Access Your Psat Scores

Accessing your PSAT scores online is a simple process.

The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT) is a standardized test traditionally taken by ninth and tenth graders for a variety of reasons. The PSAT offers first-hand experience in taking standardized tests and is often seen as a "practice run" for college-qualifying standardized tests, such as the SAT and ACT. Additionally, a student's score on the PSAT can qualify them for National Merit scholarships and the information submitted to the College Board during testing allows schools that match the student's interests to contact them. After you've taken the PSAT, you can access your PSAT scores on-line quickly and easily.

Instructions

1. Register for the PSAT in your high school counselor's office; online registration is not available for the PSAT. Testing for the PSAT is always in October, so register at the beginning of your freshman or sophomore year. Submit all the information your are asked for, as it will assist in matching you to colleges that share your interests. Provide a valid email address that you check often when you register.

2. Pay your registration fee. As of November 2010, the registration fee for the test was $13. This fee can be waived for low-income students in the eleventh grade who haven't already taken the test. Take the test on the assigned date.

3. Sign up for an account with the College Board, which is the only place you can access your PSAT score online. Once you register, you will be notified when your PSAT score is available for viewing online. You must use the same email address as you did on your initial PSAT registration.

4. Wait for you score in the mail and for your email notification that your score is available for online viewing. PSAT scores are mailed in December. To view your PSAT score online, you must have the access code printed on the paper report mailed to your house. Once you have your paper report, sign up for an account at www.collegeboard.com using the email address you submitted during your initial registration. Enter the access code located on your paper report when asked. As soon as you complete the registration process, you will have access to you online score report.

5. Compare your online score report with your paper report. The online score report contains much more information than the paper report, including all the test questions and their correct answers, and which answer you selected. You will see how you did compared to others who took the test, and how you will most likely do if you take the test again. Additionally, this site recommends an SAT study plan based on your PSAT scores to help you score even better on the SAT.

Tags: paper report, your PSAT, PSAT scores, email address, online score

How Do You Write An Essay To Get Into A School

The college essay individualizes an applicant.

Your college entrance essay serves as your introduction to the admissions officers evaluating your application. The style of your answer to their essay question matters as much as the content. They want to discover the kind of person you are and student you could become. This enables you to present your collegiate potential apart from your grades and test scores, to attach a memorable image to those statistics.

Instructions

1. Select an essay topic that reflects your character without repeating information already covered by your transcript or list of extracurricular activities. For example, if you are applying to a college to study engineering and you want to demonstrate how your playful curiosity complements your interest in the principles of physics you will be studying, you could write about yo-yos because the toy demonstrates many basic concepts in physics. Writing about how you played with a yo-yo to think through a homework assignment or a project will illustrate your problem solving skills and passion for science in a way that personalizes you. Focus on a single person, activity or event that influenced or inspired your college aspirations.

2. Use descriptive details in your first draft that appeal to all five senses. Make the activity, event or person come alive on the page. For example, if you are writing about yo-yos, include how they sound when unfurled and how it feels holding the string with the plastic or wooden base twisting in the air. Focusing on sensation will help steer your essay away from too much abstraction, such as an entire essay on how important a college education is to you. Give the admissions committee something or someone specific to follow. Do not edit or censor yourself at this stage.

3. Consider the specific reasons you want to attend your school of choice as you write your first draft. Do not write one standard college essay to submit with every application you submit. Express the thought behind your applying to that particular college. State that you want to attend a particular college because of specific faculty members or research facilities. For example, if you want to study 20th century African American literature and the college has specific faculty and library resources that would help you accomplish that goal, mention it in your essay.

4. Edit the first draft of your essay by reading it aloud. Make sure that it "sounds like you" throughout, which means that it does not include words you had to look up in a thesaurus or dictionary. Follow the rules of grammar, but don't be needlessly stuffy. As you edit, narrow the focus of your topic as much as possible. Make sure you do not stray from its central theme with extraneous information. Remember that a short college essay offers no room for any preamble or extra details.

Tags: college essay, first draft, your essay, about yo-yos, activity event

How Do You Cancel A Sallie Mae Signature Student Loan

You can only cancel under three circumstances

Sallie Mae loans can only be canceled or discharged under three circumstances: cancellation within 10 days of loan approval; total or permanent disability of the student; and in the case of death of the student, primary borrower or cosigner.

Instructions

Cancel a Sallie Mae Signature Student Loan Within 10 Days

1. You have a right to cancel within 10 days of loan approval.

Retrieve your loan documents and refer to the section on "My Right to Cancel." Truth in Lending disclosure laws provide every Sallie Mae student loan borrower the right to cancel within 10 days.

2. Salle Mae tele: (888) 272-5543.

Call Sallie Mae to cancel within 10 days of loan approval.

3. Copy your loan documents, write "CANCEL" on your signature page and mail a copy to Sallie Mae to further demonstrate that you have exercised your right to cancel within 10 days.

4. Do not cash or use any funds from the loan.

5. Notify your school that you are canceling your Signature Student Loan and instruct the school to return any funds it may have received to Sallie Mae.

Cancel a Sallie Mae Signature Student Loan Due to Disability

6. Disability may qualify to discharge or cancel

Students who become totally or permanently disabled may qualify for discharge and cancellation of a Sallie Mae student loan if they meet disability requirements.

7. You must meet the official federal disability definition which requires proving that you are unable to work and earn money because of an injury or illness that is expected to continue indefinitely, or result in death (see Resources).

8. Complete the official federal Discharge Application: Total and Permanent Disability form, administered by the US Department of Education (see Resources).

9. Ask your physician to complete the corresponding application section to certify your disability.

Cancel a Sallie Mae Signature Student Loan Due to Death

10. Get documentation ready. Sallie Mae will require information sent by mail in order to cancel and discharge a loan due to death. You will need to provide: city, county and state where the death occurred; date of death; name of funeral home; name of the executor or contact person; name of the father of the deceased and mother's maiden name.

11. Sallie Mae may also request an original death certificate with the raised, embossed seal.

12. Call Sallie Mae to provide notification of death and for more information: 888-272-5543.

Tags: Signature Student, Signature Student Loan, within days, Cancel Sallie, Cancel Sallie Signature, cancel within

How Do Youth Sports Help Kids In Academics

Youth sports offer numerous benefits.

Children who participate in youth sports or physical activities may have greater academic performance. Charles Hillman, an associate professor of kinesiology at the University of Illinois, indicates that while participation in youth sports or physical activities does not make the child more "intellectual," participating in sports supports the child's overall development. This includes the development of the brain, which in turn, can subsequently lead to better overall academic performance.

Background

Sports can help children to focus.

In the past you may have thought or heard that kids are either good in sports or academics, but not both. You may have also referred to a child as a being either a "brain" or a "jock." This distinction is often no longer the case. Kids can excel in both sports and academics. In fact, youth sports and academics often complement each other.

Theories/Speculation

Physical activity can lead to better fitness.

K. J. Linder, who wrote about pediatric exercise science, presented data illustrating that brain function, which impacts academic performance, is supported through time spent outside of class. Time outside of a classroom setting is often when physical activities, such as youth sports, take place. This may include physical education as well as after school athletic programs. When a child participates in sports, he may experience increased levels of energy and reduced classroom boredom. This contributes to better student attention in academic settings. Linder also reported that kids who consider themselves outstanding academic performers are generally more likely to be active in sports and physical activities.

Benefits

Exercise can improve attention span.

