Why Do Colleges Need to See My SAT I Scores? Aren't My Grades and SAT II Scores Enough?

By Danny McLorry

Colleges use your SAT I scores to assess your readiness to do the tough academic work of college. The SAT I does something that your high school transcript can't, namely, assess your general academic problem solving skills. Course grades are, unfortunately, far from an objective measure of your academic ability. Teachers occasionally inflate or deflate grades for reasons unrelated to intellectual ability, and there are no objective standards for grading among schools, or even among teachers in the same school. Achievement tests like the SAT IIs are more objective, but they are designed to assess subject knowledge rather than problem-solving skills. Of course, subject knowledge is critical to a good education, but it is only a part of the puzzle. Also, much subject matter can be memorized and forgotten. Knowledge is effective only when it is incorporated into a meaningful and robust way of solving problems. The SAT I, although not perfect, does a good job of measuring how well you reason under pressure, an important academic and life skill.

Doesn't the SAT I do a poor job of predicting first-year college grades? In fact, SAT I scores do correlate very well with real academic success, that is, professional success in an academic field. In many ways, this is more important to colleges than predicting grades. Some students can get good grades without showing great intellectual ability, by "playing the game" of school.The SAT I is often able to distinguish these students from the good thinkers. Rather than predicting your

grades, your SAT I scores indicate your ability to read critically, write well, solve math problems intelligently, and think under pressure. The SAT I is not designed to predict how well you'll play the college grading game.

Admissions officers understand that grades often don't reflect sheer intellect, so they don't want a test that simply predicts grades. They value SAT I scores because they assess some of the reasoning skills that make people successful in life, regardless of their grades. They also provide a way of comparing students from widely varying academic backgrounds.

College admissions officers know that high SAT I scores don't guarantee college success, but they also know that the scores indicate to some degree how ready you are to do college work.

Find more information about the SAT Test by visiting our free SAT Preparation website.

College Campuses Must Expand Satellite Offices Due to Transportation Costs

By Lance Winslow

Community Colleges have noted a sharp increase in their attendance in 2008 and this is mostly due to the economy. High School Students' parents cannot send them to a 4-year University right away, so they send they go get a 2-year degree and a job and then attempt to transfer later. Indeed, the fuel costs are also preventing folks from going to a University without living right near campus. Meaning more folks need to go to college locally. But what happens when even the community college is a far distance away?

With attendance up at the community colleges these colleges must expand. That coupled with the sluggish economy which is causing job lay-offs means more folks will need to be re-trained, however, if the classes are full more money must be pumped into the system for more instructors, teachers and professors, plus more buildings. Still, the buildings need to be scattered around to allow for all the students to get there, thus, the community colleges need more campuses.

This means that the community colleges need to do what some of the Universities are doing now and that is to put out satellite campuses in the suburbs. I remember when I attended college, I went to the community college first and it was 35 miles away, today that would be a little tougher with the price of fuel, and cause many students to re-consider, which means the community colleges are not doing their job for our society.

It's time to ramp up our community college system and that means more satellite campuses, more online options and more allotted taxpayer funds to see it to fruition. Please consider this, because if we fail to educate our next generation in this technology era we cannot sustain this civilization.

"Lance Winslow" - Lance Winslow's Bio. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/.

Cutting Through the Confusion on Nursing Education Choices

By Jennifer Charleston

Nursing education choices can be confusing at times but after you wade through all the options you will find an education path that is right for you.

Nurse education involves both practical and theoretical study. The purpose of this education is to prepare nursing students for working in a professional medical environment. Most educational institutions will allow you to branch out into specialty nursing careers after you have gained experience in the main nursing line of work.

Nursing registration education generally takes four years of study. There are also post graduate courses you can chose to take to specialize in an area of nursing, but this can be undertaken after you have some work experience if you choose.

Most nurse education now takes place within universities. Almost every university has a nursing section so inquiring at your local school will present you with the options there. Alternatively you may also choose to study online (although practical work will still be required) or to study at a university or specialist nursing college that lies outside your residential area. Your choice of nursing education facility should take into account various factors like accessibility, cost, facilities and many other factors.

Online nursing education, as mentioned above, is gaining momentum in many countries. Because many prospective nurses still must work part time whilst completing their degree, they often do not have the time to attend university.

What are the advantages to studying nursing online?

1. You can continue working, either inside or outside the nursing industry, whilst you study. This means you will not experience financial hardship.

2. Study at your own time and in your own place, so no need to travel to college.

3. Choose how long to make your degree run for. You can get it over with quickly or study on a part time basis.

4. Choose from many different schools rather than being tied to those in your local area.

These benefits are just a few of the reasons why more and more people are taking nursing education online. With that said, nothing can replace practical hands on experience so gaining employment or volunteering part time in a hospital will compliment your studies.

A nursing career is a rewarding one so make sure your nursing education is spent learning as much as you possibly can about this most meaningful and important of careers.

