Juggling school and work can be a difficult task, but if done successfully it can be a valuable lesson in life skills.
Instructions
1. Decide how many days per week you can comfortably work without allowing your schoolwork and social life to suffer.
2. Look in your local paper or on a job board for jobs that specify part-time employment.
3. Find a job that's fun. Doing something that interests you will ensure that your work time doesn't feel like prison time.
4. Make it clear to your employer that school is very important to you, and that the agreed number of hours is non-negotiable.
5. Make a schedule that allows for work hours, study hours, social hours and alone time. Feel free to revise the schedule as you learn what you're comfortable with.
6. Open a savings or checking account at your local bank. Keep track of your earnings, and create a budget that will allow you plenty of spending money with some left over for your savings.
The SAT tests your skills in reading, writing and math.
The SAT is one of the most critical tests students will take in their academic careers. It is one determinate that college admissions committees use to gauge a student's eligibility for acceptance into their university. While some colleges accept lower SAT scores, others are more selective and generally select students with higher SAT scores. The SAT tests a student's skills in critical reading, math and writing. The critical reading section was previously called the verbal section.
Instructions
1. Locate your scaled score. Your scaled score will appear on your score report underneath the "Critical Reading" section. It is calculated by adding one point for each correct answer and subtracting 1/4 point for every answer you answered incorrectly. Your raw score is then converted to a scaled score between 200 and 800.
2. Identify the percentile score section. Your percentile score is the ideal way to interpret your SAT score, because it tells you how you did in relationship to other SAT test takers. Because you cannot "fail" or "ace" the SAT, the best measure of how you did is compared to others.
3. Use your scaled score to locate your percentile score. Your percentile score will be located in the same row as your scaled score on the percentile score section. The percentile number next to your score indicates the percentage of test takers you performed better than. For example, if you scored in the 50th percentile, you scored better than 50 percent of test takers, and 50 percent of test takers scored higher than you. Or, if you scored in the 88th percentile, you would have tested better than 88 percent of test takers, with 12 percent scoring higher than you.
4. Determine what colleges offer admission to students with SAT scores similar to yours. Use the college board's online "My College Matches" link through your online score report. This will display colleges that admitted students with scores in your range in past years and help you to determine if you would like to re-take the test to become a more competitive applicant at the school of your choice.
Tags: percentile score, scaled score, test takers, better than, percent test, percent test takers, students with
Waiting for a college to inform you of their admission decision can be one of the most difficult aspects of the entire application process. But when you receive that thick packet in the mail and open it to see the acceptance letter, you should rejoice that months and years of hard work have paid off. However, after you have accepted an invitation to attend the school of your choice, you may receive admission letters to other institutions where you applied. Send those schools a polite letter declining their offer, so their admission offices can give your slot to another applicant.
Instructions
1. Review the acceptance packet from the schools you are going to reject. Read the instructions on the manner in which the school wants you to accept or decline. Some schools request that you send your response through the postal service, while others allow you to respond through their website.
2. Begin your letter by writing your name, address and the date. Write the words "Admissions Department," or "Admissions" followed by the address. Write "Dear Admissions Department," or if you know the name of a specific admissions department representative, use that person's name in the salutation.
3. Express your appreciation for the acceptance letter you received. Write that you have carefully considered the admission offer from the institution and decided to accept an offer from another university. Thank them again for their offer and the time they took to review your application.
4. Conclude the letter with "Sincerely, " "Yours truly," or "Best wishes" and write your name. Sign your name between the closing and your written name.
Tags: your name, acceptance letter, Admissions Department, offer from, their admission, their offer
The Doctorate of Physics program is challenging and requires years of dedication. Before deciding on a university, consider faculty achievements and areas of studies available, as well as costs, stipends and residencies.
Instructions
1. Research different universities and choose the one that most closely matches your area of interest. Different colleges may have different specializations within the arena of Physics.
2. Apply for admission. The graduate enrollee must have an undergraduate degree in Physics. You must submit your Graduate Record Examination scores as well as all academic transcripts, letters of reference and a written statement.
3. Take the graduate core curriculum courses and maintain at least a 3.0 GPA. During your studies, you should be considering faculty for your doctoral committee.
4. Prepare for and pass the qualifying examination. This examination tests your knowledge of the fundamentals of Physics and this exam, along with your research performance, GRE scores and coursework determine whether you can continue in the doctoral program. Begin planning for your dissertation and specific field of research.
5. Choose a doctoral committee during your second year of study and pass the comprehensive examination. This examination tests your knowledge of your specific research program.
6. Prepare for your dissertation. Your dissertation is what you are contributing to the field of Physics. By this time you should be researching full time. Your doctoral studies culminate with the completion and public defense of your dissertation.
Tags: your dissertation, doctoral committee, examination tests, examination tests your, examination This
Being a school superintendent requires interacting with everyone involved in the school system. It's one of those career paths that's characterized by answering to more people the higher up you go. Performing the job effectively is a skill best learned with experience, a lot of patience and maybe some human relations homework.
Instructions
1. Act like the CEO you are. Essentially, a school superintendent is the CEO of the school district responsible for all school personnel. He is the one who hires and supervises the school principal, answering only to his boss, the school board.
2. Brush up on your political science knowledge. While the school superintendent's overriding objective is to make decisions based on what's best for the students, she must learn to avail herself to a multitude of groups, each with its own interests. The superintendent deals with the principal, teachers, students, parents and staff.
3. Put on your banker's cap. While juggling day-to-day meetings with different people who have varying agendas, the school administrator must prepare a budget that meets the needs of the school and that will get passed. Once the budget is approved, he has to see to it that the money is allocated and distributed as promised.
4. Stay in touch with the community. School superintendents have to cultivate a relationship with the district's community, keeping community leadership informed of school performance, programs, policies and procedures. This will go a long way toward getting a school budget passed; the more information the community has about where its tax dollars are going, the more likely it is to lend its support.
5. Implement school maintenance and progress. It's important for the life of the school that the superintendent oversees the facilities and curriculum. She must keep the school board informed of curriculum issues and school programs, as well as acting as a leader in improving the school's facilities.
6. Remain flexible in the wake of personnel changes. The school board is the superintendent's boss and as the board members are voted in, they will change. A superintendent needs a certain amount of flexibility to foster a working relationship with the new board members as they take office.
7. Relish the role of educational leader. Ultimately, the students are the most important people in the life of the school superintendent. The most important aspect of his job is to ensure a solid and safe learning environment that allows each student to reach her maximum potential and achievement.
Tags: school board, school superintendent, board members, life school, most important
A master's degree program can require anywhere from 30 to 72 hours of coursework, depending on the degree curriculum. For example, most master's degree programs in English require 36 hours, whereas many psychology programs require 72 hours. A full-time student, that is, a student who takes at least 9 or 12 hours of coursework per semester, can earn a master's degree within 2 to 3 years. Both the graduate program and the school determine how many semester hours are required to maintain full-time student status.
