Rank Graduate Schools

Despite all the resources that claim to rank the best graduate schools in the country, it can be difficult to know what to look for in a top-notch program. Even with the rank-order lists on the Internet and in magazines, you should learn the most important criteria to use in choosing the graduate school that is best for you.

Instructions

1. List the schools that have the toughest admission rates. In other words, look for a small number of acceptances compared to the total of number of applications.

2. Rank schools based on the amount of career assistance and job placement offered to current and graduating students.

3. Compare institutions in terms of the amount of external grant funding awarded to their faculty and researchers each year. Funding often indicates the quality and amount of research conducted at the school. A university's office of research services will have these figures.

4. Determine the number of prestigious faculty working at each school you are considering. Faculty can be assessed based on publication frequency, national and international recognitions and years of professional experience.

5. Document the percentage of classes taught by full time, tenure-track or tenured faculty as opposed to part-time or adjunct instructors.

6. Count the number of intercultural, international or cultural-diversity programs offered by each university. Diverse institutions usually make for better schools.

7. Ask for the average GRE scores of current students. A graduate school is only as good as the students it accepts.

8. Determine the amount of funding, such scholarships or assistantships, offered by each prospective school.

9. Compare schools based on the size of their programs or the number of students participating in them. This statistic may help you determine whether a particular school will be able to accommodate your needs or give you the attention you want.

Tags: graduate school, offered each, schools based

Scholarships For Older Women Going To College

There are many scholarships geared toward nontraditional students.

Older women heading to college can have many concerns, but paying for their education shouldn't be one of them. There are a variety of scholarships geared toward women who are beyond the traditional age of college students. You can apply for these scholarships to help finance your academic pursuits.

AARP Women's Scholarship Program

The American Association of Retired Persons, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of people 50 or older, offers several scholarships. With the financial support of retailer Walmart, the AARP awards funds annually to women older than 40 seeking educational training to improve job skills. You must be a U.S. citizen, demonstrate financial need and be enrolled or planning to enroll in an accredited two-year college, four-year university or training program to apply. Greater priority is given to women who are taking care of the children of another family member, have no health or retirement benefits or who have been out of work for more than five years. In 2010, more than 100 scholarships worth $100 to $5,000 were awarded.

Charlotte W. Newcombe Foundation Scholarship for Mature Women

Named after the late philanthropist, the foundation funds scholarships for women older than 25 at 29 colleges and universities in the United States.You apply for the scholarships through the financial aid office of your school. The foundation allocated $679,500 for scholarships during the 2010-2011 academic year. You must have at least 60 credits toward a bachelor's degree to be eligible. Your school handles the selection process and disbursement of the money.

Linda Lael Miller Scholarships for Women

Best-selling author Linda Lael started a scholarship program in 2003 for women older than 25 from the money she receives from speaking engagements. The scholarship is not only for tuition but can be used for transportation, child care and other expenses not traditionally covered by academic awards. To apply, you must be a citizen of the U.S. or Canada. You also must submit an essay explaining why you need the scholarship and your educational goals. Ten scholarships worth $1,000 were awarded in 2009. The award amount for 2010 was $15,000.

Jeannette Rankin Women's Scholarship Fund

Named in honor of the first woman elected to Congress, the Jeanette Rankin Women's Scholarship Fund aids low-income women older than 35. You can be enrolled in a vocational program or two-year or four-year university. You must be a U.S. citizen and meet the income thresholds as set forth by the Department of Labor's Lower Living Standard to be eligible. Your goals, challenges and financial situation are considered during the selection process. In 2010, the foundation awarded 80 scholarships worth $2,000 each.

Tags: older than, women older, women older than, must citizen, scholarships worth, Women Scholarship

Find A Gifted Preschool

Finding a preschool for gifted children can be a difficult experience for parents of three and four year olds who qualify as being gifted (intellectually advanced) by certified psychological and educational professionals. Gifted preschoolers face a series of challenges as they head off to their first formal educational experience. Teachers may not know teach or handle gifted preschoolers, gifted children may become bored quickly by activities that engage and challenge their peers, and gifted kids may act out in negative ways when their needs are not met. Finding a preschool for gifted children, on the other hand, may help to meet the gifted child's needs. Unfortunately, the choices are limited for most parents, but learning find a gifted preschool is a valuable experience.

Instructions

Find a Gifted Preschool

1. Take your child to a local university and request a full psycho-educational evaluation. Universities are the best location for gifted testing; you get a wide array of highly-trained professionals to help you and your child.

2. Go to your local public school district if a university evaluation is not possible. Request a "full core" evaluation. This will include IQ testing along with other psycho-educational tests. According to the law in most states, the school district must comply with your request. Ask for core testing in writing, and send the request certified mail, return receipt.

3. Take the results showing that your child is gifted to your local public school district, and ask if they have a preschool program that can meet your child's tested needs. If so, ask to meet the teacher, and if the teacher appears to be flexible and willing to challenge your child, enroll.

4. If you decide against using your public school district, ask your the child development department at your university for a list of area gifted preschools. Call and request an interview at each.

5. If there are no gifted preschools in your area, visit area Montessori and Reggio Emilio preschools. Both models of education offer individualized education. As with any model of education, so much depends on the quality and temperament of the teacher. Schedule a one-on-one with the teacher who would teach your child. Show him or her your child's test results, and discuss ways that your child's needs may be met.

6. Consider moving to an area with a gifted preschool or school for the gifted where your child's needs will be met, if no options exist in your area.

7. Homeschool your preschooler if you wish, if no viable alternatives exist.

Tags: your child, school district, child needs, gifted children, public school, public school district, Find Gifted Preschool

Complete A School Project

Completing a school project can make or break your grade. It is very important to make sure you present the best project possible to keep or increase your current grade.

Instructions

Complete a School Project

1. Always get the teachers instructions in writing and follow it to the letter. Too often, a teacher will ask for one thing and you will interpret the request to mean something entirely different. If the teacher has not prepared instructions, take good notes and wait after class to review your notes with the teacher. Not only will this ensure there is no miscommunication, it will show the teacher you are taking the project seriously from the beginning.

2. Most projects will require purchasing supplies. If you don’t have money to spare on supplies, make sure you substitute the items with quality scraps. For instance, if you use a cardboard box instead of poster board, make sure you use the side without packing slip envelopes or writing on it. Write your name and your teachers name on the back of the board unless the directions from the teacher specifically request that you do not.

3. Use your local library for printing out your report to achieve a higher quality look for your school project. If you don’t have access to a computer, use magazines instead to cut out pictures or titles and dress them up with different color construction paper behind them. Use markers to create interesting lines between different details on your board. Your teacher should be able to provide you with these items if you cannot find them on your own.

4. Lay everything out on your board before you affix the items. Pull out the directions and reread them. Make sure you have covered every requirement and your board is laid out in an easy to follow, attractive manner.When attaching the work to the board work clockwise, only overlapping where the content won’t be covered. Make sure every contribution adds to the overall appearance of the project. Keep the board horizontal until the glue and any other wet component is completely dry. Once everything is dry, stand your board up and lightly tap it to dislodge any loose items, then reattach as necessary.

5. Most importantly, turn your project in on time. Do not turn it in early. If there is a procrastinator in your class, chances are he is going to steal your ideas and present them on his board. While it is obvious you originated the idea, you are better off without the competition in creativity.

Tags: your board, Complete School, Complete School Project, Make sure, make sure, school project

Psychological Interview Questions

Probing for deeper answers with a psychological interview.

Psychological questions can help an interviewer get honest answers from a job applicant that might not come through traditional interview methods. However, an interviewer must be careful when using psychological interview questions because it is not an exact science. A number of standard questions are used during a psychological interview.

