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A Student’s Guide to Taking Online Courses

henry — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 18:54:54 +0000

Online classes can offer you more flexibility than traditional universities. In addition to being more flexible with the times that you take the classes, it can allow you to attend a program that is not currently offered in the area that you are living. The learning process for an online course is different from attending traditional classes. You will still read books, listen to lectures and study the material, but your classroom participation grade will be different. You will not have a study group that you meet with in person and all of your assignments will be submitted online. It is important that you have good time management skills and that you are prepared for the different learning environment that an online course can offer you.

Make Sure Your Computer Meets the Course Requirements?

When you are taking online classes, your most important tool is your computer. You need a reliable computer and a way to access the Internet if you want to succeed at school. Each college should have a list of basic computer requirements you need to meet in order to attend class online. The extra money you spend on getting a reliable computer will pay off in the end. In addition to the Internet, your computer will need to be able to access the learning management program the college uses. Before you buy your computer check with the requirements through the program you want to attend.

Participate!?

Class participation is an important part of online learning. Although, you may not be able to raise your hand and ask questions during the lecture, you will still be expected to participate in a discussion with your classmates. You will likely need to create a new thread or comment on other students’ threads each week. Most teachers require a minimum number of thoughtful comments about each assignment. Communicating with your teacher when you have a question is also important. You can email your teacher or chat online during office hours. It is important to be an active participant if you want to receive a good grade.

Manage Your Time Wisely?

Just as when you attend traditional classes, you need to manage your time wisely when you attend online classes. In some cases, it may be even more difficult because you attend class online from home. You will need to set up a weekly schedule that gives you time to study and prepare for each class and to complete the assignments. You should ask family and friends to be respectful of the time that you need to complete the classes. You will need to schedule down time, in addition to study time, so that you do not burn yourself out. Many experts recommend studying two hours for each hour you are taking classes. This means for a three-credit class you will need to schedule the three hours class time and at least six more hours to study and complete assignments. Take the time to carefully review the study materials multiple times to make sure you understand everything. This will help you to be more successful. Often setting up a set study area can help you move into study mode and use your time more effectively.

Popular Learning Platforms

When you take a class online, you will use a learning platform. Three of the most popular are Moodle, BlackBoard and Aplia. Generally, a school will choose just one of the platforms for all of the online courses it offers. This can make it easier to navigate your classes because you will only be learning the one system. Moodle is one of the popular sites. It allows you to view posted class materials and participate in discussions with your teacher and other students. BlackBoard is another system similar to Moodle that allows users to access the course materials and engage in class discussions online. Aplia is a similar format, but it does charge you fees in addition to the fees charged by the colleges.

A Guide to ACT Testing

henry — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 18:58:31 +0000

The ACT is similar to the SAT test and is designed to help high school students with college admissions. ACT stands for American College Testing, and consists of four main tests: mathematics, reading, English, and science. In 2005 an optional writing test was added. Each category is meant to help gauge a student’s progress in each of these subjects. As of 2011, the number of ACT tests taken surpassed the number of SAT tests taken for students looking to get into college. All colleges in the United States currently accept the ACT test as a measure for admissions.

History of the ACT in the US

The ACT test was first implemented in 1959. A man named Everett Franklin Lindquist, a professor of education who worked at the University of Iowa was the first to administer the test. He is known as one of the leading experts who understood how to measure academic knowledge and comprehension. Many universities use students’ ACT scores as a gauge of how well they will do in college, although certain schools may consider it less important than others depending on other admission requirements.

Design & Scoring

The ACT test is divided into four separate portions: English, science reasoning, mathematics, and reading. There is also an optional writing test that can help schools better assess a student’s ability to write and compose essays. Each individual subject is scored from one to 36, and composite scoring takes the average of all four categories to give an overall score and view of the student’s abilities. Students are allowed to retake the test in order to achieve a higher score if they so choose. Each category of the test varies in number of questions as well as length of time, with mathematics being the longest at 60 minutes and 60 questions long. The English category has 75 questions but is 45 minutes in length.

Advantages, Disadvantages & Criticisms

There are many advantages to taking the ACT test, mostly due to its influence in helping students get accepted into the college of their choice. It is also a good measure for the students themselves to see how much they’ve learned while attending high school and can encourage them in areas where they may need improvement. While the ACT test is widely accepted, some critics say that the essay or writing section is open to interpretation, and thus not an accurate way to score students in this category. Other criticisms include the cost, which is extra if students choose to take the optional writing portion.

Availability

This test is available to most students nationwide, but is not as widely used on the East coast, although it is becoming more popular. It is offered anywhere from four to six times per year depending on which state it is being taken in. When the test is offered depends on the school, and most schools will notify students in advance so that they can prepare and register. The student will receive a copy of his or her test scores as well as any colleges they choose to have them sent to. The ACT test is also designed to assist students with disabilities by adding 50 percent of the time limit to the total time allotted for those who qualify.