Part-time Students
Not all students can attend graduate school full-time due to work, family, or monetary commitments. For them, most graduate schools allow for part-time attendance. Part-time students generally take one to two courses a semester, that is, 3 to 6 semester hours, so depending on how many courses they take and how many hours their program requires, they could take as long as 5 years to complete a master's program.
Summer Classes
All graduate programs offer the opportunity to take classes in the summer, between the spring and fall semesters. Schools offer either one or two summer sessions where students can take two classes per session to obtain full-time status. Students can take more than two classes, but this is generally discouraged since the classes are accelerated and often more intense than typical full semester classes. If either part-time or full-time students take courses over the summer, they can decrease their overall time in school by at least one semester and possibly by a year or two.
Online Study
Online and distance-learning programs have steadily increased in both popularity and availability. These forms of study used to only offer one- to two-year master's degree programs, but now even the four- and five-year degree curricula are available, including psychology and physical therapy.
Accelerated Programs
Some graduate schools offer accelerated learning programs, where students enroll in one to two courses in mini-sessions. The length of the mini-session could be as short as two weeks or as long as eight weeks, depending on how often the classes meet. For example, one class could meet every day for four hours for two weeks or once a week for four hours for eight weeks. There are no winter or summer breaks in these programs, so students could potentially earn a master's degree within one year's time.
So perhaps you’re a home school parent. It is likely that your child’s religious education is as important to you as his academic education. You might be able to start a home education church school. This may depend upon the laws in your state, but most will allow you to do so. In some states, churches may begin their own schools. In other states, home school cooperatives can choose to make religion a part of their curriculum. Here is how you can successfully start a home education church school.
Instructions
1. Talk to your pastor about scheduling a meeting of home school parents who might be interested in forming a church school for home schooled children. If there are a lot of home schoolers in the congregation, there is a good chance others will be interested.
2. Form a parents' organization if sufficient interest exists, and appoint committee heads. If you operate under the umbrella of the church, there is no need for you to file for a separate non-profit organization status. You will need to determine which parents are in charge of which areas of education at this time.
3. Gather enough parents to form an exploration committee. This group will research the legality of starting a church-based home school for children. In many states, instructors--other than immediate guardians--may not teach a child without a teaching certificate issued by that state.
4. Organize your home education school to suit your state laws while providing an atmosphere of Christian study and values. It may be required that a parent or guardian of each child is present during all instructional times, but the children can still benefit from inclusion in a group setting.
5. Appoint parents to teach subjects that suit them. When parents pool their resources, the children benefit from a variety of instructional methods. With an average of three children from each family in the school, thirty students would have access to 10 parent-teachers. That’s a good ratio for learning.
6. Consider switching to a parochial school status if your church school becomes popular. Many children may want to attend. The only requirement in most states is that a certified teacher is present, and the school needs to become accredited. The church can help a couple of the parents obtain certification. The other parents can continue to instruct as before.
Tags: church school, home school, benefit from, education church, home education, start home
If you enjoy working with youngsters, a childcare program might be the perfect opportunity to own a business that you’re passionate about. If you feel providing a place for children to learn and grow is your destiny, simply follow these steps and you'll be on your way to opening the daycare center of your dreams.
Instructions
1. Talk to your licensing agency to see what steps you need to take to legally operate a childcare center in your state of residence. Running a daycare center without following the proper procedures can land you in a mountain of trouble, as some states impose stiff penalties for operating without being licensed or registered.
2. Create a written contract that clearly outlines all of the rules and expectations of your daycare center, including payment policies. This is a great way to minimize conflict, and protect your business from frivolous lawsuits.
3. Consider the number, and ages of children that will be cared for in your daycare when selecting indoor and outdoor equipment. You should purchase enough age-appropriate tables, chairs, educational materials, toys, highchairs, changing tables, cribs and playground equipment to comfortably accommodate the number of children your daycare will be licensed to care for.
4. Setup your daycare classrooms with the furniture and play equipment you purchased. Colorful bulletin boards should also be included in the decor of your classrooms. As long as you follow the safety guidelines outlined by your state licensing agency, you can let your imagination run wild.
5. Hire a few good employees. Because your state licensing agency determines the ratio of children to adults, you will have to hire employees based on their guidelines. For instance, if your toddler room is licensed for eight kids, and your state's ratio is one adult for every four toddlers, you will have to employ two teachers for that room. You also need adhere to rules that may be in place regarding educational, and training requirements for teachers to be employed in your daycare.
6. Open your doors and prepare to drum up some business. One great way to get business rolling in your daycare is by hosting an open house, and letting prospective clients see what your childcare facility has to offer. You can also advertise with radio announcements, community bulletin boards, fliers and business cards.
Tags: your daycare, your state, daycare center, licensing agency, bulletin boards, center your, state licensing
Learning medical terminology requires a lot of memorization.
Learning medical terminology is difficult because of the sheer amount of information you have to remember. Luckily, over time medical students have figured out a number of ways to memorize this complicated vocabulary. Using some tricks of the trade, you too can learn to use medical terminology by using word association.
Instructions
1. Make small lists of medical words you have to memorize, and work with them one at a time. For example, if you have a list of 100 medical words to remember this week, break them down into five- or ten-word lists. This is called "chunking."
2. Take one medical word from your list and write it down in the middle of a piece of paper or a note card. Then look at the word and write down the first word that comes to mind. You might have to learn the word "pulmonary," which is related to the lungs, so you think of "pull" for pulling air into the body.
3. Choose a word that is similar to your medical word that brings to mind an association. For example, medical terminology involving the spine includes the word "lumbar." You can use the word "lumber" which means wood, which is like stick, which is strong and straight like your spine.
4. Close your eyes and picture your medical word in your head. Do not think of other words, just think of pictures that remind you of your word. For example, the "parietal" lobes of the brain control sensory information and are on either side of your head. Therefore you may picture your "parents" on both sides of you telling you what is going on.
5. Make a story with your list words. Break your word list into smaller groups of three to five words and tell a short, ridiculous tale that doesn't make any sense but that involves all the words. For example: "Marvin the monkey was a trapeze artist and hurt his TRAPEZIUS muscle. So he went to the doctor who said he was AURICULARIS. Marvin said you mean ridiculous, and the doctor said go see my octopus friend in front of the clinic, his name is OCCIPITUS FRONTALIS.
Tags: medical terminology, medical word, word that, doctor said, Learning medical
The American Medical Veterinary Association reports that 77 percent of veterinarians work with pets.
