How to Prepare For Accuplacer Exam?

By Joju Paul

Accuplacer tests have gained increasing popularity due to their convenience, and they are used by a variety of institutions including high schools, technical institutes, and colleges.

Due to the fact that Accuplacer is available for download, this offers a good opportunity of availing the exams to many students at the same time. Even better, the institutions offering the tests do not have to install or even upgrade their software. All that an institution requires in order to have a test center is to have access to the Internet.

Accuplacer tests comprise four kinds of placement tests that are composed of thirteen multiple-choice type questions, summary reports, math, and scoring of essays electronically. You will need to take Accuplacer tests when the courses you want to take have writing and math components, or when a lot of reading is needed. You will find a lot of test preparation materials, which will help you stand a better chance of success. There are a number of websites offering Accuplacer study guides for download, in many cases, free of charge.

Here are some of the Accuplacer exam details. You will take a reading comprehension test to determine your understanding of what you have read. Your sentence skills will also be put to test as you choose how wrong or correct given sentences are. The math section involves elementary algebra, arithmetic, and some college-level maths. Your study guides should likewise prepare you to write a good essay, which often also comes in handy during the Accuplacer test. The adaptive nature of the Accuplacer test means that the subsequent questions you will be asked will depend on how you have answered previous ones. This is a useful method in establishing each student's level of knowledge.

Since you will not be pressed for time, you need to go through your questions carefully. The average duration many students take is usually between one and three hours. Take advantage of the untimed nature of the test since your performance will be crucial in how your college or university places you. Another very useful feature of Accuplacer test is that you will not go through a stressful time as you wait for your results. The scores, which range from 0 to 120, are given immediately after the test. They are submitted to the college, which in turn releases them to you.

The Accuplacer tests help colleges and universities to grade their prospective students accordingly. The tests are useful study tools that ensure you are not placed in a class that is too technical for your present status. On the other hand, you may end up getting bored and distracted if you are placed where most of the things you do are mere revisions. In many cases, it is free to take Accuplacer test, unless you had initially performed poorly and are taking it once more. It is better to prepare well and perform well at the first sitting. This is not as much for the cost as for the credits you will get at the college, which in turn will save you a lot of time.

Research has shown that the students who score high marks in Accuplacer tests go on performing well in their respective colleges or universities.

Author is promoting the website http://www.studyguidesandflashcards.com The very purpose of our website is to provide various study guides and flash cards availbale for various competitive exams in one place.

Tips to Find Good MBA Projects

By Jitesh Arora

Masters of Business Administration is truly a fulfilling career. If one has it, then there is a great chance of landing to a high paying job. But before you earn that, you need to accomplish several MBA Projects. Finding these projects can be difficult if one is not equipped with the right information on what to look for.

Here are some tips in finding good MBA Projects:

1. Enough Resources. Before planning for any project, allocate enough time to search for possible resources. Most MBA projects end up hanging due to lack of resources to fetch information. Resources can include textbook, the Internet, community, and an organization. Other materials may include accomplished MBA projects with the proper authorization from the author. Most universities do not expose accomplished MBA projects.

2. Effective and Relevant topic. Finding good topics for an MBA project can be confusing. Specializations like entrepreneurship and finance may sound similar, but topics should be distinct for both specializations. Topics for MBA Finance can be: "Relevance of a business life cycle using..." These are good and interesting topics.

3. Planning for the Subject to be studied. Subject should be discussed and be given emphasis at the beginning. In finding good MBA projects, subjects should be searched for availability. Focusing in this area will allow a student to identify specific problems and recommendations for a possible solution.

4. Look for Desired Outputs. The purpose of an MBA project is to give recommendation and possible solution to an existing problem. In finding good MBA projects, make sure that the desired outputs are feasible.

5. Planning the Methodology. In preparing for an MBA project, planning for the methodology to be used is very important. Plan a strategy or analytical tool that is necessary and applicable for the respondents. Proper methodology will create good MBA projects.

6. Ask for Assistance from Experts. We may deny it, but most of the students taking MBA courses are having problems in finding and doing the necessary preparations for an MBA project. No need to be embarrassed, almost everyone feels the same at first. An advice from an expert will definitely work and can give a clearer view of what to look for on an MBA project. From the Internet alone, there are thousands of websites readily available to help students and professionals with their MBA projects.

