because they look at value in it, but also because it is what expected. Thus, these students do adequate to get by. With no motivation, direction, and focus, they take much longer to modify or eventually, drop out.

Not Prepared

Lots of students aren't prepared for the academic challenge in college. With no early planning in the high school years, then they avoid more challenging classes, which might have prepared students for college. Thus, when they go to college, they require corrective courses to come up to.

Some students generally do not take time to think what they will carry out when they graduate. With no idea of the interests & aspirations, they will find it much easy to postpone the choices about their prospect. College becomes comfortable place to go around until they make a decision.

Transfers

Studies have also shown that the students who move from one college to other, normally take much longer time to graduate.

Tom Tessin is an author for http://www.FINDcollegecards.com that is geared toward students looking for a student credit card.

Making College Admissions Easier For You

2008-11-04T10:59:00.000-08:00

By Tom Tessin

Apply to about 6 to 7 colleges, minimum.

One of the things that we found is it generally does nothing to apply few colleges, which you do not get, acknowledged anywhere before admitted to 1 or 2. You do not have to apply to about 30 different colleges; in fact, it will hurt you in a long run. However, perfect sum is to apply to around 6 - 8 colleges.

These are some things that you must look for in the colleges you apply to: Colleges you have good shot of being into. Colleges have financial help to give, or else are reasonable even though you do not get financial help. Colleges you will be actually happy to be present at.

Visit Colleges.

Please make sure to visit all colleges when it is in session. It is of o use to visit colleges at time of summer where no one is there except for janitor. You absolutely want to go to college while it is in the session, it means that you miss day of high school. As part of visit, take a formal tour, but importantly, walk over-- and at a few point lose parents if they are been tagged along-- as well as ensure you get chance to join your head in couple of classrooms, by pretending that you are been lost when class is in the session, with the intention that you may see what in fact happens.

It is as well important to end and get cup of coffee somewhere on the campus at the refreshment services so you may get the feel for what students like there.

Diverse colleges may attract completely different students. Keep in mind that these are students, which you will make friends with, studying with, dating, & bringing home; so, you would like to go around with the people, which you will take pleasure in hanging out with.

If you want to ask some question, probably best question, which you can ask is:

"What kind of help can you give me when I graduate from the college?"

Good college can go in good detail explaining diverse alumni programs that they have place together, and different means they have to take care of you and helping you get job or get in the graduate college that is much better reply than blank stare.

How One Can Get Accepted

When talking to the admissions officials, there are some distinct things, which you may do in order to make yourself further more pleasing to them.

Well, reason is simple; everybody loves to put off myself included. You most likely are like this. We like to wait to last minute on some things.

Reason is because everyone waits unless last second, and then admissions office will get flooded with the applications and they are cranky, overworked, tired, and want to use it-- so they at times do not give full amount of notice that they must to every application.

Alternatively, if you get the application in 5 to 6 weeks prior to the deadline, you will get them while they are in much better frame of mind & they have little more time to see your application.

Start building your credit today with student credit cards at FINDcollegecards.com, where you'll also be able to find more of Tom's work.

Essays About the Presidential Election in Admissions

2008-11-03T12:34:00.003-08:00

By Ross Blankenship

I've had a few people ask me whether they should write about the Presidential election and how it is has shaped their lives. The answer is: if you can do it effectively without it being too clichéd, then yes - it can be an acceptable topic. All too often, however, students let the election season take over their college applications- writing fervently for either Obama or McCain without any substance; they forget to come up with a solid theme about themselves. Don't fall victim to such poor writing.

Writing an essay, whether it be for prep school, college or graduate admissions, requires students take an inimitable approach. You must write with clarity, consistency and care.

For example, the following essay is a sample of bad writing on the election:

"I'm supporting ______ candidate because we need change. Change is a good thing for America. Just look at the last 8 years; when I was in middle school students and teachers thought we were heading in the right direction."

Why does this essay start off bad? Well, for one, it is about a concept, i.e. "Change," which can be difficult to bring down to a tangible level where the audience can see how it has shaped your life. Instead, start broadly and narrow the concept into a form where the reader/audience knows where you're heading with the topic. Further, supplement any political writing with solid examples of your participation in the election process.

Here's an example of a better essay with more substance:

"Having volunteered in a local phone drive for __________ candidate, I have heard the voices of people desiring change; I want to be part of this change. I took part in the electoral process because I feel our government is too large and our individual voices are all too often drowned out by special interests and lobbyists."

These two parallel examples - one bad, one good- hopefully clarify the essay topic of the Presidential election or any election for that matter. If you have volunteered before or been an active part of any local, state or federal campaign, tell the admissions office, be specific and bring any abstract topic such as change down to a manageable level. You don't want to sound clichéd like many political ads airing across the nation. Bring substance, candor and care to your essay and you're bound to connect more with your audience.

Hope that helps...

For more information on college essays and application essays, check out one of our programs.

Ross Blankenship is an Author and Director of http://www.miroadvantage.com , test prep and admissions. Miro Advantage helps students and parents achieve their admissions goals. Miro Advantage also runs TopTestPrep and AdmissionsControl, and aims to help students and parents throughout the admissions process.

Graduate School Problem Number 1 - Scientific Adviser

2008-11-03T12:34:00.001-08:00

By Cornelia Delane

A scientific adviser is the most important person for getting your Master's or PhD degree in time and without too much pain. What is even more important, is that it is a person, who will help you to get your first job, write your recommendation letters, use connections to get you an interview.

This implies that your professors has to be famous enough to have those connections and powerful enough to organize those interviews. Usually such people are well established researchers with their tenure received long time ago. Very often they have big research groups and not so much time to spend doing research. This is also because those famous professors have to attend numerous meetings and conferences and serve as advisers in all kind of committees. Therefore the time left after all those activities is shared among writing papers and grant proposals, teaching and, after all, working with research group members.

If we take all this in consideration, we suddenly realize that this type of scientific advisers can be good for getting your job, but really bad to work with.

On the other hand, young active professors, especially before their tenure, can spend days and nights in the labs working with their students and trying to work on the coolest projects and writing a lot of papers. You PhD will be finished very soon, and with impressive results in your resume. Unfortunately after that connections of your advisor start to play such important role, that you excellent resume may be not enough. This is especially true for academic career, where without calls with support from the advisor it is even impossible to get interview.

So, what to do? Is it better to choose old and established or young and active advisor?

As usually in life, there is no simple answer, but there are several possible solutions. First solution is to get co-advised by two people one of each kind. Second is to approach your famous professor with research questions so actively that you can get higher priority in his or her time share. Third is based on the fact that graduate study takes some time. Therefore if you start with a great young professor, and you together do nice research, at the moment of your graduation she or he will have enough connections to help you find a good job.

More information about relevant topics can be found at http://www.5caps.com

Ohio State Buckeyes - Tracing the 22 NCAA Titles of the Buckeyes

2008-11-02T10:16:00.001-08:00

By Freddie Brister

NCAA Championships is one of the most awaited events in every college team. It is a national title wherein the best of the best from different divisions and states are named. Some of the Big Ten Conference Division are able to make it on this important event while some are not. However, the chances of joining are big since there are many sports sanctioned by this organization.

The most popular sports for this event are football, basketball and baseball. If you look at the track record of the different teams, some might take years before they get their next Championship Titles. Others can do it consecutively but could end up periods of drought. Well, it is quite expected as different teams evolve every year and different players with strong skills and abilities emerge. Not to mention, the coaches of the teams vary and they have different strategies. Some may contribute to their winning streak others just settle for division titles.

The Universities of the Big 10 Conference have their many chances in joining the different NCAA Championship Matches. One of them is Ohio State University. They have won a total of 22 NCAA Titles. Their varsity team is named as the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Out of curiosity, let us try to trace their achievements in NCAA. Below are their records and years that they have won their 22 National Titles from NCAA:

Swimming Team

Their swimming team for men has the most records of NCAA titles for this event. They accumulated a total of 11 titles since 1943. Mike Peppe was the coach in 1931-1963 who led the team to win these 11 titles. He was ranked number one to coach the most titles for the NCAA and Ohio State was one of the teams to win the most titles in a year (for the years 1953 and 1955).

Gymnastics

Their team for men was the winner of the NCAA championships in 1984, 1990 and 2001. They have produced 24 NCAA individual champions under the supervision of Miles Avery. In 2001, Jamie Natalie was the All-around champion.

Golf

The division for men won the NCAA title in 1945 and 1979. In 1945, this varsity team grabbed their first gold under the supervision of Robert Keppler. The second title was under Jim Brown. Both coaches are now in the hall of fame for the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Track and Field, Fencing, Baseball and Basketball

Each of these teams grabbed one NCAA title only. Track and field gained the title under the coaching of F.R. Castleman. One of the notable players at his time was George Simpson, who was a champion for both 100 and 220-Yard Dash. Fencing team became National champion in 1942. Their baseball team won in 1966 under the coaching of Marty Karow. On the other hand, their basketball team won in 1960 under the coaching of Fred Taylor. Jerry Lucas was one of the top players at that time and he helped the team to win the title.

Freddie Brister is a huge fan of the Big 10 and the Ohio State Buckeyes. His love for the game of football started with an older brother passing the pigskin around in the backyard with cousins and neighborhood friends. He later played in high school, college and coached high school football for 25 years, before retiring to write for Sports Fan Treasures. Check out his Ohio State Merchandise

North Carolina Tar Heels - Top Three Varsity Teams For North Carolina

2008-11-02T10:15:00.000-08:00

By Freddie Brister

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is one of the participating schools for the Division I of NCAA. This is a public university, in fact, one of the best in the country. They have good academic programs for the undergraduate. They were also considered as a Public Ivy in 1985. They also have great postgraduate studies that people can avail and in fact, it is still one of the greatest curriculum's you will encounter. They are also one of the oldest universities in the United States as it was established in 1789.

This school is not all about academics. In fact, it is also one of the most notable schools for the Division I. It is one of those universities, who have won Championship Titles, mostly coming from the women team. They have 28 varsity teams but they are quite popular in the field of soccer and hockey. Their lacrosse team is doing well as well as their basketball team. However, winning these titles is not as easy as you think since this school has many rivals in the field of athletics. Most of their rivalries are also considered as one of the most intense rivalries in different sports publications.

The name of their team is North Carolina Tar Heels. If you want to know their records of accomplishments with regard to their hottest, most popular team in the University, check it out:

1. Soccer- This is one of their varsity teams with the most titles grabbed. They won 18 NCAA titles since 1982. They did this under the supervision and coaching of Anson Dorrance. Despite his sexual harassment issues with his players, he still managed to bring out the best of the players. He was not only recognized for his ability to coach College teams but he is also one of the coaches who lead the USA soccer team to win their first World Cup Title. This person is also one of the best coaches inducted in the Hall of Fame for his accomplishments in the field of soccer.

2. Basketball- Their team for men has won four NCAA Titles the latest to which was in 2005. This team was the roots of famous players Larry Brown (from Boston Celtics), Michael Jordan, Reyshawn Terry and many others. Although they are not the champions at all times, they have always been in the final four of the NCAA. They have produced many players to win individual awards.

3. Hockey- Their hockey team for women also contributed five titles from NCAA Championships. They must have the toughest women to play this sport and the 28 players, who were picked out for the All-American Selection evidence it. They won a lot of games under the coaching of Karen Shelton, who was also a former hockey player representing United States from 1977-1984. She was also chosen as Coach of the year four times with her stay in this university.

North Carolina Tar Heels is one of the teams with the best record of accomplishment in the NCAA. They are simple one of the teams to watch for in NCAA.

Freddie Brister is a huge fan of the ACC and the North Carolina Tar Heels. His love for the game of football started with an older brother passing the pigskin around in the backyard with cousins and neighborhood friends. He later played in high school, college and coached high school football for 25 years, before retiring to write for Sports Fan Treasures. Check out his North Carolina Tar Heels Merchandise

Nebraska Cornhuskers - One of the Most Competitive in College Teams

2008-11-01T10:39:00.003-07:00

By Freddie Brister

Competition is one of the things that make the life of every College Student great. It can be everywhere, in classes or extra-curricular activities. Life of a college student could never be as exciting without struggles for excellence and dreams of being on top. Without competition, there is no way for us to identify outstanding students who can represent the schools for tournaments.

Competition is most popular in sports. This is the spice of every game. It attracts people to watch the games as it makes the games very exciting. Because of this, there are rivalries. With its arousal, there will be champions. The champions are the best competitors for a season and can win trophies, recognition and individual awards. If you want to know one of the most competitive varsity teams in the history of college teams, then you should get to know the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. They are a member of the Division I of the National College Athletics Association. They are also members of the Big 12 Conference taking part of its Northern Division. They have great varsity teams that have won national titles and the most popular ones are their football, volleyball and gymnastics. Their varsity team is called the Nebraska Cornhuskers.

What makes them successful? Let us get up close and personal to their top varsity teams which are notable for this school. Below are some of them

Gymnastics

This is a sport full of flexible bodies and it is one of the teams that win more for this school. Both men's and women's divisions have been hailed champions for years. The women division grabbed 10 Big 8 Championship titles and 8 Big 12 Titles. For the men division, they have 8 National titles. Because of their performance not only they get a chance to bring glory to their schools but they also gave glory to their country when 10 of their gymnasts represented United States in the Olympics.

Football

Who would not love muscle men in tights? The American passion is also one of the most loved teams in this university. This is one of the longest teams to play for college football since they started in 1890. Their winning era for the National Championships began way back in 1970. They won a total of 5 National Titles to which the latest was in 1997.They have 2 of the best coaches in the face of football: Paul "Bear" Bryant and Tom Osborne.

Volleyball

The Nebraska Cornhuskers volleyball team is one of the best in the country. They won 3 NCAA Championship titles under the coaching of John Cook and Terry Pettit. Sarah Pavan was one of their star players who have been the leader in the team since her freshman years. Her presence in this team helped the Huskers to be one of the greatest in the history of College Volleyball.

These are just the teams that won the most championship matches. They are one of the many bests in their school. No wonder they have such great fans as they continue to fight to become the best competitors in sports.

Freddie Brister is a huge fan of the Big 12 and the Nebraska Cornhuskers. His love for the game of football started with an older brother passing the pigskin around in the backyard with cousins and neighborhood friends. He later played in high school, college and coached high school football for 25 years, before retiring to write for Sports Fan Treasures. Check out his Nebraska Cornhuskers Merchandise

So You Have Graduated College, Now What?

2008-11-01T10:39:00.001-07:00

By Chris McClelland

In tough economic times, more students are graduating with little or no career prospects. Many of these graduates who cannot find jobs are starting to feel the pressure. Just six months after graduating, all those loans they had to take out to pay for their education are coming back to bite them.

Recently, I went searching for open positions related to my field of study (marketing and communications) for when I graduate in May. Even when searching through the countless positions on websites like Monster.com, most positions for my major requires years of prior experience. I also visited a college career fair, and most of the companies were not looking for business graduates, but were more interested in pharmacists. Unfortunately, four or five years of sitting through endless lectures and classes devoted to the very position they are seeking does not count toward any experience.

The odds are not in their favor either. In the second quarter of 2008 the Labor Department gave the unemployment rate for those in the 20 - 24 year old group (the age range is the most likely for new graduates). Unemployment had risen from 7.7% last year to 9.8% this year.

Most colleges require students to intern and/or take career counseling to give them an idea of what to expect after graduation, but they still do not guarantee a job after graduation.

So you are a new graduate and cannot seem to stand out of the crowd? Here are a couple of tips to make you and your resume more noticeable to potential employers.

-Network. Networking helps you stand out to an employer. If you are currently a student, become involved in plenty of events and groups related to your major. -An impressive resume. Making your resume stand out is not as hard as it may seem. Little things such as adding a picture of you or using positive phrases can add luster to an otherwise vanilla resume. An example of a use of positive language is instead of saying you have no experience in a certain area, saying that you are willing and open to learning is obviously more constructive. Employers are always more open to someone who is willing to conform to their job descriptions, rather than a position having to conform to an applicant.

