Provided By: Associated Content, Inc.

Many universities are advocating for their students to study abroad as a great chance to meet new people and gain new experiences. Most students look to study abroad outside of the country.

However, I pose the question: why study abroad if you haven't even seen the other half of the ? Many students on the east coast in Florida, New York, Boston or other major cities have never been to California or Texas before. In college, studying at a university in one of these states is a great opportunity to gain more culture and see the lifestyles of citizens on the west coast or east coast.

Studying in Washington, DC, no matter what state you live in, is a great opportunity for internships, especially if you want to pursue a career in law or government. The Washington Semester program features classes and housing from American University, located in the heart of the nation's capitol. Continue reading ...

Original article by, Daniel Rein and courtesy of Associated Content, Inc.

Posted by Candice Arnold on September 9, 2008 at 10:08 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

When considering the right university to attend, there are a number of important questions to consider. Many factors such as cost, quality of education, and institutional reputation are caught up in another issue: public versus private higher education. But do the same questions and parameters apply when exploring the option of online, distance learning?

Many online courses or degrees are offered by major public universities with land-based campuses. Other programs are offered strictly online. If you are interested in enrolling in an online-degree program, it is important to recognize the strengths and weaknesses of each of these options.

When you are looking into an online degree program that is associated with a land-based university, is it the same as pursuing a traditional degree from that university? Sometimes, but not always. For many institutions, online programming is a brand new offering, and may not compare to the on-campus education they are known for. On the other hand, many universities have wide-ranging, far-reaching online programs that play a major part in their overall offering.

In only a short time, plenty has changed. Online, distance learning is now recognized as a legitimate way to earn a university degree, and is seen as a practical option for students who are already working on a career and a family.

Presently, many online universities are accredited, but do not enroll with any institution before confirming their accreditation status. If you are not sure whether the school of your choice is accredited, you can check with the Department of Education.

One of the first questions that arise when considering an online education is cost. With a private, online-only school, you are dealing with an education model that matches online delivery. As a result, program budgets are extremely frugal when it comes to the number of faculty, staff and infrastructure (and remember - there aren't any buildings) dedicated to their mission. In other words, online-only schools are lean and mean, and that spells value for students who want to spend their money on learning instead of red tape, development and landscaping.

Another value offered by online-only schools is their focused, industry-current curricula. Online-only universities are dynamic entities that can keep up with industry and technology trends in a way most programs from land-based universities only dream of. Many online-only schools have a small number of industry-specific degrees they specialize in. The result is a real-world education that can begin to build a student's new skill set as soon as they enroll in their degree program.

Deciding to pursue a degree means spending time finding the program that is right for you. Online degree programs offer a lot of convenience, but that doesn't make them easier to choose. Be sure to determine the status of any institution's accreditation. Also, consider the real value of the education you will be receiving in addition to the cost. Will your program be industry-current? Will you be learning cutting-edge, real-world skills, or yesterday's theory? Most importantly, make sure you find the one-and-only program that is right for you!

By: Joe Nolan, a marketing copywriter for American Sentinel University, an online school that offers specialized degrees in Technology, Business and Healthcare. Founded as a Vanderbilt University Technology Company, American Sentinel University delivers to its students and their employers the competitive advantages of unique online education programs focused on the needs of high-growth sectors. For more information, visit www.americansentinel.edu.

Article courtesy of the Recruiting Blogswap, a content exchange service sponsored by CollegeRecruiter.com, a leading site for college students looking for internships and recent graduates searching entry-level jobs and other career opportunities.

Posted by Lisa Colbert, CollegeRecruiter.com on March 6, 2008 at 9:01 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

Provided By: Associated Content, Inc.

There are many people that want to go back to school, but just don't have the time or the resources to make this dream a reality. Online programs are a great option for those that are working full time or have children.

Continue reading "Finding the Right Online Education Program for You" »

Posted by CandiceArnold on February 12, 2008 at 7:45 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Distance Learning is the Coming Thing

Provided By: Associated Content, Inc.

