The Best Way To Repay Student Loans

Student loans are like other debt and can affect your credit score

When you set up school loans, repayment seems a long way off, but eventually the day of reckoning arrives. It is extremely important to make the monthly payments because school loans are considered debt. Failure to pay timely will affect your credit rating. Even if you were to declare bankruptcy, it is difficult to get these loans forgiven. The best way to repay depends upon your income, occupation, lender and your type of loan.

Instructions

1. Search for forgiveness programs. If you teach in a low-income area for five consecutive years, you can receive up to $5,000 in loan forgiveness from the Teachers Loan Forgiveness program.

2. Contact your lender to see if you are eligible for automatic monthly payments. Many like Sallie Mae offer the option of automatic debit; thus, your monthly payment is deducted from your bank account. Borrowers participating in this program can be eligible for an interest rate deduction. Another advantage is the automatic feature. No longer will you have to remember to make each payment. On your credit report it will show that you have been making your payments on time, so your credit score will receive a boost.

3. Apply for a forbearance or deferment if you are experiencing financial hardship or are unemployed. This will temporarily postpone payments. Ultimately, it is important to choose the repayment option most suitable for your circumstances. Many lenders offer extended payment plans and other arrangements like interest-only payments for a specific time period. Other plans are based upon income; thus, the monthly payment becomes more managable. However, remember that any plan reducing the monthly payment will increase the length of the loan. Therefore, you will pay more in the long run. Check your lender's website to find an on-line calculator to see how much you will pay over the life of the loan.

4. Pay extra. There is usually no penalty for overpaying your monthly amount. That will lower the amount of interest over the life of the loan and decrease principal. If you are especially anxious to retire your debt, consider getting a part-time job to generate more income.

Tags: your credit, monthly payment, affect your, affect your credit, credit score

High School Baseball Recruiting Rules

College coaches must follow certain rules when contacting prospective student athletes.

According to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), students are considered prospective student athletes when they reach their freshman year of high school. In an effort to ensure fairness in the recruiting process, the NCAA sets up strict rules about how often, what times of year, and through what means college baseball coaches may contact prospective student athletes or their families. Prospective college baseball players and their families should be aware of the rules, and the contact periods set for the 2010-2011 recruiting year are outlined below.

Communication

College coaches are allowed to contact prospective baseball players at certain times throughout the year, but these contact times must follow specific guidelines. An official contact, which is a contact that occurs when the prospective student athlete or the athlete's parents meet with a college coach off the college's grounds, is limited to August 1-30, September 10 through November 7 and March 1 through July 31, except for April 11-14. Anything beyond the exchange of "hello" is considered a contact.

Dead periods, which run from November 8-11, January 6-10 and April 11-14, limit coaches from having any in-person contact with the prospective baseball player or his parents. Telephone calls, letters and e-mails are not limited during this time.

Quiet periods extend from September 1-9 and November 12 through February 28, and allow the prospective baseball player and his parents to have in-person contact only on the college campus grounds.

College Visits

A prospective baseball player’s senior year places more limitations on the student than the previous year. A high school senior baseball player is permitted to make five official visits to a single college. A visit is considered an official visit when the educational institution pays the expenses of the prospective student and his family to make the visit. Expenses include transportation to and from the college, three meals a day, three complimentary tickets to home athletic competitions, boarding for the time spent visiting the college and other entertainment expenses. Official visits do not start until the prospective athlete’s first day of his senior year.

National Letter of Intent

The prospective student athlete signs a National Letter of Intent when he determines which school he plans to attend. The National Letter of Intent is an official, binding contract that states the student will attend a specific educational institutions. The letter also claims that the student is eligible for financial aid for a minimum of the single academic year the student athlete has agreed to enroll. Colleges that participate in the National Letter of Intent (NLI) program are in violation of the NLI program if they try to recruit a student athlete once he signs the nation letter of intent with another school.

Baseball players have two time periods during which they can sign the National Letter of Intent. The first period, also called the early period, is from November 11-18. The second time, or the regular period, is from April 14 through August 1.

Tags: prospective student, Letter Intent, National Letter, National Letter Intent, prospective baseball

Kaplan College

It is becoming very popular for working adults to go back to school in order to earn an advanced degree or take certificate classes that will help them get ahead in their careers. Kaplan College is one of the largest distance learning universities offering programs for students. It's one of the only distance learning universities that is fully accredited and offers both Bachelor's and Master's degree programs.

Function

Kaplan College is an online school that offers career diplomas and degrees through a distance learning medium that is more affordable and easier to utilize for working adults than a traditional college may be.

History

Originally three different college programs, Kaplan College, Quest College, and the American Institute of Commerce, Kaplan University was founded in 1937 as a brick and mortar school. It has since consolidated its programs and expanded its campuses to include locations across the United States, as well as an expansive online campus.

Features

Kaplan offers Associates, Bachelors, and Masters degrees in most of their available programs. The programs they offer include arts and sciences, business, criminal justice, education, health sciences, information systems and technology, legal studies, and nursing. The also offer "certificate" programs in business, healthcare, and information technology.

Financial aid funding is acceptable to use to pay for your program, and you can also apply for a Kaplan University scholarship if they are still available at the time you enroll. Fees for programs are on a per credit basis, and the overall cost depends on the program you are entering. Masters degrees in criminal justice, nursing, and education cost the least amount while Masters of science and business administration cost the most. Study materials for programs include books and software, as well as interactive online seminars, online quizzes, the ability to discuss topics with advisors, discussion boards and forums, and a large online library.

Geography

While most of Kaplan's programs are available online, students located in Lincoln or Omaha Nebraska can attend on-campus classes, as can students located in areas of Iowa including Davenport, Cedar falls, Cedar Rapids, Council Bluffs, Des Moines, and Mason City.

Considerations

The eligibility requirements to enroll in Kaplan tend to be more strict than those of other distance learning schools. All students are required to have a high school diploma or GED. Graduate program students must have a Bachelor's degree from an accredited university, as well as a GPA of 2.5 or higher.

Tags: distance learning, Kaplan College, criminal justice, distance learning universities, Kaplan University, learning universities

What Is Required To Be An Xray Technician

X-ray technicians work in the health care field to manipulate x-ray equipment to take internal pictures of patients' bodies for diagnosis of diseases and injuries. X-ray technicians need specialized classes to learn the appropriate skills. Further education is always an option for those who want to work in specialized fields or become supervisors.

Initial Requirements

X-ray technicians must have high school diplomas or GEDs. Next, they must be admitted to a school that has an x-ray technician program.

X-Ray Technician Programs

Training programs for x-ray technicians are available online as well as through brick-and-mortar trade schools and colleges. In most states, techs are required to become certified by the American Registry of Radiologist Technologists, which requires at least a certificate but usually an associate's or a bachelor's degree. Programs can take from one to four years.

Classes in X-Ray Technician Programs

X-ray technician programs include classes in anatomy, physiology, patient care procedures, patient positioning, radiation physics, principles of imaging, radiation protection, medical terminology, medical ethics and pathology.

Exam

After completing an approved program and possibly getting specialized experience, those who want national certification need to pass an exam developed by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Exams and certificates are available in: radiography, nuclear medicine technology, magnetic resonance imaging, sonography, bone densitometry, vascular sonography and breast sonography.

Certificate Vs. License

A certificate indicates that the student has passed the exam and done the requisite coursework. To get a license (required in 35 states), you must apply through the state.

Tags: American Registry, Technician Programs, those want, X-Ray Technician Programs, X-ray technicians

Fashion Design Schools In Mexico

The moon shines over Mexico City.