Student loans are creeping up and you still have not gotten the position to build your career on? Some people have begun to take a more unconventional attitude on job hunting: Create their own career by starting their own business. Once thought to be something only highly experienced professionals do, new graduates are starting businesses related to their fields of study.

If you have the ambition to start your own business, either a new graduate or someone who just has some new or great ideas, here are a few pointers that may help you start:

-Since you are probably bogged down with debt (thanks to student loans), try to limit your start up costs. Internet companies generally have very low start up costs, as long as you have an idea as to what you're doing. Starting a business with a friend can also limit your costs and you will have more than one person working toward a goal. -Remember those old textbooks that you could not or did not sell? Some of them have some great ideas in them. I have kept marketing books just because I thought in the future they could come in handy. -Have a business plan. If you have a business plan, even a simple one, you always have a reference point. Eventually we all hit road blocks, like writing essays and having an outline, a business plan can keep you in order. -Finally, do not give up and work hard to achieve your goals. Getting through college was not easy (or cheap), so do not be discouraged if your business does not take off immediately. Successful businesses take patience, time and a LOT of hard work.

It is not hard to become discouraged by the declining job market. Plenty of people I know are working in fast food restaurants while waiting to land "the job." When the economy is good, graduates may get multiple offers with competing salaries, but now these offers are not landing in people's laps like they once were. An applicant must do more to be noticed in today's job market. So good luck graduates, I will be seeing you in May.

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College Internship - What to Expect

2008-11-01T10:38:00.002-07:00

By Violet Williams

As a college student, you have the option to study a plethora of career fields. With the vast number of study programs to pursue in college, it can sometimes be a little intimidating and overwhelming to choose one. Once you have chosen a field of study however, you may still find yourself wondering if the career field you have chosen is something that you will enjoy doing for the rest of your life.

One way to find out if you will really enjoy the career field that you have chosen is to complete a college internship. An internship college can be one of the best ways to get a feel for what your chosen career will be like after college. If you do not complete an internship or take on some other job that will give you an insight into your career, you will basically be walking into the career field blindly without really knowing if you will be enjoying what you do at your job.

The type of work that you can expect to do during your college internship will vary a great deal depending on what career field you are in and what company you will be working for. Ideally, during an internship college, you should be given a great deal of experience working in your career field and guidance from your employer. A college internship is really supposed to be a learning experience and hopefully you will find that the one that you complete will give you a good idea of what things will be like working in your career field after you graduate from college.

More information on College Works Painting internships for students is just a click away.

Testing the Waters With a Community College Search

2008-11-01T10:38:00.001-07:00

By Mohammed Jamali

Perhaps you didn't think you wanted to go to college, but now that you have finished high school you have changed your mind. Maybe you aren't sure if college is for you, but you don't want to let the opportunity for an education pass you by. You may even wonder "what to do with your life" and can't commit a full year of tuition to a four-year school.

What is the answer? One of the best choices for a student who is unsure, undetermined or nervous about college is to attend a community college. There you can experience high-quality education at a fraction of the cost of a four year college or university, you can earn credits that will transfer to any other academic institution, and most importantly you can "test the waters" to see if college is what you would like.

Community colleges earned their name by being just that, "community" schools. They accept all who apply, though deadlines will always determine if a student can enter the upcoming semester. These schools will often have multiple opportunities in a wide range of fields. Many are a two-year, Associate's degree program and some offer other professional credentials such as veterinarian technology certification, emergency medical training, and many more.

When beginning a college search among local community colleges it is a good idea to take one of the school's orientation tours. This way a student can see what kinds of resources are available to them. For example, some community colleges have extremely high-tech graphic design labs and studios and this is a great way to learn a new art form or even full-blown trade. Some community colleges are also technical schools and can provide auto mechanic, plumbing, electrical, drafting, and even engineering training.

A college search for a community college should also take into consideration whether or not there are classes at all hours of the day and evening. Many schools accommodate full-time working students and make many classes available during twilight and evening hours. Some schools also make weekend courses, and even some online classes, available to their enrolled students. While this can be an excellent opportunity for working students it may make it difficult for someone looking for day classes. It pays to visit a few schools, their web sites and counselor's offices to see which is the best fit.

Finally, when doing a college search for a community college take the time to make sure the school is fully accredited. This can be very important later on if a student would like to transfer to a larger college or university, or if they would like to go on to graduate school. Only accredited schools can offer course work, credits and transcripts that are considered valid by other accredited schools.

A community college is an excellent method of finding a career path without committing to a large student loan, a four year degree or moving to a new area to be near a large college or university.

For more visit our college search resource center for the most comprehensive article database we can provide, whether you're searching for the perfect university or community college, doing a scholarship search or a career search. College is one of the most important decisions you will make in your life and it's important that you make an educated one.

The Future For College Student Looks Very Gloomy

2008-10-31T12:39:00.001-07:00

By Ken Nobo

Why? Jobs are being outsourced to India, and plenty of college students who got their degree but are still working at coffee shops or minimum wage jobs ... some even took up stripping for living.

It's no secret that everyone is going to college en mass, including the dumb kid in high school who doesn't even like to learn. Since everyone got a college degree, you need to get a Master degree just to look different from the pack.

And guess what?

To simply put, the economy cannot afford so many office jobs because there are so many college kids out there -- somebody has to take out the trash and serve coffee, right?

But there are good news!

The future for college students does not have to be that gloomy because I am going to show you a couple tips to get a good job, and get out of debt ... and make some nice money on the Internet.

What you want to do is get out of debt as soon as possible. Because debt is slavery and you're a slave to the 9-to-5 grind. Everybody knows that, it's no secret.

The second way to protect yourself from being a "broke college student with massive debt" is to learn how to make Money on the Internet.

Because if you have a computer and Internet connection you can make money, there's no doubt about it.

And the best thing out is that if you do it right, most of your money but will be passive income.

Want to make money on the Internet without investing in any money? I'll show a honest and fool proof way to making a part or full time income on the Internet. Visit http://jane25.com for my full report -- yours for free, as a way of saying thanks for reading my article.

Grand Valley State University - An Education That Lasts a Lifetime

2008-10-31T12:38:00.002-07:00

By J. Vincent Burr

Grand Valley State University is a smaller, public university located in Allendale, Michigan (about 10 miles outside of Grand Rapids). It was founded in 1960, so it has a relatively short history. The main campus sits on over 1,200 beautiful acres, and there are also several smaller, satellite campuses located in and around Muskegon, Michigan.

Grand Valley State University actually consists of eight colleges: The College of Education, The College of Business, The College of Engineering and Computing, The College of Nursing, The College of Community and Public Services, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, The College of Health Professions, and The College of University Wide Interdisciplinary Initiatives. GVSU is accredited through AACSB, ABET, APTA, CSWE, NASAD, NASM, NCATE, and NLN.

For a smaller school, Grand Valley is well-respected in athletics, winning several national championships and sending football players into the NFL. They compete in NCAA Division II, where they have 19 varsity teams in numerous sports including baseball, football, basketball and hockey and several women's teams as well. Since 2000, Grand Valley has won six national championships including four in football. They have won so many championships in Division II, that they have received The Director's Cup every year for the last 5 years.

The football program has been particularly good, sending numerous players into the NFL. In athletics, Grand Valley State University teams compete as "The Lakers". The football team owns the record for the most consecutive wins in a row by a division II school, with 40, and tied the record for the most wins over a 4 year period with 51.

The GVSU library system is very deep, with over 70,000 journals and more than 250 databases online. It houses over 800,000 volumes, including more than 150,000 electronic books. The GVSU Library also has special designation as a United States Government Depository, having been a selective depository in the Federal Depository Library Program since 1963. It also has special designation, and receives material from the Michigan State Government as well.

Grand Valley has had a reputation as a school for dissidents throughout the years since its founding. From threatening to shut down the school for the year in protest over the Kent State shootings, to the formal declaration of war on Western Michigan University, to the affirmative action bake sale in which different prices were charged depending on a customers race, sex etc. - the school has a unique, albeit short history.

Overall, Grand Valley is a solid choice for a college. Public transportation is offered free to all Grand Valley students while classes are in session, so students can save money, and enjoy the beautiful city of Grand Rapids as well. If you're looking for more info on Grand Valley State University, including reviews by actual students, check out the links below.

About the author: J. Vincent Burr is the creator and chief educational writer for the college review site at http://www.MyNextCollege.com which contains even more information about Grand Valley State University, including reviews by actual students.

Michigan Wolverines - The Big Coaches Leading Michigan to Their Big 10 Conference Titles

2008-10-31T12:38:00.001-07:00

By Freddie Brister

The Big 10 is one of the conferences in the National College Athletics Association. It was established in order to regulate and organize athletics in college division. They wanted to ensure that anyone who will play for their school is not just anyone; rather they should be a student of the school they represent with good academic performance. Seven universities started as the early members of this conference and it was not until the 1899 when Indiana and Iowa joined. However when Chicago left, they became the Big Nine. In addition, they adopted the name Intercollegiate Conference of Faculty Representatives. Today there are 11 universities joining this conference and the Big 10 Conference became an official name 1987 with a whole new system incorporating values and academic excellence in choosing athletes to play for the member schools.

Athletes in this conference compete for 25 championships (for both men and women). There are 12 sports for men and 13 for women (because of volleyball). University of Michigan has the most wins, garnering 40 NCAA championships titles. They have been playing for this conference since 1896 then left the conference and came back again in 1907. They are famous for their achievements in football, hockey, baseball and basketball. Their college team is known as the Michigan Wolverines.

Their football team garnered 11 championship titles, the most for all of their teams. However, they have 42 Big Ten Conference Titles that have been accumulated since 1898. The following are the notable coaches for their football team:

1. Fielding Yost- he became the coach starting the year 1901. He had the longest tenure as a coach for this team. Under his supervision, he guided the team to win 6 National Championships and 10 Big Conference Titles.

2. Glenn Edward Schembechler Jr. - He was the head coach for the year 1969-1989. He did not have any national titles but he helped the team grab 13 Big Ten Titles. Despite of it all, he still became a hall of famer in 1995.

3. Lloyd Carr- He was the head coach for the year 1995-2007. With his stay in this University, he led them to win 5 Big 10 Titles. And in 1997, he led the team to win their 11th national title, breaking the silence since 1948. He won a lot of awards in his coaching years including a Paul Bear Bryant Award.

4. Benjamin Gaylord Oosterbaan- He is the head coach way back in 1948-1958. He led the team to win 3 Big Ten Titles. In 1948, he led the team to win their 10th National Championship Title. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1954.

5. Harry G. Kipke- He was the head coach of the Michigan Wolverines 1929-37. He helped the team to win four Big 10 titles. He guided the team to win two consecutive National Titles in 1932-33.

The Big 10 Conference Championship title is the most number of wins this team has. These coaches contributed a lot to that win.

Freddie Brister is a huge fan of the Big 10 and the Michigan Wolverines. His love for the game of football started with an older brother passing the pigskin around in the backyard with cousins and neighborhood friends. He later played in high school, college and coached high school football for 25 years, before retiring to write for Sports Fan Treasures. Check out his Michigan Wolverines Merchandise

School With a College Internship

2008-10-30T11:13:00.005-07:00

By Violet Williams

Students often find themselves in too deep when it comes to school work and have trouble seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Suggesting they do even more work through an internship does not seem like a plausible solution to any fears they may have about getting some experience for the real world. These internships may actually be just what they need, as they may benefit more from an internship than any class they take in college.

A college internship for a college student can prove to be a very valuable resume tool and can even help the student secure a job for after graduation. Many companies end up hiring their interns to full-time jobs upon the completion of their degree. If the student works hard enough, they may build a name for themselves and the right people will probably notice. If the student chooses not to pursue a career with the company they have been interning for, it can still work as a valuable recommendation, especially if the right people notice their hard work and determination. A recommendation from the right person can take you miles; so performing well while you have your college internship will help you succeed later in life.

A recommendation is not the only thing you should be striving for in a college internship. Valuable work experience and real world knowledge can help take you very far as you begin your career. It can help you set yourself apart from your fellow recent graduates who may be employed by the same company. Being noticed for your hard work is something that many do not recognize as something that can take you far. However, work ethic and a determination to succeed will eventually be noticed by the right person and can help jump start, or even skyrocket, your career. Having a valuable college internship displayed prominently on your resume will help you be noticed by an employer or recruiter during the interview or applicant stage of the job hunt. This is before all of that hard work and knowledge gained from the internship pays off, but it is still important to utilize any lessons or experiences you learned to help you secure the job.

Having a college internship under your belt going into an interview gives you all kinds of confidence speaking to the interviewer. Let's face it, many of us enter interviews having no clue what we are going to say, and trying to figure out what the right things to say actually are. With an internship behind you, you will have experiences to draw from and can speak truthfully about knowledge of the business field, or whatever field you choose to intern in. Having this bank of experience and knowledge can help you think on your feet in parts of your interview if you have to. It will make you sound much more genuine than if you are stumbling through, trying to draw the slightest connection between an obscure demonstration of leadership from your high school drama club and your future as a true leader within the company.

More information on College Works Painting community benefits for students and homeowners is just a click away.

Finding Your College Tuition

2008-10-30T11:13:00.003-07:00

By Violet Williams

So you got into a good school, have all of your classes picked and are excited to pursue a major in whatever field you have chosen. Now how are you going to pay those tuition bills? There are always ways of coming up with the money to pay tuition if you have the determination to find the money and are committed to getting the education you deserve.

College tuition has become a common problem for American families as they try to find ways to send their children to school. Attending college is not for everybody, but for those who see themselves walking onto campus come Fall, letting money stop you should not even be on your mind. There are always going to be ways of fulfilling financial obligations to schools. Some schools hire their students to jobs around campus, while others offer grants and scholarships to deserving students. Still, some students still come up short and must look to other means to pay their college tuition.

Internships with responsible companies can be a saving grace for many students looking to come up with their college tuition money. Not only does an internship help pay for school, but it also allows the student to get some real world experience while working towards a degree. This experience will prove invaluable as the student embarks on their first job hunt and eventually as they start their new career. So, when determining how to pay for college, think about a college internship, it can prove valuable now, as well as later.

More information on College Works Painting internships for students is just a click away.

Drawing From a College Internship

2008-10-30T11:13:00.001-07:00

By Violet Williams

Today, more and more students are taking advantage of an opportunity to get some real world experience while in college. Interning at local businesses, research facilities and law offices has become a popular pastime of many college students. There is much to learn from an internship, as the student will be better prepared for life after class shower shoes than his fellow students who did not take advantage of these opportunities.

An internship college students can learn the most from is those that offer the student more responsibility, outside of the usual filing, data entry and listening to the bitter old man of the office telling them how bad 'the system' has been to him. Having some real responsibility will increase the student's opportunity to gain some real world experience and carry these experiences to job interviews and eventually to their new job as they embark on the rest of their careers. Restricting the duties and opportunities for these young students in their college internship is something many companies end up doing, perhaps unintentionally, however.

Look for an internship that will ensure you a good deal of exposure to their business practices. This will let you get a feel for how business is done in the real world and what you can expect from your career. This is also true of a college internship that takes place in a lab or other venue. Having this exposure to the 'real deal' will help you not only get the proper experiences, but also allow you to decide whether or not the job and career choice is right for you. Determining this early can prove to be a valuable asset, as you may want to switch majors after your revelation.

More information on College Works Painting internships for students is just a click away.

Can You Afford Not to Take a Gap Year?

2008-10-30T11:12:00.006-07:00

By Peter Miles

You've finally made it into the upper sixth - Year 13 - the very top of the school. Day by day you are heading towards the departure lounge and, within a matter of months, all that studying for A-levels, all that harassing from sixth form tutors to get your act together and complete your UCAS form, all that nagging by worried parents, will all be water under the bridge. University beckons.