Influences on College Admission

While the SAT is the most widely known and accepted form of pre-college testing, the ACT test is now considered on par with it, and all colleges across the country now accept them as a standard assessment test for admission. Some schools use a student’s ACT score solely as a means of consideration for admission, while other schools will also require separate essays and/or interviews. On average, approximately half of all high school students in the US have taken or will take the ACT test for their college admission. The final score will also help colleges determine what levels of courses students should begin with, and can help highlight their strengths and weaknesses.

ACT Test Dates and Deadlines – Check here for the latest ACT test registration deadlines and dates of testing.
Benefits – Read this website for the many benefits of taking the ACT test.
Free Practice Test – You can take a free ACT practice test here.
Difference Between SAT and ACT – This article discusses the differences between the ACT and the SAT test.
Standardized Testing in College – This article covers how standardized testing is becoming more and more popular both before and during the college years.
7 Basic Rules for Taking the ACT Test – Here are seven good rules to help you when taking the ACT test.
What is the ACT? – This website offers a brief yet succinct definition of what the ACT is.
The ACT Explained – Here is a thorough explanation of the ACT test, what it means for students, and how it works.
Test Prep Videos – This site offers a series of helpful videos to assist students in preparing for the ACT test.
Prepping for the SAT and ACT – Here is some helpful advice to assist with preparation of the SAT and ACT tests.
About Standardized Tests – This page has some good information about standardized testing in general and why it is used.
Schools That Do Not Emphasize Test Scores – Here is a list of US colleges that do not completely emphasize standardized test scores.
Resources – This page has links to registering for the ACT as well as a few helpful tips for test day.

Job Outlook for College Student Graduates

henry — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 19:01:21 +0000

When going to college, the purpose is to work towards obtaining a degree and earn a living. Ideally, the student will enjoy their major of choice and all the time and effort put into a degree will pay off eventually. It is important to find a balance with having interest in the students study, and its ability to help find a good job.

Many degrees may be interesting, but do not have as many job openings as others. Additionally, there may be jobs or fields that will pay better than others. Before you choose your major, you should carefully consider the job outlook for your top choices. This information may help you make a calculated decision about what you choose to study, and what career you will pursue in the future. If you are returning to college later in life, it is even more important to have a solid plan in place so you can earn your degree more quickly.

Top 5 Occupations for Students with Associate’s Degrees

You can earn your associates degree in two to three years from a junior or community college. Many people will get an associate’s degree, and then use the money they earn from that job to fund a bachelor’s degree. Tuition costs are generally lower for an associate’s degree if you choose to go to a community college instead of a private school. This option is a good one if you want to learn a marketable skill quickly. It is also a good choice if you do not want to spend a long time in college.

Nursing is predicted to be one of the fastest growing jobs over the next few years. The job rate for nurses is expected to go up by about 26 percent. The average salary for a nurse is about $65,000. The rate of employment for Medical Sonographers is growing by about 44 percent a year, with the average salary being about $64,000 a year. If you are a medical sonographer, you will take the ultrasounds of patients. You can earn this training through many community college programs. Dental hygienists are also growing each year and earn on average about $68,000. This field is growing by a rate of about 38 percent a year. Veterinary technician jobs are increasing by about 52 percent over the next several years. They will earn an average salary of about $30,000. Physical therapy assistants earn about $38,000 a year, and their employment rate is expected to go up by about 45 percent. Most of the top growing jobs are in the field of medicine.

Top 5 Occupations for Students with Bachelor’s Degrees

A bachelor’s degree can increase your earning power more than an associate’s degree. There are specific majors in college that will pay more than other jobs. You should take into account both the salary and the expected rate of growth for each job. There are also many different jobs available within a major. For example, someone majoring in math could teach, become an analyst or work in a related field. Take the time to research out your options before you make a decision.

Biomedical engineer is the fastest growing job for people with a bachelor’s degree. It is expected to increase at a rate of 62 percent. The average salary is about $85,000. If you love planning parties or other events, you may want to look into event planning. This job is expected to grow at a rate of 44 percent. The average event planner makes about $47,000 a year. If you want to study a foreign language, you may be able to become a translator or interpreter. This job is growing at a rate of 42 percent. Its average salary is about $44,000. If this is a field that is interesting to you, you should consider the languages you study as this will affect your job security. Market research analyst jobs are expected to increase by a rate of about 41 percent through 2020. They will earn on average about $60,000 each year. The final growing field is health educators. They help teach people how to live a healthier life. The job growth is predicted to be about 37 percent. They make about $47,000.

