When Online Degrees Find Acceptance

There’s an ocean of opportunities out there when you’re looking to pursue a degree, both regular and online. The advent and advancement of the Internet has multiplied the growth of online courses, some of them legitimate and most dubious. Although we all know the benefits of a regular degree over an online one, there are times when studying online is advantageous - when you have other responsibilities like children or ill and elderly parents to care for, when you don’t have the finances to pay the tuition costs at a regular college, when you need to work straight out of high school but still want to earn a degree, and so on.

The downside of online degrees is that not many employers view graduates too kindly - they’re of the opinion that online degrees are shortcuts taken by lazy people who just cannot be bothered to attend regular class and graduate in four years. To convince them otherwise, make sure that the online degree you choose conforms to certain criteria:

• They are offered by institutions that are accredited and well-known: What with the mushrooming of illegal degree and diploma mills that are ready to sell you degrees not worth the paper they’re printed on in exchange for money, you can’t blame prospective employers for being wary of online degrees. What you can do to get around this hurdle is study with a reputable and well-known institute that offers degrees online.
• They allow you to major in certain subjects: Research shows that employers are more likely to lean favorably to online degrees when they specialize in areas like the media, marketing, technology and other knowledge-based disciplines like accounting where the practical aspect can be tested online. Definite no-nos include degrees related to medicine and law.

Online degrees are more certain to be accepted:

• You’re dedicated: If you can aim for the highest in terms of online degree success, then you have a shot at convincing employers of your skills and talents.
• You have relevant experience: The best part of learning online is that it’s flexible and leaves you with enough time to work a part time or even full time job. If you have managed to accumulate work experience relevant to the field you’re now seeking employment in, most employers normally tend to turn a blind eye to the fact that you have an online degree. They’re just happy that they don’t have to spend more time and money in training you for the job.
• You’re able to market yourself: Even if you have an online degree, if you’re able to wrangle an interview with the company of your choice and able to convince the HR people that you’re the right person for the job, then it’s worth studying online. It’s just a matter of being confident in your abilities and being able to get other people to see that as well during the course of the interview.

Online degrees are not for you if you consider them as the easy way to make sure that you have a degree, because if you don’t do your part but still get a degree, you might as well have bought one from the various degree mills that abound on the Internet.

Guest Post By:
This article is contributed by Sarah Scrafford, who regularly writes on the topic of Online University Ranking. She invites your questions, comments and freelancing job inquiries at her email address: sarah.scrafford25@gmail.com.

As college expenses continue to increase, students and parents need to financially plan their overall costs for attending a college or university. The rising higher education costs can become a factor in deciding whether to attend a public or private school. Another key factor is to pay close attention to the expenses associated with an in state school vs. an out of state school. Both factors share the same dependents of tuition, books/supplies, room & board, transportation, and general expenses.

Being financially prepared for college can be aided by evaluating these key components of a higher educational institution. It is not always pertinent to attend an out of state school if it means causing financial distress on your life. There are many in state colleges and universities in the public and private sector that offer great degree programs to help off set some of these expenses. Although, you will always pay more for attending a private school instead of a public institution! Evaluating the type of education you receive from a private school and public school are often debated.

While private schools tend to be full of prestige, it doesn’t necessarily mean they are better schools. Sometimes private schools can offer a smaller class, making it a closer and more approachable setting for students and professors to interact with one another. The chart below demonstrates the differences in college expenses associated with attending a public or a private higher education learning institution.

Table 1: Average Estimated Undergraduate Budgets, 2008-09 (Enrollment-Weighted)

Enrollment-weighted tuition and fees are derived by weighting the price charged by each institution by the number of full-time students enrolled in 2007-08. Public four-year in-state charges are weighted by total 2007-08 full-time enrollment in each institution. Out-of-state tuition and fees are computed by adding the average in-state price to the out-of-state premium weighted by the number of full-time out-of-state students enrolled at each institution. Room and board charges are weighted by the number of students residing on campus.
* Average total expenses include room and board costs for commuter students, which are average estimated living expenses for students living off campus but not with parents. Source: The College Board, Annual Survey of Colleges.