But do you really want to go straight to university next autumn? After thirteen uninterrupted school years - most of your life to date - what about sampling life and the world beyond formal education before getting stuck into a degree course?

Think about it now. Obviously your A-level work and preparation for mock exams will leave you precious little time for reflection this term. But you need to make up your mind before you complete your UCAS application - or postpone applying for university until another year. One way or the other, unless you press the pause button now, the chances are you'll find yourself morphed willy-nilly into a student attending Freshers' Week 2009.

If you do decide to get off the education escalator for a year, you'll find taking a year out can be a very good thing, especially if you are interested in life beyond education and your personal ambitions go beyond getting a degree and a safe job. So, what to do with it?

Doing nothing is definitely not recommended - it's boring for you, tedious for your mates and above all irritating for your parents if you lounge around at home for 15 months. Do your own thing. You don't have to plump for one single way of spending the year - and, in any case, you probably want to make a bit of money to keep body and soul together and/or to start you off when you get to university.

The opportunities are almost endless. Broadly speaking, you can spend the time partly at home, fully or partly overseas; and mixing and matching some or all of travel, voluntary work and paid work.

For instance, lots of gappers take paid work in the UK for a few months, then voluntary work overseas for another 2-3 months and round off the year with international travel up to the end of the summer.

Overseas travel obviously 'broadens the mind' but it also forces you to live on a budget - a vital experience for your years as a cash-starved student. Working overseas (paid or unpaid) can prove both more interesting and more useful than just travelling. And paid work, particularly if it is lucrative, can help towards the costs of your travel, any voluntary work you fancy doing and the cost of your university course.

There are plenty of ways of filling the year actively without breaking the bank. And, often forgotten, it's a rare opportunity to acquire skills you missed out on at school eg portrait painting (perhaps taking an art foundation course?) or fluency in a foreign language (eg at a local language school in, say, China or Germany). And there are wonderful, more exotic opportunities on offer - to teach English in Bolivia, save turtles in Sri Lanka, work in a hospital in Thailand, lead adventure training courses in Canada...

You're spoilt for choice but how to go about choosing? Do you really need to plan your gap year two years ahead as the pundits say you should? The answer is emphatically No! The vast majority of sixth formers end up taking very successful gap years arranged in far less time. But one caveat: if you wait until you have left school, some of the more popular gap year opportunities may be booked up - the early bird may get the worm!

There are many professional gap-year organisations, which offer structured programmes in many parts of the world, with local support arrangements in place (worth it, if it's your first time away, even if it just allows your parents to sleep at night). Some of the best belong to a self-regulatory group called the Year Out Group, so probably worth going for one of them.

You should expect to pay somewhere between 1500 and 4500 pounds to a gap year provider. But what they offer, and how effective their local support is, will vary. So check what is actually on offer - accommodation, flight, food, training, visa, insurance, meeting you at the airport, coping if you are sick etc. What they don't provide, you will have to pay for.

Placement organizations do not offer Club 18-30 holidays for the brainy. If you want to go to the developing world, get ready for basic conditions and don't expect everything to be handed to you on a plate.

Lots to think about. But don't funk choosing a gap year just because it is a lot easier to float into university after your last school holiday than it is to branch out on your own for a year. It's your life that you are developing beyond the confines of academic life - not your teachers' or your parents'. Go for it!

Student Book is a website for prospective and current students. It offers a university comparison tool and a wealth of information on the ins and outs of applying to university. The site is also a guide to student life with advice on finance, welfare, study skills, accommodation and a lot more. These are helpful, relevant and entertaining articles aimed at students and future students.

Narrowing the Field in a College Search

2008-10-30T11:12:00.005-07:00

By Mohammed Jamali

There are all sorts of guides and recommended criteria that aim to help students and their families pick a college or university. Quite often, however, there ends up being several schools that easily meet all of the criteria and a student may have to further narrow the field and eliminate some colleges or universities from their list. This is a time that requires very specific information for a successful college search, and there are a few easy resources for locating such facts.

Examine the Degree Requirements: To begin narrowing the field, take all of the selected schools and do a thorough examination of the degree of study or major intending to be followed. Will the school require an established background of participation, volunteerism or study in the field of choice? For example, if a student is seeking a degree in some sort of social work, will they need to have all ready participated in social work activities or organizations? If this is a requirement, there is no method of working around it and a student who is lacking this experience must eliminate the school from their list.

Visit College and University Web Sites: Go the school's web site and find out what percentage of the student population is enrolled in the degree or major of choice.

Why is this important? For several reasons, first it gives a good idea of what the student to teacher ratio becomes for the specialized course work. Second, it will allow a student to see how many school resources are available for this degree focus. For example, if a student would like to focus on astronomy or physics and the school has a planetarium and several related clubs, then it might be a good idea to visit the school and get a stronger picture of how it fits the need of the student.

Find Out About Student Statistics: Many schools will also list some statistics about each incoming freshman class, with information such as certain test score averages, overall GPA for a "standard" member of the class, geographic backgrounds and other relevant facts. A student who analyzes this information is more likely to get a better understanding of the school as well as a stronger gauge as to whether or not the school is a good "fit" for their needs.

Visit As Many As Possible: Before deciding to eliminate many of the colleges and universities from a list of consideration it is a good idea to visit as many as possible. This could be a weekend marathon with one or two campuses each day, or it could be an ongoing project over the course of a few months.

What is critical to each visit is to make a written record of the "pluses" and the "minuses" of each experience. Many students will begin to see a pattern that they may not have even been aware of prior to visiting the schools. Some students believing they want a city college or university may realize that a large green campus with many natural areas is appealing to them. This can change or shift the criteria for the list of schools completely.

For more visit our college search resource center for the most comprehensive article database we can provide, whether you're searching for the perfect college or university, doing a scholarship search or a career search. College is one of the most important decisions you will make in your life and it's important that you make an educated one.

Campus Life and a College Search

2008-10-30T11:12:00.003-07:00

By Mohammed Jamali

Everyone remembers their college years not just for the education, but because of the friends they made and the activities and events they participated in. Campus life plays a huge role in the college experience. When a student begins their college search, on campus life should play a major role in their decision-making process.

Any student should determine whether or not they will require dormitory accommodation. Some schools have limited numbers of rooms available, and can recommend area apartment buildings and owners for those who do not get into a dorm. While many larger colleges are surrounded by private homes that are available for rent, the costs can be prohibitive or not covered by college or academic loans. It is important for a student and their family to address their housing requirement prior to settling on a school. This can be a costly, frustrating and disruptive issue if not dealt with very early in a college search.

Dormitory life is radically different from school to school, with some colleges offering co-ed living or gender specific housing. Some schools make two, three and four person rooms available, and some will even offer single apartment style dwellings. All of these options should be reviewed when considering a student's study needs, personal issues and budget. For example, if a student finds they must leave their room in order to study, a dormitory setting may not be the best choice for academic success. Instead a student such as this might want to explore a single housing option, or an independent "studio" style apartment near the campus.

Another important element of campus life includes the kinds of extra curricular activities available. Many people choose a certain school because of a sporting team or club affiliated with the college. This can play a major role in the student's life while in college, and for many it can affect their post-graduate years. For example, a strong career in a sporting team, or teams, can help a graduate get a job with a school or professional team after they complete their graduate work.

Fraternity and sorority availability is also important to many students when beginning a college search. The social connections made in these organizations last a lifetime. Many people stay in touch with their "brothers" or "sisters" and many find that the affiliations can literally "open doors" for them in a professional or career capacity.

For some students who choose a gender specific environment, campus life presents a whole new world. A student at an all-girls college might find that they are more dedicated or focused on their studies than ever before. They may find that a certain degree of shyness or reluctance to participate in certain group functions or activities is eliminated by the gender specific community. This is a serious consideration when beginning a college search, and should not be taken lightly. Some people do well under such conditions and other do not. This should be openly discussed with counselors and parents before enrolling in such a school or college.

You Can Find a Good Job in a Bad Economy

2008-10-30T11:12:00.001-07:00

By Bob Roth

Employers are always on the lookout for college students who stand out in some way. However, when times are tough, college students should consider some additional ways to make themselves more visible and attractive to prospective employers.

When fewer employers have jobs to offer, good students should be prepared to employ methods that may not be necessary when jobs are plentiful. Here are a few examples of what you can do.

Your Reputation - Good or bad, your reputation precedes you. However, it should be obvious that you will increase your chances for employment when you have an outstanding reputation. Generally, this means that you work hard, are trustworthy, friendly, well liked, positive, honest, stand up for what is right and get things done well. Others want to associate with you because you treat everyone with respect and are there for them when people need you. Also, people look up to you because you accept responsibility, perform well and achieve superior results. Do you need to work on your reputation?

"Begin somewhere; you cannot build a reputation on what you intend to do." -- Liz Smith

Your Performance - Outstanding performance over a long period of time shows a consistency the all employers need and want. Every employer needs people who can perform at a high level. They want people who can get things done. That's why they are eager to learn about your accomplishments, positive results and successes. When you are able to provide stories and details about your achievements, employers will take notice.

Your Attitude - People with a positive, can do, let's give it a try attitude will always be more attractive to employers than negative, fault finding, complainers. When you demonstrate your positive attitude in everything you do, you will find that it opens doors for you.

Excel At Something - Find something you love and show people what you can do. If you have a unique ability, it may be something on which you can capitalize. Embrace your talents and use them to make something better. Employers are always interested in people who can make a difference. It doesn't matter whether you excel in an academic area, at work, in a campus activity or in the local community. However, employers especially appreciate people who have exceptional leadership and communication skills.

Do One Great Thing - Sometimes, by luck, genius or skill, we find that we have done something great. Whenever someone does something large or spectacular, other people will take notice. That one great thing may be the result of a long and sustained effort or it may be a split second reaction in an emergency. Regardless of how it happens, you can make it work to your advantage.

Make Others Look Good - Whenever you make others look good, it reflects favorably on you. This is especially true when you talk about and support your college, your employer or your community. When your words, actions and results are positive and beneficial, others will reciprocate. Over time, this kind of behavior will be recognized and rewarded by people with influence.

Be Visible - Your words, behavior, participation and results all contribute to your visibility. When these four things are positive, you are more likely to be noticed by employers. Get involved, join, attend, participate, contribute and achieve results. Few people will become aware of your capabilities if you don't insert yourself into the activities and places where you can demonstrate your potential.

Promote Yourself - Look for ways to get noticed by others. When you do things of note, get them into the paper and include your photo. Find ways to get into the Campus Paper or onto a Campus Radio or TV Program. If you are active on campus and in the community, seek coverage from the campus and local media, whenever something special is about to happen. Always invite high profile campus and community leaders and executives. You will get much more coverage when these people attend. The more times you can into the Newspaper or on the Radio or TV, the better. Your positive contributions are easier for employers to recognize when your name and face are already familiar to them. Also, don't ignore something as simple as handing out your business card.

Cultivate Recommendations - Let an array of well respected and influential people speak to potential employers about you. Use your references, supervisors, advisors and network for this. You can even have a "Here's what others say about me" handout sheet. Employers love candidates who have built relationships with people who are willing to provide enthusiastic recommendations and references.

Nearly every college student has the ability to do at least one or two of these important attention grabbers. Employers much prefer to learn about people who are "one in a million" than candidates who are "one of a million." That's why savvy students, especially in a bad economy, make a point of finding ways to stand out from the crowd.

Visit Bob's web site: http://www.The4Realities.com Bob Roth is the author of The 4 Realities Of Success During and After College -and- The College Student's Guide To Landing A Great Job.

by Bob Roth The "College & Career Success" Coach

Bob Roth is the author of The College Student's Guide To Landing A Great Job -and- The 4 Realities Of Success During and After College. He also write articles for more than 175 college career services offices and campus newspapers. Additionally, Bob has developed 15 self-scoring learning tool that help college students find success. http://www.The4Realities.com Bob Roth, a former campus recruiter, is the author of The College Student's Guide To Landing A Great Job -and- The 4 Realities Of Success During and After College. Known as The "College & Career Success" Coach, Bob also writes articles for more than 200 College Career Services Offices, Campus Newspapers, Parent Associations and Employment Web Sites. Additionally, Bob has developed 20 Self-Scoring Learning Tools that help college students find success. He has been interviewed on numerous radio programs across the country and also by many newspapers, including The Wall Street Journal. Lastly, Bob has served as an Adjunct at Marist College, teaching a course in Career Development. The4Realities.com

College Study Tips on the Proper Ways to Study

2008-10-30T11:11:00.000-07:00

By Anne Harvester

Since the first day of school, we are constantly told that in order to succeed we need to study. We'll never pass that important metric conversion test if we don't study our metric conversion calculator, for example. The only problem is we were never really taught the proper way how to study.

From kindergarten all the way to high school, we have bee on our own when it came to studying. The only thing we knew was that if we did not study, we'd probably fail. To help you out further, here are a few steps on the proper way how to study.

The Need to Study

Worried about a big metric conversion test? Then get properly prepared to study the metric table then. This means all of the necessary reading and writing materials should be at your immediate disposal.

The need to study doesn't mean you are in any way less intelligent. It's just the opposite. A college education is important, and more than likely, you will struggle with some of the more difficult classes. Everyone needs to study at some point.

Prepare to Study

Prepare a plan of action for studying. Preparation is necessary. The extra effort put forth on that metric conversion table test will pay off in the end with a passing grade.

I recommend finding a quiet and comfortable place where you can focus. You can easily lose your concentration studying metric conversion with a lot of noise or distractions going on around you. Make sure the television is off, the music is off, and the phone is off. Buy any needed extra reference material on the metric calculator from a book store. Keep your mind on the metric conversion table subject matter and try to avoid distractions.

Take Plenty of Notes

Take plenty of GOOD notes in the classroom. If you have a professor who speaks too quickly for you to take accurate notes, try recording the lecture and replay it when you are able to write the information down. The better and more detailed your notes on the metric table are, the easier your studying for that metric conversion table test will be.

Join a Study Group

The best study groups are the ones which include students taking the material and the course seriously. Remember, you are there to study and not discuss the latest fashion trends or mindless gossip. I recommend taking up a collection to purchase and share the class reference materials on the metric conversion table, for example.

If a group of people focus on the class material, you could pick up information you may have previously missed. You also have the ability to help the others out by providing missing information. It never hurts to hear another student's take on the class materials, either. It may give you a better understanding of the work.

Anne is a math teacher who loves teaching her students all about metric conversion. Recently, her classroom has been covering all there is to know about the metric table and a metric calculator.

What the Heck Happened to My Dollar - College Textbooks

2008-10-29T13:31:00.003-07:00

By Zack Oliva

The best part about school letting out is that we don't have to pay for textbooks, and the worst part about school starting up is paying for textbooks. Why are textbooks so expensive? On my campus, we have two book stores: The university book store, and an independent, "off-campus" bookstore. I had a conversation with the manager of the independent book store, which happens to be right next to the business school.

He told me that even though we pay an arm and a leg for textbooks, if his establishment wasn't present on our campus we would pay even more. It's simple economics: if the official bookstore of the university was the only bookstore on campus, they can set their own price. The presence of competition (Campus Book & Supply) forces prices to drop for everybody. Thanks, CBS!

Their profit margins are within a few percentage points of each other.

Speaking of margins though (margin being Selling price minus costs), the bookstore I go to have profit margins per book of 50-60%!! Most any bookstore does. What this means is that if they buy a book for $50, they'll sell it for $100-125.

Due to the nature of the industry, bookstores wouldn't survive if they didn't price similarly.

Paying so much for books stinks, I know. That's why you have to budget and plan for these expenses.

But why do textbooks cost so much? Well,

$0.32 of every dollar goes to the publisher's paper, printing and editorial costs. This amount includes all manufacturing costs from editing to paper costs to distribution, as well as storage, record-keeping, billing, publisher's office, and employee's salaries and benefits.