A Guide to Government Funded Grants for Students

henry — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 19:05:38 +0000

Going to college can be quite an expensive venture, but with the assistance of various government grants, many students may be able to attend college with some financial assistance. There are many different governmentally funded grants dedicated to people aspiring to go to college. With some research and understanding of how to apply, you may be eligible for any number of grants. Be sure to understand how the grant process works as well as what it takes to be approved. If you get a grant, it does not have to be repaid unlike other forms of financial aid, making it an ideal way to get extra money for school. Some grants will cover several years of education, while others are distributed per year, so you may need to reapply each year. Read all requirements carefully before applying.

Pell Grant

The Pell grant is one of the most well-known grants that are offered by the US government. In order to apply, you must be an undergraduate student and not already have any type of degree. How much money you will receive depends on a number of different factors including your current financial need, your plans to attend school, and how much it may cost you to attend college. Not everyone who applies for a Pell grant will receive one, so it is important to make sure you meet the requirements, and that you apply for the grant in a timely manner. A typical Pell grant award is approximately $5,000, but it can be slightly more or less.

Federal Supplementary Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)

Another form of grant is called the Federal Supplementary Educational Opportunity Grant, or FSEOG. This grant is also a need-based grant geared towards students with low income seeking a college education, but it is for after they receive their bachelor’s degree. The grant helps students who have already received a degree go onto postsecondary school. The Department of Education then uses a formula based on the applicant’s information to determine the amount of the grant awarded. In addition, the college where the student attends must agree to contribute 25% of the total award. Currently, 3,800 colleges take part in the FSEOG program.

Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant (TEACH)

The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant (TEACH), is a special grant designated for students who are attending college to become a teacher. This grant has a maximum allowance of $4,000 each year. In order to receive the grant, you must be attending college to earn a degree in a field that has high demand, sign an agreement where you will work in a school such as elementary, secondary, or an educational agency that is for students who are part of families that have low-income, and you must also agree to teach at least four years, eight years after you receive your teaching degree. It is important to note that this agreement’s terms must be met, or the funds will convert into a loan, leaving you responsible for the repayment. This grant is geared towards those who have a passion for teaching and truly want to earn their degree in the field, along with meeting these obligations.

Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant

The Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant is a special grant designed for students of parents who have served in either Iraq or Afghanistan, and perished in the war. In order to be eligible, the student must have had parents who served in either war, and must have been at least 23 years of age or younger when their parents passed away as a result of the war, and do not meet the minimum Pell grant requirements. The parent’s death must have occurred after the September 11^th tragedy and as a result of fighting in either of the two wars. It can apply to students who were already in college as long as they were in college at least part-time. This grant is an excellent way to help students who have lost a parent continue their dream of going to college.

General Grant Resources

A College Students Guide for Freshman Year

henry — Sat, 05 Jan 2013 17:12:14 +0000

Attending college as an incoming freshmen is an overwhelming experience for many students. College differs greatly from high school in that students are faced with a higher degree of responsibility and independence. Freshmen will need to understand what needs to be done without relying on the assistance of teachers and parents. This means they must understand what certain things mean. Upon entering college, students will encounter terminology that is different from what was used in high school. Failure to understand what faculty and even other students are referring to can make it difficult to adjust as quickly as necessary. In order for students to successfully start their journey toward a higher education, they must grasp some of the basic terms that are commonly used in college. It is important to remember, however, that certain terms may have slightly different meanings depending on the college that is being attended. This list includes some basic college terminology, and their definitions, that freshmen will encounter.

Academic Advisor – An individual employed by a college or university to guide or administer advice to students regarding their classes and studies.

Academic Dismissal – A dismissal from college due to a student’s inability to meet a college or university’s academic expectations. Dismissal typically occurs if a student fails to raise his or her overall GPA to a 2.0 or greater following an academic probationary period.

Academic Probation – A warning period in which a student’s grade point average is below what is needed to be in good academic standing, but not low enough for dismissal. Typically academic probation occurs when a student’s GPA drops below 2.0. During this probationary period a student must improve his or her performance to avoid dismissal. It is an official warning.

Academic Standing - Academic achievement based on one’s cumulative grade point averages, or earned grades. There are typically three potential levels of academic standing; good standing, academic probation, and academic dismissal.

Course - Units of instruction on a particular subject. A course will meet a set number of days and hours per week.

Course Load - The number of credits that a student takes during a term. The course load determines if the student is considered full or part-time. It is sometimes referred to as “Class Load” and varies from one university to another.

Dean - An administrator who is responsible for an entire unit of departments, including the staff and students.

Dean’s List – A list of students that is compiled at the end of a term or an academic year. The list consists of the names of students who have achieved high academic accomplishment.

Drop/Dropping - Completion of a form that officially allows a student to discontinue taking a class. Upon completion of dropping a class it will no longer show up on transcripts.

Electives - Courses that students are allowed to take which are not a required part of his or her major.

Financial Aid - Funding that is meant to assist students in paying for college. It is available in different forms, such as scholarships, loans or grants. Private organizations, businesses or government agencies offer financial aid to students who qualify.

