Physical Therapy Degree - Where Do You Get Your Physical Therapy Degree?

By Lester Lee

There are many people who want to get a physical therapy degree. However, some of those people don't know where they need to go to get their degree for physical therapy. On the contrary, there are many places that you can go to get your physical therapy degree. You just need to know where to start your search.

Firstly, you can go to a college or a university to get the physical therapy degree that you want. You will need to find the college that you want to attend. Then you will need to go talk to someone at that college to find out what classes you would need to take to get the degree in physical therapy.

You will have to attend classes for a number of years, usually four, in order to get a degree in physical therapy. This profession is a very noble one. You will be helping people recover over a period of time with physical therapy. There are also a number of places that you can work when you have your degree such as hospitals or nursing homes. These are only two of the many places that you can find a job. You just need to look for them because there is a shortage of physical therapists and you will have a number of job openings that you can choose from.

Secondly, you can get your physical therapy degree online. There are many colleges and universities that will now allow you to get your degree through the internet. You may not be able to do everything you need to for this degree online. There will likely be some supplementary classes or tutorials that you will have to take at a local college or university.

You want to check into all of the online schools that you can find before you decide on which one to get your degree at. You want to make sure that they have what you need to complete your degree. You also want to find out how much of your degree can be completed online and how much you have to go to a college for. That way you will be able to decide if it would be better for you to get your degree online or to just go to a college to begin with.

These are two of the best ways for you to get your degree for physical therapy. Just make sure that you research all your options before you decide on one. In that way, you can be assured that you will find the best option for you to get your physical therapy degree.

Lester Lee is the webmaster of http://www.eighttips.com/, a popular website that provides expert advice and great tips on Physical Therapy Degree. Visit our site today for more helpful information about innovation in Physical Therapy Degree and other similar topics.

Single Working Mothers Saving Money For College Education

By Lana Hawkins

Financial times are tight when you're a single mom. When you are a single working mother saving for your kid's education, it means double duty at not only providing a financially secure and safe environment for your child and yourself, but you also have to think about your future and theirs. There are many ways that a working single mother can provide a sound financial future for their child's education, but as with some things you may have to look for them.

A good budget is the first place to start when you're looking at saving for a child's education. You have to know where the money is coming from by knowing what finances are coming in and what finances are going out. Start with a balance and know how much you have any certain month, and where you want to spend the extra money that has come in. Add extra money say a hundred dollars every month with a part time business. Take that hundred dollar paycheck that can be earmarked and at least twenty percent of it can go into your child's education fund. Twenty dollars doesn't sound much like much now, but there are some programs in some states that allow you to put the money into a college savings account like an IRA or a 529 plan. When the child is ready to start college the money would have matured and gained a substantial amount of interest.

Talk to your financial aid officer at school. They are probably knowledgeable about college savings programs. If you have a college picked out for your son or daughter, you can even invest into that college by retaining the tuition at today's cost instead of paying for the tuition at the cost of the university in twenty years. With the growing interest in obtaining a college degree in America these days, this is your best bet. The ever climbing tuition rates will far exceed any interest you will earn in an interest-bearing savings account.

If you are at a time in your financial life where you get an extra tax refund or some other money, put a good portion of that toward the child's education account. It's too easy to go and plan shopping when you have a large amount of cash. It is best to put half the money into the saving account and then go treat yourself. Take yourself and your child on a nice trip that only a single mom and her children would enjoy. Find something nice for the house that you and your child can do together or maybe even spoil yourself some. Go out with some friends and have a good time for an evening but make sure to save and invest some too.

Remember, if you are experiencing hard times going to school yourself right now because of your parent's lack of knowledge and a savings account, you don't want your child to go through the same hard times. Set your budget and look at your finances today. Find an account that will have a high bearing interest or a pre-paid tuition program at a local college or university. Without this solid financial planning, you will not be able to cope. Your best choice is to be on your guard by planning for your child's future, so they can get to school and obtain the education they deserve.

Lana Hawkins is the author of Mom Pays for College blog. If you're a single mom that needs to finance an education get this free audio and report that reveals 6 ways single moms can pay for college. Open for everyone.

Learning to Study - Advantages of Mature Aged Students

By Gordon Cochaud

Thinking about further study? Not sure whether it is a good idea? Read on!

The advantages gained by mature aged students are in two very important areas: to the student and to society. You need to keep using your brain or your mental capacities will degenerate faster as you slide into oblivion blissfully unaware of the possibilities you could have been. Society needs your experience being put to good use - often problems are solved by people with new perspectives. Old dogs do learn new tricks especially when they are hungry.

As a mature aged student we see and take a lot more notice of what is going on around us than the average John or Mary. Hard as it is, we enjoy the swim upstream to mate and cannot bear floating downstream with flotsam and dead fish. We realize that further study, increasing knowledge, gaining skills is the way to survive and enjoy life. The hip pocket nerve does twinge a bit now and then, but missing opportunities hurts the more as time goes by. Knowing this and acting on it is the most empowering advantage there could be: something that mature aged students understand.

As a mature student, one has other advantages over younger, less mature people. Older people are generally smarter than younger people are: smarter in the sense of knowledge arrived at through experience; you know the truth of learning by experience. All of the best people in sport, in industry, in commerce have reached that level by learning through experience. Mature aged students are willing to take advice from acknowledged experts and put that new (to them) knowledge into practice. To obtain that knowledge they actually do what it takes. These students apply the Rule of Three: know what they want, understand the cost and willingly pay the price.

Few younger people understand delayed gratification as we do. Modern trends have converted the gratification from delaying into the continual agony of repaying worrying debts. Sat verbum sapienti. Fortunately, younger people eventually do come around to understanding the realities of Life: the First Law of Truthful Accounting (nothing for nothing) is a universal law. Once that is understood at a basic level, adults become mature students and a few years later, like you - mature aged students.

The two previous reasons (being smarter and delaying gratification) combine to lend strength to whatever reason we have for doing the study: whether just for the sheer pleasure of learning, for promotion at work, even for just maintaining professional registration; we are determined to learn more to our own advantage and for benefits which might accrue to others.

It has often been said that parents live through their children but the reverse is just as much true. Children and grandchildren like to boast at school; my mum is studying law wins more brownie points than my mum has long blonde hair; my granddad is learning genie Ollie gee sounds much better than my granddad smokes a clay pipe as he watches the ball game.

To conclude on a lighter note. Remember that people ten years or more, younger than you, think that you are old! In modern Western cultures, age generally has little respect given to it: respect in the sense of knowledge to be passed on. Yet cultures, which can accurately track their historical roots back several thousand years, still show considerable respect, even reverence, for the aged. My mother is still running around (well, not actually running because she had both hip joints replaced a few years back when she was 88) knows a lot more than me: she says worse things happen at sea. My wife and I and our children once spent a few weeks on a cruise ship and nothing bad happened so mother knows something I do not (still!).

Although Gordon is retired, he is busier now than ever he was teaching in secondary schools or university. He writes all his material from personal experience. His recently started website has further useful information. http://www.learntolearn.info

Suggestions For First Year College Students

By Eric Citsay

Here are a few suggestions that will help you ease into your freshman year.

- Explore the Campus - Get to know the campus and surrounding town. Find out where

everything is. Learn about campus activities and where they take place.

- Keep Your Grades Up -Go to class! That is why you are there! The best way to keep

those grades up is to make the effort and put in the time, and go to class. Most professors

will only allow one or maybe two absences so bank them when you need them. Playing

catch up with your coursework is no fun.

- Get enough sleep- - Develop a regular sleep pattern- at nights if possible. Daytime sleep

can affect your body clock and impair your judgment.

- Work with your coach- - Your coach is your valuable ally and resource to develop a

happy life balance and attitude as you transition into college. Keep scheduled calls and

work the action plans. Remember, your coach is there to help- use him!

- Learn to be a college student - Give yourself time to get used to being a college student; don't try to figure it all out yourself (that is why you have a coach). Utilize all the

services at hand like learning & career centers, the library and study groups.

- Get involved in clubs - A great way to start getting active socially. You will get the chance to meet new friends, do something you enjoy and take your mind off of your coursework.