Youth sports and physical activity influence kids in positive ways. According to Live Science, physical activity increases the brain's function, supports brain nourishment, leads to greater energy levels and contributes to the ability to concentrate. Youth sports can also improve a child's self-esteem, leading to improvements in overall behavior.

Carl Cotman, the director of the Institute for Brain Aging and Dementia at the University of California - Irvine, has shown that participating in youth sports can stimulate the gray matter of the child's brain. When this stimulation occurs and neurotransmitters are released, brain neuron development is promoted and neuronal connections are enhanced. This contributes to an increase in brain function that can potentially positively affect academic performance. In addition, when a child participates in a sport or physical activity, specific chemicals, such as dopamine, increase throughout the body. These chemicals improve focus, reduce impulsive behavior and have calming effects.

Factors

Physically fit kids may do better on tests

Charles Hillman, associate professor of kinesiology at the University of Illinois, says that kids who participate in youth sports may be more likely to have a lower body mass index (BMI). BMI is a measurement that compares body weight to height. When you compare physically active children to less active children, active children may have greater overall body flexibility and core body strength. The California Department of Education found that more physically active kids not only tend to have a better overall level of fitness, they also performed significantly better on academic tests vs. the less physically fit kids.

Considerations

While exercise may not directly influence the development of a child's intellect, there is a cumulative benefit for a child's overall development and academic performance. Kids can be both a "jock" and a "brain," participating in youth sports and academics.

Tags: academic performance, physical activities, sports academics, sports physical, youth sports, active children, brain function

Ways To Pay For Living Expenses While In Graduate School

Graduate students can rely upon department assistance and faculty for financial guidance.

It's a stereotype that's hard to refute: graduate students subsisting in one-room studio apartments on noodles, peanut butter, pasta and care packages from home. Happily, there are several ways you can support yourself so you don't have to turn yourself into a character from a Dickens' novel while earning a master's or doctoral degree. Past work experience will pay off big so keep an open mind when you search for ways to pay for that peanut butter.

Take the Invalidated University of Northern Iowa Graduate School Potential Test

This informal survey was developed by Patricia Keith-Spiegel to explore the subject of whether or not students are ready to attend any type of graduate school. The questions on this query don't claim to be scientifically validated, but you might be surprised by the answers you arrive at when you complete this short, 30-question quiz. Check out your score. A good result makes an excellent ego and confidence booster if you're particularly insecure about surviving.

Find a Roommate

Better yet, find five roommates. Taken down to its smallest denominator, renting a house with multiple roommates keeps the per-person cost of living more affordable. If you tell landlords that you and your roomies are pursuing graduate degrees, you're more likely to get a lease than you would if you've got that undergraduate "Animal House" aura hanging over your head.

Apply for a Graduate Assistant's Job

Tenured and adjunct professors love grad assistants so they can hand off tedious tasks like grading and proctoring exams plus scheduling, curriculum and other mundane responsibilities. Land a graduate assistantship immediately after being admitted, as there's usually a feeding frenzy for these slots. Consider other on-campus revenue generators if you don't get an assistantship immediately. Grad students are often prioritized when openings at the campus bookstore, library, science and computer laboratories become available, so check these out while you wait for an assistantship to open up.

Snag a Job in the Community

If you live off campus and your lodgings are in close proximity to the town's commercial center, finding a job in the community is a great thing to do. This may not be easy because you'll compete with townies for a finite number of job openings. If you possess solid work skills, they may help you overcome the "temporary" nature of your residency when you apply for open positions. On that note, you'd be surprised at the number of grad students supporting themselves doing temp work at offices, factories and institutions, so don't discount this avenue.

Obtain a Grant

Grad students not only need to be housed, fed and clothed, but research funding is often a critical element in a student's game plan. For these reasons, look for grant money the moment you're accepted into a graduate program. At the University of Oklahoma's Department of Zoology, faculty helps students land project grants, faculty sponsorships and fellowships.

Tags: assistantship immediately, Graduate School, peanut butter

Use Box Tops For Education

Box Tops for Education allows you to help local schools without finding extra money in your budget. Remove box tops from some of the groceries you purchase and use them to generate cash for schools. Each Box Top collected is worth 10 cents to the school that receives it. Participating schools receive an average of $732 per year, for a total of $49 million annually, according to Couponing for 4.

Instructions

1. Watch for the Box Tops for Education label on the tops of food containers you buy. The labels are often found on cereals, facial tissue and cake mixes, among others.

2. Take the top off of the product once you get it home. You can cut the Box Tops for Education label off the box, or just tear it off.

3. Deliver the box tops you have collected to the box tops coordinator at your local school. You may want to wait until you have a sizable collection and then mail them. Each school has its own coordinator. Check with your school's administration to determine where to send your box tops.

Tags: Tops Education, Education label, Tops Education label

The Best Student Loan Rates

Students use loans to pay for the costs of college.

Attending college can be quite expensive, no matter if a student chooses a two-year or four-year program, or a public or private university to complete her studies. A student must compile enough money to pay for tuition, room and board, supplies, books and computers. Students may use scholarships, grants, loans and gifts to pay for school. If using loans, a student should find the best rates and repayment options available.

Wells Fargo Student Loans

Wells Fargo bank provides students with private loans to help cover the cost of tuition, computers, room and board, books and all supplies needed for education. Loan rates as of February 2011 start at 3.40 percent APR, with students getting another 0.50 percent off when they graduate college. Payments are not required until a student graduates or is no longer a student. There are four types of loans offered: Wells Fargo Collegiate Loan, Wells Fargo Connection Loan, Wells Fargo Graduate Loan and Wells Fargo Student Loan for Parents. All loans offer different interest rates and benefits, and all information about these loans can be found on-line or in Wells Fargo branches.

Chase Student Loans

Chase offers private loans to students attending an accreditation college or university in the United States. The school must verify a student's attendance, amount of tuition, that the intention of the student is to use the loan for education-related expenses and the school must be enrolled in the Chase student loan program. The Chase Select Private Student Loan is based on the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR), which is variable and changes quarterly. As of February 2011, the LIBOR rates are from 3.40 percent to 9.25 percent. There are no origination or repayment fees, and repayment is not required until a student graduates or leaves school. Loans can be as small as $500, up to the full cost of estimated attendance and funds are sent directly to the school.

Sallie Mae Loans

Sallie Mae has several types of loan repayment programs for it's students loan. Some loans allow a student to pay the interest while in school, pay part interest or pay nothing until he completes school. Rates come from LIBOR, and range from 2.87 percent to 10.21 percent APR, as of February 2011. There are no origination fees, no early repayment fees and payment is sent directly to a student's qualified education institution. Sallie Mae also offers loans for students attending vocational or technical school, medical and law school or students looking to study abroad.

Federal Stafford Loans

A Federal Stafford loan is offered to students attending colleges that participate in the federal financial aid program. These loans are provided by the U.S. Department of Education, rather than a private financial institution. Federal student loans cover tuition and fees, books, school expenses, room and board, transportation, dependent care and computers. No repayment of these loans is due until three to six months after a student graduates or leaves school. For undergraduate students, loans range from $5,500 to $12,500 and graduate students can borrow up to $20,500, as of February 2011. Loans are based on the year in school and if the student is considered dependent or independent in terms of financial aid qualifications. Interest rates range from 4.5 percent to 6.8 percent for the 2010-2011 school year.

