Select Mcat Prep Books

You can use MCAT prep books to supplement your core knowledge. However, there are so many books to choose from, you may need some guidance to find one that fits your learning profile.

Instructions

1. Visit your school library and check out a variety of MCAT test prep books. Perusing these books will help you get an idea of which ones might work well with your individual study methods. Go to websites like Nova's test prep center where they offer individual books on each segment of the MCAT test--biology, physics, chemistry, writing and verbal reasoning (see Resources below). This site provides good explanations of what the books contain and gives you an easy link directly to Amazon to buy.

2. Read online reviews written by others who have studied and already taken the test. They may contain excellent information about what worked and what did not. Amazon.com offers a long list of test prep books with ratings from users (see Resources below). Get input from others who have already taken the test to see if any one book was particularly helpful. Make sure that the books you select contain official practice tests and review questions that have been sanctioned by the AAMC. Books that have questions that are similar to the test do not help you effectively prepare for the MCAT.

3. Before you select a MCAT prep book, examine software and test courses to see which might offer you the best value for your money. If you are taking a prep course, the instructor may already include prep books as part of the class, so you should wait before buying more resources.

4. Compare books that cover each segment of the test versus those that provide an overview of the entire MCAT. It might be a good idea to get a book on the test segment you need the most help with, such as writing or chemistry.

5. Look for MCAT prep books that come with learning flash cards and techniques that enhance your remembering patterns and provide tips that enable you to identify how the testmakers are trying to confuse you. These tips, in conjunction with practice tests, give you a well-rounded study guide.

6. Select a book or books at least 4 months in advance of the test and start studying on your own or with a study buddy. Check the publishing date. Do not purchase a MCAT prep book that is over 5 years old. While it may help you get some idea of what it is like, the tests change quite a bit, so more current editions are the best bet.

Tags: MCAT prep, prep books, test prep, already taken, already taken test, books that

Fafsa Hints

Financial Aid applications are an important process for college students.

FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is the first step in determining Financial Aid or grant eligibility or acquiring a student loan, if needed. Traditionally, the FAFSA forms were filled out in a college or university's Financial Aid Office and the application process involved a lot of waiting. Now, FAFSA can be accessed online and the eligibility process is sometimes only a few days of waiting rather than several weeks. There are things you can do to make the application process run more smoothly and all are simple things.

Have All Your Documents Ready and Organized

The more organized you are, the faster your FAFSA process will be.

When entering the Financial Aid office, or preparing your FAFSA online, it can get very frustrating very quickly if you realize you are missing important documents or can't find what you need. You will need: your social security number, driver's license (if you have one), W-2 tax forms from last year (the ones you filed your taxes with this year), your most recent Federal Income Tax Return, your parents' most recent Federal Income Tax Return (if under age 23 and unmarried) and your most current bank statement. If not a U.S. citizen, you will need your alien registration or permanent resident I.D. as well. If married, you will also require your spouse's most recent Federal Income Tax Return or your joint return.

For optimal efficiency, have each document set in a separate folder or separate section of a binder and label each folder or section so they are easy to navigate.

Plan Ahead, You Will Do Again and Again

Keep documents organized as you receive them to prepare for the FAFSA application process.

FAFSA must be completed every year you are in college, whether undergraduate, graduate or other. Instead of rushing and stressing over the documents each year, plan ahead and begin organizing documents the moment you receive them. As soon as you file your Federal Income Tax Return, save a copy in your FAFSA folder and label it for the correct year (to distinguish it from the previous return). When you get your W-2s from work, save a copy in the FAFSA folder, also labeled. When your parents or spouse file their Federal Income Tax Returns, get a copy and save it labeled. Also, if you completed your previous FAFSA online, you will have received a PIN to access your account. If unmarried and under age 23, your parents will also have a PIN. Save these PINs to save time and frustration when you return to FAFSA online for the next application process. You can reapply for new PINs, but the process takes time.

Answer Questions Honestly and Carefully

Take time to read questions carefully and ask questions before submitting your FAFSA.

Nothing slows down a Financial Aid application like the wrong information. Take your time filling out your FAFSA and read each question carefully. If the wording includes "you" or "your" it is referring to the student; words such as "school" or "college" are used universally to mean any school, college or university after high school level. When entering numerical values for income amounts, round the number to the nearest dollar (if the change is over 50 cents, round up; if less than 50 cents, round down) and do not enter special characters (such as $) or punctuation (such as commas and decimals). Likewise, do not use dashes, slashes or other characters when entering dates.

If you do not know answer a question, consult your Financial Aid advisor (at your school) or contact FAFSA directly before submitting your FAFSA or FAFSA online. With the online application, you can always save and return to it later.

Understand FAFSA and What it Means for You

FAFSA is used for Financial Aid grants and student loans; know the difference.

FAFSA is not Financial Aid, Scholarships, Grants or Loans. FAFSA is an application process for "student aid" which can come in different forms. Financial Aid does not have to be paid back when in the form of a grant, but there are restrictions on who qualifies for these grants and household income is a big factor. If you are unmarried and under age 23, your parents' income will determine your eligibility; if married, your household income is the determining factor. Scholarships are generally applied for directly to the school or to organizations offering them.

For those students who do not qualify for Financial Aid grants, or only partial Financial Aid (meaning it won't cover all your tuition needs), you may check the "student loan option" box on your FAFSA when filling it out and your Financial Aid advisor can work with you to set up student loans (which you have to pay back) to cover your education expenses.

Tags: your FAFSA, application process, Federal Income, FAFSA online, Federal Income Return, Income Return

Know If A Number Is Divisible By Zero

Math holds many of the great mysteries in the universe. Countless people have spent their lives trying to discover these tremendously fascinating truths. How many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop? How many clowns can fit into a VW? How many teeth did the person have who invented the toothbrush? know if you can divide by zero?

Instructions

1. Set a timer for 5 minutes and count as quickly as you can until the timer signals the 5 minutes have expired. Take this number, no matter how high or low it is, and use long division to divide by zero. To do long division draw the Nike swoosh type thingy, put zero on the outside and the number that you counted to on the inside. Do your own work and write down your answer.

2. Pick a number between 1 and 20 and use the Nike swoosh long division thingy and divide that number by zero. Again, do not cheat yourself, do your own work and write down your answer.

3. Use your mouse to click on "Start" on your taskbar, select "Programs," then "Accessories" and finally "Calculator." Type in the number you used in Step 1 after counting for 5 minutes, select the division symbol and type in the number zero. If you have an Apple computer, do whatever it is people with Apple computers do to get to their calculator, unless Apples are too cool to have calculators.

4. Select the key with the "Equal" sign on the calculator with your mouse.

5. Read the answer closely...

6. Realize that for the rest of your life your sole purpose will be to hunt down the person that wrote this, especially if you actually counted for 5 minutes in Step 1, and taunted you with the possibility that you can divide by zero. We knew all along that you cannot divide any number by zero! It just is not possible!

Tags: divide zero, long division, number zero, down your, down your answer, Nike swoosh

Beauty Colleges In Nevada

Cutting hair is harder than it looks.

The Beauty Industry is always booming due to the large amount of people wanting to appear younger as well as the average citizen who wants to keep up appearances. Jobs in the beauty industry are expected to increase by 20 percent over the next few years, according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook. There are several beauty schools in Nevada for those interested in this field.

