Umass Medical School Admission Requirements

UMass has several requirements for medical school admission.

Founded in 1962, the medical school at University of Massachusetts is the only public medical educational institution in the state. Located in Worcester, the school opened its doors to provide Massachusetts with an influx of doctors who would service local citizens. Since its founding, the school has expanded its curriculum to include graduate education in medicine, biomedical sciences, nursing, medical education and continuing education for physicians, nurses and other medical personnel. Admission to the medical school at UMass is based on several requirements.

Application Requirements

Individuals applying to the medical school program at UMass are required to submit a primary application, supplemental application forms and letters of recommendation.

Undergraduate Requirements

Applicants to the University of Massachusetts medical school are required to have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Individuals who have graduated from a college outside of the United States must have completed one year of full-time study in a Canadian or American college or university before applying to the medical school program. Regardless of the student's undergraduate major or degree earned, there are several prerequisite courses they are required to have taken. Courses include one year of zoology or general biology with a lab component, one year of organic chemistry with a lab, one year of inorganic chemistry with a lab, one year of physics with a lab and one year of English literature or composition. Recommended (but not required) courses include calculus, sociology, psychology, computer literacy and statistics. All required and recommended coursework must be completed within the six years prior to applying to the medical school program at UMass.

Test Requirements

Students applying to UMass medical school are required to submit scores from the standardized Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT).

Technical Standard Requirements

UMass medical school students are required to prove aptitude, ability and skill in the following areas: observation, communication, sensory and motor function, intellectual, conceptual, integrative and quantitative abilities, and behavioral and social abilities. Observational skills include but are not limited to being able to dissect and preserve cadaver tissue, live patient observation from a reasonable distance, detecting changes in fluid and skin color, and observing cellular details through a microscope. Communication skills must include effective, intelligent and timely written and verbal communication with all patients and co-workers regardless of sex, age, race, sexual orientation, cultural or religious background, including the ability to discern subtle physical and verbal cues. Applicants must possess the sensory and motor function to move swiftly and precisely in all emergency and routine situations. Applicants with intellectual, conceptual, integrative and quantitative abilities will be able to perform measurement, reasoning calculation, analysis, synthesis and judgment. The required behavioral and social skills include integrity, empathy, honesty, genuine concern, interpersonal skills, motivation and interest.

Tags: medical school, applying medical, applying medical school, medical school program, school program, with year

Enforce The Americans With Disabilities Act At School

The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination against persons with a disability. In education, this means that a person with a disability has the right to a well-rounded education as well as equal access to resources, transportation and post school activities. This article will help you ensure that your school is in compliance with federal law.

Instructions

1. Include all students in the classroom. The law states that no child may be rejected from the classroom regardless of her disability.

2. Perform a non discriminatory evaluation. The school should offer a student evaluation that fairly assesses the type and extent of the disability.

3. Provide students with the least restrictive environment for learning at all times. Keep disabled students with the general population as much as possible. In some situations this is not always feasible. If this is the case, the school can make a decision to educate the student elsewhere if it is in the best interest of the student.

4. Make available to students a tailored education that fits their specific needs. This includes supplementary services, resources and supplementary materials and devices. These services can be in the form of teacher's aide in the classroom, a special education teacher, transportation and medical devices to enhance the student's learning.

5. Work with the student and parent to come up with an education plan that makes them comfortable. The law requires the school to collaborate with the student and parent to develop a special education plan.

6. Be conscious of the parents' and student's rights to sue the school if they feel they are treated unfairly. The student is entitled to procedural due process under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Tags: Americans with, education plan, special education, student parent, students with, with Disabilities

Requirements For Home Schooling In Colorado

Colorado home schooling laws aim for minimal state interference.

Some parents choose home schooling for a variety of reasons, including religious beliefs, the location of area schools or because they believe home schooling offers their child a better education. In Colorado, School Attendance Law 1963 Section 104.5 covers the requirements for home schooling. The law respects parental rights but also protects children's rights to an education, using an evaluation system.

Parental Rights

Colorado recognizes the right of parents to choose the most appropriate form of education for their children, and the state views home-based schooling as a "legitimate alternative" to traditional classrooms. The law also states that the regulation of home schooling should be sufficiently flexible to adapt to a variety of family situations and that state control over this schooling should be minimal.

Definition and Notification

The law defines home schooling as any program of education delivered by a parent, guardian or other adult relative. The person teaching the child is not subject to the requirements of the Colorado Educator Licensing Act of 1991. In other words, they don't need to be a certified teacher. The home-teaching program must amount to at least 172 days with a minimum of four hours of teaching a day. Any parent wishing to set up a home-based education program must notify the school district authority about it 14 days before the program starts. Parents must resubmit this notification annually. The notification should include the names of all children taking part in the program, the home address and the number of attendance hours.

Curriculum

The basic subjects taught must include reading, writing, speaking, mathematics, history, civics, literature, science and the Constitution of the United States. Parents might choose to add other subjects, such as information technology, modern languages, art, music and drama, to name a few, but these are optional.

Evaluation

Each child in home schooling is evaluated at grades three, five, seven, nine and 11 using a nationally recognized standard achievement test, the SAT. Tests are sent to the local school district authority for evaluation. Alternatively, a qualified person will undertake the assessment. A qualified person is defined as a licensed teacher, a psychologist, someone with a graduate degree in education or a teacher employed by a local parochial or independent school. Parents have the right to select this person. If the results of the test fall below the 13th percentile, the school district requires that the child attend a public school until the next test. However, before that happens, the child can take an alternative test, chosen by the parents, from a list of state education board approved tests.

Tags: home schooling, school district, district authority, home schooling, parents choose, program must, qualified person

Make A Chinese Shadow Puppet Theater

Chinese shadow puppets are elaborately painted and decorated.

The art of Chinese shadow puppetry goes back thousands of years, and shadow puppetry itself is thought to have originated in India and China. Chinese shadow puppets are presented in a simple fashion, using just a white screen background, usually silk or linen, a light source -- at first firelight or lamplight, then later electrical light -- and figurines held behind the screen to form the shadow puppets.

Instructions

1. Assemble four 2-by-4 pieces of wood in a square shape on a horizontal surface. Hammer nails to attach the pieces of wood together until the square is secure. This will be the frame for the puppet theater.

2. Stand the frame up vertically. Lay the remaining 2-by-4 pieces of wood horizontally flush with the outside edges of the frame. They will be parallel supports to keep the frame standing upright.

3. Hammer two to four nails through the frame and into each support until secure.

4. Stretch your linen sheet tightly over the wooden frame and secure with hammer and nails.

5. Position your light source, the lamp, behind the white screen. The light will shine toward the audience from behind, with the puppets being manipulated between the light source and the back of the white screen.

Tags: Chinese shadow, light source, pieces wood, shadow puppets, white screen

Requirements For Fashion Designer School

Fashion design education is a blend of technical skills and academic learning.

Fashion design programs are offered through trade schools, community colleges, state colleges and universities across the nation and internationally. Program prestige varies by school and is based on academic reputation and industry recognition and praise. Entry standards vary by institution, as each school sets its own admission's guidelines. Though specific qualifications vary by school, fashion design program acceptance policies are fairly consistent throughout the educational community.

Trade and Technical Colleges

Trade schools focus on getting students to work. They qualify for their federal and state financial aid programs by graduating a high percentage of students and moving them on, in a timely fashion, to the workforce. They are looking for learners who will easily transition into a job. Qualifying for a fashion design program at a trade college is usually based more on skills than on academics. For those without a GED or high school diploma there is often an ATB entrance test whose goal is to prove that the applicant has the "ability to benefit" from training. Passing an ATB waives the need for a high school diploma. To qualify for financial aid to attend a trade college students can have no financial aid in default.