Tags: Wells Fargo, February 2011, from percent, from percent percent, Loan Wells

Build An Online School

Online education is an efficient, cost-effective and convenient way to deliver instruction. Virtually every college, regardless of size, offers online courses. Even high schools are starting to join this trend. Online programs are relatively easy to start and are fairly inexpensive to implement. Building an online program into a full-blown school is also possible with a little knowledge and some legwork.

Instructions

1. Gather your team. Choose educators who have the appropriate grade level and subject matter credentials. If you are starting a K-12 school, recruit teachers with NCLB (No Child Left Behind) Highly Qualified Teacher authorization, as this is a requirement for potential federal funding.

2. Develop your curriculum. Use state-adopted texts and plans for grades K-12. For college or technical schools, search the websites of popular and well-reputed schools for ideas on course offerings and requirements.

3. Write a business plan, site plan and budget. The California Department of Education website offers a good general template for accomplishing this. Be sure to know the education laws and requirements for your state.

4. Determine the technical requirements. Choose whether to use a company such as Blackboard to host your online courses, or to create your own online environment using web design software. Use database software to track students, grades, tests, assignments and quizzes.

5. Start the accreditation process. Decide which accreditation agency you are going to apply to and contact them. If you are starting a high school, choose an agency whose accreditation is accepted by colleges, trade schools and universities. Accreditation is a lengthy process, so do not put it off.

Tags: online courses, your online

Brief A Court Opinion

A court opinion provides a valuable means of learning the law on a particular issue. Most good judges will give an explanation of reasoning along with a final decision. This sheds light on the rationale behind a court opinion and provides a person with an understanding of the current state of the law. You can brief a court opinion in a few simple steps. This will summarize the important points of the opinion and provide a useful guide for a shorthand reference on future issues. The steps for briefing a court opinion perfectly mirror those of briefing a case summary or any other legal decision.

Instructions

1. Set the stage. Write down the names of the parties involved and year of the opinion. This provides a lens through which to understand the opinion. Outline the procedural background that led to the opinion.

2. Delineate the facts. Summarize the facts of the matter in a few short sentences in order to outline the opinion. Only include outcome determinative facts. Extraneous facts do not matter and should be excluded.

3. State the issue. The court opinion will turn on one or more legal issues. State these issues followed by the decision on each issue. Summarize the rationale. The opinion will include cases and statutes that led to the decision. Briefly summarize these in your brief.

Tags: court opinion, court opinion provides, facts matter, opinion provides, opinion will

Rsvp For Questbridge

QuestBridge helps lower-income students find a college and scholarships.

QuestBridge is a website linking low-income students to a variety of college opportunities, including scholarship providers and educational institutions. QuestBridge, a non-profit organization, is specifically designed to help academically exceptional students who are traditionally under-served in college. After signing up with QuestBridge, you are eligible to apply for a variety of programs, including the National College Match. You will be invited to different events, conferences and to participate in surveys through QuestBridge. A link is provided to RSVP to these events.

Instructions

1. Sign up with QuestBridge. Visit QuestBridge's website, questbridge.org, and provide a valid email address to register.

2. Open up the email that QuestBridge sends to you and click on the validation link. Set your password. Now you may apply to various opportunities listed on QuestBridge.

3. Click on "My Locker" on the left-hand side of the screen after signing in with QuestBridge. If you have any invitations or recommendations, you will find it here. You will also receive an email with an invitation for some events.

4. Open up any invitations that you have received. Click on the link that says "RSVP." Confirm that you want to RSVP for the event.

5. Continue to check your email and log in to your QuestBridge account. QuestBridge will provide further information to you regarding the event or survey that you selected to attend.

Tags: with QuestBridge, QuestBridge website, signing with, signing with QuestBridge

Head An Essay In Mla Format

Properly heading an essay makes sure you get credit for your research.

Essays written for high school, college and graduate school work generally are required to be written in MLA (Modern Language Association) format. This system keeps research and writing orderly and easy to understand. Unlike some other formatting protocols, MLA style does not require a title page. It designates that all essays should be properly headed by the author. You must put a heading with author and course information on your first page. Each page should also contain a header that helps identify your work.

Instructions

Format an Essay Heading

1. Set the spacing to "double space" in your word processing program. All essays in MLA format must be double-spaced.

2. Type your name in the top left corner of the first page. For example:

Jane Doe

3. Include the last name of your teacher or professor beneath your name on the left side of the page. For example:

Jane Doe

Smith

4. Type the identification number for your course below the instructor's name in the top left corner. For example:

Jane Doe

Smith

ENG 101

5. Write the date below the course-identification number in the top left corner. For example:

Jane Doe

Smith

ENG 101

July 31, 2011

Format an Essay Header

6. Type the page number on the top right corner of the page. Make the number half an inch below the top of the page, unless instructed otherwise by your teacher or professor.

7. Type your last name in front of the page number. Make sure that exactly five spaces exist between your last name and the page number.

8. Repeat this information on every page of your manuscript.

Tags: example Jane, example Jane Smith, Jane Smith, last name, left corner, name left, page number

Score Higher On The Advanced Placement U S Government And Politics Exam

Getting a high score on an Advanced Placement U.S. Government and Politics Exam can help you earn college credit and result in saving money on tuition. Use these tips to prepare for an Advanced Placement Government and Politics Exam.

Instructions

1. Take an Advanced Placement U.S. Government and Politics course in high school. Enrolling in this course can help you prepare for taking an Advanced Placement U.S. Government and Politics Exam by introducing you to key concepts covered in the exam.

2. Review the United States government's Constitutional underpinnings. Five to 15 percent of multiple choice questions ask about federalism, democratic government theories, separation of powers and Constitutional influences.

3. Bone up on political behaviors and beliefs. Ten to 20 percent of multiple choice questions are based on the public's learning about politics and their opinions, beliefs and attitudes towards their government and their leaders. Voting, activism practices and the reasons why citizens choose certain political beliefs and behaviors over others will also be covered.

4. Learn about interest groups, political parties and the function of the mass media in politics. Ten to 20 percent of multiple choice questions pertain to elections, political parties, interest groups, political action committees and the mass media.

5. Know about the bureaucracy, federal courts, the presidency and Congress. Learn about divisions and balances of governmental power and their relationships to voters, public opinion, interest groups, the media, political parties and subnational governments. These questions comprise 35 to 45 percent of the multiple choice section.

6. Familiarize yourself with public policies. Learn about policy making, policy agendas, institutions and policy-enacting, implementation and interpretation of policies by courts and bureaucracies and the relationships between policies and other aspects of government. Five to 15 percent of multiple choice questions focus on these subjects.

7. Read about civil liberties and civil rights. Five to 15 percent of multiple choice questions ask about civil and substantive rights and liberties creation, development and interpretation and their relationship to the Fourteenth Amendment.

8. Get an Advanced Placement U.S. Government and Politics writing grading rubric. Use the rubric to help you formulate your writing theses and responses.

9. Find practice and pre-graded Advanced Placement U.S. Government and Politics exams. Become accustomed to the free-response question format. Learn read action verbs in questions.

10. Sign up for special Advanced Placement U.S. Government and Politics prep courses. Prep courses can help you become comfortable with the test format. Instructors can offer real-time feedback and help you improve your score while you work.

11. Prepare for your test like you would any other test. Get adequate rest, eat a nutritious breakfast and relax while taking the test.