- Make at least two friends in each class - Smile; try to get to know people in your classes. It's always good to make at least two friends in each class in case you have to copy notes. You can also study together.

- Get to know your professors -This is very important! - The best step you can do toward getting a good grade. Meet with them so they can get to know you and you get to know them. Meet up with them after class or schedule to see them during office hours.

- Manage your finances; - Your freshman year of college is probably the first time you will be managing your own money. Create a budget and stick to it and stay away from those college credit card offers, they can be nothing but trouble! Just by getting accepted proves you have it in you to be wildly successful in college. Take these suggestions to heart, stay focused and enjoy your college experience. This is a great time in your life!

Eric Citsay, CCC, is a Certified Personal and Business Coach. He is the founder of Onward & Upward Coaching and Consulting, LLC, a personal coaching company serving exclusively the needs of college students and young adults. visit him at http://www.oucoaching.com or he can be reached at (856) 776-6295 or eric@oucoaching.com

Networking and the Freshman Orientation

By Chi Chi Okezie

College and Networking go hand in hand. The new freshman class can also use their new status, high energy and thirst for knowledge to build their network before the upperclass men get on campus. The week of freshman orientation is an excellent opportunity for freshman to take advantage of chance opportunities, build relationships, find their career or academic path and build a foundation of future success. This article will give students insight on how they can make the most of any and all networking opportunities and have an excellent first year college experience!

Freshman Seminar

Usually depending on the college or academic institution, the freshmen students are recommended to take workshops and classes that are geared to properly adapting to the new college environment, picking the right major or course and listening to advice and tips for a successful first year. Organizations within the college or academic institution will hire outside consultants or inquire campus staff to facilitate the workshops or seminars. This is an awesome opportunity for students to attend events and connect with professionals and build their network early in the game. Students are recommended to introduce themselves to the professionals, speakers or workshop facilitators. They should also follow up and look for ways to attend similar events on or off campus.

Student Advisors

During the week long session of orientation, freshmen students should try to set up appointments with their advisors for academic and career guidance. Meetings should be at least thirty minutes and students should go prepared with a list of at least ten various questions. The questions should be about the college or academic institution as well as questions for the advisor. Also, the students should finds ways to network through student groups and campus activities and learn about the college leadership for the student body and administrators.

Student Body

Students should use this unique opportunity to meet as many freshmen as possible. During this orientation, classes have not started and students have more free time to socialize, meet up and build relationships before the semester or quarter kicks into full gear. Students should connect with out of state and foreign students and branch out and even connect with students from different schools and academic institutions. Students are recommended to attend other college sporting, cultural and social events. And students should also reach out to other students and invite them to their sporting, cultural and social events. This is an excellent way to develop campus life and promote activities within the communities.

Chi Chi Okezie is owner/producer of SIMPLEnetworking, LLC in Metro-Atlanta, GA. Newly published author of "SIMPLEnetworking: Creating Opportunities ... The new form of success!" View excerpts of the book and polish your professional approach: http://www.snseminars.com

Time to Study Abroad For UK Students Taking Second Degrees

By Becky Petty

The launch of full fees for British students doing second degrees will likely drive increasing numbers of British students to study overseas. Students planning for their second degree are wise to look to world renowned overseas universities to supply quality degrees at lower fees.

While the current cost of a degree in the United Kingdom is 3,300 pounds per annum the full fees could increase this amount to as much as 12,000 pounds annually. For many students this will be too expensive. However options exist for them to study abroad where they'll discover equivalent courses at top quality universities with considerably lower fees and lower living expenses.

A good example can be made by comparing the full fees for the UK with the costs of studying in New Zealand where 3 universities presently rank in the 'Times Higher Education Supplement' World's Top 200 Universities. Fees can vary considerably between courses but a large proportion of full-time undergrad programmes in New Zealand presently have fees in the order of 6,000 to 7,000 pounds per year for overseas students. When you take into consideration the living expenses of around 6,000 pounds per year you find the costs drastically lower than what's expected once full fees are brought in for second degrees in the United Kingdom.

The British authorities are introducing increased fees for second degrees in the 2008-2009 academic year. Students who are going to be caught by the change to full fees may be prudent to start exploring overseas study alternatives right away.

For these students, finding good information on the best options for doing their chosen degree program overseas can be frustrating. A lot of universities have arrangements with other partner universities to enable their students to gain overseas experience but their choices are limited and they are unlikely to find the student's best possible options. For the student to explore the options on their own can be difficult and time consuming as they will need to research each country and each university individually - a frustrating and time consuming chore. There are a few UK based international study consultancies that help students find their best overseas study options.

As it becomes increasingly expensive to study in the United Kingdom and with the world becoming increasingly mobile, the UK student will do well to compare options for studying in the United Kingdom with options for studying abroad and may well find it makes more sense for them to save money and gain international study experience at a university overseas.

Becky Petty is from the United Kingdom and has been studying in Australia. She writes for Degrees Ahead a UK based International Study Consultancy.

Is a Nursing Degree Right For Me?

By Amelia Turner

There is a critical shortage of nurses in America that opens up many career opportunities for those who are interested to join the nursing field. If you are one of them who think of starting your career in nursing field after your graduation, then you need to major in a nursing related degree at your college study. Although becoming a nurse is rewarding and challenging, it may not be your right career if you are not ready to face the challenge of the job. Then, how do you know if becoming a nurse is the right career for you?

Before you sign up a nursing degree, you might want to do a self assessment to see whether you are the right candidate for a nursing job. There are many self assessments on career selection available online where you can find questions to ask yourself and determine whether a career is right for you. A nursing career will be your right choice if you find yourself has below characteristics

1. You are able to deal with traumatic situations

Nursing is a stressful job and a lot of time, a nurse will encounters tough situation such as traumatic situation, suffering and death. Are you able to face such a tough situation with very stable emotionally and without causing yourself a personal harm? If yes, the nursing job is right for you, and you should realize your career goal with a nursing degree.

2. You are a responsible person who care for others

A selfish person can't be a good nurse because the job requires you to take care of others who need a medical care with patient and able to assume accountability and responsibility. You also need to be a good listener and have unbiased compassion for others.

3. You are willing to work overtime and unfixed working hours

Most nursing jobs are in shifts, you will not have a fixed working hours or a fixed day job if you choose nursing as your career. Sometime, work at off hour or overtime is avoided due to emergency needs. Hence, you must prepare to work at unfixed and long working hours if you decide to start your career as a nurse.

A nursing degree will provide you with the education qualification to pave your career path in nursing field. Nursing is a rewarding and challenging career as long as you are ready to face the job challenges.

Amelia Turner writes articles on education related topics. Visit http://www.your-online-degree.info for more information about online degree programs offered by accredited online universities and colleges.

College Accreditation and Distance Learning

By Amanda Suryan

A few months ago I bought a new digital camera. Before deciding on which one I wanted, I did some comparison shopping. My dad and I looked at all the models in the stores, and I compared prices online. Finally after much research, I made a choice, and as of yet have been very happy with my decision.

As human beings, we're creatures of habit. We don't like to plunge into doing something new and different without a lot of research beforehand, especially when it comes to tried and true methods, like education.

Distance learning is a relatively new form of education. Because it's so unheard of, many people feel skeptical about it. When I tell people that I earned my degree from home via distance learning, the reply I get most often is, "What does that mean?" I don't mind explaining myself over and over again because I want the word to spread. Distance learning is a biblical alternative to college, and God has placed on my heart the desire to tell others about this way of obtaining an education that will still allow them to fulfill their biblical role without being negatively influenced by attending college.

One of the aspects of distance learning that many people are concerned about is that of accreditation. They wonder, will a degree obtained via distance learning be as acceptable in the workplace as a degree obtained from a university?

Let me share with you how the process works. To earn a degree from home, you have to earn enough college credits to qualify for the major you choose. Once you have enough credits, then you have to transfer them to an independent study college that will give you a degree in exchange. It's kind of like a trade.