Mexico is known for its beautiful beaches, rich culture and storied history. Fashion, however, is one of the last things that comes to mind when one thinks of Mexico. Slowly but surely, though, the country is finding its voice in the fashion world, carving out a niche for its designers to express their colorful and whimsical works. There are three main fashion design schools that immerse you in the culture of this amazing country while teaching you the techniques needed to express your fashion point of view.

Janette Klein Universidad

Located in Mexico City, this fashion design school offers a 2-year associates program. Popular U.S. based, Los Angeles design school FIDM (Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising) offers a study abroad program here. Some famous Janette Klein alumni include: Hector Terrones, Sarah Bustani, Desiree Navarro, Pilar Roa and Edgardo Luengas.

Janette Klein Universidad

Artemio del Valle Arizpe

Col. del Valle,

Del. Benito Juarez, Mexico, D. F.

(52) 55 5523 5314

(800) 821-0555

jk.edu.mx

contacto@janetteklein.com

Instituto Modstil

Founded in 1990, Modstil was one of the first fashion schools in the country to offer a Bachelors degree in Fashion Design. Located in the city of Morelia in Michoacan State, the school is part of the Modstil Group, which includes a modeling agency and fashion consulting firm.

Instituto Modstil

Periferico Paseo de la Republica # 571 A

Col. Felix Ireta C.P. 58070

Morelia, Michoacan, México

+52 443 314 6968

modstil.com

CEDIM (Centro de Estudios Superiores de Diseño de Monterrey)

CEDIM is considered the top design school in Mexico. Located in Monterrey in the state of Nuevo Leon, the city is quickly becoming known as the country's epicenter for innovative design. The school offers degrees in: architecture, animation, digital art, industrial merchandising, interior design, fashion design and graphic design.

CEDIM (Centro de Estudios Superiores de Diseño de Monterrey)

Antiguo Camino a la Huasteca No.360

Col. Mirador de la Huasteca

Santa Catarina Nuevo León, México, C.P.66354, T.

+52 (81) 8262.2200

cedim.edu.mx

Student Visa

As long as you have the correct identification and forms or visas, entering into Mexico from the United States is a simple process.

Depending on your length of stay, you will need one of the following to study abroad:

Tourist Card

If you plan on studying in Mexico for less than 6 months you can enter the country with a Tourist Card. Tourist Cards will be distributed on your plane before landing. Make sure your form is stamped and signed by immigration officials at the airport. Otherwise, you could face a fine when leaving the country. The Tourist Card must be surrendered when you leave the country, so be sure to keep it in a safe spot.

Student Visa

If you are planning on studying in Mexico for more than 6 months you will need to apply for a long-term, non-immigrant visa known in Mexico as the FM3. This visa gives you temporary residency status. You are not allowed to work under a FM3 visa.

Getting back into the United States

As of June 1, 2009, you will be required to present a passport, passport card or other valid travel documents in order to re-enter the United States, regardless of whether or not the foreign country visited required one to gain entry.

Considerations

There are many factors to take into consideration when you are going to study abroad. Here are a few to keep in mind:

Language

If you are going to attend school in Mexico you will need to speak Spanish well enough to keep up with the lessons and get around in the city.

Work

You will not be allowed to work and earn money under a Tourist Card or Student Visa (FM3).

Insurance

If you currently have health insurance, check with them to see if you can add a policy that will cover you while abroad. If you do not have health insurance it is recommended that you purchase a short-term policy for the length of time you will be gone. As a student you are not eligible to receive services under Mexico's social health care system.

Taxes

If you earned money during the tax year prior to your departure you will need to make arrangements to have your taxes filed and paid for (if necessary) that year. If you plan on being absent from the country for more than 1 year it is suggested that you obtain an accountant to oversee and file the necessary paperwork for you while you are gone.

Tags: design school, Tourist Card, will need, Janette Klein, Student Visa

Education Grants For Seniors

Education Grants for Seniors

More older Americans are flocking back to the classroom now than ever before. Many professors enjoy having older students in class because the entire class benefits from the elders' insights. Those older than 50 who want to go school may not have to dig into their own pockets to make it happen, either, since there is financial assistance available specifically for them.

By the Numbers

According to a back-to-school poll of adults age 50 and older conducted by the AARP Bulletin, one in six say they are likely to head back to school. Of those, nearly half want to sharpen their on-the-job skills and another 21 percent want to increase their income. More than half of those heading back to school have been out of the classroom for at least 15 years. According to an article in AARP Bulletin, colleges tend to see more older students in the classroom when the economy declines. Many of those students are laid-off workers trying to learn skills for new careers.

Attracting Seniors to the Classroom

According to the AARP poll, more than a third of those going back to school are doing it strictly for pleasure. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes, found on the campuses of 120 colleges and universities throughout the country, provide noncredit courses and activities to attract "seasoned" adults, 50 years old and older, who want to learn just for the joy of it.

Federal and State Grants

Federal Pell Grants are for undergrads of any age who have economic need. For the 2010-2011 school year, the maximum Pell grant is $5,550. In addition to the Pell Grant, the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant is available. Some states believe that educating older Americans is so important that they wave tuition for the seniors who live in those states. Check your individual state's department of education for more information.

Grants Especially for Women

Older women have an additional pool of money to pull from. The AARP Women's Scholarship Fund, for instance, provides grants to women 40 years old and older. Also, the Business and Professional Women's Institute Scholarship Program helps low-income women get a degree. Two foundations, the Charlotte W. Newcombe Foundation and the Jeannette Rankin Foundation, offer scholarships to "mature" students. They are not alone. The Linda Lael Miller Scholarship Program and the JRF Foundation Scholarship also offer funding to older female students.

Additional Sources of Grant Information

Because of the many grant and scholarship opportunities for older Americans, several organizations have emerged to help connect the seniors with the funds, such as scholarshipexperts.com and fastweb.com.

Tags: back school, older Americans, AARP Bulletin, Education Grants, Education Grants Seniors, Grants Seniors

Requirements For Graduating High School

To be eligible for graduation from high school, students must meet certain requirements as set forth by their specific school district and state. These requirements are not the same in every state as there are no national standards, but requirements for graduating high school are similar enough from state to state that they are not problematic for students who change schools during their high school years.

Academic Credits

Students must earn a minimum number of academic credits to graduate from high school. States differ on the number of credits required, but they range from 16 to 24 credits. In general, these credits are: English-4 credits, math-3 credits, science-3 credits, social science-3 credits, foreign language-2 credits, computer and technology-2 credits, physical education-1 credit, and electives-3 credits.

GPA

Students must demonstrate basic academic mastery. A grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 grade scale indicates that the required courses have been passed satisfactorily. Of course, a higher GPA increases the opportunities for students to earn scholarships offered by colleges.

Assessment Tests

Most public schools require that students make a minimum score on their state's standardized exams in specific subjects like algebra, biology, U.S. history, and writing. These tests are taken throughout high school, giving a student additional chances to retake tests if necessary to achieve the required score.

Some high schools also require that graduating seniors take either the ACT or SAT test, which is also necessary for college bound students.

Public and Private School Comparison

A study conducted by the Center of Education Statistics showed that public and private school graduation requirements followed similar criteria. Neither type of school required the number of credit hours in English, math, and foreign language recommended by the Center, but no major differences were found that would be detrimental to the overall education of students.

Exceptions

There are alternatives to earning a standard high school diploma. Most states award a certificate of completion or a vocational diploma for students who do not meet the academic requirements for general graduation. Students in special education programs or students enrolled in vo-tech training can earn these diplomas. The standard for completion may include a lower number of academic classes as well as no minimum GPA requirement.