A veterinarian must earn a doctor of veterinary medicine from an accredited college and obtain a license from the state in which he plans to practice. If you want to become a veterinarian, prepare as early as high school and college by taking specific courses in science and business. Admission to veterinary school is competitive, and more well-prepared students have a better chance of being accepted.
Preparation in High School
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign's College of Veterinary Medicine recommends not only taking courses but also getting practical experience while you're in high school. Sign up for your school's college prep program, choosing as many courses in physics, math, chemistry and biology as you are allowed. Computer skills training will benefit you in veterinary school as well. In the summer, or as a part-time job during the school year, work or volunteer at a shelter, stable, zoo or veterinarian's office, and try to work with as many animal types as you can, not just house pets.
Preparation in College
Once you enter college to earn your bachelor's degree, begin your preveterinary preparation. Many veterinary schools -- Colorado State University's College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, for example -- require college-level courses with a grade of C- or better in biological sciences plus a lab, genetics, chemistry plus a lab, biochemistry, physics with a lab, statistics, English composition, humanities courses and electives. CSU recommends -- but does not require -- additional courses in cell biology, microbiology, developmental biology, anatomy, histology, nutrition, physiology, computer science and biomedical science. The Occupational Outlook Handbook urges those who want to run their own practices to take classes in business management and career development as well.
Other Prerequisites for Veterinary School
To be admitted to veterinary school, a four-year program that results in a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, you must have a bachelor's degree, and CSU recommends a degree in microbiology, wildlife biology, environmental health, animal science, biochemistry, chemistry, zoology or general biological studies. CSU also says, however, that even a degree in the arts helps give you good character and social perspective that may help in veterinary school. When you apply to veterinary school, you must also submit your scores for the Graduate Record Examination as well as the Veterinary College Admission Test or the Medical College Admission Test.
Salary and Job Outlook
If you like taking care of large farm animals, the outlook for your veterinary career is good.
In 2009, the median income for veterinarians was $79,500. Veterinarians employed for the federal government in March 2009 earned an average of $93,398. Starting salaries for 2008 graduates ranged from $41,636 for equine practices to $64,744 for exclusively small-animal practices. Between 2008 and 2018, the job market for veterinarians will most likely grow by 33 percent. Because more people keep cats as pets, veterinarians specializing in cats will be in demand. Farm-based veterinarians will also have a good chance at finding jobs, because not as many graduates want to work in rural areas or outdoors.
Tags: veterinary school, Admission Test, bachelor degree, College Admission, College Admission Test, College Veterinary, College Veterinary Medicine
Tutoring benefits all kinds of students, whether they are performing above, below or at expected levels for their age group. A trained tutor can provide one-on-one attention, an individualized approach and a big boost for your child's self-esteem.
Instructions
1. Determine your goals. They may be very specific, such as raising a math grade from a C to a B, or more general, such as getting your child more excited about learning.
2. Talk to your child about why you feel tutoring is so important. He or she may be resistant to the idea of needing extra help, or be embarrassed about it. Taking the time to be supportive and encouraging can make a big difference.
3. Ask for recommendations from your child's school, other parents, or local colleges and universities.
4. Interview prospective tutors about their qualifications, experience, areas of expertise and teaching style. After a first meeting with the tutor, ask your child what he or she thinks. Without a connection between the two of them, your efforts may be in vain. Be clear with the tutor about your expectations.
5. Discuss the hourly fee, which can start at $25 an hour. Choose a location that works for both your child and the tutor. Get references from the tutor's other clients and contact them. Talk to the students themselves if it's appropriate.
6. Check in with your child, the child's teacher at school, and the tutor as lessons progress. Find out if they feel tutoring is making a difference and how you can help.
7. Ask for regular updates about your child's progress.
Tags: your child, about your, feel tutoring, with tutor
With some concentrated effort, you can eliminate or drastically cut down on the amount of unsolicited useless information that shows up in your mailbox.
Instructions
1. Contact the Direct Marketing Association (www.DMAConsumers.org), and register for the Mail Preference Service. Your name will be placed in a delete file, and you should notice a decrease in junk mail about three months after you register.
2. Call the customer service department of individual companies that send you junk mail. Ask to be removed from the company's mailing list. Have the mailing label with you when you call so you can relay exact names and codes from the label.
3. Tell mail-order companies from which you regularly order products not to give or sell your name to other companies. Do the same for any religious, political, professional and charitable organizations that you may contribute to, as well as for credit card companies, banks, schools and utility companies.
4. Avoid sending in warranty registration cards. You'll still be covered by the warranty, but the company won't use it as an invitation to send you more information on its products.
5. Buy a 'stop junk mail' kit. For a price, you'll receive the materials you need to notify a limited number of the largest mailing list companies that are responsible for junk mail. Although this may be just the tip of the iceberg, it can protect you from future junk mail.
6. Get an unlisted phone number, or at least decline to list your address. Some mailing lists are formulated from names and addresses as they appear in telephone books.
7. Avoid filling out change-of-address forms when you move. The U.S. Postal Service sells these names and addresses to direct marketers. Instead, individually notify friends, family, creditors and so on.
8. Contact your nearest post office, as a last resort, for forms you can fill out to stop companies from sending you mail you don't want. If the mail continues, the companies may be subject to prosecution.
With the high costs of college tuition today, accumulating student loan debt is virtually unavoidable. Finding a job immediately after graduation that pays enough to keep you from defaulting on your loan payments is difficult. Although filing for bankruptcy is generally not an option to avoid student loan debt, you do have options. Here is determine what property can be repossesed to repay student loans.
Instructions
1. Consult an attorney. Every state has their own unique laws which determines what property is exempt from repossessoin. Your attorney will assist you in navigating through them.
2. Contact the Attorney General's office in your state. They will be able to tell you what property can be repossessed.
3. Find out if you qualify for a hardship discharge. Typical reasons for allowing a discharge include death, permanent total disability, temporary total disability, rehabilitation for a disability, economic hardship, being a parent with a young child, being a full-time student and military service.
4. Gather all documentation showing your necessary monthly expenses and gross income.
5. Contact the creditor by letter or phone and plead your case. Be upfront and honest about your ability to set up a payment plan based on the amount you determine you can afford.
6. If you are not able to reach an agreement, try contacting a credit or debt counseling service. They will assist you in your financial planning and are often able to work out an arrangement with the creditor.
Tags: what property, loan debt, student loan, student loan debt, They will
The high school years are a transitional but pivotal time in a student's life. As the educational springboard between middle school and adulthood, the courses a student chooses in high school should reflect his educational and career goals. Not all students will pursue the same path so choose courses on an individualized basis.
Instructions
1. Start with the basics. Each high school requires specific courses be taken and passed before the student may graduate. These courses will reflect your state requirements as well as any additional ones the local school board implements.
2. Choose carefully when selecting your basic courses. College-bound students often want to take difficult courses that reflect more advanced studies but overwhelming a student until his Grade Point Average (GPA) suffers is counter-productive. Instead, choose challenging courses where you can score well.