What you want to make certain of is that the independent study college you choose to get your degree from is accredited. If a college is accredited, basically that means they have high standards for the quality of education they provide. Receiving a degree from an accredited independent study college via distance learning puts you on the same platform as someone who receives a degree the "normal" way - attending classes on a physical college campus.

The three main independent study colleges - Thomas Edison State College, Charter Oaks, and Excelsior - are all accredited. Whatever university you or your child decides to earn a degree from, make sure it's accredited. Then the degree you earn should receive equal significance in the workplace as a degree obtained from any other accredited university.

Amanda Suryan is an expert on accelerated distance learning. She has an amazing mini-course called, "Five Reasons Why You Should Consider Becoming a Distance Learner!" To claim your FREE copy, visit: http://www.DistanceLearnerSite.com

Small Business Owners - Learn How an MBA Degree Free of Cost Can Grow Your Business Super Fast

By Amanda Kempton

Are you frustrated that your small business is not growing the way you want it to be? Many small business owners believe that their hard work alone would bring enough success to continue their business.

But in reality, it's not the case. Richard Howard, the associate director from the Kellogg School of Management rightly says that skilled entrepreneurs can acquire great knowledge from the coursework, and also from the team building exercises with the fellow students.

This gives the live opportunity to face complex real-life scenarios and you could certainly profit from it.

I started my career in a Non-profit organization, ten years before. Things were pretty easy back then. There is not much requirements on the degree, and your focus is limited to few sets of routines.

But that has all changed over the past few years and for the good too.

Now-a-days a Non-profit organization strongly believes that in order to compete in the world market, they need to equip themselves with highly skilled employees. As a result, I got the opportunity to learn MBA. And I have to tell you, its one of the best thing I did in my life.

But you don't have to go through the hard route that I chose. There are lots of Federal and State grants available to gain an MBA degree. You don't have to put a single penny from your pocket.

Remember that as your business grows, you will face fierce competition in your business, and you need to equip yourself with the knowledge of MBA Degree. Marketing your product is very important for the growth of your business, and education will be valuable on this front.

If you would like to know how to get FREE money for your education, please visit http://www.sorble.com - You will learn the easiest way to get funds for your MBA degree. And best of all, you don't have to pay it back. You will have exclusive access to over thousands of grants available for small business and education alone.

Interior Designer Degree Will Be Bonus For a Designer

By Adam Peters

Interior designing is an art of giving a space with four walls, a new look. If you got the talent, you can become an interior designer. All you got to do is join a fashion institute. Is it important to get enrolled in a fashion institute to become a designer? Couldn't one just flaunt its skills by hitting on the accelerator without having going to a driving school? The answer could be maybe or maybe not.

If one has the passion and the vision to imagine and visualize designs, adding colors to them, to add some life and emotions to an empty space with four walls, he or she is a designer at soul. But if you are planning to join any firm to get employed, the employer will demand for a proof that certifies you as a designer, just like a traffic police asking for your driving license when you are on the driver's seat. For that, you have to get enrolled in an institute. This will be a bonus for you. You will get to learn new techniques, explore more about various designs and colors. There is no end to learning. Learning will only keep adding new colors to your field of expertise.

Passion and Aptitude to Get Creative

The task of an interior designer is not only to decide on the colors and designs! The designer's key role is to express his or her thoughts through a design on a paper and then implementing it on concrete objects. A designer's talent is measured in the 'sighs' people cry after seeing his or her creation, his or her masterwork! The designer's work should be able to evoke that tingling feeling in one's heart, that the only word that will express the work will be 'heavenly'. To create that heavenly vision, that will make us fall in love with concrete objects and colors, you should have that passion and the aptitude to be the best. Knowledge is infinite. There is no end to learning. The more you learn, the better your work gets. So it is wise to go to a college, to learn, to explore, to boost your confidence, to know, and believe, that your work will never go in vain.

Results and Gains

Being a student of a college will add a new path to your life. That path, which you will choose to walk on, will lead you to the gates of success. You will get a chance to learn things that you were ignorant of; you will get an opportunity to work with the professionals; you will have designer written all over you! You will learn to play with ideas and colors, using new techniques, to come up with breath taking designs. No way will you regret joining college. College assignments will provide you ways to deal with your errors and teach you to correct the same. Wherever you stand today, whether as a fresher or a mediocre, you can start off with your journey right away. Once you graduate from the college, there will be no looking back. You will interact and socialize with people from different spheres, expanding your social network. You will stand with your head, held up high; you will be a new person with high confidence level and with a new aura of belief in yourself. With every step you will take, you will be always expanding your horizon of opportunities with a good education in decoration ideas.

Adam Peters is the editor of many articles on colleges for interior design published at http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com A focused website that offers the best articles on decoration ideas and interior decorating.

How to Write Your College Assignment in 7 Days Or Less

By Waller Jamison

If you are starting out at college, effective study skills are essential, but the leap from high school to university is a big one and many students find it hard to cope with having to study independently. If you don't know how to, essay writing and planning can be a nightmare.

Plan your time in advance and you'll have no problems getting your assignments written and submitted on time. Here are some essay writing tips which will enable you to complete a basic assignment in seven days or less.

If you check your submission dates and start your assignments early, you should be able to leave a few days between each of the seven assignment days. It's often a good idea to leave an essay for a few days and then read through it again, as you'll come to it with a fresh mind.

However, if you are really pushed for time, you can complete the assignment in seven consecutive days. If you have a more complex project to complete, you can use the plan, but include extra days for research, reading and writing.

Day One

Define your academic argument or the theme of your assignment and make a plan.

What are the main points you will include in your essay or report? What is the question you are answering and how will you find the answers? Will you read relevant textbooks or journals, search online, interview experts, a combination of these or something completely different?

Day Two

Write an outline with headings for each main section and fill in brief notes on each of the main areas you will cover.

Day Three

Do your background research by spending time in the library, searching for information online and writing notes . If necessary, arrange interviews with people who can provide you with additional information.

Day Four

If necessary, use today to finish your research, reading and note-taking. And then add new material to your outline.

Day Five

Write the first draft of your essay, expanding the points in your outline, relating them to your reading and other research. Type your work on a computer and make sure you save it.

Day Six

Proofread your word-processed essay, correct any errors and fine tune your argument. Write your bibliography and ensure that your referencing is correct.

Day Seven

If possible, get someone else to proofread your assignment. Re-read it yourself and make any additions or corrections necessary. Be sure to save the final copy, create your cover sheet and any appendices. Then print it out, read one last time and submit.

Need more tips? Check out our free Basic Essay Writing Guide at http://www.coolercareers.com/basic-essay-writing-guide.html Waller Jamison is a university lecturer who teaches academic writing.

Why Students Are Required to Complete a College Internship

By Violet Williams

Each college major is required to take classes that are unique to their field of study. Journalism majors take writing and editing classes for example while engineering majors take math and physics classes.

Not all students, however, are required to complete a college internship. Each college department has its own reasons why its students are or are not required to complete a college internship. Reasons for not requiring an internship college include certain departments instead requiring their students to complete a major senior project instead of the college internship. Some departments may also feel that an internship college would not be applicable for students in their particular major.

If students aren't required by their department to complete an internship college, they can still opt to complete one on their own. Students who are not required to complete an internship can still benefit from completing one. The benefit to students still completing a college internship is that it will either help solidify their choice in a major or help them realize that they may have made the wrong choice in a major. If students don't enjoy the work they do during their internship, they can still often times change their field of study before graduation.

Another benefit to still completing a college internship is that students can gain great experience in preparation for their career. Potential employers want to see relevant job experience on the resumes of students that have recently graduated. If an employer is considering two applicants but one has gained more experience through a college internship, the employer will more than likely choose the student with more experience.

Most students work part time or full time during the summer months. Instead of working at the local grocery store or spending the summer at some other job that offers no relevance to their future career, students should consider taking on an internship.

More information on college internship and College Works Painting in your area is just a click away.

College Internship - Expanding Classroom Knowledge

By Violet Williams

College courses are great to give you the knowledge needed for your career field. You will likely be taught the principles used in the career and be given a base knowledge of how to apply those principles. However, some students report from their personal experiences that the greatest amount of learning occurred outside of the classroom.