Tags: high school, from high, from high school, number academic, require that, science-3 credits, Students must

Acting Schools In California

California is often known as the center of the film industry, and for good reason. By 1920, Hollywood had emerged as the premiere location for the industry, leaving New York to continue to thrive as the center of the theatrical stage. It's no surprise then that California would house some of the most prestigious accredited acting and theatrical schools in the country.

Five Impressive Acting Programs in California

Among California's many institutions offering bachelor's and master's degrees in acting, five stand out from the lot: The University of California at Los Angeles, The University of Southern California, San Francisco State University, Stanford University, and the ever-prestigious American Conservatory Theater. Undergraduate degrees offered are the Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree and the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree (which is more of a conservatory approach). Graduate course work ranges from a Master of Arts (MA) to Master of Fine Arts (MFA) to a Doctorate (PhD) degree. You must have a BA or BFA to apply to an MA or PhD program.

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

UCLA has long been regarded as one of the top acting schools in the country, let alone California. The program is rigorous and prides itself on furnishing its students not only with the ability to gauge and select the best roles for themselves, but also with a distinguished 4-year education. If you apply to UCLA as an undergraduate, you'll apply to the theater program for a Bachelor of Arts degree, and will audition for a place in the undergraduate acting specialization. As a public school in California, tuition is easier to accommodate on any budget.

University of Southern California (USC)

Similar to UCLA, USC is credited as being one of the top acting schools in the nation. Offering Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), and Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degrees, USC goes the extra mile to offer theater students the choice of a typical 4-year degree (BA) or a conservatory approach (BFA) in theater. A BFA in any field is more like the degree you would obtain from an art school or academy; however, getting such a degree from an accredited university such as USC promises a respectable 4-year degree to boot. No expense is spared at this private institution, and tuition can be quite pricey.

San Francisco State University (SFSU)

SFSU, located in the lovely city of San Francisco, is part of the California State University System, or CSU. CSUs typically are known to offer a more hands-on approach to learning, whereas the UC system provides research- and theory-based educations. Tuition is less expensive, and instead of operating on a quarter system as the UC does, the CSU system runs on semesters. Of all the state university theater programs, San Francisco State boasts the most unique: graduate (MA or MFA) as well as undergraduate (BA), and even minors in the field of drama are known to specialize in independent film and filmmaking. The program describes itself as one where students can study to be professional actors, can study to teach acting or can prepare themselves for higher education in drama (such as the MA would provide).

Stanford University

Stanford offers a minor, a major (or BA) and even a doctorate (PhD) in the field of drama. Like USC, Stanford is a private institution and costs to attend this school are four times that of tuition at a CSU or UC school. Stanford patterns its bachelor's degree program after its PhD program, aiming to juxtapose the studies of theory and performance. The undergraduate program is not designed for students to emerge as professional actors, but instead to prepare students to go on for graduate or conservatory coursework.

The American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.)

A.C.T., or The American Conservatory Theater, offers one of the most elite MFA degrees this country has to offer, and alumni of this prestigious program include Annette Benning and Denzel Washington. The conservatory expects approximately 300 applications to its MFA program each year. It is a highly competitive and comprehensive program. Tuition is surprisingly affordable and is closer to the price of a public degree program than that of a private college. When applying for an MFA program, you should have or expect to have your bachelor's degree by the fall of the year you plan to begin at A.C.T.

http://www.act-sf.org/site/PageServer?pagename=conservatory_mfa

Tags: Fine Arts, American Conservatory, American Conservatory Theater, Arts degree, Bachelor Arts, Conservatory Theater

Write A Constitutional Law Essay

United States Capitol

Writing a legal essay is a demanding challenge. Constitutional law in particular is filled with subtleties that that must be grasped in order to produce a lucid and engaging analysis. Regardless of whether you are writing your essay for a law school exam or for a legal publication, you should use the same basic framework for solving the legal problems you present--Issue, Rule, Analysis and Conclusion (IRAC).

Instructions

1. Identify the issues that your essay will deal with. These issues must be stated with specificity--"Whether the Due Process clause allows habeus corpus petitions to be filed by those committed to mental institutions but not convicted of crimes," for example. List these issues on a separate sheet of paper.

2. Create an IRAC outline for each of your issues--the particular issue should be listed first, followed by spaces for rule, analysis and conclusion for each listed issue.

3. Identify the legal rule that applies to the first issue you have identified. This rule may be actual text from the Constitution ("Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion", for example), a judicial interpretation of constitutional text (preferably issued by the Supreme Court), or a combination of both. Try to keep it as simple as possible.

4. Analyze apply the applicable rule to the issue. Feel free to use your own judgment during this phase, but always make sure that your argument is rational. Take the objective point of view of a judge rather than an advocacy point of view of an attorney. Be sure to perform appropriate research, because constitutional law is a particularly well-settled area of law with relatively few points of fundamental ambiguity.

5. State your conclusion, preferably in a single sentence. Make sure that your conclusion follows logically from your analysis.

6. Repeat the IRAC process for each of your issues.

7. Create an introduction and a conclusion (this is appropriate only for articles in legal publications, not law school exams). The introduction should present the conclusions you are trying to establish, and the conclusion should summarize how you established them in the body of your essay (the IRAC section).

Tags: that your, your essay, each your, point view, sure that, sure that your, your conclusion

What Is A Budget Allocation

Management makes budget allocations after examining anticipated revenues and departmental expenses.

Budget allocation is an important part of all business and not-for-profit financial plans. Budgets are typically set annually and involve allocating anticipated income and resources between different departments and business interests. The amount of funding allocated to each area imposes restrictions on the scope of a department's development. For example, if there is a reduction in funding, then some staff may have to be made redundant.

Method

Budgets are normally reviewed annually and set for a 12- to 24-month period. Budgets are normally set on the basis of the previous year's expenditures, plus or minus any changes in spending, such as the recruitment of new staff or adjustments in staff salaries. For example, in a university or school, each department or faculty is given a set amount of money to spend over the course of the year. The department head normally takes responsibility for allocating the funding to his staff. A budget aims to take into account all expenditures, including staff salaries, the cost of buying resources as well as miscellaneous expenses for any unforeseen needs. In an educational institution, the expenditure is normally calculated at a cost per child for the purposes of grant writing and funding.

Components

Typically, budgets are divided into allocation components. These are often based on the business' or institution's core priorities. For example, in a university setting, typical components are student enrollment and research. Many institutions also include performance incentives in the budget to boost staff morale. The components are divided into a matrix, and a monetary value is allocated for each component. This is further divided into a value for the subcomponents.

Adjustment

Budgets normally include a percentage rate of adjustment, which is typically between 2 and 5 percent. This allows for unforeseen expenses and under or over estimation of expenditures. Budgets are reviewed and adjusted periodically throughout the year to account for changes in expenditures and income.

Geographic Differential

If a business or educational institution operates in multiple geographic areas, a geographic location adjustment is included in the budget. This accounts for different living costs and wage levels in different areas, often including a hardship allowance for those living in developing countries. Typically, a cost-of-living index is used to calculate the typical cost in each area and the budget is adjusted accordingly.

Tags: Budgets normally, divided into, allocated each, each area, educational institution, example university

Ed D Vs Ph D Degree In Higher Education

Both an Ed.D. and a Ph.D. require students to research and write a dissertation.