3. Select elective courses that increase your education in your field of interest. If you dream of being an accountant, choose electives that involve math and statistics. If you want to be a writer, electives that hone your literary skills will be the most beneficial.
4. Allow a young person to enjoy her high school years. In addition to a solid academic record, a student will look back fondly on this time in her life if she participates in extracurricular activities that interest her. While playing the violin looks good as an additional interest subject on a college application, your child might enjoy going to baseball practice more.
5. Fulfill the course requirements to enroll in your college of choice and then begin work on attaining higher credits. Most high schools encourage advanced students to begin their college classes if a community college or a university is nearby. Often, high school students take these classes at a reduced cost and fulfill both high school and college credits.
Tags: high school, courses that, electives that, high school years, school years
When you put a loan on deferment, the lender allows you to stop making monthly payments for a specific amount of time without any penalties. Not all lenders offer deferment as an option on their loans, but it is common with student loans. This is because student borrowers generally cannot afford to make payments while they are in school. Other types of loans, including auto loans, mortgages and personal loans, are less likely to offer deferment.
Qualifying Cause
Lenders set the specific circumstances that qualify a borrower to defer loan payments. For federal student loans, these include being enrolled in school at least half-time, being unemployed, suffering extreme financial hardship, participating in active duty military service or carrying out a Peace Corps or Americorps assignment. In addition, you must not be in default to qualify for a deferment. Private lenders set their own rules, so contact your lender to ask whether you qualify.
Application
Fill out an application to request that your loan payments be deferred. Obtain the application by calling the lender and requesting to have one mailed to you or by going onto the lender's website and printing the correct application. Read and fill out all portions of the application. Missing information could cause your application to be delayed or rejected.
Supporing Documentation
Most lenders require that you submit documentation to prove that you are eligible for a deferment. For example, if you are requesting an in-school deferment for your student loans, you must show documentation from the registrar to prove that you are enrolled at least half time. If you are requesting unemployment deferment, you typically must have proof of receiving state unemployment benefits or having registered with an unemployment agency. Read the application to find out what documentation you need to submit.
Considerations
Deferment delays your loan payments but does not reduce the balance that you owe. In fact, it usually increases your balance because interest accrues while your payments are deferred. The only exception is with government-subsidized student loans, which the federal government pays interest on during periods of deferment. Therefore, you should consider whether you can find a way to make payments instead of entering deferment to avoid extending your repayment period and owing even more interest.
In many states, a dislocated worker is eligible to keep receiving unemployment insurance while attending college. This is the government's way of trying to build a skilled and updated workforce. If you believe that your lack of a degree is a limiting factor in returning to work, consider pursuing an Associate's degree or other certificate to boost your resume.
Instructions
1. Look up your state's unemployment website. This is where you can find the printable application, as well as details about the process and who to contact with questions.
2. Apply to a training program. You must have a training program in mind in order to be eligible for training benefits.
3. Print and fill out a training benefits application packet.
4. Mail the application to the agency involved in unemployment benefit payment in your state. It's important to do this soon after you have been laid off and picked a training program.
5. Wait for an approval.
Tags: training program, training benefits, your state
The math portion of the Graduate Records Exam is called the "Quantitative Section." It covers basic math concepts that do not exceed the high school level. It is one of three sections on the GRE and is multiple choice. Preparation for the GRE math section is essential to obtain the best possible score. Your GRE score is what your graduate school uses to gauge your readiness for graduate programs.
Instructions
1. Familiarize yourself with the test format. Visit the GRE website and review the types of questions that will appear on the exam. Download the GRE math practice booklet and read the preface, which reviews the exam's layout and covers test-taking strategies, test preparation methods and the calculation of test scores.
2. Take a GRE prep course. Visit GRE testing centers in your area. Sign up for a math prep course, attend all of your classes and work together with your instructors and peers to solve sample GRE math problems.
3. Take a GRE practice tests. Complete the math exam in your GRE practice booklet or obtain a practice exam from your college bookstore, local library or online. Time yourself while taking the practice exam and review your results to identify the concepts that require additional practice.
Tags: concepts that, practice booklet, practice exam, prep course
There is nothing quite as exciting as rushing a sorority. Many college campuses house Greek organizations right on their premises, adding to the overall university experience. Every fall and spring semester, sororities and fraternities have Greek week or the popular RUSH week. These weeks are characterized by pledges doing all sorts of crazy activities in order to be inducted into a particular organization. If you're rushing a sorority, learn make it through a few tough weeks, in order to solidify a coveted sorority spot.
Instructions
1. Know what sort of sorority you're trying to get into. Some sororities are known for their upbeat parties and some are known as the academically-motivated types. If you sign up to pledge any kind of sorority, be sure to study up on their reputation and what to expect.
2. Go through it with a friend or roommate. Pledging any sorority can be a stressful and time-consuming ordeal. If you go through it, enlist the help of a girlfriend. That way, you'll have someone to vent your frustrations to throughout the process.
3. Manage your time constructively. If you have a bunch of exams and papers due, it may be wise to put off rushing a sorority. If you can multi-task well, make a schedule and stick to it.
4. Be open-minded. If you want to RUSH a sorority, you may be asked to perform outlandish activities. Many colleges have rules against hazing, but some sororities still participate in these actions. RUSH a sorority that doesn't demand hazing rituals if you aren't open to being embarassed or put on the spot.
5. Stay hydrated and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. During pledge week, many candidates don't get enough sleep and consume all too much booze. By fortifying your diet with vitamins and nutrient-rich foods, you'll keep yourself stronger.
6. Keep your eye on the prize. Every time you get down and wish to quit, remember that by being inducted into a sorority, you'll gain a whole group of girlfriends who will soon become sisters. Being in a sorority looks great on your resume and will provide you with lifelong friends.
Studying law is a noble pursuit but also one that can be costly. The inability to finance legal studies can keep some from pursuing law as a career. Fortunately there are still a few states that allow students to take the bar exam without a law degree.
California
According to the California Bar Association, students who do not attend law school formally can still take the bar exam if they can submit proof of at least four years of legal studies in a law office or under the guidance of an attorney or judge.
New York
According to nybarexam.org, permission to take the New York State bar exam can be granted without a law degree. The applicant must have completed at least one year of formal study in a law school approved by the American Bar Association (ABA). The remainder of the studies can be conducted in a law office or clerkship arrangement.
Maine
According to mainebarexaminers.org, admission to the Maine state bar exam is allowed if the applicant completes at least two years of study at an ABA-recognized law school.
Wyoming
The site studyfor.com states that in Wyoming, legal-office independent study is allowed as long is it structured and deemed equal to at least two years of formal law-school training.