Trade programs usually take under two years to complete and award diplomas or certificates in fashion design upon completion. There is almost always job placement assistance upon graduation.

Community Colleges

Community college training in fashion design usually requires successful graduation from high school. Basic reading and math competency is a standard community college entrance requirement. There may be waiting lists for many of the entry-level fashion design classes, so be patient. Most community colleges offering fashion design have certificate programs available along with associate degree training.

Private Colleges

Private colleges set guidelines for admission based on their own criteria. They often require a high school diploma and are usually reluctant to accept transfer credits from other institutions. Portfolio reviews are a standard practice at many private colleges. This is a relatively expensive method for obtaining a fashion design degree. Associate- and bachelor-level training is usually offered at private fashion design colleges.

State Colleges and Universities

State colleges and universities have varying entrance guidelines. With a two-year community college degree in hand, fashion design students are usually welcome to move on to the state system where they can complete their bachelor-level training in fashion design. Waiting lists are normal and grade point average is taken into account. Keep grades in the 90th percentile for the best chances of acceptance. Departmental policy may require interviews and portfolio review depending upon the demand for space in the program. The Fashion Group International has a student portal on their site to familiarize students with academic community news and industry happenings. Using their resources may guide students making academic choices.

Tags: fashion design, high school, high school diploma, school diploma, bachelor-level training, colleges universities

Clean A Rotary Valve Trombone

Some trombones have an F section accessed by depressing a rotor valve with the thumb.

With proper care, maintenance and a regular cleaning schedule, a good trombone can last a lifetime. Most trombones are simple instruments, with minimal tubing and pitch regulated by the tuning slide. The addition of a rotor valve speeds up slide-position changes in some difficult playing. It also adds a length of new tubing and twists and turns. The rotor valve component can make cleaning a trombone more difficult.

Instructions

1. Remove the main tuning slide. Swab inside of the main tuning slide with a brush and mixture of brass soap and clean, warm water. Dry the inside of the main tuning slide with gauze and allow to air dry.

2. Swab the open tubing left behind after the main slide removal using the same technique as in Step 1.

3. Hold the rotor valve in the half open position. Drop five to 10 drops of oil down the tubing. Work the oil into the rotor valve by opening and shutting the valve at least 20 times.

4. Put slide grease around the ends of the main tuning slide. Work the main tuning slide into the tubing until the interior of the tubing and the main tuning slide have an even coating of grease.

5. Unscrew the rotor valve cap. Place a drop of rotor oil in the center of the rotor bearing. There should be a small divot. Do not add more than a drop of rotor oil. The oil should sit in the divot and maintain a bubble shape through surface tension.

6. Work the rotor oil into the rotor bearing by depressing and releasing the rotor valve lever at least 20 times. Screw the valve cap back into place and depress the rotor valve several more times.

7. Wash the slide with a solution of brass soap and water. Clean with gauze. Wipe down the slide tubing with a clean cloth. Reapply slide cream and work cream into the tubing by moving the slide up and down through the full range of motion from first position to seventh position.

8. Use warm water for a full trombone bath if the above methods have not fully cleaned the trombone. Most bathtubs can accommodate a trombone when all slides are removed. Ensure you dry the trombone thoroughly after washing. Reapply all the grease.

Tags: rotor valve, tuning slide, main tuning, main tuning slide, slide with

Requirements For An Elementary Teaching Degree

Requirements for an Elementary Teaching Degree

In addition to having special personality traits, potential elementary school teachers have a variety of requirements they must meet to achieve a degree in teaching. While teaching requirements and certifications vary from state to state, many of the required qualifications are similar.

Degree in Education

Most individuals who become teachers complete the requirements for a bachelor's degree in a teacher education program. Upon receiving the degree, candidates apply for certification from the state in which they are seeking employment in order to obtain a teaching license.

Generally speaking, a degree in elementary education from a teacher education program will prepare candidates to teach in grades one through six.

Education Coursework

Coursework in a teacher education program includes general knowledge-type courses in the areas of math, science, social studies, music, art and communication arts. Additionally, candidates must take professional education courses, including educational philosophy, educational technology, child psychology and teaching methods in various subject areas. Most degree programs require students to become student or practice teachers for one academic semester.

Most teacher education programs require 120 hours of coursework. In addition to basic coursework in math, science, English and social science, programs also require students to take classes in child psychology, special education psychology, teaching methods and theories, education theory and philosophies, and practicums in teaching.

Traditional Licensing

In order to teach in a public school, teachers must obtain a teaching license in their respective states after receiving an undergraduate degree in a teacher education program. (Licensing is not required for most private school teachers.) Requirements generally include taking a competency test and paying a licensing fee. Generally speaking, teaching certification and licensing is granted by a state's Board of Education.

States may have additional requirements that teachers must meet to maintain their certification and licensing. A number of courses or specific professional development programs may need to be completed to keep a teaching license. Other requirements may consist of achieving a specific grade point average as an undergraduate or completing the requirements for a master's degree as a probationary teacher.

Alternative Licensure

Individuals who did not obtain their undergraduate degrees in teacher preparation programs can occasionally participate in alternative licensing programs to obtain certification by demonstrating competencies in the form of a test or through provisional certification. By taking a test and/or receiving a grace period in which to complete necessary coursework, probationary teachers can often receive certification. Generally speaking, states offer alternative certification and licensing programs when facing a shortage in a specific teaching area.

Additional Qualifications

In addition to having background knowledge in a variety of subjects, elementary school teachers must be able to clearly communicate, inspire and motivate students, and meet the emotional and developmental needs of students. Additionally, teachers must be able to discern differences in student learning styles and achievement, employing strategies to differentiate instruction for their varied learners. Successful teachers are organized, creative, patient and trustworthy. They also must have above-average communication skills and be able to speak to administrators and parents as well as students.

Tags: teacher education, education program, school teachers, teacher education program, teachers must, certification licensing, Generally speaking

Education Benefits For Social Security Disability Recipients

Disabled persons receiving Social Security benefits may also receive educational assistance.

When a working citizen in the U.S. becomes permanently disabled, he may be eligible to receive Social Security disability payments every month. And, even when a person is receiving disability benefits, he might want to go back to work, and might need additional education to do so. Those receiving federal Social Security disability benefits have a number of options to aid in the cost of continuing education.

Tuition Assistance

The higher the level of education a person with a disability has, the more options they have for eventually finding gainful employment. Thus, Social Security disability recipients have a number of ways to help them in college.

If the recipient was receiving Social Security disability benefits before enrolling in college, these benefits continue while they are in college until (and if) they find employment. Additionally, there are many forms of government sponsored financial aid available for those with disabilities

I a person is a Social Security disability recipient, then her status as disabled is already legitimate, and financial aid will be easier to acquire.

Vocational Rehabilitation

Disability recipients may also be considering lines of work that do not require a college degree but that still require additional training. Typically, state-run vocational rehabilitation (VR) centers are in place to provide assistance and training to those who are receiving Social Security disability benefits and who want to return to work, who want to start working for the first time, or who want to train and enter a new field.

More information about state VR can be found on the Social Security Administration website.

Ticket to Work

This is another Social Security program for those disability benefit recipients who are seeking education or employment. The goal of this program is to allow recipients to eventually gain economic independence.

In this program, a literal "ticket to work" is issued to recipients. Recipients may then use it to assist in getting additional vocational rehabilitation and job training, in addition to eventual job placement, through governmental and private placement institutions.