Some students say that they learned the most and gained invaluable tools needed for their career field from a college internship. It's amazing how much you can learn from a three month internship versus a year in a classroom. Not to say that classroom learning is not useful because you gain the knowledge needed to start out in a job and also to land an internship college. A college internship however can give you the opportunity to apply that base knowledge and expand it in real life situations.

Not all college internship opportunities provide you with the same hands on experience however. Unfortunately, some students take an internship college where they are stuck filing papers and running errands all day. To ensure that you get the most out of your internship college experience, it is beneficial to fully discuss what projects you will be completing and how many responsibilities you will be given before accepting the college internship.

A college internship can be a wonderful opportunity to expand your classroom knowledge, you just have to be sure you find the right one. Do some research on available internship opportunities and take some time to think about which one would be the best for you before accepting the job to make sure you are maximizing your opportunities.

More information on a college internship and College Works Painting in your area is just a click away.

How to Succeed As a First Year Law Student

By Vik S.

If you are already in law school, I'm sure you've heard that your first year of law school is the most important year of your legal education. Indeed, your 1L grades may very well determine your career path. For instance, I started law school believing that I would probably end up working for the government. After doing well as 1L, however, my career path completely changed and I now work for an international law firm.

In this article, I am going to outline a few simple steps you can take to succeed as a 1L:

• While reading cases, focus on the big picture. Try to understand why you are reading this case and how it fits into the big picture. You don't need to worry about every small fact of the case. Just know the main point/principle that comes out of the case and that is what you're going to need for your final exam.

• Attend every class and take thorough notes. Your professor is the one who is going to prepare the final exam and it is very unlikely that he/she is going to cover some subject in the final that he/she did not cover in class.

• Avoid study groups. Seriously, study groups are a waste of time. Law students, especially 1Ls, love to argue about stupid stuff and many times, study group members end up wasting valuable hours arguing about some stupid principle that may or may not be covered in the exam. Instead, have a couple of reliable friends and when you are having trouble understanding some case on your own, ask your friends or the professor for help.

• Prepare attack outlines. Seriously, do you think you would have the time to memorize that 200-page outline of yours? Try preparing short outlines (25-50 pages) and memorize these outlines like crazy!

• Avoid competing. Seriously, it is not healthy for you. Try to compete with only yourself and keep a positive attitude. Last thing you want is to freak out during an exam because you are so eager to kick everyone's ass.

This list is not exhaustive and I'm sure what worked for me may not work for everyone. But still, if this helps you out even a little bit, I would consider the 20 minutes it took for me to write this article as time well spent.

Good luck and happy studying!

http://www.4LawNotes.com - Hundreds of free law school case briefs.

Perseverance in College - An Absolute Must!

By Trevor Shipp

On average, college students change their major a number of times before finishing school. Though they may go into school with a good idea of where they'd like to end up, statistics say that those ambitions will change a number of times before it's all through.

Here's the thing: if we're so prone to change what we will end up studying, wouldn't it be a good idea to get good grades throughout? Though you may think you only need a certain GPA to get into a certain program, what happens when that ambition quickly changes, and you're now in a position that makes it nearly impossible to do what you'd really like to do?

This happens to more than you might think! Most Freshman haven't a clue what they want to study. They know that they're supposed to be in college but have no idea what direction they're heading.

... and that's okay! You're not expected to know exactly what you want to do when you first get into college; that said, don't you dare slack off!

The more your GPA falls, the more doors close to great future opportunities. Period.

Recently, a good friend of mine lamented to me about not being able to get into the program of his choice. He had perfect grades for his first two and a half years of college work; then, on the last half of his third year, he ended up finding great work that kept him from giving his studies as much time as they demanded. B's and C's later, he found himself finally deciding on an end goal.

And that was no longer possible because of those B's and C's.

Though you'll be tempted to take a semester off and spend more time away from your books, remember that poor grades over the course of one semester (even one class!) could cost you your future!

Trever Shipp, the author, works as an online business consultant, student, husband, and business owner. Follow his personal finance blog and see how he and his family take finances by the horns and steer them to success.

Mastering a Masters

By Tom M Jones

The benefits of a postgraduate masters course

Masters courses offer something extra to a persons CV. They are the start to specialisation towards a particular career. They are also a very handy stepping stone to changing career paths, take MBA's (Masters in Business Administration) for example. A masters can also be a precursor to the academic route, such as for a PhD. However, there still needs to be careful thought on whether this is the right option for you.

I studied for an MSc about two years after completing my Bachelors. Looking back on it I don't regret it, but I've had to work very hard before, during and after the intensive 12 months of labour! Don't be under any illusions - it will fly by. Depending upon the nature of how you will be graded (100% research project or via a mixture of projects and course modules) it will be intense and change will happen very quickly. Be prepared to sacrifice a lot, both financially and socially.

The structure of my course was: 3 months lecturing from September to end of December, then exams (yep, January - right after the xmas holidays) for a month (for me personally - 10 exams in about 14 days); followed by two months on finishing up a group project that had been running parallel with the taught modules. Once that was all done, we then had 5 months on an individual research project. I know what you're thinking - pah! 5 months! It was quite possibly the hardest 5 months of my life - especially the last month where I was working roughly 16-18hrs per day. And that wasn't just me, all of my fellow students were working similar hours. Now throw in the debt: I took out a Career Development Loan that was about £10k, by midway through the course I was starting to run out and this was another issue on my mind. It was tough. It took me about 6 months from start to finish to mentally recover afterwards! The problem was that I had to wait another year before I landed the job of my dreams and hence had to struggle with the effects of debt and the consequences of my actions.

In my case, I had added a further £12k of debt to my already largish debt pile and spent a long time out of employment...but in the end it came down to a little piece of luck and the fact that I had done other things outside of the work environment (sporty, programming, websites etc) that got me that job.

What should you do?

Well, if your field is technical, such as Engineering then, in my opinion, it is worth it. If you need to retrain or are aiming for an area that is more specialised or in a different direction to what your undergraduate degree was, then it is probably worth it. If your academic record is not great, but you know you're mentally "able" then it is probably worth it (providing you have the motivation). Remember, it's not just about what you're qualified in that will get you that job - it's also about what you do and learn outside of formal education that also counts (a lot).

Financial help

Having a part time job for a 12 month full-time course will be extremely tough. I'd recommend that you make sure you have most of your finances in order before undertaking a course. Do not rely on the fact that you will work part-time somewhere to make ends meet. There are plenty of options depending upon what you are doing, make sure you check out all the options regarding grants from the various institutions and the government and make sure you do this early - some applications for grants need to be submitted 8-12 months before the start of the course! This option is usually a long shot, but worth the effort if you meet the criteria. Other options can include sponsorship from your current employee, probably only applicable if it's relevant to the type of job you are already doing or could potentially do in that company. Loans: Family or the bank. I would always go with the Bank since everything will be well defined, but I suppose it depends who your family is!

Location

It will help coming from a well known institution, but nowadays I see less fuss over red brick unis and more emphasis on what the person is actually capable of, especially since assessment centres (for graduate positions) have become the norm now.

Course Type

I was once told that it's best to pick a specialty and become the best at it. In my humble opinion, I think that this is wrong! Well, it's only correct in terms of later life. If you know what it is you want out of life, then specialisation is up to you, but if you have had little experience of the industry you want to be in and are capable of being good in a few areas then surely you'd want to keep your options open? Again, it depends upon who you are and what you like doing with your time. Having a broader topic will also give you more options if you find it difficult to break into your sector.

I initially did an aeronautical degree, but my MSc was in the Space sector (mainly because I thought it would give me an "edge" in the aeronautical field) - it opened my eyes to a completely different world (quite literally!) and I've never looked back. I could have specialised in propulsion or electronics or avionics etc, but I decided to still keep it broad.

Final Thoughts

Map out your options, think carefully about your finances, and also think about what angle this will give you at an interview, since that is what it's all about. If you are an academic and love the subject, then you should have no problems motivating yourself. If you're doing this for your career then just remember that it's not only about the qualifications that will land you that job, in some cases it will be for sure, but still try to keep yourself "interesting" and have "fresh" things on your CV so that you stand out!