$.07 (after-tax) is publisher's income. This is after-tax income from which the publisher pays for new product development, author advances, market research and dividends to stockholders.

$.11 goes to college store personnel. Store employees need paid too! This amount pays for employee's salaries and benefits to handle ordering, receiving, pricing, shelving, cashiers, customer service, the refund desk and sending extra textbooks back to the publisher. This is all part of their budget.

$.12 goes to author income. The author's royalty payment covers the author's expenses for research and any writing expenses incurred. Believe it or not, you're teachers don't make much money off of the books they write.

$.10 goes to the publishers general and administrative expenses, including federal, state and local taxes, excluding sales tax paid by publishers.

About $.15 goes the publisher's marketing costs. Such costs include marketing, advertising, promotion, publisher's field staff and the free copies for professors.

Like these companies need to "market" their textbooks. Our syllabi do a plenty good job of marketing what books to buy...

A little more than $.04 (pre-tax) is each college store's income. The amount of federal, state and/or local tax, and therefore the amount and use of any after-tax profit, is determined by the store's ownership, and usually depends on whether the college store is owned by an institution of higher education, a contract management company, a cooperative, a foundation, or by private individuals.

$.07 (approximately) per dollar goes to college store operations. This includes insurance, utilities, building and equipment rent and maintenance, accounting and data processing charges and other overhead paid by college stores.

Almost $.02 goes to freight expense. The cost of getting books from the publisher's warehouse or bindery to the college store is the main part of this cost. Part of cost of goods sold is paid to the freight company, obviously.

With gas on the rise... well... you get the drift.

College Internship - First Time Intern

2008-10-29T13:31:00.001-07:00

By Vickie Faria

College will probably be one of the greatest time periods of your life. You will more than likely develop friendships with other students that will last a lifetime. You will also probably develop as a person and find what interests you have and what career field you would like to pursue.

One way to determine which career field you would like to pursue is to take a college internship. There will likely be many college internship opportunities in your career field for you to choose from. The hard part will probably be choosing which college internship you would like to take.

Some companies for which you may be considering completing a college internship may have never hired an intern before. Working for a company that has never hired an intern can be both a good thing and a bad thing. Completing an college internship for a company that has never hired an intern can be a bad thing because your boss may not know what to do with you and may not know which type of projects to have you work on. Completing an internship for a company that has never hired an intern before can be a great decision for you to make however, because the employer at this company may show an eagerness to help you exceed at the position. This close attention that they may pay to you may be something that you would not be able to have at a company that has hired many interns.

More information on College Works Painting internships for students is just a click away.

College Internship - Figuring Out What You Want to Do

2008-10-29T13:30:00.004-07:00

By Vickie Faria

It can be very frustrating trying to figure out what you want to do with your life. In college it is often much more fun to go out with friends than to spend time thinking about what type of job you would like to have after you graduate. It can also be very frustrating trying to decide if you are in the right college major.

Although college classes can give you a glimpse of the types of things to expect in your chosen career field, one of the best ways that you can figure out if you are on the right track is to take a college internship. A college internship can be a great way to figure out if you will enjoy doing the work in the career field that you are studying while in college. Most internship college opportunities give you the chance to work on several project that can give you a feel for the type of work that you can expect to do after graduating from college. This can be of great help to you if you are still unsure if you have chosen the right college major. Even if you think that you have chosen a college major that you will love doing after graduating from college, you may be surprised to find that actually do not enjoy the line of work you have chosen after you have completed an internship college.

Further, if you do find that you enjoy the work that you do in your college internship, this can help solidify your career choice and can give you more confidence in your abilities to work in a professional setting. Many students that complete an internship college have never worked in a professional setting so they are a little timid when they first begin an internship. By the end of their time at the internship however, there is usual a drastic change, not only in their job skills and knowledge, but in their confidence levels as well.

Another good thing about completing a college internship is that if you find that you do not enjoy the career field that you have chosen after completing your internship, you may still have time to change your college major to something that fits into your interests.

A college internship is also a great way to build references that you will need to land a high paying job after you graduate from college. An excellent reference can be the deal breaker when potential employers are considering you for a job. Even if an interview went great for you with a potential employer, they will be more likely to hire the candidate that was given excellent references.

Whatever your reasons are for taking an internship, it will likely only benefit you in the long run. If you are worried about not having enough time to dedicate to an internship due to your homework, you could try completing one during your summer break so that it does not interfere with your class work.

More information on College Works Painting home repair for your home is just a click away.

Report Cards on College Campus Crime

2008-10-29T13:30:00.003-07:00

By Scott McQuarrie

In 1986, Howard and Connie Cleary's daughter, Jeanne, a student at Lehigh University, was murdered on campus. In addition to founding the non-profit Security on Campus, Inc. in 1987, they lobbied for a new federal law that would require colleges and universities to disclose both ongoing and annual reports on campus crime and security policy.

Originally enacted by the Congress in 1990 as the Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990, the law was codified as part of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and made applicable to all postsecondary institutions participating in federal student aid programs. It was renamed the Clery Act - specifically, the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act - after a round of amendments were made to the Act in 1998.

Annual report cards

The Clery Act mandates that schools publish annual reports by October 1st detailing the previous three years of campus crime statistics. Also required are explanations of existing sexual assault policies, statements attesting to a basic level of victims' rights, a description of the campus law enforcement authority and contact information for students to report crimes.

When compiled and published each year, each school is to distribute the report immediately to all current students and staff, and notify applicants and prospective employees that it is available. Institutions may employ any of various means of notification, including e-mail and website postings, as long as each intended recipient is given the precise URL (Uniform Resource Locator, or web address) for the report. School officials must also make printed, paper copies available.

The report is also submitted to the U.S. Department of Education, which will then aggregate the findings of over 6,000 schools. The Clery Act crime statistics are the gold standard for American college campus crime data, even eclipsing the value of the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting program, which collects data from a mere 400-some schools. A third trusted source of this data comes from The Chronicle of Higher Education, but the Clery Act reports are by far the best information available on crime at postsecondary institutions.

Crime statistic and categories

The definition of "campus" is important to understanding the data. Schools keep (and report on) statistics for crimes that occur directly on campus, on some off-campus facilities like fraternities and sororities ("Greek housing"), remote classrooms, in school vehicles (buses, trams) and in certain public areas that border school property. The county sheriff, local police forces, campus police and security personnel all contribute statistics and statements to the Clery Act report, as do other school staff, employees or officials that have "significant responsibility for student and campus activities." Schools are encouraged, but not required, to have confidential reporting procedures. However, once they opt to establish such a system, they are then required to inform the campus community of its existence. As mental health professionals and ministers are exempt from the reporting obligations, a confidential reporting system could capture enough additional crime data to affect a school's objective safety rating.

There are seven reporting categories for campus crime, several of which have additional sub-categories. The categories are outlined in the following manner:

Homicide
Murder and non-negligent manslaughter
Negligent manslaughter
Sex offenses
Forcible offenses including rape
Non-forcible offenses
Robbery
Aggravated assault
Burglary
Vehicular theft
Arson

There is also a lesser category ("incident") that must be reported if there is a disciplinary referral to the campus judicial affairs office, or an arrest by a law enforcement agency. The incidents that require reporting include all types of liquor law violations, all drug law violations and weapons possession. Only the arrest is counted if a student is both arrested and given a school referral.

The Clery Act further requires that the data be mapped out, denoting the geographical areas as being on campus, campus student residences, non-campus buildings or "public property" such as parks, streets and sidewalks. In addition, the report must disclose if any reported crime was a "hate crime" under either state or federal law, or both.

Timeliness and responsibility

Unless a student is a victim, perpetrator or witness, the way most students even become remotely aware of the Clery Act is by the occasional "timely warnings" that schools publicize, as well as the separate, comprehensive crime log they make available for public inspection. The decision to issue a "timely warning" is a subjective one on the part of the school administration, and is normally considered only when a person or act is deemed to pose an imminent and/or ongoing "threat to students and employees." The public log must be available for viewing by any interested party, not just persons affiliated with the particular school. The log must contain records of everything that is reported to campus police or security personnel, and is to be continuously updated in a manner specified by the Act.

Using the data

The crime information is not collected merely for the sake of amassing statistics. There is a very real responsibility on the part of postsecondary institutions to provide a safe and healthy environment for scholastic pursuits. Crime on campus, of all levels and kinds, is antithetical to the very notion of the university, a place of contemplation, problem-solving, creative beauty of every kind and the dynamism we associate with education, discovery and free inquiry.

Schools are dynamic, certainly. Constantly in a state of flux, altered by ongoing arrivals and departures and integrated to varying degrees with the surrounding communities, college campuses can be statistically safe yet still be the site of violent attacks, property crimes and even personal harassment. A victim is rarely comforted by finding out how low the rate is for the crime committed against her. She is, of course, 100% victimized.

And so the Clery Act reports are dutifully, if not routinely, filed at the end of September every year. Some people have made it their lives' work to ensure that this data gets into the hands of concerned parents and families. The non-profit run by the Clery family - SecurityOnCampus.org - makes abstracts, reports and analyses available on a continuous basis, and The Chronicle of Higher Education and the FBI both publish additional campus crime data. A little reading and research are all that stands between you and a clear picture of campus crime in America. If you are thinking of enrolling in college, or know someone who is, now is a good time to start.

The author if this article was sponsored by Automated Video Systems dba EZWatch Pro, a leading provider of video surveillance systems designed for school and campus security. When considering a security solution please consider EZWatch Pro Surveillance Camera Systems.

How Much is College Actually Worth?

2008-10-29T13:30:00.001-07:00

By Samantha Asher

A college education can range from being free with a full ride scholarship or just a few grand at a two year community college to hundreds of thousands of dollars at a top private school for 4 years or more including graduate school. College is not cheap and tuition has gone up considerable over the past several years. What is odd is that one college, such as a state school, can have tuition costing $5,500 a year, while another private school costs $30,000 a year in tuition. Why do some schools cost so much more money, and is it worth it?

Many people look at state schools as inferior because they cost so much less, but they don't think about why they cost so much less. They assume that less cost to them means bad teachers, few programs, and a potentially bad experience. State schools are government sponsored, meaning they get money from the government like public primary and secondary schools. This allows them to charge considerably less for tuition. Private schools get no money from the government. They rely 100% on the tuition and fees they get from enrolled students to fund everything.

College is worth as much as you get out of it, not the price you pay. Believe it or not, many public state schools are more 'prestigious' than private schools that cost more. Searching for a college to attend is a very involved process. If you want to get the best education for the best price, stop looking at the tuition price as a value rating.

First, decide your career path and research that department in the colleges you are interested in. For example, if you are interested in business, ask around at employers to see which schools they get a lot of employees from. Ask alumni what they thought of their college and look at reviews that rate schools based on the value of the education they are offering. Never rely on what you 'hear around' at school from other classmates or what people at other colleges think of other schools. Gossip is rarely reliable and often students at other colleges are much more partial to the school they are attending, especially if they were denied admission to the school you are interested in. You want real opinions from actual students and alumni.

Money isn't everything. Search for the school with the best education and programs. Going to a more expensive school won't get you a better job, but it will increase your loans causing a decrease in your salary for many years until you are able to pay them off for good.

If you are finished with college and have lots of loans, find out how you can start consolidating student loans at ConsolidatingYourStudentLoans.info

Gmat Reading

2008-10-29T13:29:00.002-07:00

By Randy Paes

For most people gmat reading comprehension is the toughest section to show improvement on. The problem is that there is no universally accepted resource on gmat reading. Most test prep companies teach students to make outlines of the passage or even skim the passage. Both these approaches are neither practical or efficient. We must read the entire gmat passages to understand them. The truth is most people are simply reading the incorrect way. Most people suffer from three bad habits that we must absolutely eliminate to get better at reading. These include:

fixation- Fixation is the when you focus only on one word . However, the human mind is capable of reading a group of words.

rereading- Rereading is going back over a section or sentence because of a lack of understanding caused either by lack of confidence or lack of concentration.

sub vocalization- This is probably the hardest learned behavior to break. Sub Vocalization is silently repeating the word in our head when we read it.

To do well on gmat reading comprehension students must balance reading speed, comprehension, and recall. The best way to get better at each of these categories is to practice them in isolation. For example, we can use our finger to focus our eyes to improve speed. Next we would focus on exercises that improve comprehension and recall. If we can break these bad habits and improve these skills we will be able to read at the speed we think not the speed we talk.

Randy is the author of the 800 gmat blog and is currently working on his MBA.

Why Do Dissertations Need Proofreading?

2008-10-29T13:29:00.001-07:00

By Nick Sanders

No doubt you have taken a long time to plan, research and write your dissertation topic. You will have probably missed out on family dinners, nights out with friends, and stayed up until the early hours of the morning trying to finish sections of your dissertation. You will have worked hard, exhausting every opportunity to excel and add as much detail and understanding to your work as you can.

The big question now is: are you sure every little mistakes has been ironed out? Does your work flow and is your content concise and breeds clarity? Is the tone of your paper on the right track, and have you check your spelling and grammar is correct? If you're unsure about these then you are going to want to get your work proofread.

Dissertation proofreading, no matter how it is completed, whether by a friend or by a company, should always be done by someone else other than you. Remember from the above that you will no doubt have spent a lot of time on researching and writing the paper? Well, you are going to be too close to the paper to effectively proofread and edit your own work - you will just not see the mistakes that are there.

Your mind will play tricks and you will read sentences as being correct, when they are not. No doubt you will have read over your research paper numerous times, making sure that what you are saying is correct, and the style, flow, and tone of your writing is as clear as you want it to be. Because of this, you will become blind to most mistakes in your work; some of these are minor, but many of them will be major points that you just did not notice.

When you are choosing a proofreader to proofread and edit your document, you should look at the company or individual in regard to their experience. This is through whether they have experience editing and proofreading dissertations, and if they have experience in your field of research. Your main aim when choosing a proofreader will be to make sure they will not only check for spelling and grammatical errors, but also that they are checking your work for consistency, clarity, tone and structure of argument.

If you are an international student studying in the UK, and feel that you need a little more than proofreading, then you should have your work edited too. Proofreading is a process of 'finally polishing' your work before you submit it, whereas editing takes this process one step further by changing parts of sentences and different phrases to ensure that the clarity and tone of your paper is the utmost, and that you will gain the best mark available. Having your document edited does not mean that the editor will write your document for you, or change huge chunks of your writing, rather, they will adapt your sentences to be grammatically correct and influence consistency in your work.

Nick Sanders is the owner and founder of Supaproofread.com, a dissertation proofreading services company, specialising in editing and proofreading services. You should visit them if you are looking for dissertation editing proofreading.

What Exactly is a Thesis?

2008-10-29T13:28:00.006-07:00

By Nick Sanders

No doubt you are a student in academia at the moment, or you may even be a parent researching exactly what you son/daughter will be doing for their thesis. An academic thesis is a study that represents individual (or sometimes group) research, which is then concluded and grounded around written evidence, by the individual student; it is submitted in partial fulfillment of a degree at a recognised university. Such a degree can be for an undergraduate course (commonly termed bachelors), or a postgraduate course, such as a masters or PhD. The main idea behind this type of paper, is to provide the reader with an in-depth account and study of a particular project that the student has undertaken.

There are many such topics and subjects that the student can look into and conduct research, whether through an experiment, investigation, or other primary research area. The thesis will be measured for originality, findings and conclusions, as well as whether the paper has been kept within a set word-count that is established by the school, college or university.

The main part of the thesis, the research, will often start a long time before the student is thinking about what hypothesis he/she is trying to prove or disprove. A plan is an ideal position to start the actual research process, planning what they want to achieve and by when - as theses will have a submission deadline.