The Ed.D., doctor of education, degree and the Ph.D., doctor of philosophy, are both terminal degrees in higher education. An institution will offer an Ed.D., however, only in fields related to education, while a Ph.D. can be a terminal degree in education-related fields, as well as other disciplines.

History

Doctoral degrees have existed in universities since the Middle Ages, with the doctor of philosophy degree being the standard for research-based, non-medical doctorates. Yale awarded the first U.S. Ph.D. in 1861. While the Ph.D. originated in Europe, the Ed.D. originated in the United States. Harvard University established the first Ed.D. degree program in the United States in 1920 as a response to the need for a more practitioner-based degree in education.

Similarities

Both the doctor of education and doctor of philosophy degrees require a rigorous course of study beyond the master's degree, although the number of courses will vary by program and institution. Each degree requires a student to pass a comprehensive examination and write a dissertation that the student will have to defend before a committee before she receives the degree. Those who have successfully completed the requirements for either the Ph.D. or the Ed.D. may use the title "doctor."

Differences

The Ed.D. is the terminal degree in fields specifically related to education, such as educational leadership, curriculum and instruction, higher education, and educational administration. Institutions also may offer a Ph.D. in education along with an Ed.D. or may only offer one degree or the other. In addition to being a terminal degree in education-related fields, the Ph.D. is considered the terminal degree in most academic disciplines. For example, a student could earn a Ph.D. in English or chemistry, but universities do not offer the Ed.D. in those fields.

Misconceptions

Because the Ed.D. is a relatively new degree in the long history of the university and because schools/colleges of education have been traditionally marginalized, some in academia have viewed the Ed.D. as a lesser degree when compared with the Ph.D. Both degrees, however, require that students complete a rigorous program of study and research, and both the U.S. Department of Education and the National Science Foundation recognize the degrees as equivalent.

Professional Opportunities

Both degrees offer a range of professional opportunities both inside and outside of higher education. Those who hold either the Ph.D. or the Ed.D. would qualify for instructor or professor positions at colleges and universities. Depending upon the field, a Ph.D. in a field other than education would make the holder eligible for a range of professional positions outside academia (particularly for research positions in the sciences). Those who have earned an Ed.D. or a Ph.D. in education would be eligible for administrative positions in education, such as school/district superintendent, school principal or higher education administrator).

Tags: higher education, terminal degree, doctor philosophy, Both degrees, degree education-related, degree education-related fields

How The Gi Bill Works

The GI Bill provides money to pursue higher education.

The Montgomery GI Bill acts as an education benefits program for United States military veterans, active duty and reserve service members. The bill has gone through several changes since President Franklin Roosevelt first signed it into law in 1944 as the Servicemen's Readjustment Act.

Eligibility

According to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, you may obtain GI Bill benefits if you have served a minimum of two years on active duty, are a graduate of high school or GED equivalency and if you made the $100 monthly contributions during your first year of active duty. Eligibility requirements vary, however, and depend on several factors. You can determine specific benefit eligibility by visiting the Veterans Affairs website and completing the "Road Map to Success" application form.

Benefits

The GI Bill is a tax-free benefit program and can be used for any expenses related to educational pursuits. Covered expenses typically include tuition, books, supplies and relocation and living expenses. You can transfer benefits to one or more dependents if you have completed six years of active duty and agree to complete four more years.

Post 9/11 GI Bill

The Post 9/11 GI Bill went into effect August 1, 2009 and offers benefits to those who have served on active duty for 90 or more days since Sept. 10, 2001. Benefits include up to 100 percent coverage for tuition and fees, a monthly housing stipend, annual allowance for books and supplies, and the option to transfer benefits to one or more dependents.

Tags: active duty, benefits more, benefits more dependents, books supplies, have served, more dependents, Post Bill

Manage Personal Debt

Manage Personal Debt

Personal debt is often unavoidable in today's society. Most people have to take loans to finance essential things like education, vehicles and housing. It's scary and upsetting when most of your monthly income is spent paying off money you owe, but there are ways to manage personal debt with less stress.

Instructions

Manage Your Personal Debt

1. Consolidate any student loans for lower payments. In most cases, consolidation brings down the interest rate on your older loans, but also extends the time it takes for you to pay them off. There may be added benefits to consolidation if you do it during your grace period.

2. List your average payments, and set up a personal budget. When you add up your expenses, it's always better to round amounts up and to set aside too much money than to come up short. Remember to include your living expenses, like rent, gas and electric bills, with your debt payments.

3. Cut excess spending out of your lifestyle. There are simple ways to reduce your expenses, like making coffee at home in the morning instead of buying it on the way to work every day. Lots of little changes can lead to big savings over time.

4. Get a credit card that matches your spending habits. If you want to have a month-to-month balance, you need a low-rate card, but if you pay your card off every month, you should look for one with low fees. You should avoid using a credit card as much as possible because it does add to your personal debt.

5. Meet with a financial adviser. These counselors can help you create a long-term plan to get out of debt and stay out. Some non-profit groups have free debt counseling available to the public.

Tags: Personal Debt, credit card, expenses like, Manage Personal Debt, personal debt, your expenses

Tell When A Child Should Stay Home From School

In states with strict truancy laws, if children miss too much school, the parents may have to pay a fine or the children may have to go to Saturday school to make up the missed school days. Here are some basic guidelines parents can use to decide whether a child is sick enough to stay home from school.

Instructions

1. Check the child's temperature. If her temperature is more than 100.4 degrees, the child should stay home from school. A child will run a fever during the time they are contagious. She should not return to school until she has been without a fever for 24 hours.

2. Keep the child home from school if he has and continues to vomit. It is most likely a sign of a virus or food poisoning. He should stay home until he has been able to eat two meals and keep all the food down.

3. Watch the child's bathroom visits if he is complaining of an upset stomach. If he has even one spell of diarrhea, do not let him go to school. Diarrhea can cause unnecessary embarrassment and teasing for the child.

4. Look into her mouth if she has a persistent cough. If there are white spots in her throat take her to the doctor because she probably has step throat. If her throat is swollen and red, keep her home from school. If the cough does not go away with over-the-counter medications or the child begins to cough up mucus take her to the doctor.

5. Check your child if she is scratching continually. If she has a widespread rash, lice, scabies or impetigo do not let her go to school. These conditions are very contagious and can cause a breakout in the school.

6. Take your child to the doctor if he has multiple symptoms. A child with conditions such as the flu, scarlet fever, ear infections, mumps or the chickenpox should always stay home from school. Do not let your child return to school until the symptoms have been gone for at least 24 hours.

Tags: from school, home from, home from school, your child, home from, home from school, return school

Write A Great Statement Of Purpose For Graduate School

A statement of purpose is an opportunity for you to showcase your drive and desire to learn more.

With an undergraduate degree and the desire to continue your education, a logical next step is to attend graduate school. Part of the application process of most graduate-level programs is your statement of purpose. This is a written essay explaining your intentions and interests regarding the graduate program for which you are applying as well as your future career. According to the University of Texas at Austin, this document provides the school with a snapshot of these aspirations and helps the admissions department determine if you're a fit for their program. It is important to write a conscious, strong and articulate statement of purpose to improve your chances of entrance into your desired program.

Instructions

1. Research the specific requirements for your graduate program's application. View their website or talk to the graduate admissions office for details on the essay's required length and specific details you may need to include. The statement of purpose usually is two to three pages, but this varies depending on the program.

2. Brainstorm three reasons you wish to attend graduate school. Type these as a list on your computer.

3. Brainstorm at least one reason you wish to be admitted to that specific program. You might specifically mention wanting to conduct research with a noteworthy professor at that university.