Tom writes articles for GradGathering.com - a website dedicated to providing students, graduates and young professionals a means to network together, discuss, share and start/build careers in their preferred industries. To contribute to this resource, please visit http://www.gradgathering.com/

Reasons to Consider Attending UMSL

By Todd Hicks

Are you interested in attending a great affordable university in St. Louis, Missouri? If so, consider attending The University of Missouri at St. Louis. You are about to learn what it is like to be a student there.

The landmark feature at this university is the Millennium Student Center (MSC). It is a beautiful green building shaped like a round sphere. It is big and holds the guidance and admissions offices. It also holds a cafeteria, video arcade, Internet café, two student lounges, some conference rooms, some seating areas, an information booth, a local radio station, the university bookstore, an alumni center, a convenience store and U.S. Bank. As it has its picture posted throughout St. Louis, this great landmark helps symbolize UMSL. Let this awesome dome be your place for finding friends in addition to conducting student business.

In addition to selling books you will need for your classes, the university bookstore sells software, computer accessories, stationery, umbrellas, stamps, greeting cards and other things. At the end of the semester, you get to sell most of your books back for a partial refund.

The Thomas Jefferson library holds three floors, including the ground floor. The Mercantile library is located on the two floors below TJ and it provides historical books and paintings. These two libraries are open seven days a week during the fall and winter semesters. Need a private place to study on campus? Use your student ID to check out a study room on the top (fifth) floor.

Did I say this school is affordable? As a student, I never had to pay more than about 1500 dollars for a semester. You will have the option of living in one of the dorms.

When registering for classes, you will receive a class schedule that reveals the name and location of your classes and you will have the option of applying for scholarships, grants and a program that will cover some of your tuition as you work on the campus. Ask to have a sticker placed on your student ID card that will let you ride a Metro bus or Metrolink train at a greatly reduced price. The north campus and south campus both have a Metrolink station. You can learn where you are going on the train by reading the signs and listening to the conductor announce the stops.

You will usually need to talk to an advisor before signing up for a class. Once a semester begins, you will have a few weeks to drop a class and get your money back. If you need extra help for your classes, visit your teachers during their office hours.

To become more familiar with the campus, you may let a student guide give you a tour. Red telephones are posted throughout the campus to enable you to make a free call to professors, the campus police, etc.

UMSL has a writing lab, math lab and many computer labs with friendly assistants waiting to give you a clue. During the fall and winter semesters, the computer labs in the Social Sciences and Business building (SSB) are open until 1:00 AM central time Sunday through Thursday. As a student, you have access to the computer labs through your My Gateway account. Ask for your identification number and password at your registration. You will be able to save documents to your student account.

The university sometimes closes during inclement weather. To find out if classes are canceled, watch television or visit the school web site.

Interested in getting a biology degree? Benton Hall holds a great research center and biology labs.

You may apply for a campus job at the General Services building. If you like to work out or play tennis, basketball or baseball, you may do so at the Mark Twain building.

Before you start your final semester, you may visit the department office for your major to apply for a school internship or get ideas on taking an internship elsewhere. After you graduate, you may pay an alumni annual fee of 35 dollars to check out library books, use the computer labs, buy items at the bookstore for a discount, etc.

You have learned the advantages of becoming a college student at UMSL. Enroll at your next opportunity!

Todd Hicks owns Skill Development Institute, an enterprise that provides a keyboard typing lesson and academic study guide. To become a great typist or student, visit Skill Development Institute. http://sdinst.blogspot.com

Become a Great Intern

By Todd Hicks

Look for an internship in your field of study while you are a senior in college. Begin your search at least a month before your final semester is scheduled to start. Go to the department office that represents the area you are majoring in to look at internship listings. If you cannot find a suitable internship, consult with the person who handles your internship program at your school.

Preparation is essential. Travel to the site where you want to intern before the day of your interview to avoid arriving late if the place is hard to find.

Making a good impression is important. At the least, you should attend an internship interview dressed in a business-casual manner. This means you should wear a collared shirt, dress shoes, dress socks and slacks or dress pants. Never attend your interview or internship position with a tobacco smell. If you must smoke or chew tobacco in the morning before going to work, you must take a shower, wash your hair, freshen your breath and put on fresh clothes afterwards. If you do not smoke, stay away from those who do. Send a thank-you note after your interview.

Always arrive at your assignment smelling good. Take a bath or shower on the night before the day you are scheduled to work. Put on a fresh shirt after bathing. Never wear a sweater more than once before washing it.

Discuss everything your internship advisor requires you to do with your internship supervisor. Follow all the guidelines set by your advisor and supervisor.

Pursue duties at your assignment that are related to your area of interest. Ask your supervisor if you can work in a particular department that interests you. Perform any task you can that will help you develop a marketable skill.

Seek permission to do tasks that involve a computer. When I did a practicum in the membership department at a radio station in St. Louis, Missouri, I was allowed to update the membership database. I replaced the old information on members' files concerning their addresses with the new information.

Keep tabs on your work. Maintain a log that reveals the days and hours you work as well as the duties you perform. Ask your supervisor to sign it.

Always be friendly and employ a good attitude. Do everything you are told without hesitation or negativity.

Do everything with care and dedication. Do the best you can. Go beyond doing good work. If you have completed a task and do not know what to do next, ask someone if there is something you can do to help him or her.

It is important to be organized and pay attention to detail while you work. For example, if you do mailings, you must insert a letter in an envelope in a way that will clearly show the full name and full address of the recipient.

Do everything you have learned to make a great impression and possibly earn a great career!

Todd Hicks owns Skill Development Institute, an enterprise that provides a keyboard typing lesson and academic study guide. To become a great typist or student, visit Skill Development Institute. http://sdinst.blogspot.com

Effective Topics For Law School Essays

By Steve Thaler

Unicorns and time-space vortices might very well exist, but categorically effective topics for law school admissions essays unquestionably don't. That's because a topic's effectiveness necessarily varies with each applicant. Writing about a trip to Tanzania, for example, may revive one applicant's chances, but hobble another's. Thus, you must find the most effective essay topics for you. But how? Consider these defining attributes of exceptionally effective topics and your search is bound to be brief:



• It stirs you



Whether it's researching tree snails on Oahu or filling potholes in the Bronx, select a topic you feel strongly about and you're apt to project sincerity, an essential quality of outstanding law school admissions essays. And don't worry if you think your topic isn't inherently compelling. If it's of genuine interest to you, your prose will flow with an ease and intensity likely to impress any admissions committee. Conversely, pass on an "impressive" topic that doesn't excite you; lack of enthusiasm is a rot that weakens essays and admissions chances.



• It complements your pitch



Your pitch, no more than a couple of sentences, is the strongest argument for your acceptance to law school; it should permeate your application. "Tenacious, inquisitive woman who surmounted cultural barriers to become expert on Saudi Arabia is prepared to become Islamic law specialist"--that's the kind of pitch--concise, unique, impressive--which resonates with admissions officers. Whatever your pitch is, be sure to select essay topics that effectively highlight it.



• Personal details make it unique



You've selected an arresting topic that no other applicant can discuss--a space tourism flight out of Kazakhstan. Sounds promising, but an essay is likely to founder despite a fascinating topic if it lacks relevant personal details. That's the debilitating effect of abstract prose: it coats over what might be the distinctive hues of an essay like a drab hospital green. On the other hand, mundane topics, such as a walk to the newsstand, can be singular and riveting if animated by concrete personal details. So don't obsess over selecting a rare topic. Stud your essay with telling personal details and your topic will be unique.



• It focuses on your actions



Admissions committees are interested in your actions because they reveal your character, contextualize your accomplishments, and suggest what you'll achieve during and after law school. That's the reason selecting an essay topic which focuses on your actions instead of opinions is vital. So remember: no op-ed pieces--only when your essay is heavy on your actions and light on commentary have you found an effective topic.



• It fits law school into a logical progression



An effective essay topic positions law school as the logical next step of a progression, be it intellectual, professional, moral, or otherwise. That's good multitasking--impressing admissions officers with a reasoned decision to pursue law and accomplishments which promise success at it. It's also not that complicated and needn't be overt. How one coaxes hens into a backyard coop, for example, would be a clever topic to highlight the professional and personal development of a union negotiator primed for law school.