In general, the research element of a course, both in undergraduate and postgraduate terms, will be an extra part to the course. On an undergraduate course, the thesis is a main part of the final year grade that counts heavily to the final grade of the course, and is often found on degree courses that award honours. On a postgraduate course, such as a masters degree, the thesis part of the course will be a separate module of the course and will be conducted over the summer term of the year; this will count between 5 and 20% of the final grade. Generally, all masters degrees will require the student to complete a thesis.

Therefore, the thesis is an important part of any degree course and should be considered highly valuable to your final degree grade. There are strict guidelines to submission, other than the deadline, and these should be followed, as they are often more stringent than that of an essay.

Production of a thesis may require the student to put up a plausible defense in-front of the awarding panel, at their institution. Generally, only a few people will be chosen, and in some cases none, when they are submitting a thesis on an undergraduate degree or masters degree course. It is usually at this point where a defense is only seen for doctoral theses. However, the student should be aware that they may be called upon to defend their writing and research, as well as opinions, view and conclusions of their paper. Keeping in mind here, that it is often best to provide tangible examples when referring to what you have written in your actual paper.

Nick Sanders is the owner and founder of Supaproofread.com, a thesis editing services company, specialising in editing and proofreading services. You should visit them if you are looking for dissertation editing proofreading.

How to Effectively Write Essays on Personal Experiences

2008-10-29T13:28:00.005-07:00

By Nick Sanders

When you are looking towards writing a personal experience essay, the first thing you want to be thinking about is the subject of that particular essay. When you are writing about your personal experiences it can sometimes, well most times, be awkward to write down and communicate, onto paper, the experiences that you have had. In essence, you are communicating your beliefs, attitudes and character to people who are going to be reading the essay.

When you are looking at writing a personal essay, your course leader isn't looking for a five or even three thousand worded essay, as most personal essays are in the region of six hundred to one thousand words in length - that's roughly around two to three pages.

When you are looking for an example of an experience to write about you will need to think in terms of how the actual experience has made you feel, how it has affected you and, most importantly, what you have learned from the actual experience. You will, therefore, need to add specific information and narrative to the paper (though concisely) to increase the credibility of what you have learned and why.

Whilst putting together and refining your essay, you will be establishing your own understanding of your strengths and weaknesses, and why you have them. However, what you also need to keep in mind, whilst writing the essay, is that you don't become overwhelmed will the subject and too attached; some people do become a little emotional when writing this type of paper. The important thing to remember is that becoming emotional is fine, so long as you write an effective piece that communicates all of the above to the reader. After all, you don't want to put down your thoughts and feelings on paper, only to curse yourself about going off track, when you come to the reviewing stage of the process.

Therefore, the editing stage, in this type of essay, becomes increasingly important, as you don't want to include 'fluff' or 'drivvel' that will be of no interest, and more importantly, have no impact/meaning to the reader.

In many of these types of essays, you, as the writer, will come with an individual aspect and approach to life - more importantly, this will be different from your colleagues and lecturer. It is important, then, the essay is from your point of view and 'has a stamp of you' in the writing. However, you shouldn't consider this to be a place to stop, as you should too conduct some research on the area that you are writing about. Maybe it is about you getting over your fear of heights whilst on holiday; you will then look at some previously conducted research that analyses why people have such a fear, and how they overcome it.

Just because it is a personal experience essay, it does not mean that you should not consult previously researched material and academic sources.

Nick Sanders is the owner and founder of Supaproofread.com, a essay editing services company, specialising in professional editing and proofreading services You should visit them if you are looking for dissertation editing proofreading.

How to Effectively Outline Your Research Paper

2008-10-29T13:28:00.003-07:00

By Nick Sanders

Effectively outlining, planning and writing your research paper can be a daunting task, and you should try to learn all that you can to overcome this obstacle, producing a well researched and written paper.

You do not need a different type of training or coaching to write a research paper, but you should think of it as a set of different essays linked together by one goal. These 'essays' should be separate in nature, but also link heavily with one another, referring to specific parts of other 'essays' in your paper.

Your research paper will not take the form of developed corporate writing, as this would be too flexible for academia. You will want to structure the chapters of your work effectively and involve thoughts of the reader in many parts of your work.

Introduction

The introduction section of your work will involve a few chapters that are linked together; they will introduce the area on what the paper will discuss and also prepare readers for the data analysis area of your research. You will need to clarify what you aim to research in the entire process, within this section, as well as including a literature review to support the establishment for the research in the first place. Presentation of the procedures that you will use, together with what will be accomplished during the research, should also be included.

Body

The body of your paper will involve several chapters. Many researchers tend to include a methodology chapter in their work here, to establish the 'research methods' that they will use when collecting primary data. Following this will be the results and data analysis section, which will contain all information that has been collected and will generally be presented in the form of graphs, charts and tables. Further, this section will also contain an overview of what the actual data means for the reader and the research as a whole. Generally, this will include evidence to support analysis in the thesis proposal.

Conclusion

The final part of the research paper will be the conclusion, which comes at the end of the paper. This will usually only involve a single chapter and will summarize all procedures undertaken within the actual research. It will also include any opinions by the author on how well the actual research has progressed, and will cover an analysis of the findings and recommendations for future work on the particular topic area.

By following the above, you will be able to effectively outline your research paper, both for you to understand and, more importantly, your reader. You want to keep your chapters as concise as possible, but also ensure that you promote the fact that your focus has been varied, but has centered in on a particular topic. No one will want to read your work if it is all over the place and patchy; and truth comes from the opposite of this, where readers will be disconcerted if you repeat yourself continuously.

Nick Sanders is the owner and founder of Supaproofread.com, a research paper editing services company, specialising inprofessional editing and proofreading services. You should visit them if you are looking for dissertation editing proofreading

How to Decide on an MBA Dissertation Topic

2008-10-29T13:28:00.001-07:00

By Nick Sanders

Throughout your MBA, you will no doubt have been toiling with the different areas of your operational experience and management that should have emphasis in essays and projects that you have been working on. This will also be true when you are thinking about your MBA dissertation topic, as you will need to choose an element within your organisation to conduct an in-depth study.

Business dissertation topics do contain a wide ranging of different subjects to choose from and you should not look towards being constrained just by the department where you work. You should also look at other departments that your team works with and look towards analysing the affects that both have on the topic at hand, and whether there are any affecting other aspects too.

Your dissertation will be a difficult and arduous task; therefore, you will want to look at a topic area that is of interest to you. You may have been thinking about a specific area that you want to learn more about, so that you can help your organisation combat it. What you should try to resist is higher management dictating which area, department or topic, should be chosen; whilst you should look at including some of their thoughts and thinking, behind your research, you should complete the research paper on a subject that interests you and will challenge your train of thought.

The paper should cover all usual dispensable sections required for discussion in scholarly research and each section should be adapted so that it can be read by non-academics. Therefore, filled with enough theory and conceptualisation for other members in your organisation to understand. The topic of the research should also reflect a broad overview and prospective towards the elements that you are trying to discover/research.

You should look at how the decisions you make on your chosen topic will affect your ability to conduct primary research with the people you want to. This may be through interviews with experts in your field, industry, or organisation. It can also be through primary research conducted with operational employees across your organisation too, so your topic may depend on the logistics that you are able to implement to gain views and answers that you can analyse.

You should be able to plan your research paper from now on in and also be able to see where it is going to end up. That is not saying that the topic you choose will be so easy understand and see the end result; but, rather, you will be able to recognise the steps that will need to be taken in order to complete your research in a timely manner that will be of satisfaction to all parties involved.

An MBA dissertation is a complex and challenging research paper to complete; you will need to present your thoughts and viewpoint of the entire organisation and fit all the 'building blocks' into the right places. This will result in effective components that can be implemented in your organisation, moving both yourself (academically and professionally), and the organisation (people and processes) forward.

Nick Sanders is the owner and founder of Supaproofread.com, a dissertation editing services company, specialising in professional editing and proofreading services. You should visit them if you are looking for dissertation editing proofreading.

Dissertation Guide - 6 Tips to Completion

2008-10-29T13:27:00.005-07:00

By Nick Sanders

Finding guides on writing your dissertation that get straight to the point are few and far between. Some books do go on for chapters and chapters reiterating the same points over and over again; I should know, as I read most of them when I was completing my dissertations at university. There are, however, 6 short tips that will help you complete your dissertation easily and simply - they aren't going to be the only source you should check, but you should certainly keep note of them as they will be helpful, no matter at what stage in the process you are; even if you are in year one at college/university.

Tip 1 - Choose your topic wisely

You should confine yourself to choosing a topic to write your dissertation on that is something you are familiar with. This shouldn't be a topic that you know like the back of your hand, but should be a topic that you have a keen interest in and that you have some grounding knowledge on. You shouldn't pick a topic that you know absolutely nothing about either, as you will find searching for relevant material a little harder than you imagine. The key point on choosing your topic is to have a little understanding about it and choose an area that has some challenging fields of interest that you can conduct an explorative study on.

Tip 2 - Check the credibility of your sources

When you are conducting your literature review, you will want to ensure that all the sources you consult are credible and reliable. After all, you won't want to complete this section, and other sections, to find out that the solid grounding you thought you had isn't so. You will want to consult academic and reliable research sources, such as books, journal articles, periodicals, and any other source that has been produced in the academic arena. All other sources should be approached with caution, through most newspapers and newspaper publications can be considered credible.

Tip 3 - Establish a clear Methodology

Your methodology, commonly termed the methods section, is there to outline to the reader in which ways you are going to attempt to conduct the research process - primary research through interviews and questionnaires, etc. You should always explain the key steps that you are going to undertake to gather information and I would suggest that you outline the stages of the process before you being to write this chapter.

Tip 4 - Analyse the data with ease

When you are writing up your data analyses, you will want to make sure that you make this section both interesting to read and easy to understand. You should produce this section in a step-by-step process, and remember to provide pointers and explanations when calculating statistics and values to support your arguments.

Tip 5 - Conclude your paper correctly

The final chapter of your dissertation will be the conclusion of your paper. You should remember not to include new findings or arguments in this section that do not appear in the body of your work. You should answer any questions that you posed in your thesis statement, or through objectives in your introduction, as answers to these questions need to be stated. Additionally, you will want to summarise the key findings that you have covered throughout the whole research process and mention any difficulties that could be gained by the reader. This latter point will build on your credibility as a researcher and research paper writer, as you will be acknowledging that your research does have some limitations.

Tip 6 - Always Review and Revise

After you have finished your paper you should always review what you have written; this will take a considerable amount of time. You should review your paper chapter by chapter and ensure that there is a constant flow, and that the clarity of your argument and tone of your writing is consistent. Further, you probably should consider having your work proofread and edited, and checked for consistency and structure.

Nick Sanders is the owner and founder of Supaproofread.com, a dissertation editing services company, specialising in editing and proofreading services. You should visit them if you are looking for dissertation editing proofreading.

Academic Thesis Statements Explained

2008-10-29T13:27:00.003-07:00

By Nick Sanders

Many people become confused with the numerous terms in academia; the difference between an essay and a report can also confuse many people, not just freshers. In order to fully understand what a thesis statement is, you will need to understand that it concentrates on a generalised topic and opinions.

The central topic of a thesis statement generally means that this paper is concerned around an individual topic and the author won't usually venture far, as can be found in a general essay or report. The key element of this paper will be to provide the reader with examples to prove an overall point.

The thoughts and understanding of the topic should be clearly established in the writing, as you the author, will want to paint a realistic picture of what you want to achieve through accurate analyses and definitive information, which will be reviewed in the research process of the paper.

The key element that you need to remember with this paper is that you need to have both contrast and control - you should be providing valid arguments and discussion of the topic/area, on the one side, and the paper should be well structured and planned on the other. You should lead your reader along a road to your understanding and scope of the paper.

Also, you should have a central theme to the paper, as well as specific areas that the paper looks into and analyses. You will need to plan and execute the thesis statement well, in order to understand the whole process. If you plan and execute the paper well, then the rest of your thoughts, understanding, and actual writing will fall into line. You should also remember that this type of paper is persuasive in nature and should lead the reader to a specific ending; your writing and conclusions need to look more realistic, but at the same time definitive.

An ideal view of a thesis statement would be to look at it as a paper that needs to be packed full of accurate and reliable data, which is easily verifiable by the reader; you will not want to write this crucial and critical paper placed on some un-found facts and opinions.

Being in full control of what you are writing and presenting to the reader is a must with this type of paper, and you can not afford to 'slip up' or make a mistake. Your professionalism is important here and you do not want to detract the reader from your understanding and ability to deliver on what you set out to do. If your writing looks unfocused and all over the place, then this will provide a haphazard appearance of your work.

You should take advice from lecturers and professors on the content, flow and clarity of your work, and especially if any comments are made on the structure of your work. If your structure isn't positive and linked together, then this can have negative affects on the reader's impression of what your thesis statement is going to achieve.

A thesis statement is also much of your own work and opinions, and you will be more than likely come into contact with people that will disagree categorically with what you have stated or written. You will need to be able to handle this criticism and opinionated argument, and face them with proof and understanding that what you have stated is true and reflective. Most of all, you will need to be able to 'stand your ground' through the writing in your thesis statement and when you are questioned verbally about your paper.

Getting a Harvard University Online Degree

2008-10-29T13:27:00.001-07:00

By Nic Haffner

Who doesn't know the educational institution named Harvard University? All over the world, many people have dreamed of setting foot into this well renowned school; much more have the privilege or opportunity of entering it as a student whether as an undergrad or for post graduate studies. Because of its popularity, prestige and standards, only a limited few get to actually be there at the Harvard campus to enroll. The Harvard University online degree program addresses this problem for the international community as well as for those in the U.S.

Imagine having to have a degree with the flexibility of an online degree program and prestige of getting it from a school called Harvard University. That's exactly what the Harvard University online degree program offers.

Through a selection of courses apt for today's changing times, the Harvard University online degree program provides an opportunity for those who don't have enough resources to be there at the campus all the time to learn. One can work to earn an actual degree or to get a certificate for the courses completed. Students who would like to further their English studies can also benefit from this system.

More on the Harvard University Online Degree Program

A lot of prospective students find interesting courses in the Harvard University online degree program. The courses range from management, technology, anthropology to astronomy. With its given flexibility a student can work on an entire degree through the Harvard University online degree program. One can get

an Associate,

Bachelors or even

a Masters degree.

Not all courses, though, are done online.

Some courses require that students spend time at the campus like taking exams for example. But most of the work can be done from a distance. In fact, there are courses that can earn you a certificate purely online. But again, if it's the degree that you're after, you would need to spend time in the Harvard campus once in a while.

With the Harvard University online degree program, it's possible that the students never meet their professors in person. It's through the email system or some special software that the professors and students interact. Prospective students would need a computer system and good Internet connection to succeed with this endeavor.

Lectures can be seen as a streaming video and some sample lectures can be viewed online. Others are available to students even before they sign up.

For more information about a Harvard university online degree like how to apply, which online courses they have and more Click Here.

Boost Your College Application With Photo Stories

2008-10-29T13:26:00.006-07:00

By MJ Johnston

Did you know that many college admissions boards Google prospective students these days? It's true and what they find there may work for you or against you. Too many potential students these days are posting photos and stories of themselves in compromising situations bragging about illicit activities and bad behavior. This doesn't sit well with college boards or future potential employers, for that matter. If you have posted any free photo stories online that cast you in a bad light it would be wise to remove them and give yourself a more positive image.

Creating free online photo stories that illustrate what is unique and good about you is a much better idea. You could post photos of yourself winning an award or playing in your favorite sport. You might also consider posting photo stories that feature you doing a service project for a local charity. Anything that makes you look like a responsible person that is looking to achieve great things in life will make you more desirable to potential college admissions officials. This makes a great compliment to your college application and the photo stories you post should reflect and support the information you give there. If you volunteered at the local animal shelter to gain experience for a future career in veterinary medicine, post a photo story of you working closely with the animals, for instance.