Aveda Institute Las Vegas

At the Aveda Institute in Las Vegas, a student can expect a modern approach to instruction. Valued industry leaders host speeches and train students to use the latest advances. They offer certificates in esthiology and cosmetology. The esthiology program is 600 hours and focuses on dermanalysis, facial manipulations and plant aromaology. The cosmetology course is 1,800 hours including nail care, hair care, makeup and related sciences. Aveda operates many salons and spas across the nation and is more apt to place its own students in open positions.

Aveda Institute

4856 S. Eastern Ave.

Las Vegas, NV 89119

(702) 459-2900

avedalasvegas.com

Marinello Schools of Beauty

Marinello has been training professionals since 1905. In Nevada, the company has campuses in Reno, Las Vegas and Henderson. Programs include cosmetology, barbering, hair design, spa therapy, massage therapy, nail care and esthetics. The schools also have an internationally renowned Cidesco certification program, which prepares students to perform body and facial treatments to the highest standard. Teacher-training classes also are available at Marinello. The career center can help place you in jobs as a beauty sales representative role, a stylist on a cruise line or an artist to the stars.

Marinello

5001 E. Bonanza, #110

Las Vegas, NV 89110

(702) 431-6200

marinello.com

Marinello

4451 E. Sunset Road, #16

Henderson, NV 89014

(702) 450-9988

marinello.com

Marinello

4750 Longley Lane #209

Reno, NV 89502

(775) 355-6677

marinello.com

Euphoria Institute of Beauty Arts and Sciences

The Euphoria Institute differs from most beauty schools in that it offers a course in permanent makeup and medical esthetics. There is a growing demand for estheticians to work in medical offices.

Euphoria's cosmetology program covers some business lessons to prepare students for ownership of their own salons and the knowledge of the industry as a whole. The Euphoria Institute is a Pivot Point member, which gives it access to the PPInstitute and ensures Euphoria's teachers have the most current training.

Green Valley Campus

11041 S. Eastern Ave.

Henderson, NV 89052

(702) 932-8111

euphoriainstitute-usa.com/

Vegas Campus

9340 West Sahara Ave.

Las Vegas, NV

(702) 341-8111

euphoriainstitute-usa.com/

Sunrise Manor Campus

6578 N Decatur Blvd. # 200

Las Vegas, NV

(702) 360-8111

euphoriainstitute-usa.com/

Accreditation is Important

Make sure the beauty college you choose has the proper accreditation. Accreditation ensures the colleges' quality of education and validity under the state and other licensing bodies. If your college is not correctly accredited, the program may not be recognized by the state and employers looking to hire beauty professionals. An accredited college will also be able to offer financial aid. A great way to check is through the state cosmetology licensing board. ACICS is the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. NACCAS is the National Accreditation Commission for Cosmetology Arts and Sciences.

Tags: Aveda Institute, Euphoria Institute, Arts Sciences, Aveda Institute Vegas, beauty schools, Institute Vegas

Keep One'S Mind Sharp

With fears of Alzheimer's and dementia, most people have wondered at least once or twice what can be done to keep the mind sharp. Luckily, not everything must be left up to genetics, nature and pure luck. There are a few things that you can do every day to exercise your mind and keep it sharp.

Instructions

1. Maintain a healthy body through regular exercise and good sleep for proper brain function; however, a healthy diet may be the most important thing. Your brain requires a balanced diet which includes protein, healthy fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. Eat as many fresh fruits and vegetables as possible and eat plenty of fish to ensure your brain gets the nutrients it needs.

2. Turn off the television and pick up a book. While the television stimulates the brain to some extent, it rarely forces us to really think. A book on the other hand requires large portions of the brain, to read, comprehend and analyze. While any old book will help to keep your mind sharp, materials which forces you to learn and think about new things are the best.

3. Exercise your mind with puzzles, riddles, memorization and playing games. Just as you must exercise to keep your body strong, you must exercise the mind, and these sorts of activities activate the mind, giving it a workout.

4. Take supplements of omega 3 fatty acids, which have been shown in scientific tests to improve brain function. Omega 3 can improve your study skills, increase concentration and keep your mind sharp. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations for dosage information.

Tags: your mind, keep your, mind sharp, brain function, keep your mind, must exercise, your mind sharp

Evaluate College Degrees

Students should consider what type of lifestyle a college degree will prepare them for.

The overall reason most students complete a college degree is to secure future employment opportunities. Interestingly, in seeking a college, many students consider the demographics, setting and college type; however, it is important to keep in mind what type of lifestyle the college degree will prepare you for after graduating. Students should not overlook details about what can be achieved with the degree they are pursuing.

Entering the Work Force

A top criterion for evaluating a degree is the type of career it will prepare you for. It can be discouraging to complete your degree program only to realize that a higher level of education is required to pursue the career you had in mind. You should be aware of the types of jobs that will be readily available to you as you enter the work force.

Career Outlook

Know how successful prior graduates have been in securing a job in the field. Students should take into consideration whether the field their degree prepares them for is projected to have more jobs available over the next several years. Completing a degree in a field that is demanding more of a work force improves the likelihood of using your degree in the field you are interested in.

Cost of College

Compare the cost of the colleges. Decide what is affordable education for your means. Review colleges that fit your financial needs and educational goals. Many students take out loans to complete a degree program, and it is important to keep in mind that all loan money must be repaid. Make balanced, realistic choices about what you can afford for college.

Career Placement

Understand how involved your college or university is in the career placement process. Some career offices boast of placement but offer little more than resume assistance. Ask questions about how many students find placement through the career placement office and what organizations they work with to employ graduates.

Tags: college degree, Students should, will prepare, about what, career placement

Donate Law School Books

If you have finished law school and passed the bar exam, you might be ready to get rid of all those law school books you were keeping. Because law school books are updated regularly, there is a good chance that your books are outdated, which prevents you from being able to sell them. Instead of selling the law school books, you can donate them. Typically, there are local places that accept law school textbook donations, as well as a national organization.

Instructions

1. Separate your law school books into two piles. Make one pile all paperbacks and one pile all hardbacks because some places, such as prisons, only accept paperback book donations.

2. Contact any prisons in your area to see if they have a need for law school books. If so, ask how they accept the books. You will either need to drop them off or mail them to the prison.

3. Check with your law school, or other local law schools, to see if they accept law school book donations. Some, like the Columbia Law School Public Interest Foundation, accept donations of both textbooks and study guides.

4. Drop off or mail your law school books to Books for Africa. It is a charity that sends law books to Africa. As of May 2010, it only takes law school books with a 1995 or newer publish date.

5. Take your law school books to a local donation center, such as Goodwill, that accepts all different kinds of items.

Tags: school books, your school, your school books, accept school, book donations, school books, they accept

Online Colleges That Accept Fafsa

Some online colleges accept FAFSA.

Many people prefer pursuing an online education because of the flexibility and freedom it provides. Everything you need is on your computer, including support from instructors and classmates. Online colleges can be expensive; however, there are funding options, including filling out the FAFSA. The following accredited online colleges accept the FAFSA.

Everest College

Everest college has campuses located throughout the country, as well as an online college. They offer associate, bachelor's and a few master's degree programs. Students can choose between programs in accounting, business, computer information science, homeland security, medical insurance billing and coding and paralegal studies.

Most of the school's programs take approximately nine months to complete, and they even help students find jobs after graduation. They also have financial aid services available, and will provide assistance with the FAFSA. Everest College has received accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association.