4. Write your introduction. Introduce yourself in a way that is professional and creative. Avoid personal stories in the statement of purpose while still giving a basic idea of why you wish to apply for the school's graduate program. The introduction should be a short paragraph since the focus of the statement should be on your main points.

5. Use the next three to five paragraphs to discuss your reasons for applying to graduate school. Use the three ideas your brainstormed prior to writing.

6. Finish your statement of purpose with your reason for wanting to attend that specific graduate school and a strong sentence stating why you feel you are a perfect fit for the program. Be confident and assertive without coming across as cocky.

7. Proofread your statement of purpose. Check for grammar and spelling errors.

8. Ask a professor, colleague or boss to read your statement of purpose and offer any suggestions for improvement.

Tags: statement purpose, statement purpose, your statement, your statement purpose, graduate program, attend graduate, attend graduate school

Martin L King Activities For Kindergarten

Martin Luther King Jr. Day falls on the third Monday in January. Schools celebrate Martin Luther King Day by recognizing his work and the work of others toward equality within the United States. Activities for kindergartners can pose some challenges. This age group is not ready for in-depth analysis of King's speeches and impact. For a kindergarten classroom, general discussion, poems, coloring and music are age-appropriate activities.

Coloring Activities

Find printable resources for coloring activities. Website such as Apples 4 The Teacher and Teacher Vision have multiple resources for printable coloring activities for your students. Kindergartners like making books. Have students color multiple pages and make a book. Teacher Vision offers an "I Have A Dream" Little Book that students can cut, color and glue together. This book allows children to tie in to the works of Dr. King with dreams that they have for their lives and the people of the world.

Books

Reading to children is a large part of kindergarten. Students want to be read to. Find age-appropriate books to read to your class. Books like the Scholastic paperback "What Is Martin Luther King Jr. Day?" describe who Martin Luther King Jr. was, his works and why he is important. Other books include "Happy Birthday Martin Luther King, Jr." by Jean Marzollo and J. Brian Pinkney. Ask trusted experienced teachers or local librarians for other books that are appropriate for a kindergarten classroom.

Music

Kindergartners like to listen to and move to music. It is also an effective way to tie the coloring or book activities together with songs about Martin Luther King Jr. Web sites like Songs For Teaching offer a number of offerings for Martin Luther King Day. The songs can either be taught to the students or played while completing other activities. Make up a simple dance that can be completed by the students to the music.

Creative Activities

Provide the students with a picture of a person dreaming. Have the students draw a picture of what their dreams are about. Have the students write a simple sentence to state what their dream is about. Have the students work on sounding out words. The sentence should start with a capital letter, the words need to be properly spaced and the sentence needs to end with a period. Spelling at this age is not as important as structure of the sentence.

Tags: Luther King, Martin Luther, Martin Luther King, Have students, about Have

Get Ready For High School Graduation

Get ready and relieve stress and anxiety when high school graduation approaches.

High school graduation is a much anticipated milestone. A student graduating from high school has increased responsibility and a lot more to think about, from applying to different jobs to pursuing post-secondary education. This can be an exciting yet stressful time, but a student can get ready for high school graduation and make it a successful, positive experience.

Instructions

1. Talk to your parents. Not only is this a huge milestone in your life, but also in theirs. Parents are often very emotional when their children graduate from high school, as it is a clear sign the child is growing into a mature adult and is ready to start his own life and do things on his own. This can help you as well as them. It can be useful to heed parental advice regarding financial and interpersonal matters, and talk about sex, drugs and alcohol. Parents often feel it is important to offer advice to their children on such important matters.

2. Spend time with friends, take a short trip or otherwise find activities to entertain and relax yourself. You have worked hard and have achieved a major accomplishment in your life by graduating from high school, and deserve a break. If you already have a job set up or otherwise have obligations and not much time for a trip, you can spend just an evening or weekend to celebrate and enjoy yourself.

3. Prepare to head off to college if you plan to pursue post-secondary education. All of the major planning for college should be done at least a year before you graduate from high school, but you can make sure things are in order and finalize everything. From budgeting your monthly expenses to preparing to move into a dorm, take care of all the details to ensure your transition goes smoothly.

4. Talk to the registrar at the college or university you plan to attend if you have any questions. This can help take a lot of the weight off your shoulders and relieve some of the stress and anxiety you are probably feeling.

5. Shop and find an outfit for your prom and prepare for the big night. Your prom is not only one of the biggest social events you will attend in your lifetime, but also an event that celebrates this important and joyous time, making you feel happy and proud. You get to spend time with your classmates and reflect on past events and experiences, as well as look forward to a bright future.

Tags: high school, from high, from high school, school graduation, graduate from, graduate from high, graduating from

Graduate Early From College

Perhaps you have a job lined up, but just need that valuable piece of paper that says "I did it!!" Maybe you have a family and want to get your degree finished as soon as possible so you can move on with life. Or maybe you're just sick and tired of school and are willing to do anything possible graduate. Whatever your reasons, follows these steps to graduate from college early.

Instructions

1. Plan ahead, starting on Day 1. Figure out what classes you need to take and when, taking into careful consideration any pre-requisites, especially for your major.

2. Test out of college courses. If you can get out of taking even one course, you are ahead of the game.

3. Declare your major early and stick with it. The sooner you declare your major, the easier it will be to get signed into closed classes in that department. Also, changing your major mid-way through your college career can easily push things back by an entire semester and even a whole year.

4. Work straight through the summer. Yes, a break is nice and may aid in your overall sanity, but if timeliness is important to you, than take a deep breathe and push through it.

5. Take courses through a community college. First make sure that the courses are transferrable by checking with your advisor and/or the department chair of that course's department. Get it in writing that the credits are transferrable. Community college courses are typically a little less demanding and are more flexible with the "working man's" schedule.

6. Stay healthy. Exercise, eat right and don't go on weekend benders that leave you miserable and unable to get your work done. Illnesses and injuries can set you back from completing important coursework, studying, passing exams and making presentations, all of which can result in you having to re-take the course.

Tags: your major, college courses

Make Payments To A Collection Agency

Get all agreements in writing before you pay a bill collector.

A past due bill is something that many Americans are familiar with. If you have owe a debt to a creditor and fail to pay it, chances are that debt will end up in the hands of a collection agency. Creditors either hire a collection agency to collect a debt on their behalf or they sell the debt to the collector outright. The collector then tries to recoup the monies owed. If you owe a debt to a collection agency, here's what you need to know in order to take care of it.

Instructions

1. Exercise your right to obtain a free credit report. In 2003, Congress enacted the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA). This legislation requires Experian, Equifax and TransUnion to provide free credit reports to consumers once a year. Under FACTA, Congress set up a website designed specifically for this purpose: www.annualcreditreport.com. You can also order the reports from the websites of the three bureaus, or by phone or mail.

2. Read the letter sent to you by the collection agency. The Fair Debt Collections Practices Act (FDCPA) requires debt collectors to provide certain information to you in writing, including the name and mailing address of the debt collector, the name and address of the original creditor, and the amount you owe. They're also required to inform you that they are a debt collector attempting to collect a debt, and any information provided to them by you will be used for that purpose. This is sometimes referred to as a mini-Miranda warning.