And you don't have to wait and see whether the college admission reps are going to Google you or not, just include a link to the photo sharing site right in your college application letter. This will show great initiative on your part and let the college know that you are creative and comfortable with a computer as well as sending whatever message and image you have created with your free online photo sharing stories. Image is everything and while it won't compensate for lousy grades or low SAT scores, it may just give you the edge you need to outshine the competition and make it into your college of choice.

You may not get a chance to meet with the college admissions board in person until after they have made their decision so the only chance you have to make a good impression is with your application and online photo story. Adding compelling pictures and stories to your site will help the board feel as though they know you and like you. You become a real person to them instead of just another paper application they have to choose from. It is much harder to say "no" to a real person than to a piece of paper.

You only have one chance to make a first impression and your free online photo sharing stories can make whatever impression you want to make. Let yours tell people that you are intelligent, honorable, active and a real go-getter. You never know what opportunities may lie ahead until you give it a chance. In today's world it takes every possible advantage to succeed and your online photo stories are just one more way to create an advantage.

MJ Johnston writes for a variety of websites, including Hoorray, a photo sharing site that offers the quickest and easiest way to create a digital photo album and enjoy free online photo storage.

How Much Will You Make With an MBA?

2008-10-29T13:26:00.005-07:00

By Mark Warner

If you are like thousands of other students out there, you are considering getting your MBA or Masters in Business Administration. While we all have our own unique motivations for getting the degree of our choice, the amount of money we'll be making with our degrees is usually of paramount importance. However, not everyone who earns an MBA can be expected to earn the maximum amount of money available for a number of reasons, such as the amount of prestige attached to a particular school's MBA program, the type of connections you have once you graduate and the type of business you pursue once you have your degree. Let's take a look at how all three of these variables influence what you can make with your MBA degree.

According to recent statistics, it really is worth staying in school to get your MBA. Starting salary numbers jump significantly when you have your MBA from approximately $56,000 a year to $76,000 a year. When you extrapolate that five years into the future, the earning gap is even larger, with most MBA students earning well over $100,000. There are a number of things that can influence that earning potential, however.

Almost every major university in North America has an MBA program, but not all MBAs are created equally. Just as there are some schools that specialize in microbiology and others that churn out exceptional surgeons, some schools are better known for having solid MBA programs. You can significantly increase your earning potential by graduating from a school like Harvard that has an established MBA program that is highly respected as opposed to graduating from a school that has just started an MBA program.

As many of you know, the real world is less about what you know and more about who you know. Our professors try to hammer into our heads how important it is to network while we're in school and when you look at the influence networking has on MBA earning potential, you'll see why. Many times, things like our resumes, where we graduated in our class and the grades we received on our final exams mean very little if you know someone who can start your career off on the right foot. Perhaps more than any other single factor, who you know can determine how much you will make right out of school with your MBA.

Finally, not all types of companies give the same kind of rewards. Just like social work tends to be the lowest earning degree one can get, if you affiliate yourself with a law firm or another business that rakes in the cash, you will likely find significantly higher earning numbers over the life of your degree. The question that many of us have to ask at one time or another is how happy you'll be working at the job your MBA earns you. Will the extra cash bring you genuine happiness or will working at a job that helps to make the world a better place be a more significant reward?

Earning potential with your MBA is a major concern that almost every student has, however, putting a price on happiness is something that no one can do.

Mark Warner is a Legal Research Analyst for RealDealDocs.com. RealDealDocs gives you insider access to millions of legal documents online drafted by the top law firms in the US that you can download, edit and print. Search For Free at http://www.RealDealDocs.com

Many Students Want to Work Green

2008-10-29T13:26:00.003-07:00

By Bob Roth

More and more students go to college with the goal of graduating and finding a job within a green industry. They are concerned about the future of our planet and the people who inhabit it. These students are worried about global warming, pollution, health issues, energy efficiency, our quality of life and the future of mankind.

For students who are proficient with math, science, engineering, electronics, computers and software, there is a wide range of opportunities in green industries. They need people who can develop products and equipment in areas such as: pollution control, energy efficiency, emissions, greenhouse gases, natural products and recycling, etc. However, many other students don't realize that they don't need to be an engineer, a scientist or a computer specialist to work with a green employer.

Every employer needs employees to run their company. That means that they employ a wide variety of professionals with expertise in sales, marketing, finance, human resources, communications, public relations, advertising, customer service, manufacturing, distribution, accounting, law, taxes and much more. Green employers still have a business to run. To do that, they need people like you.

If you are seriously interested in working for a green company, you can do the following.

Excel In Your Field Of Interest - Whatever your field, you should try to perform in a way that will make employers take notice. Your objective is to give employers more reasons to want you. Generally that means that you will fall in the top third of your class. Specific accomplishments in your field of interest, on campus, at work or in the local community, will make you more attractive to the employers you pursue.

Get Some Green Experience - Whether it be by taking environmental courses, finding part-time or summer work with a green employer, volunteering with a proactive community environmental organization or writing articles about recycling, solar power, wind energy, battery technology, our carbon footprint or reforestation, you can find a way to obtain some green experience. On campus, you might even start and lead a club with an environmental focus or encourage your own college to become greener. Regardless of how you do it, get out there and rub elbows with people who have similar interests and concerns. Demonstrate your passion by taking action in the field that you love.

Identify Green Employers - Start your research early. Identify at least 100 green employers that meet your needs. Then, learn everything you can about them. Where are they located? Do they employ people with your education and experience? What are their products and services? Who are their people? Are they financially sound? What is their reputation? Also obtain the phone numbers and e-mail addresses for key contacts within each employer. Additionally, it would be helpful for you to find out which new grads they hired in the last year or two and what education, experience, qualifications and accomplishments these recent hires were able to offer.

Develop Your Network - Believe it or not, the people you know and the people they know represent more than 60,000 people. Some of the people in your network already work for green employers. Others have contacts in green employers. Still others have access to information about green employers and their people. To conduct an effective job search, you will need that information. Therefore, It is up to you to contact the people in your network and build relationships with the people who can help you.

As you conduct your search for jobs with green employers, keep this in mind, employers generally prefer to hire people who have some form of experience in their field. That's because most employers can more easily relate to employment candidates who talk about specific accomplishments in their field of interest. Therefore, It would be helpful for you to be ready to offer examples and stories about your experiences and successes.

If you truly want to work for a green employer, there is no reason why you can't. Serious job hunters do the preliminary research, find ways to get some job-related experience and go after the employers that are of interest to them. That's what you can do too.

Visit Bob's web site: http://www.The4Realities.com . Bob Roth is the author of The 4 Realities Of Success During and After College -and- The College Student's Guide To Landing A Great Job.

by Bob Roth The "College & Career Success" Coach

In Tough Times, College Students Must Cut Expenses

2008-10-29T13:26:00.001-07:00

By Bob Roth

For far too long, college students have spent money that doesn't have to be spent. Now, with the economy faltering and the cost of college at an all time high, more students are dropping out of college for financial reasons. Other students are leaving college with huge debts and a twinge of fear. That's why wise students are aggressively looking for every possible way to cut their costs and increase their income.

Here are a few ideas for students and parents to consider.

Seek Out Grants, Scholarships And Financial Aid, Not Loans - Over the past thirty years, colleges have lulled parents and students into thinking that loans are financial aid. They are not. Loans have to be paid back. They place a large and immediate financial burden on graduates and often last for more than twenty years. True financial aid is money that doesn't have to be paid back. Since it exists in many forms, students and parents should start looking for aid in the junior year of high school. This doesn't mean that students won't end up with some loans. However, if good students start early and work diligently, more true financial aid will flow their way.

Start Off At A Community College - Students can dramatically cut their costs by attending a well respected community college for the first two years of college. At the same time, if they seek financial aid, work at a part-time job while in college and also work summers, they can completely avoid taking out loans. In this way, students can get through the first two years nearly debt free. Caution: Identify the two colleges to which you are most likely to transfer. Then, make certain that you take only courses that will be accepted by those colleges. Also, keep your grades up. Transfer colleges won't accept poor grades.

Start Off At A Lower Cost Four Year College - The same advice about Community Colleges will apply to lower cost, four year colleges. Choose wisely and you will benefit.

Attend A College That Offers An Accelerated Degree Program - Some colleges offer you the opportunity to complete your college degree in less that four years. If you have the temperament and work ethic, you can save time and money. However, only highly motivated and dedicated students are usually suitable for such a commitment.

Increase or Decrease The Credits You Take - At some colleges, students pay the same tuition whether they take 15 or 18 credits. If the student is both willing and capable, why not take 18 credits and get one course at no extra cost. By doing that, some students can cut out a full semester and graduate in three and a half years. For students who work full time and even for some part-timers, taking six or nine credits may be a way to get through college without college loans. This will greatly depend on your income.

Seek Out And Work For An Employer That Offers An Educational Assistance Program - A number of employers still offer educational assistance programs for their full-time employees. Investigate their requirements. Most require at least one year of service and pursuit of a degree that is job related. Many reimburse a percentage of your costs for tuition and books based on the grades you achieve.

Attend A Local College And Live At Home - At many colleges, room and board will represent around 20% of your costs, sometimes more. By attending a local college, you can nearly eliminate these costs. In some cases, the local college may also be less expensive. When you eat your meals at home and take a brown bag lunch, additional savings, however small, will result.

Sell Your Car and Ride A Bike - If you live at home, you can achieve a dramatic savings by eliminating your car during the college years. Yes, for many students, this is a psychological and emotional issue. However, a car can be a money pit (purchase price, maintenance, repairs, fuel and insurance). If you make the sacrifice and find other less expensive means of transportation, this action can pay off.

Take Some Online Courses - Many colleges now offer online courses. They eliminate your transportation needs and offer greater convenience. Furthermore, some of these courses can be taken as you have time because classes can be viewed at your convenience. This approach is expedient and a cost effective alternative for people with busy lives.

Cut Up Your Credit Cards - If you don't have the cash to pay for something, don't buy it now. Wait until you have the money. Too many young adults graduate from college not only with college loans, they also owe money on their credit cards. Some owe more than $5,000.

Evaluate Your Spending - Some students have difficulty understanding the difference between needs and wants. However, almost anyone can chart their monthly spending to see where their money is going. Armed with that information, many students can cut their spending by 10 - 20%.

Get A Part-Time Job - If you are attending college on a full-time basis, you should be able to find a part-time job that will cover some of your weekly expenses. When money is tight, a part-time job is more than an option.

A Campus-Wide Lawn Sale - With permission from the college, any student or student group can take the initiative and arrange for a campus-wide lawn sale/tag sale/street festival during the semester. Individual students and student groups will then have the opportunity to reserve lawn blanket space for the sale of their used Electronic Equipment, CD's, DVD's, Books, Clothing, and anything else that may be relevant. As appropriate, Entertainment and Food items may also be provided to attract buyers. For the most enterprising and businesslike students, this kind of campus event can result in a substantial amount of income.

When money is tight, there are only two prudent things that students can do. One is to reduce expenses; the other is to increase income. Since a college education is a requirement for many good jobs, serious students must face their financial challenges with a willingness to make the sacrifices that will get them through the tough times. It's those sacrifices that will strengthen their resolve and lead to greater success.

Visit Bob's web site: http://www.The4Realities.com . Bob Roth is the author of The 4 Realities Of Success During and After College -and- The College Student's Guide To Landing A Great Job.

by Bob Roth The "College & Career Success" Coach

Have You Stubbed Your Toe Today?

2008-10-29T13:25:00.004-07:00

By Bob Roth

There is one secret to success that every college student should take to heart. Nothing gets done when you do nothing. You must take action and move in one direction or another, if you are to accomplish your goals.

Unfortunately, many talented students are afraid to step off the curb. They let their fear of failure hold them back. They sit on the sidelines and play it safe. However, they will never find success if they don't decide on a goal, select a strategy, face their fears and initiate action. Yes, they will make mistakes, have a few setbacks and may occasionally stub their toes.

"Only people who are going someplace can stub their toes."

Taking action, moving forward and accepting a few risks are all part of life and are some of the requirements for success. Here are a few others:

Establish A Clear Goal - To be successful, start with a clear goal. How else will you know when you have succeeded. Write one short sentence that clearly identifies your goal.

Keep Your Goal In Front Of You - Print out your goal statement and tape it to the front of your computer. It's important for you to see and think about your goal each day.

Prepare A Written Plan - Whatever your goal, there will be steps that must be achieved. Put together your written plan with time deadlines for each step. Be prepared to change it and add to it, as you move along.

Face Your Fears - You can't allow your fears to defeat you before you even get started. At times, everyone is afraid. However, successful people deal with those fears. They find the courage to achieve wonderful things, in spite of their fears.

Identify Resources - In many cases, you won't be able to accomplish your goal without additional resources. Will you need money, equipment and other people in order to achieve your goal? Make a list of everything you will need.

Tap Your Network - When you need information, assistance and support, contact the people in your network. They may have exactly what you need or may be able to put you in touch with people who have the information and resources.

Take Action Every Day - This is a critical point. Successful people move forward in small but continuous steps. They are relentless. This is the primary way that things get done, since giant leaps are rare.

Accept Mistakes - Mistakes are part of life. Of course, you should always try to avoid monumental blunders and disasters. However, nobody is perfect. Therefore, mistakes will happen. Correct them. Get back in the game. Successful people recognize that they will stub their toes once in a while. It means that they are taking action and trying to succeed.

Anticipate Obstacles - The most successful people are seldom blind sided. They keep their eyes open for problems and obstacles. Many times, when they are able to anticipate a problem, they can take an action that will prevent the problem or minimize it.

Maintain Your Focus - Everyone has conflicting priorities, distractions, interruptions and frustrations. However, successful people still achieve positive results. That's because they are very clear about what is important to them. They chose to maintain their focus.

College is a time for students to spread their wings and try to fly. Wise students do not ignore the simple fact that this is relatively safe environment, one in which they can experiment. They use this precious time to discover their passions and find out where they can make a difference.

If you want to be successful, get out there and get involved. Try new things. Test your skills. Learn about your talents. Then, smile when you stub your toe because you'll know that it means you are going someplace. Have you stubbed your toe today?

Visit Bob's web site: http://www.The4Realities.com . Bob Roth is the author of The 4 Realities Of Success During and After College -and- The College Student's Guide To Landing A Great Job.

by Bob Roth The "College & Career Success" Coach

Accomplishments Lead to Great Jobs

2008-10-29T13:25:00.003-07:00

By Bob Roth

As students move through college and into the world of work, they will be judged on their accomplishments. Therefore, every student who purposely builds a list of meaningful accomplishments will greatly increase their chances of achieving their goals. Employers and Graduate Schools expect to see accomplishments on a resume and are eager to discuss them during interviews. It is these accomplishments that help to differentiate one candidate from another.

Most students and employees view accomplishments in a favorable light because they can lead to recognition, respect, opportunities, promotions, money, prestige, fame, security and more. But, what exactly is an accomplishment?

Accomplishments generally fall into three categories:

Personal - These accomplishments generally benefit the student or employee alone. (Getting an "A" on a test. Graduating from college. Arriving early to get a good parking space. Learning something new. etc.)

For Organizations - Because of the accomplishment, the club, association, college, employer or organization is better off. This accomplishment directly contributes to the success of the organization.

For Other People - The accomplishment is selfless and benefits one or more other people. This is especially appreciated when the accomplishment speaks well of the person's character and integrity.

What someone accomplishments for an organization and other people will almost always be viewed as more significant than accomplishments that benefit only themselves. However, it is important to recognize that an individual may very well benefit personally, as they pursue accomplishments that benefit other people and organizations. That is as it should be.

Importantly, it is not an individual's hard work or sacrifice alone that will normally be recognized, celebrated and rewarded. Let's make this clear. Hard work and sacrifice are not accomplishments. They are activities and behaviors that are expected and may lead to an accomplishment. A meaningful accomplishment is the positive end result that is achieved. That end result benefits people or organizations.