The ultimate conclusion about college expenses of public and private schools is that the cost associated with attending a private school increases by almost four times the amount, in comparison to attending a public college or university. Whether or not you choose to attend a public or private school depends on your financial situation and what you make of your experience. Any college and university are good for students as long as you learn and take it as a good experience.

Do you think the education at a private school is better than public college or university, when you calculate four times the cost?

College Board Test Prep Exam ReadiStep Coming Next Fall

It may never be too early to prepare for the rest of your life. In an effort to aide in early educational development, the College Board recently announced the addition of a new test called ReadiStep which will be available next fall for eighth grade students, in preparation for the challenges of strenuous high school and college level courses. The College Board is a not-for-profit membership association whose mission is to connect students to college success and opportunity.

ReadiStep is a low stakes middle school assessment that helps teachers provide the guidance middle school students need to start preparing for high school and college. Developed by College Board professionals in partnership with middle school teachers and other education experts, ReadiStep provides early feedback on students’ skills. It identifies areas students need to develop as well as students who are ready for more advanced coursework.

ReadiStep is a vital step within College Board’s College Readiness System and helps schools and teachers measure achievement, monitor progress, and gain information that enables informed decisions in the classroom.

It’s important to stress that per a recent news conference College Board Vice President Lee Jones emphasizes, “This is not at all a pre-pre-pre SAT. It’s a diagnostic tool to provide information about students’ strengths and weaknesses.” ReadiStep is intended only for assessment and instructional purposes and has nothing to do with college admissions, College Board officials said.

Among the many benefits of assessment for younger students interested in preparing for a successful transition into high school, and eventually college, we have listed those chosen directly by the College Board. ReadiStep delivers:

• User-Friendly Format
  Paper and pencil test formatted in three multiple choice sections - reading, writing, mathematics
• Early Feedback
  Allowing teachers to gain insight on students’ academic progress
• Flexible and Easy Administration
  Can be given all at once or over the course of three class periods
• Comprehensive, Timely Results
  National and local comparisons relative to other eighth graders - guaranteed within four weeks.
• Alignment with State Standards
  Aligns with College Board Standards for College Success, a national model of rigorous academic content standards.

The College Boards ReadiStep Benefits for Students & Parents

ReadiStep’s comprehensive evaluation answers the question - How can I help my child prepare for the future? Through ReadiStep, you and your child will learn which skills they need to work on and what types of classes they need to take. In addition, ReadiStep will identify areas where they excel and may want to consider taking higher-level, advanced placement, or International Baccalaureate (IB) level courses. The International Baccalaureate (IB) offers high quality programs of international education to a worldwide community of schools. There are more than 661,000 IB students at 2,410 schools in 131 countries.

You may contact a Regional Representative on the College Board or ReadiStep web site, and we encourage students & parents of eighth grade students to contact your school to find out more about ReadiStep testing. Representatives have informed us that the cost for testing will be less than ten dollars per student, and will be funded by local schools/districts. ReadiStep is not mandatory, and will be used as a learning tool simply for an assessment basis. The testing structure will consist of three multiple-choice sections covering mathematics, critical reading, and writing skills. The exam will also be targeted for student completion within a two hour or less time frame, avoiding rigorous testing time for the young eighth grade students.

The U.S Department of Education launched a new college education website to answer questions and reasons for attending colleges and universities.  The site is a very informative resource for potential students, parents, and counselors in guiding our youth into a more educated society.  Providing testimonials for each of their three main categories of Why, What, and How.

1.) Why go? This is a question that every college student once asked themselves before attending a college or university.  Which is answered through in depth reasoning of opportunity, personal growth, and lifting of family?

2.) What to do? An important question that requires in depth research to find needed resources for attending a college or university, including knowledge about admissions, preparation, and schools.

3.) How to pay? Paying for an education can often be the largest concern for most potential students and parents.  Having all the appropriate material to make an informative decision for obtaining educational financing can be critical in achieving an education.  Whether it is through federal loans, grants, or scholarships.

The desire to increase your education is becoming more prevalent every day.  Making yourself standout from the crowd is what separates a person from the next.  Especially, in capturing the career of your dreams!  The best way to ensure your closer to accomplishing these goals begins with furthering your education.

Do you believe this government resource website offers a non biased one stop shop for education information and decisions?