The program is free for Social Security Disability recipients and the ticket can also be used at state vocational rehabilitation centers.

Tags: Social Security, disability benefits, Security disability, receiving Social, receiving Social Security, Security disability benefits

Requirements At Rutgers Law School

Graduates from Rutgers Law School earn a JD degree.

Rutgers Law School, located in Newark, New Jersey, was founded in 1908. The school prides itself on adhering to its core values of Teaching, Scholarship, Service and Opportunity. Graduates earn a JD degree, but also have the option of attending specialized dual-major programs offering advanced degrees in political science, criminal justice, management, accounting, urban planning, medicine or social work. Someone applying to attend or graduate from Rutgers Law School must fulfill several requirements.

Admissions Prerequisites

Applicants to Rutgers Law School must meet certain prerequisites for admissions consideration. Requirements include a a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and LSAT (Law School Admissions Test) scores. Rutgers applicants are not required to have a degree from any particular major. Students are best prepared for a career in law if they have knowledge and expertise in a wide variety of subjects.

Application Requirements

Rutgers Law School applicants are required to fill out a lengthy application packet. They must provide their name, address, contact information, Social Security number, birthday, sex and race. Applicants must provide their entire educational history leading up to law school, including high school, technical or vocational school, undergraduate and graduate programs attended, whether or not the student's tenure resulted in a degree. Applicants are asked questions regarding their work history between high school and college, during college, during a hiatus (if any) from college, between college and grad school, and during grad school. Types of work experience includes part- time or full-time work for pay, volunteer work, household chores or child rearing. Applicants are also asked to list the types of personal, emotional or financial family responsibilities placed upon them during their undergraduate or graduate school years. This includes organized extracurricular or community activity, as well as whether or not applicants have financed part or all of their undergraduate or graduate tuition. Applicants must list whether they have ever held a foreign residence or served in the armed forces, and to answer several questions regarding professional or criminal misconduct.

Along with the completed application, applicants must also submit official transcripts from all undergraduate or graduate institutions attended, whether or not the student's tenure resulted in a degree, as well as scores from the LSAT (Law School Admissions Test) exam. On the law school application, students have the option of choosing whether they want their admissions to be based primarily on their undergraduate and graduate GPA and LSAT scores, or primarily on their experiences and accomplishments.

Graduation Requirements

In order to graduate from Rutgers Law School, JD degree candidates must have completed 6.0 semester residency points, as well as 84 academic credits, 75 of which must not include participating in the school's law journal, law clinic or moot court, or any other unscheduled credit or interdisciplinary coursework. Sixty of the 84 credits must consist of "in-class law" courses. Degree candidates must also pass a semester-long course in legal ethics, as well as complete the graduation writing requirement. The graduation writing requirement can be fulfilled by completing a critical analysis of a legal question and should be at least 25 pages long, double spaced, and should be submitted one semester before graduation.

Tags: Rutgers School, undergraduate graduate, from Rutgers, from Rutgers School, their undergraduate

Follow Copyright Law For Classrooms

One of the challenges for teachers is following federal copyright law for educational purposes. Students and teachers can use a variety of preprinted or recorded material as long as its purpose falls within copyright guidelines. Copyright laws are intended not only to protect authors and artists, but to provide material for educators to use during instruction. Follow these guidelines to learn more about copyright laws in the classroom.

Instructions

1. Consult the Copyright Law of the United States of America and Related Laws Contained in Title 17 of the United States Code, updated 2003 (see Resources below).

2. Make multiple copies of poetry if it is under 250 words or less for use in classroom instruction. Be sure the copies are made from legally purchased originals. Students may also use this guideline for incorporation of poetic text into multimedia projects. Students should use ALA guidelines for citation purposes.

3. Do not make anthologies from printed material.

4. Copy text from books at a rate of 10 percent of the entire work, or a thousand words. The work itself should not be less than 500 words.

5. Make copies in this manner only 9 times per class each term.

6. Request for copies must come from the individual teacher and not from the district.

7. Do not make copies from consumables like workbooks and be sure to follow all copyright guidelines in the inside front cover of any book.

Tags: copyright guidelines, United States

The Best Places To Use A Criminal Justice Degree

Criminal justice college degrees can open career doors such as becoming a police officer.

Criminal justice is a broad-based area of study that teaches students about the various arms of the law and how they are interrelated. Once a degree is obtained, those entering the workforce have an assortment of career paths: criminal justice degrees are relevant in many positions, ranging from government jobs to private sector employment.

Law Enforcement

Though not all positions within law enforcement require a college education, having a criminal justice degree can help with advancing your career within the field. In addition, understanding the criminal justice system itself is of benefit when dealing with the law. Positions such as police officer, detective, sheriff and criminal investigator all deal with various aspects and elements of criminal justice. Even for positions at state and local level police departments not requiring a college degree, coursework and studies within criminal justice are viewed favorably, and having obtained an accredited degree also can assist in securing a position. Those looking to enter the federal government side of law enforcement, such as the FBI, CIA or other more specialized enforcement agencies, typically must have earned a college degree, with criminal justice majors being prime candidates.

Corrections

Working in a corrections facility or within a corrections department for state and local jailing purposes is a career path that is right in line with the principles of criminal justice. Though the corrections aspect of law comes later in the process, working at a corrections center can be one option for those seeking to put a criminal justice degree to practical use. Various positions that can benefit by having a degree include correctional officer, probation officer, parole officer, case managers and treatment specialists. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, those entering the corrections field with a criminal justice degree fare better in terms of a more managerial positions at a higher pay rate compared to those coming in with just a high school diploma.

Legal Field

The legal field, the litigious arm of criminal justice, has a wide assortment of positions available for those hoping to put their criminal justice degree to practical use. Paralegals, though requiring training in other aspects of law, can benefit by having a degree in criminal justice as it helps serve them as they make their way through the vast amounts of documents and case law documents the position routinely deals with. Additional positions such as lawyer, legal aide and even judge all are careers that can stem from obtaining such a degree.

Security

The legal aspects within the field of security positions can be supported by entering into that field having obtained a criminal justice background. The understanding of how the legal process works and how security measures must follow legal precedent and policy; those with such knowledge and understanding can find positions within security at higher levels including management positions. Private business and public entities utilize security agents and guards, thus providing a multitude of job opportunities.

Tags: criminal justice, criminal justice degree, justice degree, criminal justice, benefit having, benefit having degree

Distance Learning Courses In The Philippines

Philippine distance learning schools mostly offer education, health, business and communication courses.

A handful of colleges and universities in the Philippines offer distance education for those who prefer to study in the comfort of their homes and workplaces. Unlike in the traditional learning experience where students and teachers must be physically present in every class, distance learning courses find more opportunities for students to learn at their own pace and time.

Philippine distance learning schools offer short-term courses and full academic degree programs duly recognized by the Philippine government, through accreditation with the Commission on Higher Education CHED.

Education Courses

There is a strong demand for education courses in most colleges and universities offering distance courses. This is beneficial to education professionals who want to pursue their master’s and doctoral degrees while working. The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) features the distance learning programs: Diploma in Science Teaching, Diploma in Mathematics Teaching, Diploma in Language Studies for Teachers, Diploma/Master in Social Studies Education and Ph.D in Education. The Polytechnic University of the Philippines-Open University (PUP-OU) offers a Master in Educational Management program.

University of the Philippines Open University

Los Banos, Laguna

Philippines

+63-49-536-6001

upou.org

Polytechnic University of the Philippines-Open University

2/F South Wing, Academic (Main) Building, Anonas St.