Tags: Advanced Placement, Advanced Placement Government, Government Politics, Placement Government, Placement Government Politics, multiple choice, percent multiple

Consolidate Student Loans At Sallie Mae

Many college students spend years paying off their student loans. Sallie Mae is the owner or manager of student loans for millions of borrowers trying to finish their education and begin a career. Consolidation may be able to save you money over the long term.

Instructions

1. Learn the benefits of student loan consolidation. If you consolidate your federal student loans into one monthly payment, you can often reduce your monthly payment by as much as 52 percent. Student loan consolidation can be a good debt management tool and Sallie Mae representatives can help you determine the best plan for your situation.

2. Consolidate student loans at Sallie Mae by deciding whether you want the lowest possible monthly payment or if you want to save money over time on your student loans. Before you call Sallie Mae or go online to apply for consolidation, have all of your student loan information handy so that you can answer any questions.

3. Check the interest rates as you prepare to consolidate student loans at Sallie Mae. Another benefit of consolidation is locking in one loan at one fixed interest rate. This rate will be based on the average of the interest rates of your current student loans. Often, you can get an added rate discount if you get set up for electronic payments from your bank account.

4. Allow yourself enough time to consolidate student loans at Sallie Mae. Make sure you plan enough time to have a 1 to 2 month period for your loan consolidation application to go through. Soon after consolidation, your payments will begin. It may be a good idea to make your consolidation effective close to the end of your grace period on your current loans.

Tags: student loans, loans Sallie, loan consolidation, monthly payment, consolidate student loans, enough time, interest rates

150 Word Essay Scholarships

Students should start searching for scholarships before they graduate high school.

There are numerous essay scholarships available to those seeking financial aid for college. Though the subject matter for the scholarships varies, virtually all require that grammar, punctuation and spelling be perfect. When applying for the scholarship, follow the guidelines explicitly and stay on topic. The 150-word limit will require that you be brief and to the point or your work will be penalized.

College is Power Scholarship

This scholarship is open to any student who is at least 17 years old and currently in college or will be within 12 months. Students can apply the $1,500 award to tuition, books, meals or any college expense. Applicants must write a 150-word or less essay on the topic "What is your No. 1 Goal for Going to School?" and fill out an application.

Northwest State Community College Presidential Scholarship

Northwest State Community College in Archbold, Ohio, offers an $8,000 President's Scholarship. Winners of the renewable award can receive $2,000 each semester when attending for four consecutive semesters. Applicants must be seniors in high school from a county in the college's district, have a seven-semester grade point average of 3.5, a minimum ACT score of 23 and complete a 150-word essay. The essay must be about the applicant's educational goals.

Northwest State Community College Dean Scholarship

Northwest State Community College also offers a Dean's Scholarship. This scholarship awards recipients with a $4,000 renewable scholarship. The stipulations for winners are the same as for the President's Scholarship although the amount is $1,000 per semester. Applicants must have a 3.3 grade point average for the previous seven semesters and submit a 150-word essay about their educational goals.

Margaret and Lee Thomas Scholarship

This $800 scholarship is available for students from Jefferson and Louisville, Kentucky, counties when funds are available. Students must attend an accredited college or university and have at least a 2.8 cumulative grade point average. Along with submitting their most recent transcript and demonstrating financial need, applicants must submit a 150-word essay describing their career goals and the circumstances that led to applying for the scholarship.

Tags: Community College, Northwest State, Northwest State Community, State Community, State Community College, 150-word essay, grade point

Medical Transcription Schools In Indiana

Medical transcriptionists transcribe medical notes dictated by doctors and other health care professionals. They listen to the data and then write medical reports and other administrative paperwork. Transcriptionists must receive the proper training in order to be accurate. A few schools in Indiana prepare students for entry-level work in the field. If successful, there will likely be plenty of jobs available. Employment is projected to grow 14 percent from 2006-2016, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

College of Court Reporting

A student needs to take 48 credit hours to graduate from the college's Medical Transcription Program. The curriculum meets the American Association for Medical Transcription's recommendations for entry-level transcription jobs. The program is set up so a student takes 12 credit hours for four semesters. Required classes include Medical Terminology/Related Anatomy, Foundations of Language and Writing and Medical Keyboarding. A medical transcription internship is also required. Hobart is in the northwest corner of the state and is 38 miles from Chicago and 151 miles north of Indianapolis.

College of Court Reporting

111 West 10th Street

Hobart, IN 46342-5969

(219) 942-1459

ccr.edu/

TechSkills

The TechSkills' Indianapolis campus offers a Medical Transcription training program, designed to give students the proper skills needed for a successful career. Training includes learning follow medical office etiquette, transcribe medical reports in the proper and accurate format and state and federal regulations. The courses prepare you for the Registered Medical Transcriptionist (RMT) exam. If you pass, you'll get a certification from the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI).

TechSkills--- Indianapolis campus

8555 N. River Road, Ste 160

Indianapolis, IN 46240

(317) 251-4600

techskills.edu/campuslocations/indianapolis-in/

Vincennes University

The school's Jasper campus offers a Health Information Management Certificate with a Transcription concentration. The one-year program has 27 credit hours. Students take Medical Transcription I and II, as well as a variety of other classes that prepare graduates for entry-level employment. They include English Composition I, Essentials of Human Anatomy and Physiology and Speech. Jasper is located in Southern Indiana and is 55 miles northeast of Evansville, 122 miles south of Indianapolis and 79 miles west of Louisville, Kentucky.

Vincennes University Jasper Campus

850 College Avenue

Jasper, IN 47546

(812) 482-3030

vinu.edu/cms/opencms/jasper/

Tags: credit hours, Medical Transcription, campus offers, College Court, College Court Reporting

Charge A Lithium Ion Battery

Lithium ion batteries are highly efficient and widely used in laptops, cell phones and similar devices. When you charge a lithium ion battery, ions are forced into the anode and cathode of the battery by the electric current. The process of charging is simple, provided you follow some simple precautions to insure safety and to maximize the life of the batteries. Always check the battery manufacturer's specifications before you charge a lithium ion battery. Improper charging may create a serious fire hazard.

Instructions

1. Use a battery charger designed for lithium ion batteries. A charger for lithium batteries should be able to deliver 3.8 to 4.2 volts per cell. Never use a low power (trickle charge) system. This can cause lithium to adhere (plate) to the anode and oxygen to be generated at the cathode, producing an extremely flammable mixture. Lithium ion batteries come with an internal "safety board" that automatically terminates charging when the current rate drops to 10 percent of the initial charge rate, indicating the battery is fully charged. The best chargers also feature a timer you can set to stop the charging process at a preset time.

2. Place the lithium ion batteries in the charger and make sure it is plugged in. Depending on how much power remains in the battery it will take two to six hours to fully charge most lithium ion batteries. As an added safety precaution, set the timer to avoid the possibility of overcharging.

3. Charge the batteries at the appropriate voltage setting. To maximize the charge, the voltage should be set at 4.20 volts per cell. However, you can extend the useful life of lithium ion batteries by using a slightly lower setting (about 4.10 volts for most lithium ion batteries). This will give you about an 80 percent charge.

4. Charge lithium ion batteries to about 40 percent before storing them for long periods. It is not good for the battery to bring it to full charge and then store it, since this will reduce the battery's useful life. To further extend battery life, recharge stored batteries to the 40 percent level every few weeks (check the battery specifications for recommended times).

Tags: lithium batteries, about percent, batteries charger, check battery, lithium batteries

Things That Can Fail You On The California Driving Test

Carelessness behind the wheel is cause for failing the California DMV's driving test.