Virginia
In Virginia, notes studyfor.com, the bar exam can be taken with no educational requirements attached.
Tags: Degree Required, Degree Required Take, least years, legal studies, Required Take, states that
Georgia business colleges allow you to get training in the finer points of business. You can pursue degrees from associate's to advanced, postgraduate degrees. The state offers a variety of ways to get a business degree from small community colleges to large universities. Your choice will depend on your personal tastes as well as individual academic needs.
Community Colleges
Community colleges in Georgia are a part of the University System of Georgia. These are institutions that offer a two-year education toward an associate's degree or as preparation achieving a bachelor's degree. At the College of Coastal Georgia, for example, you can pursue an associate's degree in agribusiness or a bachelor's degree in business administration. Community college tuition generally is lower than that at four-year institutions.
Other Public Colleges
Other, larger public colleges in the state also offer business degrees. This includes Georgia Institute of Technology, which has a College of Management dedicated to business education. Here, you can gain a bachelor's degree, master's degree or a doctoral degree in business. On average, a public college will be cheaper than going to a private university or even a private business college, particularly for students who already live in Georgia. Georgia State and Georgia Southern are two other public colleges with business programs.
University of Georgia
More than just a single college, the University of Georgia is a collection of 16 different colleges. You can pursue your business education through the Terry College of Business. The college was founded in 1912 as the College of Commerce. The college boasts more than 55,000 alumni as of 2011. The college offers degrees from bachelor's degrees to doctoral programs, including a number of specialized master's degrees such as economics and accounting.
Private Colleges
Private colleges are often run on a for-profit basis. For this reason, they can be the most expensive option for getting a business education in Georgia. Some private colleges offer business education online, such as Grand Canyon University. Others are part of nationwide chains, such as ITT Technical Institute, which has campuses all across the United States. Others, such as Strayer University Georgia, exist only in the Peach State. Carefully weigh your options, including price.
Tags: business education, bachelor degree, University Georgia, associate degree, degree business, degrees from
Getting a scholarship can help you to pay for college, making a big difference in the college that you ultimately choose to go to. However, there is always a lot of competition for scholarships, especially national ones. Interviewing for a scholarship will certainly affect your chances, so brush up on some scholarship interview tips before you meet with your interviewer.
Learn About the Provider
If the scholarship that you are interviewing for is provided by a company or organization, learn as much as you can about the provider before you interview. In particular, you should look for the history of the company or organization and the requirements for the scholarship.
In the interview, you can try to incorporate your knowledge of the organization into your answers, which may impress the interviewer. You will also be able to explain why you deserve the scholarship when you fully understand what they are looking for.
Your Qualifications
The interviewer wants to know why you deserve the scholarship, and you should be able to tell him in detail. Review the details for the scholarship and plan to speak about the ways that your abilities and experience fits in with what they are looking for.
For example, if the scholarship is for someone in the arts, you should show the interviewer an art portfolio and discuss your hopes for an art career. If the scholarship is for those who demonstrate leadership, you should talk about the leadership positions that you've held in your school and after-school activities.
In the Interview
Be sure to dress appropriately. While you don't necessarily have to wear a suit to a scholarship interview, you should still wear nice clothes. Act confidently, but don't manipulate the conversation. Allow the interviewer to lead the discussion.
Expect to detail your plans for school and your plans for the future. You are also likely to receive questions about your strengths and weaknesses. Try having a parent or friend do a practice interview with you, so you can better prepare your answers for the real thing.
Following Up
If possible, you should always follow up with the interviewer after the interview. A short thank-you note, either by mail or by email could help him to keep you in mind when making the decision.
Tags: scholarship interview, company organization, deserve scholarship, Interview Tips, Scholarship Interview Tips, they looking, what they
Bookkeepers may become certified after they meet certain requirements. One does not have to obtain certification to continue working as a bookkeeper, but there are many benefits to certification, including more job opportunities. Certification assures your clients that you have certain minimum skills in regards to keeping their books. Certified bookkeepers earn more compared to their noncertified counterparts (see References below). Use your training and knowledge to certify your bookkeeping skills and grow your business.
Education Requirements
Before you can take the test to certify as a bookkeeper, you must take a college-level, accredited certified bookkeepers course. Accredited means the program meets the guidelines for a bookkeeping program set forth by the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers, who administers the certification test. Not all schools offer accredited courses, and if you take one that does not meet this requirement you will not be able to sit for the certification exam. You can take the course this at a local community college or at an online school such as Penn Foster (see Resources below).
Experience Requirements
You must have 2 years of bookkeeping work experience in order to become certified. Alternatively, you may meet this requirement with an equal number of work hours from part-time employment. You may meet this requirement through freelance work hours. You will need verification from your employer or clients for this requirement.
Pass the Test Requirement
Once you meet the education and experience requirements, you may sit for the bookkeeping certification exam. The test consists of five parts divided into three tests. According to the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers, you must pass this exam with a score of 70 percent for each part of the exam (not an overall score of 70 percent). For example, if you take test two and fail the payroll section, you will need to retake payroll and get at least a 70 percent. You do not need to retake any portion of the test in which you received a 70 percent score or higher. While studying for the test is not a requirement, if you obtain a study manual before the test you will know what to expect when you take it.
Post-Test Requirements
After passing the test, the final step in the bookkeeping certification process is to sign a code of ethics. Ongoing requirements to maintain certification include obtaining 60 hours of continuing education over a 3-year period.
Benefits
Once a bookkeeper is certified, he or she can use the term "Certified Professional Bookkeeper" (CPB) as part of his or her title. Certified bookkeepers earn more than their noncertified counterparts do, commanding a higher billable rate. Because certified bookkeepers must attend ongoing education to maintain their certification, they demonstrate to their clients that they keep up with ever-changing bookkeeping methods. This makes the certified professional bookkeeper a sought-after commodity and increases employment opportunities.
Tags: this requirement, meet this, meet this requirement, American Institute, American Institute Professional, become certified
Summer internships are a great way to test the waters abroad without committing to a full year of study. You can "test out" a country to see if you have found a good fit or just take a vacation and study for a few more credits along the way. Use these steps to learn more about summer internship opportunities abroad to find the best match for you.
Instructions
1. Talk to your department adviser if you are already a student at an accredited college or university to find out if they offer summer internships abroad. Get the information around your specific major for the best fit with a company.
2. Research organizations that offer summer internships abroad independently from schools. Companies like Statravel offer internships in seven countries and assist in job placement too.
3. Partner with a civic group or volunteer-run organization for a cause that you support or is associated with your field of study. This is not only a great way to get a summer internship, but also a great way to beef up your resume and gain experience in your field. These internships are often unpaid, but living expenses are paid.
4. Contact a company in your field that you are considering applying to upon graduation and ask to be an intern in one of their international offices. They will be impressed by the willingness to move and learn another culture as well as the initiative to be a part of their team.