Everest College Online

8160 South Hardy Drive, Suite 102

Tempe, AZ 85284

888-321-0021

everest.edu

Ashford University

At Ashford University, students can earn a bachelor's or master's degree. The university offers programs in business, early childhood education, human resources management, public administration and health care administration. You can transfer up to 99 credits towards your bachelor's degree. Depending on the number of credits you transfer, you may be able to finish your degree in as little as 12 months.

According to the Ashford University website, they have one of the most affordable online programs available. Bachelor's courses are $372 per credit, while master's courses are $486 per credit. Financial aid is also available to students, and in order to qualify for financial aid, students must fill out the FAFSA.

Ashford University

400 North Bluff Boulevard

Clinton, Iowa 52732

866-711-1700

ashford.edu

Cerritos College

Cerritos College offers an online distance education program, and students have the option to take courses in accounting, business administration, journalism, law, medical assisting, reading and Spanish. There are also certificate, degree and transfer programs in business education, liberal arts, health and science. Coursework involves the use of emails, discussion boards and an online library.

Students can apply for financial aid through the FAFSA website or at the college's financial aid office. They can also answer any questions regarding the financial aid process.

Cerritos College

11110 Alondra Boulevard

Norwalk, CA 90650

562-860-2451

cms.cerritos.edu

Tags: Ashford University, Cerritos College, accounting business, bachelor master, bachelor master degree

Radiology Programs In Michigan

Michigan colleges and universities offer several radiology programs.

The College Board reports that nine colleges and universities in Michigan offer at least an associate’s degree in one of the fields related to radiology. Students interested in a degree in one of these fields have the choice of mid-size and large schools from different parts of the state.

Wayne State University

Detroit’s Wayne State University offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) in both radiologic technology and radiation therapy technology, as well as a Master of Science (MS) in radiologist assistant. The radiologic technology program suits the needs of those who want to provide medical images to assist in diagnosis. Those who wish to administer radiation for treatment of illnesses such as cancer should select the radiation therapy technology program. The MS program offers advanced education for those who work in diagnostic imaging. The College Board considers Wayne State a large university, with a Fall 2009 enrollment of 20,765 undergraduates and 11,021 graduate students.

Wayne State University

656 West Kirby Street

Detroit, MI 48202

313-577-2424

wayne.edu

University of Michigan-Flint

The University of Michigan Flint’s BS program in radiation therapy includes clinical rotations at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor, as well as local hospitals. According to the College Board, the Fall 2009 enrollment included 6,581 undergraduates and 1,192 graduate students. The Fall 2009 total annual cost of attendance for students living on campus, according to the College Board, amounted to $19,681 for in-state students and $27,195 for out-of-state students. At that time, financial aid packages totaled $10,481 on average, meeting an average 78 percent of student need.

University of Michigan Flint

303 East Kearsley Street

Flint, MI 48502-1950

810-762-3000

umflint.edu

Northern Michigan University

A student at Northern Michigan University may earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in the field of radiography, which will serve as preparation for an entry-level position in diagnostic imaging. The College Board reports that Northern Michigan enrolled 9,258 students in Fall 2009, of whom 8,578 were undergraduates. The Fall 2009 total cost of attendance reported by the College Board for on-campus students came to $17,480 for in-state students and $21,854 for out-of-state students. The university website states that, as of 2010, tuition and fees include the cost of a ThinkPad or iBook notebook computer issued to each full-time student. The average financial aid package of $7,596 in Fall 2009 met an average 60 percent of student need, according to the College Board.

Northern Michigan University

1401 Presque Isle Avenue

Marquette, MI 49855

906-227-1000

nmu.edu

Tags: College Board, Fall 2009, Northern Michigan, Wayne State, Michigan University, Northern Michigan University

Grants & Scholarships For Graduate Nursing Degrees

Scholarships and grants are available for graduate degrees in nursing from a variety of sources.

There are many scholarships and grants awarded each year for undergraduate nursing degrees. Graduate nursing scholarships and grants are harder to find since some graduate degree seekers are looking to specialize in a certain field. However, there are opportunities for students seeking specializations in certain fields for scholarships and grants. The scholarships or grants offered by specialty organizations may require membership to qualify for their scholarship or grant. Organizations may also offer scholarships and grants exclusively for members.

Nurses Educational Funds, Inc.

The Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. offers scholarships to nursing students who are enrolled either part time or full time in a master's or doctoral degree program. Requirements for the master's scholarship include studies in a Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission accredited nursing program. Students must maintain a grade-point average of 3.6 and must have completed at least 12 credits of the program. The doctoral scholarship requirements include enrollment into a doctoral program for nursing or nursing-related field and maintain a grade-point average of 3.6. Students must have completed at least 12 credits of the doctoral program to apply. The NEF scholarship application is online and is only accepted as an online submission.

March of Dimes: Scholarships and Grants

March of Dimes awards graduate nursing scholarships to students who are currently registered nurses and are seeking a maternal-child master's or doctoral degree. You must belong to one of the following organizations to be considered for the scholarship: The Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses, American College of Nurse-Midwives or the National Association of Neonatal Nurses. You also must have at least one semester to complete after the scholarship is awarded in May. The March of Dimes grants are considered for applicants who are nominated by faculty of a university or not-for-profit organization, such as a hospital or research organization.

Oncology Nursing Society Foundation

The Oncology Nursing Society Foundation is dedicated to the oncology (cancer) nursing specialty. It offers academic scholarships in bachelor's, master's and nurse practitioner graduate and doctoral degree programs. The OONC education scholarship applications are available after June of each year. Applications can be requested in writing or by telephone.

Building Academic Geriatric Nursing Capacity

The American Academy of Nursing and the John Hartford Foundation of New York City offer a pre-doctoral two-year scholarship for applicants seeking advancement in the field of geriatrics. You must hold a degree in nursing and be a registered nurse. You also must be enrolled as a full-time student seeking a doctor of philosophy or a doctor of nursing science degree and show a long-term commitment to geriatric studies and research.

Tags: scholarships grants, doctoral degree, March Dimes, must have, also must

Types Of Loans For College

With college costs rising at about 6 percent per year, the number of people who can pay the full amount of college tuition up front is decreasing. Scholarships can help lighten the financial load, but most students need to take out loans to finance their education. Loans can either come from private lenders or government sources. For loans from the federal government, students must complete the Free Application For Student Aid, or FAFSA.

Stafford Subsidized Loans

Students who are deemed to have great need based on the FAFSA are offered subsidized loans from the federal government. The government pays the interest that accrues while the student is in school at least half time. As of the 2008-2009 academic year, these loans were limited to $3,500 for the first year, $4,500 for the second year and $5,500 for the last two years.

Unsubsidized Stafford Loans

Unsubsidized Stafford loans are close to the subsidized loans except in terms of interest accrual and limits. Unlike subsidized loans, students are responsible for paying the interest that builds up during their time in college. They can either chose to make interest-only payments on loans during their time in college or they can allow the interest to accumulate, which increases their loan size when they finish college. As of 2008-2009, the total amount of Stafford loans, both subsidized and unsubsidized, is limited to $5,500 during the first year, $6,500 for during second year, and $7,500 during the last two years.

Repayment Options

Repayment for Stafford loans must begin no more than six months after the student either graduates or is no longer attending college at least half time. The standard repayment plan is equal payments over 10 years. A student can request an extended plan, which increases the total repayment time to between 12 and 30 years. A graduated plan starts with smaller payments but increases the payment amounts over time.