Sta. Mesa, Manila

Philippines

+63-2-716-2644

pup.edu.ph

Health Science Courses

According to the Global Voices website, the most popular college degree in the Philippines today is nursing. Other health science courses are also in demand as more health care professionals get vast opportunities for health care work abroad. The UPOU offers the health science courses Master in Hospital Administration, Master in Public Health and Master of Arts in Nursing. The Open University of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) offers the Bachelor of Science in Community Health Service, Master in Community Health Service, Master of Arts in Nursing and Bachelor of Science in Midwifery.

Open University of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila

Gen. Luna cor. Muralla St. Intramuros

Manila, Philippines

+63-2-527-7941

plm.edu.ph

Liberal Arts and Communication Courses

Philippine private colleges and universities offer a number of liberal arts and communication courses through their distance learning programs. The Asian Institute for Distance Education (AIDE) offers the Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Bachelor of Arts major in English. The Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) distance education program focuses on only one field, journalism. AdMU's Konrad Adenauer Asian Center for Journalism features the two-year courses Advanced Reporting and Writing, Media Ethics and Media Law.

Philippine state universities also offer a wide array of distance learning courses in the fields of liberal arts and communication. UPOU offers the programs Associate in Arts, Diploma in Research and Development Management, Diploma/Master in Environment and Natural Resources Management, Diploma/Master of Social Work, Master in Public Management and Master of Professional Studies in Development Communication. The liberal arts programs at the PUP-OU include Master in Public Administration, Master in Communication and Bachelor in Broadcast Communication. The Open University of PLM features the undergraduate programs Associate in Government Management and Bachelor of Public Administration and the post-graduate program Master of Arts in Government Management.

Ateneo de Manila University Konrad Adenauer Asian Center for Journalism

Katipunan Avenue Loyola Heights

Quezon City, Metro Manila

Philippines

+63-2-426.6001

admu.edu.ph

Business Courses

Working professionals who want to pursue higher education in the field of business administration, management and related fields take advantage of distance learning courses to earn their degrees. The Open University of PLM offers the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Master of Arts in Business Administration. Business degree programs at the PUP-OU include Bachelor in Entrepreneurial Management, Post-Baccalaureate in Entrepreneurial Management and Master in Construction Management. The UPOU offers the certificate courses New Enterprise Planning and Personal Entrepreneurial Development.

Tags: distance learning, Open University, Master Arts, Administration Master, Bachelor Science

Get Into An Ivy League College

Superior grades are only the first step to gaining admission to an Ivy League college. With the majority of high school graduates planning to attend college, and average SAT scores on the rise, the college admissions process has entered a state of hyper-competition. You have to start early and strive for more than the ordinary to stand out among the stacks of applicants at the top schools.

Instructions

1. Sing your own praises. Market yourself through your application process by highlighting your strengths in your academic performance, extracurricular activities and recommendations.

2. Start early. It's important to do your research sophomore and junior year to find the best match. Read about Ivy League schools' specialties, visit campuses, speak with college counselors and students who attend the schools in which you are interested.

3. Challenge yourself. Take a rigorous academic schedule, making sure that you are taking as many honors and AP classes as you can handle, assuming they are available. Ivy League colleges want to see prospective candidates taking a challenging curriculum.

4. Be prepared. Study for the SAT/ACT exams, get used to interviewing with alumni and admissions officers, look at the application requirements before applying and think about the essay questions in advance.

5. Go beyond the books. While you are probably committed to several activities, find at least one extracurricular activity that you do well, make a significant commitment to it and excel in that area to the best of your ability to give yourself a competitive advantage over other Ivy League candidates.

6. Get to know your teachers. Select teachers who know you best for recommendations and ask them to write the letter in the spring rather than the fall. Asking them before your peers do will allow teachers to focus more time on writing you a quality recommendation.

7. Get on the right track. Push yourself freshman and sophomore years to study in as rigorous an academic program as possible. Ivy League colleges will focus on all of your grades--even those you earned early in high school.

8. Consult an alumni. If you know someone who graduated from an Ivy League school, ask his advice about admissions. The top colleges keep in close touch with their alumni. If you can get a letter of recommendation from a former student, it will help boost your credibility.

Tags: high school, League colleges, rigorous academic

Fill Out A Medical School Application

You’ve taken the prerequisite courses, kicked booty on the MCAT, volunteered everywhere under the sun and written a stellar entrance essay. Now it’s time to bring it all together on a medical school application. Luckily, most medical schools in North America accept the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) application, which means you can fill out just one application for multiple schools, and do it all on a centralized, electronic application.

Instructions

1. You will be able to access the AMCAS application in late April, so get your stuff together before then if you would like to start medical school the following fall. Write your essay(s) ahead of time.

2. Be prepared to spend some time. The AMCAS application is detailed and it takes some time to fill out. Still, it takes a lot less time than if you chose to fill out an application for every school you apply to. (The average number of schools an applicant applies to is 11, but I’ve known people who applied to as many as 30.)

3. Go to the application site and register. Find it here: http://www.aamc.org/students/amcas/

4. Download the application worksheet. It will list all the information you will need to have on hand to fill out your application.

5. Fill out the following sections: biographical information (basic demographics), postsecondary experiences (pertinent volunteer, research and extracurricular experiences), essay(s), schools attended (in detail with dates), transcript requests and coursework (and, yes, AMCAS requires a detailed listing of all coursework in addition to the transcripts).

6. When you complete the final submission, you must “certify” the application to verify its accuracy. The final certification is like an electronic signature and means you are ready to submit it to the medical schools you indicated. If you would like to edit it after that, you will have to follow a special procedure to do so. In other words, to make any changes, you must re-certify and resubmit your application.

7. There are some schools (including all of the Canadian schools) that do not participate in the AMCAS system. You will have to write or call them for an application and fill each out individually.

8. Sit back and wait for those secondary applications!

Tags: AMCAS application, medical school, medical schools, some time, will have, would like

Recommended Cpa Review Self Study Books

Studying for the CPA Exam

The CPA exam is a four-part examination to test a person's knowledge of accounting, auditing, business and regulation. There are several ways to study for the exam, and it is important to select the studying method that works best for you. Three main companies provide materials to people studying for the CPA exam: Becker, Bisk and Wiley.

Becker

Becker provides a self-study program, which involves both books and computer programs. The 2010 cost for the self-study program is $935 per part, or $2,795 for all four parts. Becker costs more than the other programs but provides a more intensive and interactive study experience through their additional computer software. The computer software also includes personal lectures from Becker professors.

Bisk

Bisk offers four books, one for each part of the CPA exam. For 2010, the cost is $199.80 for all four books or $49.95 per book. The books cover each section that is testable on the CPA exam. Bisk releases books each year. Bisk provides an appendix to help improve scores on the writing portion of the exam.

Wiley

Wiley provides books with content and questions and Wiley also provides books with just questions. For 2010, each book costs $55 and all four books cost $220. Wiley books cover all of the information that may appear on the test. Wiley has a more comprehensive set of practice multiple choice questions with detailed analysis of each question. However, Wiley provides only a couple of simulations based on each topic.

Tags: four books, 2010 cost, books cover, books each, books with, computer software, provides books

Reasons Why You May Want To Be A Teacher

There are few things more satisfying than passing the torch to the next generation. Teachers help children overcome obstacles to progress by providing them with the historical knowledge of past struggles and the methods used to combat them. They encourage preparation for the workforce by linking factual knowledge to its practical application. Finally, teachers work to produce a person with a lifelong devotion to acquiring and using knowledge to make the world a better place.

Cultural Conduit

Become a teacher if you believe in the importance of passing down the knowledge and experience of our common culture. None of society's challenges are new. All of them have been faced at some point in the past. Transmit that body of knowledge to give children the tools to create a society that responds to the needs of its citizens and protects the vulnerable from deliberate harm.