Any and all California residents who operate a motor vehicle are required to have a California driver license, and to get a license, you have to take a driving test. During the test, a DMV worker rides along and grades your performance behind the wheel. Certain actions, like carelessness and not following the rules of the road, can cause you to fail the test.

Improper Lane Changes

If you're on the road driving during your test and change lanes without signaling, it will negatively affect your score, as will changing lanes without looking in your rearview or side mirrors, not looking over your shoulder to check your blind spot, or significantly speeding up or slowing down to change lanes. Individually, these mistakes won't cause you to fail a test, but a combination of mistakes can lower your score to the point of failure.

Incorrect Turns

If you fail to slow down before making a right-hand or left-hand turn, it can negatively affect your test score. Also, if you fail to stay in the correct lane during a turn, fail to see or react to any hazards while making a turn, or fail to yield the right of way when necessary, it will negatively affect your score and could result in a test failure.

Poor Freeway Driving

If during your driving test, you fail to check the flow of traffic before entering a freeway, or fail to properly time your entry onto the freeway, this can be grounds for failure of the test. Additionally, if you don't check your mirrors and over your shoulder before merging into traffic, the evaluator riding along could take it as an indication that you're not yet prepared to drive on the freeway, and fail you.

Bad Defensive Driving

Due to occasionally very high traffic volumes, defensive driving techniques are some of the most important skills any California motorist can have. So demonstrating such techniques, such as following other vehicles at a safe distance, keeping an eye on traffic signs and signal lights, and checking cross streets before passing through intersections are imperative during a driving test. Demonstrating one or more bad defensive driving techniques can cause you to fail a driving test.

Tags: affect your, cause fail, driving test, negatively affect, negatively affect your, your score, affect your score

Get A Bachelor'S Degree In Paralegal Studies

Paralegals need to have in-depth knowledge of the law.

A paralegal is someone who assists lawyers with everyday tasks. They are also sometimes referred to as legal assistants. Paralegals need to have knowledge about laws, court cases, clients' needs and legal issues. You can become a paralegal or legal assistant by obtaining an associate's degree, but you will be more competitive in the job market if you have a bachelor's degree in paralegal studies.

Instructions

1. Look into the universities in your area that offer bachelor's degrees in paralegal studies. There are more than 1,000 across the country. Your high school adviser or the career center at the colleges in your area can assist in this search.

2. Find out if the bachelor's degree program are approved by the American Bar Association.

3. Check to see if the bachelor's degree ends with earning a certificate in paralegal studies. This certificate will show potential employers that you have the specific knowledge needed to be a successful paralegal.

4. Pay attention to the career services offers by the universities you're considering. Many will offer career placement or other helpful services, such as help with resume writing and interview skills, which can all help you find a paralegal job after receiving your bachelor's degree.

5. Enroll in the program of your choice. The bachelor's degree programs at each university will have a specific application process in place that may include a lengthy application, a written essay, your previous academic transcripts and other key criteria for acceptance.

6. Complete all requirements for the bachelor's program to earn your degree in paralegal studies. This will generally require at least four years of coursework and in some cases, completion of an internship.

Tags: bachelor degree, paralegal studies, bachelor degree, degree paralegal, have specific, need have

Prepare For The Mba

Preparing for the MBA requires time, knowledge and research.

An MBA or Master of Business Administration is a graduate level degree that allows students to focus on different aspects of the business industry. There are a few processes MBA applicants have to go through for admission and these steps can vary depending on the school. Some students will need to take an entrance exam such as the GMAT, while others may be able to rely on their coursework alone. By understanding the processes that go into preparing for the MBA, you can be ready for what lies ahead in this graduate program.

Instructions

1. Decide how you plan to obtain your MBA. You can earn an MBA through online coursework or in a physical classroom setting. There are some schools that will allow students to do a mixture of both online and in-person coursework. Do not limit yourself to only the universities where you live -- research universities based on job placement and accreditations. By going to a properly accredited school you can ensure that your MBA will earn you respect when you apply for jobs.

2. Take business classes. If you have not done so already in your undergraduate program, take courses in accounting, marketing and statistics to help prepare you for the coursework that is associated with the MBA program as well as the GMAT exam.

3. Prepare for the GMAT. The GMAT is the exam that evaluates potential MBA students on the abilities required for the MBA program. A credible score with the GMAT can help ensure your acceptance into a particular program. Read up on the GMAT format, download free prep tests and even purchase a GMAT prep book to help you with the test.

4. Prepare for the entrance interview. Most MBA programs will require students to conduct an entrance interview before being accepted into the program. Review essay questions on the initial application. Focus on why you want to enter the MBA program and influences within your life that are driving you to fulfill those reasons.

5. Start looking for financing. Obtaining an MBA can be expensive, but there are loans, grants and even scholarships for MBA students. Start searching for your financing at least six months prior to entering a program to ensure you have the proper financing in place before you enroll in courses.

Tags: entrance interview, GMAT exam

Save Money For A Car

When you want a new car, it isn't always possible to just go right out and buy one. Most people have to save up money first and purchase later. Saving money for a car doesn't have to be a chore. In fact, it can be a blessing. The longer you save, the more time you have to carefully think about your decision and choose the right car for you. Here we will teach you the right way to save money for a new car.

Instructions

1. Look through newspapers and visit car dealerships to see what type of car you want and how much you will need to save. Saving $5,000 is very different from saving $20,000. Knowing how much money you need will help you create goals.

2. Cut back on gas consumption by carpooling. If you know someone you work with that lives close and ask if they would be interested in carpooling. In fact, share a ride with your spouse and eliminate half of your weekly gas expenses.

3. Bring your lunch to school or work. Another easy way to stash some extra cash is to always bring food and drinks to work with you. The less you head off to the vending machine or nearest fast food restaurant, the better. The cash you save from bringing lunch and carpooling should go into a special savings account.

4. Put away a designated amount of money per month into a savings account specifically for your car fund. Treat this as a car payment to yourself. You are the lender and you need to pay yourself $100, $200 or however much you can afford each month. Place this money into your special savings account and it will quickly grow. After only a year or two you will have a substantial amount for a car or even a down payment.

5. Keep your current car clean and in good working order. You want to maximize the amount of money you get for your current car. Give it regular washes, especially if you live in an area that has a snowy winter. The salt that is sprayed on the roads is devastating to car paint. Also make sure you have regular tune-ups to avoid engine problems in the future.

Tags: savings account, amount money, save money, special savings, special savings account, work with

High School Talent Show Ideas For A Guitar

The guitar can be a solo instrument or played along with others for variety in a talent show.

With a history dating back literally thousands of years, the guitar has been a breeding ground for star players as well as those who simply enjoy it. If your high school has announced the date for a talent show, and you have some guitar skills, there are several ways to get that first prize. You can play a complex piece, play rhythm along with a more advanced player in a duet or even strum a pretend guitar while showing the changes and specific notes in a song.

Instrumental

Nothing impresses a crowd like a piece written for guitar, or a classic song performed in an acoustic setting. Even if singing isn't your strong suit, you can still wow the audience with something familiar. A variety of famous songs can be played without vocals that are common enough to be recognized by students and teachers alike. If you are a classically trained player, surprise your rock-loving friends with a rendition of a piece from one of the great composers.

Duet

If you are more a beginner than expert guitarist, you can still shine at the talent show with some help from a skilled player. Rehearse ahead of time a song with two guitar parts, such as a Lynyrd Skynyrd or AC/DC tune. Let your partner handle the leads and tricky fills as you provide the rhythm track. This can often be as simple as a two- or three-chord loop repeated throughout the song.