PLUS Parent Loans

The federal government makes PLUS loans to parents to help defray the cost of their child's education. These loans have higher interest rates than Stafford loans, and they can be repaid over a period of 10 to 25 years. The amount of these loans is limited to the difference between the estimated cost of attendance and other financial aid the student has received, including Stafford loans.

Private Company Loans

Private lenders are more strict in their borrowing requirements and look at a person's creditworthiness before issuing a loan. Often, having a co-signer such as a parent or relative may decrease the interest rate of the loan. The amount of the loan and repayment schedules are determined by the company.

Tags: Stafford loans, federal government, subsidized loans, during their, during their time, first year, from federal

Top Fashion Design Schools In America

Top Fashion Schools Breed Runway Success

The world's top fashion designers hail from all over the globe, with endlessly varied backgrounds and training, some who apprenticed with the best in the industry, and others who were self-taught. Talent can spring from anywhere, but as any successful designer will tell you, success is often just as much about your level of exposure and industry contacts as your portfolio. The U.S. is home to several fashion schools known for breeding excellence through training, as well as fostering a strong alumni network to facilitate their graduates' success on the runway.

Parsons The New School for Design

Parsons The New School has been providing an unparalleled design education since 1896, when it was known as the Chase School. While the Greenwich Village institution has gained popularity in recent years as a home base for the show "Project Runway" and for its former chair of fashion design, Tim Gunn, Parsons has been turning out industry revolutionaries for years. Isaac Mizrahi, Anna Sui, Joel Schumacher and Marc Jacobs are among the distinguished alumni.

The David M. Schwartz Fashion Education Center, equipped with top of the line technology suites, is purposefully located right in New York City's garment district. Students are not only afforded the opportunity to work with the best tenured and adjunct fashion professors in the country, but well-known professional designers are brought in as guest lecturers and judges for the school's famous Fusion Fashion Show.

Parsons The New School for Design

66 Fifth Ave.

New York, NY 10011

(212) 229-8900

parsons.edu

Fashion Institute of Techology (FIT)

Also located in New York City is the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), a state-run school that offers undergraduate and graduate programs in the Chelsea district of Manhattan. Though the tuition is commensurate with that of other state schools, FIT has a rigorous applicant screening process and there is heavy competition for entrance into one of the 17 degree programs.

FIT prides itself on top-notch career services, providing graduates and upcoming graduates with industry internships and job placement. A highly attended fashion show is held each spring for those about to receive degrees, leading to many paid positions post-graduation. Alumni include Michael Kors, Nina Garcia and Carolina Herrera, as well as a number of "Project Runway" contestants like Chloe Dahl and Daniel Vosovic.

Fashion Institute of Technology

227 W. 27th St.

New York, NY 10001-5992

(212) 217-7999

fitnyc.edu

Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM)

FIDM is a West Coast addition to the list, with campuses in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego and Orange County. The curriculum is based on keeping up with the ever-changing trends of the fashion industry, as well as giving students a foundation in the history of the craft. FIDM provides students with access to the most current technology and professors with real-world fashion experience, as well as post-graduate connections in the professional world.

Also home to the Los Angeles season of "Project Runway," alumni include Pamela Skaist-Levy (co-founder of Juicy Couture), Nick Verreos and Leanne Marshall. Though founded in 1969, FIDM has recently come into the spotlight as a number of graduates have gained prominence on the runway.

Los Angeles Campus

919 S. Grand Ave.

Los Angeles, CA 90015-1421

(800) 624-1200

Orange County Campus

17590 Gillette Ave.

Irvine, CA 92614-5610

(949) 851-6200

San Francisco Campus

55 Stockton St.

San Francisco, CA 94108-5829

(415) 675-5200

San Diego Campus

350 10th Ave., 3rd Floor

San Diego, CA 92101

(619) 235-2049

fidm.edu

Tags: Fashion Institute, Parsons School, Project Runway, Fashion Institute Technology, Institute Technology, Orange County, Parsons School Design

Preschool Lesson Plan Format

Preschool lesson plans guide the educational component of any preschool program. Lesson plans with specific details increase the effectiveness of teaching in preschool classrooms. A well-written lesson plan is reusable and adaptable for different groups of students and classrooms. A preschool lesson plan should be written so any preschool teacher could pick it up and teach the lesson.

Title

A clear, yet descriptive title is the first component to a preschool lesson plan. It is the first section to read, so be specific and accurate without being too lengthy.

Topic

The topic or subject addressed should be located near the top of the lesson plan. The appropriate age level for the lesson is also a component of the preschool lesson plan.

Objectives

This part of the preschool lesson plan specifically describes the skills addressed by the activity. It should outline the skills or information the students will learn during the lesson.

Activity

Describe the activity that will teach the students the outlined skills and information. Include specific steps for the activity.

Materials

List all of the materials needed to complete the activity. This list will ensure that all materials are ready at the time of teaching. Additional resources should also be listed for future reference.

Assessment

The final section of a preschool lesson plan should outline the assessment after the activity. This assessment will ensure that students learned the set objectives or skills.

Tags: preschool lesson plan, lesson plan, component preschool, lesson plan, preschool lesson, activity This, component preschool lesson

Write With Japanese Characters

You can learn to write with Japanese characters.

For Westerners, Japanese writing looks difficult. Once you understand the system, however, it can become relatively easy to write with Japanese characters. Japanese consists of two phonetic alphabets (hiragana and katakana), as well as Chinese characters (kanji). Writing with Japanese characters can take time and patience. You may have to write each kanji several times before you get it right. But once you understand the rules of writing Japanese, you'll be able to write anything you want to say.

Instructions

1. Learn to write the two Japanese alphabets. There are 45 basic letters for each of these alphabets, though you can add small parts to create a new sound. For example, with the addition of a small circle in the upper right corner, the character "ha" becomes "pa." Write each letter a few times, then combine letters to form words.

2. Practice writing the kanji. There are thousands of kanji that you need to learn to write Japanese fluently. You can learn them with flash cards that show the stroke order, through a textbook or through a website.

3. Use kanji to stand in for nouns, verbs and adjectives. In most cases, you'll use a kanji for these things in your sentence. If you are just beginning and do not know a particular kanji, you can substitute hiragana and a Japanese person will be able to understand your meaning.

4. Write foreign loan words as katakana. For example, you would write "esukaretaa" (escalator) in katakana.

5. Add particles in hiragana. Particles are small Japanese words that connect or modify nouns and adjectives in Japanese, similar to English prepositions. Write these in hiragana. For example, if you were writing "eki ni" ("to the station"), you would write "eki" as a kanji and "ni" in hiragana.

6. Conjugate verbs with hiragana. Immediately after a kanji that represents a verb, you'll want to conjugate it with the appropriate hiragana. For example, if you were writing in the present tense, you would write "masu" as hiragana.

Tags: Japanese characters, would write, example were, example were writing, hiragana example, hiragana example were, kanji that

Join A Sorority Or Fraternity

Joining a sorority or fraternity is a great way to get to know people with common interests, form a support structure for academics, and get involved with campus activities, leadership opportunities and community service.

Instructions

1. Sign up for rush. This is the time when sororities and fraternities invite potential members to come look at their houses. Women usually have to visit every house before they choose, while men can usually select the houses they want to visit beforehand.

2. Visit all the houses. Talk with some of the members at each one and see what they have to say about their house and the people who live in it.