These are some helpful tips I have compiled that can help you find good MBA projects. One can produce good quality MBA projects if thorough research and proper methodologies are applied. Let this be your guide in finding an MBA project.

If you are looking for more information then feel free to visit MBA Notes and MBA Projects

Guide to the University of Hawaii

By Sarah Wells

Campuses Of The University Of Hawaii

The University of Hawaii offers a world class educational experience with all the advantages of island life. Uniquely positioned between the continental United States and the Asia Pacific islands, the student body of the University of Hawaii is diverse and international.

Campuses

Students who decide to matriculate at the University of Hawaii can choose from ten different locations when deciding which campus to attend.

Manoa is located just above Waikiki. This is the University of Hawaii's oldest campus and the largest one. Students may pursue undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees. Athletes may be most interested in the Manoa campus, because their NCAA Division I athletic program is nationally ranked.

The West Oahu campus has the lowest university tuition of all the University of Hawaii campuses. Students who are paying their own way through college will appreciate this, as they will have fewer student loans to pay off after graduation. This is a great campus for non-traditional students who are starting college later in life, or who are going to college while working full time. Many online courses are available during the day, evening, and weekends. A new campus in Kapolei is scheduled to open next year.

Honolulu has facilities for programs in the fields of aeronautic, marine, automotive, and heavy equipment studies.

Kauai offers courses in fields of study in such areas of study as business, hospitality, health, early childhood education, and liberal arts. This campus is a primary resource for island visitors who wish to visit the University of Hawaii.

Maui is located on three islands! This community college has education centers on Hana, Lanai, and Molokai.

The Hilo campus of the University of Hawaii is a natural place to study volcanoes and oceans. Students can choose from undergraduate and masters degree programs in these fields of study.

Hawaii campus, located in Hilo, is a community college offering more than 30 different non-credit, certificate, and degree programs in vocational specialties and trades.

Kapiolani, located near Waikiki on the slopes of Diamond Head, is the largest community college in the University of Hawaii system. Programs offered include business, hospitality, and arts and sciences.

The Leeward community college overlooks Pearl Harbor and has an education center that also serves the Waianae area.

Windward community college is located at the base of the Koolau mountains in Kaneohe. This college specializes in creative arts, and artists, musicians and other creative types will find an academic home at Windward. With these ten campuses, the University of Hawaii offers something for everyone.

Sarah Wells is a full time travel consultant in Florida. Check out these great Hawaii Vacations Rentals resources and articles or the more specific Hawaii Cruises guide. http://www.hawaiivacationstravel.com/Hawaii-Vacation-Rentals.html

Pursuing a Masters Degree in Engineering

By Scott Salter

Anyone who is intent on becoming an engineer will at some stage need to decide on what kind of an engineer they would like to be. There are a number of specializations available within the field of engineering and career advancement within the industry will often be aided by acquiring a Masters Degree in Engineering. When researching an online engineering masters degree learning or a master's degree that can be attained by physically attending a campus, you will obviously need to be aware of which specialization it is that your are most interested in pursuing.

The masters in engineering specialties include Aerospace, agriculture, bio engineering, chemical, civil, computer, computer science, construction management, electrical engineering, engineering management, engineering technology, environmental, fire protection, industrial, information technology, manufacturing, materials, mechanical, software, systems, and telecom management.

Attaining a masters degree in engineering will give you a leg up from a career advancement perspective in a number of different fields. Highly qualified engineers are always in demand due to the rapid pace of technology growth and its attendant need for skilled individuals to be able to put those technological advancements to productive use. When you are researching which college or online degree you would like to attend, it is a good idea to consult an advisor on which type of course you would like to take. Most of these courses are two years long, but can be longer if you decide to learn in more than one area of the industry.

Having a Masters in engineering degree will give you the knowledge and skills base to create practical applications arising out of scientific methods and principles which in turn can be developed into a variety of machines, apparatus's or structures to meet a desired effect.