Instructions

1. Ask your applicant where he sees himself in 10 years to paint a picture of the candidate's work ethic, true desires and drive.

2. Ask the applicant how she would define success to find out what is important to her.

3. Ask what qualities he thinks you should look for in the employee for the open position to find out if he has a good understanding of the position and what it would take to perform well in it.

4. Ask what color best describes her to get an indication of the applicant's ability to think quickly and come up with a creative answer.

Tags: psychological interview

Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant Schools

Physical therapy assistants help the physical therapist by performing massage and therapeutic training.

Physical therapy assistants help physical therapists with caring for patients under their supervision. They perform massage, balance training and therapeutic methods, such as ultrasound or electrical stimulation. They also record patient treatment outcomes. Physical therapy assistants must complete an associate degree and a license, registration or certification through the state of intended practice. They must also pass the National Physical Therapy Exam or a state exam. These degree programs are available in community colleges, four-year colleges or universities, and they prepare students to obtain these credentials.

College of Central Florida

As a two-year institution in Ocala, Florida, the College of Central Florida offers 70 degree and certificate programs in the arts, sciences, business, education, landscape, equine studies, health and the medical field. According to the school's website, it maintains top-ranked athletic programs and provides a variety of extracurricular activities to its students, such as performing arts groups and academic-related clubs. The physical therapy assistant associate degree program consists of a 74-credit program preparing students to pass the state-administered national examination required for licensing. It is designed to be completed in two years for a full-time student and includes two clinical labs and two courses with clinical practice internships with the supervision of licensed physical therapists.

College of Central Florida

3001 SW College Rd.

Ocala, FL 34474

352-873-5800

cf.edu

University of Indianapolis

The University of Indianapolis maintains a focus in the health and medical field, as it holds a highly ranked nursing program and Indiana's only degree in nurse mid-wifery. It also produces more physical therapist, clinical psychologist and occupational therapist graduates than any other university in the state, according to the school's website. The PTA program within the Krannert School of Physical Therapy has a five-year average pass rate of 97.7 percent for first-time takers of the national licensure examination. In 2004, the average national pass rate for the exam was 75.7 percent and graduates of the program in 2006 maintained a pass rate of 100 percent. The associate degree program consists of 62 credits, with 30 of them deriving from clinical rotations, or hands-on experience.

University of Indianapolis

1400 East Hanna Ave.

Indianapolis, Indiana 46227

317-788-3500

uindy.edu

Salt Lake Community College

With over 120 areas of study within nine schools, Salt Lake Community College is the largest and most diversified higher education institution in Utah. SLCC also offers flexible class scheduling to accommodate its student body, consisting of 70 percent with part-time enrollment. The PTA associate degree program within SLCC's school of Health Sciences contains 3.5 semester-long curriculum in theory, laboratory and clinical courses. It takes approximately 16 months to complete and focuses on teaching in a variety of areas, such as in out-patient clinics or acute settings, in order to provide students with a generalized background. SLCC graduates are highly sought after and 100 percent of those desiring to work in the field are employed within six months, according to the school's website.

Salt Lake Community College

4600 South Redwood Road

Salt Lake City, UT 84123

801-957-7522

slcc.edu

Tags: associate degree, Salt Lake, associate degree program, Central Florida, College Central, College Central Florida, Community College

Benefits Of Online Learning

Benefits of Online Learning

The invention of the personal computer, followed by the creation of the Internet, ushered in a phenomenal change in the way we live. One of the biggest impacts was on higher education. No longer are you limited by geography when it comes to pursuing higher education. With a computer and an Internet connection, you can take advantage of the benefits of online learning.

Types

Whether you are looking to earn an undergraduate degree, master's degree or a certificate to expand an area of expertise, you will most likely find an online program to fit your needs. Some programs allow you to earn 100 percent of your degree or certificate through online course work, without ever physically stepping foot on campus. Other programs require you to come to campus for final exams or dissertations.

Features

With online learning material is generally accessible 24 hours a day. Online programs enable you to re-read your instructor's lectures, providing an opportunity to better understand the material. You can "attend class" from anywhere with an Internet connection. According to Dr. Tom Kubala, a professor at University of Central Florida, because of the anonymity involved in online learning, students participate more in class than they might in a traditional classroom setting.

Support

Online programs work well for people who are self-motivated and have good time management skills. If you're someone who needs more academic support and encouragement, though, you'll find that most online programs create chat groups for students. This gives you instant access to peers for homework help, study groups and friendship. Unlike traditional learning, where you have to schedule an appointment with your professor during office hours, online programs give you quicker access to your instructors through email or instant messaging.

Considerations

When looking at an online program, ask if there are other fees besides tuition and how long it takes to complete the program. Inquire about the qualifications of the instructors, number of students enrolled, how many have graduated and how long the program has been in existence. You will need to know if you'll ever be required to come to campus. Know what type of hardware and software you will need and what type of academic support is available both online and over the phone.

Warning

One of the most important things to be aware of when considering an online program is whether the school is accredited by one of the six regional accrediting bodies that oversee the quality and consistency of higher education institutions. According to Distancedegreesinfo.com, "Accreditation can mean the difference between earning a diploma that is worthy or one that is worthless." You can verify a school's accreditation by checking with the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.

Tags: online program, academic support, Benefits Online, Benefits Online Learning, come campus

Etiquette Of Letter Writing To Government Officials

Writing a letter to a government official allows you to express your concern for your community, city and nation.

If you want to see a certain bill passed, want to get the attention of local government for bettering school or hospital conditions, or simply want to commend your representatives for a job well done, it's best to follow some rules of etiquette when writing a letter. Adhering to these courtesies will help you to get all your points across in a concise and respectful manner.

Introduction

In the introduction of the letter, it is appropriate to state your full name, as well as any affiliations you have. If you are a concerned parent or community member, the introduction is the time to make this known. If you're writing a letter to a government official on behalf of a nonprofit organization of small business, be sure to make this clear as well so that the official will immediately view you are part of the community he serves.

Purpose and Opinion

The purpose of the letter should be communicated immediately after the introduction. These purposes should be communicated explicitly, in order to avoid confusion (i.e. we are concerned about the lack of nutritional quality in the city's school lunches). If the letter is pertaining to a particular bill that is being passed or has been passed, it is proper etiquette to include the name and number of the bill, and to plainly state one's position regarding the bill.

Request to Take Action

After stating the problem or issue, suggest ways that the government official can take action. Doing research for this part of the letter is best so that logical and probable solutions may be offered. For instance, if the city is planning on closing some of the recreational parks in the neighborhood, suggesting fundraisers that the community can participate in to raise monies to keep parks open for children is a good idea. If an unfavorable bill has already been passed, opposing the bill, along with offering possible alternatives, is the best way to address the issue.

Requesting a Response

After stating the cause of the letter and offering a variety of viewpoints on the issue(s), proper etiquette suggests requesting a response from the government official. This request should be as pleasant and tactful as possible--phrases such as "Your response is greatly appreciated" or "I look forward to your response" are appropriate. It is also acceptable to call the number provided by the government official to ensure that the letter was received.

Closing

Ending the letter by thanking the government official for the great job she is doing for the community keeps the letter pleasant, and increases the chances that the official will respond. Extending thanks on behalf of the group one is writing for (i.e. homeowner's association, local charity) is appropriate as well. If the letter is pertaining to an urgent matter, it is acceptable etiquette to close the document with one final appeal.

Tags: government official, After stating, been passed, letter government, letter government official

Community Colleges That Offer A Degree In Teaching

Earn a degree in education to land a job in the classroom.