Social Conscience

Use your concern for fairness to teach children the importance of taking an active role in the health and well-being of their community. Give your students everything you received. Teach them to use the knowledge they have been given to speak out against anything that could harm the community as a whole.

Workforce Preparation

Remember that moment just after you moved the tassel on your graduation cap from right to left? That scared feeling in the pit of your stomach was the realization that you were now expected to use everything you have learned to make your way in the world. Teach your students how each bit of subject knowledge they learn will assist them when they begin their chosen career.

Because You Can

Teach because you can. Master a body of knowledge and teach students to put that knowledge into practice.

High Expectations

Teach every child as if he were a genius. Children rise to the challenges they are given. If they feel they are being treated with dignity and respect, they will thrive. Do not withhold knowledge of a particular subject based on your perception of a child's ability level. Present the topic anyway, with age-appropriate modifications.

Tags: body knowledge, have been, knowledge they, your students

Interior Decorating Training

Getting the training to become an interior decorator may seem a simple task, but there are many specialties in interior decorating. Finding the program that fits your objectives involves understanding your direction and the training you need to get there. If you are motivated by a love of decorating, you may benefit from the following information on interior decorating training.

Finding Your Direction

Interior decorating training is the source of many opportunities. Not sure which direction to take? Consider a redesign workshop or real estate staging course. If creating ambiance with light appeals to you, specialize in lighting design may be the direction to take. Love the construction aspect of interior decorating? Study construction management. Just love the fabrics and accessories? Start working in the field before you train by working for a furniture showroom.

What to Look For

Comprehensive interior design training is highly desirable, whether your program is in person or online. Make sure your trainers, teachers and school have or provide accreditation, real world experience, practical knowledge and well-rounded programs, real world resources and information, and job placement assistance.

What Training Should Provide

Interior decorating training programs should guide you through the decorating process from start to finish. An opportunity to decorate a room or series of rooms on paper should always be part of a training program, but being able to do so in an actual space is best. Before this can happen the student needs training in the following:

-Design principles---form and function

-Color theory

-Creating the floor plan

-Lighting

-find and order fabrics, finishes and furniture

-Mixing and matching patterns and texture

-Drafting and sketching skills and what software and tools to use

-Developing problem solving skills

-Working with trades---electricians, plumbers, HVAC, floor finishers, painters, upholsterers, artisans

-General contracting basics

-Working with the client

-Marketing your skills

Who Certifies Interior Decorating Training?

It is important to look for accreditation in the trainer and the training school. Accreditation comes from one or more of the following institutions:

American Society of Interior Designers (ASID)

Interior Design Society (IDS)

Certified Decorating Professionals (CDP)

Association of Design Education (ADE)

Approved Instructor of Interior Redesign (IRIS)

Dewey Color Instructor (DCI)

After Certification

Once your program is over, the real training begins. Interior decorators are always learning. Your first experience outside of a training program will probably be finding your first job. This may involve being hired by a company or being hired by a client. Here are some ideas about who might be hiring:

-Furniture stores and showrooms

-Fabric stores for the trade

-Home accessory stores

-Manufacturers of decorating items, furniture or finishes

-Contractors and developers of residential and commercial properties

-Production companies for film, television, events, staging

-Interior decorating companies

-Real estate companies

-Architectural firms that create interiors as well as structures

Tags: decorating training, being hired, Decorating Training, direction take, interior decorating

Find The Best Dorms At Missouri State 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 Missouri State University.

Instructions

1. Consider Freudenberger House if you want to live in a traditional dormitory setting during college. "Freddy," as it is referred to by students, houses its residents in double-occupancy rooms as wells as three- and four-person rooms and features community bathrooms and community living areas. This dormitory also features a TV area, fitness center, aerobics room, study rooms, recreation room, ice and vending machine room, central kitchen, central laundry facilities and computer lab offering the latest in hardware and software technology, including access to the Internet, word processing and spreadsheet packages and laser printing.

2. Check out the Wells House if you are interested in tradition as this was the first-ever residence hall on the campus of Missouri State University. The Wells House features two- and three-person styles and four-person suites so residents have a variety of options to choose from. Residents at the Wells House have access to large, clean community bathrooms and social living areas where they can spend time with other students.

3. Look at the Blair-Shannon House if you want a unique living situation. This dormitory features suite-style living and is co-educational. It is also centrally located and is one of the largest residence halls on the entire campus so you are sure to make a lot of new friends if you live in this dormitory. The Blair-Shannon House offers unique six-person suites for its residents.

Tags: Missouri State, Missouri State University, State University, Wells House, Blair-Shannon House, community bathrooms

The Average Salary Of A Broker

Stock brokers typically earn from $48,000 to $60,000 per year.

Brokers are responsible for acting as the intermediary in a transaction, usually involving the sale of stocks--between one party that owns the stock and another party that wants to purchase an ownership share in a company. For this job, stock brokers are paid a salary which is supplemented to a large degree by commissions on sales. Another type of broker is the real estate broker, which is involved in the sale of property.

Salary

The middle 50 percent of stock brokers earns from $48,288 to $60,127, with a median salary level among stock brokers of $55,542. The median annual salary for sales agents for all investment products, including securities and commodities, was $68,680 in 2008, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Brokers involved with security and commodity transactions earned an average salary of $85,580. Salaried benefits for brokers typically include health insurance, paid travel, life insurance and retirement benefits.

Commission

Brokers are sales agents, and as such receive a large amount of compensation through commission on sales. As a trainee, a stock broker may earn a large amount of their annual wages through salary, but as the broker becomes more experienced, the contracted salary will decrease and become a "draw against commission," a minimum salary which is predicated on how many clients a broker expects to have. The amount of commission which a broker can earn will drop during market slumps.

Employment

Stock brokers typically work an extended workweek which includes all regular business hours as well as nights and weekends, which may be more convenient for their clients. Although many brokers still work with their clients in person, digital trading systems enable brokers to work in a remote location, receiving calls and following up on sales leads. Employment for all financial sales agents, including stock brokers and security and commodities investment agents, is expected to increase by about 9 percent between the years of 2008 and 2018.

Real Estate Brokers

Real estate brokers are the other main type of brokers working in America. Instead of stocks, real estate brokers facilitate the sale of properties between owners and prospective buyers. Real estate brokers made an average salary of $78,360, or $37.68 per hour, during 2009. Real estate brokers also receive a large portion of their salaries from commission, but the commission is often split between the property owner's broker and the buying party's broker.

Tags: brokers typically, estate brokers, Real estate brokers, sales agents, average salary, broker earn, large amount

Affordable Colleges In South Carolina

In preparing to join the workforce, college students need to make wise decisions regarding where to get their education. Luckily, South Carolina offers students many options for an affordable college experience. Studying in this beautiful seaside state can be well within the budget of many prospective college students.

Most Affordable Private Four-Year College

The most popular areas of study at Morris College are business, social sciences, biology and communications. This historically black Baptist college in Sumter is an affordable choice because it is the cheapest private college in South Carolina. As of fall 2010, a year's tuition at Morris costs just under $10,290. Morris also offers a Division of Education and a Division of Religion and Humanities, making it a diverse choice for liberal arts students.

Morris College

100 West College St.

Sumter, SC 29150

803-934-3200

morris.edu

Most Affordable Public Four-Year College

Though classes began at Beaufort College in 1802 and it served as a hospital in the Civil War, the school was chartered as a senior campus of the University of South Carolina in 1959. In 2002, USC Beaufort began offering a four-year degree program. Annual tuition at the historic USC campus runs around $7,600 to South Carolina residents, and about $16,200 for out-of-state tuition as of fall 2010. Beaufort has under 2,000 students, making it a more intimate state-school experience and the most popular majors are hospitality management, business, English and biology.