Copyright © Steve Thaler. All rights reserved. Steve Thaler is a graduate of Harvard Law School and an essay editor for Harvard Reviewed, which edits law school personal statements and other law school admissions essays. Harvard Reviewed also offers invaluable law school personal statement tips and advice from Harvard Law School graduates.

Thinking About a PhD? Tips For Success

By Sophia Peters

A Doctor of Philosophy Degree (Ph.D.) is the highest degree level of achievement possible in one of many different academic fields. Many people who complete a doctoral program chose to go into research, teaching, or administration. A Ph.D. and Doctor of Education (Ed .D.) both vary from program to program, and school to school, but the main difference between them is the design and intent of the programs.

An Ed.D. program generally prepares practitioners. The program would include coursework, internships, and independent work in learning and direction, staff development, supervising, evaluation, and research synthesis. The degree is awarded to students who have made significant contributions to a particular field, especially in the field of research. The main contribution is often a research-based doctoral thesis or dissertation that is defended in front of committee before the student can earn the degree. Those who earn the degree generally use the title "doctor" in academic environments, research, and in publications. To receive a doctorate in almost all areas of study, a student must prove that they've successfully completed a bachelor's and master's degree, although requirements may vary by field.

The Ph.D. program is a research degree and includes coursework, internships, and independent work in research designing, data analysis, and instructional theory. Ph.D. graduates tend to work in universities and research-based environments. Therefore a Ph.D. is based on original research while an Ed .D is practice-oriented. As with most masters' degree, be sure not to take too long to or you will start to lose credit hours. Doctorate programs require the completion of residency requirements (each school will define their residency requirements). Candidates are also required to work on a dissertation after completion of the coursework. This phase of the program is often referred to as ABD (all but dissertation).

It usually takes about three to four year to complete the doctoral degree although most people take longer if they are not full-time students. Many schools have a requirement that the degree must be completed within seven to eight years. Statistics indicate that many people start the doctoral degree but do not finish for various reasons. Some get to the ABD stage and never finish if they get a new job, have increased responsibilities, or a raise at their job. The reasons vary. So, what is the determinant for successful completion?

Motivation is a huge determinant of success! Being motivated means that you need to be interested in the courses and program, keep in touch with the instructor, classmates, readings etc and see the light at the end of the tunnel. e the pursuit of similar goals.

Goal setting and personal rewards i.e. both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation will keep you going. Adequate planning goals and setting milestones is certainly helpful. For example, tell yourself, "I will have completed half my coursework in one year" and then create a program of study to help you accomplish that. That will give you a degree of satisfaction and the energy to keep going. Always set aside a study place and time with no distractions. For example the library, computer lab or your study room at home may be the best place to concentrate and get work done.

Successful e-learners know how to balance. Don't forget to surround yourself with positive family, friends, and co-workers who will root for you! Also don't forget to take time off to relax and recoup. Do something different and fun from time to time. That will keep you refreshed. All said and done, hard work, determination, discipline gets you to the finish line!

A Doctor of Philosophy Degree (Ph.D.) is the highest degree level of achievement possible in one of many different academic fields. Many people who complete a doctoral program chose to go into research, teaching, or administration. But what are the indicators of successful completion?

Sophia P. is the editor ofhttp://www.about-elearning.com/online-phd.html and http://www.colleges-and-careers.com, information and resource guides on e-learning and degree programs.

Success Factors For Adult Learners

By Sophia Peters

A job well done on making the decision to return to college and attain your degree! Mature age students, also known as adult learners go to school part time because of family and career obligations. Mature age students are generally very passionate about what they are studying and that passion brings a wealth of life experience to the learning environment and that benefits the whole class. They have sound time management and communication skills and they aim to be high achievers and that adds to their level success as a student.

Economic, demographic, and market trends have reshaped the landscape of higher education, particularly for adults. However, the important thing to remember is that learning at higher education is as much about taking control of your learning as it is about attaining your qualification or credentials.

Research resources show that mature-aged students face particular issues in making a successful transition to University. These may be significant other commitments for example family, employment, mortgage etc). If you have been out of school the first semester can be a challenge. Some of the concerns you may have may include: Why do my classmates seem so young; how will they view me? how will I balance study with all my other demands? How will my partner and/or kids cope with me returning to school? I have test anxiety - how should I study? How do I work the computer? Will I be able to afford school? Will I get a raise or promotion after I graduate, or a new job?

Some approaches you can take to get you comfortable in the learning environment are first of all clarifying what is expected of you as a student, connecting with all sources of support that you have access to. Getting to meet other students will create a support network for you must also focus on applying effective time management skills. A big part of being a college student is keeping contact with their professors. Generally, universities will assign you an academic advisor, so be sure to keep in touch with them. Most professors are empathetic of adult learners and are aware of their multiple obligations, but also expect them to be motivated and self driven. Also, manage yourself. I.e. be as organized as you can and set up a calendar and to-do list. While not all learners are the same, there are some basic, consistent styles of learning. Once you have identified your style, you can then begin to adjust your study habits to suit your needs.

Keep in mind that time is a valuable resource. Put your school-skills to work. You will be spending a considerable amount of time reading, therefore read up on effective study and research strategies. Take advantage of resources on the Internet. Finally, do not lose yourself in your books! Take some time off at regular intervals. Give yourself at least one day off each week or a few hours a day. Spend time with your family and friends, talk a walk in the park, curl up with a good book or watch an old movie. You will manage any stress, and you will be a happier person and do better in school!

Sophia P. is the editor of http://www.about-elearning.com/education-degrees.html as well as http://www.colleges-and-careers.com/general-studies-degrees.html information and resource guides on e-learning and college education. Resources include information on campus and online distance learning, books, software, and tools.

Associate's Degree - Preparing You For Your Desired Profession

By Sophia Peters

An Associate's degree is an academic degree that is usually awarded through community colleges, junior colleges and some four-year colleges and universities. To get an associates degree at most colleges, you need to at least 60 undergraduate credit hours.

On average, if you take classes full-time, you can earn your associates degrees in about two-years. However, part-time students enjoy are quite flexible with online classes and have a broad selection of classes that they require to complete their program of study. There are two main types of associate's degrees: Those that prepare you for your professional degree and those that you can use to earn your four-year degree as transfer courses. The second type helps you work toward your general education (Gen. Ed.) courses or foundational coursework. Typically, programs are made up of general education requirements, major requirements, and electives. Full time study is equal to 4 semesters or 15 semester credit hours. Some accelerated distance two-year programs are also available online and most associate degrees online have many of the same requirements as on-campus or in-classroom courses.

Two-year virtual learning is available in business, liberal arts, and other disciplines. Many associate degrees online will accept transfer credits from two-year programs. Some areas of study within associate degrees online are: Accounting, Arts and Humanities Business & Management, Criminal Justice, Design, Early Childhood Development, Education, Engineering, Computers and Technology, Graphic Design, Health Sciences, Hospitality Management, Human Resources Management, Law and Paralegal, Marketing, Social Sciences, and Telecommunications to mention a few.

General education courses are an integral part of most associate degrees online and include coursework in Communication, Natural Sciences/Mathematics, Humanities, and Social Science. You can earn an Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree program, an Associate in Science (A.S.) degree program or an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree programs depending on whether you pursue arts or science track.

Occupational and professional Associate's degrees allow graduates to get entry level positions in areas such as computer programming, criminal justice, graphic design, paralegal areas, nursing, and medical assistant. Thus, associate degrees offer a flexible platform for quick entry into many professions.

Generally, you will be required to have a high school diploma or GED. You also need a good GPA and some schools may want to see your SAT or ACT scores. Other colleges will accept relevant work experience in lieu of a diploma to qualify the student for entry.

As many working adults continue to enroll in college, there is a growing demand for online degree programs. You can research many of these schools online. Many have great programs and they give students the option to apply for financial aid and scholarships.