Major - The field in which a student is focusing his or her studies in order to obtain a degree. This may also be referred to as a “Field of Study.”

Prerequisite - This is a course that must be taken and successfully passed prior to taking what is typically a more advanced course.

Quarter - An organization of an academic year into three periods lasting approximately ten to twelve weeks. These periods are the Fall Quarter, Spring Quarter, and Summer Quarter. Also known as a term. Universities or colleges that do not operate under a quarter system, will operate under a semester system.

Registration - The selecting and enrollment of courses, which takes place every semester. Confirmation of course enrollment, and payments are a part of the registration process.

Semester - An organization of an academic year into two parts. Each part is approximately sixteen weeks and are called the Fall semester and Spring semester. Also known as a term. Colleges that do not operate under a semester system will operate under a quarter system.

Syllabus - An outline given at the beginning of a course by the instructor. It is a basic summary of information pertaining to the class, such as the instructor’s name, exam dates, textbooks, and learning objectives.

Term - This is either a quarter or a semester depending on the college or university.

Work-Study Programs – Programs in which students are provided with jobs while attending school. These programs often are a part of one’s financial aid.

Traveling Abroad: Tips For Students

henry — Sat, 13 Oct 2012 13:55:51 +0000

Traveling abroad is a huge opportunity for students these days. They have the option of completing a semester in another country, or gaining valuable work experience overseas. Of course, foreign travel also comes with its fair share of worries and risks. However, with sufficient advance planning and precautions, students and parents can ensure that the trip goes smoothly and safely. Read on to learn more about heading abroad as a student.

Learn As Much As Possible About the Countries In Which You Plan to Travel or Study

The first step is to research various destinations. Try to avoid countries where war and riots are on-going or likely to break out. While researching, find out about languages, customs, traditions, dress codes, and laws. All of this will help to prepare you and help you to fit in better.

How to Research – Several government websites offer plenty of background information into travel destinations.
Research Resources – This great list of resources includes magazines and websites for learning more about your destination.
What to Look For – Information to research about a foreign destination includes laws, customs, required documents, maps, and more.

Obtaining Passports and Visas to Travel, Study, and/or Work Abroad

In order to travel abroad, students will need a passport and (in most cases) a visa. Make sure to apply for these well in advance, since there can sometimes be delays in obtaining them. Visas are only valid for a certain period of time, so before applying you should have an idea of how long you will be away. To apply, you will need a completed application form, official ID, proof of your citizenship, and payment for the processing fee.

Official Documentation – Students definitely need a passport for international travel, and often a visa as well.
Getting a Visa – Read some common questions about visas and how to apply for one.
Passports and Visas – Find detailed information about obtaining or renewing your passport or visa.

Medical Insurance and Evacuation Insurance in Case of Emergency Abroad

All sorts of things can go awry, wherever you are. If you happen to be far away from home, it is best to be prepared with a solid insurance policy. Medical insurance can help cover unexpected costs. In case you need to be evacuated in an emergency, evacuation insurance can take care of that too.

Study Abroad Insurance – Find out what to look for in an insurance policy for students who will be abroad for a while.
Researching Travel Insurance – It is helpful to discuss insurance requirements with a travel agent or insurance company before purchasing a plan.
Types of Travel Insurance – Learn about the different types of travel insurance and whether you might need them.

Know the Location of the Nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate and Register with Them

U.S. embassies and consulates were set up in order to help U.S. citizens in other countries. As soon as you arrive at your destination, you should register with them. This will let them know that you are present there. If any problems crop up later, it will be easier for them to assist you.

How to Register – Registering yourself at a U.S. embassy upon arrival makes it easy to obtain help later if necessary.
Where to Get Help – The U.S. embassy or consulate offices are open to citizens traveling abroad in case they need help.
U.S. Embassies and Consulates – The U.S. government maintains a list of the websites (with relevant contact details) of all of their embassies and consulates abroad.

What U.S. Consular Officers Can and Cannot Do to Help U.S. Citizens

A U.S. consulate can do a lot to help U.S. citizens who are in trouble. For example, if your money or passport are stolen, the consulate can help citizens to contact local authorities or issue a new passport. They can also provide contact details for legal aid. However, a consulate cannot release U.S. citizens from foreign prisons, provide legal representation, or offer money for legal fees.

How Consulates Help (PDF) – U.S. consulates can help people obtain further help when required.
Rights and Expectations – If a U.S. citizen is arrested abroad, the local consulate cannot demand their release or pay for bail.
Contacting a Consulate – U.S. citizens can contact a consulate abroad if they had financial, medical, or even legal problems.

General Precautions for Traveling or Studying Abroad

In many countries, travelers are often targeted by thieves and other criminals. Students can avoid this by dressing like the locals and avoiding tourist hot-spots. Before leaving the U.S., see a doctor for a general checkup and any required vaccinations. Women should be especially careful since Western clothing like tank tops and shorts are seen as very offensive and provocative in conservative countries. In general, it is best to be cautious and avoid risks in order to stay safe.