The first step to becoming a teacher is earning a degree in the field. Though most teaching positions require four-year bachelor's degrees, students can get a start on their education by enrolling in an education program at a community college. This way, they can take education-specific courses that can count toward their bachelor's degree while saving money. Several community colleges offer associate degrees in education.

Gateway Community College

Gateway Community College in New Haven, Connecticut, offers an associate degree in early childhood education with a focus in special education. This 66-credit program includes 25 general education credits in courses like Fundamentals in Human Communication, Computer Literacy and General Psychology.

Then, students move into education-specific coursework, taking classes like Child Growth and Development, Curriculum for Exceptional Children and Math for Elementary Education. Students can choose from electives like Children's Literature, Behavior Modification and Music and Movement for Children.

Mercer County Community College

Trenton, New Jersey's Mercer County Community College offers an Associate in Arts degree in liberal arts and sciences with an education focus. Students complete between 62 to 66 credits to earn the degree.

Courses include general education courses like Public Speaking, English Composition and Introduction to Psychology. Education courses include Child Development, Sociology of Education and Concepts of Health and Fitness. In these courses, students learn about current issues facing educators and strategies to teach different types of learners.

NHTI Concord

NHTI Concord, located in New Hampshire, offers an early childhood education degree. This two-year program requires students to complete 70 credit hours.

Students jump into education courses as early as their first semester, which also includes some general education course work requirements. They can expect to take classes like Growth and Development of the Young Child; Child, Family and Community; Teaching Young Children with Special Needs; and The Early Childhood Professional.

Ivy Tech Community College

Ivy Tech Community College, which has locations across Indiana, has an early childhood education program available for its students. This degree prepares students for positions in education, such as teacher's aide, childcare provider or preschool teacher. In addition, this associate-level program prepares students to transfer to state schools like Indiana University and Ball State University.

Courses include Early Childhood Administration, Families in Transition, Child Growth and Development, and Health, Safety and Nutrition.

Tags: Community College, childhood education, early childhood education, general education, Growth Development

Scholarships For Retired Military Children

There are a plethora of scholarships available to the dependent children of veterans. Many military associations and organizations make such scholarships available to the dependents of former military personnel, as do many private endowments. Some scholarships are available to the dependents of all veterans, while others are reserved for the children of veterans from specific branches of the military.

All Veteran Dependents

A variety of scholarships for the dependent children of veterans are offered by organizations serving all branches of the military, and their scholarship programs are often open to all dependents of veterans. For example, the American Legion offers the Legacy Scholarship in varying amounts according to available funds and the specific needs of each applicant. The Fisher House Foundation is another such organization, and it offers $1,000 scholarships annually to the dependents of veterans through its Scholarships for Military Children Program.

Navy Dependent Scholarships

Several scholarships are available only to the dependents of Navy personnel and former Navy personnel. One such scholarship is the Joseph A. McAlinden Divers Scholarship, offered by the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society in the amounts ranging from $500 to $3,000 to dependent children of Navy veterans pursuing study in oceanography or aquaculture. Another organization that offers scholarship assistance directly to the dependents of Navy veterans is the Navy League Foundation. Navy League Foundation scholarships are valued at $2,500 per year for up to four years.

Air Force Dependent Scholarships

Some scholarships for dependent children of veterans are limited to the children of Air Force veterans. The Lt. Col. Romeo and Josephine Bass Ferretti Scholarship is one such grant. This scholarship is available in the amount of $2,500 and is awarded on the basis of academic merit, character, and financial need. You must be pursuing an undergraduate degree in a field of study related to science, technology, or math to be eligible. This scholarship is available from the Air Force Association.

Army Dependent Scholarships

As with other service branches, organizations exist that offer tuition assistance specifically to the dependent children of U.S. Army veterans. One such organization is Army Emergency Relief, which awards scholarship money to dependent children and spouses of Army veterans who have retired due to a disability or because they were wounded in the line of duty. Army Emergency Relief scholarships are awarded primarily on the basis of financial need, and may only be used to pay for undergraduate-level study.

Tags: dependent children, children veterans, scholarships available, dependent children veterans, Dependent Scholarships

Pronounce Names In Hawaiian

The Hawaiian language is unique in that, unless you are actually from the state of Hawaii, you may have a difficult time mastering the language. Mainland Americans often have trouble with the dialect. Even simple names can become difficult because of the short alphabet of this distinct language. With only 13 letters, it can be quite a task to pronounce the names of people and places in Hawaii. However, by familiarizing yourself with the alphabet and Okina, you will soon find yourself speaking the language and pronouncing Hawaiian names like an island local.

Instructions

Pronounce Names in Hawaiian

1. Learn the 5 vowels. The vowels are as follows:

A as in "hah"

E as in "hem"

I as in "ski" or the game Wii

O as in "low"

U as in "tulle"

2. Learn the consonants. The consonants h, k, l, m, n, p, w are pronounced pretty much the same way they sound in English with the exception of w which usually sounds more like a v. The Okina, which is a glottal stop, is simply pronouncing the vowels in slow staccato fashion. Hawaii is pronounced "Hah - vie - ee." Waikiki is pronounced "Why - key - key."

3. Familiarize yourself with the diphthongs. The diphthongs include: ae, ai, ao, au, ei, eu, oi, ou. They are pronounced as though they are single vowels.

4. Know the rules. W is pronounced "V" when it comes after I and E. However, if it comes after U or O, it's pronunciation is much like the English version as "W". The letters P and K are softer in Hawaiian than they are in English.

5. Learn replace the typical English consonants with Hawaiian consonants. Here are the Hawaiian equivalents to the remaining English consonants with the exception of the letter X.

B and F are pronounced as P. The letters C, D, G, Q, S, T and Z are pronounced as K. R is pronounced L, V is pronounced W and Y is pronounced I ("ee"). J is a little trickier since it can be pronounced as I ("ee"), K, W or H.

Tags: pronounced pronounced, comes after, consonants with, English consonants, English consonants with

Average Cost Of A Bachelor'S Degree In Registered Nursing

Registered nurses (RNs) are those who have completed an exam and received a license from the state. Although a bachelor's degree is not required to become a registered nurse, many nurses find that having a four-year degree gives them significantly more job options, as well as opportunities for advancement. The cost of a bachelor's degree in nursing can vary widely depending on where a student completes her classes.

Types

Several types of colleges offer a bachelor of science in nursing, or a BSN degree. Public or state-sponsored colleges and universities, private schools, and schools affiliated with hospitals may all offer traditional four-year nursing programs. In addition, many of these colleges and universities also offer online programs that allow students to complete many of their BSN degree requirements through the Internet, and some online-only schools also offer BSN programs. The average cost of a bachelor's degree in nursing is different at each of these types of schools, and the cost of tuition at most public schools also depends on whether the student is a state resident.

Significance

At most colleges and universities, the cost of tuition for a bachelor's degree in nursing is typically the same as for other programs. The College Board website (linked in Resources) estimates that in 2008, the average cost for 4 years' worth of tuition was $26,340 at a public university and $100,572 at a private university. This is comparable to typical nursing-school tuition rates. For example, the four-year BSN program at University of Washington costs approximately $28,000 in tuition for state residents, and $93,000 for non-residents. At the University of Pennsylvania, a top Ivy League school, a bachelor's degree in nursing costs approximately $150,000. At Oregon Health Sciences University (OHSU), a hospital-affiliated nursing school, tuition costs about $55,000 for residents and $100,000 for non-residents. Online nursing programs generally cost about $100 to $150 per credit, with most programs requiring about 180 credits for a bachelor's degree, for a total tuition cost of about $20,000.