3. Send a debt validation letter to the collection agency that contacted you. The FDCPA mandates that a debt collector prove that a debt belongs to you if you request them to do so in writing. In order to preserve your rights, you must do this within the first 30 days of receiving the initial contact letter from the collection agency. You should mail all correspondence by certified mail with return receipt requested. The debt collector will mail you proof, which may include copies of bill statements from the original creditor, a copy of any contracts you signed or copies of receipts from purchases that were made. Until the debt is validated, the collection agency may not contact you further. Once the debt is proven to be yours, collection activity may resume. Also, if the collector is unable to prove that the debt belongs to you, they must cease attempts to collect it and are prohibited from placing that debt on your credit report. If the collection agency has placed the debt on your report already and they are unable to validate it, you have the right to dispute it with the credit bureau to have it removed. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), placement of inaccurate information on your credit report is prohibited.

4. Decide if the payment to the debt collector is warranted. If you receive proof that the debt is valid, you can decide either to pay the debt in full or make a settlement offer. Keep in mind, however, that many debt collectors try to collect on what the industry calls zombie debt, meaning debt that is beyond the statute of limitations. By law, you are not legally responsible for a debt that is past the statute of limitations in your state, even if it does belong to you. In some states, if you agree to make a payment on a zombie debt, or make a partial payment towards it, you then become legally obligated for it. Many debt collectors use this tactic to trick consumers. In addition, if you are sued on a zombie debt, show up in court and inform the judge that the debt is beyond the statute of limitations and it will be dismissed. If you fail to show up, the collection agency will receive a judgment against you.

5. Write to the collection agency if you decide to take care of the debt. If you're paying the amount owed in full, send a money order or cashier's check for the full amount to the collection agency via certified mail, return receipt requested. Keep a copy of your mail receipts. If you would rather settle the debt, send a written offer to the collection agency indicating how much you're willing to pay. Also, if you want to make payment arrangements with the agency, clearly spell out the amount you're able to pay and when you can make those payments. If they call after receiving this letter and attempt to make a verbal agreement with you over the phone, do not accept it as valid unless you also receive it in writing. If they accept your offer, make sure you receive, in writing, their agreement to those terms before sending in your payment. For settlement offers, you want it clearly spelled out that a partial payment settles the debt in full, and that they will not sell the remaining balance to another collection agency nor come after you for it later. For payment arrangements, you want the due dates and amounts clearly indicated. For payments, do not send a personal check since that gives the bill collector access to your bank account. Never make a payment over the phone for three reasons: first, the collector may remove more than the authorized amount from your checking account, debit card or credit card; second, without an agreement in writing beforehand, there's no guarantee that the collection agency will honor the payment arrangements that were made; and third, there's no guarantee that the collection agency will consider the debt as settled and instead, may still come after you for the full amount.

6. Check your credit report again to make sure the status of the debt is updated properly. Once paid, the debt should have a zero balance and a status of paid collection. If you ask in writing, some collection agencies will agree to remove the debt from your credit report after you pay it. They are not required to do this, however. Just make sure you get their agreement to remove it in writing prior to making any payments on the debt. If the information on your credit report isn't accurate, dispute it with the credit bureaus and use any written agreements that you have as proof; yet another reason why you should get everything in writing when paying a debt collector.

Tags: collection agency, debt collector, that debt, credit report, collection agency

Unusual College Scholarships

Weird and unusual college scholarships go unclaimed annually.

Most people take a mainstream approach when looking for college scholarships, which makes the competition for these awards fierce. For those who take a nontraditional approach, there are literally thousands of dollars that go unclaimed each year in the form of weird, wacky and unusal scholarships. If you're into Star Trek, don't eat meat, are a champion duck-caller or a competitive knitter, then there's a scholarship made just for you.

Patrick Kerr Skateboard Scholarship

The Patrick Kerr Skateboard Scholarship is awarded to high school seniors who enjoy skateboarding. Applicants must have a 2.5 GPA and be planning to enroll in a full-time undergraduate degree program upon graduation. Three $1,000 scholarships are awarded and one $5,000 scholarship is awarded to selected students.

Patrick Kerr Skateboard Scholarship

PO Box 2054

Jenkintown, PA 19046

skateboardscholarship.org/about/

American Sheep Industry Make It With Wool Scholarship Competition

The Make It With Wool Scholarship Competition is a chance for those who enjoy knitting, sewing or crocheting to compete at the national level for $1,000 and $2,000 scholarships. The contest is open to contestants age 12 and up, and each contestant must design and construct an original garment made entirely of wool or wool-blend material.

Make It With Wool Scholarship Competition

Box 175

Lavina, MT 59046

406-636-2731

sheepusa.org/MIWW_Contest_Information

Kor Memorial Scholarship

The Kor Memorial Scholarship is administered by the Klingon Language Institute and is open to students pursuing degrees in language studies. Undergraduate and graduate students must be nominated by their department chair or dean to be considered for the $500 award.

Klingon Language Institute

Kor Memorial Scholarship

P.O. Box 634

Flourtown, PA 19031 USA

kli.org/scholarship/

Vegetarian Resource Group Scholarship

The Vegetarian Resource Group offers two $5,000 scholarships to graduating high school seniors who actively practice and promote vegetarianism in their school and community. Applicants must submit an essay outlining their commitment to a vegetarian lifestyle and how they promote vegetarianism to others.

The Vegetarian Resource Group

PO Box 1463

Baltimore, MD 21203

(410) 366-8343

vrg.org/student/scholar.htm

Chick and Sophie Major Memorial Duck Calling Contest

The Chick and Sophie Major Memorial Duck Calling Contest is open to all high school seniors. The only requirement for the contest is that students must adhere to the established contest rules regarding time limits and the type of calls that may be used. Scholarship awards range from $500 for fourth place to $2,000 to the winner.

Stuttgart Arkansas Chamber of Commerce

PO Box1500

Stuttgart, AR 72160

(870) 673-1602

stuttgartarkansas.org/index.php?fuseaction=p0004.&mod=45

Duck Tape Stuck at Prom Scholarship Contest

The Duck Tape Stuck at Prom is open to all students age 14 are older who will be attending a high school prom. The contest awards scholarships ranging from $500 to $3,000 to the couple with the most creative prom attire made entirely out of Duck tape. Entires are judged based on construction, creativity, use of color, accessories and the amount of Duck tape used.

"Stuck at Prom" Contest

ShurTech Brands, LLC

32150 Just Imagine Dr.

Avon, OH 44011-1355

duckbrand.com/Promotions/stuck-at-prom.aspx

Tags: high school, high school seniors, Kerr Skateboard, Kerr Skateboard Scholarship, Make With, Make With Wool, Memorial Scholarship

Write A Dissertation Topic

Most PhD candidates, aside from those in the medical field, require a dissertation to complete their studies.

A dissertation is the culmination of many years of hard work and scholarship. For those in PhD programs, the dissertation marks the point at which individuals begin to establish themselves in a given field and search for jobs that coincide with certain interests. A good dissertation should reflect the interests of the one who writes it, contain culturally relevant information, be practical and contain original thoughts.

Instructions

1. Choose a dissertation topic that coincides with your interests, career field, previous academic projects, academic adviser's advice and range of ability. Your topic should be practical and thought provoking, and it should contribute something new to a certain field.

2. Narrow your topic to determine the specific area that you want to explore with your research. For example, if you know you want to study contemporary poetics of folk music, then you will need to narrow your approach and research. You can narrow this topic by studying the contemporary poetics of Bob Dylan's "Blonde on Blonde" as an expression of lyrical Surrealism. This type of specific topic will allow you to streamline your research and go more in depth.

3. Organize a schedule for research and writing, in which you outline the deadlines for various tasks. This will help you stay on track. Because some people complete dissertations in 10 years while working full time and others do it in 1 year with intense focus, the time line for each person will vary. You should set your goals and time line with your personal schedule and completion date in mind.