University of South Carolina Beaufort

One University Blvd.

Bluffton, SC 29909

843-208-8000

uscb.edu

Most Affordable Two-Year Public College

Denmark Technical College is a good choice for students pursuing a vocational trade or an associate's degree. Denmark offers a two-year program for child-care management, personal and culinary services and business and construction trades. An associate's degree will cost out-of-state students around $5,000 per year while in-state runs about $2,500 as of the fall 2009 term. In South Carolina, the most affordable tuition is at public two-year colleges like Denmark.

Denmark Technical College

1126 Solomon Blatt

P.O. Box 327

Denmark, SC 29042

803-793-5176

denmarktech.edu

Most Affordable Private Community College

For out-of-state students desperate to study in South Carolina, Clinton Junior College offers the most competitive tuition at $3,900 as of fall 2010. Because Clinton is private, it costs the same for in-state residents and nonresidents. Situated in Rock Hill, S.C., and not far from Charlotte, North Carolina, Clinton is a great place to study liberal arts and sciences, bibles studies or early childhood education at associate's level.

Clinton Junior College

1029 Crawford Road

Rock Hill, SC 29730

803-327-7402

clintonjuniorcollege.edu

Most Affordable Public Community College

The least expensive public community college in South Carolina is Spartanburg Community College in Spartanburg, with satellite campuses in Gaffney and Greer. At fall term 2010, in-state tuition was about $4,000 and just over $7,300 for out-of-state students. The most popular associate's programs at Spartanburg are business, computer and information sciences, engineering technologies and careers in health professions.

Spartanburg Community College

P.O. Box 4386

Spartanburg, SC 29305

864-592-4600

sccsc.edu

Tags: South Carolina, fall 2010, Most Affordable, most popular, out-of-state students, Affordable Private

Tutor Dyslexia

Dyslexia is a common learning disability which causes difficulties with reading and writing words and letters. The symptoms can range from mild difficulty spelling or sounding out words to the inability to memorize or recognize the letters of the alphabet. Even with the most severe cases, a good tutor can help a dyslexic student improve his reading level significantly.

Instructions

Getting to Know Your Student

1. Find out everything you can about the strengths and weaknesses of your student. How severe is her learning disability? Does she have problems with sight words (short words like "play" and "who" which are often irregular and difficult to sound out)? What about longer words? Does she have difficulty reading? Spelling? Both? Use word lists, books at different levels of difficulty and writing tasks as well as conversations with the student and her parents.

2. Consult his record. Your student has probably already jumped through a few hoops before coming to you! There may be teacher notes, records from a therapist or an Individual Education Plan or IEP. These records are a great way to find out important information that the student might not give you, such as problems difficulty turning in assignments on time or behavior problems.

3. Create a program with the student and his parents. Dyslexics need to practice their reading every day and, if possible, to meet with their tutors 2 to 3 times a week. Arrange to have enough time to help with homework and to work on improving reading skills.

Tutoring Your Student

4. Make sure all assignments are done on time. This is your number one priority! You may have to read to your student and help her write her write essays. In many cases, the parents can help with the reading, leaving you more time to work on improving reading levels or writing skills.

5. Address all of the student's learning issues every day if possible. Most students with dyslexia do well with some comfort-level (easy) reading to help them improve their confidence as well as some more challenging reading to build up their skills and word lists to help them recognize sound patterns in English.

6. Be sure to take into account other issues that the student may have. Many dyslexic students also suffer from Attention Deficit Disorder, Dysgraphia, comprehension problems or other learning issues. As a learning disabilities tutor, your job is to treat the student not the condition.

7. Be supportive. Keeping a positive attitude and encouraging your student to do the same is one of the best things you can do! A positive, motivated student with severe symptoms will often show better progress than a negative, unmotivated student with mild symptoms.

Tags: Does have, every possible, help them, help with, improving reading, learning disability, learning issues

Get An Mfa In Poetry

Poets can further the study of their craft through by pursuing a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in poetry. MFA programs in creative writing have multiplied in recent years. People who work on an MFA in poetry study the writing and criticism of poetry in order to become better poets. Follow these steps to get your MFA in poetry.

Instructions

1. Consider your goals in getting an MFA in poetry. Ask yourself where you hope to be after obtaining your degree. An MFA in any type of creative writing curriculum is no guarantee of publication. Hopefully, you will gain a greater understanding of what makes poetry good. Many people with MFAs go into teaching.

2. Find an MFA program that complements your goals and meets your needs. Not all MFA programs offer a concentration of study in poetry, so that should be the first thing you look at. You want a program that belongs to the Association of Writers & Writing Programs (AWP). Location is important, but not everything. An increasing number of universities offer low-residency programs that combine study at home with a brief stint (approximately 10 to 14 days) at a university each semester.

3. Ask universities for more information about their MFA program after narrowing down your choices. See if they have testimonials. What are the faculty and reading lists like? As poetry is a form with many different styles and tastes, it is to a student's benefit to have a variety of professors available.

4. Submit your application to the graduate school of choice. Most programs ask for a writing sample, so it is important to give it your best efforts.

5. Make the most of opportunities that emphasize evaluation and revision, relative both to your work and to others. Reading your work and hearing people dissect it is frightening, but learning from good criticism makes you a better poet.

6. See about available teaching opportunities if you want to teach. Some programs offer teacher assistantships where you can teach Freshman Composition or Introduction to Creative Writing.

7. Practice writing and publishing poetry. Some programs publish literary journals. Submit your best work to one or try to work as part of the staff on the magazine. This can provide you with editing experience that may be helpful after graduation.

Tags: program that, programs offer, Some programs, Submit your, your best, your goals

Qualifications Of A Stenographer

Stenographers earned an median yearly salary of $49,710 in May 2008, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. With the use of a stenography machine, stenographers record the spoken word at legal proceedings, business meetings, press conferences and government proceedings. Commonly referred to as a court reporter, stenographers should experience an 18 percent increase in available opportunities through 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Education

Formal training for court stenography usually takes 33 months. While training for court stenography is offered at approximately 100 technical and vocational schools and colleges, only 60 are certified by the National Court Reporters Association, or NCRA. Students attending programs which are certified by the NCRA are required to meet minimum standards, such as capturing a minimum 225 words a minute. Capturing 225 words a minute is required for federal government positions. Among the courses involved in court stenography programs are computer-aided transcription for stenography and real-time reporting.

Certification

Court reporters may be required to meet state requirements by passing a state board of examiners administered test. Passing the state test makes a student a certified court reporter. A certification provides additional job opportunities and sets you apart from other job applicants, even if your state doesn't require it. The National Court Report Association offers entry level certification, resulting in certification as a registered professional reporter. Designation is given after successfully passing a four part exam. Continuing education is required to maintain the certification.

Skills

Stenographer positions require a high rate of accuracy and speed. In order to obtain optimum efficiency it's important stenographers have excellent listening skills and good concentration. Recording information accurately involves the understanding of grammar and vocabulary. In particular, knowledge of business and legal terminology is necessary for those who will be employed as a court reporter within the legal system, government or private sector. Stenographers should also work well under pressure and be able to meet deadlines.