Among other benefits, the Internet has made education available to people who cannot or don't wish to, attend regular college classes. So many colleges, universities and trade schools offer courses that researching and choosing among them may mean weeks or even months of work.

Continue reading "Online Degrees: Are You a Candidate?" »

Posted by CandiceArnold on January 28, 2008 at 4:43 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Provided By: Associated Content, Inc.

With the industry becoming more and more complex due to consolidation, advances in technology and supply chain management issues, owners, executives and managers are looking for highly skilled employees in order to effectively manage their operations.

The Certificate for Automotive Entrepreneurs and Leaders (CAEL) from the W.

Continue reading "Arizona State University Offers Collision Repair Industry Program" »

Posted by CandiceArnold on January 11, 2008 at 12:04 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

With competition increasing by each passing year, many college applicants are looking into special programs that allow students to pursue a specific course of study straight out of high school. The merits of such programs have always been a point of discussion, but for the right student, a special program of study can enhance his or her college experience immensely.

Special programs are offered by large and small schools alike although there are some that are better known than others. Many of the programs have agreements with graduate schools, giving students a conditional acceptance to the graduate school and sometimes accelerating the time it takes to complete an advanced degree.

Continue reading "Should I Apply to a Special/Specific Program or a General Program at a University?" »

Posted by Sarah Ennenga on January 10, 2008 at 6:14 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Creative Writers Becoming Their Best

Provided By: Associated Content, Inc.

Western Illinois University is located in the heart of Midwest America in Macomb, Illinois. This liberal arts state school is a favorite among locals for its price and low teacher-student ratio. The Department of English and Journalism houses the Creative Writing Program.

Continue reading "Western Illinois University's Creative Writing Program: Focus on Poetry" »

Posted by CandiceArnold on January 4, 2008 at 1:22 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Provided By: Associated Content, Inc.

About CSU

University or College Location: Fort Collins, Colorado

Little Known Facts: There's approximately 1,403 faculty members, 55 academic departments, 21,884 undergraduates, and 4,534 postgraduates.

Continue reading "Educational Natural Sciences Departments Offered at the Colorado State University in Fort Collins" »

Posted by CandiceArnold on December 4, 2007 at 5:24 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Provided By: Associated Content, Inc.

If you are looking to get satisfaction out of your degree and learning, this may be of interest to you. In 2006, I was finishing a B.S. degree in International Business. I love to travel and throughout college I visited countries like China, Greece, Italy, France, Switzerland and Great Britain.

Continue reading "Individualized Degree Programs" »

Posted by CandiceArnold on November 6, 2007 at 12:41 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Provided By: Associated Content, Inc.

Apparel and Merchandising - Learn how to be an expert in computer-aided design, production processes, and line development. Learn all about the international apparel industry, utilizing multi-million dollar Lectra industry software, benefits from industry internships, and producing a fashion show.

Continue reading "Colorado State University Offers These Fine Programs in Applied Human Sciences" »

Posted by CandiceArnold on October 19, 2007 at 3:05 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Provided By: Associated Content, Inc.

Culinary Arts is a very popular and lucrative field. Just turn on the television and you will see many popular personalities and professional Chefs sharing the newest or most popular cuisine. It looks easy, but many of these professionals have studied at some of the top Culinary Arts Programs throughout the country.

Continue reading "The Top Culinary Arts Programs in Orange County: The Art Institute, Sur La Table, and Cypress College" »

Posted by CandiceArnold on October 5, 2007 at 10:51 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

Given today's rapid rate of technological change and corporate transformations, it's almost assured that your career will go through many changes as you make your way in the world. Top career consultants estimate that we will change careers seven times during the course of our lives. While you already may be thinking about majoring in science or engineering, you may not know about the diversity of career options available within these fields. To give you insight into the worlds of science and engineering, we asked several college administrators to give us their views.

Continue reading "Taking Your First Career Steps in . . . Science & Engineering" »

Posted by Sarah Ennenga on September 25, 2007 at 1:40 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Calling all high school women: If you even think you might want to major in science or engineering, you've picked the right time to look for a college.