Sophia P. is the editor of http://www.about-elearning.com/associate-degrees-online.html and http://www.colleges-and-careers.com - information and resource guides e-learning and degree programs.

Settling Into University - Moving Into Halls and Enrollment

By Peter Miles

Everyone experiences culture shock when they start university (especially international students). Whatever school or college you come from, it is all new and unnerving. Don't worry, almost everyone quickly gets used to it.

Here's some general advice to help you get started.

- Arrive in good time to settle into your accommodation and meet housemates etc before you have to register.

- Get yourself a diary and maps. A campus map is a must but you will need a city map too. Use them to make sure you know where you are supposed to be and when (don't rely on other freshers having much more of a clue than you).

- Get yourself to induction meetings (IT facilities, library, students' union etc), to enrolment, course briefings, meeting your tutors for the first time, at the right time and right place. Induction meetings can bore you to death, but you will see the faces in power and you might sit next to someone interesting.

- Find out where your lectures, seminars, tutorials and laboratory sessions are held and when; and where you hand in your essays etc.

- Start making your own academic timetable for the term or semester, noting dates that assessments have to be handed in (to avoid being penalised if it is late).

- Then submerge yourself in the first week's entertainment, usually a Freshers' Fair, endless discos, parties and bar promotion nights. This is also when all the clubs will try to recruit you but don't be hassled and don't waste money joining loads of ludicrous societies. Some people find freshers week seems to last for ever; but you can always use the time to explore the locality or do some background reading as well as party.

Once you have moved into your halls, settled into your bedroom and made friends with the people in your flat or on your corridor, you should consider how sharing the kitchen will work best. The kitchen is always the most social place in student flats. It's important to make it a nice a place to be. Keeping it clean reduces arguments and tensions and cooking together is good for maintaining healthy friendships. Here are a few pointers:

- Find out what cooking facilities are available where you live (oven, rings, grill, microwave, gas or electricity?)

- How many others share them?

- Are there restrictions as to when they can be used?

- Make sure you know how to operate them properly.

- What about cooking utensils, pots, pans, cutlery, crockery etc?

- Make a list of things you know you will need and check whether they are provided. A basic list could start with:kettle, saucepan(s), frying pan, chopping, board/surface, sharp knife, bread, knife, wooden, spoon/spatula, ovenproof dish/bowl, dishtowels, tin, opener, jug, mugs, glasses, plates & bowls, cutlery, then add whatever else you, personally, cannot do without - fish slice, lemon squeezer, garlic press, potato peeler, cheese grater, sieve, corkscrew.

- What food storage space is available? Particularly, how big is the fridge and who uses it? It can make a big difference if there is somewhere secure for you to store supplies rather than shopping each day.

- Many students prefer to share buying and cooking food. It saves time and it's good for bonding in a flat/house. It pays to be organised about it, especially where money is involved: set up a kitty, or a book where everyone writes down what they spend on communal food. And agree early what is communal and what is not: milk, coffee, cleaning stuff etc. Keep some sort of emergency supplies so that you will not starve if your cook gets a last minute invitation on the way home.

- If you have not done much cooking before, there are lots of student cook books. You'll find them in supermarkets in university towns, or check out new and second-hand student cookbooks on Amazon.

Enrolment:

Put up with registration and enrolment, it only happens once a year (and the first year is the worst). It is vital to get your university (student card, which is your passport to libraries, the SU and maybe an actual key to the university buildings. Expect queues (take books, crosswords or try busking).

Make sure you take everything they ask for eg information about your fee status, original exam certificates. You will usually have to take all your certificates, including GCSE certificates, so get duplicates in advance if you have lost them (results slips are usually only accepted for the most recent exams). Take a pen and don't lose your papers.

Take lots of passport photographs for ID, membership cards etc.

Have a good start to the year!

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.

How to Receive a College Scholarship

By Mirsad Hasic

You are an intelligent young person, with ambitions of getting into the best college, having a wonderful time, graduating with top honours and the perfect job in your pocket! But, you feel that there is only hitch in this grand plan of yours, going to college is very expensive! But worry not! Let us tell you a bit about scholarships and how you can access them to achieve your dream of getting into the college you want.

Scholarships or grants are financial aid provided to those wanting to go in for higher education and are based on a range of criteria, which reflect the values and purpose of the scholarship.

Amongst other criteria scholarships are primarily based on merit. In this case the financial position of the applicant is not the criteria under consideration, but their performance and abilities are. Scholarships can also be based on need. In this case the main criteria under consideration if the applicant's financial situation. Then there are scholarships for those from a particular race, religion or country, here the applicants are primarily filtered based on their ethnicity, before all other criteria are applied. Then are institutional scholarships offered by the respective colleges. Then there are foundations and organisations that can be approached for scholarships.

Your principal resources for searching for scholarships are the internet followed by educational publications and the news papers. The first step you can do is to arrange to meet with your school's guidance counsellor, who can advise you, among other things, on whether your school has a scholarship facility. If your school does not have a guidance counsellor, then you can arrange to meet an external guidance counsellor, who is great help in identifying scholarship options.

You can also approach local or national NGO's in your areas or the chamber of commerce, as it has information on all the local business associations and can help you identify sources of scholarships. You can also approach your local house of worship or directly approach the university/ college you wish to apply to, as they might have some scholarships too. To make things easier, the student can take a test called PSAT/NMSQT, which are a precursor to the SATs and these scores can be submitted to apply for scholarships.

The best strategy is to start early, decide what course of higher education you wish to take, identify colleges/ universities which offer those courses and then start approaching them and searching for organisations that offer scholarships in your preferred area of study.

Once you have completed your base line research, you can now start planning a course of action and preparing your self. Now is the time for you to grab your dreams and make them a reality, it is hard work, but don't let that stop you, as the future truly belongs to only those who believe in the beauty of their dreams!

About the Author: Mirsad Hasic is the owner of Soccer Training Guide, where you will find Free Soccer Drills, tips on how to kick, pass, shoot, dribble and much more.

Graduate Education Degree Concentrations

By Matt Ulmer

As educational careers and instructional certifications become more specialized, education graduate programs are reflecting this by encouraging students to declare a concentration within their education degree program. A concentration makes educators more attractive, often broadening their career prospects and better preparing them to meet the challenges of being an education professional.

While it's typical for a student to declare a minor in a different field altogether-say, an international trade law major might choose a minor such as Chinese language if he or she intends to work within the Asian marketplace-a concentration is often closely linked with the major, more tailored to a specific job description. Someone looking to establish a career related to electronic teaching methods and new media in education, for instance, might pursue a masters degree in education with a concentration in distance learning, or instructional technology.

Credit hour requirements for concentrations vary greatly; programs typically require anywhere between 12 credit hours and 36 credit hours to complete degree requirements for a concentration within the primary degree program. This varies from one institution to the next, and of course, is dependent on the nature of the concentration itself.

Let's take a look at a few education degree programs and concentrations to see what's out there, and to help you better understand how selecting an education concentration might best serve your goals.

Educational Technology

Instructional or educational technology is a growing field that emphasizes the use of technology in education, both in the classroom and as a platform for distance learning programs. It encourages the design and implementation of a wide variety of tools to facilitate and advance students' potential for learning. With modern curricula being built around the use of digital technology and new media, a master's degree in education with a concentration in educational technology provides teachers with a valuable technological skill set and a solid working knowledge of e-learning methods. Those who understand and embrace these emerging learning methods are in high demand these days, whether it be in education or in private and corporate settings. Check out the International Society for Technology in Education's Educator's Resource page to learn more about this exciting, ever-changing field.

Curriculum and Instruction Strategies

A masters degree in education with a concentration in curriculum and instruction strategies can help teachers improve and strengthen their classroom practices. Exploring such areas as student literacy, inclusion and educational leadership, this concentration helps prepare instructors to better implement practical solutions to problems encountered both inside and out of the classroom. There are plenty of related concentrations in education that are associated with curriculum and classroom methodologies that can also benefit administrators, curriculum developers and department heads, among others. In addition, various teacher certifications are contingent upon completing concentrations like curriculum and instruction strategies.