Tags: court reporter, court stenography, according Bureau, according Bureau Labor, Bureau Labor, Bureau Labor Statistics

Pell Grants For Moms

Pell Grants help moms attend school and care for their children

President Obama increased Pell Grant funding and loosened restrictions in 2009 in an effort to train more American workers. The Pell Grant gives money to any undergraduate student demonstrating considerable financial need, regardless of age or familial configuration. President Obama targeted single mothers as one of several groups of Americans with particular need for federal student aid.

Purpose

Pell Grants provide free money from the federal government for low-income students to pay for college tuition and educational costs. Pell Grants have helped tens-of-millions of low-income Americans go to college since the 1970s and contributed to a more educated workforce. Mothers with at least a bachelor's degree are five times more likely to earn enough money to pay for their family's expenses than mothers with a high school education, according to Campus Explorer.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid

To apply for a Pell Grant, a student must fill out the Federal Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. Though moms are not treated differently than any other applicant, moms can state that they care for dependents, which increases the amount of aid they are eligible for. The application also asks for personal information, household size and income, expected family contribution (EFC) and the applicant's total assets.

Determining the Award

The Department of Education takes the answers on the FAFSA and sends the information to the applicant's school, where a financial aid officer puts the numbers through an equation and determines the student's award amount (the maximum amount was $5,550 in 2011). According to Campus Explorer, mothers caring for at least one dependent and earning less than $50,000 a year are eligible for Pell Grant funds.

Uses

Pell Grant money can be put towards a bachelor's or associate's degree at any of the 5,400 institutions accepting federal money, which include community colleges and a number of online schools. The federal government sends Pell Grant awards directly to financial aid departments. Some departments send the student a check for the entire award, while others apply the award to the student's tuition balance and send the remainder to the student. The student can use Pell Grant money for education related expenses, including tuition and fees, books, other supplies, transportation and living expenses--including childcare and other costs related to taking care of children while in school.

Tags: Pell Grant, Pell Grants, Application Federal, Application Federal Student, Campus Explorer, federal government

Change Liters To Milliliters

Changing Liters to Milliliters can be difficult, especially if you are not familiar with metric volume measurements. If you follow these few simple steps, however, you will quickly learn convert liters to milliliters and back.

Instructions

1. Learn the order of metric volume units. To learn convert liters to milliliters, you must first understand the order of metric volume units. It helps to memorize them. They are Kiloliter, hectoliter, decaliter, liter, deciliter, centiliter, and milliliter. It may be easier to memorize if you drop off the liter part and memorize it as Kilo, hecto, deca, liter, deci, centi, and milli.

2. Draw a number line with 8 points. Each point needs to cross the line as shown in the image. This will help you map out your metric volume units.

3. Write your measurements at the points below the line in the order that you learned them. (Kiloliter, hectoliter, decaliter, liter, deciliter, centiliter, and milliliter)

4. Write the measurement amounts in the following order above the line at each point. 1000, 100, 10, 1, .1, .01, .001

5. Observe the number line, and you will see that milliliter is three units to the right of liter. This means that you need to move your decimal point over three units to the right to convert liters to milliliters.

6. For practice lets start with four (4) liters. To convert it to decimal place, you would move a decimal point three places to the right and add zeroes in between. Your answer is 4000 milliliters. Likewise if you start with .o4 liters, to convert that number to milliliters, you would once again move the decimal point three places to the right. Your answer would be 40 milliliters.

Tags: metric volume, convert liters, convert liters milliliters, decimal point, metric volume units

Become A Physical Therapist With A Bachelor'S Degree

Physical therapists use massage and other forms of therapy to help clients heal.

Physical therapy is one of the fastest growing job fields, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The bureau expects the number of jobs in this field to increase by 30 percent from 2008 to 2018. Physical therapists made a median salary of $74,480, according to May 2009 figures. Physical therapists need to obtain extensive education and hands-on training in order to be effective and legally work in their profession.

Bachelor's Degree Requirements

A physical therapist is required to have a bachelor's degree, but this is not enough to work in the field of physical therapy. Accreditation of physical therapy programs is determined by the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, CAPTE only accredits graduate physical therapy programs. Furthermore, eligibility to take the National Physical Therapy Examination requires he completion of an accredited physical therapy degree program. A bachelor's degree in a field like exercise science, kinesiology or biology can provide aspiring physical therapists with the education they need to get into a graduate degree program.

Master's Degree

It is possible to work as a physical therapist with a master's degree, but there are some limitations to pursuing a master's degree in physical therapy. First, there are only a limited number of degree programs at the master's degree level that are CAPTE-accredited. The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that of the 212 accredited programs, only 12 are master's degree programs. The opportunity to pursue a master's degree is limited. Furthermore, the length of time it takes to complete a master's degree is only slightly shorter than what it takes to complete a doctorate.

Doctorate

The most common entry-level degree for physical therapists is the Doctor of Physical Therapy or DPT. These programs typically take only about three years to complete, compared to the two to 2.5 years for a master's degree. As of 2009, there were 200 CAPTE-accredited programs nationwide, making it much easier to find a program at that level. Clinical therapy degree programs cover a wide range of areas, including science courses and clinical training. Science courses include areas like neuroscience, biology, biomechanics, physiology and exercise physiology. Clinical training is necessary in areas such as medical screening, diagnostic processes and various types of therapeutic interventions.

Licensing

Physical therapists need to obtain a license in addition to their graduate degree in order to work legally. The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that the eligibility requirements for licensing vary by state. In most cases, physical therapists must pass the national licensing exam and state exams covering the legal aspects of physical therapy practice.

Tags: master degree, Bureau Labor, Bureau Labor Statistics, Labor Statistics, degree programs, Physical therapists

Vocabulary Games For The Gre

Vocabulary games build essential GRE verbal knowledge.

The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) assess general and subject-specific skills in students interested in graduate education programs; the exam includes a verbal assessment that evaluates writing and reading skills. The GRE verbal assessment is heavily vocabulary-based; test takers are expected to identify the correct definitions of several words and use them in the correct context. Vocabulary games reinforce vocabulary knowledge, as well as develop strategies for defining unfamiliar words.

Vocabulary Relay

Independent organizations compose GRE vocabulary lists based on the vocabulary used in previous years' tests. The most basic vocabulary skill for the GRE is providing definitions for words. Practice word-definition associations through a vocabulary relay. Several test takers form two teams of at least three people each. One participant serves as a judge; the judge should have a list with all the words and definitions. Each team member holds a bag of vocabulary terms written on slips of paper. The teams sit in a line. When the judge says go, a timer starts and the first team member in one line pulls a word from their bag, recites the word and then provides a definition. If the definition is accurate, the next player can retrieve a word from the bag and continue the game. If the definition is incorrect, the player must provide another definition; if the player doesn't know the word, the team can take a five-second penalty and another team member can provide a definition. The game continues until each team member has pulled all the words from the bag. The judge records the team's time, including penalties; the second team then takes their turn. The team with the fastest time wins.

Vocabulary Bingo

The GRE verbal exam includes analogies and a section of synonyms. Practice word associations and synonyms with GRE vocabulary bingo. Create several bingo cards with different arrangements of GRE vocabulary synonyms. Write the corresponding vocabulary terms on individual slips of paper and place them in a large container. Distribute the cards to the participants. Pull one word from the container at a time; if the participants have the word's synonym on their bingo cards, they mark the spot by writing the vocabulary word in the box. Continue reading vocabulary terms until a player reaches five in a row. Check the score to determine if the player has correctly identified synonyms. Discuss any disputes with all the players.