Does a career as a nurse sound interesting to you? Learn everything from information about the nursing shortage to nursing career choices. It's all available at http://www.careertoolkits.com/

Choosing a Nursing School Made Simple

By Jennifer Charleston

Choosing a nursing school is one of the most important decisions you will make in your career. Once you have decided to be a nurse you must choose a school that meets your needs and desired outcomes. There are a variety of factors to consider when choosing a nursing school so ensuring you choose one that matches your career goals is vital.

Some schools let you become a nurse volunteer whilst studying so if that is your preference then finding a school that has this program is imperative. You can also have the choice of either a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) course or a Registered Nurse (RN) degree. These programs will allow you to look for work after completing your course.

Other factors to consider when choosing a nursing school include:

Accreditation: You will only want to attend a nationally accredited nursing school. This states that the school meets the minimum standards and course requirements for the nursing industry. Only accredited schools are recognized by employers in the nursing industry.

- Location: Will you attend a school near home for convenience or is there a school further away that meets your needs better? If that is the case, how will you travel there?

- Size of classes: Do you prefer small personal classes or large university type lectures? Some people enjoy a small school that promotes interaction whilst other people are more passive learners. Research the class size and format of each school before applying.

- Clinical Rotation: Not all schools get a good amount of clinical rotation time. You will want your clinical placements to be varied and challenging and also to provide practical hands on experience. The only way to find this out is often to ask former or current students, or a head teacher.

- Cost: Will you attend a public or private nursing school? Private schools naturally cost more but they often have better facilities. Weigh up the pros and cons of each option before deciding.

- Exam Pass Rates: Find out what the average scores are for the past five years and if a high percentage of students are graduating. If most students are passing with good scores then the school is likely excellent.

A nursing degree is an excellent career choice and one that is highly rewarding as you are helping to make people's lives better on a daily basis. Choosing a nursing school is just the first very important step to your wonderful career working as a nurse.

Interested in knowing what the average lpn salary is? Discover this and other nursing career information at http://www.careertoolkits.com

Free College Education Exists

By Debbie Dragon

As high school seniors begin making plans to go to college, the financial reality of it all begins to set in for their parents. Sure, it's usually pretty easy for students and their parents to get approved for college loans to pay for whatever you can't pay upfront - but does anyone really want to graduate with tens of thousands (or more) in college loans? It's a rude awakening for college graduates to enter the "real world" after earning their degrees with all of that debt on their shoulders.

Since most of us don't come from families who are able to pull the cost of a college education out of their back pocket - you'll probably be interested (if not completely surprised) to discover that there are a number of colleges in the United States that offer 100% tuition-free education. In exchange for free tuition, many of the colleges expect students to work 10 or 15 hours in a job related to their field of study, but this could only be seen as an advantage! You graduate debt free, and with work experience for your resume.

Alice Lloyd College

Located in Kentucky, Alice Lloyd College offers guaranteed tuition to full time students from 108 counties. The university is a highly respected, private four year liberal arts college, offering degree programs in Education, Natural Science and Math, Social Sciences and Humanities. There are four residence halls (two for males and two for females) and students are required to live on campus unless commuting from an immediate family member's home. A variety of sports and activities round out campus life.

Berea College

Another free tuition school located in Kentucky, Berea College was founded in 1855 and currently spends more than $24,000 per student, per year, to provide each admitted student with a free education. There are more than 28 degree programs leading to bachelor of arts or bachelor of science degrees. The college offers more than 50 clubs and organizations, sports teams and on-campus facilities that make your stay comfortable. More than 50% of Berea students get to study abroad, as well.

Room and board are not included in the free tuition - and total around $6,000 per year. With additional financial aid provided by the school, many students pay nothing towards these expenses as well - or pay discounted amounts. You can apply to Berea - without an application fee, too!

All students work at least 10 hours per week on campus.

The Cooper Union

Founded in 1859 by philanthropist, Peter Cooper, The Cooper Union is one of the nations oldest colleges. It's located in New York City and offers programs in architecture, art, science and engineering fields. All enrolled students receive 100% tuition scholarships, estimated at $33,000 per year. Students attending The Cooper Union are responsible for paying room and board, miscellaneous fees and general living expenses.

There are a number of clubs and activities for students to participate in, as well as athletics.

Webb Institute

Also located in New York City, the Webb Institute is a college for Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering fields of study. Tuition is free, and there are no laboratory fees, library fees or course fees. Students are expected to contribute to their room and board expenses, which average $7550 per year, as well as some other basic living expenses and drafting equipment.

Located on Long Island Sound, students tend to sail or water ski in their spare time. Students have access to the local YMCA at no charge, as well as programs in music and athletics.

College of the Ozarks

Located in Minnesota, The College of the Ozarks has been named Stone Cold Sober School by the Princeton Review for ten consecutive years. Students are not permitted alcohol or drugs on or off campus. It's largely a Christian school, offering tuition in exchange for work rather than pay. The college does not participate in federal loan programs, either, and discourages debt.

There are sports teams for both men and women. All students work 15 hours per week and two 40 hour work weeks during their stay on campus. Students must stay on campus unless they are over 21 years old or live with parents/immediate relatives, or are married.

Learn more money saving tips to help you stay within your budget at DestroyDebt.com.