3. Ask what kinds of activities the house participates in. Do they do community service or have formals, social events and other activities? Are you interested in the activities they provide?

4. Find out what it's like to live in the house.

5. Determine which houses have people who share your interests - people you'd like to get to know better.

6. Mark your choices on a ballot when it's time to choose. This will be provided by the houses and will tell you list your favorites.

7. Submit your choices to the rush board. The board will notify you if one of the houses you selected would like you to join.

8. Go to the house that selects you to get information about what tasks and chores, if any, you must perform for that house in order to actually join.

Tags: community service, your choices

Invest In Rice

Investing in rice involves speculation and extreme financial risks.

If you want to invest in rice, you will need to invest in the commodities market. The price of a commodity such as rice tends to fluctuate widely, sometimes without warning. Climate conditions such as drought or severe storms can affect the production of rice on a massive scale, causing prices to go up one day, while the next day someone demonstrates a solution to make up for the lost product, bringing the prices right back in line. In the commodities market, you can lose your investment overnight. Those prepared to take the risk in an investment such as rice will need to contact a broker or sign up with an online futures trading platform to begin investment.

Instructions

1. Find a commodities broker to invest in rice. Search for "Futures Broker" or "Commodities Broker" online. Market timing is critical when buying and selling commodities, and your best bet is to use a broker who is well-established. Interview several brokers until you find one you feel can provide you the best advice about investing in rice.

2. Investigate your broker. Check your broker's background with the U.S. Commodity Funds Trading Commission to make sure your broker has no pending or current trading restrictions because of administrative proceedings.

3. Open a brokerage account with the broker. Typically, in order to open an account, you will need between $5,000 and $25,000 to invest, depending on the broker's minimum.

4. Choose your method for purchasing rice contacts. You will have two primary methods of purchasing rice contracts, either through "futures" or through "options." Both have risks and potential advantages. You will want to discuss these in detail with your broker and visit the education section of the U.S. Commodities Futures Trading Commission website to make sure you understand the differences.

5. Plan your strategy for buying and selling rice contracts. Trading in both options and futures involves complexity. Prices fluctuate based on diverse market conditions. Rice tends to have seasonal price fluctuations as well, according to the harvest and planting seasons. Make sure you discuss with your broker current market conditions affecting the price of rice and how a change in conditions may impact those prices.

6. Place your purchase for rice contracts by directing you broker. Sign all disclosure statements that specifically list all associated fees with the trade and details all risks involved with the trade. The U.S. Commodities Futures Trading Commission provides an extensive list of all disclosures you must sign before executing a trade. Read those before executing a trade.

Tags: your broker, rice contracts, Trading Commission, will need, before executing, before executing trade

Decide On A Doctoral Degree

Getting an advanced degree is a proud moment

Doctoral degrees are the highest level of academic performance granted by universities. Randall S. Hansen in the article "Considering Graduate School? Answer These Five Questions Before You Decide" says "deciding to seek one or more graduate degrees is a major commitment of time and money; a decision not to take lightly." Despite the major financial and time cost, data from the U.S. Bureau of Statistics indicates that doctoral degrees pay off in terms of lifetime earnings. It is crucial to do thorough research before making any commitment towards a doctoral program.

Instructions

Background on Doctorates

1. Compile a list of the different types of doctorates available. Most people are aware of PhD and MD degrees, but these are other doctoral degrees: Ed.D (Doctor of Education), JD (Doctor of Jurisprudence), DD (Doctor of Divinity) , DDS (Doctor of Dental Science) and DPH (Doctor of Public Health)

2. Compare the estimated completion time for different degrees. Examples include: PHD: four to five years; EdD: three to five years; M.D.: four to 10 years after a Bachelor's; DD: five to seven years after a Bachelor's. These are only estimates, as program structures and delivery methods vary.

3. Calculate costs for different programs. Tuition is one factor, but geographic location, living costs, completion time and financial support all affect the bottom line. The cost for a PhD is approximately $50,000 to $100,000 (not counting lost earnings while in the program).

4. Classify programs according to delivery methods. Many programs are moving to online delivery (at least in part). Programs requiring full-time study on campus are expensive, but online programs allow full or part-time work while studying.

Personal Data

5. Outline your career goals in writing. This process helps to clarify goals and to create a personal commitment towards them.

6. Make a list of what is required to reach each goal. This can help identify attainable goals.

7. Determine if a doctorate will help you achieve your goals. Sometimes a doctorate is essential but it may be just beneficial, or even superfluous.

8. Do a cost-benefit analysis where you compare costs to complete the doctorate versus expected returns.

Decisions on Programs

9. Determine the type of doctorate you want.

10. Identify critical factors to consider. These may relate to geographic location, cost, length of program, delivery method, and financial support available.

11. Make a list of institutions which offer the doctoral program you want.

12. Eliminate programs which do not match up with your critical factors.

13. Prioritize the remaining list of programs. You will make applications based on this prioritized list.

Tags: after Bachelor, commitment towards, completion time, critical factors, delivery methods, doctoral degrees

Which States Accept Distance Learning Law Degrees

Students are now pursuing more law degrees online.

With the birth of the Internet, you now have the opportunity to pursue your degree online from the comfort of your own home. Distance learning law degrees, in which students obtain a JD, the professional graduate degree generally required to practice law in the United States, are becoming more common. With the restrictions of the American Bar Association, however, distance learning programs are a feasible avenue to becoming a lawyer only if you want to practice in California.

American Bar Association Restrictions

Currently, the American Bar Association (ABA) does not accept the accreditation of any institution that provides a JD degree through distance learning. (See Reference 1.) Since 49 states require that graduates earn a degree approved by the ABA in order to take the Bar exam required to practice law, graduates of distance learning law programs cannot practice in those states. (See Reference 2.)

Practicing Law in California

California is the only state that allows graduates from distance learning law programs to take the Bar exam. In order to do this, however, students must have completed their pre-legal education and have graduated from a distance learning program that requires at least 864 hours of preparation and study per year. The distance learning program must also be registered with the California Bar Committee. (See Reference 3.)

Alternative Options

Students or graduates with distance learning law degrees can still attempt to practice law in other states by first practicing in California. After practicing for a few years, it may then be possible to transfer to another state. Alternatively, some who receive JD degrees do not wish to become lawyers. If this is the case, the law degrees of these graduates would depend not on the state, but on the degree acceptance requirements of the university or employer. Graduates from online JD programs can then work in the legal field, or even in arenas as diverse as healthcare administration or business management. (See Reference 2.)

Accepted Distance Learning Programs

Currently, the California Bar Association accepts distance learning law degrees from only five schools: Abraham Lincoln University School of Law, California School of Law, American Heritage University, Concord Law School of Kaplan University, and California Midland School of Law. (See Reference 4.)

Tags: distance learning, American Association, learning degrees, distance learning program, distance learning programs, from distance, from distance learning

Fill Out An Outstanding Application

An application can be critical to your success.

Whether you are applying for a job, scholarship, college admission or fellowship, an application is the first step in the process. Because your application is the first impression you will make on the reviewer, the document is critically important in determining the success of your efforts.

Instructions

1. Study the application as well as any supplemental material provided. Make sure that you comply with all requirements. Missing or incomplete documentation can automatically disqualify your application. If you are unsure about any aspect of the application, ask the organization to which you are applying. Requesting clarification shows initiative and can actually be a good way to introduce yourself.