An inspirational professor of Computer Science Randy Pausch, gave an amazing last lecture at the Carnegie Mellon University on September 18, 2007.  The lecture included topics about childhood dreams, life, and philosophy.  The lecture was titled “Really achieving your childhood dreams”.  The tenured professor began his discussion with startling slides of his pancreatic cancer tumors. 

The battle with cancer did not stop this energetic professor from delivering a high powered speech to over 400 attendees.  His philosophy on life and achieving your childhood dreams was very moving to watch and read.  Randy Pausch didn’t focus on his battle with cancer, but rather his amazing accomplishments and life history.  The lecture really made you think about what is important to you and your family.  Pressing on importance of family values and obtaining your dreams.

After reading his book “The Last Lecture” and watching his taped video, I have taken another look at whom and what I want to be.  The book was written by Randy Pausch and Jeffrey Zaslow as a national best seller.  This is a book that everyone can relate to and should read in their development as a person and values.  Highly recommended!

This post is dedicated in memory of Computer Science professor Randy Pausch, who died on July 25th, 2008 of pancreatic cancer.

What would your last lecture to the world be about?  Do you feel you have focused on the important things in and life and not the plastic things?

“The Last Lecture” by Computer Science professor Randy Pausch - Launch in New Browser

GMAT Preparation

Obtaining your entrance into a graduate degree program from a college or university can be a difficult task.  Ensuring quality test scores for acceptance into a program requires proper GMAT preparation.  In order to prepare for the GMAT, a prospective student should understand the contents of this exam.

The GMAT exam is an aptitude test for comprehension of Math, English, and Logic. The time allotted for completion of test is three and a half hours in a certified testing center.  The sections and number of questions include: Math - 37 questions in less than 75 minutes, Verbal - 41 questions in fewer than 75 minutes, and 2 parts Writing Analysis of Issue Essay and Argument Essay in less than 30 minutes each.  Achieving an average score of 600 or better should be your goal set forth to aid you in obtaining admission to a graduate school.  The most important part of getting into a graduate degree program is readiness through “STUDYING”.

How and where do I study for the GMAT exam?

You can study for the GMAT through many online and in classroom resources.  These sources will offer great practice questions and reviews to brush up on your Math, Verbal, and Writing skills.  I have found a couple great refresher sites that offer GMAT preparation for scoring higher on the test.

800score.com offers an online GMAT prep course for an affordable rate of $39.95.  The course includes analysis and practice questions for Math, Verbal and Writing skills.  Including a 24 HR support team to assist you in any questions or problems arising from their course.

Kaptest.com includes your choice of online or classroom settings for GMAT preparation.  The online version is a self paced course for a price of $599.00 with guaranteed results for scoring higher.  The classroom addition is offered at one their university locations nearest you for a rate of $1449.00.  Both settings ensure proper readiness through reviews, practice questions, and tips.

Therefore understanding the contents of the GMAT exam and resources to prepare for the test, should ensure proper groundwork laid out for gaining admissions and scoring higher on your Graduate Management Aptitude Test.  Including that higher paying salary we all want to see!

Have you heard that word “overqualified” before?

Recently, the term overqualified has been frequently used by radio show callers and personal friends.  At first echo you might take the word overqualified as a delightful compliment.  Once that word rings in your ears a little more, you come to a realization.  Your ego is no longer being stroked, but ostracized from what was supposed to be your future employer.  Once that utterance has been delivered, you know it is time to rethink your strategy!

Being overqualified is generic and friendly way of telling the applicant, no way, am I hiring you.  The reasons may differ from one person to another, but they all result in the same conclusion.  Listed below are some reasons for applicants to be overqualified for a job.

I just think you're overqualified!