Sing-Along

Timeless songs like Bob Dylan's "Blowing in the Wind" or The Beatles' "Help" provide opportunities to solicit vocal participation from the audience. Tell the crowd ahead that you'd like them to join in, and even give them a cue for when to interject. Tell them the chorus, or a couple of words which repeat frequently. "American Pie" by Don McLean has a memorable chorus, and the audience may have fun trying to remember the long verses.

Air Guitar

Even if you've never strummed a guitar in public, or even touched one, there's still a place for you at the show. You, too, can be an air guitarist, playing along to your favorite song with an imaginary "ax" slung over your shoulder. An activity so popular that it now has an annual world championship, air guitar can still show your audience that you know a song inside and out. Listen repeatedly to a song with a prominent guitar throughout, and when it's showtime, play all the parts as you would picture them on a real guitar. The high notes should be on the higher frets, chords should be strummed and individual notes can be plucked with a pretend pick.

Tags: song with, along with, talent show

Understand Student Loan Repayment Grace Periods

Some students who take out student loans don't fully understand the idea of a grace period. Grace periods are an allotted amount of time in which payments (of the principal and interest) are postponed, also known as deferred.

Instructions

1. Contact your lender. Talk to them about the grace periods for each of your loans. Nearly every student loan starts out with either a three month or six month grace period following graduation.

2. Know the grace periods for each type of loan you have. The following is a list of the most common loans and their grace periods: Federal Perkins Loan - 9 month grace period. Direct Stafford Loan - 6 month grace period. Federal Family Education Loans (FFEL) - 6 month grace period. Nursing Loan - 9 month grace period. Health Professions Loan - 12 month grace period

3. Consider consolidation. This may help simplify your payments by placing all loans into one big loan with one interest rate.

4. Request forbearance or deferment. These both have terms in which loan repayment can be postponed, including financial hardship, accidents or disability. Talk to your lender about each of these.

5. Begin payment when grace period has ended.

Tags: grace period, month grace, month grace period, Loan month, Loan month grace, grace periods

Calculate A Loan Payment By Hand

Banks use formulas to calculate loan payments.

When you take out a loan, a formula is used to calculate the monthly payment that you will need to make to pay back the loan, with interest, by the time the term of the loan expires. To calculate the loan payment by hand, you need to know the amount you've borrowed, how many months you will take to pay off the loan, and what the interest rate on the loan will be.

Instructions

1. Compute the monthly interest rate by dividing the annual interest rate by 12. For example, if your annual interest rate equals 8.172 percent, you would divide 0.08172 by 12 to find the monthly interest rate of 0.00681.

2. Multiply the monthly interest rate by the amount borrowed. For example, if you borrowed $43,000, you would multiply $43,000 by 0.00681 to get $292.83.

3. Add 1 to the monthly interest rate from step 1. In this example, you would calculate 1 plus 0.00681 to get 1.00681.

4. Use the scientific calculated to calculate the result from step 3 raised to the -Mth power, where M is the number of months it will take to repay the loan. In this example, if you were going to repay the loan over nine years, you would raise 1.00681 to the -108th power to get 0.480471674.

5. Calculate 1 minus the result from step 4. In this example, you would subtract 0.480471674 from 1 to get 0.519528326.

6. Divide the result from step 2 by the result from step 5 to calculate the monthly loan payment. Finishing this example, you would divide $292.83 by 0.519528326 to find the monthly payment would be $563.65.

Tags: interest rate, from step, monthly interest, monthly interest rate, result from

Games To Play To Help Students Learn Medical Terminology

Medical terminology can be tedious for students to learn by rote.

Medical terminology is the umbrella term that incorporates the words and vocabulary that people in the field of medicine use to refer to the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Names of pathologies and diseases are also part of this language that is used by doctors, nurses and other health care practitioners. Many of the words have Latin origins and at first glance seem difficult to learn. Games are a useful and interactive way to introduce students to medical terminology.

Online Flashcard Games

There are a number of websites that offer free flashcard games and online quizzes for learning medical terminology. Students can benefit from playing these games. The quizzes range from information and terminology on heart disease, high blood pressure, strokes and other conditions as well as general medical terms. The quizzes are designed at different levels, so as the student becomes more familiar with certain terms, he can move up a level to keep the games challenging and to learn more terms. (See Resources.)

Board Games

An interactive game may help students to retain the difficult medical terminology that they must learn. An example of such a game is MedHead, which mixes medical terminology with medical-related questions in a competitive board game. The game features a skeleton of the human body printed on a board. To play, dice are thrown and students move their tokens along the skeleton and answer questions depending on where the token lands. The medical questions are divided up into various categories that relate to parts and systems of the human body. These categories include the abdomen, musculoskeletal system, nervous system and head and neck.

Singing Skeleton Game

For young students, learning basic medical terminology through a song is an engaging way to introduce them to parts of the body and basic anatomy. The "Dry Bones" or "Skeleton Bones" song is a well-known and catchy tune that details the bones that make up our skeletons and how the bones are connected. Young students can learn the words to this song as well as miming actions that go along with it. You can add some more excitement to this game by having students freeze when the music stops and anyone who moves is out of the game. (See Resources.)

Crossword Puzzles

Create a crossword puzzle for students that has medical terminology as its focus. This is not only interactive but ensures that students learn correct spelling. Be creative with the clues so that they are not too obvious. You can also devise crossword puzzles with different levels of difficulty. Another option is to come up with a fairly easy puzzle but make it a competition to see which student can complete it first. Have a prize ready that is somehow related to medical terminology. A T-shirt with a labeled image of the human skeleton or body would be appropriate.

Tags: medical terminology, human body, different levels, Medical terminology, students learn

The Top 10 Law Schools

Each year, 10 law schools outweigh the rest.

The American Bar Association currently reports having 199 accredited law schools in the United States, 11 of which are provisionally accredited. Each year, US News & World Report releases its listing of the best law schools, which contains numerical rankings for each of these 199 law schools. This year, ten universities ranked above the rest and each earned a coveted top spot.

Yale University

Students from 47 states and 30 countries travel to New Haven, Connecticut, to attend Yale Law School, the No. 1 law school in the nation. More than 12,000 of Yale's alumni hold positions in the top law firms and businesses in the country. The class of 2012 had an acceptance rate of 8 percent with a median undergraduate GPA of 3.9 and a median LSAT score of 173.

Yale Law School

127 Wall St.

New Haven, CT 06511

203-432-4992

law.yale.edu

Harvard University

Six out of the nine current Supreme Court justices attended Harvard Law School in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Harvard has almost 2,000 J.D., 160 LL.M., and 50 S.J.D. students enrolled full-time in 2010. The class of 2012, who represent 157 undergraduate institutions, holds a median undergraduate GPA of 3.96 and a median LSAT of 176.

Harvard Law School

1563 Massachusetts Ave.

Cambridge, MA 02138

617-495-3100

law.harvard.edu

Stanford University

Founded in 1893 in Stanford, California, Stanford Law School awards J.D.s to some of the top attorneys in the nation. The J.D. candidates have an undergraduate GPA range of 3.12 to 4.14, and an LSAT score range of 160 to 180.