Analogy Matching Game

Many test takers struggle with GRE analogies. Practice analogies with a simple matching game. Make a master list of several analogies; a sample GRE analogy is light bulb is to glass as roll is to dough. For each analogy, select one word pair to serve as the cards. Write one of the words in the pair on an index card and the other word on a separate index card. After writing out several pairs of cards, arrange them face up in a random order on a table or taped on a wall. To play the game, read the first half of the analogy to a player; for instance, you would recite glass is to light bulb. The player must look at all the cards on the table and select the corresponding cards to complete the analogy. Provide only a few options for beginners and gradually increase the number of available word cards. Another variation is to read the first part of the second word pair; for instance, read, "Glass is to light bulb as roll is to..." The player only needs to identify the last piece of the word pair. If a player selects the wrong word pair but provides a rationalization that makes sense, use your judgment to decide if the alternate solution is acceptable or not.

Tags: team member, word pair, light bulb, test takers, vocabulary terms, word from, bingo cards

How Does Cosigning On A Loan Affect Your Credit

People with poor credit or no credit often require a cosigner to gain approval for a loan. Credit bureaus and lenders view cosigners as joint account owners. When someone cosigns for a loan, the credit bureaus are notified and the payment history of the loan is recorded on his credit report.

History

In 1970, the U.S. government took steps to ensure the equal treatment of credit applicants and passed the Fair Credit Reporting Act. In 1989, The Fair Isaac Corporation introduced a credit rating system in conjunction with Equifax. The FICO system was adopted by the other major credit reporting agencies -- TransUnion and Experian -- in 1991. In the 1990s, the Fair Credit Reporting Act was modified and lenders are now required to report loan balances and payments on a monthly basis to the major credit reporting agencies.

Function

Most lenders use debt-to-income ratios, and credit scores to underwrite loans. People with no prior history as borrowers have no credit scores, and consequently most lenders deny them credit. The addition of a qualified borrower with an established credit history enables many borrowers to gain access to credit. Banks look at the overall credit history of both applicants, so loans with cosigners are normally limited to small amounts and tend to have higher interest rates due to the principal borrower's lack of credit.

Types

Cosigners are usually parents or family members who cosign on credit card applications for college age children. Many banks issue low balance credit cards specifically aimed at students who require cosigners. Automobile loans also frequently have cosigners as parents help their children to build credit and gain access to a vehicle. Banks do not allow cosigners on home loans unless both parties have an ownership stake in the house. Business loans require everyone with at least a 20 percent ownership share to cosign.

Considerations

Acting as a cosigner on a loan can inhibit an individual's ability to apply for further credit even when the loan in question is paid promptly. Credit scores are negatively impacted by new loans because they lower the average length of account history and initially have 100 percent utilization. The payments are factored into a cosigners debt-to-income ratio even when they do not make the payments themselves, and this could cause banks to decline them for other loans due to excessive debt.

Warning

When a borrower makes payment more than 30 days after the due date, the lender reports it to the credit bureaus and it impacts the credit scores of both the signer and cosigner. When a borrower defaults, the cosigner is equally liable for the debt and lenders can pursue the cosigner for payments. Some cosigners are unaware of the delinquency of loans they are involved in until the lender takes them to court.

Tags: credit scores, credit bureaus, credit history, credit reporting, Credit Reporting, credit reporting agencies, even when

Federal Pell Grant Vs Stafford Loan

Two of the most popular ways for any eligible U.S. citizen to pay for a college education are federal Pell Grants and Stafford Loans. For people of any age who meet a basic set of financial requirements, Pell Grants and government loans make a college degree more accessible. Unlike Stafford Loans, Pell Grants are usually only available for an undergraduate education. To qualify for any government loan or grant, you must fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.

Income Guidelines

To qualify for a Pell Grant, which does not have to be paid back, an individual must have a family income of less than $50,000 per year. However, most grants are awarded to those students who have an annual family income of $20,000 or less. Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, which accumulate interest while the student is still in school, are offered to most financial aid applicants. However, subsidized Stafford Loans, in which the government forgives any loan interest that accrues while the borrower is in college, are usually offered only to those who are low-income and would also likely to receive Pell Grants.

Borrowing Limits

First-year college students still financially dependent on their parents or guardians can borrow up to $5,500 with a Stafford Loan each year. Second-year students may borrow up to $6,500, and those in their third year of college and beyond have an annual limit of $7,500. On the other hand, financially independent students in their first year of higher education may borrow $9,500 with a Stafford Loan. Second-year students may borrow $10,500, while those in their third, fourth, or fifth year of college have a $12,500 Stafford Loan borrowing limit. Graduate students can borrow up to $20,500 per year through the Stafford Loan program.

Grant Limits

Pell Grant limits have varied widely over the years due to a fluctuating economy. By 2012, the government hopes to increase these educational grants to $5,400 per year. In recent years, the grant limit has ranged from $4,050 to $4,731.

Education Requirements

Financial aid students must be enrolled in at least six credit hours, or half-time. This is usually is two college courses. In addition, they must be accepted in a two-year or four-year college degree-granting program to receive any financial aid.

Disqualifying Factors

If you are convicted of possessing or selling drugs while receiving any kind of federal educational aid, you will be disqualified for future participation in financial aid programs. In addition, those who continually fail to make acceptable progress toward a degree or do not pay back their federal loans usually cannot receive further financial aid. If you attend more than one school at a time, you can only receive a Pell Grant and/or Stafford Loan for one educational institution. Prison and jail inmates are also ineligible for federal grants and loans.

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Scholarships And Grants For Christian Colleges In South Carolina

Over a dozen Christian colleges can be found in South Carolina.

As part of the Bible Belt of the South, it is expected that South Carolina would be home to a number of Christian colleges and universities. Christian colleges in South Carolina offer a Christian atmosphere of learning along with a variety of degree programs. Several Christian colleges in South Carolina also include seminaries and advanced degrees in ministerial positions. Students wishing to attend a South Carolina Christian college will find that many of them offer scholarships.

Bob Jones University

One of the most well-known Christian universities in South Carolina and the United States, Bob Jones University in Greenville offers its students a number of scholarships. Scholarships from the university may be open to all students, like the BJU Founder's Grant worth $2,500 a year, or may go to specific majors, such as the Jim Martin Scholarship Fund for business majors or the Helen Johnson Scholarship Fund for a ministerial student. Other scholarships help students who are the children of BJU alums or the children of Christian school faculty or staff.

Charleston Southern University

Also offering a Christian college education, Charleston Southern University in Charleston gives away scholarship money each year to students based on academic merit, athletics, financial need and other qualifications. Merit Scholarships are awarded based on the student's high school grade point average and ACT or SAT scores. Scholarships are also designated for certain majors, like the ASPIRE Scholarship for computer science students, and for the dependents of pastors, like the Minister's Dependent Scholarship.

Columbia International University

Offering undergraduate to seminary programs, Columbia International University in Columbia offers a number of private donor scholarships for its students. Donor scholarships go to students in all program areas at CIU and many require a student to demonstrate financial aid to qualify. Students of all different types qualify for scholarships, including international students, students pursuing missions as a career and those working while in college.

Erskine College

Located in the small town of Due West, Erskine College gives away scholarship money to students with strong academic talent. Scholarships award varying amounts, from the $1,000 Child of Alumni Scholarship to the full-tuition Presidential Scholarship. While academic merit is the main criteria for an Erskine College scholarship, scholarships are also designated for out-of-state students, Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church members and athletes.

Anderson University

Affiliated with the South Carolina Baptist Convention, Anderson University can be found in the city of Anderson. Nearly 90 percent of Anderson University students receive financial aid of some kind, including several scholarships offered directly by the university. The First Choice Scholarship awards $1,000, $2,000 or $3,000 to high school seniors who commit to attend Anderson early in their senior year. Students may also earn major specific scholarships through each college or degree program.

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