In some fields, women are quickly catching up to men in the percentage of science students, so you'll find a welcoming atmosphere and plenty of female company. In engineering, male students still significantly outnumber women, but that only stands to help you. Engineering schools are really hungry for women applicants.

Continue reading "Girls Wanted In Science & Engineering Programs" »

Posted by Sarah Ennenga on September 20, 2007 at 7:12 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Airborne

Captain Ken Bradley's commute is no big deal: he just flies the 170 miles to Washington, D.C. in his own small jet. That's just the warmup for the long day's flight ahead. Bradley, spokesman for the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA, the pilots' union for United Airlines), has over 35 years of experience as a commercial airline pilot with United Airlines. It's a dream job, despite some occasional turbulence in the air.

Continue reading "Dream Job: Commercial Pilot" »

Posted by Sarah Ennenga on September 19, 2007 at 3:24 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

One thing that will carry you through to a career in health care is true excitement about today's research and tomorrow's discoveries. Here are some really "hot" areas in some well-known fields--and in some lesser-known ones.

Continue reading "What's Really Hot In Health, Medicine, And Nursing" »

Posted by Sarah Ennenga on September 11, 2007 at 3:35 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Contemplating earning a degree online?

Depending on the course of study and field of specialization you’re interested in, there are lots of accredited degree programs that offer an excellent and convenient educational experience.

There are over a hundred undergraduate and graduate online degree programs. Too many to list here, so I’ll just give you a small sampling of some popular educational programs to get you started:

Continue reading " 10 Great Online Degree Programs" »

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on February 27, 2007 at 9:17 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Institutes of technology most often offer degrees in fields like electrical engineering, chemistry, applied mathematics, and computer science, plus “hot” new areas such as software engineering, interactive media, and biotechnology. However, many also have programs across a wide range of other academic fields. For example, at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), students can major in film and animation, international business, and hotel and resort management; similarly Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) offers degrees in history, urban studies—and even philosophy. But why would you want to study programs like these at an institute of technology?

Continue reading "Get A Head Start On The Future At An Institute Of Technology" »

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on February 12, 2007 at 8:03 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Examine an application – Just see what is required to click that submit button. I understand universities need the information to make distinctions and decisions. However, the complexity of the application is often difficult if not impossible for students to complete without the proper guidance.

Realize that well meaning school counselors are often spread too thin and universities recommending the students’ independence want them to do it alone. Some colleges do suggest support and guidance, but from whom and how? The fact is that many students do not know all the current application requirements, options, statistics or what universities want to know. Reading any university website on what the school wants, clearly demonstrates the vague nature of how admission officials make their decisions. There are factors in admission that change from year to year. What are the different ways to apply? Early Decision, Early Action, Restrictive First Choice Early Action? Rolling Admissions? Who is explaining this in the high schools? Most recently Harvard, Princeton and the University of Virginia eliminated their Early Plans for the Class of 2012. How do students become aware of such news?

Other factors students must know when applying to college include standardized tests – what tests to take where and when? And how to prepare…About 720 universities in the United States don’t even require tests. What are the differences in the requirements? Who takes the ACT? SATI? Which universities require the SAT Subject Exams and how many of these? Are they optional? required? Students also need to know how to register for the exams. High schools generally do not provide these answers. The counselors can, at times help but with ratios at nearly 500 to 1, their time is extremely limited. Recently, I had one of my seniors request a senior college prep packet at his high school only to hear, “We don’t have one.” I compliment Rob Killion, executive director of the Common Application who continually works toward a commonality in this complicated maze. However, look at the number of supplements and additional essays required by schools on the common application. www.commonapp.org. Just how common are these applications anyway?

Then there are those recommendations – how many and for which school? Who should I give them to? What should I include? Should I send the universities supplemental recommendations? When should I submit them? What should I fill out? Do I waive my right to see them? These are just a few of the questions I get from students all the time. There are also Midyear Reports. Many students have never seen this before. What do I do with them?