Health Concerns Abroad – This website offers comprehensive resources on managing health and preventing illnesses while abroad.
Tips on Staying Safe – Students can stay safe abroad by avoiding pickpockets, tourist traps, and risky situations.
Safety for Women Abroad – Female students should take special care in avoiding trouble and adhering to local dress codes while traveling.

Travel Benefits for Students

Learning a new language isn’t the only way in which students benefit from foreign travel. Spending time abroad helps to open their eyes to different ways of living and thinking. It can encourage them to develop new skills and interests. Of course, one of the most lasting effects of travel is the new friends and connections that they will make.

Studying Abroad – Learning a new language and being exposed to other cultures are just a couple of ways in which students grow through studying abroad.
Students Speak Out – College students explain how they benefited from studying or working abroad.

Final Exam Study Tips for Students

henry — Sat, 06 Oct 2012 14:04:38 +0000

As a high school student, you have probably been taking final exams for at least a few years now. Final exams are a teacher’s method of measuring how much you have learned during the semester (or year) you spent taking a course. They usually cover all (or most ) of the material you have learned throughout a course, and can therefor be challenging. Because they often count a great deal towards your final grade, it is very important to do well on final exams. By establishing good study habits to use when preparing for a final exam, you will be able to take these demanding tests with confidence and be more likely to receive a grade you are happy with and proud of.

Begin Studying at Least Two Weeks Before the Exam

Even if you may feel like you’re ready, everybody needs adequate time to prepare for a test, and it may be difficult to guess how much you require. Cramming for a test, or leaving the studying to an intense block of time right before the test, might do you more harm than good. Psychological studies have shown that cramming for tests has the unintended effect of making students associate the knowledge of their subjects with specific environments and times. That means that if you cram, it may be harder for you to recall the information you studied so hard for without being in the same room at the same time as when you crammed. To be safe, it’s a good idea to start studying at least two weeks before the exam, so you have time to review previous material and assimilate the new lessons, too.

Organize Your Materials

Organization is a big part of successful studying. It’s important to gather all of your materials, including your books, notes, and other studying tools before the big exam. Keeping them all in order and handy is a great way to make sure that you can reference and cross-reference your material. There are some, though, who suggest that the way you organize your material is best left up to you. Simply put, organize your materials in the way that works best for you. This will make your life a great deal easier when you get heavy into your studying.

Identify Your Problem Areas

Look over your past quizzes and tests for the course you are preparing for to determine what areas or topics you had trouble with. Look at the questions you got wrong for any patterns. If many are on the same topic, spend more time studying that topic than others you did well with. Knowing what your problem areas are before you start studying can save you a great deal of valuable time once you get into your studying. You will already know how best to spend your time, and will be less likely to waste time on topics you have already mastered.

Relearn/Practice Material, Focusing on Problem Areas

Going over your notes and textbook are basic ways to help you relearn material, but you can also use visual learning techniques to learn problem material. Flash cards can help you learn material that you’ve been having problems with in a snap. You can also outline, list, diagram or use flowcharts to help you assimilate this information in an active fashion. It is interesting to note that some psychological studies have suggested that highlighting does not really help students who want to learn specific material. The researchers propose that highlighting is an not an active-enough learning activity for the information to remain fresh in a student’s head. Instead, try using one of the active studying methods listed above to help you learn and memorize material.

Prioritize Material

Listen for clues from your teachers. Sometimes instructors will let you know exactly what will be on a test beforehand. If this is the case, you’ll want to make sure you know these areas well and perhaps spend more time studying them than other areas. Look over your syllabus and your class notes to review the main themes of your latest lessons. Chances are that your teacher has been slowly building up to the test with his lessons, and the most important part of the test will be contained in lessons closest to the test date. Once you’ve determined what has the greatest chance of being on the test, list them on a piece of paper in order of importance, and use the list to help guide your test preparation.

Test and Score Yourself on Material

Check the back of books for practice tests, if you are being tested on a particular chapter. The tests at the back of books often come with answers and, if you’re lucky, they’ll come with explanations, too. Use your visual learning techniques to keep a tally on what you’ve learned, and what you still need some help on. If you feel like you need some extra preparation, create your own practice tests to study from.

Wrap-up

It can be difficult for a student who is worried about a test to finally put their books down. Sooner or later though, you’ll need to wrap up your studying. Before you put your materials down for the last time, skim over your notes, your books and the other studying materials you’ve created. Ask yourself if you’re really ready for the test, and give yourself an honest answer.