4. Begin research on your own, but maintain structured relationships with your adviser. You can maintain structure with your adviser by arranging monthly meetings to ensure that you stay in touch and on track.

5. Seek external help with funding and morale. Many universities offer special stipends and financial resources for dissertation students, and you should not hesitate to contact Graduate Student Services in your school to ask what kind of help they can offer. Grants can also be a good source of income. In addition, friends, peers and recreational programs at school and in the community can help you relax and restore your energy. Dissertations can be exhausting and discouraging, but these outlets will keep you sane.

6. Begin to write your dissertation in a controlled environment in which you can be productive. Once the researching ends, you will have a great deal of text to write, and so you should be sure to work in a place and time in which you feel comfortable and constructive.

7. Break your dissertation down into manageable chunks. You may feel overwhelmed with 50 pages to write, but you can always break the paper down into smaller components. For example, you can write about five or six subcategories and then, you can tie them together with transitions at a later time.

8. Take a step back from your dissertation, once you feel that it is complete. You should take time away from it and then return to proofread it. This will help give you some perspective.

9. Consult peers, former professors and advisers, once you are finished writing the dissertation. They can help critique your work and give you feedback.

Tags: with your, your dissertation, contemporary poetics, down into, This will, This will help, time line

What Is A Frat Rat

A frat rat fails to understand the biggest part of a fraternity -- brotherhood.

The first fraternity in the United States was founded in 1776 at the College of William and Mary. Fraternities exist to develop brotherhood, network and enrich the college experience. Many college fraternities have houses where members live, hold meetings and socialize. Brothers who live in these houses should be aware of interlopers who want to break down the bonds of brotherhood instead of build them up. These people are known as "frat rats."

Hazer

Hazing is a dangerous, dark activity that plagues Greek life. Pledges who are in the process of joining a fraternity have been known to undergo torture, embarrassment, forced drinking and humiliation as part of hazing rituals. Those who carry out hazing are considered rats because of the unacceptable way they subject another person to such treatment. If you are aware of hazing that is going on, contact the department at your university that oversees Greek life, such as a Panhellenic council or University Life, or notify the local police department or campus security.

Tattle-Tale

Another way in which a member of your own fraternity can become a "frat rat" is by being a snitch. A brother is not a rat for snitching about illegal activities, such as hazing, but it would be dishonorable for him to be caught telling secrets to a rival fraternity or sorority. Additionally, if a brother finds out a secret about someone else in the house, he is expected to keep it.

Outsiders

People outside of the fraternity can also be labeled as "frat rats." People, typically girls, that spend too much time at the fraternity house may get this label. Usually a "frat rat" in this scenario reaps the benefits of being in the house -- attractive guys, popularity, food or drinks -- without contributing anything back. Like a rat, these individuals just hang around and nibble on all of the fraternity's resources and advantages.

What To Do

Once a house has identified a "frat rat," it is important to know deal with the situation. A "frat rat" caught early in its infestation of house can be dealt with privately. If the rat has affected everyone in the house, then it may be necessary to call a meeting. The individual could be banned from the house or kicked out of the fraternity. However, the fraternity should never stoop to hazing tactics or other forms of punishment to discipline its own members.

Tags: frat rats, Greek life

The Best Fashion Design Schools In The Usa

Design Schools

Fashion design is a trade that is both very competitive and very challenging. It is not simply about designing clothes, but about using clothing and accessories to create an image and look that applies to the cultural and social influences of a specific period of time. Since times are always changing and new looks become obsolete very fast, fashion design requires a considerable amount of skill.

Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising

The FIDM is a private college in California that offers education that will prepare students for careers in a variety of industries including interior design, entertainment, graphic design and fashion. Three degree programs are available. Two of these degrees are Associate of Arts programs. The 2-year specialized A.A. program includes majors such as visual communication, digital media and textile design. The 1-year Advanced Study A.A. program includes topics such as theatre costume design, film & television costume design and footwear design. There is also a 4-year Bachelor of Science program for business management.

Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising

Los Angeles Campus

919 South Grand Avenue

Los Angeles, CA 90015-1421

(800) 624-1200

fidm.edu

Parsons The New School for Design

Parsons is the art and design college for the New School in New York City. It is very notable for its alumni, which include many famous designers. Parsons offers over 25 programs from five different schools: the School of Art and Design History and Theory; School of Art, Media, and Technology School of Constructed Environments, ;School of Design Strategies; and School of Fashion. You can earn associate's, bachelor's or graduate degrees in a variety of disciplines.

Parsons The New School for Design

66 Fifth Avenue

New York, NY 10011

(212) 229-8900

parsons.edu

Fashion Institute of Technology

FIT is the college of art and design for the State University of New York. It boasts an eclectic education and teaching style that blends a liberal arts foundation with a real-world curriculum and hands-on instruction. FIT offers 17 majors for the School of Art and Design and 10 for the School of Business and Technology. You can earn an Associate of Arts Degree, a Bachelor of Fine Arts or a Bachelor of Science. The School of Graduate Studies also offers Master of Arts or Master of Professional Studies degrees.

Fashion Institute of Technology

227 W. 27th St.

New York, NY 10001

(212) 217-7999

fitnyc.edu

Tags: School Design, Fashion Institute, Associate Arts, Bachelor Science, costume design

The Lsat And Gpa Requirements For Law Schools

Almost all law schools require applicants to send transcripts and letters to the Law School Data Assembly Service.

Typically, law school admission requires criteria such as a standardized test score and grade point average in a person's application. This is to compare an applicant to others who are applying to the same law schools. For example, an applicant with a score of 160, according to the Princeton Review, may be considered in an elite group of applicants. The GPA is important because it indicates how well the person did in his undergraduate courses.

Standardized Test Requirement

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, all law schools approved by the American Bar Association require law school applicants to take the Law School Admission Test or LSAT. The LSAT consists of five sections of multiple choice questions and a writing sample. However, there are three types of multiple choice questions an aspiring law student must answer. For instance, the analytical reasoning questions measure a person's ability to understand and draw logical conclusions. The other types of multiple choice questions include reading comprehension and logical reasoning. Each of the five sections takes approximately 35 minutes to complete. Only the multiple choice sections are graded.

LSAT Scores

An LSAT score is based on a raw score of how many questions an aspiring law student answered correctly. In other words, the LSAT doesn't penalize anyone by deducting points for wrong answers. However, the lowest score an aspiring law student can earn is 120. The highest score is 180. LSAT score requirement varies by law school and a high score doesn't necessary mean an automatic acceptance. According to the Law School Admission Council, some law schools place greater weight than others on the LSAT; most schools evaluate the entire application.

Grade Point Average Requirement

Another law school admission requirement is a grade point average or GPA earned during an aspiring law student's undergraduate years. Although each law school has different GPA requirements, typically, law schools require a GPA that range above a 3.0. Beside a GPA, law schools also consider the aspiring law student's major. For instance, law school committees may favor a double major in biology and philosophy with a GPA of 3.5 than one who majored in political science with the same GPA, according to College Answer. A low GPA doesn't mean that an aspiring law student won't be accepted into law school.

Considerations

According to BLS, law school acceptance depends on an applicant's ability to show a talent and aptitude for the law. Therefore, law schools take into consideration other admission requirements which include a personal statement, an interview with the law school admission committee and any prior law-related experience.

Tags: aspiring student, multiple choice, choice questions, multiple choice questions, five sections

Get Financial Aid In The Usa

Financial aid for education is the most popular use for government aid. However, there are many purposes for financial aid in the USA. Whether you wish to start a business or repair your home, government financial assistance can help, but paying for school is the most common aid most people seek.