There’s the Brag Sheet or list of extracurricular activities and honors and awards received in high school. Students need to know how to present those. Students want to know how to best state their activities and who should get this list. One of my students recently gave me a near twenty page extracurricular list answering numerous excellent and specific questions. Unquestionably, this gives any reader a clear sense of this student. However, who would read this at the university level. Students are given approximately seven short lines to list years of experience and accomplishments. They are entitled to know how to maximize this space.

Essay questions are a significant source of concern to students. Just what are these admission officers looking for? Although many universities do give a “topic of your choice” there are those questions that are amazingly specific – quoting legendary philosophers that have students decipher the content and then connect it all on a personal level. To do all this in anywhere from 100 to 600 words depending on the institution is yet an additional skill. We hear too that essays should be in story format, creative and wonderfully intriguing. Most recently, I heard an admission officer state that they often read the 1st and last paragraph and then decide whether or not to read the rest. Students generally do not learn to write 1st person essays like this in high school. Realize too that many applications require 3 to 4 essays…some long, some short – but nevertheless all different.

High school athletes also need guidance regarding NCAA rules and requirements – how and when to contact coaches and where to go for information.

If universities are requesting and requiring all these components, students are entitled to know what to do and what it all means. As long as most schools do not provide the adequate guidance, admissions remains a complicated process. Competition for select spots continues to increase along with the need and demand for private college consultants.

Continue reading "Applying to College : No Easy Task" »

Posted by College Connections on November 15, 2006 at 11:45 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

Isn’t it true that when admission officers evaluate student applications they really don’t know the student? Other than the interview that some colleges offer, acceptance decisions are based on a written document, the application. For students to portray themselves in the best light, their GPA’s, test scores, essays and recommendations must paint the best possible picture. In addition to local students, I am currently working with students and families in 16 states and 5 countries internationally. This number is increasing nearly daily. I counsel online, on the phone and via fax. If I can get a clear picture of a student based on all their data without the face to face meetings, then it is likely that admissions officers will also. The fact is that distance counseling is a test for the real thing.

I do see many students face to face when possible and always enjoy knowing them personally. However, the demand for guidance is so widespread that to accommodate more students, distance counseling is necessary. The forerunner, online learning, indicates how fast online education is growing and how successful it is. The Sloan Consortium, a group of colleges pursuing online programs, estimates that 850,000 more students took online courses in the fall of 2005 than the year before, an increase of nearly 40 percent. Students, too, are extremely comfortable with the distance format. Between their personal web pages, text and emails, online communication is a comfort zone .Many young people are more comfortable communicating online.

Many university applications are going paperless within the next few years. Numerous professors post assignments, readings and syllabus online. High schools are using programs where students receive online report cards. Electronic communication is the M generation’s way. Online college applications, passwords, pin numbers, secret questions to login are all very standard. Many face to face counseling meetings are conducted in front of a computer.

It is likely that college applications will become even more unique in the coming years. I easily guide all my distance students to present applications that are unique and perhaps explore creative possibilities in photo uploads, displaying computer graphic skills, musical backgrounds and links to personal pages. All this reveals much about the student.

So many of my high school and transfer students have such busy schedules, that they prefer connecting with me online rather than face to face. Between homework, jobs, athletic activities and other extracurriculars, they like communicating at the end of the day with their questions and input online.