Tips for Day of Final

Make sure you get plenty of good sleep the night before the exam. That means not allowing the test to cause you anxiety and ensuring that you get at least eight hours of restful sleep. When you awake, eating a good breakfast can help make sure you aren’t distracted by stomach growling or hunger pangs during the big exam. Choosing to wear comfortable clothes can be to your benefit when you are sitting in the same position for an hour or more. Being comfortable will let you think easier and have an overall calming effect on you. Getting to the testing room early will make sure that you are present for any important announcements or test changes. It can also give you one last opportunity to ask your instructor any questions you may have. The simple act of arriving early can make you feel like you are prepared, in control, and may give you a little boost of confidence for the test.

Break Your Bad Habits — This is an article on bad studying habits that further explains why cramming may not help students.
How to Prepare for Test – These are test preparation tips, including visual learning techniques.
Final Exam Tips – Kent University’s final exam tips.
Hints on Studying for Exams — Final exam studying tips provided by college students
Final Exam Preparation Tips — A PDF giving students tips on how to prepare for an important final exam.

Top 10 Ways to Successfully Adjust to College Life: A Guide for New Students

henry — Sat, 29 Sep 2012 14:09:24 +0000

Whether a student is transferring to a new college or attending for the first time, there is a certain period of adjustment that’s required. Students that have never previously attended college must adjust to life as college freshmen. With college, there comes a new level of responsibility in terms of education. Students are confronted with classes that are often more challenging. In addition, the college campus itself is typically larger than life, with a diverse range of students and activities. During their freshman year, students may feel overwhelmed or stressed about these changes to their new life. Fortunately, there are ways for students to adjust successfully to college life.

Get Involved

Getting involved in college activities can help freshmen adjust to college life. Activities can help students feel as if they are a part of their environment, and help them to relieve some of the every day stress associated with classes and studying. Students may consider getting involved in clubs, sports, student organizations, or other activities that take place outside of the classroom. This will also allow them to meet and interact with new people on campus.

Cal U Freshmen Adjust to College Life: An article about freshmen at California University of Pennsylvania and how they adjust to their first year in college. The article gives students suggestions on how to get involved and meet others.
Why Should I Get Involved?: A page on the Nova Southeastern University website that explains what it means for students to get involved. It also includes benefits of getting involved.

Stay Positive

Freshmen have a lot to adjust to and at times it can feel like too much to handle. When a student gets overwhelmed by meeting new people, adjusting to new professors, studying, and college life in general, he or she may start to feel negative about the whole experience. When this happens, it is crucial that students stay positive with both their behavior and thoughts. Associating with people who have a positive outlook on their college experience and avoiding those who do not are great ways to feel better. Thinking of long-term goals will also help students feel more positive about college and education in general.

Academic Success Tip – Stay Positive: A page on the University of Louisville website that gives the reader a bulleted list of tips designed to help students stay positive.
Developing a Positive Mindset: A PDF that gives students tips on how to stay positive about college. Readers will learn about maintaining a positive attitude, improving their attitude toward school, and improving their attitude in general. Suggestions are helpful for students from their freshman year and throughout college.

Go to Class

Attending classes is one of the most important student responsibilities. With the new found freedom that college brings, some freshmen may feel tempted to skip classes for other activities. At certain colleges, attendance is critical, particularly for classes that are in high demand. Failure to attend may cause a student to be dropped from the class. In classes where attendance is not taken, students may miss critical information necessary for their studies and may fail the class. Unless a student is ill, he or she should make every effort to attend all of their classes in a timely manner.

The Importance of Studying and Going to Class: A brief video on the University of Texas Arlington website that explains the importance of attending class and studying.
The Do’s and Don’ts on How to Successfully Fail in College: An article that lists things that students should and should not do when in college. The article takes a different approach and is presented as how to fail college. The “don’t” portion of the article explains the correct thing for the student to do, such as “Don’t Skip Class.”

Party Smart

For some freshman their newfound independence is unprecedented and the temptation to party is strong. While partying within reason is to be expected, it is important to do so wisely and safely. Excessive partying can interfere with a student’s studies. It can also be dangerous. Freshmen should try to keep partying to the weekends or nights when he or she does not have class to attend the following day. In addition, as a majority of incoming freshman are under the legal age to drink, every effort should be made to avoid alcohol.

Smart Party Tips – Checklist for Guests: Tips to keep students safe when attending a party. The advice given includes tips such as never going to a party alone.
West Virginia University – Party Safe Tips: A web page that lists party safety tips in categories. Categories include “Pre-Gaming”, “Last Call”, and “Can I Buy You a Drink?” Following each of the categories, related tips are listed.

Stay on Campus When You Can

When possible, students should stay on campus during their freshman year. This allows them to submerge themselves into the college experience. Students living on campus can enjoy a taste of independence and the many advantages that are associated with campus life. This includes being closer to classes and on-campus activities.

Benefits of Living on Campus:An article that lists the benefits of freshmen living on campus, including obtaining a higher GPA during the first year of college.
Why Live on Campus: A UC Merced website that answers the question of why students should live on campus. Benefits include meeting new people and not having to drive to school or look for a parking space.