2. Fill out your application neatly, cleanly and precisely. If the application must be filled out by hand, make sure to have an extra copy on hand, in case you make a mistake. If the application is submitted by computer, type your application responses into word processing software and run a spell-check before transferring them to your application.

3. Give yourself more time than you think you need to fill out and submit your application. Allow ample time for postal delays, misplaced paperwork and other errors.

4. Construct your application from the perspective of your reviewers. Many people make the mistake of using their application to explain why they need to be a part of the organization. Instead, put yourself in the place of the application committee. Consider what need the organization is trying to fill and and use your application to answer that need.

Tags: your application, application first, make mistake

Texas Grant Requirements

Ready for the next step

The Texas grant is a form of financial aid for high school students and students that hold an associate degree that can be used toward tuition and fees for their public college of choice. The grant applies to the pursuit of a bachelor's degree at a four-year college or university, but allows for five years to obtain the degree. If the institution has a five-year program then the grant allows for six years to complete the program. Whether the program is four or five years there is a maximum of 150 credits allowed for the grant. Currently, per college year, students at a public four-year college or university could receive up to $6,080, community college students could receive $1,780 and technical college students have a potential grant amount of $2,680.

Residency

You must be a Texas resident. A Texas resident is a person that has lived in Texas for at least one year and has established a place of residence such as an apartment or house. For residency it doesn't make a difference if the individual rents, leases or owns his place of residence.

Selective Service

Register for selective service, if applicable. Men age 18 to 25 must register for selective service within 30 days of their 18th birthday. Failure to register disqualifies students from receiving financial aid from the state or federal government.

Determine Expected Family Contribution

Expected Family Contribution (EFC) must be below or equal to $4,000. Financial need is determined by subtracting the EFC from the institution's cost of attendance.

Academics

Graduate from an accredited Texas high school under either the Recommended High School or Distinguished Achievement Programs, or earn an associate degree from a public community, technical or state college in Texas.

Calculate Current Credits

High school students can hold no more than 30 semester credit hours. This does not include hours earned through credit by examination courses.

Enroll in College

Enroll in a college or university in Texas within 16 months after graduation from a public, non-profit high school or no later than 12 months after receiving an associate degree. The applicant must have earned her associate degree during or after May 2001.

Complete FAFSA

The application for the Texas grant is filed with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The deadline for the FAFSA is June 30, but you may submit the application as soon after January 1 as you can. The college or university determines the eligibility of the student.

Verify Legal Standing

The applicant can't have any convictions connected to a controlled substance. This would include felonies or any other crimes related to a controlled substance.

Tags: associate degree, college university, college students, controlled substance, could receive, Expected Family

Get Free Cdl Training

Free CDL training might sound too good to be true, considering that truck driving schools can cost upwards of $8,000 in tuition- a hefty chunk of change to get your license. However, with the right research and a cautious eye for the fine print of contracts, it is possible to find free CDL training. Here's how.

Instructions

1. Search for a trucking school that will give you free CDL training in exchange for your working for them upon program completion. There are many schools that host free CDL training; the first step is locating one that works for you.

2. Ask to read the free CDL training contract. Look for clauses that indicate how long you must work for them, and whether or not there are any penalties for leaving early, or in the event that you fail the CDL test.

3. Complete the free truck driving training.

4. Carry out the contracted length of employment agreed upon in exchange for the free CDL training. Keep in mind that many new truck drivers have trouble finding a new job; guaranteed, contracted employment is not always a bad thing.

5. Find other loopholes that make trucking school free. A few of many of these opportunities are truck driving grants, veteran status, or sponsorship from a trucking company.

Tags: free training, truck driving, trucking school

Donate A Body To Science In Michigan

When cadavers are no longer useful teaching tools, they are cremated.

Living persons may choose to donate their own bodies to science, and next-of-kin may choose, after a person's death, to donate family member's body to medical research. The 1978 Public Acts of Michigan state that any person of sound mind and body may choose to donate their body to a medical institution. The University of Michigan, Michigan State University and Wayne State University each have programs dedicated to medical research with cadavers. These programs rely on anatomical donations because federal law prohibits the purchase of human remains.

Instructions

Self Donation

1. Contact the university of your choice to inform them of your decision to donate a body (telephone numbers are listed below).

2. Complete the required forms to request body donation. Required forms may include a release authorizing access to your complete medical records.

3. Inform next-of-kin and the executor of your will that you will be donating your body to an educational institution.

4. Provide your attorney, your next-of-kin and your doctor with copies of your consent forms to ensure your final wishes are respected.

Next-of-kin Donation

5. Contact the university of your choice as soon as possible after your family member's death (telephone numbers are listed below).

6. Provide the university with proof that you have the legal right to donate your family member's body. The state of Michigan allows next-of-kin to donate a body.

7. Complete the required donation forms.

8. Meet the university representative as soon as possible to increase the chances that they will accept your gift.

Tags: family member, body medical, choose donate, choose donate their, Complete required, Contact university

Admission Requirements For Law School In Ghana

Admission Requirements for Law School in Ghana

As with degree programs throughout the world, the admission requirements for law schools in Ghana vary by school and degree--LL.B. (bachelor of laws) or LL.M. (master of laws). Depending on the candidate's experience and credentials and the length and intensity of the program, applicants may prefer one program over another. However, they have many requirements in common.

University of Ghana

The University of Ghana Faculty of Law offers three degrees-one LL.B. and two LL.M.

Admission into the LL.B. requires a first degree in any field from a university accredited by the National Accreditation Board. Qualified applicants are also required to participate in an examination and an interview.

Admission into the LL.M. programs requires a first degree in law from an accredited university. Applicants into the LL.M. M. Phil Programme in Human Rights and Humanitarian Law must be first admitted into the LL.M. program and then apply for the M. Phil. Admission depends on the student's performance and a recommendation from the Faculty Board.

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

The Faculty of Law at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology offers a three- or four-year LL.B. degree and has three admission categories.

Category 1: Candidates for the four-year full-time LL.B. program must pass the West African Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination in English, math and integrated sciences and three elective subjects with an aggregate score over 20. Or they must have an Advanced Level General Certificate of Education in at least five "O"-level subjects, including English and math, and an additional three "A"-level or equivalent subjects in arts and sciences. Or they must be be over 25 years old with at least five credits in "O"-level subjects including English and math.

Category 2: Candidates for the three-year LL.B. program must have a first degree in a subject other than law.

Category 3: Candidates for the four-year part-time LL.B. must have a first degree in a subject other than law.

Candidates for Categories 2 and 3 must also participate in an interview and a competitive examination.

Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration

The Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration offers only a three-year LL.B. program.

Admission to the program requires a first degree in any subject plus two years of work experience. Chosen applicants are also required to pass an entrance examination and submit to an interview.

Tags: first degree, Category Candidates, degree subject, English math, first degree subject

Improve Your Verbal Mcat Scores

People who want to be doctors must first take the MCAT.

Prospective medical school students must first pass the Medical College Admission Test. Scoring high on the MCAT is vital since admission to medical school is competitive. The verbal reasoning portion of the MCAT lasts for 60 minutes. It consists of several 500- to 600-word-long reading passages, which test takers must read and analyze. Up to 10 multiple choice questions accompany each reading passage. The questions ask test takers to decipher the author's opinion or analyze his argument.

Instructions

1. Take a practice verbal reasoning test. The Association of American Medical Colleges, which administers the MCAT, offers an online practice test. See how long it takes you to complete the test and identify any other barriers to success.