"An accomplishment is not what you do. Rather, it is the result of what you do."

We all know that there is a huge difference between knowing what to do and actually doing it. That's why employers want to see examples of what you've been able to get done. Your accomplishments help employers to understand who you are and what you are becoming. Successful students and employees continually pursue and build their list of meaningful accomplishments.

"Effort, without results, rings hollow."

As one might expect, accomplishments can vary greatly in their size and significance. Keep in mind that it may very well require a whole bunch of small accomplishments before the larger ones are achieved. Large, significant and meaningful accomplishments are usually built on a solid foundation of smaller accomplishments.

What does it take? Accomplishments usually involve hard work, personal sacrifice, risk taking, creativity, overcoming obstacles, leadership, communication and building relationships with influential people. That's why it is so important for students to work on and develop these skills and abilities and then provide examples on their resumes.

What do they do? Accomplishments usually make something better, solve or prevent a problem, preserve resources, generate revenue or enable people and organizations to achieve their goals.

There are an unlimited number of opportunities to accomplish the things that students can put on their resumes. If a student has already decided on a direction to take in college, he/she can look for opportunities to generate accomplishments in their area of interest. If a direction is not yet clear, he/she can look for opportunities to build their knowledge and skills in any area that will show an employer or Grad School that they can lead or assist a campus activity, employer or community organization.

Understanding the definition of an accomplishment is good. However, performing the tasks and activities that will result in an accomplishment is better. It's the results that count.

Visit Bob's web site: http://www.The4Realities.com . Bob Roth is the author of The 4 Realities Of Success During and After College -and- The College Student's Guide To Landing A Great Job.

by Bob Roth The "College & Career Success" Coach

The In's and Out's of Studying Abroad in Asia

2008-10-29T13:25:00.001-07:00

By Anne Harvester

During my time in college, the one memory that stands out more than any other is the time I spent overseas as part of a study abroad South Korea program. It was an amazing experience that opened my eyes to how big the world actually is. I recommend every student who has the opportunity to do so to sign up for a study abroad Korea or other Asian destination if they can.

A few of my friends can attest that a semester or year study abroad Singapore or Thailand program or other places outside the United States are easily available and affordable for undergraduate students enrolled in an US university. There are no other opportunities to earn college credit toward degree requirements as exciting as study abroad Bangkok. It combines your education with immersion in a distant land. It's easy to see why study abroad Thailand is so appealing.

Don't believe me? Ask a student who has completed a semester in a study abroad Korea program. They are the best evidence around to prove the value of it. They are also the best people to seek out as peer counselors during your advising process.

Study abroad South Korea is all about finding the program that fits you best. The semester should be carefully planned because of the wonderful opportunities available this study abroad Korea. As a student you need to define your goals so you can look for the features best meeting your goals and needs. The last thing you want to do is think of a study abroad as just a vacation or travel opportunity.

The features of a study abroad Thailand should suit your degree of personal comfort and independence. Every program is built around a particular location. This displays the importance of in-depth research when it is time to choose an interesting city to study in.

I prefer larger cities since they can offer more opportunities in the intellectual and social arenas, but smaller, more rural towns can offer a more intimate relationship with the culture and language. You are less likely to encounter English speakers in a smaller, more rural location and thus will be forced to expand your knowledge of the language and to become more attuned to the local culture. You'll quickly discover that every destination offers a variety of positive attributes.

One of the main benefits related to a study abroad Singapore, Thailand, or Korea program is how quickly and better you will learn that foreign language. I don't know any other way a student can become more fluent in a particular language. Your skills develop quicker and stronger thanks to the fact that he has no choice but to immerse yourself in the culture of a study abroad South Korea, Singapore, or Thailand program. You gain the ability to converse and read in the language. It's a highly beneficial aspect to serve you the rest of your life.

Take every opportunity you have to spending a semester in a study abroad Korea program. You become a participant in the culture rather than an ordinary visitor or tourist.

Anne is a graduate student who spent time studying abroad majoring in international studies. Her study abroad Bangkok program led to her experience growing in these studies, such as the study abroad Thailand and study abroad South Korea program.

Spend Your Summer Months in a Study Abroad Program

2008-10-29T13:24:00.002-07:00

By Anne Harvester

During my four years of college, I experienced a great number of highs and lows. Among those highs, my time abroad in New Zealand might be the most unforgettable. While I only spent one semester abroad, the memories and education I took home will last a lifetime. I recommend any college student to study abroad in New Zealand if they get the same chance.

Spending time or studying time in New Zealand or another destination such as a program abroad in Sydney Australia can be one of the most enriching aspects of not only your college years but also your entire life. Not only do you earn academic credit, you broaden your cultural perspectives, gain some independence from what you know, experience a new culture, and live through stories you can tell for a lifetime. This is all possible from being abroad Sydney Australia or New Zealand.

Finding a program in college which takes you to New Zealand overseas isn't too difficult. The majority of universities in the U.S. house a study abroad coordinator who can advise you about all of their different programs offered through their network of program providers. You will need to register for study abroad New Zealand through the school you attend in the U.S. This way credits and any other important details transfer seamlessly.

Spending time abroad in Sydney Australia or New Zealand is a dream of many students. Think of what a wonderful experience it would be to spend a summer in New Zealand overseas, far from home in such a wonderful place. I can't imagine a more fun and exciting learning experience. You'll have so many exciting stories and memories to tell. Here are some steps to get started:

Go online or visit study abroad office in your college. The majority of universities and schools have a set of minimum requirements you would need to meet before becoming eligible to study abroad in Sydney Australia or New Zealand.

Put together a budget for yourself. Think about what your expenses will be and calculate the cost of living in this new country. Look into the costs outlined by your program provider and determine how much aid and scholarships you currently have which will travel to pay for the program and how much you are expected to cover yourself during your time abroad Sydney Australia.

Fill out and complete the application, submit transcripts and other application materials for an abroad in Sydney Australia experience. You'll probably have to write a personal statement to explain why you are interested in this particular region of the world. Your goal is to show everyone how much you desire to succeed in their abroad New Zealand program.

Research your options thoroughly. While it is an amazing opportunity, it is also quite an important one. There are hundreds of different programs throughout the world. Think about what experience would fit your best and which issues will help you narrow down your abroad choices.

Anne is a graduate student who spent time studying abroad majoring in international studies. Her study abroad in New Zealand program led to her experience growing in these studies, such as the abroad Sydney Australia or abroad in Sydney Australia.

Answering a Few Questions About Studying Abroad in Australia

2008-10-29T13:24:00.001-07:00

By Anne Harvester

Looking for an exciting way to see the world while receiving an education as well? Then spending a school semester study abroad is the prefect choice for you. Study abroad Sydney Australia is typically done by college students in their sophomore or junior year who are looking to study abroad in their major and earn credit.

Spending a school semester abroad is when you, the student, pursue your education in a foreign country and transfer the credit back to your home university. The normal range of time for school study abroad Australia lasts from a couple of weeks, a spring semester abroad or full academic year, or even an entire degree. The reasons for a student to school study abroad Australia is as different as the students, but more often than not the overall theme of the reasons involves receiving a more hands-on educational experience on the subject matter.

With all of the different school semester study abroad programs available, it can sometimes be confusing and a difficult decision to narrow it down to simply one school or country. Here are some of the most common questions associated with a school semester abroad. Hopefully, some of my answers can clear up any lingering doubts you may have about this wonderful opportunity.

What is studying abroad?

The term study abroad or school semester abroad covers a wide range of educational opportunities in foreign countries from traditional classroom-based schools to internships, or independent research. Remember your goal is to study. While the idea is to have fun, your goal is to learn as part of academic curriculum during your spring semester abroad.

Where can I study abroad?

From Australia to New Zealand, there are a number of different school semester study abroad programs available with more being added every year. Before you pick a destination, do a little bit of homework and research on what types of programs can contribute the most to your future career goals.

Why should I study abroad?

A school semester abroad is a great experience in both your personal growth and your future. The world is shrinking daily thanks to the Internet and business. A spring semester abroad allows you to grow more comfortable and engaged within this increasingly small world. School study abroad Australia further allows you to understand international issues and problems and strengthen your own sense of independence and self-confidence.

When can I study abroad?

The majority of students I speak with choose to study abroad Sydney Australia during their junior year. However, that doesn't mean you can only go then. You'll find a there are plenty of opportunities for freshmen to graduate students to spend a spring semester abroad. Most of these programs last for a semester or year, but if that's too long, there also programs which take place during the summer or winter break.

Anne is a graduate student who spent time a school semester study abroad majoring in international studies. Her school semester abroad led to her experience growing in these studies, such as the spring semester abroad.

Nursing Degree Still a Great Choice For Students

2008-10-29T13:23:00.002-07:00

By Alice Lane

As the economy is taking a downturn, many people of all ages are worried about their jobs. Whether it's keeping their existing job or finding a new one, the uncertainty in financial markets coupled with rising fuel and food prices is making a lot of people nervous about the money they have coming in the door. Thankfully, for those in the nursing industry, their jobs are always in demand. People will always get sick and need care to get them up and moving again. That's why many students across the nation are opting against business suits and dreaming instead about stretch fabric scrubs. It's really no different than any other era. Nursing has been popular for a long time, and it will continue to be a popular profession for many years to come.

But before you start paging through scrub catalogs to pick out the exact pattern you want to wear your first day on the job, it's important to know there are several steps you must go through first. Of course, you'll want to find the right school for you and what kind of nurse you'd like to become. There's a Licensed Practical Nurse, a Registered Nurse, and a Bachelor's in Nursing. These paths require different amounts and types of training, and will likely pay more or less. You also may be doing more or less complex work depending on what path you choose. Really it's figuring out what sort of path you'd like to go down, then choosing the right schooling for that path. Sitting down and talking with someone in the industry or a nursing career counselor may help you along with your decision.

Another consideration when thinking about your nursing career is where you will go to obtain your schooling. Again, you probably shouldn't be worried about whether or not you'll fit into scrubs unisex tall or regular size. Now is the time for a serious dedication to your studies and learning what your new life as a nurse will entail. Many nursing programs are extremely competitive, accepting only the finest students with the best track records. So while learning the material is extremely important, so is getting a good grade and scoring well on exams. Another thing to think about is how close the school is to your home. If you choose to attend a nursing program at a school right down the road, it may be more convenient for you to study because you don't have to waste potential study time in the car. Think about this before you enroll, and you'll remove a potential obstacle to your new life!

At Scrubs and Beyond, we can't help you pass your nursing boards, but with our great selection of stretch fabric scrubs, we can certainly help you look great! Check out our scrub catalogs, or go online to see the latest scrubs unisex tall styles!

Top Colleges and Universities in India - Manipal University, Aihss, Sae

2008-10-29T13:23:00.001-07:00

By Adam Sturo

Manipal university

The Manipal group has built educational institution, providing inspiration to thousand of people Recognized by the government of India as a deemed University in the year1993, the Manipal University is amongst the foremost colleges and Institutions in India. Students from over 55countries worldwide come seeking education in this culturally diverse institute. Degrees from Manipal are recognized worldwide, making it a Mecca of educational services.

AIHSS

Acharya institute of health and science has completed a commendable 10 years. Since its inception in 1997, the institute has excelled in providing students with state-of-the-art facilities and a highly qualified faculty. The faculty comprises experienced professors and professionals from the industry with ample expertise. The institute offers undergraduate postgraduate and diploma courses, which are recognized by the national councils. The popular streams offered by the institute include health care-nursing, radiography, lab technology and physiotherapy, bio-technology and genetics, management and administration (business and hospital.)

SAE

SAE opened the world's first audio engineering school way back in seventies. Now it has become the world's largest audio, film, animation, and gaming training provider. Headquartered at byron bay, Australia, SAE is today the world's largest media education college spread of over 53 campus in 21 countries across four continents. SAE was brought to India by access atlantech with the opening of its first campus in Chennai. Courses offered by SAE college in include BA in digital film making and recording arts; BA in animation and digital film making and various other short term courses.

For more information on top engineering colleges and universities india visit globeeducation.org

Economics of the GMAT

2008-10-28T13:44:00.005-07:00

By Scott Strepina

This is an important question to ask yourself.

If you were going to invest over $75,000 dollars into an MBA program and forfeit another $100,000 in lost wages. Wouldn't it be a smart idea to spend a little money up front to make sure you received the highest GMAT score possible opening the door for you to the best MBA programs?

You're a future MBA; I think you know the answer to that question.

Historically the MBA pays off handsomely over the course of your career. So, if this is your goal, the cost of tutoring to perform well on the GMAT is small compared to your overall investment in your education. The key here is that the MBA and the process of scoring high on the GMAT is an investment in your future education, success, stability, and happiness.

"The most important investment you can make is in yourself. Very few people get anything like their potential horsepower translated into the actual horsepower of their output in life. Potential exceeds realization for many people......

Warren Buffet (This guy knows a thing or two about investments)

Why not maximize your time and efforts and get into the best MBA program available? Countless individuals each year prepare for the GMAT with no individual instruction and rely on the "Orange Book" or scouring the internet for hours to find sample problems.

If you want to prepare for the GMAT just like all the other folks (Mind you the average score is 530) then go right ahead open up your "Orange Book" and then scour the internet all hours of the night trying to find the answer that will let you move forward.

This method of study is proven to be inefficient. If a 530 score is all that you need well then you can probably get by doing what every one else is doing to prepare for the GMAT test. However if you are looking to push yourself and get the GMAT score that will open doors for you to MBA programs you though were inaccessible then you need to partner up with a resource that will provide you the structure and support that you need.

Want to Uncover More GMAT Strategies like This? Get your Free Copy of Ultimate GMAT Survival Guide. 99th Score is the #1 provider in high end GMAT Instructional Videos. Your GMAT score is your gateway into the MBA program of your choice. Includes Free GMAT Sample Test

Shooting Down College Violence

2008-10-28T13:44:00.003-07:00

By Scott McQuarrie

As a recent college graduate looking back on my four years of indentured servitude, I can recall many stressors that contributed to numerous sleepless nights and frequent migraines. I suppose its par for the course. After all, those hours of hard work cramming for exams and scrambling to complete a 15 page research paper you just started yesterday only make the reward of graduating that much sweeter. To say you survived college unscathed is quite the accomplishment.

Yet in today's stormy climate of higher education, it isn't so much surviving anatomy and physiology that plagues the minds of American students. More and more, college students are facing the harsh reality that they are putting their personal safety at risk by simply stepping foot inside the student union. The April 2007 shootings at Virginia Tech and The Northern Illinois University shootings that occurred earlier this year are slowly but surely bringing college violence closer to home.

What's the Real Issue?

Gun control has always been a hotbed of controversial discussion. With the majority of school massacres involving firearms, many blame the constitutional right of gun ownership for the increase in violent crime. Just this month, a librarian at Northeast Lakeview College in San Antonio was gunned down by a co-worker in the university's library. Authorities say the gunman shot and killed Devin Zimmerman, 37, and then sat and waited to be arrested. Students were in the library at the time of the shooting, but none were injured. Police eventually evacuated the building.

The Coalition to Stop Gun Violence reports that every day, more than 80 Americans die as a result of gun shootings. Furthermore, the US Department of Justice reported that only 2% of all gun related crimes occurring between 2000-2002 were actually prosecuted. Law enforcement agencies are frequently ignoring laws including selling to minors and possessing a firearm in a school zone.

Long story short, among the many concerns associated with gun ownership, guns are quickly and easily getting into the wrong hands and little is being done to prevent it.

The Solution?

Arguably, it could take years of painstaking effort to even make a dent in reversing the constitutional right to possess a firearm. Instead, the focus is being directed at the universities. In August, Illinois Gov. Rod D. Blagojevich signed The Campus Security Enhancement Act into law. This new act will require all universities in the state to develop and practice an emergency response plan alongside local emergency response agencies and mental health providers.