Eat and Sleep Well

During the first year in college, students may sleep less and eat foods that are less healthy than what they are accustomed to. Eating unhealthy food can cause students to gain weight and feel more tired. Studying, stress, or the excitement of social activities and events may cause students to lose sleep. It is important that freshmen make the effort to get a full night’s rest and to eat healthy meals for both their academic and physical health.

Proper Diet, Rest and Exercise Enhance College Experience: An article from Nutrition ATC about eating properly and getting enough rest. The article discusses how doing both and exercising can improve the college experience and help students maintain a healthy weight.
One Hundred and One Health and Wellness Tips for College Students – Diet: An article that lists health and wellness tips in categories such as diet, exercise, and stress. It includes 15 tips for diet.

Practice Good Stress Management

Stress is an inevitable part of college life. New students must learn how to manage that stress so that it does not interfere with their education or affect their health. There are numerous approaches that students may take to do this successfully. Proper time management is one way to reduce stress and improve one’s studies. Eating and getting enough sleep will also help with stress management. Both physical activity and taking time for oneself can help promote relaxation and help students to unwind.

Managing Stress – A Guide for College Students: A guide for managing stress.
Anxiety and Stress Management Tips: Techniques and tips on how to manage stress in college.

Communicate Productively

New college students may feel uncomfortable when it comes to communicating their needs. This difficulty could arise when it comes to speaking with professors or with fellow students, such as roommates. No matter where the problem falls, it is necessary for freshman to develop the confidence and the skills to communicate effectively. Speaking with confidence and respect will help students to get the information that they need and help them to avoid confusion or complications with other students.

Guidelines for Effectively Communicating With Professors: An article that walks students through how to talk to their professors. Suggestions on how to talk to them in person and by email are given.
Tips for Effective Communication Between Roommates PDF: A PDF document that lists ten tips on how students can effectively communicate with a roommate and how to introduce oneself to a new roommate.

Maintain Healthy Relationships

During the first year of college, students will make many new friends. They may also have less contact with long-time friends and family. Maintaining a healthy relationship with both new and old friends is important. Students should keep in touch with friends even if they no longer live in the same city or state. When making new friendships, students should avoid people who may have a negative effect on their studies or their happiness and outlook in general. Honesty, communication and treating people with respect are important when it comes to forming and maintaining relationships.

Maintaining Healthy Relationships: An article that provides advice on how to listen, communicate and resolve conflicts while in college.
Relationships: An article about the importance of keeping relationships healthy. The article consists of sections that drop open when clicked. Sections include initiating relationships, responding, and negotiating.

Stay Focused

College is a source of many distractions for freshmen and new students. Meeting new people, social activities and the sense of independence that comes with being a college student may make it difficult to stay focused on education. Because the purpose of attending college is to obtain a degree, students must make every effort to stay focused on their studies. If extra-curricular activities hinder a student’s ability to focus, it may be necessary to make the decision to reduce those activities that hinder his or her ability to focus. When studying, environment may also wreak havoc on a student’s ability to focus.

Getting Focused: A document that reviews how to get focused. The article is broken down into two parts entitled “Distractions” and “Concentration.” Each section includes how students can improve.
Stay Focused and Achieve: Five tips on how students can stay focused to achieve their academic goals. Each tip is followed by a brief explanation.

A Writer’s Guide to College Entrance Essays

henry — Mon, 17 Sep 2012 02:06:28 +0000

The college admission essay is one of the most important writing types students will construct. Keep in mind that those applying to multiple colleges may write several admission or entrance essays. Students have a lot invested in their application essays; therefore, much time should be devoted to the writing process. Schedule writing time and make certain you dedicate enough time for each essay. It may be best to dedicate one week of writing per essay. Make certain you understand what the college is looking for in the essay and include all relevant information. Though admission essays may be viewed as stressful, you can effectively reduce the amount of stress or anxiety associated with the writing process through preparation.

What do Colleges typically look for in Application Essays?

Each school may have their own instructions for writing the admission essay. Make certain to follow each school’s directions and include all information pertinent to the type of essay you are writing. For many educational facilities, the personal statement is one of the most important aspects of the application essay. Include a comprehensive, well-written personal statement. What colleges are looking for specifically, however, will be that applicants follow the instructions given them. Follow the instructions completely especially in the area of formatting the paper. Read through the directions numerous times and ensure that you do everything exactly as requested.

What Steps should be taken in Preparation for Writing the Essay?

Preparation is key to writing a successful admissions essay. Ensure that you are in the best frame of mind before writing. Avoid hunger and make certain that you are rested. Write in a quiet area where you will have the greatest level of concentration. Do not try to sound more sophisticated than you are and make certain your application is a true reflection of your achievements and accomplishments. Use your own vocabulary and avoid writing your essay with the assistance of a thesaurus to avoid using words in the wrong way. Be prepared to rewrite your essay. When you think it is finished, read it aloud into a tape recorder. Play the audio back. This can help identify any grammatical errors that may be difficult to notice by reading alone.