Stanford Law School

559 Nathan Abbott Way

Stanford, CA 94305

650-723-2465

law.stanford.edu

Columbia University

Columbia University, one of the five Ivy League law schools, is located in New York. With a 4.6 percent acceptance rate, the class of 2012 has a median undergraduate GPA of 3.72 and a median LSAT score of 172.

Columbia Law School

435 W. 116th St.

New York, NY 10027

212-854-2640

law.columbia.edu

University of Chicago

University of Chicago Law School is located in Chicago. With an acceptance rate of less than 4 percent, University of Chicago is one of the most competitive law schools in the nation. Each application is reviewed individually, and there are no cut off GPA or LSAT scores.

The University of Chicago Law School

1111 E. 60th St.

Chicago, IL 60637

773-702-9494

law.uchicago.edu

New York University

New York University is another top 10 law school located in New York City. Their admissions process is very competitive. The admitted class of 2012 had an admission rate of 7%, with a median undergraduate GPA of 3.75 and a median LSAT score of 171.

New York University School of Law

40 Washington Square S

New York, NY 10012

212-998-6060

law.nyu.edu

University of California---Berkeley

Located in Berkeley, California, University of California---Berkeley School of Law is one of four law schools in the University of California system. With an acceptance rate of 3.7 percent, a median undergraduate GPA of 3.83, and a median LSAT score of 168, the Berkeley class of 2012 are some of the brightest law students in the nation.

University of California Berkeley School of Law

215 Boalt Hall

Berkeley, CA 94720

510-642-1741

law.berkeley.edu

University of Pennsylvania

University of Pennsylvania Law School, located in Philadelphia, is one of the oldest law schools in the country. Their admissions process is very selective, and only 4 percent of applicants, with a median undergraduate GPA of 3.70 and a median LSAT score 169 enrolled as the class of 2012.

University of Pennsylvania Law School

3400 Chestnut St.

Philadelphia, PA 19104

215-898-7400

law.upenn.edu

University of Michigan---Ann Arbor

The University of Michigan---Ann Arbor has over 1,000 students studying towards their J.D. It also offers several dual degree programs, combining law with several Master of Arts and Master of Science degrees. Over 20,000 of their graduates take on leadership roles all over the world.

The University of Michigan Law School

625 S. State St.

Ann Arbor, MI 48109

734-764-1358

law.umich.edu

University of Virginia

Located in Charlottesville, Virginia, the University of Virginia School of Law awards more than 300 J.D.s each year. The class of 2012 boasts a median undergraduate GPA of 3.85 and a median LSAT of 170.

University of Virginia School of Law

580 Massie Rd.

Charlottesville, VA 22903

434-924-7351

law.virginia.edu

Tags: class 2012, median LSAT, median undergraduate, median undergraduate median, undergraduate median, undergraduate median LSAT, LSAT score

Early Child Care Distance Learning Courses In Australia

Child care professionals work as childcare assistants, family day carers or nannies.

The Australian government requires that all child care workers obtain at least a Certificate III qualification by 2014. Half of all long day care (center-based care) and preschool staff must have at least a diploma in early childhood education. Distance learning courses in Australia are available to obtain certification. The Certificate III qualification allows for several different employment opportunities in children's services including long day care (0-6 years), occasional care (0-6 years), family day care and in kindergarten and pre-school in an assistant role. The Diploma of Children's Services can lead to supervisory roles in children's services. Some institutions may require the Advanced Diploma for leadership or management roles.

Open Training and Education Network (OTEN)

OTEN is the distance learning provider for Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutions in Australia. Students may obtain a Certificate III qualification in Children's Services or a Diploma of Children's Services. There are no prerequisites for enrollment in the Certificate III course, and it can be completed in one year if you commit 10 hours per week to study. This course includes a work placement of 100 hours, and you will also complete a Senior First Aid certificate. The prerequisite for enrollment in the diploma course is the Certificate III in Children's Services and it can be completed in one year with 22 hours per week of study. This course includes a work placement of 400 hours, and you will also complete a Senior First Aid certificate.

Open Training and Education Network

51 Wentworth Rd.

Strathfield NSW 2135

Australia

011-61-2-9715-8333

oten.edu.au

Study Solutions Australia

Through Study Solutions, students can obtain the Certificate III in Children's Services, Certificate IV in Outside School Hours Care, Diploma of Children's Services or the Advanced Diploma of Children's Services. Each course must be completed within two years from enrollment and the duration of study will depend on how much time you have to commit to the course each week. The courses include vocational placement. The prerequisites for the Certificate III are a demonstrated interest in children's services and suitability for responsible child care as well as basic computer skills. You must also have completed at least Year 10 of your secondary education and have an English language level of IELTS 6.0. Once you have achieved the Certificate III, you may proceed to the other qualifications within the tiered structure.

Study Solutions Australia

Easy T Centre, 510

Christine Ave.

Robina QLD 4226

Australia

011-61-7-5580-9100

studychildcare.com.au

Australian Institute of Early Childhood Studies (AIECS)

AIECS offers the Certificate III in Children's Services, Diploma of Children's Services (Early Childhood Education and Care), Advanced Diploma of Children's Services, Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, and Senior First Aid and CPR courses. The Certificate IV in Training and Assessment is a pathway for students to become trainers and assessors in Children's Services. AIECS also offers a training package for these qualifications, which includes the Certificate III, Diploma and Advanced Diploma. Students will learn the standard Certificate III course material, including ensure children's health and safety, assess risk, prepare nutritious food for children, interact with children, understand development and support successful behavior in children. Diploma-level students learn about environmental factors for children, fostering development, management, planning and provide care for children with special needs.

Australian Institute of Early Childhood Studies

56 Commercial Dr.

Shailer Park QLD 4128

011-61-7-3801-3962

aiecs.com.au

Tags: Children Services, Diploma Children, Diploma Children Services, Advanced Diploma, Children Services

The Best Southern Law Schools

A number of top law programs are available at Southern American universities.

Preparing for a career in law involves intense study for the bar exam, an exam that many students take multiple times before passing. To prepare for the exam, future lawyers spend a number of years researching the various types of law such as criminal, corporate or family. Although top law schools are found all across the country, students wishing to study in the Southern region of the United States have a number of options.

University of Virginia School of Law

Founded in 1819 by Thomas Jefferson, the University of Virginia's School of Law offers both Juris Doctor degrees and Master of Law degrees. Students also have the option of completing a combined degree, earning both a Juris Doctor and either a Master of Arts, MBA or Master of Science degree.

As of 2009, the school enrolled more than 1,100 law students and boasts of a student to faculty ratio of 12.6 to 1. The school offers a number of law concentrations for students to study including tax law, family law and criminal justice.

The school also publishes nine academic law journals such as "Virginia Law Review" and the "Virginia Journal of Social Policy & the Law."

"U.S. News & World Report" ranks the school as the 10th best law school in the country as of 2010.

University of Virginia

School of Law

580 Massie Road

Charlottesville, VA 22903

434-924-7351

virginia.edu

Duke University

"U.S. News & World Report" ranks Duke University's law program as the 11th best in the country as of 2010. Students enrolled in the program spend three years working toward a firm grasp of legal analysis.

Students spend their first year taking core law classes in civil courts, torts and contracts before moving onto courses tailored to their specialization. Upon graduation students earn either a Juris Doctor or Master of Law degree. These degrees can be combined, and the school also offers a doctorate in juridical science.

The university publishes nine student-run journals including the "Alaska Law Review," the "Duke Forum for Law & Social Change" and the "Duke Journal of Gender Law & Policy."