Inclusion

As a practical theory, inclusion is another name for (or synonymous with) what may have been formerly known as "special education". New educational models emphasize the inclusion of special needs children in the traditional classroom-built around the premise that children who learn together, learn to live together. A concentration in inclusion is designed to provide K-12 classroom teachers and administrators with critical theory and practical knowledge related to special education inclusion-offering educators the opportunity to study and improve upon professional practices, and in some cases, receive special education teacher certification as well.

Language and Literacy

Concentrations emphasizing reading, writing and literacy allow students to focus their attention on the study of how people develop, communicate and process written and spoken languages. This field explores complex relationships between these developmental processes, and how they reflect and relate to institutions, communities and cultures. Naturally, this field appeals to teachers of language and writing, but also has crossover value to those involved in studying new communication methods, particularly as they relate to technological advancement and ever-changing modes of communication. A concentration in language and literacy can prepare students for a broad array of career options, and also puts the graduate student in touch with the most fundamental elements of education: language and communication. The International Reading Association offers an excellent online resource, full of journals, publications and helpful Web tools for literacy and language professionals worldwide.

Hopefully this article has generated some ideas and gotten you thinking about how you can augment your education graduate program with a concentration-maybe you had already considered exploring one of the concentrations listed above. Again, it's important to remember that specialization is the name of the game now, and while you're beginning to pursue a graduate degree in education, give some serious consideration to setting yourself up with a concentration of study; you'll be that much more successful and fulfilled as an educator in the long run.

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The Single Most Important Thing Students Can Do to Make Better Grades

By Kamau Kenyatta

Has this ever happened to you? You're in a class that you may or may not like. However, you take the class because it's a requirement. The professor's lectures are interesting, but when class is over, you are out of there and on to your next class or where ever.

Big mistake! Most students unknowingly rob themselves of making top grades by immediately leaving when the class ends. They don't know that their professor would prefer that they stick around and ask questions or get additional information. Getting to know your professors outside of the classroom will prove to be one of the surest paths to making better grades.

Here is why:

When you ask a question or ask for further clarification after the lecture, you will get the information you need to help you better understand the material. Often times the professor will give you resources and suggestions that will not be mentioned during the lecture. But that's not the real reward. The gold medal is that the professor has the opportunity to see your interest and enthusiasm for the subject matter. That insight is priceless to you because you are now on the professor's radar in an extremely positive light.

But let's assume you understand everything, and you really don't have questions or you don't need clarification. This technique will still work for you in the same way. It will demonstrate to the professor that you are interested and enthusiastic about the class.



Let me explain why that's important.

You see, it does not matter whether you have questions or need clarification about something you don't understand. That is secondary to your purposes and is almost irrelevant. The key factor to remember is the relationship that you are building with the professor.

Here is where this will benefit you:

Letters of Recommendation

A big advantage of seeing your professors after classes or during office hours is that the professor gains insight into how dedicated, enthusiastic and how hard you are working in the class. This will be an important factor when it comes to grading your work, because the professor is more inclined to give you the benefit of the doubt and to give you credit for your effort. On the other hand, those students who don't get to know their professors leave the professor with no way of knowing how hard they worked or if they are interested in the material. As a result, they are not given the benefit of the doubt.

Graduate School

Another way this relationship with your professor will help you is you apply for internships, jobs, or graduate school. More than likely, you will need letters of recommendations from your professors. If they know you as more than just a "face in a crowd," they can write more substantive better letters for you.

Networks

Additionally, your professors can help you tap into professional communities in your field or even find an internship or a job. I often receive information from various sources looking for qualified students. When I do, I pass them along to students with whom I have developed great relationships.

Of course, there are some professors who may be more approachable than others. Whether they are or not, if you show interest and enthusiasm for the class and the professor, you will do much better than those students who do not go that extra mile.

Kamau Kenyatta, author of the new book, The Confessions of A College Professor : Insider Secrets To Making Top Grades In All Your Classes teaches at William Paterson University in Wayne, NJ. To learn more about making top grades in college, visit our site at http://www.yourcollegeprofessor.com

College Students - 5 Tips For Making Top Grades

By Kamau Kenyatta

Did you know that every year more than 17 million students enter college but only half of them will actually graduate? Believe it or not, according to the education department, 45% of students who attend college will drop out or fail out. When these students enter college, they all have high expectations and aspirations of making good grades and graduating. Every semester I see students make simple mistakes that, unknown to them, jeopardize their grades. More and more students are dropping out or failing out of college each year because they lack essential information that goes beyond the typical classroom skills. Here are 5 suggestions for students who need and want to make better grades:

1. Go to class the first day. Many students make the mistake of missing the first class because they think it's a waste of time. But it is a mistake that will cause many problems throughout the semester. When you miss the first day of class, not only do you miss pertinent information, but you also create a first bad impression.


2. Before you go to class, find out what books or articles the professor has written. Buy a copy of their latest book, or borrow it from the library and take it to class with you on the first day. If there are no books, find an article by the professor and read it. This will impress the professor and will show that you have an interest in the material and the professor's work.


3. Introduce yourself to your professor on the first day and make a comment about their book or article. Just because you're familiar with your name do not assume that the professor will know and remember it. It's your job to make yourself stand out from the rest of the class, and the first way to do that is to get the professor to associate your face with your name.


4. Schedule a personal appointment with your professor during the first two weeks of school. Most students wait until there is a crisis in their lives to schedule an appointment with the professor. Take the initiative and meet with the professor before a crisis. It helps create credibility and ground the relationship between you and the professor. During the appointment let the professor know of your interest in the subject, and ask what you can do to receive a top grade from the class.


5. Ask your professor how he or she became interested in the subject matter of the class. Asking this simple question will do more for you than you will ever imagine. It will make you stand out from everyone else, and it will help that professor remember you. Ultimately it could work to your advantage in receiving a better grade. Don't underestimate the power of this question.

While these tips may seem innocent on the surface, they can make a big difference in the results you receive if you apply them.

Kamau Kenyatta, author of the new book, "The Confessions of A College Professor," view here, teaches at William Paterson University in Wayne, NJ. To learn more about making top grades in college visit http://www.yourcollegeprofessor.com

Ways to Make Money in College - What's the Best Way to Make Money in College?

By Jim Wa

Are you a college student? Do you need some extra money to pay off the student loan, textbooks, or just want some extra spending money? Either way, you are in the right place to learn about the best way to make money in college. Sure, you could get that part time job, but in the world that we live in today, there are some less traditional ways to make money while in college. I am going to show you a way that has worked very well for me.

I am not here to tell you to get that average job where you work at the campus café or selling school sporting tickets. I am not even telling you to sell your old junk on e-bay or craigslist. However thinking about selling and the internet is one step closer to what we are going to talk about here.

The Internet has made many things possible. If you just invest 5-15 hours a week from your busy college lives, you will be way ahead of your peers and on your way to make money in college. You could potentially make more money than the job you get after finishing school.

If you are high spirited and likes a challenge, this is a great opportunity for you. Don't go into this if you are lazy or you just want a job where you can stand around and get paid slacking off. You can't survive life that way. Come into internet marketing if you are enthusiastic about learning a new skill and see a future on the internet.

Before we get too ahead of ourselves, let me give you a quick introduction to internet marketing and you'll see why it is the best way to make money in college. The amazing thing about internet marketing is that it requires little to no investment. It provides a fantastic opportunity for anyone who wants to start a business online.

It works the same way as any other job, except you are your own boss, you get to choose your own hours, work as much or as little as you want to. In the end the company you are working for is yourself, so you keep all the money you make. Your office is the Internet, you literally have unlimited opportunities to make money - all while still in college!

The toughest part about internet marketing is getting started. If you do a search on Google about making money online, you will get millions of results. 9/10 of these sites might provide misleading information and could actually make you lose a lot of money.

But once you do find the right resource to learn, all you need is to take action and you will see success!

Jim Wa is tired of seeing get rich quick-schemes polluting the Internet. He is trying to make people see the truth behind these programs, and set them onto the right track to make money online. He is a proud member of Wealthy Affiliate and is the founder of LearnIMnow.com, where he has helped hundreds of people succeed online, sign up for his free internet marketing e-course now.