Several Texas-based public universities offer prelaw training.
A solid prelaw education is essential for being accepted into a good law school. A prelaw program is a four year bachelor's degree usually encompassing a liberal arts program as well as courses in politics, government and history. There is no set course of study for future lawyers, but the best usually include credits in logic, ethics and philosophy. These are all good topics to understand before taking the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). Texas provides several public universities with programs designed to prepare students for law school.
University of Texas-Austin
The University of Texas at Austin was voted 47th on U.S. News & World Report's best colleges list as of 2008, making it the state's highest ranked public institution. Prelaw students can select a major from any area of study, and are guided by prelaw advisers. Since the American Bar Association doesn't require any one curriculum to make it to law school, UT Austin's program allows students to tailor their degree to a specific interest or area of law. Communications majors can continue on to study communication or entertainment law, while those who study business can find careers as corporate lawyers. Prelaw students should closely follow the recommended courses set out by the Bar Association, including some credits in government, ethics, English composition and government. No matter what undergraduate degree, these courses are essential to making it in law school
University of Texas- Austin
WCH 4.132, Mailcode G9300
Austin, TX 78712
512-471-3550
www.utexas.edu/
Texas A&M
Texas A&M is a leader among Texas universities for sending students to law school. According to the university's enrollment statistics, nearly 80 percent of Aggies who applied to law school in 2008 were accepted to schools across the nation. The prelaw program encourages all students to adopt habits and develop skills that will make them successful in college and as lawyers. Those looking to study prelaw must complete courses in analytical thinking, critical reading, writing and oral communication. Additionally, they are encouraged to get involved both at school and in the community. The university provides volunteer and internship connections, and boasts an active prelaw community with debate, mock trial and other skill building activities. Each student is assigned a prelaw adviser who has experience guiding students and helping them make decisions regarding their education. During the first year, the counselor assists in outlining courses, and later with law school applications and graduation.
Texas A&M
114 Henderson Hall
4233 TAMU
College Station, TX 77843
979-845-1957
www.tamu.edu/
Texas Tech University
Texas Tech University is a public institution in the northwestern town of Lubbock. The school offers more than 25 degree programs, including a four-year track for prelaw students. The program focuses on what the Bar Association considers optimal for law school admission. These areas include comprehension and clarity in writing and speaking, analytical reasoning and an understanding of social institutions and human nature. Students are assigned an academic adviser who specializes in preparing undergraduates for the challenges they will face in law school. Texas Tech encourages all prelaw students to participate in undergraduate research, and get involved with local ABA-sponsored groups. These activities will provide contacts for after school, and promote relationships with faculty and mentors. The program is based heavily in government and politics, and students are trained in research, listening and public speaking skills.
Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can help you secure the funding that you need to further your education and pursue your career goals. Determining whether or not you are dependent or independent can affect how much financial aid you receive from your school or the government. FAFSA forms determine how much assistance you can receive through grants, scholarships and student loans. Knowing be independent for FAFSA grants can affect your financial aid reward.
Instructions
1. File taxes independently after speaking with your parents. Make sure that they are not claiming you on their tax returns. Although this does not always help your FAFSA grant status, it may demonstrate your level of independence, especially if you have earned or unearned income.
2. Review the requirements created through United States Department of Education. They have created rigid criteria for financial aid consideration, including what income they consider, such as a parent's income and assets. According to the Department of Education, a student is considered a dependent unless he is age 24, married, has a dependent, is enrolled in a graduate program or is an orphan, an emancipated minor, homeless, or a veteran or there are other extenuating circumstances.
3. Demonstrate your case to your financial aid officer at the school you choose to attend. Only a financial aid officer may override the FAFSA results and change your status to independent. You must discuss why your parents and family provide no support and prove your level of independence. This course of action is called a professional judgment override. Though granted rarely, it can give you independent status. Gather your financial information, including rent, utility costs, bills or other proofs or documentation.
Tags: your financial, Department Education, financial officer, level independence, your level
A variety of scholarships are available to male Hispanic college students from a wide array of sources, including national professional organizations, as well as organizations dedicated to helping students of Hispanic and Latino origin succeed in higher education. Many scholarships for Hispanic males are limited to students who are pursuing a degree in a specific area of study.
Hispanic College Fund Scholarships
The Hispanic College Fund administers a number of scholarships available to male Hispanic students.
The Ford Blue Oval Scholarship is awarded in amounts of up to $5,000 to a student with a grade point average of at least 3.0, with preference given to students pursuing a degree in science, math, engineering or business.
The Verizon Scholarship in amounts of up to $5,000 to students with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher who are majoring in computer science, computer engineering, accounting, finance, business administration or information technology.
Google Scholarships are awarded in amounts of up to $10,000 to computer science or computer engineering students with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher.
The annual application deadline for HCF scholarships is Feb. 16.
The American Assembly for Men in Nursing provides scholarship assistance to male Hispanic nursing students through the Jadeh Marselis-Moore Student Nurse Essay Contest. This contest awards a top prize of $500 to be used to pay for tuition.
To be eligible, a student must be male, must be pursuing a degree in nursing and must not yet be licensed.
To enter, a student must compose an essay of no more than 500 words that answers the questions "Why nursing?" and "Why now?" The annual deadline for admission is Aug. 31. Interested students should visit the AAMN website for more information.
AAMN
6700 Oporto-Madrid Blvd.
Birmingham, AL 35206
205-956-0146
aamn.org
HACU Scholarships
The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities makes a number of scholarships available to Hispanic men pursuing a college degree.
The Aetna Nursing Scholarship is available in the amount of $2,500 to undergraduate Hispanic nursing students with a grade point average of 3.0 or above.
The Deloitte Scholars Program provides scholarships of up to $2,200 to Hispanic accounting majors who have a grade point average of at least 3.5.
The Office Depot Scholarship is available in the amount of $1,120 to a Hispanic student with a grade point average of at least 3.0 who is majoring in business or a related field.
Students must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States to be eligible for HACU scholarships. The annual deadline for application is May 28.
HACU National Headquarters
8415 Datapoint Drive, Suite 400
San Antonio, TX 78229
210-692-3805
hacu.net
Tags: grade point, grade point average, point average, with grade, with grade point
Medical assistants are healthcare professionals who assist physicians with record keeping and minor office procedures such as drawing blood and taking patients' blood pressures. Different states have different regulations on medical assistants, but you will have the highest odds of finding a job if you are a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA).
Instructions
1. Find a medical assistant educational training program that is recognized by either the CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health) or the ABHES (Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools). See the Resources section below for a link.
2. Complete any necessary prerequisites and then apply to the program. Expect to spend between 18 and 24 months on the endeavor.
3. Register for and take the certification exam from the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). See the Resources section below for a link to their site.