2. Analyze newspaper editorials or opinion pieces published in magazines to dissect arguments. Identify the author's purpose and look at how she structured her argument.

3. Find a study partner. You can both read the same articles, dissect the arguments and then compare notes.

4. Read materials covering a wide variety of subject matter. Read news stories you might typically skip, magazines that ordinarily escape your attention and books you would never think to read. Reading things outside of your usual interest area can sharpen your reading skills, expand your vocabulary and widen your base of knowledge.

5. Experiment on the practice test with different methods of answering the questions. Find what works best for you. Options include reading the passage and then answering the questions, skimming the passage before a more comprehensive read, or reading the questions before the passage.

Tags: answering questions, dissect arguments, medical school, must first, practice test, reading passage

Improve Your Gre Verbal Score

Improving your GRE score is relatively easy

The Graduate Record Examination, or GRE, is a test taken by many college graduates applying to graduate school programs. The test is standardized, featuring a series of multiple choice questions, and is broken into two main sections: quantitative and verbal. The quantitative section measures the student's abilities in math, while the verbal section tests her in reading comprehension and vocabulary. The verbal section is further broken down into four main types of questions--sentence completion, analogies, antonyms and reading comprehension. There are a number of methods that students can use to improve their score of this portion of the test.

Instructions

1. Learn the questions. Before attempting even basic strategies, students should first become familiar with the types of questions featured on the test, including their format, rules and commonly posed questions. For example, on the reading comprehension section, students are required to read a long passage and then answer questions about its contents, including the author's argument, tone and style of writing.

Thoroughly understanding the rules of each question before taking the actual test will save students valuable time. The best method to familiarize yourself with the rules is to review old practice tests, available from ETS, administerer of the GRE (see Resources).

2. Make vocabulary flashcards. Both the analogy and the sentence completion sections hinge on the student's understanding of vocabulary. The only way to improve your vocabulary quickly is to study a list of words you are unfamiliar with, along with their definitions. Vocabulary flashcards are a good way to do this. Using a list of vocabulary words that commonly appear on the GRE (see Resources), assemble a set of index cards, writing the word on one side and its definition on the other. Use these for practice drills.

3. After you understand the meanings of the words, learn how they relate to each other. While understanding the definition of vocabulary words should help you succeed on the antonym and sentence completion portions of the test, the questions involving analogies require you to understand a word's relationship to other words.

To answer the question correctly, students must be able to identify what type of relationship the first pair of words in the question has--Are they synonyms? Antonyms? A synecdoche?--and to see how that relationship is repeated in the other pairs of words listed in the answers. Using practice tests, student should draw up a list of the kinds of relationships that words in analogy questions commonly fall into.

Tags: reading comprehension, practice tests, sentence completion, verbal section, vocabulary words

Appeal A Financial Aid Decision

Receiving an official notification that your financial aid award has been reduced or denied can be shocking. Since completion of your academic goals may hinge on the amount of financial aid you receive, it is important to take these notices seriously. Whether the decision was made due to academic troubles, filing inaccuracies or residency issues, it is important to respond with and appeal to the decision in a calculated, efficient manner for the best chance at a decision reversal.

Instructions

1. Read over your institution's established appeals process to determine your best course of action. Act well before applicable deadlines to avoid automatic denials. Some institutions have strict policies on contact methods and filing procedures. Waiting until the last-minute could cost you the amount of financial aid necessary for you to remain enrolled in upcoming semesters.

2. Determine the reason for your financial aid appeal. Simply "needing more money" won't be deemed a worthy argument by the financial aid advisory board. Most institutions view "extenuating circumstances" as worthy appeals, and are willing to reverse unfavorable decisions due to these matters. Issues such as job loss, medical bills, and other emergency situations are often cited as viable appeals arguments.

3. Gather supporting documentation for your appeal. Although any reason can be listed as the primary reason for your appeal, the advisory board may request to view official personal or financial documentation. For example, if your financial aid appeal is based on a recent job loss, applicable bank statements and pay stubs. Adding applicable documentation helps lend credibility to your argument and shows that you are organized.

4. Make initial contact with the financial advisory board. The usual requested methods are by letter or by official appeals form. If writing a letter, ensure that it is formatted properly and addressed to the appropriate department. Include the specific amount of financial aid you were awarded as well as the specific amount you require to continue your education. If submitting an appeals form, ensure that applicable sections are completed as indicated by the form instructions. Include applicable financial or personal documentation with any form of initial correspondence.

5. Follow up with the appropriate department. While some institutions make final decisions based on initial appeals applications, others require that additional steps be completed in order for the appeal to be processed. Check your mail for correspondence from the financial advisory board to stay aware of any mandatory meetings or other process deadlines. Keep all copies of all correspondence with the financial aid department to document your efforts.

Tags: advisory board, amount financial, financial advisory, financial advisory board, your financial, appeals form

Masters Programs For Environmental Management In Europe

Environmental management masters program in Europe use cutting-edge approaches to respond to the critical need to protect the environment.

Careers in environmental management respond to the growing need to balance modern technological advancements with their potential for negative impact on the environment. To respond to this need, universities throughout Europe offer English-language masters programs with innovative approaches to the environmental concerns of a changing world.

Corporate Environmental Management-University of Jyväskylä

The first university in the Nordic region to offer a full master's program in corporate environmental management, the University of Jyväskylä boasts an international approach to the study of environmental management. In 2001, the university received the World Resources Institute's award for outstanding leadership in training future business decision makers in environmental management skills.

School of Business and Economics

University of Jyväskylä

Mattilanniemi Campus, Building E

Finland

011-35-81-4260-2977

jyu.fi/econ/en/disciplines/cem

Integrated Environmental Management-University of Bath

Those who do not have the time or funds to take part in a traditional graduate program should consider the Integrated Environmental Management masters, offered by the University of Bath. This distance-learning program is centered on flexibility, giving students the choice of planning study around personal and work commitments. Saving costs on housing and transportation expenses, students also benefit from affiliation with the University of Bath, one of the top 10 universities in the United Kingdom.

Integrated Environmental Management

Claverton Down, Bath

BA2 7AY

United Kingdom

011-44-01-2253-86405

bath.ac.uk/iem

Urban Environmental Management-Wageningen University

This two-year program combines classroom study with direct fieldwork. The first year consists of foundation and specialized courses, which give students a base for the internship and thesis project that make up the second year. The masters also has a fieldwork assignment in which students work with a local authority in a selected country of the European Union.

Urban Environmental Management

Lumen, building 100

Droevendaalsesteeg 3a

6708 PB Wageningen

Netherlands

011-31-03-1748-3304

mue.wur.nl

Energy and Environmental Management-Glasgow Caledonian University

The Master of Science in Energy and Environmental Management is a one-year program of the School of the Built and Natural Environment, the largest school of its type in Scotland. Graduates of the program work as environmental specialists for government agencies, research organization, consultancies, and private companies.

School of the Built and Natural Environment

Caledonian University

Cowcaddens Road

Glasgow

G4 0BA

Scotland, United Kingdom

011-44-14-1331-3170

gcu.ac.uk/study/postgraduate

Joint European Master in Environmental Studies (JEMES)

JEMES is the result of the collaboration of four of Europe's top universities: Technische Universität Hamburg-Harburg in Germany, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona in Spain, Universidade de Aveiro in Portugal, and Aalborg Universitet in Denmark. With a program of study that alternately focuses on technology and management, JEMES has a truly international approach. Participants must study at two of the partner universities to obtain a joint Master Degree, but have the option of studying at all four universities.