Duke University

Towerview and Science Drive

Durham, NC 27708

919-613-7020

duke.edu

Vanderbilt University Law School

The 17th ranked law school in the country, according to "U.S. News & World Report," Vanderbilt University's Law School provides concentrations in a variety of law fields including entertainment law, environmental law, social justice and constitutional law. The school also provides a study abroad program in Venice, Italy.

Students work toward either a Juris Doctor degree, Master of Law degree or a doctorate in law and economics. Students at the university publish three journals: the "Vanderbilt Law Review," the "Vanderbilt Journal of Transnational Law" and the "Vanderbilt Journal of Entertainment and Technology Law."

The school began offering law study in 1874, which happened to be one year before the university's main campus began providing classes.

Vanderbilt University

Law School

131 21st Ave. S.

Nashville, TN 37203

615-322-6452

vanderbilt.edu

Tags: Juris Doctor, Duke University, News World, News World Report, school also, University School, University Virginia

Information On Public Administration

Information of government management can be both public and restricted.

Public administration generally involves the operations of government or public-funded entities associated with government. Operating at different levels--federal, state, local, and special districts--public administration retains a variety of information sources required by law or voluntarily stored for the purposes of government business, statistics, reference and history.

The Internet

The Internet provides an abundance of information on government administration, but a person needs to know where to look. Many government levels provide their annual and quarterly information on the Internet via websites updated regularly with new documentation. Starting with these sources can provide leads for where to look further.

Budget and Accounting Statements

Much of public administration occurs based on budgets authorized at different government levels. Locating and understanding read such budget and accounting statements--which must be available to the public--can provide information about existing public administration activities, changes proposed and new one-time investments made with government funds.

Watchdogs, Audits and the Media

Three sources also provide third-party reviews of public administration activities. Audit reports, nonprofit watchdog groups and the press all report on activities of different government levels, especially if the behavior and spending doesn't seem correct or appropriate. These sources do much of the legwork, providing both findings and background.

Tags: government levels, administration activities, different government, different government levels, public administration activities

Is U S Savings Bond Interest Income Taxable For Federal

Income tax on savings bond interest is due the year bonds mature.

Interest earned on U.S. Savings Bonds is subject to federal income tax, but is exempt from state and local income taxes. As of 2010, bond interest is also subject to state and federal estate, gift and excise taxes. When you cash in your bonds, you get an IRS Form 1099 INT showing the interest you earned. You report it on the interest-income line of your federal tax return.

Reporting Methods

You have a choice of interest reporting method. You can wait until the bond matures or is redeemed and report all the accrued interest at once on that year's tax return. Alternatively, you can report the interest you earn each year as it accrues. But once you elect annual interest reporting on any savings bond, you must report interest annually for all the bonds you own or may acquire in the future.

Tax Responsibility

If you buy a bond in your own name or with another person as co-owner, you are liable for paying the tax on the interest, says TreasuryDirect. If you buy a bond with another person as co-owner and you each contribute part of the purchase price, you and the co-owner are liable for the tax on the interest in proportion to the amount each paid for the bond. If you buy a bond in the name of another person who will be sole owner of the bond, that person will be liable to pay tax on the bond interest.

Education Tax Exemption

Interest on savings bonds bought after 1989 may be tax exempt if bonds are cashed in to pay tuition and related fees for the bond owner, his spouse or dependents at a college, university or qualifying vocational school. Under 2010 exemption qualification rules, a bond owner must be over age 23 with earnings below $70,100 if single, or below $104,900 if married filing jointly. Tuition and fees must be paid in the same year the bonds are redeemed. If bond proceeds exceed tuition expenses, the interest exempt from tax is prorated according to the percentage of bond proceeds used for tuition.

Bond Reissues

You won't owe income tax on your accrued savings bond interest if your bond must be reissued because your original bond was lost, says TreasuryDirect, or if you convert your paper savings bonds to electronic bonds. You also won't owe tax if you have a bond reissued to add or delete an owner, co-owner or beneficiary, or correct a major error in the original bond registration. But savings bond reissues become a taxable event if the name of a living owner, co-owner or surviving beneficiary of the original bond doesn't appear on the reissued bond. In reissues or conversions, interest rate and maturity dates remain unchanged.

Tags: savings bond, another person, bond interest, original bond, another person co-owner, bond must, bond owner

Government School Grants For Minority Women

Higher education increases career opportunities

Obtaining a college education plays an essential role in today's workplace. The Alliance for Excellent Education estimates that almost 90 percent of the fastest-growing and best-paying jobs require some college. Federal and state governments, learning institutions, and non-profit organizations each use government grant funding to pay for school grants. Many grants are specifically designed to target minorities, such as women, and low-income students.

General Educational Development Test (GED)

Studies by the Alliance for Educational Excellence and the National Woman's Law Center indicate that less than 50 percent of all minority women graduate from high school. To combat this major cause of poverty in the U.S., federal, state, and county governments provide grant money for free General Educational Development Test (GED) and literacy courses. To find a local GED or literacy program contact your state's department of education.

Federal Pell Grant Program

The Federal Pell Grant Program provides students with money to pay for college tuition. The qualifiers used to determine funding for the program are eased for minority women. This means that the chance for approval and higher grant funding is higher for minority applicants. To apply for a Pell Grant contact the college or university

For Medical Students

Minority women seeking to enter the health-care field can take advantage of Health Professions Student Loans, Including Primary Care Loans/Loans for Disadvantaged Students Program. The U.S. Department of Health administers this program and the federal government offers grants and subsidized very low interest loans to disadvantaged and minority students. In addition, the HRSA also offers loan forgiveness programs that allow minority students to have their loans forgiven in exchange for working in low income and disadvantaged areas for a certain period.

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Grant Programs

Minority women are often under-represented in the areas of science, engineering, and mathematics. As a result, the federal government encourages minority women to enter these fields through grants and loans. Many of these grant and loan programs can be found through such sites as Grants.gov and the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance. The Women and Minorities in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Fields Program (WAMS) and Higher Education Multicultural Scholars Program are an example of two such a grant programs. The U.S. Department of Agriculture administers both programs.

Hispanic Women

The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute is a non-profit institution founded by three Hispanic Congressmen to encourage students to stay in school and provide college scholarships to qualifying Hispanics. Minority women of Hispanic decent can find college funding, fellowships, and internship when visiting their website.

Tags: Pell Grant, Development Test, Educational Development, Educational Development Test, federal government

Write A College Entrance Essay

Most college entrance applications have a section for you to write, in your own words, why you believe you deserve admittance to that college. This essay is an important step in the application process. Here is write a proper college entrance essay.

Instructions

Write a College Entry Essay

1. Read the instructions, and follow them exactly.

2. You will likely be given prompts on what to include in your essay. For instance, it may ask you to describe your most significant accomplishments or how your chosen major will help you make a contribution to the world.

3. If you have a choice of subjects, choose the one that you feel gives you the best chance of “shining” to the judges.

4. Whether you have a choice of subjects, or just one, the process is the same—brainstorm everything positive in your background/schooling that best represents what the judges want to know.

5. Write your essay, highlighting all of these positive points.

6. Remember…the judges want to know why they should accept you into their college over another student. Telling them that you NEED them is not going to help you. Instead, tell them why THEY need you. Tell them about all of your accomplishments, awards, scholastic achievements, and how your admittance will help their college AND the world.

Tags: choice subjects, have choice, have choice subjects, judges want, judges want know, their college