4. Check your state board of health for the regulations for medical assistants and complete any necessary paperwork in order to get approval to work as a certified medical assistant in your state.
5. Take the re-certification exam every 5 years in order to avoid a lapse in your certification.
Tags: below link, Certified Medical, medical assistant, Medical Assistant, medical assistants, regulations medical
Repay student loans with consolidation and living frugally.
Repaying student loans can be done by consolidation and living frugally. Save extra money that you would spend on frivolous expenses such as going to the movies to pay toward your student loans.
Instructions
1. Find out how much you owe for student loans and to what companies. Visit the FinAid website if you do not know what lender holds your student loans. Learn what types of student loans you have such as Federal Subsidized Stafford, Federal Unsubsidized Stafford or a Federal Perkins loan. Obtain information about the particular types of loans you have and obtain repayment procedures.
2. Consolidate your student loan debt. Check to make sure you are eligible for consolidation such as having over $7,500 in loans. Compare interest rates before choosing a lender.
3. Visit the Sallie Mae website to get examples of repayment options for private student loans. Check eligibility requirements for repayment by loan type and balance.
4. Cut expenses and live frugally to repay student loans. Save money by reducing unnecessary expenses such as renting movies. Set a budget and stick to it and direct any spare income toward your student loan.
Tags: student loans, your student, your student loans, consolidation living, consolidation living frugally, expenses such, living frugally
Working from home can bring in some much needed additional income.
Many people assume that the best way to make money is to go out and find a job. This is not always the case; there can be good money to be made by working from home. If you are struggling to get a job, looking for some extra income, trying to pay your way through college or simply someone who likes to set your own schedule, being self-employed can be an excellent option.
Instructions
1. Work out how much you want to earn. Do you just want to make some extra money, or are you looking for a full-time living? Earning enough to live on from home is not easy, and will require time and hard work. If you are only looking for additional income, then a few hours a week may be enough
2. Set up an online store. There are different ways of going about this depending on how seriously you want to take it. If you are looking to earn a tidy sum of money, One idea is to contact wholesalers and buy products in bulk. Alternatively, if it's a part-time venture, selling secondhand items, such as old books and clothes, is suitable.
3. Become a landlord. If you live in an area where there's a reasonable demand for rentals, and you have a large enough house, renting out a room is a good option. Make sure your house is as tidy as possible, and carry out any repairs beforehand. This will allow you to charge more.
4. Start up a bed and breakfast. This requires more time and effort than renting a room, but can be more successful in certain situations. If you live in a popular tourist area where lots of people need short-term accommodations, you can charge a healthy price per night and make a good living from a few rooms.
5. Trade on the stock market. There are risks attached to this, but if you know what you're doing then it can be a hugely profitable option. Be sure to read up on finance and markets thoroughly before starting to make investments. Read and watch the likes of Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg, listen to what experts are saying, and then make an informed judgment about appropriate investments.
6. Work as a freelance writer. A reasonable option is to contribute content to sites such as Demand Studios. You earn a small fee for writing factual, informative online copy on a range of subjects. Alternatively, try to sell articles to national publications. This can be profitable, but often requires that you first build up a portfolio and reputation through unpaid work.
Tags: from home, additional income, area where, renting room, some extra
The College Placement Test (CPT), also known as the Accuplacer, is a standardized exam required at certain colleges and technical schools in the United States. The CPT is divided into four parts: English, reading, arithmetic and algebra. Certain colleges may also require an advanced college-level mathematics section of the exam. The CPT is not a pass or fail exam; it is designed to determine which college courses are most appropriate for your educational level. According to the College Placement Test website, the exam is computer adaptive, meaning that it is taken online and the questions get progressively more difficult based upon your answers to previous questions. There are a number of ways to prepare for the CPT.
Instructions
1. Go to the College Placement Test website at college-placement-test.com. Here you will find a variety of study guides and practice tests. The CPT Study Guide is available free of charge if you buy three online college placement practice tests. A price list is available on the website.
2. Explore other websites, such as Math Plus Fun, that feature sample exams to help you prepare for the CPT. These exams have questions that are similar to those you will find on the actual College Placement Test.
3. Practice some physical strategies to avoid test anxiety. These may include deep breathing, avoiding caffeine and taking a brisk walk about 10 minutes before you take the test.
4. Bolster your confidence with some mental strategies like positive self-talk and visualizing yourself successfully completing the test.
5. Gather the materials you will need to take the College Placement Test, including your valid photo ID, the night before you plan to take the test.
6. Pace yourself. The College Placement Test is not timed, and typically takes about 90 minutes to complete. You are allowed to take breaks, and can even take the test on multiple days within a two-week period.
Tags: College Placement Test, Placement Test, College Placement, take test, about minutes
Traditional barber classes often were taught in formal college or trade-school institutions. With the increasing popularity of online education, students who want to become barbers can earn their credentials and even their licensing online. All of a student's books and materials can be shipped to the student's address so he will have everything he needs while training to become a barber.
Euphoria Institute of Beauty Arts and Sciences
The Euphoria Institute offers a diploma in cosmetology through its online hair-design program. The diploma can help barbers gain employment upon graduation. Since barbers and beauticians have similar skill sets, barbers who take cosmetology courses are well-qualified in their field. The Euphoria Institute prepares barber students for their careers of choice by offering niche-specific courses, such as skin care and hair design.
Euphoria Institute
euphoriainstitute.net
Southeastern Beauty Schools
Southeastern offers a certificate and basic barbering training. In basic barbering, Students can become certified and earn a state license in less than a year. Students have the option of attending campus or online classes.
Southeastern Beauty School
southeasternbeautyschools.com
Tri-State Business Institute
The Tri-State Business Institute offers an associate's degree in Barbering. The school allows students to attend campus or online courses. The campus is in Erie, Pennsylvania. In addition to the extensive barber program, the school can assist with job placement and state licensing requirements. Barber students who hope to gain a competitive edge will benefit from the associate's degree program at Tri-State Business Institute, as many barbers hold certifications only.
Tri-State Business Institute
tsbi.edu
Tags: Business Institute, Euphoria Institute, Tri-State Business, Tri-State Business Institute, associate degree
The Kansas City area is served by several local law schools.
The Kansas City metropolitan areas straddles the border between Missouri and Kansas and has a population of about two million people. Because of its unique geographical location, lawyers in Kansas City must often be licensed in both Kansas and Missouri. Though there is only one law school in Kansas City, there are three law schools in the area from which many Kansas City attorneys graduate.
University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law
The only law school in Kansas City, the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) School of Law is located on the main campus of UMKC. Harry S. Truman, the 33rd president of the United States, graduated from the school. The school has 43 faculty members and about 475 students, 25 of whom are part-time. The school was ranked as a third-tier law school by "US News and World Report" in 2009. The school claimed a July, 2009 Bar exam pass rate of 98.31% for first-time Missouri Bar takers, and 94% for first-time Kansas Bar takers.