Hamburg University of Technology

International Academic Programs-JEMES

Schwarzenbergstr. 95

D-21073 Hamburg

Germany

tu-harburg.de

011-49-40-4287-83158

Institut de Ciencia I Tecnologia Ambiental

Edifici Cn, Campus UAB

E-08193 Cerdanyola del Valles

Spain

011-03-49-3581-4025

uab.es/postgraduate

Servicos Acad micos

Universidade de Aveiro

Campus Universitário de Santiago

P 3810-193 Aveiro

Portugal

011-35-12-3437-0200

jemes.eu

Environmental Management

Aalborg University

Fibigerstræde 13

9220 Aalborg

Denmark

011-45-09-940-7216

environmentalmanagement.aau.dk

Tags: Integrated Environmental, United Kingdom, Aveiro Portugal, Built Natural, Built Natural Environment

Control The Subconscious Mind

Trying to control one's subconscious mind isn't easy because just knowing that effort is being made can cause the subconscious to resist it. However, with time and consistent effort, positive changes can be made.

Instructions

1. Prime yourself with things that will cue your subconscious in the way you want. For instance, catching a whiff of cleaning solution may help you keep a tidier house; carrying a briefcase instead of a backpack to work may remind you to take your job more seriously.

2. Minimize distractions. Background music, street noises, and the smell of food are just a few examples of distractions that will register with your subconscious and influence your thinking and actions. Eliminating them will give you more control over your mind.

3. Reflect on your behavior. Spend some time thinking about what you do and how you'd like to change, and ask yourself how your subconscious may be influencing you. Decide whether these influences are helping you and try to make changes in your thinking.

4. Think visually. Your subconscious understands images better than words, so instead of telling yourself what you want to accomplish, picture how your goal will look. Don't say, "I want to lose weight." Instead, imagine what you will look like when you've reached your weight loss goal.

5. Meditate. Your subconscious mind is like a whisper that can't be heard over the noise of your conscious mind. Practice quieting your mind so you can become aware of what your subconscious is telling you.

Tags: your subconscious, subconscious mind, that will, will look, your mind, your thinking

Nuclear Technology Schools

Nuclear technology programs teach nuclear engineering basics.

Nuclear technology schools specialize in one or two fields of nuclear application. Nuclear engineering technology focuses on the development and maintenance of nuclear technologies for generating power, such as nuclear reactors. Students of nuclear medical technology work with doctors to treat some illnesses with small doses of radiation, such as radiopharmaceuticals.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

MIT's master's doctorate programs allow students to gain theoretical and practical knowledge in nuclear engineering. Students may specialize in one of three sub-fields. Sub-fields include nuclear reactor technology, plasma physics or fusion technology and applied radiation physics. A five-year program is also offered to undergraduates at MIT who wish to earn a bachelor's of science simultaneously with a master's degrees in nuclear engineering.

Bismarck State College

Bismarck State College offers an associate's degree of applied science in nuclear power technology. The program is one of many featured in the school's National Energy Center for Excellence. Students learn nuclear physics, reactor theory and the science of radiological protection. Graduates of the program may transfer credits to a four-year program in nuclear technology or may get a job with a nuclear energy plant.

Excelsior College

The Excelsior College associate's and bachelor's degree programs in nuclear technology is sponsored by the Energy Providers Coalition for Education. The program focuses primarily practical applications of nuclear engineering. Students study reactor operations, chemical technology, instrumentation and control technology, and health physics. All Excelsior College courses are offered online.

Northwestern Memorial Hospital, School of Nuclear Medicine Technology

Northwestern Memorial Hospital trains students in the application of small doses of radiation for medical treatment. Students study radiation safety and protection, nuclear physics and instrumentation, and radiation biology. These courses build on courses in anatomy, pathology and technical mathematics that students take for their degree. Students also practice studies using state-of-the-art equipment, such as nuclear cardiologic imaging rooms and position emission tomography scanners.

Tags: Excelsior College, nuclear engineering, Bismarck State, Bismarck State College, doses radiation

Choose The Best Trade School

Choosing a trade school is a matter of finding the best match for your particular needs. The best trade school is truly in the eye of the beholder--but there are some very good trade schools out there. Follow these steps to determine which is the best trade school for you.

Instructions

1. Decide what kind of career you are looking for. If you do not have a specific career in mind, perhaps a school that offers associates or bachelors degrees are better suited for you, to allow you to get a broader education while you decide what kind of degree you want to seek.

2. Create a list of the trade schools that are available in your career path. Write down the names of these schools and make some space to write down the positives and negatives for each of these trade schools.

3. Write letters or send emails to the trade schools you're most interested in to seek out additional information. Most trade schools are happy to send you packets of information in the mail along with application materials.

4. Talk with some of the instructors at the schools. Place phone calls to some of the instructors at the schools and find out which instructors you might hit it off best with. Ask information about where degrees from those specific trade schools have gotten the students. You want to choose trade schools that will help you get the best-possible career.

5. Weigh the costs of each school on your list along with the benefits and negatives of each to determine which trade school is actually the best.

Tags: trade schools, trade school, along with, best trade, best trade school, determine which, instructors schools

Lose Social Security Disability

Can you lose your Social Security benefits?

In addition to its retirement benefits, the Social Security Administration offers financial support for people too disabled to work. Disability benefits are paid by either Social Security disability insurance or Supplemental Security Income. It's possible to lose your chance at disability benefits by failing the qualifications tests the Social Security Administration applies, or to start receiving benefits, and then have Social Security cut them off---for example, if you work and earn income above the SSA's cut-off point.

Instructions

1. Fail the earnings tests. Social Security's website says the "recent work" test requires that you put in a certain amount of work in the years before you became disabled; for example, if you're disabled after you turn 31, you must have worked five of the previous 10 years to qualify for aid. Under the "duration of work" test, a 38-year-old would have to have four years of work during his lifetime paying into Social Security; a 48-year-old would have to have six-and-a-half years. Some blind workers only have to meet the second test.

2. Fail to qualify as disabled. The SSA says some conditions, such as osteoarthritis so severe it causes nerve damage, qualify you automatically, but for everyone else, there are multiple tests: Whether you earn more each month than the cut-off point; whether your condition is severe enough to restrict basic work activities such as walking, sitting or remembering for at least one year; whether you're able to keep working at your current job; and whether you can perform other work. If you fail any one of these tests, you lose your chance at benefits.

3. Earn "substantial" monthly wages for more than nine months, once you've started receiving disability. The exact disqualifying figure is checked and adjusted annually. The government allows you to work and receive full benefits for a nine-month trial period, after which you have three years in which you can still receive benefits for any month where your earnings are not substantial. Once your benefits stop, you can request reinstatement if your disability makes it impossible to continue working.

4. Recover from your disability. If Social Security decides you've regained enough capability that you no longer qualified as disabled, your benefits end.

5. Fail to appeal. If you disagree with any SSA decision denying you benefits, you have the right to appeal, and to hire a lawyer to represent you in the appeals process. You must start the appeals process within 60 days of being turned down. First, you can ask the SSA to reconsider your denial; if they still say no, then comes an administrative hearing; then an Appeals Council review; and if you're still not satisfied, you can file a federal court lawsuit as a last resort.

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