Considerations

In addition to tuition, the cost of nursing school also includes textbooks, lab costs and administrative fees. At many colleges and universities, lab fees for nursing school are higher than for other programs, because of the cost of specialized supplies and equipment. For example, the nursing-school fees at OHSU are approximately $1,700 per term. Students attending nursing school may also need to pay for parking, housing and basic living expenses, which can vary depending on the student's circumstances and where in the country the nursing school is located.

Time Frame

Many schools offer programs that allow students to use prior degrees or training to meet part of the BSN degree requirements. Some of the most common are RN-to-BSN programs, which allow nursing students who have completed a 2-year degree and the registered-nurse exams to complete a bachelor's degree in 2 years or less. Some bachelor's-degree programs have similar programs for licensed practical nurses (LPNs). As completing basic college and nursing-school requirements at a 2-year college can be significantly less expensive, at approximately $70 per credit, nursing students may be able to save money by starting at a local community college and then transferring to a school that offers bachelor's degrees.

Expert Insight

The cost of a bachelor's degree in nursing can be reduced by scholarships, grants and work-study programs. The website for each nursing school generally offers financial-aid information for prospective students, and the nursing-school website linked to in Resources offers a list of financial-aid options that may be available at a variety of colleges.

Tags: bachelor degree, nursing school, bachelor degree nursing, degree nursing, colleges universities

Write A Letter Of Circumstance

A letter of special circumstance is a letter that a student writes to a college or university when he cannot afford the tuition. It is meant to demonstrate that the circumstances keeping the family from paying tuition are out of the family's control. Once the school has received the letter, it will look further into the situation. If the school determines that the family situation does qualify as a special circumstance, it will make arrangements so that you can go to school regardless of the financial crisis. This might include an extended payment plan or tuition waiver.

Instructions

1. Visit your school's financial aid or admissions website before writing the letter. Each school requires a different process for submitting a letter of special circumstance. Your school's website will define if you need to provide additional documents or if you need to include information in your letter that other schools might not request.

2. Format the letter professionally. Write the date in the top left corner. Press Enter twice and write the contact information of the person you are writing the letter to, as if you were sending a letter. Include the person's name or the university department you are writing to, the address and any other additional information, such as a telephone number. Press Enter twice and write the salutation.

3. Introduce the situation that is causing the special circumstance. This should include a statement that your family has no control over this financial matter and that it causes undue hardship for your family if you must pay tuition. An example of this includes the death of the family's major wage earner.

4. Explain details that will help the school in determining whether or not the situation is a special circumstance. For example, if your dad died, you might explain that he did not have life insurance and that your mom does not have a job. This demonstrates why your family is in a special circumstance and you cannot pay the tuition.

5. Leave your contact information, such as your phone number, at the bottom of the letter and next to your name. Be sure to both print and sign your name. Include any other information that will aid the school in identifying you, such as a student ID number.

Tags: special circumstance, your family, contact information, Enter twice, Enter twice write, family control

Transfer A Personal Loan To A Credit Card

Transfer of personal loans to credit cards is not always financially savvy.

Assuming you have adequate credit limit room, you can usually transfer personal loan balances to credit cards. The more prudent concern is whether it is financially wise to do so. Sometimes, it makes sense and other times, it does not.

Basics

Most credit card providers offer you balance transfer options at any given time, provided you have available credit. Some send you balance transfer checks that you write from your credit card account to pay down the loan. You can sometimes send transfers electronically through your card provider.

Pros

Credit card companies often offer 0% introductory balance transfer promotions for six to twelve months in order to acquire customers with good credit. If you have a modest personal loan balance and you think you can pay most or all of it off within the promotion period, this might make sense. Be aware that card providers sometimes charge balance transfer fees, even on promotions.

Cons

Without benefit of a promotional interest rate, credit cards generally have much higher interest charges than personal loans. Thus, it would not be conventionally wise to do a straight transfer. Even with a promo card rate, your rate jumps to standard rates after the promo period. If it will take a long time to pay off the balance, your increased interest could offset any benefit in savings during the promotional period.

Tags: balance transfer, credit cards, card providers, credit card, personal loans

College Grants For Minority Women

If you are a female student and also as a minority, you already have two points in your favor when it comes to securing a college grant. Grants are usually based on financial need, as opposed to scholarships, which are based on merit. If you can prove with the correct documents that your financial situation is dire and additionally prove your passion to continue your education no matter the circumstances, you're well on the way to grant application success.

Funds for Female Students

Being a female student in itself will qualify you for many grant opportunities starting with government grants. Your home state has plenty of money reserved for educational grants, and the information they provide is a good place to begin your search. Check out the College Scholarships Web site, where grants are listed by state (see below). They may also be listed according to such factors as "first woman in the family to attend college" or "nontraditional female student." Some grants are also offered to students who are willing to commit to working for a state or federal employer in the state from which she graduates. Also, female-only colleges (or those with a large majority of female students) almost always offer grants for women in financial need.

Money for Minorities

The term "minority" most commonly refers to ethnic minority, so if you are of Hispanic, African American, Native American, Pacific Islander descent, or of any other minority heritage, you are qualified to apply for minority grants from both government sources and from the colleges to which you are applying. You can look at sources such as the Hispanic College Fund and the Online Educational Database Web site, which have hundreds of opportunities listed for minority women students. African-American women applying to historically black colleges have an excellent chance of being offered some kind of grant if they are accepted. If you are of mixed ethnic background---for example, if you are biracial---you will still qualify for grants as long as you can demonstrate financial need.

Easing Your Financial Hardship

If you are a minority woman student and also either a single working mother, a returning, or nontraditional student, or even the victim of domestic abuse, there are certainly grants available to help you in your struggle to complete your education. The best place to start is by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online, which will allow you to see the many kinds of grants that you are eligible for. Private companies and foundations tend to offer this type of assistance. One particularly helpful Web site is that of the private foundation Women's Independence Scholarship Program (WISP).

Grants for SMET

If you are a minority woman student studying a subject that is under-represented among women and minorities alike, you are in luck. These areas include Science, Math, Engineering, and Technology (SMET). Federal grants are widely available to women and minorities in any of these subject areas. Companies and private foundations, such as AT&T, Sony, and the National Science Foundation, are also hugely involved in hiring women and other minorities. If you can think of a company where you dream of working, check online or contact them to inquire about any funding opportunities they have for women minority students in college.

Ask Around

If you are currently attending high school or college, speak with a guidance counselor for help on your grant research. They might know of grants that are available right in your hometown from a private foundation or company. And they can of course tell you if you are eligible for any of the school's grants. If you are not in school currently, e-mail or call the colleges you are interested in and ask about grant opportunities that you might be eligible for.

Tags: female student, financial need, grant opportunities, grants that, help your, minority woman

Requirements To Become An Rn

The number of registered nurses is growing rapidly, however the demand for registered nurses is outpacing the supply. Registered nurses have great responsibilities in the healthcare industry from providing patient care to managing other nurses. If you are someone who can handle great responsibilities and has an interest in healthcare, you might consider checking out what is needed to pursue this rewarding profession.

Function

Most registered nurses work in a healthcare facility. They normally have more contact with their patients than the doctors themselves and because of this are normally the first to recognize problems in patients or be concerned about progress. The responsibilities of an RN include observing patients symptoms and documenting them, devising a care plan, taking vital statistics, administering shots, providing emotional support to patients and their families and overseeing licensed practical nurses and nurse assistants just to name a few.

Timeframe

In order to become an RN you must complete either a Bachelor's degree, an Associates degree, or obtain a nursing diploma through a hospital. A Bachelor's degree will give you many hours of hands on experience in the field, is offered through most universities, and can be completed in four years. An Associate's can be completed in two to three years at most community colleges. The nursing diploma programs normally take three years to complete. Many schools are offering fast paced RN training programs due to the critical shortage of nurses. Once you have completed your training, you will be required to pass a national licensing exam (NCLEX-RN). Some states also require those seeking licensure to pass a state licensing exam.

Potential

The average salary for an RN in the United States is $57,000 but varies by state and background. Those RNs working in a more specialized area are more likely to have more responsibilities and earn higher salaries. As our society ages and our average life span improves, the need for nurses continues to grow. Many hospitals are facing nursing shortages and are offering signing bonuses to RNs who sign contracts with them. Other benefits include family-friendly scheduling and tuition reimbursement for continuing education.

Considerations

If you are a people person with an interest in the medical field, becoming an RN may be right up your alley. As an RN you are part of a team of caregivers, you must be able to collaborate and take direction from others. It is important to keep in mind that nursing is a very demanding career both physically and emotionally. You are on your feet all day as an RN and may experience muscle strains from lifting patients. It is also important to keep in mind the illnesses you may be exposed to. If you are a person with a weak immune system becoming an RN may be something you think twice about.

Warning

Before enrolling in any RN program check to be sure it is an accredited program. See the Resources section for a link. Receiving RN training through an accredited program ensures the student will receive quality instruction which will prepare her to pass the licensure exam and begin a career as an RN.

Tags: accredited program, Bachelor degree, great responsibilities, have more, important keep

Do Well On A Final Exam

Doing well on a final exam is important in determining your overall grade for a specific class. Final exams can be stressful but there are ways to make the time to study less stressful. When the day of the exam arrives, you should be more prepared by following these steps:

Instructions

1. Take note of when the exam will take place. By having an idea of what exams you have throughout the week, you will be better prepared and organized.

2. Once you have your exam schedule, start studying as soon as possible. Begin studying the exam that comes first onto your schedule. If you have more than one exam on the same day, devote more time to the one you have more trouble with.

3. Try to study periodically each day. Don't try to learn everything in two days. By reviewing the same information over a week, the material will be easier to grasp.

4. The night before the exam, be sure to get plenty of rest. By getting enough sleep, your mind will be more alert and focused for the duration of the final.

5. On the day of the exam, look over the information once more in order to reinforce the material.

Tags: final exam, have more

Draft A Mechanical Drawing

Drafting is a practice that requires great precision.

Machines are responsible for maintaining the comforts we take for granted in our day-to-day lives such as heating, air conditioning, ventilation, hot water, transportation and even food. Engineers and mechanical drawings lie at the heart of every machine. Without these drawings, the manufacture and implementation of machines would be impossible. Drafting is an essential part of our day-to-day lives, even if we aren't the ones making the drawings - we are indirectly using them by using the machines they describe.

Instructions

1. Acquire all of the relevant measurements for the machine you will be drawing.

2. Convert the measurements you have acquired into a scale that will fit your ideal paper size.

3. Draw the outline of your object very lightly using a pencil and ruler. Use your compass, when required, to precisely mark angles and curved shapes. Use your triangle to quickly mark any 90 or 45 degree angles. Continue doing this until you have outlined the entire object.

4. Check the scale and placement of all of the lines drawn. Fix any imprecise lines now before moving on.

5. Draw in all of the remaining lines in your drawing. Keep your line weight the same as your outlines for now, all of your lines should be about as light as you can draw them.

6. Check all of your measurements once more, fix any errors before moving on to the next step.

7. Darken any lines that lie out an outside edge on the object. For example, if you are drafting a fan you will want to darken all of the lines that lie on the outside edge of the blades, and all of the lines that lie on the outside edge of the body of the fan. Make these lines about as dark as you can make them without tearing the paper. This helps to clearly define the predominant shapes and clearly communicate this to the viewer, even if they are not familiar with the object.

8. Retrace all remaining lines using different line weights for each major group based on their relative distance in space. Lines that would be closer to the viewer in three dimensions should be darker than those that would be further away. This again helps the viewer to understand the object as it would exist is space and greatly improves the appearance of your drawings.

9. Write your name, the title of the drawing and the scale at which it was drawn along the bottom edge of the drawing in a clean, unadorned type face. Be sure to keep the words parallel to the edge of your paper to maintain the sense of precision you wish the drawings to convey.

Tags: lines that, lines that outside, outside edge, that outside, that outside edge, before moving

Graduate Courses In Liberal Arts

You can pursue graduate courses in liberal arts without quitting your job.

A liberal arts degree involves studying languages, literature, languages, math and science. If you graduated with an undergraduate degree, then you can pursue advanced degrees or courses in the liberal arts field. These courses are offered at colleges and universities throughout the country. Contact the school for information on course availability, tuition and fees.

Harvard

The Harvard University Extension School offers a Master of Liberal Arts degree program, and you can choose from up to 19 different advanced degree study areas, including history, biology, English literature and government. To earn this degree, you must complete 40 credit hours, and these hours include a thesis and nine courses. You must take six courses in your concentration, one seminar and two elective courses. Certain courses, like those in the areas of clinical psychology and biology, have special requirements, including that you must earn at least a grade of B in each course to receive your degree.

Stanford

The Stanford University Master of Liberal Arts program is for working adults, and you can take up to four or five years to complete your coursework. You must complete 50 credits to qualify for the degree. Graduate seminars take place in the evening, and classes are limited to a maximum of 20 students. All students must take liberal arts foundation classes, and these are introductory classes in different fields, including political science, philosophy, art and history. You listen to guest lectures and participate in collaborative seminars, and you must complete a graduate paper displaying your knowledge of the courses that you took. You must also complete a Master's thesis, which is between 75 and 100 pages long.

Penn LPS

The College of Liberal and Professional Studies at The University of Pennsylvania offers a Master of Liberal Arts degree, and this program allows you to choose your concentration from fields within the arts and sciences. You can attend classes on a full-time or part-time basis. You must take between one and three Master of Liberal Arts Proseminars, and you may take graduate-level courses from any department at the university. Besides the Master's degree, you can also pursue a certificate in your liberal arts concentration.

DBU

The Dallas Baptist University's Master of Liberal Arts program is an interdisciplinary degree, providing students with the opportunity to study in different fields. These fields include Christian ministry, English, history, arts and humanities. This is a 36-credit-hour course, and nine credit hours are devoted to your core interdisciplinary studies, including Western Culture through the Arts, World Views and Western Heritage and Christianity.

Tags: Master Liberal, Master Liberal Arts, Liberal Arts, must complete, must take, your liberal arts

Scholarship Essay Tips

If you're applying for a scholarship that requires an essay component, don't let a fear of writing scare you away. A scholarship--whether from a foundation, corporation or a non-profit organization--can reap big rewards in the form of thousands of dollars that will help pay for your education. Take this job seriously, and give yourself an edge by crafting a well-written and thoughtful essay.

Research

No matter how many scholarships you apply for, you may have to write a different essay for each application. Because these essays often require a research component based on the work of the sponsoring organization, a cause, a current event or some other topic, you may not be able to duplicate an essay for multiple scholarship applications. Be prepared to research the company or organization that is offering the scholarship and to research the topic, if one is given. Some scholarship essay topics may be more basic, as in a personal statement. Stay focused on points that illustrate your ideals, experiences and personality.

Goals of an Essay

As you're writing, don't inflate your accomplishments. Scholarship essays are not about your high school achievements, grade point average or club activities. Save that information for the college application. The panel of judges that will be reading your essay wants to know about you, your background, your ideals and your plans. You may be the recipient of a large investment on their part and they want to award their money carefully.

Even if the topic of the essay is provided, you should let your personality and approach to life shine through. This is what will set you apart from the applicant who writes an essay that reads like a term paper.

Your essay should be focused and flow with seamless transitions. While judges are looking for things that set you apart in terms of ideals, work ethic and life goals, they don't want to be distracted by careless writing. They want you to answer the questions with care and thought. If you are applying for a scholarship to be sponsored by the American Red Cross, for example, bear in mind the mission of the organization and how it fits with your personal mission. Know your subject.

Edit, Edit, Edit

Don't rely on a spellchecker to find your errors. Read your essay aloud, as if you're reading it for the first time. Approach this exercise as a stranger would. Question your word choice, your flow of thoughts and how you would feel about this applicant (you) if you had never met him or her.

Remember, too, that the reader(s) will likely be reading several essay submissions. Make yours stand out with a memorable introduction--one that illustrates your personality and provides a window into your personal experiences. Then let the body of the essay continue the voice of the introduction, giving the reader a solid idea of the type of person that you are.

Finally, read samples of scholarship essays. Don't be afraid to rewrite again and again. Share your essay with someone whose editing skills you trust. Don't be resistant to criticism. A polished essay can have big rewards.

Tags: about your, applying scholarship, Edit Edit, that will, they want, your essay, your ideals

Physical Therapy Schools In Ohio

Physical Therapy programs typically only accept a small number of students each year allowing for small class sizes and individual attention.

The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) provides accreditation for programs across the county. In Ohio, there are 10 colleges and universities that have fully accredited physical therapy education programs. Each of the programs varies in length, requirements, curriculum, and clinical experiences. Here is a look at some of the schools and what they have to offer.

Cleveland State University

Cleveland State University offers students the opportunity to earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. The clinical degree program puts an emphasis on practical issues and clinical skills. Students will acquire advanced skills in differential diagnosis, medical screening, clinical reasoning, and critical thinking. The full-time program consists of core classes and clinical experience that students will complete over the course of three years.

Cleveland State University

Department of Health Sciences

2121 Euclid Avenue HS 101

Cleveland, OH 44115-2214

216-687-3567

csuohio.edu

Ohio State University

According to U.S. News and World Report, Ohio State University has one of the top ranking medical schools in the country. The College of Medicine offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree program. The program requires students to complete over 150 hours of course work and 40 weeks of clinical work. Students and faculty also provide volunteer and pro bono service at community health centers in the area. Ohio State University provides post-professional educational opportunities including clinical residencies in pediatric, neurological, geriatric, and sports physical therapy. Alumni who earned a Master of Physical Therapy may enroll in the temporary MPT-to-DPT program to receive their Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.

Ohio State University

Atwell Hall

453 West 10th Avenue

Columbus, OH 43210

614-292-2220

osu.edu

University of Findlay

The University of Findlay offers a traditional and a weekend Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. The traditional program involves completing three years of pre-professional study and three years of graduate study. During the graduate study, students will complete clinical experiences in outpatient, rehabilitation, acute care, as well as specialty area. The weekend program is for physical therapy assistants that already have a bachelor's degree. Weekend students attend class and clinical experiences every other weekend for three years. Students of both programs will receive a Doctor of Physical Therapy upon graduation.

University of Findlay

1000 North Main Street

Findlay, OH 45840

800-472-9502

findlay.edu

University of Toledo

At the University of Toledo, students are able to enroll in one of the most efficient Doctor of Physical Therapy programs in the county. The program requires that students complete only 92 credit hours of study, which is far less than the national average of 115 credit hours. The university accomplishes this by offering a cohesive and consolidated curriculum. The school offers an experienced faculty of clinicians and researches as well as full-service University Medical Center right on campus. Physical therapy students at the University of Toledo demonstrate an almost 100 percent passing rate on the state licensing exam. The University of Toledo is also one of five schools to offer a DPT/PhD dual degree program. The program allows students to simultaneously obtain a clinical (DPT) and academic (PhD) doctoral degree. Students choosing this track will receive a PhD in exercise science with an emphasis on research.

University of Toledo

2801 Bancroft

Toledo, OH 43606-3390

800-586-5336

utoledo.edu

Tags: Physical Therapy, State University, Doctor Physical, Doctor Physical Therapy, University Toledo, Ohio State, Ohio State University

Lower Trapezius Pain

Lower Trapezius Pain

The trapezius is a diamond-shaped muscle that spans the upper back and connects the neck, shoulder blades and spine. It contains three distinct regions---the upper, middle and lower fibers---and is most recognized as one of the muscles that tenses up when a person is under stress.

Purpose

Each region of the trapezius has a distinct function or action to perform. Although the individual regions of the trapezius work together to help a person shrug his shoulders or reach overhead, the lower trapezius specifically retracts outstretched arms and causes the shoulder to rotate.

Causes of Pain

Repetitive motion causes most injuries to the lower trapezius, especially at workstations or desks with poor ergonomic arrangements. Exercising or overexertion, particularly in weightlifting, can also cause muscle strain, as can traumatic events, such as auto accidents. Severe stress can tighten the lower trapezius, restricting motion and causing discomfort.

Significance

Untreated pain in the lower trapezius can slow down production at work or at home, making everyday tasks difficult. In long-term cases, it can create missed days at work or leisure time. Severe physical injuries can even lead to a weakening of the trapezius muscles and permanent damage to the muscles and spine.

Treatments

Massage and stress relief are the first steps in treating pain to the lower trapezius. Stretch or raise the shoulders slightly during the massage as the muscles are being rubbed. Warm baths or showers and a heating pad can also help. Pain relievers, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, can help alleviate persistent pain. Magnesium can also soothe sore muscles, particularly if taken with calcium, which improves muscle tone. Black beans, halibut, okra and pumpkin seeds are all good sources of magnesium. Finally, gentle exercise can stretch the muscles, such as pulling a stretching band across the chest and back again or pulling on the band after attaching it to a secure object. If the pain continues, call a doctor.

Prevention

Good posture is the best way to prevent pain in the lower trapezius. Sit upright at your desk, and improve your work area's ergonomics. Continue to exercise with a stretching band to keep the muscles strong, or do chair push-ups---sit at the edge of a chair, and lift up your body using only your hands. Keep stress to a minimum, even if that means finding 15 minutes after a hard day at work to unwind.

Tags: lower trapezius, pain lower, pain lower trapezius, lower trapezius, Lower Trapezius Pain, stretching band, Trapezius Pain

Prepare For The Naval Academy

The United States Naval Academy, located in Annapolis, Maryland, is designed to develop midshipmen morally, mentally and physically to become officers in the Navy or Marine Corps. As a result of this mission, the Naval Academy is very different from a civilian college. Any student entering the Naval Academy should be prepared for its unique challenges.

Instructions

1. Take college-prep classes throughout high school. Take four years of English and advanced math and science classes. The course load at the Naval Academy is heavy, and the other students are very bright. Be ready for science and math. All students graduate with a Bachelor of Science Degree, regardless of major.

2. Get in shape physically. Prepare with conditioning exercises such as sit-ups, pull-ups and push-ups as well as running. Midshipmen are expected to be in shape when they arrive. The hot Annapolis summer is no place to try and catch up physically.

3. Learn as much as possible about the Naval Academy before beginning Plebe Summer (the six-week orientation). Read about the Academy and talk to recent midshipmen.

4. Take on leadership roles at work, school or on teams. Learn deal with problems that arise in these roles. The Naval Academy exists to educate leaders, and they will put you in leadership roles.

5. Visit the Naval Academy if possible. Nothing provides a better idea of what the experience is like than seeing it first hand.

6. Learn about the Navy and Marine Corps. The more you know about ships, aircraft, career opportunities and naval traditions, the less foreign everything will seem.

Tags: Naval Academy, leadership roles, Marine Corps, Navy Marine, Navy Marine Corps

Reschedule The Sat

Your SAT scores help colleges determine whether to accept you.

Nearly all high school students seeking higher education will take the SAT. The score you get on the SAT, in addition to your high school grades, often determine what colleges you are able to get into. Scheduling a test date that gives you enough time to prepare is wise. Knowing reschedule your SAT is important if you need more time to study or if an unforeseen incident or obligation arises.

Instructions

1. Open your Web browser and log onto collegeboard.com. College Board is the organization that issues the SAT.

2. Click on the "SAT" tab located on the top left side of the homepage.

3. Scroll down and click on the link, "Making Changes: change your test type, site or date>" under the "Register" section.

4. Click on the blue text "Contact us by phone" and call the number listed on the next page. You should reschedule your test no later than the Wednesday two to three weeks before your test date. A fee will be charged for rescheduling, which can be paid over the phone using Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover credit cards.

Tags: your test, high school, reschedule your, test date

What Are The Advantages Of Online Learning

Online learning has broken the barriers of geography and the constraints of traditional classroom teaching. The proliferation of the Internet and web-based digital technologies has led to an increased acceptance for online learning. Senior citizens, working professionals, young students, stay-at-home mothers and others seek varied online learning courses and degrees offered by reputed universities, colleges and even trade and technical institutes. There are many advantages of online learning.

Convenient Schedules

Most courses offered by universities, colleges, training institutes and vocational trade schools offer a mix of self-paced schedules and more weekend online lectures, facilitating convenient studying schedules for students and professionals.

Anywhere, Anytime Learning

Online learning can be done in remote locations, from offices or homes as long as you have access to a computer and broadband Internet connectivity.

Collaborative Learning Environment

New-age technologies, such as Second Life; social media networking tools and applications; and online networks and bulletin boards have created the near interactive and collaborative learning environment of traditional classrooms.

Saves Commuting

Taking courses and degrees online does away with the need to travel regularly to universities and college campuses in far-off locations and different states.

Value-Add to Career

The advent of online learning has enabled mid-career professionals, workers with high-school diplomas and others to get additional degrees and certifications to enhance career prospects.

Tags: courses degrees, Online learning, online learning, universities colleges

How Safe Are Annuities From Loss Of Principal

When you need to save money for your retirement, an annuity contract offers an alternative, or addition to, IRAs and 401k plans. An annuity is an insurance policy that guarantees a monthly payment to you in exchange for a large lump-sum premium. Some annuities, called deferred annuities, act like long-term savings accounts. These deferred annuities may defer the immediate annuity payment for 10 or more years.

Types

There are two basic types of annuities. Immediate annuities convert your savings to guaranteed payments. These guaranteed payments last for a fixed number of years or for your entire life depending on how you want to receive your payments. Monthly payments will be higher under a fixed annuity than under a lifetime annuity, because payments will presumably be spread over a shorter time period . Deferred annuities defer the immediate annuity payment and may or may not guarantee your principal amount.

Function

The function of an immediate annuity is not to preserve your principal; it's to make sure that you have a steady income. Deferred annuities function similar to a long-term savings account. The savings period of the contract may last for one year, 10 years or more. The deferred annuity invests in bonds or bond-like investments or in mutual funds.

Benefits

The benefit of a deferred annuity is that it may protect your principal. This is generally restricted to fixed, deferred annuities. Immediate annuities don't technically preserve your principal, but they do ensure you will receive at least as much back from the insurance company as you gave and that this will happen over time.

Disadvantages

The disadvantage to an annuity is that the fixed and immediate annuities that give you back your principal amount or guarantee your principal also pay a low interest rate compared to other investments. These fixed annuities are primarily designed to secure your savings and add some interest so that your savings grows slowly over time or your payments are able to be made consistently over time.

Considerations

Consider investing a small portion of your total assets directly into higher risk investments in the stock market. Alternatively, consider a variable annuity that invests in mutual funds in addition to a fixed annuity that guarantees your principal amount. This way, you will have most of your principal secured by an annuity while still getting some of the benefit of higher investment returns from more risky investments in the stock market.

Tags: your principal, annuity that, immediate annuity, over time, principal amount

Earn A Graduate Degree In Accounting

When tax deadlines are looming, everybody wants to find an accountant. In addition to income taxes, accountants with graduate degrees work throughout industry and government. Generally, you need an undergraduate degree in accounting or business to pursue this Master's in Business Administration (MBA) field. However, your investment in this degree, online or on campus, will pay off handsomely. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

1. Find accounting career information and student links on the American Accounting Association (AAA) website. Read journals and articles related to the accounting profession to help you refine your specialty in this field.

2. Review rankings and admissions criteria for U.S. and international business schools that offer the MBA in accounting on the US News and World Report website. If you are a disciplined student, consider an online or executive degree program that won't require that you relocate or interrupt your present career.

3. Choose three to five schools that fit your career plans. Request their application materials and scholarship information.

4. Register to take the GMAT exam and have the scores sent to the schools you selected. Get exam preparation materials at major bookstores or at your local library. Download free exam practice software at the MBA website.

5. Submit your applications on time. Request and pay for your undergraduate transcripts as soon as you have selected your possible schools.

6. Visit the Petersons website to get information about scholarships, fellowships and assistanceships that will help you with the costs of tuition, books, and fees. Find links to federal and state aid for graduate students here too.

7. Complete the required courses and internships. Complete the thesis or final project. On average, it takes two to three years, without interruption, to finish the accounting degree. Prepare to take the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam by the time your coursework is complete.

Tags: schools that

Get Out Of Debt Ridiculously Fast

Too much debt? Not sure what to do to pay it off? The following provides some guidance for get out of debt quickly.

Instructions

1. Analyze your earning and spending habits. The first step to getting out of debt is making a budget. Most people that get into trouble with debt do so because they are not aware of how much money they make and where it all goes each month. Making a budget will bring your financial picture into perspective. Once you see the big picture, you can start making the adjustments necessary to get you back on the right track.

2. Analyze your income. Take a look at how much money your household brings in each month. Go back through your bank records for at least three months and determine an average.

3. Analyze your debt. Take a look at how much money your household spends each month. Go back through your bank records for at least three months and determine an average. Look at expenses like mortgage, taxes, utilities, food, family obligations, health care, debt, transportaiton, entertainment, retirement and miscellaneous expenses.

4. List out your debts. Write up a list of your debts. Arrange them in order from smallest debt balance to largest. Be sure to list your monthly payment amounts and interest rates, too.

5. Determine a debt payment schedule. As an example, use the following budget data: total monthly income: $4,000; total monthly expenses: $3,500; debts: credit card A -- $500, credit card B -- $3,500, car -- $10,000 and house -- $90,000. In this example, there is a $500 surplus each month -- income minus expenses equals surplus. In the first month, you can pay off the first credit card. In the second month, you can take the $50 credit card payment we were paying on credit card A and apply it to credit card B, so your new surplus is $550, and in month two you can pay down credit card B to $2,950. Repeat this pattern until all debts are gone.

Tags: credit card, each month, Analyze your, much money, back through, back through your, bank records

Interview Questions For A Drug & Alcohol Counselor

Drug and alcohol abuse affects people from all different backgrounds. Addiction can be a cloud over a persons otherwise sunny life. According to the Mayo Clinic, In 1999 over 19.5 million people over the age of 12 used illegal drugs in the United States. Drug and Alcohol counselors work with and for their patients to help heal physical and emotional wounds. Counselors must know the right questions to ask to gather important information that will be essential to the diagnostic and recovery process.

Addictions

Begin the interview by asking your patient to list what drugs they have or currently abuse. This question will help you understand how dangerous the addictions might be in the short- or long-term future. Knowing what type of treatment to provide depends on knowing how physically damaging the addiction may be. Some drug addictions require immediate in-patient detoxification. While other addictions can be combated through a less serious out-patient program. For example, heroin or methamphetamine addiction requires immediate in-patient care. These drugs could kill a user during any use, and the user is constantly at risk of an overdose.

Extent of Drug Abuse

Ask your patient what the extent of the abuse or addiction is. How many times are they using the drug or alcohol? The answer to this question, if truthful, will give you insight on the seriousness of their problem. Once again this will allow you as a counselor to develop the proper rehabilitation program. For example, a patient that abuses alcohol every day of the week should be recommended for in-patient rehabilitation. The extent of their drug use is extremely unhealthy, and only complete detoxification can solve the problem.

Reasons for Abuse

Ask your patient why they feel the need to abuse drugs. This question will give you an idea of the issues behind the drug abuse. By knowing the reasons for abuse you can begin to attempt to rectify the underlying issues fueling the addiction and abuse. Understanding the causal factors of abuse allows the counselor to choose a specific therapy method, or a specific area of emotional trauma to attempt to relieve. Once a casual factor is determined the counselor should attempt to heal the emotion or situation. Parental problems can be relieved through family therapy. Relationship problems can be relieved through couples therapy.

Recognizing a Problem

Patients will sometimes become defiant when faced criticism of their drug or alcohol use. Denial and anger are common emotions drug and alcohol users exhibit when faced with drug rehabilitation. "Peace Health" employs a technique known as C.A.G.E to help users see their problems for themselves. The C.A.G.E strategy consists of asking patients four questions (see words in capital letters). Have you ever felt you should Cut down on your drinking/drug abuse? Do you get Annoyed at criticism of your drinking/drug abuse? Do you ever feel Guilty about your drinking or drug abuse? Do you ever use alcohol or drugs early in the morning as an Eye-opener, or to get you through the day? These questions will help patients understand their own problems, and do so for themselves, without being criticized for their problems. C.A.G.E can be a great strategy for drug and alcohol counselors.

Purpose

The goal of drug and alcohol counselors should be to cure their patient of their affliction and addiction. However, this is not a simple process. Drug addictions are not cured in days or weeks, they are cured over a lifetime. If a patient relapses two weeks after detoxification, the treatment was not successful. The National Institute on Drug Abuse states that addiction treatment must help the individual stop using drugs, maintain a drug-free lifestyle, and achieve productive functioning in the family, at work and in society. This statement accurately summarizes the overarching goal of drug rehabilitation and treatment, and thus the goal of drug and alcohol counselors.

Tags: alcohol counselors, drinking drug, drinking drug abuse, drug abuse, drug alcohol, drug alcohol

Student Grants For Law Enforcement

Educational grant opportunities related to law enforcement are available from several sources and pertain to a variety of situations. Grants and scholarships are provided to qualifying students who pursue a career in law enforcement. For dependents and spouses of law enforcement personnel who have been killed or disabled in the line of duty there are educational grants offered in several states. Also, by pursuing a career in law enforcement, you may qualify to receive some debt cancellation or forgiveness of your student loans.

College Financial Aid Office

If your career goal is law enforcement and you are pursuing a degree in a criminal-justice-related field, the first place to look for assistance with your college tuition and expenses is your school's financial aid office. A college with a sizable criminal justice program will more than likely have numerous grant and scholarship opportunities for students majoring in criminal justice or even just taking a minimum number of criminal justice classes. For example, the financial aid office at Sam Houston University in Texas lists 43 criminal justice related grant and scholarship opportunities on its website.

State Grants

If you have suffered the loss of a parent or spouse who worked in law enforcement and was killed in the line of duty, you should contact your state's agency tasked with student financial aid to inquire about available grants. Several states offer these grants, such as New Jersey's Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Scholarship. This program provides educational grants to the dependent children of New Jersey police officers killed while on duty. Some states, such as Georgia, offer even broader grant opportunities. The state's Law Enforcement Personnel Dependents (LEPD) Grants not only provides grants in cases where a police officer is killed, but also extends the grants to cases where the police officer was permanently disabled in the line of duty. Dependents of prison guards and fire fighters qualify for these Georgia state grants as well.

Student Loan Forgiveness For Law Enforcement

While not technically a grant, cancellation or forgiveness of your student loans is the functional equivalent of a grant because you have received money that you do not have to pay back. The federal student loan programs known as Perkins Loans, Stafford Loans and Plus Loans provide opportunities for borrowers to have these loans canceled or forgiven by working in specified fields, one of which is law enforcement. The requirements for cancellation or forgiveness of your student loan by working in law enforcement is available on the website Funding Education Beyond High School: The Guide to Federal Student Aid which is maintained by the U.S. Department of Education. The primary requirement is that your loan is not in default. Your lender or loan servicing agent should also be able to provide you with the necessary information about qualifying.

Tags: criminal justice, cancellation forgiveness, cancellation forgiveness your, forgiveness your, forgiveness your student, line duty

Division 2 College Football Scholarships

Division II schools offer several types of scholarship.

With more than 1,000 institutions recognized by the National Collegiate Athletic Association, colleges and universities award thousands of sports scholarships each year. The biggest portion of these is used to recruit football players. While most football players seek to land a scholarship with a Division I university, many choose Division II football. In that realm, athletes can receive full and partial scholarships in addition to a unique scholarship program designed only for athletes.

Full Undergraduate Scholarships

The most common football scholarship offered by a Division II school is the full academic scholarship. This scholarship provides for full payment of tuition and board for a player for four years. There are 150 Division II colleges that offer football scholarships. The NCAA allows each of the schools as many as 36 full scholarships. Division II athletes are far less likely to play professional football. Thus, the quality of the education offered plays a more significant role for many athletes seeking Division II scholarships.

Partial Undergraduate Scholarships

While all athletes covet full scholarships, some receive partial scholarships. A partial scholarship pays for only a portion of a football player's college expenses. Typically, a partial scholarship does not pay for room and board, but it might pay for full tuition. In other instances, the partial scholarship provides only a portion of the tuition. By offering partial scholarships, Division II schools can offer more than 36 scholarships.

Division II Degree-Completion Award

In 2001, the NCAA established this program as a means of helping Division II student-athletes complete their degree requirements. From 2001 to 2010, the program has awarded more than $2 million to approximately 600 student-athletes. Of the total, 93 percent have earned their undergraduate degrees. The program is available only to student-athletes who have completed their athletics eligibility and, therefore, are no longer eligible for regular athletic scholarships. Applicants must have completed their eligibility within the past year. The awards are limited to students attending their first 10 semesters of college. Thus, a sixth-year student might not be eligible for the program.

Try-Outs and Walk-Ons

While they are lesser known and rarely coveted, scholarship opportunities remain available even to those football players who do not receive much attention from coaches at Division II colleges. These students have an opportunity to participate in team practices as walk-ons. They simply try out for the team. If selected to play for the team, coaches often award these athletes with walk-on scholarships. These scholarships vary in terms of how much money they provide for a student's education. Some are substantial. Many more are only partial scholarships. Schools often use these scholarships to draw the best non-recruit players to their teams.

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