Instructions

1. Fill out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form as soon as possible. Make sure you keep your user ID and password in a safe but handy place. Once you have filled out your FAFSA form, you can begin to determine what types of aid you are eligible for.

2. Get your parents current tax returns. This step is easy for many students, but to others who have stepfamilies or parents who have not filled out their taxes it can keep you from receiving aid.

3. Apply for local grants and scholarships in your area. Your high school guidance counselor should have a list of all the available opportunities for extra money. There are many scholarships especially for women, minorities, athletes and good students.

4. Keep your record clean because it can cost you a chance to go to college. Of all the criminal offenses that one can commit, having been caught selling drugs will make you ineligible for financial aid.

5. Look elsewhere for financial aid if the government cannot help you. There are many private companies with reasonable rates that offer subsidized and unsubsidized loans. Check out a commercial loan if you have to.

Tags: FAFSA form, have filled, There many

Grants For The Mentally Disabled

Grants for the Mentally Disabled

Grants are money that do not have to be paid back. Some are available through the government and others through private organizations. There are many grants available for the mentally disabled. Some have specific guidelines as to what they can be used for such as therapies, special services, continuing education, etc. Some grants are only offered to 501(c) nonprofit organizations that offer services for mentally disabled individuals. Here is a sample of some grants that are offered for individuals with a mental disability or organizations that support them.

CVS/Pharmacy Community Development Grants

CVS/pharmacy offers various Grants to nonprofit organizations for programs targeting children under the age of 18 with disabilities. CVS/pharmacy is looking to help fund projects related to the mentally disabled that target health and rehabilitation services, public schools and helping to create a higher amount of student and extracurricular activities, creating opportunities or facilities that help give better access for physical movement or play, or healthcare services for uninsured people. CVS/pharmacy Community Grants applications are accepted between January and October.

Ethel Louise Armstrong Foundation

Ethel Louise Armstrong Foundation (ELA) offers grants and scholarships for organizations that work with people with disabilities by helping further goals of education, leadership development, advocacy, mentorship and the arts. The Foundation especially seeks to help organizations that are led by or support women and girls with disabilities. The grants range from $1,000 to $5,000.

Contact Ms. Deborah Lewis for additional grant information. 626-398-8840, email: executive director@ela.org.

RSA Grant Progrmas

The Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) through the Department of Education has several grant programs for individuals with physical or mental disabilities to help gain employment and live more independently through supports as job training, counseling, medical and psychological services, and other individualized services.

RSA's major Title I grant program is designed to provide funds to state vocational rehabilitation (VR) agencies to help with employment-related services for individuals with disabilities, with priority given to individuals who are significantly disabled.

Lucent Pioneer Organization Scholarship

Lucent Pioneer Organization Scholarship provides scholarships to help with tuition for physically and mentally handicapped individuals. Students can apply each January. Applications need to be mailed to the nearest Lucent Technologies Pioneer office.

For more information call 1-888-999-5877

Kesler Foundation Signature Employment Grants

The Kessler Foundation Signature Employment Grant program seeks to find ways to increase education, training, and employment opportunities that help individuals with disabilities lead independent lives.

The grant program supports large initiatives that serve residents of New York, New Jersey, or Pennsylvania that are dealing with mobility and/or cognitive impairments, primarily from neurological disorders.

Grants are for $100,000 to $250,000 for each year, for a maximum project funding of $500,000. Applicants can seek funding for up to two years.

Tags: with disabilities, individuals with, organizations that, Armstrong Foundation, Ethel Louise, Ethel Louise Armstrong

Small Colleges For Interior Design

Interior designers work with clients and service providers to create attractive and functional interior spaces. This is a multifaceted career that requires skills and education. A variety of small colleges offer required courses in interior design and associate, bachelor or master degrees.

Wade College

Wade College in Dallas, Texas is a small private college that offers an Associate or Bachelor of Arts Degree in Merchandising and Design. Interior design courses give you skills in areas such as analytical reasoning and the ability to conceptualize, develop and present design. Courses also help develop a variety of perspectives of design techniques, expertise and professionalism. All students are required to create a finished professional portfolio and participate in the Wade College Professional Portfolio Critique.

Cañada College

Cañada College is a small community college in Redwood City, California. This college has an interior design department that offers courses that include introduction to interior design, critical thinking in interior design and history of interiors. Certificates of achievement are offered in kitchen & bath, redesign and home staging and residential and commercial design. An Associate in Science is also offered in Interior design. A transfer program is available.

Moore College of Art and Design

Moore College of Art and Design in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania offers a Master's degree to prepare student for a professional interior design career. You'll learn critical thinking, skill development, advanced research and socially responsible design. Classes include residential and commercial contract design, materials and construction, manuel drafting, environmental theory, design research and business practice. The program length is 10 semesters with courses on evenings and Saturdays throughout the summer, fall and spring. A five week pre-admission workshop is required for all students but can be waived depending on the strength of your portfolio.

Art Center Design College

The Art Center Design College is a small school with two locations in Arizona where you can earn a Bachelor of Art's degree in Interior Design. Courses include space planning, furniture design and the study of textiles. You'll also learn about lighting, colors and fabrics. Foundational courses in rendering, drafting and color theory will prepare you for environmental and hospitality design and designing residential and commercial areas. The Interior Design program also includes guest lecturers, field trips and a senior internship.

Tags: residential commercial, Wade College, Center Design, Center Design College, College Design, College small

Tax Advantages For College Expenses For Divorced Parents

For divorced parents, only the parent that claims the child on his or her federal tax returns can claim any tax credits for higher education expenses offered by the IRS. The only real tax advantage for college expenses paid by divorced parents is if neither parent claims the child as a dependent.

Dependent Students Custodial Parent

A dependent student is a student for which someone else, such as a parent, can claim as a dependent on his or her tax returns. The parent who can claim the child as a dependent is typically the custodial parent. The custodial parent is the parent with whom the child resides with for more than six months out of the year. When a custodial pays for the child's higher education expenses, she can claim the tax credits and deductions.

Dependent Students Non-Custodial Parents

The non-custodial parent is whom the child resides with for less than six months of the year. A non-custodial parent cannot typically claim a child as a dependent on her taxes unless the custodial parent files a Release/Revocation of Release of Claim to Exemption for Child by Custodial Parent IRS Form 8332. Absent of IRS Form 8332, if the non-custodial parent pays for the child's higher education expenses, he cannot take any tax credits or deductions related to those expenses.

Independent Students

If neither of the parents claims their child as a dependent on their federal tax returns, the child can claim the higher education tax credits and deductions for the college expenses paid on her behalf. The IRS views tuition paid by someone else on behalf of the student the same as if the student paid the tuition herself. This means that if a relative such as a grandparent or aunt paid for her some of her tuition expenses, she can also claim the tax credits and deductions on those amounts.

Considerations

Parents who are divorcing who have multiple children may want to consider splitting the right to claim the children as dependents between the two of them. For instance, at the time of the couple's divorce, they have two children, one boy and one girl. The parents agree in the divorce decree that the mom will claim the girl as a dependent for tax purposes and the dad will claim the boy. Splitting the right to claim the children as dependents for tax purposes allows each parent to take advantage of the tax credits and deductions for higher expenses. The mom receives the credits when the daughter goes to college and the dad does not. When the son goes to college, the dad receives the credits and the mom does not.

Tags: credits deductions, child dependent, higher education, claim credits, education expenses, higher education expenses