What should be Included in an Entrance Essay?

The most important information to include in your entrance essay is that requested by the school. Following directions is imperative to having a finished essay that is well received by school administrators. In addition to a personal statement, make certain your essay has a theme or thesis. Above all else, your essay should be a true reflection of your personality and character. Choose a topic that is closest to your heart and write honestly and with a purpose.

Writing Your Admissions Essay: The College Foundation of North Carolina provides this PDF resource that helps potential students write a college admissions essay.
Essay Tips: Carleton College provides a list of 15 essay tips for those applying for college. These tips are suitable for all college students.
Writing College Admissions Essays/ UC Personal Statement: Santa Barbara City College provides a free PDF resource guide used from a workshop specializing in writing college admissions essays.
Essay Structure: Berkeley provides tips for those writing an essay for college admission.
How to Write Personal Statements and Application Essays: Education USA discusses steps for writing a college admissions essay in this PDF document.
The Guide to Writing Great Admissions Essays: Veritas Prep discusses admission essays in this PDF guide.
Applying to College: You Can Do It: The University of Florida looks closely at the college admissions process.
Writing Application Essays: Vanderbilt University provides these tips for writing an application essay in PDF format.
Top Ten Tips for College Admissions: The U.S. Department of State discusses college admissions.
The Entrance Essay: Appalachian State University explores the admission’s process and the importance of an entrance essay.
Tips for Writing your College Application Essay: The Associated Colleges of the Midwest discuss the importance of an admissions essay in this PDF document.
Distinguishing Yourself in Writing Medical School Application Essays: The University of Michigan Division of Student Affairs explores the role of the application essay in medical school acceptance in this PDF handout.
Writing Your Admissions Essay: California Colleges looks at various types of admissions essay in this PDF document.
Handout: Tips on Writing an Admissions Essay: Plainfield Community School District provides this PDf handout that focuses on tips for the admissions essay.
How to Write a College Application Essay: Margaret Metzger of Brookline High School shares tips regarding topics and writing style for students applying to college in this PDF document.

College Grant Information for Students with Disabilities

henry — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 02:11:55 +0000

Many college funding opportunities exist for prospective students who suffer from mental or physical disabilities. In fact, disabled students can apply to multiple scholarships available to those who seek for the necessary financial assistance. Families who have loved ones that suffer from a mental or physical ailment can also receive the appropriate assistance to send their children to college. Many federal and private organizations award scholarship funds for students who meet their requirements. A portion of these scholarships or grants may require the student to meet their standards of academic excellence. Others may evaluate the student’s income levels and then determine whether to distribute the funds accordingly. These college funding opportunities enable thousands of disabled students to attend college on the same campus as able-bodied students.

A percentage of grants and scholarship funds cover the full costs of education, including tuition, books, learning materials, laboratory equipment, and living costs. Other college funds will evaluate the disabled student’s financial need based on the organization’s criteria. Some grants and scholarship funds only cover students from a specific locality, or may only support the student’s decision in choosing a particular educational institution. Disabled students who receive grants or scholarship funds do not need to repay the awarded amount back to the association or organization who administered it.

In 1975, the United States Congress passed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which enabled over forty million citizens to receive more accessibility and mobility within the United States. The Individual with Disabilities Education Act amended other benefits that allowed organizations to provide grant and scholarship funds to disabled Americans. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act forbade discriminatory practices that took place at a number of community colleges and universities. As a result, many of these same institutions provided disabled students with educational funding. Disabled students can inquire with their chosen educational institution for further information about in-house funding opportunities.

The United States government also provides federal grants, such as the Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, National SMART Grant, and the Academic Competitiveness Grant, for those suffering from mental or physical disabilities; however, private organizations account for the bulk of scholarship awards. For instance, the Schwallie Family Scholarship Program supports students who suffer from Autism (autistic spectrum disorder) and Aspergers Syndrome. In addition, Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing provides an array of grants in the amount of one to ten thousand dollars for students who suffer from hearing disorder. Other organizations offer grants and scholarships to disabled students in general.

Disabled students can also consider loans and work-study programs as a secondary option. Many lending institutions will offer general student loans, such as the Federal Stafford and Student PLUS loans, for disabled students eager to enroll into college. In addition, many college campuses offer work-study programs for students who wish to lower their tuition costs. Disabled students can also check with their employer or religious organization to see if they can reimburse a portion of the cost it takes to complete a semester at a local university. The United States military may also offer opportunities for wounded soldiers and their children. Sending disabled students off to school has become easier than ever before; therefore, no excuse exists for opting out of attending college.

Please follow these links to learn more about college grants for students with disabilities: