Northern California Art Colleges

Creating beautiful artwork can begin at one of the art schools in Northern California.

Northern California is home to many colleges and universities that have art departments that are specifically designed to meet the educational needs of future artists. Each of these programs offers their own unique take on the most important aspects of art and art history. Choose the art school that is the best fit for your needs by considering your budget, the amount of time you have to work on a degree and which program you wish to focus on.

University of California, Berkeley Department of Art Practice

University of California Berkeley offers courses that explore the art of sculpture.

The University of California Department of Art Practice, located in Berkeley, California, offers an undergraduate program in studio art as well as a graduate program allowing students to choose which aspect of art they want to focus their studies on. Students in this Department of Art Practice take courses on painting, drawing, print making, sculpture, video, performance art, digital media and art history and theory.The program includes both studio and lecture components.

Stanford University Department of Art & Art History

The Art History major at Stanford University fosters an appreciation for historical works of art.

Stanford University's School of Humanities and Sciences, located in Palo Alto, California, has a unique Department of Art and Art History that offers undergraduate degrees in Art History, Studio Art and Film and Media Studies. This program is designed to help students think creatively and visually, while learning about the basics of art and art history. The program offers art shows, internship opportunities, overseas studies and volunteer work.

California State University, Chico Department of Art and Art History

Students can learn design a beautiful kitchen at California State University, Chico.

California State University, Chico's Department of Art and Art History, located in Chico, California, offers students the opportunity to pursue Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Master of Arts and Master of Fine Arts degrees in many different areas of expertise including art education, interior design and art history. The program requires that students complete courses that focus on the arts, as well as courses that provide a general education in subject areas like English, statistics and science.

American River College Fine Art Department

Students at the American River College are allowed the freedom to express themselves.

The American River College Fine Art Department, located in Sacramento, California, offers courses that prepare students for their profession in an art-related field. These courses are also often easily transferrable to four year colleges and universities. This college prides itself on its diversity and dedication to fine arts. Students are given the freedom to decide exactly which courses are most important to them and what types of projects they want to explore.

Tags: courses that, Department History, American River, American River College, California offers, California State

Become A Home Economics Teacher

Become a Home Economics Teacher

Qualifying to become a home economics teacher generally requires a bachelor's degree. But if you choose to teach the subject in a college or university, you will need to acquire your masters or doctorate degree. Focusing on educating students in the areas of food, nutrition and everyday living, the home economics teacher plays a vital role in the educational system. As a home economics teacher, you will be providing students with the tools necessary to make informed decisions about domestic and consumer related situations.

Instructions

1. Earn your high school diploma or GED. In order to attend an accredited college or university you will need to complete this step. Once you have fulfilled your high school requirements, begin your search for a college or university.

2. Attend a four year college or your local community college. Keeping in mind that most community colleges only offer a two year associates degree program. Once you have earned your associates degree, you will need to transfer your credits to a four year college in order to complete an undergraduate degree. Classes for Home Economics preparation include sociology, psychology and economics. Other concentrations are on diet, nutrition and family dynamics. It's at this time that you want to specialize your studies.

3. Complete a bachelor degree program through an accredited college program. Schools that are in need of hiring a home economics teacher will be requiring a teaching certificate. In order to qualify for the certificate, you will need to have a bachelor's degree. A Bachelor of Science in Economics is the degree that is required in most instances. This will offer a concentration in oral and written skills, creative thinking, and the ability to present ideas to your students as a Home Economics teacher.

4. Increase your odds of getting hired by adding to your educational profile. Achieving a certification in family and consumer science will give you an extra edge when it comes to competing for a teaching position. Home economic teachers that have completed a four year degree can sit for the examination offered by the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences in order to get this extra certification.

5. Continue your education by completing a master's or doctorate degree in order to teach home economics in a college or university. If you wish to expand your horizons and venture into the realm of higher learning, earn a higher degree in home economics. The additional degrees will afford you the opportunity to share your knowledge and prepare others in the field of teaching home economics.

Tags: college university, economics teacher, home economics, will need, bachelor degree, four year, Home Economics

New York Interior Design Colleges

Interior designers do more than just decorate room spaces.

Interior designers are called upon to create functional, safe and aesthetically pleasing spaces in virtually any setting including homes, offices, stores and public buildings. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects employment of interior designers to increase by 19 percent through 2018. For students in and around New York State, most interior design colleges can be found in the New York City area, which is known as the hub of fashion and style.

New York School of Interior Design

Located in Manhattan's Upper East Side, this accredited private college is exclusively dedicated to interior design, and has been ranked among the Top 10 design programs in the nation by DesignIntelligence. Degrees offered in interior design range from associate's to master's degrees. Admission to degreed programs requires the student to have an assembled portfolio of completed designs. For students who need to develop their portfolio, a preparatory certificate program in Basic Interior Design is available. With its focused curriculum and moderate tuition, this school is optimal for students seeking a well-rounded education in interior design.

New York School of Interior Design

170 East 70th Street

New York, NY 10021

212-472-1500

nysid.edu

Parsons The New School for Design

Also located in Manhattan, this college offers degree programs in various areas of art and design, including interior design degrees ranging from associate's through master's degrees. Topics may include representation and analysis, furniture and construction, art history, critical studies in design, and others. For high school students desiring to prepare the portfolio required for admission, the school also offers a pre-college certificate program. This school is known for its progressive, forward-thinking and socially responsible approach to design; as such, it is also one of the more expensive schools.

Parsons The New School for Design

66 Fifth Avenue

New York, NY 10011

212-229-8900

newschool.edu/parsons

Fashion Institute of Technology

This large art/design school in Manhattan hosts over 10,000 students. Its interior design program requires incoming students to begin with the associates degree in interior design before moving into the bachelor's program -- a combined four-year process. Students holding a qualifying degree from another school may be admitted directly into the bachelor's portion of the program. Topics covered include presentation techniques, perspective drawing, computer rendering and interior architectural detail. As part of the State University of New York, it is one of the few public colleges devoted to design and fashion, and as such provides a quality education at a more affordable tuition than its competitors.

Fashion Institute of Technology

227 W. 27th St.

New York, NY 10001

212-217-7999

fitnyc.edu

The Art Institute of New York City

Located in the southwest corner of Manhattan, this school is part of the nationwide Art Institutes organization, and currently offers an associate's degree in interior design. Because it is a relatively new program for the Art Institute, the school requests prospective students to contact the school directly for more information on curriculum and admission to the program.

The Art Institute of New York City

11 Beach Street

New York, NY 10013

212-226-5500

artinstitutes.edu

Tags: interior design, interior design, York City, certificate program, degree interior

Get Started In Criminology

Criminologists are highly analytical and insightful.

Those who pursue criminology careers are referred to as criminologists. The field of criminology requires individuals to evaluate criminals' mental states and other psychological aspects of crimes. Criminologists, who can obtain employment at government agencies, private companies or colleges, are required to obtain graduate-level degrees before becoming employed. A criminologist's duties include conducting research or providing advice on criminal cases. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for those in this field are expected to grow 21 percent from 2011 to 2018, and those with strong quantitative skills will have the best opportunities.

Instructions

1. Obtain a bachelor's degree. Choose a major such as sociology, psychology or criminal justice. Take elective college courses, such as computer science, statistics and writing, that will help you perform your duties once employed. Gain classroom experience gathering evidence, conducting interviews and creating written reports.

2. Obtain a graduate degree. Pursue a master's degree in behavioral science. Expect many employers, such as colleges or universities, to require those seeking teaching positions to have doctorates.

3. Seek an internship. Inquire about internships through a college advisor. Include any internship on your resume.

4. Pass a criminal background check. Expect the employer to require the background check results to be successful.

5. Join an association. Consider an association such as the American Sociological Association. Take advantage of networking opportunities or career workshops offered by the association.

Tags: background check

Schools That Offer Dual Acceptance Into Undergraduate & Medical School

Focused and ambitious students who are certain of their desire to go into the medical field have an opportunity to obtain dual admission into select schools. Dual admission allows students to be accepted into both an undergraduate program and medical school at the same time through a single university. Highly selective dual-admissions programs often admit only a handful of students per year.

Washington University in St. Louis

Washington University is spread throughout the St. Louis area of Missouri. The university requires that applicants complete an Application for the University Scholars Program in Medicine, present an extensive resume of extracurricular activities, a record of outstanding grades and test scores and go through an interview with the program committee. Each University Scholar in Medicine is matched with a medical school mentor. Through this, students are allowed to attend special events on the medical school campus and gain insight toward a future in medicine. Undergraduate students also have the opportunity to participate in medical research. Students admitted to the program and registering for at least six credits are eligible for financial assistance.

Baylor University

Baylor University is located in Waco, Texas. The university offers a dual-admission track known as the BU/BCM Medical track. This eight-year program is designed for students who would like to begin their involvement in medicine immediately. Students applying for this program must complete their applications by the early admission deadline, have a cumulative 1,400 SAT score in the math and verbal sections, and at least a 3.7 high school grade-point average. As of 2011, students who are accepted into the program also are eligible for an $80,000 scholarship to help cover the cost of education.

University of Cincinnati

The dual-admissions program at the University of Cincinnati is called the Connections Program. The university boasts one of the top academic health centers in the country. Students receive extensive in-class instruction as well as many clinical experiences. Because of their early acceptance into medical school, students at Cincinnati are encouraged to study abroad or participate in various volunteer activities during their four years of undergraduate education followed by four years of intensive study at the College of Medicine. Successful students with cumulative scores of 1,300 on the verbal and math sections of the SAT and who convey a wide involvement of extracurricular activities are eligible for this program. While in the program, students must maintain a GPA of 3.4 or above and score at least a 27 on their MCAT exam before completing undergraduate work. The Student Financial Aid Office will consider you for all aid sources, focusing first on scholarship and grant eligibility based on merit or need.

St. Bonaventure University

St. Bonaventure University is located in southwestern New York State. The university places an emphasis on service with a close affiliation with the Franciscan Health Care Professions. Its combined-degree program in medicine offers state-of-the-art facilities, experienced educators and an ensured seat at its affiliated medical school upon graduation. Requirements for entrance into the dual-admission program include an SAT score of 1,300 in the verbal and math sections, completion of a science SAT II subject test, two letters of recommendation and a resume of extracurricular activities. Financial assistance is provided to 95 percent of St. Bonaventure students; as of 2011, the average financial aid package was valued at $21,777.

Tags: medical school, extracurricular activities, accepted into, Baylor University, Bonaventure University

Obama'S New College Grants

Students seeking financial aid advice should consult the Department of Education website.

Advertisers promising federal stimulus dollars and other financial aid for college tuition occasionally claim that President Obama has created new college grants. The New York Times reports that these companies are actually marketers who provide you with commonly-available information in return for your personal data. In reality the grants and loans available for education have not changed during the Obama administration, but increases and changes to federal financial aid for education have occurred.

American Opportunity Tax Credit

In 2009 President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act; this legislation includes additions to the American Opportunity Tax Credit, which provides a maximum $2,500 tax credit for qualifying tuition and other college expenses. Forty percent of the $2,500 maximum is tax-refundable. Your modified adjusted gross income must be less than $80,000 (or $160,000 if married, filing jointly) to qualify for the credit.

Pell Grant Increases

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act that President Obama signed in March 2010 affected student loans as well as health care. The maximum amount of Pell Grants will increase with inflation for the five academic years between 2013 and 2018, reaching a total of $5,975 by 2020; this increase will not keep up with increases in tution over the same time, but some families will save $1,700.

Income-Based Repayment Plans

Beginning on July 1, 2014, students who take out federal loans for education will pay back their loans based on income rather than the size of their debt, and the government will forgive outstanding loan balances after 20 years instead of 25. This shift from the current system is also a result of the health care reform bill that President Obama signed in March 2010. Though not a grant, these new plans will make student debt more manageable.

Budget Problems

In a Huffington Post article published in February 2011, financial aid expert Mark Kantowitz wrote that federal college funding will not increase dramatically during the remainder of the Obama administration; instead, Congress and the President will redistribute current funding amounts as they construct a new federal budget that requires cuts. In the same article Kantowitz claimed that President Obama's priorities would involve preserving Pell Grant maximums at the expense of subsidized interest on some other federal aid loans.

Tags: President Obama, that President, that President Obama, Obama signed, President Obama signed

New Hampshire Technical Schools

New Hampshire is home to several technical schools, welcoming students from all over New England. Most are schools offering two-year programs geared to prepare graduates to enter the work force in a chosen field or continue to complete a four-year degree with an accredited school. From Nashua Community College in southern New Hampshire to Portsmouth's Great Bay Community College, students can earn their associate's degree or certification in a variety of fields from aviation, business, nursing, engineering, education and liberal arts.

NHTI, Concord's Community College

Opened in 1965 as the New Hampshire Technical Institute, NHTI, Concord's Community College is located in the state's capital city, Concord. Spread out over 240 acres of greenery with a view of the Merrimack River, NHTI features 112 full-time professors, 170 adjunct professors, five academic buildings and three co-ed residential dormitories. Students can choose from 30 associate degree programs, such as accounting, dental hygiene or addiction counseling or 29 certificate programs, including sports management, travel and tourism, and tourism information technology. Continuing education options are also available as is an on-campus daycare facility for students with children. NHTI is an accredited community college with formal articulation agreements with several four-year universities across New England. Outside of the classroom, students are less than an hour's drive to the scenic White Mountains, the seacoast city of Portsmouth, the Lakes Region or Boston.

NHTI, Concord's Community College

31 College Drive

Concord, NH 03301

(603) 271-6484

nhti.edu

Great Bay Community College

Located in the oceanfront city of Portsmouth, Great Bay Community College is the only technical school in the Seacoast Region. As of fall 2009, Great Bay had 2,177 students enrolled, including 1,302 full-time students. Great Bay's student body is also unique in that it frequently draws students from Maine, just minutes north beyond Portsmouth's border. Great Bay is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and has special accreditation in automotive technology, business programs, nursing, surgical technology and veterinary technology. Associate programs are offered along with certificate and diploma courses. Students can also take advantage of scenic and quaint Portsmouth, whether it be walking along Stawberry Banke, the oldest European-settled neighborhood in New Hampshire, or shopping in one of Portsmouth's many unique boutiques.

Great Bay Community College

320 Corporate Drive

Portsmouth, NH 03801

(603) 427-7600

greatbay.edu

Manchester Community College

Located in New Hampshire's largest city, Manchester Community College offers more than 20 academic programs. Originally opened in 1945 as New Hampshire Community Technical College, Manchester Community College is one of seven fully accredited technical schools in the state. Programs include studies in computer science, health and fitness, real estate, and heat, ventilation and air conditioning. The campus is situated across 57 acres and sits north of the city of Manchester and the Merrimack River. Approximately 3,000 students attend Manchester Community College per semester. Students can also take a break and enjoy some of downtown Manchester's shopping and dining or drive less than an hour to Hampton Beach or Boston.

Manchester Community College

1066 Front Street

Manchester, NH 03102

(603) 668-6706

manchestercommunitycollege.edu

Tags: Community College, Manchester Community, Manchester Community College, Great Community, Great Community College

Become A Police Officer In Arizona

Become a Police Officer in Arizona

Arizona police officers patrol the streets of their respective communities, investigate crimes, apprehend and interview suspects, respond to emergencies, and perform a wide variety of other tasks with the objective of keeping law-abiding citizens safe. How can you become a part of this devoted group of law enforcement employees?

Instructions

1. Obtain a high school diploma or GED equivalent. You must also be 21 years of age and a U.S. citizen.

2. Apply to a specific police agency in Arizona. You can find a listing of these agencies from sites such as www.usacops.com/az/pollist.html.

3. Undergo a medical evaluation and a background check, which will include looking for drug-related and other criminal charges. You will also be given a character interview to see if you meet basic moral and ethical requirements to become a police officer.

4. Attend the police academy's 585-hour full-authority peace officer basic training course and pass the comprehensive final exam (CFE). You must obtain certification within 270 hours of beginning your training.

Tags: Become Police, Become Police Officer, Officer Arizona, Police Officer Arizona

The Average Gpa & Lsat For Law Schools

Getting into law school can be an easily predictable process once you're aware of the numbers.

Applying to law school can be a confusing, drawn-out process. Like any professional school, it is difficult to determine your chances of acceptance, causing you to wonder whether or not it may be worth it to endure such a grueling admissions process. However, law school is arguably a numbers game. A certain GPA and a certain LSAT score could get you into any law school in the country. A good way to judge if you have what it takes to get in is by looking at their median GPA and LSAT scores from current students.

Correlation to Rankings

There is an undeniable correlation between a law school's rank according to "USNews" and the average GPA and LSAT scores of its students. For example, Stanford University in Palo Alto, California has been ranked as number three in the nation for the past three years. It also boasts a student population whose median LSAT was a 170, roughly the 99th percentile, and GPAs of 3.87, or mostly As. In contrast, the University of Arkansas school of law was ranked number 84 in 2011 by USNews, and its students enter the university with median LSAT scores of 155, scoring roughly within the 67th percentile, and GPAs of 3.53, or a B+ average. This is demonstrated across the board.

What Do They Measure?

Some have postulated that higher LSAT scores and higher GPAs are indicative of a higher level of natural intelligence. It is assumed, then, that law school candidates with high LSAT scores and GPAs are more intelligent than students with lower numbers, and that is the reason that some students are allowed into the most prestigious law schools and others are not. In actuality, it has been demonstrated that while some students may have a natural aptitude for academics and the LSAT's content, most of the time higher numbers demonstrate a greater work ethic and academic interest. Law schools want law students who have the drive to succeed in school and in their future careers. If a student is willing to work diligently throughout their undergraduate education to receive top marks and then study hard for the LSAT, that student becomes a desirable candidate for any law school.

Correlation to Academic Performance

Studies have been conducted in an effort to demonstrate a correlation between a law student's academic performance and his initial LSAT score. Unfortunately, no conclusive evidence has led to researchers to believe that one exists. It is hypothesized that this is largely due to the fact that most of the content on the LSAT is seemingly unrelated to the content of law school classes. In addition, the relatively short time frame required for LSAT preparation does not always coincide with a student's performance in the longer term of three years or the average length of a law school program.

Finding a Law School's Average GPA and LSAT Scores

Up until recently, accessing a list of median GPA and LSAT scores for law schools was virtually impossible without buying the Top Schools edition of "USNews Magazine." Now, however, one can access a website called Top Law Schools for free. The site features a compiled list of all law schools in the country, including those in the lower rankings, along with their "USNews" rankings for the past three years, their Gourman Report rankings, Educational Quality Rankings, as well as GPAs and LSAT scores for those students in the 25th to 75th percentile range. In addition, the site has an article for each law school which outlines student life, tuition, admissions rates, and, of course, their median GPAs and LSAT scores.

Tags: LSAT scores, median LSAT, median LSAT scores, three years, correlation between, GPAs LSAT, GPAs LSAT scores

Arrange Dorm Furniture

Living in a cramped dorm room isn't exactly what one would consider an ideal living situation. However, by arranging furniture correctly, you can create extra space you never knew you had. A comfortable dorm room should have a lounge area, a study area, a place to sleep and a place to prepare food. Don't think you have room enough for all that? Here's arrange the furniture to ensure that you do.

Instructions

1. Loft the beds. Regardless of whether you have one or two beds in the room, lofting them is your best bet to create extra space. The beds themselves serve as a sleeping area, but the area underneath works well as a lounge area. Just add a cheap sofa or futon and a television set underneath the lofted beds and you have an instant lounge area, with even enough room to invite your friends over.

2. Make use of extra closet space. Many dorm rooms have closets built right into the room. Depending on how many clothes you have, these closets can serve as excellent kitchenette areas. By placing a mini refrigerator and microwave in an open closet, you can save yourself space that would otherwise be taken up in the lounge area.

3. Optimize shelf space and drawers. Add some extra shelving to your dorm room. Shelves can accommodate everything from books to groceries. Add extra drawers too. Let's face it, storage space in a dorm room is limited, so get yourself some of those cheap plastic drawers. Use them in your closet, in your lounge area or next to the futon as end tables.

4. The desk area in a dorm room doesn't have to be used for studying. It's a great place to put your computer and some of your books, but if you're more comfortable studying in the library or even on the couch, use the desk for something else. Create a dining area and kitchenette here if you like. It can also serve as a terrific entertainment center.

Tags: dorm room, lounge area, create extra, create extra space, extra space

Speech Therapy & Occupational Therapy For Home Schooling

Speech and occupational therapy can be done at home

Many parents of special-needs children assume they must send their children to school to receive benefits such as speech and occupational therapy. This is not true. Speech therapy and occupational therapy are available for home-schooled youngsters, and there are many resources for you to provide some of these therapies on your own.

Definitions

Both speech and occupational therapy are used to assist children who otherwise would have delays in these areas. Speech therapy is used to aid those who have significant difficulties with oral communication, while occupational therapy is used to help individuals perform daily tasks, such as dressing and bathing.

Early Intervention

Generally, speech and occupational therapy can begin as early as birth. High Country Early Intervention provides a checklist to determine whether your child might be a candidate for early intervention.

Benefits

The biggest benefit of having these therapies take place in the home is that the child is in a familiar location. Rather than sitting in a waiting room, bound to be handled by new people every week, your home-schooled child is able to have the therapist come to him. Also, the therapist is able to use your child's own toys and playthings instead of unfamiliar objects.

Considerations

The most important thing to consider is that your home-schooling routine will have to accommodate therapy sessions. Whether your child has therapy at home or away from home, it will be a regular interruption in her life. But for a home-schooled child, the interruption will also involve the people around her, since the therapy will be in the home.

You can provide some therapies for your home-schooled child yourself. The National Challenged Homeschoolers Associated Network provides manuals to assist parents in providing their own speech therapy. "Maaja," the online site of a mom who home-schooled her special-needs children but who now teaches special-needs children in schools, has a list of activities you can do at home with your child for occupational therapy.

Warning

A child who needs speech or occupational therapy must receive it. While it is not necessary to turn to the public schools for help, and while these therapies can be done at home, you must ensure that they are done. Consistency is the key. Whether you see progress or not from one day to the next, keep at it. Do not fall into the trap of slacking off.

Tags: occupational therapy, speech occupational, your child, home-schooled child, occupational therapy

Information On Savannah Technical College

Savannah Technical College (STC) is a public, accredited, two-year institution located in Savannah, Georgia. The school, which was established in 1929, enrolls about 4,000 full- and part-time students and offers 50 associate degree, diploma and certificate programs.

History

Savannah Technical College was established more than 75 years ago to provide Savannah area residents with career-focused education and training in a variety of fields.

Student Body

About 4,000 students are enrolled in courses at Savannah Technical College every quarter, most of whom come from the Georgia counties of Chatham, Effingham, Liberty and Bryan

Academic Programs

Savannah Technical College offers certificate, diploma and degree programs in more than 50 subject areas. Most of the school's academic program areas focus on career development and includes general studies, business, allied health, economic development and industrial technology.

Age Requirements

Individuals who want to attend Savannah Technical College must be at least 16 years old; students in the cosmetology and allied health programs must be at least 17 years old.

Educational Requirements

Everyone who enrolls in associate degree or certificate programs at Savannah Technical College must have earned a high school diploma or a GED.

Extracurricular Programs

Student organizations at Savannah Technical College include the Dental Assisting Club, Air Conditioning Technology Club, the International Association, and the Cosmetology and Nail Technician Club.

Tags: Savannah Technical, Savannah Technical College, Technical College, allied health, associate degree, certificate programs

Find The Best Dorms At Florida Atlantic University

Picking a dorm at a collegiate campus is no easy task. Determining the best dorms based on style of living is even more difficult if you are a new student or one that doesn't know much about on-campus living. This article serves the purpose of taking the guesswork out of picking a dorm at Florida Atlantic University.

Instructions

1. Consider Algonquin Hall if you are willing to sign a 12-month lease. This dormitory is open only to those students that are willing to pay for a full year of living in the residence hall. Algonquin Hall features suite-style rooms that boast four private rooms. The rooms are then separated in half so that two students share a living area. This dormitory was renovated in 2007 so it has all the amenities of a brand new dormitory.

2. Check into University Village Apartments if you are an upperclassman or a first-year student that has been out of high school at least one year. University Village Apartments offer unmatched privacy when it comes to on-campus housing options. There are two different floor plans that students can choose from in these apartments. Residents have the option of either a four-bedroom apartment that features a shared living area and kitchen or a studio apartment that is lived in by just one student.

3. Look at Heritage Park Towers if you are interested in another dormitory that offers suite-style living. This residence hall is open to all students at FAU and features two different lay outs in terms of the way that the rooms are set up. Students have the option of living in a three-person or two-person suite. These dorm rooms are one of the most popular on campus due to location and amenities.

Tags: Algonquin Hall, apartment that, Atlantic University, Florida Atlantic, Florida Atlantic University

Teach Yourself Spanish

Knowing speak, read and write in Spanish is becoming an extremely marketable skill, due to the growing Hispanic population in the United States. A great number of resources and methods are currently available that will assist in your goal of teaching yourself Spanish, including books, videos and online courses.

Instructions

1. Determine the level of fluency you want to achieve when you teach yourself Spanish. For instance, if you want to learn conversational Spanish for an upcoming vacation in a country where the language is spoken, you may want to choose a more streamlined teaching method that concentrates on specific words and proper pronunciation. If you're looking to speak perfect Spanish, however, you may want to enroll in a more comprehensive program that focuses on grammar as well.

2. Teach yourself Spanish by selecting instructional books from a library or bookstore. If you know little to no Spanish, you may want to select a beginner's guide, such as the popular "Idiot's Guides," or a student textbook. Choose a more advanced and comprehensive reference book if you're looking to refine or refresh your use of Spanish.

3. Use audio recordings or videos to teach yourself Spanish. With these types of resources, you can hear how the words are pronounced, which can be more effective than reading about proper enunciations in a textbook. These types of teaching methods can usually be found at bookstores or video stores under the instructional section.

4. Immerse yourself in Spanish culture. Many foreign language instructors agree that the fastest and most effective way to quickly learn a language is to throw yourself into an environment where only that language is spoken. Take a vacation in a country where only Spanish is spoken and make a serious attempt at interacting with the people around you, and you'll be surprised how quickly you'll learn certain words and phrases.

5. Purchase online software, such as Rocket Spanish, to teach yourself Spanish (see Resources below). These websites, downloads and software use the latest technologies to teach you conversational Spanish efficiently and quickly, often with money-back guarantees.

Tags: yourself Spanish, conversational Spanish, country where, language spoken, quickly learn

Attract A College Classmate

A classroom setting can complicate the rules of attraction.

Falling for that cute classmate who catches your eye is hardly an uncommon dilemma. But getting that classmate to notice you and sparking a romance is a tricky feat. Attracting a college classmate is fraught with difficulties, and plenty of people advise against the whole notion of dating a classmate, for the drama and tension it causes. But if you can't put your feelings off, try some classic strategies for getting that special girl or guy to notice you.

Instructions

1. Greet your classmate every day when you come in. Starting with a simple "hello" and a friendly smile is the easiest way to grab their attention and break the ice. But take things slowly, or you might come on too strong. Let a relationship build over time before you start trying to attract your classmate in earnest. Begin to use that "hello" as an icebreaker for more meaningful conversations and interactions.

2. Make occasional eye contact with your classmate during class, but only occasionally. Avoid staring and avoid becoming distracted, or your performance in the class will suffer. Not only will this hurt your grades, but your crush is less likely to be impressed if you're doing poorly.

3. Ask your classmate to explain a class topic you don't understand, or need help on. This is another way to spend time with your crush outside of class, and open up the possibility for more, but avoid playing dumb for the sake of this opportunity.

4. Ask your classmate where he or she is heading after class. Offer to walk together if you can, but avoid lying or misrepresenting yourself for the sake of tagging along. Suggest you meet for lunch to discuss the latest lecture, cram for the next test or brainstorm ideas for a paper or project.

5. Let your classmate see your interest, but try to show this subtly, through actions and body language. This is a form of flattery and can be a powerful attraction tool of itself, as long as you're not too forceful. Lean towards your crush when the two of you interact. Try nodding slightly whenever he or she says something.

6. Project an air of confidence and self-esteem in class and in your interactions with your classmate. Confidence is an attractive quality, and it will help your classmate see you in a positive and possibly romantic light.

Tags: your classmate, with your, your crush, getting that, with your classmate

Digital Recording Arts Schools

Digital recording arts schools are becoming more common as the technology used in the music industry improves. A variety of potential recording careers, like sound engineering, are becoming more mainstream. Careers in this field include audio production for music albums, radio commercials, movies, and even video games.

The Art Institute of Vancouver

Students at The Art Institute of Vancouver graduate from the recording program educated on a diverse number of music related subjects. The students are instructed on use both digital and analogue studio equipment. Training covers an array of topics, including: microphone techniques, digital video and signal flow among others. One unique area of focus for the students is learning produce and publish audio that may be used for Internet applications.

The Art Institute of Vancouver

2665 Renfrew Street

Vancouver, British Columbia, V5M 0A7

(604) 683-9200

http://www.artinstitutes.edu/vancouver

Full Sail University

Full Sail University (FSU) in Winter Park, Florida has a recording program that has been around for over 30 years. The program has evolved and changed with the upgrades in technology over the years, and continued to remain cutting edge. FSU has several top of the line studios for their students to utilize in learning about mixing boards, digital workstations, etc. The need for audio in video games has been increasing over the years, and students at FSU are able to experience the difficulties for video game and movie sound production first hand.

Full Sail University

3300 University Blvd. Winter Park, FL 32792

(407) 679-6333

http://www.fullsail.edu/recording-arts/overview.html

The Los Angeles Recording School

Los Angeles, California undoubtedly is one of the United States' most popular cities for the recording industry. The city is home to The Los Angeles Recording School, which allows students to strengthen their background in recording processes like multi-track recording and surround sound production. This hands-on program offers nearly 20 studio settings for their students. They are one of the few schools that are a Digidesign Certified Training Location. This allows students to use the Digidesign Pro Tools HD systems, among others, to produce and edit music. The program offers diverse courses in entertainment business, advanced digital audio, film sound and music production.

The Los Angeles Recording School

6690 West Sunset Boulevard

Los Angeles, CA 90028-7120

(323) 464-5200

http://www.recordingcareer.com

Middle Tennessee State University

Middle Tennessee State University, located in Murfreesboro, has the most substantial music technology and music business-related programs in the nation. With well over 1,000 students enrolled, the program turns out graduates who are well versed in music business, audio production and commercial songwriting. Students take part in internships to use their training in a professional setting and to make contacts with music moguls and others with the same interests. The school has six studios, along with rooms for post-production, editing labs, digital audio labs and audio maintenance labs.

MTSU Department of Recording Industry

Box 21

Middle Tennessee State University

Murfreesboro, TN 37132

(615) 898.2578

http://recordingindustry.mtsu.edu/

Tags: Angeles Recording, Angeles Recording School, Full Sail, Full Sail University, Institute Vancouver, Middle Tennessee, Middle Tennessee State

College Applications Tips

Filling out college applications is the first step in furthering your education.

Applying for college can be a hectic time in any individual's life. Choosing the right school essentially means choosing your home for the next four years. The College Board recommends applying to five to eight schools--including schools you are confident about being accepted to, schools you are likely to be accepted to and schools that present an admissions challenge. Once you have decided on a list of probable schools, it is important to follow the application instructions and include all the necessary items with your applications.

Form

The application form is a necessary item regardless of where or what type of college you are applying for. Check with the schools you are applying to. Some schools may require that you apply online, while others will allow you to choose between an online and paper application. When filling out the form, make sure you answer every question--include an "N/A" or a line through any questions that are not applicable. If you are unsure of the answer to a question, ask a parent or a guidance counselor. Answer every question to the best of your ability. Be sure to review the application before hitting "Submit" or mailing your application. Remember to sign and date your application. Richard Montauk, author of "Get Into Top Colleges," indicates forgetting to sign and date your application is one of the most common errors prospective college students make. You should also be sure to check your application for grammatical errors. Grammatical errors give admissions officers the impression that you do not care. Errors may result in a delay in your application being processed.

Fees

Inquire about the application fee and be sure to submit it with your application form. Keep in mind that some schools will reduce the application fee completely or by a dollar amount if you opt to apply online. Remember that the fee is not refundable--it is required whether you are accepted or not or if you do not choose to go to this school after being accepted. Make sure to mail the application fee with your application. Many schools will not process your application without the fee. If your family or yourself are unable to afford the application fee, talk to a guidance counselor at your high school or contact the admissions office of your college. Many schools are able to reduce or waive application fees if you are able to prove that you cannot afford to pay.

Transcripts

All colleges are going to require transcripts. Transcripts are records of your academic progress thus far. They include the courses you have taken, your grades and other extracurricular activities. If applicable, provide any transcripts from any college work you may have completed. Keep in mind, you must submit official transcripts. Official transcripts come in a sealed envelope from your high school or college. If you break the seal on this envelope, your transcripts are no longer considered official.

Personal Essay

The personal essay may often set you apart from other applicants with similar test scores, grades and extracurricular activities. It is important to express yourself as an individual while writing your admission essay. Some schools may require an essay regarding your goals, while others may ask for an autobiographical statement or your reason for choosing a particular school. Remember to follow the instructions, stay on topic and stay within the word count. Make your essay stand out. All essays should tell a story, rather than show an admissions officer why you should be accepted. Be creative. It is important to avoid sob stories. You do not want to make the admissions department feel bad for you. Before you seal your personal essay and send it off, check it over for typos. Additionally, if you believe using big words will increase your chances of admission--keep in mind the admissions office wants to get to know you, not whether or not you can use a thesaurus--remember to make sure the big words you are using fit the context of your essay.

Tags: your application, with your, accepted schools, admissions office, application form, apply online

Use Usps Delivery Confirmation

USPS delivery confirmation helps customers keep track of their packages and prove when and where they were delivered. Delivery confirmation is especially useful for business owners who regularly ship expensive merchandise. Use USPS delivery confirmation to track your packages and keep records of their delivery.

Instructions

1. Take your package to the post office and pay for its postage. Package types eligible for delivery confirmation are first-class packages, priority mail, library mail, bound printed matter and parcel post.

2. Confirm that your package meets the delivery confirmation requirements. Your package must be a hard box or have a thickness of at least 3/4 inch.

3. Talk to the post office clerk and request delivery confirmation. Fill out the PS form 152 the post office clerk gives you.

4. Receive a receipt of delivery confirmation.

5. Log on to USPS.com to begin tracking your package. Click "Track and Confirm" and enter the number on your label or receipt into the form box.

6. Press "Go" to see the delivery status of your package. While delivery confirmation services may not indicate where your package is while en route, it will confirm the date and time of delivery.

Tags: delivery confirmation, your package, post office, delivery confirmation, office clerk

Information Undergraduate Medical School

Undergraduate medical school provides the education and preliminary training needed to complete graduate study in the medical field. Undergraduate students may choose to specialize in a particular field of medicine in their junior and senior years, and may also take an internship or externship in order to fulfill graduation requirements.

Function

Undergraduate medical school programs prepare students for the formal medical school application process at a School of Medicine. The curriculum is structured around social sciences, natural sciences, human anatomy, humanities and other general education requirements. Students also take part in a rigorous training program, and may be involved with clinical research, volunteer activities and scientific research on and off campus. At the end of the educational program, students can take the MCAT standardized test; this tests students in the physical and biological sciences and in verbal reasoning.

Features

Students who wish to enter medical school must first complete a bachelor's degree through an undergraduate medical school program (pre-medical/medical science), or in another field as long as they have completed medical school prerequisites. The educational track typically includes courses in biochemistry, anatomy, physiology, pathology, chemistry and human biology. Admission to medical school is based on GPA, an admissions essay and interview, the MCAT score, volunteer work, extracurricular activities and any research the applicant has completed during their undergraduate studies. Undergraduate programs can be four or five years in length.

Types

U.S. News & World Report ranks the top 10 2008 medical schools as follows: Harvard University, John Hopkins University, University of Pennsylvania, Washington University in St. Louis, University of California-San Francisco, University of Washington, Stanford University, Duke University, Yale University and the Baylor College of Medicine/Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons (tie).

Effects

While many students who graduate from undergraduate medical school can pursue job opportunities in their field immediately after graduation, most employers offer only entry-level positions with an undergraduate degree. Students who wish to become pharmacists, doctors, physicians or physical therapists must complete graduate school and finish a comprehensive training program in order to achieve the doctor designation. Students can become a Doctor of Medicine (MD) after successful completion of studies at an LCME-accredited medical school. The Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) is an independent body sponsored by the Association of American Medical Colleges and the American Medical Association.

Considerations

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, health care was the largest industry in 2006 and provided 14 million jobs. Seven of the 20 fastest growing occupations were health-care related, and the industry is expected to generate more than three million jobs through 2016. Employment of physicians and surgeons is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations; surgeon and physician salaries range between $137,119 and $321,686, depending on the years of experience and type of specialty.

Tags: medical school, also take, American Medical, complete graduate, million jobs

Free Act Prep Activities

Reading can help with every section of the ACT.

The ACT college entrance exam is a multiple choice test focused on English, math and science, with an added optional essay. The 75 English questions, based on five prose passages, cover areas including punctuation, grammar, sentence structure, strategy, organization and style. There is also a reading comprehension section. The 60 math questions include pre-algebra, elementary and intermediate algebra, coordinate and plane geometry and trigonometry. The 40 questions in natural sciences include Earth or physical science and biology. The ACT is typically taken junior year, though you should start preparing at least a year in advance.

Read

Because reading is such a big portion of the test, one of the best ways to prepare is to read challenging books. Many libraries offer reading lists for high school students; choose several books and borrow them for free. Some libraries also have ACT review books in the reference section. You can't borrow these books, but you can read about each section and take sample tests at the library. Be sure to take at least one sample test in a timed condition.

ACT Question of the Day

Sign up for Test Prep Review's Free ACT Question of the Day. Every day, you get an e-mail with one ACT question. The website also offers practice questions with an answer key for each ACT section. The official ACT website also offers a free question of the day every day.

Spark Notes Test Prep

Spark Notes Test Prep offers a free online review for each section, along with test taking strategies specific to the ACT. The site offers detailed question analysis for the English, math, reading and science questions. It also offers detailed answers to each question. Even if you get a question right, you might have just guessed correctly; reading the answer can help you better understand the material.

Tags: also offers, each section, Test Prep, English math, Notes Test

How Do Sunspots Affect The Earth'S Atmosphere

How Do Sunspots Affect the Earth's Atmosphere?

Sunspots and Solar Wind

Sunspots are portions of the sun that are cooler than the surrounding material and look darker even without the aid of a telescope. The cooler temperatures create increased magnetic activity. An increased amount of sunspots can cause more solar wind to flow from the sun. Solar wind is a flow of charged particles that are able to escape the sun's atmosphere because of their increased energy. Some astronomers believe parts of comet tails are also the result of solar wind. The particles in the solar wind can interact with the upper part of the earth's atmosphere, called the ionosphere.

From Wind to Storm

Sunspots occur in cycles or seasons, just as many regions on earth have a rainy season. A sunspot sighted on January 4, 2008 began a new 11-year cycle (Sunspot Cycle 24). High levels of solar wind can even bring a solar storm where large quantities of magnetized material is send into the earth's atmosphere. Though not physically dangerous, this material interferes with electronic equipment. A solar storm has the potential to knockout communications satellites, interfere with radio waves, and destroy GPS data.

How our Atmosphere Reacts

When increases in solar wind or solar storms occur, the charged particles can cause background static in the data transmitted from satellites. In extreme circumstances, the ionosphere heats and swells in reaction to the heat, which further interferes with data transfer. Earth has its own magnetic field that protects us from most of these particles, but there can be stunning visual display like the Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights. The Aurora Borealis occurs when the stream of solar wind hits gasses in earth's atmosphere, making the glow and array of colors seen around the world.

Tags: solar wind, Affect Earth, Affect Earth Atmosphere, Aurora Borealis, charged particles

Make A Game App

Make your own custom game apps for your mobile phone.

Making a game app (application program) for your own mobile phone cannot only be a lot of fun but can make your life easier. Once your custom game app is made, you cannot only play and test it anywhere, you can also share it with your network or even submit it to a game app publisher to earn extra money. However, before you start, give some thought to the game app software. Easy to use game app software is best for the novice as professional level development software takes months to learn.

Instructions

1. Locate the easiest to use game app development software that is free and known to be reliable. For this application, use Google APP Inventor.

2. Download APP Inventor to your computer from the Google APP Inventor website. Follow the instructions to install APP Inventor.

3. Start APP Inventor and create a new project. Connect your smartphone to your computer's USB port.

4. Use the sound, picture, text and touch button components in the APP Inventor tool box to create a simple game app. Follow the beginner's tutorial on the APP Inventor website to see how you drag and drop each of these components to make a simple game app.

5. Click the download option in APP Inventor to download the game app you created to your phone. Test the game on your phone.

Tags: cannot only, custom game, development software, game software, Google Inventor, Inventor website, mobile phone

Find The Best Dorms At Western Michigan University

Picking a dorm at a collegiate campus is no easy task. Determining the best dorms based on age, size and style of living is even more difficult if you are a new student or one that doesn't know much about on-campus living. This article serves the purpose of taking the guesswork out of picking a dorm at Western Michigan University.

Instructions

1. Check out Britton/Hadley Hall if you want to live in the "Valley" area of campus. This dormitory is primarily for first-year students at Western Michigan University. Britton/Hadley Hall is co-educational and features suite-style living for students, which means that residents share a room with one other person and a bathroom with two other "suite mates." This dormitory is all about location as it is the one dorm in this area that is closest to the main campus. Britton/Hadley Hall features the on-campus coffee house, which is an added perk.

2. Look into Henry Hall on the main campus. This dormitory is defined by the fact that it is one of the only ones on campus that does not require residents to purchase a meal plan. Henry Hall features a top-notch kitchen for those students that wish to not purchase the campus meal plan. This dormitory is co-educational in nature and features double rooms that house two students. Residents then share a community bathroom with the rest of their floor.

3. Consider the Burnhams on the main campus for extra diversity in your living situation. In addition to housing students from freshmen to senior years, this dormitory also houses the student-athletes on campus and many residents find that quite interesting. This dormitory features some of the largest rooms on campus, which is its top draw. The Burnhams are co-educational and the rooms are inhabited by two students.

Tags: This dormitory, Britton Hadley, Britton Hadley Hall, Hadley Hall, main campus, Michigan University

Jobs For Business Law Degrees

Contract law is one aspect of business law.

A degree in business or corporate law can lead to a number of different career options in the law field, or one that is closely related. A degree in business law usually provides law students with a wide background of legal knowledge in fields like contracts, bankruptcy law, creditor and debtor transactions and even real estate.

Corporate Lawyer

Corporate lawyers provide a variety of different services in the field of business law. Corporate lawyers can work directly for corporations or they can work as public lawyers who prosecute criminal offenders in the business arena. Corporate lawyers must have a strong knowledge of contract law and have a strong familiarity with a wide range of business documents. In cases where corporate lawyers work directly for a corporate entity, they provide legal counsel to the company before it makes large-scale financial decisions or contractual obligations. Corporate lawyers may also defend a corporation or its officers when it has been threatened with legal prosecution. According to Payscale.com, the average salary for corporate attorneys nationwide ranged from $82,853 to $163,968 in September 2010.

Legal Consultant

Lawyers who have expertise in the field of business law can also obtain positions as legal consultants or branch out on their own to start their own consulting service. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) notes that the field of consulting is expected to be one of the fastest growing fields of employment between 2008 and 2018, with expected growth of 83 percent in terms of the number of jobs. Legal consultants may provide consultations to corporations, government agencies and other organizations regarding legal matters that may affect business. As of October 2010, Payscale.com notes that the average range of pay for consultants in this industry ranged from $58,406 to $105,862.

Real Estate Lawyer

Real estate lawyers serve as consultants to consumers and professionals within the real estate industry on important legal matters. Real estate lawyers can provide legal advice on matters such as preparing and registering necessary legal documents to buy or sell a house or property, clarifying or modifying mortgage terms on behalf of a client wanting to obtain a mortgage from a bank, reviewing and clarifying all legal documents involved in the closing process and conducting research on the property being bought or sold to ensure that there are no liens or other impediments to buying or selling the property. As of September 2010, Payscale.com noted that real estate lawyers made between $63,359 and $113,068 annually.

Tags: Corporate lawyers, estate lawyers, 2010 Payscale, degree business, field business

How Long Does A Vet Go To School

How Long Does a Vet Go to School?

It takes anywhere from 9 to 12 years to become a board certified veterinarian. Admission to veterinary colleges is very competitive, and the more a student does to prepare for admission the better her chances will be of getting in. This may include taking undergraduate courses primarily in the sciences. It could also include getting work or volunteer experience in a related field.

Time Frame

A Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree is a 4-year degree at an accredited veterinary college. The prerequisite to be accepted into a veterinary college ranges from 45 to 90 undergraduate credit hours, but applicants who have earned a Bachelor's degree are usually given preference.

Types

To become board certified, a veterinarian must also complete a 3- to 4-year residency. During the residency, he will get hands-on training in one of the 20 specialties including dentistry, oncology, exotic small-animal medicine, internal medicine, nutrition, radiology and surgery.

Accredited Colleges

The American Veterinary Medical Association's Council on Education has accredited only 28 veterinary colleges located in 26 states.

Licensing

A veterinarian must have a state license to practice, which means she must pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam. The exam is a 360 multiple-choice test, and takes approximately 8 hours to complete.

Potential Careers

In addition to attending to animals, trained veterinarians can also become meat and poultry inspectors, disease-control workers, animal welfare and safety workers, U.S. public health service officers or they can go into research.

Tags: American Veterinary, become board, become board certified, board certified, board certified veterinarian

Multistate Bar Exam Study Tools

Most states require would-be attorneys to pass the Multistate Bar Examination.

The Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) is a 200-question multiple-choice examination that tests knowledge about contracts, torts, constitutional law, criminal law and procedure, evidence and real property. The National Conference of Bar Examiners publishes the MBE and each year the test is given in February and July. Each state has set criteria for admitting new attorneys, but the majority use the test as part of that process. Each jurisdiction sets its own passing score and also commonly requires graduation from law school, passing scores on essay and performance tests and good character for bar admission. There are a variety of tools aspiring lawyers use to prepare to take the MBE.

The MBE NCBE Informational Booklet

The most accessible preparation tool is a free booklet published by the NCBE each year. The MBE Information Booklet is available online (ncbex.org) and describes the exam and testing procedures, as well as how the test is organized. It provides in outline form the content that is tested, making it a good place to start your review.

Commercial Bar Preparation Classes

Many private companies across the country offer classes to help prepare aspiring lawyers to take the MBE. These classes typically last up to several months. Law school teaches the law; bar prep classes review that content, provide practice questions and teach techniques and strategies that can help improve the chance of passing or increasing your score. Some companies listed by the University of Pittsburgh Law School include Micromash, Themis Bar Review, The Study Group, Reed Bar Review, Kaplan/PMBR, Emanuel Bar Review, Celebration Bar Review, Edge Bar Tutoring Group, Supreme Bar Review, MyBarPrep, AdaptiBar and Pass Rite-MBE.

Private Tutors

Tutors work one-on-one with prospective test-takers and use their teaching skills and knowledge of the law and the MBE to help their clients pass the MBE and other parts of their bar examination. In the case of TestGuru, tutoring can happen on the phone or in person and begins about three months before the examination. At PasstheBar and Fleming's, for example, students use suggested preparation materials, then receive one-on-one tutorial sessions in person, over Skype or by telephone.

Flash Cards

Flash cards are a common tool for MBE preparation. Some commercial bar preparation classes provide students with flash cards when you register as part of the course materials, or as an additional option. Other companies specialize in these cards and sell them exclusively. For example, MoMetrix Media sells flash cards that include in-depth explanations of answers, with reportedly easy-to-read fonts on bright white, heavy card stock. The cards focus on hundreds of the most frequently tested bar exam topics including hearsay exception, ripeness, burden of proof and principles of product liability.

Tags: aspiring lawyers, each year, Multistate Examination

Definition Of Concrete Mpa

Concrete testing helps ensure the safety of a structure.

Concrete is a building material made from Portland cement, water, sand and gravel. Known for its strength and durability, concrete is used to construct buildings, bridges and roadways. To ensure a concrete structure will last, inspectors test the strength of the concrete once it has had time to dry. In countries that use the metric system, the strength of concrete is rated using megapascals (MPa).

Definition

A megapascal (MPa) is a measure of the compressive strength of concrete. It lets inspectors know how much force can be applied to the concrete before it cracks or fails. One MPa is equal to one million pascals (Pa), which is equivalent to one million Newtons of force per square meter. The higher the MPa of concrete, the stronger the material will be, and the less likely it is to fail.

Considerations

The imperial equivalent to MPa is pounds per square inch (psi). While the U.S., England and other countries that rely on the imperial system use psi, the majority of countries rely on MPa. Many manufacturers, builders and suppliers provide product data showing both MPa and psi ratings for concrete materials. To convert psi to MPa, multiply the psi value by 0.0068915. For example, 2500 psi = 2500 x 0.0068915, or 18 MPa.

Uses

MPa ratings are used by a wide variety of building professionals. The structural engineer determines the required MPa rating for a structure based on the weight and load of the building and its occupants. Builders and contractors can then refer to MPa ratings when choosing materials, pouring concrete and designing nearby building elements. Inspectors refer to MPa ratings when testing new concrete items, and concrete manufacturers may use these items when recommending products to clients. MPa ratings are also used in pre-engineered concrete facilities during design and manufacture of precast concrete panels.

Testing

The MPa of new concrete is determined using a cylinder-testing process. Inspectors bore concrete cylinders after the surface has dried, or cured, for 28 days. The cylinders must be transported carefully to testing labs, where they are placed on testing machines. These machines usually consist of two heavy plates that are pressed together at either end of the cylinder. Multiple tests are performed, and the average MPa is given to builders, engineers and inspectors for review. If the MPa rating is lower than the design parameter, the concrete may need to be removed and re-poured.

Potential

According to the National Ready Mix Concrete Association, the MPa of concrete ranges from 17 in residential construction to 28 in commercial projects. Any concrete product with an MPa over 41 is considered "high-strength," and is designed for large-scale projects like bridges or high-rise buildings.

According to the Portland Cement Association, many in the industry believed that MPa ratings of 76 were the highest possible rating for concrete strength as of the 1970s. As of 2010, however, two buildings in Seattle contain concrete with an MPa of 131. As building technology improves, stronger products may be introduced that could raise MPa potential even higher.

Tags: strength concrete, countries that, ratings when, refer ratings, refer ratings when

Mpa File Types

The MPA is an audio file format that uses MPEG Layer-2 file compression. Compressing audio files reduces their size without loss of sound quality. MPA files can be played on Apple QuickTime, RealNetworks RealPlayer, Apple iTunes, Video Lan VLC player and Windows Media Player. They can be played on Windows, MacOS, and Linux systems, making the MPA format versatile and convenient to use.

Identification

MPA files have the naming format "filename.mpa" or "filename.mp2." Since they're most commonly used as audio or video files, they're created by the user. MPA files created by users are by default stored in the "My Documents," "My Music," or "My Videos" folders under "C:\Documents and Settings\userprofile\." The user profile may be your log in name. MPA files may also be stored in user-defined folders.

History

MPEG stands for Motion Pictures Experts Group, a working standards group formed in 1988 with the International Standards Organization. It's responsible for the standards for the MPEG-1, which was approved in November 1992; MPEG-2, which was approved in November 1994; and MPEG-4, which was approved in October 1998.

Features

MPA audio files are based on a 256KB per second -- 32Kb per second -- bit rate for CD quality. MPEG-based video files use the 720-by-480 and 1,280-by-720 pixel sizes at 60 frames per second. Each subsequent version layer is backward-compatible with previous layer versions. A five-minute MPA file takes up 9.6MB of space. The MPEG format stores only the changes between frames, enabling a two-hour movie to fit within a few gigabytes. A basic DVD stores 4.7GB.

Warnings

Deleting MPA files results in the loss of your personal song collection. If an MPA file is in a system or program directory, deleting it may result in system instability and nonfunctional programs. Never delete files in the system or programs directories unless you know what you're doing.

Other Programs

MPA files were used as system memo files for the Palm OS -- the operating system for the Palm Pilot PDAs in 1996. The MPA extension was used by Beijer Electronics as configuration files for its automation equipment. Caution should be used in deleting MPA system files in PDAs.

Tags: which approved, approved November, audio files, video files, which approved November

Manage Your Federal Student Loans Through The Consolidation And Servicing Process

manage your federal student loans through the consolidation and servicing process

More than $100 billion goes into federal education loans each year to help students with financing their education. Chances are you have some federal student loans and as a borrower, you have certain rights and responsibilities, one of which is paying back your loans. If you decide to consolidate your federal loans with the Department of Education through Direct Loans, understanding consolidate and what's expected of you as the borrower will make the process more manageable.

Instructions

Preparing and Applying for Direct Loan Consolidation

1. Log-in to the National Student Loan Data System website. Click on each loan and print or save the file.

2. Print the necessary forms from the Direct Loan website, including the Repayment Plan Selection form. Depending on your individual financial situation and repayment plan decision, you may also need to print and complete the Consent to Disclosure of Tax Information and Alternative Documentation of Income forms.

3. Complete your Direct Loan Consolidation application online. Sign your online application and promissory note with your PIN. If you prefer, download a paper copy of the application off the website and mail it along with your required forms to the Direct Loan Consolidation Center. Depending on the repayment plan you select, it may be necessary to mail a copy of your most recent tax returns with the forms.

4. Check your loan summary sheet for any inaccuracies and report them to Direct Loan Consolidation. You will receive your summary sheet within 10 days of your loan balance being certified with the Direct Loan Consolidation Center.

5. Call the Direct Loan Servicing Center to confirm they have all the required paperwork once you've received a letter from Direct Loans entitled Consolidation Disbursement(s) Made. If additional paperwork is necessary, promptly mail your forms to avoid possible changes with your selected repayment plan.

Tags: Direct Loan, Direct Loan Consolidation, Loan Consolidation, repayment plan, with your

Get A Replacement Dd214

Get a Replacement DD214

Beyond medical records, beyond medals and beyond pay stubs, the most important document a military veteran can have is a DD 214. The DD 214, or the Department of Defense Form 214, shows how long a military veteran served, what type of discharge she had, and what benefits she is entitled to. It isn't a large, complicated form but it possesses key information often needed for continuing education such as the GI Bill or for obtaining an advantage in the job market. Many veterans lose copies of their DD 214 and need to get a replacement.

Instructions

1. Check with your last base. If you didn't separate too long ago, there is a chance that the military separations section of your old base may have a digital copy of your DD 214. It is best to go in person and make the request rather than to do it by phone.

2. Look at the last place of residence you put on record. Many veterans forget to change their place of residence, which can be different from where they started their career. Your copy of your DD 214 could have been mailed there if the address change wasn't made.

3. Research the VA Regional Office for a copy of your DD 214 if you filed a medical claim within the past five years. You can't even register into their system until you have a DD 214.

4. Log onto the Veteran Records website (see Resources). Follow instructions on get your DD 214. The instructions do include faxing or mailing forms that require your signature and your Social Security number. They have to be received within 20 days of the request, so don't delay.

Tags: copy your, Many veterans, military veteran, place residence

The Average Salary Of A First Year Professor

Salaries for assistant professors vary.

A college or university professor who is new to the profession and is first starting out is considered an assistant professor. This is the lowest ranking for a professor within a university hierarchy. The most significant factor affecting the salary of an assistant professor is the geographical location of the teaching position.

Entry Level Salary

In the United States, an assistant professor who has less than one year of experience can expect to earn a median yearly salary between $44,925 and $66,946, according to September 2010 data from the website PayScale.

Salary by State

An assistant professor's salary differs from state to state. According to the website Salary Wizard, the state of Georgia is a low-paying state, with a median salary of $41,408 per year. Alternately, an assistant professor can expect to earn a median yearly salary of $78,781 when employed in Illinois, one of the higher-paying states, as of September 2010.

Salary by City

The differences in salaries for first year professors also depend on the city of employment. Salary Wizard data shows that in Houston, Texas, the median salary is $38,802 annually, whereas in Charlotte, North Carolina, the median salary is $89,625 per year, as of September 2010.

Tags: assistant professor, median salary, September 2010, earn median, earn median yearly

Learning Arabic In Dubai

Dubai is a part of the United Arab Emirates, a loose confederation of small Arab principalities on the Arab Peninsula, and is one of the most liberal and progressive governments on the Persian Gulf. The principalities' pro-Western attitude and culture make it a natural fit for the student looking to study Arabic in an Arab country.

History

Dubai is an Emirate, or principality, which is part of the confederation which is generally known as the United Arab Emirates. Dubai's main source of wealth is oil revenues, but it has been working in recent decades to diversify its economy by attracting foreign investment, business, and tourism. Dubai is home to some of the most spectacular man-made achievements including man-made islands in the shape of palm trees or other designs, the world's most expensive hotel, and is currently working on what is claimed to be the world's tallest building. The dominant language in Dubai is Arabic with a regional colloquial language called an 'Ameya.

Significance

Dubai is one of the more progressive and pro-Western governments on the Arab peninsula and as such has a very friendly, open attitude toward students who study Arabic there. One of the most famous and well-recognized universities in Dubai is the American University in Dubai (AUD). Students to AUD are drawn not only from the United States, but from Europe, Dubai, and other countries around the globe. An advantage of studying in AUD is that all courses are taught in English, including Arabic, which facilitates an academic career for American students unfamiliar with other languages.

Function

A prospective student who wishes to study Arabic in Dubai should consider applying for governmental grants and scholarships to fund their education. Since September 11th, 2001, Arabic and the study of Arabic has been considered a high priority for American security. As a result, government funding for the study of Arabic has increased and in 2006, President Bush increased the Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) funding for students learning Arabic by 40 percent. Besides FLAS, there is also a State Department scholarship called the Critical Language Scholarship which also offers funding for students who would like a career in government service. For more information, see Resources below.

Time Frame

When applying to a Dubai-based university, allow enough time to complete the necessary paperwork for your study abroad. Applicants should already have, or at least be in the process, of getting their passport. The State Department may take six months or more to return a valid passport to first-time applicants. Additionally, once a student has received an acceptance letter, they should apply for a visa with the consulate of Dubai as soon as possible (see Resources below).

Considerations

Prospective students should also set up a bank account in an American bank for receipt of grant, loan and scholarship funds. Dubai is internationally connected through various financial networks and the funds placed in an American bank can be easily drawn out from ATMs in Dubai.

Also students in Dubai are urged to reside in the dormitories during their stay unless they are at least moderately fluent in speaking Arabic; rents in Dubai can also be fairly expensive and may be out of reach for the average students' budget.

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