By the time my students submit their applications, I have a strong feeling for who they are having worked with them to extract their strengths. In saying all this and if you have read this far, I have a note for parents. I hear things like, “I want my child to know their counselor”. Of course, there is nothing wrong with that. I urge you to keep in mind, to realize and accept that this is a new high tech generation that is more than comfortable with distance counseling.
Jeannie Borin, M.Ed.
IECA Professional Member
NACAC Professional Member
www.college-connections.com

Continue reading "Why Distance Counseling Works" »

Posted by College Connections on November 15, 2006 at 11:23 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

It becomes instantaneously obvious once anyone starts examing the plethora of requirements necessary to apply to college these days, that it is an amazingly complex and overwhelming process. Combine that fact with the many who are limited English speakers and first generation in their family to attend college that must weed through the requirements of this process with little or no guidance. Add in the mix the over programmed teen who, on top of monumental amounts of homework, extracurricular activities and perhaps a job must now apply to an average of a dozen universities just to assure acceptance into a college during the most competitive admissions cycle in history. Just examining last seasons percentage of admits at selective universities will verify this fact. http://www.college-connections.com/collegelinks.htm
There are those who continue to bombard the independent college consultant in their private efforts to guide these students. Their services invariably improve family relations and reduces stress. In addition, nearly all independent counselors take pro bono students. The simple truth is that thousands of students are not getting the guidance they need. Certainly there are countless effective counselors in schools across the country, but the counselor to student ratio is exorbitant. Some school counselors manage as many as 500 students. Add the vast amounts of additional jobs many of these counselors have including but not limited to scheduling, monitoring social behavior and writing recommendations. Many have job titles that include “guidance counselor”. How many times have I heard students say, “My counselor doesn’t know me" and then there are those students who don’t even know if their schools even have a college counselor. Universities have specific requirements for admittance. Yet, thousands get to their senior year without the necessary courses due to lack of guidance. These counselors simply cannot handle the large enrollments and it’s no surprise, as the schools are significantly under budgeted. Yes, there are those independent schools that manage well, whose ratio of counselor to students is 10:1, where students’ curriculums are reviewed and carefully managed. However, so many of these families still seek outside help for their college admission process.
The angst and anxiety of the college admissions process has reached new levels. Words like “admission frenzy” and “gaming the system” are all over the media. As a result, some of the top universities have eliminated early plans to try and quiet the storm. Private college consultants have become as necessary as any psychologist. Yet, how many psychologists do as much pro bono work as college consultants? Educational business is not a dirty word. Other factors driving the admissions intensity are the universities themselves. The business of college admissions is at an all time high. Large budgets are allocated for enrollment management divisions. Thousands of dollars are directed at recruiting students and encouraging more and more applications because it then can make the university look more selective. Just last week on one of my professional online digests was a request from a top admission official for marketing suggestions concerning online banner placements. College websites are huge business and placement of ads equally as important. After all, these are tremendous recruitment tools and yield does increase that U.S. News Ranking. Other factors driving the frenzy are undoubtedly the “helicopter” parent population. Many parents push their kids to the absolute limit to achieve what they didn’t and still hold beliefs that the way to a successful, secure future is through a top tier school – not necessarily so. Many state universities are notorious for having produced some of the most successful and influential people in the world. Peer pressure is added to this mix, creating anxious turmoil. The average number of senior applications is estimated at 12 to 15 schools per students. Last week at a selective independent school in Los Angeles, a nervous 9th grade parent group was encouraged to not think about college plans just yet.
Jeannie Borin, M.Ed.
IECA, Professional member
NACAC, Professional Member
www.college-connections.com

Continue reading "Full Blown College Admissions Frenzy" »

Posted by College Connections on November 3, 2006 at 4:49 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

For the first time since the 1997-98 admissions cycle, the number of applicants to law schools dropped last year and another decrease is expected for the 2006-07 cycle. In 2004-05, only 95,800 prospective law school students applied, which was 4.6 percent fewer than in 2003-04. This year's numbers are not yet complete, but according to the New York Times, this year is running about 10 percent behind last year.

So why are fewer students applying to law school? One reason is that the economy has improved significantly over the past few years so fewer undergraduate seniors feel compelled to go to law school or any other graduate school.

Posted by Steven Rothberg, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 28, 2006 at 6:15 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

Students entering business school to earn their M.B.A. Degree need many varied skills with minimal proficiency in certain areas.

Continue reading "MBA Overview" »

Posted by EducationGuys.com on April 14, 2006 at 4:24 PM | Leave a Comment (0)