Getting an online engineering masters degree has been a very popular way of doing so because in today's day and age, people are not so able to just go to school and not have a job at the same time. It is a very cumbersome task to have to go to a full-time job and find the time to go to a school, physically, in order to get your masters degree. Getting your masters in engineering degree online will allow you to keep your full-time job and do your studies on your own time within a specific range of time that the online school has put on your courses. Many people in getting their masters in engineering degrees are now doing their studies in the comfort of their own homes.

For more information on obtaining a masters degree in engineering or an online engineering masters degree go to masters-in-engineering.com

What Kind of MBA Will Get You to the Top? A Review of Different Programs

By Otto Kreistler

One of the best methods to advance your career is by getting an MBA degree. And why shouldn't you get one? Studying for an MBA is one of the best ways to get at the forefront of your industry because not only does it give you knowledge in a variety of fields like marketing, management, economics, finance, entrepreneurship, and corporate strategy. And apart from this, an MBA will most likely put you at the head of the pack, because of the amazing job placement opportunities that come with having the degree. People with MBAs from good programs are more often than not paid better, put in higher posts and are hired more easily by companies because of the prestige that comes with the degree.

But not everyone has a similar style when it comes to achieving an MBA, and there are people who may be connected by the desire to have an MBA but have different needs when it comes to their learning styles, schedules, funds and the things they want to specialize in. So making a comparison of the popular kinds of MBA programs is important to determine what program is really meant for you.

So to what program do you belong? Try to make a comparison of the following to see, which MBA program is best for you:

* Two-year MBA Program: This is the standard program and the route most people take to get their MBAs. It is most probably the most comprehensive program out of all of them.

Advantage: Career placement options are diverse, opportunities are the greatest, course loads are customizable, and internships are plentiful.

Disadvantage: Two years of study are taxing and demanding. You will most likely have to forgo work for the time being.

* One-Year MBA Program: A more compressed program than its two year counterpart, it also demands your full attention. The class hours are reduced but the quality of learning is not.

Advantage: Degrees are earned at a very short amount of time. The quality of education is still extremely good and the intense atmosphere usually brings out the best in candidates.

Disadvantage: It is more grueling and stressful than most other programs that offer the MBA. Maintaining a job is almost impossible and there are almost no breaks in between semesters.

*Part-Time MBA Program: This is one of the less stressful options for those who want their MBA degree. It usually allows for you to study during weekends and at night while doing other things like working during the day.

Advantage: The course work is light but substantial. You can usually get to keep your job while taking care of your career. And because the course work is dispersed over a longer period, it is relatively cheaper.

Disadvantage: It takes about two more years to finish, at which time you may have already risen through the ranks anyway. It also requires that you take classes the whole year, with limited break periods. The internship opportunities are usually non-existent.

These are just a few of the programs that you can pick based on your lifestyle, preferences and needs. If you want a more detailed and complete list of all the pluses and minuses of the various MBA programs before you enroll, just visit: http://mbadegrees.com/mba-programs/

Rule Over the Rest in a Shorter Amount of Time - The One-Year MBA Program

By Otto Kreistler

In this competitive world of business and finance where everything from individuals to corporations are constantly jockeying against one another and taking advantage of each and every opportunity to have that much-needed advantage, change for the better is necessary for survival. Those who fail to adapt to the changes demanded by the situation will most likely be left in the dust and swallowed by a system that gives value only to the best. So if you are an employee with a lot of talent, but who can't seem to get a break or an entrepreneur with a lot of novel ideas that you can't seem to fully translate into success, what can you do?

Why get an MBA degree of course! This program allows you to be at the cutting edge in terms of theories and scientifically based practices in the field of business and management. Important aspects can be taken as specializations depending on your skill set and intentions such as finance, strategies, marketing, entrepreneurship, communication, economics and others. This postgraduate degree is the next logical step for those who seek advancement and a more complex set of responsibilities.

What kind of MBA can you take when you want to learn as much as possible in as quick a time as possible? A great option is the one-year MBA. The advantage of having a one-year MBA program is that it compresses all the lessons of a regular MBA program into a single year, meaning you get the same kind of leadership training courses, and organizational development in a far shorter period than usual.

Another advantage of the one-year MBA is that it saves you more money overall because of the reduced period of the program. Because everything is accelerated, you only need to leave work for a single year in order to study. And because of the short period of time breeds intensity and focus in its students, this atmosphere of friendly competition is sure to bring out the best in you.

You should be prepared to face all the difficulties of such an intense program however. The brutal schedule of such a program can intimidate some and deter others completely. Plus there are some companies that still prefer the traditional method of acquiring an MBA. So make sure your company of choice recognizes the one-year MBA before you jump in.

But overall, if you want a considerable challenge, amazing insights and career advancement in a short period of time, the one-year MBA program is definitely for you! You may just find yourself being promoted to vice president soon after. If you want more information on applying for this amazing opportunity, just visit: http://mbadegrees.com/full-time-1-year-mba/

Make Them See Your Glory - How to Have the Perfect Set of Recommendation Letters

By Otto Kreistler

There are many reasons why you should be getting an MBA degree. First off, it can help you in an enormous way in terms of advancing your career. When you get an MBA, you automatically get amazing chances of getting hired and a great job placement opportunities. This is because MBA graduates are in many ways the cream of the crop when it comes to business, management, corporate strategy, finance, entrepreneurship, marketing and others. So how do you become a part of the elite circle that are the movers and shakers in the business world?

By getting an MBA you become part of an elite circle that includes the top executives, entrepreneurs and creative thinkers in the realm of business. And applying for is actually a simple method that however involves a lot of factors. One of the biggest determinants of your entry or denial would definitely be the recommendation letter.

You usually have recommendation letters filled out by people in high positions that can make an honest and accurate assessment of your skills and abilities. If you want your letters of recommendation to be the best they can be, take note of the following when having your mentors or peers filling them out:

- Request for the letters of recommendation at least three months before the deadline of submission for the document.

- Make sure the person who is recommending you knows you well and can give a full account of abilities and potential

- It is a lot more courteous and respectful to solicit them for the recommendation in person rather than by phone

- Gather as much recommendation letters as you can so you have a healthy lot to choose from

- Never ask people to lie or to invent fraudulent information that will make you look better.

- Never, ever forge signatures.

With these guidelines in mind, you're sure to comply with the recommendation letter requirement in no time at all! If you want more ideas on how to complete your MBA application and recommendation letters, just visit: http://mbadegrees.com/mba-letters-of-recommendation/ See you in school!

Conquer the World of Business - Why You Should Get an MBA Degree

By Otto Kreistler

Nowadays every advantage counts, especially in the field of business. Every day companies and corporations are thinking up ways to improve themselves and to increase productivity. And these changes and decisions are made by a select group of individuals with special skills, talent and training. These individuals are the true elite in the industry, with all the tools necessary for success. With a natural instinct for managing they combine the best scientifically-based theories that only a special kind of training can give. The question is: are you part of this elite circle of movers and shakers?

If you're not quite there yet but you think you have the makings of a true business leader, why not enroll in the program that produces the best of the best? Getting yourself into a full-time MBA program will definitely help you get places while giving you the amazing knowledge that will help your career skyrocket. You can learn all the techniques of business, management, economics, e-commerce, finance, marketing, entrepreneurship and many other fields. And most importantly, many companies recognize the value of an MBA degree, and frequently hire people that have finished the program to fill their highest posts.

Applying for a regular 2-year MBA gives you more flexibility than many of the other MBA options. Though many core subjects are immovable, you can fit your electives to fit your other commitments throughout the year. Apart from this advantage, because the regular MBA program gives you the opportunity to expand your circle of acquaintances, which is a definite advantage when attempting a foray into business or taking further studies.

An additional advantage of this program is that it allows you to expand your learning experience beyond the classroom. International trips, team building, internship and leadership training are quite common in this program and expose candidates to the many faces of their chosen field. Because of this diversity and the comprehensive nature of the program the job placement for graduates is ridiculously good.

This is only a preview of the amazing things that an MBA degree can do for your life and career. So why wait? Get that piece of the cake now and find out more about applying for an MBA degree by visiting: http://mbadegrees.com/full-time-2-year-mba/

Finding Used Textbooks For College - 4 Cheap Suggestions

By Kevin Ihrig

Textbooks, even used textbooks for college seem to keep going up. And after you take the class, how often do you refer back to that book? I went to college - twice - and I learned that I should sell any used textbook with value.

The Problem: You need a book

I feel your pain - I've been there. In addition to a four year degree, I also earned a masters degree. And in between, I worked on getting a professional license.

I spent nearly a year working towards that license, months of that studying for a full day exam called the professional engineering fundamentals exam. It's similar to other professional exams, like the bar exam, the CPA for accountants and other tests.

It was a big deal, and it covered my whole college major. I had to study for months. I needed a guide to help me focus, as well. To prepare for this big exam, I needed a specific book with examples, problems to solve, and a good review by others who had taken the test before me.

How I found a Free Study Guide

First, I tried the normal stuff. I went to a big bookstore and looked around. The store had expensive books, no surprise there. I tried borrowing one from a friend, but I didn't like the format, and it didn't cover some things I needed.

Finally, I went to the city library, did a simple search, and found a few of the right kind of books. I looked them over, and picked out the book I thought looked the best.

I kept it until I had finished the test. It cost me about $5 in fees, because I had it too long, which I don't recommend. But I passed the test on my first try, and I used a semi-free textbook to do it. Good thing, too. It costs about $80 for that test, and if you fail, you have to request a retake through the state office. No shortage of paperwork and bureaucracy.

Suggestions

How can you use the library for used textbooks at college? Here are some pointers.

1. Finding a book: You won't always find the book you need. If you need a few novel like a Sue Grafton title, Grisham, new business books, classic plays, or great works of nonfiction like the Federalist papers, you can find it usually. If you want to find a regular textbook, you may or may not. I know one professor who used Against The Gods as a textbook for risk analysis - that one you could find.

2. Timing: The length of time you can check out a book will not last for your whole class. You have a few options to make this work. You may be able to simply extend your check out time if no one is waiting for the book. If you are a grad student, you may have extended check out privileges. If you do not have either of the, you might consider having a friend sign up on the waiting list to check out the book after you. Then, when it's due, you turn it in, and your friend gets the book next.

3. Where to look: Your university may have an agreement with other schools to use their library. This can make your life easier - you now have access to thousands more books.

4. Special reference books: Check your reference desk. Some schools set aside a few textbooks, especially popular ones, to be used only in the library.

These strategies work, I've used them. Take a minute and try them at your school. It won't take you long, and it could save you a lot of money.

Want more ways to save on used textbooks? Come to the Cheap Textbook Hub and read more great ways to save on college textbooks.

Tips on How to Pass JAMB

By Emmanuel Enyeribe

Are you a candidate for JAMB this year? Don't get worried. Here are wonderful tips on what to do to pass JAMB. First and foremost you have to know that it is a Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board examination which means that they set there questions based on platform of the board. If you know that, it's an advantage.

*JAMB as a board will never start selling their forms for at least four to five months to the exams. Which means that they expect you to prepare for at least four months prior to the examination date. Most candidates will never know that, until it is a week to the exam and you see them reading.

*JAMB expects you to use four months to study to make 400 marks. On the examination, you are expected to use 3 hrs 15 minutes for the whole exercise. What I am driving at is the key behind JAMB success. You are expected to study for at least four months, work hard to achieve 400 or close. Some candidates will never pass JAMB because they don't know this.

*As a JAMBite, you are expected to use a tool known as tutorials, they help a lot. It will be a shame if all you go there to do is fashion. Be focused so that focus will not lose you. Make friends that will you grow during your tutorials.

*Read good materials: I will urge you to start reading material that will be of good to you during this period. There are four subjects in this exam. I have done my research and I still find one book fit for excellence in JAMB's use of English - ''THE INVINCIBLE TEACHER''. There are others like the formulas of English and others. Do some research about other books in other subjects, borrow if possible, but make sure you use them to your own advantage.

*Always go early to the exam center, and make sure all your papers are complete before going. Interact with your co-candidates and see how things will work out well.

*Before the examination, always test your ability of how well you are prepared towards the examination. You can give yourself a mock test, or an IQ test, which will evaluate your abilities to the exam.

*This examination will test your speed and adaptive features on how you answer the questions, so you should make sure you use your time very well during your study and learn to adapt to the ways the questions are twisted.

*JAMB'S past questions are questions of past JAMB exams. It will be very good if you can buy them and use them very well. It exposes you to the type of questions they use, techniques and styles of setting their questions. They don't cost much, so be on your way to pass this year's JAMB colourfully.

http://www.readersisland.blogspot.com

Get Involved With Popular Greek Groups

By Caitlina Fuller

Being affiliated with sororities and fraternities can look really great on your college transcripts. While a lot of movies make these groups look like party animals, this is not always the case. There are a lot of really prestigious Greek groups out there for you to become affiliated with that will actually enrich your life, while allowing you to have a lot of fun and make new like minded friends. There are many Greek fraternities and sororities today that actually serve to empower women and allow for them to not only make great friends, but to give back to the community in which they live and take important life lessons with them when they go. There are countless sororities and women's fraternities, but below are a handful that stand out amongst the crowd, but is by no means an extensive list.

Chi Omega

Chi Omega is one of the most popular as well as most well known fraternities for women. This is a very old group, having been founded in 1895! The fraternity was founded in Fayetteville, Arkansas at the University of Arkansas. To date the fraternity has 174 active chapters and many different alumnae chapters, as well! This group has very high expectations for their members and their purposes are known to be friendship, high standards of personnel, sincere learning and creditable scholarship, participation in campus activities, career and personal developments, and community service.

Zeta Tau Alpha

This is another women's fraternity that is well known. This fraternity was founded in1998 in Farmville, Virginia at the Longwood University. This school was originally known as the State Female normal School but this name was long ago done away with. The executive office for the fraternity is now located in Indianapolis, Indiana. Zeta Tau Alpha has the distinction of being the third largest National Pan-Hellenic Group with more than 187,000 members in 237 chapters! The purpose of this fraternity is to build friendships, promote happiness, and to perform deeds and mold opinions that will be conductive to the building of strong, pure women in our world.

Alpha Kappa Alpha

Alpha Kappa Alpha is a well known and historic sorority. Not only does this sorority date back to 1908, it is also the first sorority that was founded by African American women in college. The sorority was founded at Howard University in Washington, D.C. This sorority has a very extensive membership with more than 200,000 women actively involved in more than 975 chapters. This is considered a social sorority, but don't let that fool you. This sorority is known for their interests in public affairs, economy, and community. The sorority supports and advocates for black colleges and seeks to empower women through community services and initiatives that relate to the family, education, health, and business.

Caitlina Fuller is a freelance writer. Chi Omega is one of the most popular as well as most well known fraternities for women. This is a very old group, having been founded in 1895! Zeta Tau Alpha has the distinction of being the third largest National Pan-Hellenic Group with more than 187,000 members in 237 chapters!

The Myth of the 800 GMAT

By Avi Gordon

I had a MBA admissions client recently who I'll call Tim, and when Tim and I got talking about his admissions profile he told me he'd scored 720 on the GMAT, and then retaken the test (and scored the same again). I nearly dropped the phone. "Why would anyone ever want to retake a 720 GMAT?" I gasped.

The truth is, I know why. Candidates think the higher they score, the better their chances of admission. It seems obvious but is it right? Yes, of course the GMAT is crucial. It tells Adcom about an applicant's intellectual and cognitive skills, and is particularly useful in allowing easy comparison across institutions and undergraduate majors, to some extent across cultures. Furthermore, every 10-point gain adds to candidates' admissions prospects, and a move of 30 or so fundamentally changes which b-schools they can legitimately hope to get into.

But this is true only up to a certain level, about the 700-740 range. A higher score has diminishing returns and can even - believe it or not - harm one's chances.

Why? As I told Tim, there are two reasons. First, although the MBA is a post-graduate university degree, it is primarily professional education. Its fundamental task is to prepare and place people in business management positions, not academic positions. Managers need to be smart but, as everyone knows, the cleverest people don't necessarily make the best managers, nor best entrepreneurs, or bankers, or consultants. Jack Welch, Herb Kelleher, George Soros, Ted Turner, etc., are smart enough. But they are not Einsteins. MBA Adcoms are not looking for brainiacs.

The second, related, reason is it takes a mix of talents to get admitted to a competitive school. The operative term here is "mix". Academic ability is just one of many items considered, along with career potential, leadership potential, team player profile, work experience, volunteer experience, profile diversity, and so on. Academic ability is definitely a requirement, but so are many other attributes. This reflects the multifaceted demands of a real business career.

This explains why an ultra-high GMAT can be harmful. Scoring in the super bracket (750 or above) means that you are, by definition, in the 99th percentile. People who score like that are often better pure scientists or philosophers, than managers. It's a stereotype, but the absent-minded professor is commonly associated with being a poor people-person and a poor manager. If you get a very high score, Adcom will be absolutely sure to thoroughly check and almost disbelieve that you are also a leader and team player and can manage adversity and do all the practical things you need to get done in a business day.

So, at around the 700 level, a threshold is reached (depending on GPA results and other possible variables) where Adcom can safely put a check mark next to your academic ability, and move on to see what else you offer. If you are too far below the school's average GMAT, nothing else you are, do, or say will count. But once you hit the threshold, it's pointless to keep knocking in that nail. A higher GMAT won't check any other box than "intellectually capable" and chances are it's already checked at 700. A super-score is not going to help you if your references are so-so and your essays are undeveloped. Adcom prefers "balanced good" to "unbalanced excellent."

This also explains why there is more malleability in the system than most candidates realize. If the rest of your application is good and your undergraduate record is in the right range, you can be up to 40 or 50 points below the school's published GMAT average (providing you are not too lopsidedly in Math or Verbal.) Obviously, the published average means that half of accepted applicant's scores are below that mark.

It makes sense to be very concerned with the GMAT until it is within the guidelines of your target program. Then forget about it and spend time on other aspects of your application.

A.V. Gordon, MBA, is Director of the MBA Admissions Studio (http://www.mbastudio.net), a specialist admissions coaching and essay editing practice for MBA and executive MBA applicants. He is the author of MBA Admissions Strategy: From Profile Building to Essay Writing published by McGraw Hill/ Open University Press. He has been the resident expert on MBA admissions essay with The World MBA Tour. He writes and consults in various aspects of business coaching and communication strategy.

Is it Worth the Time and Money to Get an Associate Degree From Any School?

By Andy West

There is no doubt that employers' attitudes regarding an associate degree are changing, but there is still a fair amount of prejudice to overcome. For example, in a recent survey, just over a quarter of employers saw an associate degree earned online or in a regular classroom as a credible academic credential. The vast majority, 61 percent of those polled, viewed an online associate degree as somewhat less valuable than one earned through physically attending a college or university, but still credible.

However, a sizable proportion of the employers who responded to the survey, 13 percent, stated that they found online associate degrees not especially credible and this perception needs to change. The current opinion by these employers is certainly something to consider if you're already enrolled in an online degree program. It is convenient and affordable to take classes online and do the work on your own schedule, but many employers don't give as much credit to online associate's degrees.

This being said, the popularity of online studies has increased dramatically over recent years and this "old-school" attitude from many employers is bound to change and change quickly. Even some of the most prestigious physical campuses in the country are increasing their online courses to meet the needs of their current and future students. So, if these Universities are embracing online degree programs, surely employers will change their tune.

Getting an online associate's degree in business or some other subject can be a good way to open doors for your future employment. When it comes to more advanced degrees, it is important to choose very carefully when one is evaluating schools to take online courses. Choosing an online school that is considered a diploma mill can hurt your employment prospects but more importantly, hurt the quality of your education in general. Remember that your main thrust in getting an online associate's degree or some other degree should be based on what you will learn. The tools you will use to get a good job and then prove your worth to your employer are extremely important. It isn't just about the piece of paper stating you have a diploma. This is why much research is needed to find the best online school possible.

Check out and evaluate your online educational options with patience and thoroughness. Don't allow yourself to be swayed by a sales pitch or a slick-looking website. If you can, get in touch with people who've actually received their degrees from the institution you are considering. Apply only to academically accredited institutions.

Once you've gotten your associate degree, there's something else to consider about an online degree. Many universities will accept the credits you've earned, but if there are only a limited number of spots available for certain programs, they may weigh your academic credentials differently than they would from another institution. This stereotypical process is changing each year as online programs gain more credibility and weight. However it is another factor you must weigh when you decide to get your associate degree online. You have to balance speed, affordability and convenience with the possibility that your hard earned associate's degree may have unexpected hurdles when transferring to a university.

Andy West is a writer for AssociateDegreeOnline.com which offers the most informative and up to date information for people searching for an associate degree online.