During the investigation of the Virginia Tech shootings, the university authorities were criticized for slow and sloppy response to the shootings after failing to shut down the university after the first two shots. Authorities at the time believed it to be an isolated incident or that the shooter had fled the campus. Two and a half hours later, the massacre continued, ultimately leaving 33 dead.

Effective Jan 1, 2009, all Illinois higher education institutions will be required to develop an emergency response plan as well as an inter-disciplinary and multi-jurisdictional campus violence prevention plan in order to avoid a situation similar to Virginia Tech. State and local management officials will assist with the development of the operations as well as training. Another requirement involves the creation of a university threat assessment team and violence prevention committee.

Blagojevich is also pushing for approval of the Campus Security Enhancement Grant Program. The $25 million dollar plan would provide funding for campus security response and violence prevention training programs, projects to enhance emergency communications, and implementation of campus-wide training programs.

"This new law sets Illinois apart in our efforts to make sure students and faculty members on college campuses are as safe as possible," said Blagojevich.

With any hope, Governor Blagojevich's efforts will gain national attention and similar legislation will follow throughout the country. As tragically shown in the case of Virginia Tech, many lives may have been saved if a proper emergency procedure was in place. Universities need an efficient system to be prepared to handle a wide variety of emergency situations in order to ensure the security of its students. No one should have to fear for their life, especially when then they are taking every opportunity to make a better one for themselves by attending school.

The author if this article was sponsored by Automated Video Systems dba EZWatch Pro, a leading provider of surveillance cameras & video security systems for home and business. When considering a security solution please consider EZWatch Pro Video Surveillance Systems.

Why an Online Business College is Good Business For You

2008-10-28T13:44:00.001-07:00

By Ray Steadman

Online business colleges can provide exactly the right way for you to get your degree in business. There are millions of adults who entered the work force and never completed the requirements for their college degree. This may have hindered them in getting the job that they really wanted. It gets difficult to go back to school when you have a full time job and a family but today you can get a business degree from an accredited institution in the privacy of your home.

To get ahead in the business world today you need to have the right skills and the right education. A business degree shows the world that you had the commitment and dedication to graduate from a rigorous program. The courses that you take in order to fulfill your degree requirements help you gain the perspective and knowledge that will help you forge ahead in your career. Your employer will be looking for people who have advanced degrees when higher-level positions become available. Now you can be prepared for an advancement opportunity with your business degree in hand. Online colleges not only offer courses for bachelor degree programs, they also provide you with the opportunity to complete your MBA in the same convenient way.

An online business college is a college program that is taught via the internet. The courses can be downloaded for you complete them at your own pace. There are even online tutors available for students who need extra help. You can find a number of courses that will be sent on DVDs or CDs and these can be listened to at the hours you set. When you are enrolled in these business courses, you will take tests, complete assignments in your home surroundings, and send them in to be checked and graded. You can go online and discuss lessons with your instructor and interact with others in the online classroom. There is no commuting on a daily basis and you schedule your classes so that they can neatly fit into your daily schedule.

These online business schools are perfect for people who left college without completing their degree. They can transfer many of their previous course credits and will only have to take the courses needed to fulfill their degree requirements. This means that many who enroll will be able to complete their 4-year degree in 2 years or less. Other students may choose to work on the master's degree that they thought was an impossible dream.

Always choose those online business colleges that have full accreditation. This is proof that the school has been evaluated by a committee and has been shown to meet or exceed expected national standards for higher learning institutions. When you take courses or graduate from an accredited college this means that your degree is fully recognized and accepted. It also guarantees that in the event that you transfer to any other college your credit hours will be able to be transferred and counted.

Is Gossip Really Juicy?

2008-10-28T13:41:00.006-07:00

By Elizabeth Bennett

Yesterday morning, I came online and found an interesting article on a website called Juicy Campus. This is a site devised for college students to go online, share funny stories, experiences and is general fun for those in college. The founder, Matt Ivester has been out of college for a couple of years and designed the site specifically for college students. One would think that a online place to hang out and have fun is a good thing, right? Absolutely not. I cannot find any fun in this at all.

There is a dark side to Juicy Campus as in any other site where people post and interact. Juicy Campus is also a place to cyber bully. Gossip turns ugly and students are basically slandering one another. One student in particular had a cruel experience on this site. She was raped one night on the street and shared this traumatic experience with her close friends and family. Nine months later, her experience was posted on the Juicy Campus site and many responses of "she deserved it", "she is a slut" and other derogatory comments were targeted at her. Needless to say, the experience only made her trauma worse, not better. This site has also raised some legal issues and come under the concern of the Consumer Fraud Act. Of course, Ivester is hiding under the First Amendment of free speech and section 230 of the Communications Decency Act of 1996. His attitude is that there should be no censorship and that some of this stuff on there is mean but at the same time its funny. In a nutshell, he has no remorse about what is occurring on this site.

Are we a society that wants to continue to enable abusive behavior? Folks, if someone has been raped, its not good to rejoice and encourage slander towards the victim. Its not good to spread vicious gossip about others for fun. I understand that people should be able to speak their mind. However, at the expense of hurting others? What is good about that? I know many will tell me not to take this site so seriously. People are being affected by this! How can I not take this seriously? Not only is this cyber bullying but its abuse and outright slander. My guess is Mr. Ivester has never come under the fire of bullies. If he had, I am sure he would put limits on his site. I do not like censorship either but good grief! Some people just do not know when to stop! Are we becoming a nation lacking a conscience? Is this gossip really that juicy?

Resource Cited:

http://abcnews.go.com/OnCampus/story?id=5985372&page=1

Elizabeth Bennett is the author of Peer Abuse Know More! Bullying From A Psychological Perspective and resides in Los Angeles, California. To learn more, visit http://www.peerabuse.info .

College Internship - Fitting One Into Your Schedule

2008-10-28T13:41:00.005-07:00

By Vickie Faria

Most people lead very hectic lives. Between work and family time, people often do not have much time for anything else. As a student, you busy life is more than likely many times more than that of the average person. Not only do you have to worry about attending class and completing your homework on time, you probably are also trying to balance working a part time or full time position while attending college.

If you are the typical student, you have probably considered the option of completing a college internship, but may be putting it off because you do not think that you can fit one into your already hectic schedule. Many students do balance a college internship with their busy lives and it is very likely that you can as well.

One trick to fitting an internship college into your busy life is to complete one during your summer break from classes. Completing a college internship during the summer months can help a great deal in relieving the stress you may feel from trying to balance your class work and the responsibilities of a college internship. If your only option is to complete a college internship during the school year, try finding one that will be flexible with your class schedule. If you have a very busy class schedule, you do not want to overload yourself with an internship college that is not willing to work with you on your schedule. Many internship college employers understand the importance of class work and will be willing to work with your schedule.

More information on College Works Painting internships for students is just a click away.

College Internship - Figuring Out What You Want to Do

2008-10-28T13:41:00.003-07:00

By Vickie Faria

More information on College Works Painting home repair for your home is just a click away.

Tips to Get Active As a College Student

2008-10-28T13:41:00.001-07:00

By Tom Tessin

It is very important that college students get the recommended amount of exercise on a daily basis. They are always caught up in homework, working their jobs and studying for their classes. When students have such a busy schedule they often put off things like diet and exercise. College students also carry a lot of stress on their shoulders. A lot of this stress comes from such a hectic schedule. If students take the time to exercise they can easily loose a lot of their stress. Don't have time? Everyone has time to get exercise into their day. Need some ideas? Read below and you can see how you can start fitting exercise into your daily schedule.

Get involved with sports - Did you have a favorite sport that you loved playing as a child? If so, why not bring it back? Get some of your best friends together and create a sports team. This is a great way to get some exercise have fun and hang out with your friends. Do this a couple times a week with a few other exercises and you'll be all set.

Gym - Do you have a gym around you or a gym your friends go to? If so you should consider joining as well! Working out with you friends is a good way to get even more exercise in. Not only will you go when you want to but when they go as well. Start making exercising fun by doing it with friends.

Parking spot - When you go to the grocery store, park at school, or go to the mall try and park farther away. Everyone comes in and looks for the closest parking spot right away. What is it going to hurt to get some extra exercise? We can all use some more exercise for our bodies. Try parking farther away and see how those extra calories can make a difference.

Make goals - Always make a goal when you start thinking about exercising. Whether it's walking 10 miles a week or getting better at basketball make a goal. When we achieve these goals we feel great about ourselves and when we don't we want to discipline ourselves more.

Treadmill/Walk - Try to make it a habit to walk for at least 30 minutes a day. Rotate between a treadmill and going outside. When it's nice outside get some fresh air and walk around the neighborhood. When it's rainy or cold outside try and go on the treadmill. Add some of your favorite music to help motivate you. Find an upcoming event that you want to get in shape for and use that as your motivation.

Consider these points and find yourself getting more physically fit and healthy. These are great for getting rid of stress and help concentration. Always keep it to at least 30 minutes a day for getting exercise. It is very important to get exercise as a college student so be one of them who stays healthy, improves concentration and get more physically fit.

Start building your credit today at FINDcollegecards.com, where you can compare student credit cards and find more of Tom's work.

Making the Most Out of College

2008-10-28T13:40:00.006-07:00

By Tom Tessin

If you are currently attending a college or university you most likely understand the high cost of tuition. The prices of going to college seem to just keep rising over the years. With such high tuition costs it is important to make sure we get the most out of college. We all want to go to college to better ourselves and get a good job in the future. If you are another one suffering for the prices make sure you are getting the most out of college as well. How can we do that? Easily read below and find out how you can start getting the most for your dollars spent on college.

Choosing classes - You want to make sure that once you sign up for a class you stick with it. Don't sign up for a class if you're unsure whether you will like it or not. Dropping classes is one of the worst things you can do in college. Since classes are so expensive you want to make sure you take the right classes. When we drop a class we can loose up to all our money we put into the class.

Do well - If you're serious about a future career you need to be serious about your classes too. You want to make sure you get good grades and pass all your classes exceeding the minimum grade you can get. If you do poorly in the class not only will you most likely end up dropping it but you'll loose a lot of money in the end. Also if you do drop it you will realize you just sat in the class, miserable for nothing.

Be there - When you sign up for a class you find out what days and times you need to be there. Since you know this information, do what it says. Going to class is one of the most important things in college. If you miss just one day you may be missing a pop quiz, a very important lecture or your attendance may go against you. Often in college professors mark you down for attendance and if you have so many they can fail you.

Professor - Be sure you talk with your professor and ask any questions you want. When we pay for our classes we also pay for the professors so take advantage of them! They've learned everything you're learning so ask them questions. Stay after class or ask during class what ever works for you. Your professor is your best source in college so ask away.

Textbook - You pay such a high price for the book so make sure you use it. Your textbook can be just as good as getting information from your professor. Also a book is always something you can refer to so take advantage of it and get your money's worth.

There is a lot you can do in college to make sure you get your money's worth. College is a very expensive thing and is also very important. If you want to get the most out of college be sure you keep the ideas above in mind.

Tom Tessin is an author for http://www.FINDcollegecards.com that is geared toward students looking for their first credit card.

How Students Can Save on Groceries

2008-10-28T13:40:00.005-07:00

By Tom Tessin

One expense that college students hate putting money toward is groceries. Grocery shopping always seems to be a guaranteed large amount of money taken from us. Although grocery shopping can be expensive it doesn't have to be. There are many ways you can make grocery shopping cheaper for you on weekly basis. Read below and you can find out how you can start saving money on grocery shopping now!

Small carts - Instead of walking in the grocery store and grabbing a large cart get a small one. Using a small car can save you a ton of money when grocery shopping. When you grab a small cart you have half the space to put groceries. This will make is so you only get the things you need instead of what you want.

Use coupons - Using coupons can save you a ton of money as well per week. There are always coupons on makeup, shampoos & body washes and cleaners. Those are usually always a guarantee for coupons. Never go shopping unless you have a few coupons in your hand. You can find coupons online and in the weekly news ads.

Items on sale - Only buy groceries that are on sale. You never want to buy an item if it's not on sale unless you really need it. Also if there is an item that you buy on a weekly basis and it's on sale stock up! Stocking up on the item when it's one sale can save you a lot of money. This will make you avoid buying it when it's not on sale because you already have it.

Once a week - Make it a habit to only go grocery shopping one time per week. This will avoid all those unnecessary trips. Every time we go grocery shopping we find more stuff that we can in for. So if we go a few times a week that's more of the stuff that we didn't come in for. Limit your trip to just once a week and see how you will start saving money.

Grocery list - You always want to make sure you make a grocery list. What a grocery list does it sends you in for the things you need instead of the things you want. You are more likely to go by your grocery list instead of shopping isle to isle.

Avoid isle shopping - Try to never go isle to isle when you're shopping. Avoid going down the isles that don't have the stuff you came in for. If you go down every isle you will find yourself getting more than what you came in for.

There are many ways to save money when you're grocery shopping. If you want to start spending less and start saving more definitely consider the tips above. These will all help cut your grocery bills in half and keep you from buying the unnecessary things you don't need. Start following these tips and watch how you don't mind grocery shopping as much as you did before!

Find your first student credit card and more educational resources on my student blog at http://www.FINDcollegecards.com

Report Cards on College Campus Crime

2008-10-28T13:40:00.003-07:00

By Scott McQuarrie

There are seven reporting categories for campus crime, several of which have additional sub-categories. The categories are outlined in the following manner:

Homicide
Murder and non-negligent manslaughter
Negligent manslaughter
Sex offenses
Forcible offenses including rape
Non-forcible offenses
Robbery
Aggravated assault
Burglary
Vehicular theft
Arson

How Much is College Actually Worth?

2008-10-28T13:40:00.001-07:00

By Samantha Asher

If you are finished with college and have lots of loans, find out how you can start consolidating student loans at ConsolidatingYourStudentLoans.info

800 Gmat Prep

2008-10-28T13:39:00.007-07:00

By Randy Paes

Winning Tips To Beat the Gmat

Less than 50 people each year can get a 800 gmat score . Most of us would be happy with a 700+ score as this is usually a ticket to go to a top university. There are two routes to making it there: a test prep company or self study.

Choosing the best test prep company

Each year millions of test takers spend a fortune on test prep companies to prepare for the gmat. These structured courses guide students through their study time. You see the gmat is not a test that tests how smart you are. It is a test that tests how well prepared you are. To do well, you have to learn things the gmat way. I came to the conclusion that the best courses were from Manhattan Gmat and Veritas.

Manhattan Gmat offers:

a 27 hour 9 session course

6 practice tests

8 strategy guides

It costs $1390

Veritas offers:

a 42 hour course

15 practice tests

over 1000 pages of study material

It costs $1500

Both these test prep companies boast that their instructors are paid over 100 dollars and have earned a 760+ score on the gmat.

Self Study: Choosing the best resources

I have been through all the gmat books and resources and good write a whole book to review them all. Suffice to say, the only books you actually need are the Official Guide Books. There are a handful of other resources such as Manhattan Gmat's Sentence Correction Guide, the Critical Reasoning Bible, and Rapid Reading that are helpful as well.

Whichever route you decide on, the key to mastering the gmat is practice, practice, practice. And then more practice.

Randy is the author of the 800 gmat blog and is currently working on his MBA. His blog features detailed gmat strategies and resources to beat the gmat. Visit the 800 gmat blog

Why Do Dissertations Need Proofreading?

2008-10-28T13:39:00.005-07:00

By Nick Sanders

What Exactly is a Thesis?

2008-10-28T13:39:00.003-07:00

By Nick Sanders

How to Effectively Write Essays on Personal Experiences

2008-10-28T13:39:00.001-07:00

By Nick Sanders

Just because it is a personal experience essay, it does not mean that you should not consult previously researched material and academic sources.