University of Kansas School of Law
Located about a half-hour from Kansas City on the main campus of the University of Kansas in Lawrence, the University of Kansas School of Law is a public law school founded in 1983. The school has 55 faculty members an about 500 students. "US News and World Report" ranked it as a first-tier law school--the only one in the Kansas City area. Students earned a 2009 July Bar exam pass rate of 76.8% for the Kansas test and 87.8% for the Missouri exam.
Washburn University School of Law
About an hour away from Kansas City, Washburn University School of Law is located in Topeka, Kansas on the campus of Washburn University. The school has 79 faculty members and around 445 students. "US News and World Report" ranked Washburn in the third tier of ABA accredited law schools. Washburn reported a July 2009 Bar exam pass rate of 84.6% percent for the Kansas test and 85.7% for the Missouri exam.
Tags: Kansas City, exam pass, exam pass rate, faculty members, News World
Although there are programs to help consolidate federal student loans with lower interest rates, you'll need different strategies and source if you're trying to get private student loan consolidation. When you're trying to determine consolidate student loans to your financial advantage, consider your current source of funding and private student loan terms to discover what new loan or discount opportunities are best for you. Use these tips to come up with the best private student loan consolidation plan.
Instructions
1. Check your current credit score before you attempt to get private student loan consolidation lenders or terms. You can request a free credit report from one of the consumer reporting companies (Experian, TransUnion and Equifax) or through an official website such as AnnualCreditReport.com. You'll obtain your score immediately if you request the credit report online or in about two weeks if you want it by phone or mail.
2. Compare your current credit rating to the credit score you had when you originally took out the private student loans. If there's been a significant increase in your credit score (about 50 points or more), your current lenders may lower the interest rates on your loans if you indicate that you're shopping around for new private student loan consolidation rates.
3. Contact other lenders to find one that offers student loan consolidation that takes your improved credit score into account if your current lenders won't alter their rates. Or, if your credit score hasn't improved since you took out the private student loans, find a lender that will combine your loans and extend the term of your loan. This way, you'll have a single, lower monthly payment with a 25 to 30 year term.
4. Consider asking a relative to co-sign when you consolidate private student loans if your own credit score hasn't improved. By using their excellent credit rating, you can get a much lower APR on your student loan consolidation. Be sure they understand that they'll be liable if you default on the loan, however.
5. Ensure you find a lender that offers private student loan consolidation without any pre-payment penalties. This will allow you to make larger payments from time to time or pay off the entire student loan if you receive a windfall without additional fees. Although the Higher Education Act guarantees federal student loan pre-payment without penalties, this is something you need to secure under the terms of private student loans.
As college students near graduation, they have to decide whether they will start their careers after their undergraduate education or pursue an advanced degree. Some students like the idea of earning money right away, while others see the benefit in delaying their career for more education. Enrolling in a master's degree program requires commitment and focus, but graduates of such programs can enjoy a number of benefits as they begin their careers.
Higher Salary
Students who earn master's degrees should enjoy more lucrative salaries than their bachelor's degree counterparts once they begin their careers. A 2009 report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals the financial differences between employees with only undergraduate degrees and those with graduate degrees. While bachelor's degree-level employees made an average of $1,025 a week, employees with master's degrees brought in $1,257 a week. This amounts to a $12,000 difference a year. The College Board's 2010 report "Education Pays" supports this salary increase, noting that bachelor's-educated employees made a median wage of $55,700 while master's-educated employees made $67,300.
Job Stability
The same Bureau of Labor Statistics report reveals that master's-educated individuals enjoy a lower unemployment rate than those people who have earned bachelor's degrees. Because the need for graduate-educated employees is in high demand, companies often retain these valuable employees. In 2009, the unemployment rate for people with bachelor's degrees was 5.2 percent. People with master's degrees experienced an unemployment rate of 3.9 percent.
Job Potential
Many supervisory positions in a range of industries require employees to have a master's degree. Therefore, it may behoove individuals with aspirations to manage and lead a team of employees to earn a master's degree. This advanced education puts them in a better position to apply for supervisory jobs since they have acquired advanced knowledge of their field.
Career Change
A master's degree can be particularly valuable for individuals who are considering a career change. Perhaps someone with a bachelor's degree in English wants to enter corporate America; in this situation, earning a master's degree in business administration makes sense. Employers will focus on the most recent -- and highest -- degree, so graduate-level studies can prepare someone for an entirely new career.
"U.S. News and World Report" publishes a biannual list of the United States' top-rated physical therapy schools. The ranks are compiled based on expert opinions about the program quality and statistical indicators that measure the quality of a school's faculty, research and students. Physical therapy is a graduate-level program that teaches students to identify and improve a patient's quality of life and movement potential through promotion, prevention, treatment, intervention and rehabilitation.
University of Southern California
"U.S. News and Wold Report" ranks the University of Southern California's (USC) Department of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy as the top-rated physical therapy school in the United States. USC offers a master's level graduate program in the field of physical therapy. The program is more than 60 years old, and it emphasizes research, practice and clinical expertise. Professors at the school are some of the world's top clinicians and researchers in the field of physical therapy. USC was the first school to offer a Ph.D. in physical therapy, and the school was also an innovator in the concept of biokinesiology, the study of movement from a biological or health-oriented perspective to the physical therapy field.
University of Southern California
Department of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy
1540 Alcazar St., CHP 155
Los Angeles, CA 90089
323-442-2900
pt.usc.edu
University of Pittsburgh
"U.S. News and World Report" ranks the University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences' physical therapy program as the second best physical therapy program in the United States. The University of Pittsburgh offers a three-year, full-time graduate-level program leading to the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. The program emphasizes movement and educates future practitioners to help people of all ages overcome movement and mobility challenges. The curriculum focuses on science and practice emphasizing evidence-based practice. The school also works closely with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and its partner, the Centers for Rehab Services.
University of Pittsburgh
Department of Physical Therapy
4020 Forbes Tower
Pittsburgh , PA 15260
412-383-6558
shrs.pitt.edu/dpt
Washington University in St. Louis
"U.S. News and World Report" ranks the Washington University in St. Louis physical therapy program as the third best physical therapy program in the United States. The school offers a graduate level program in physical therapy sciences. The program focuses on the advancement of diagnoses related to movement dysfunction as a basis for choosing among management options. The school also emphasizes health and wellness as a means for improving the quality of life of patients.
Washington University in St. Louis
Program in Physical Therapy
4444 Forest Park Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63108
314-286-1400
physicaltherapy.wustl.edu
Tags: physical therapy program, therapy program, University Pittsburgh, physical therapy, United States