1. Age - The potential employee is too young or old for the scope of work/office.  Of course you’ll never hear this direct answer, because age discrimination is against the law.  However, I would be willing to bet on this situation arising more than you might think.
2. Desperation - In a tough economy, jobs tend to be scarce in the employment market.  No matter who you are, no one likes to see people begging.  Whether it is for food, clothes, money, or work.  Just how we don’t like the “fake” bums with signs in the street who jump into their Mercedes after a long day of earning hundreds of dollars tax free, nor does a hiring manager like seeing “please hire me right now” stamped across your forehead.  Did you ever get a date with someone by acting desperate for a night on the town?  I don’t think so!
3. Cost - This is actually a legitimate reason to some extent.  Qualified & well-educated individuals generally get paid more for their knowledge or extensive experience.   However, this situation can be remedied through proper negotiation, and some flexibility on your side of the discussion to find a middle ground for compensation. The bottom line with cost of employment in today’s economy is that the employer has the upper hand due to the lack of good jobs versus the vast sea of potential employees. If you decide to pass because you think the offer will go up to meet you needs, think again. There are simply too many other qualified (many overqualified) candidates out there ready to generate some income, and take that offer to the bank.
4. Inferiority - The “Grand Daddy” reason for most job seekers not getting hired in my belief.  The subtle & most ridiculous reason for an employer to assume you will not be productive working as their subordinate, but this scenario is probably the most likely.  Job security is a natural fear amongst hiring managers who are interviewing possible candidates.  No one wants to be out shined or embarrassed in their position of power because a new employee does THEIR job better, smarter, and more efficiently than their boss.  Although you would think a new employee with such omniscient could add great value to the team, the boss or hiring manager does not always perceive potential brilliance in this manner. Unfortunately many of them see this as a direct threat to their job security, and immediately slap the “overqualified” label on your resume.

Much of the discussion around the job community, and even that of our personal friends, has revolved around over qualification for employment. If you have any thoughts on these rationales, or you are in this unfortunate position yourself, feel free to comment in our post.  Also, look for my next post on how to counteract these overqualified perceptions, by hiring managers.

Blogosphere Enlightenment: Web 2.0 Update September 16, 2008

We would like to think that everyone out there on the Internet wants to read about college education and learning, but we realize that most people out there are more interested in lifestyles, sports, politics, news, and some of the more exciting things to gossip about. Because we are people too, we will spend some time telling you about the things we have read and found interesting. Each week, we will share the top stories from around the Internet.

Our core focus will remain on connecting prospective students with accredited educational institutions to complete higher education, but we also want to share information using the tools provided us by today’s web standards. You may choose to read, skim, or entirely ignore our Blogosphere Enlightenment: Web 2.0 Updates. Have fun, and let us know if you find something worth following. Better yet, comment on our posts and share links to things you enjoy! We’re happy to include them unless you abuse our comment areas, or spam them in any way.

1. SEO and Social Media: My Friend Flickr
   We have found this site useful in explanation of marketing and uses for sites like twitter, flickr, and social media tools. This particular article focuses on the benefits of using the website Flickr.com by individuals and corporations & businesses to increase visibility. If you have a moment, read the entire post for SEO and Social Media: My Friend Flickr written by Miguel Cancino.
2. Jennifer Lopez Finishes a Triathlon
   Love her or hate her, our girl Jennifer Lopez has accomplished some great things in her life and career. Most recently J-Lo, wife of Marc Anthony, set out to complete her newest goal following the birth of twins in late February 2008. She finished the Nautica Malibu Triathlon on Sunday in 2 hours, 23 minutes, and 38.8 seconds, raising $127,000 for Children’s Hospital of L.A. in the process. Read the Jennifer Lopez finishes a triathlon story here, written by Bethany Sanders.
3. California Statute Allowing In-State College Tuition for Illegal Aliens Is Preempted by Federal Law
   This is an interesting subject to tackle, and caught our attention as this one is directly related to our sites content and topics. The California Court of Appeal held session yesterday in Martinez v. Regents: the most significant issue [in this case] is whether California’s authorization of in-state tuition to illegal aliens violates a federal law, title 8 of the United States Code (U.S.C.) section 1623, which provides as pertinent. Read the rest of the column here.
4. How I Saw It: Broncos Beat Chargers 39-38
   I must first admit that I am a Denver Native, and an avid Denver Broncos fan so I clearly thought that the Denver Broncos should have won that game on Sunday. Anyone out there who is an NFL fan, or simply a football fan for that matter, may have had some serious issues with the way that the game ended. As a Broncos fan, from where I was sitting they played well enough to win the game, and the Chargers defense failed to keep Eddie Royal from completing a two yard completion; TWICE! How I Saw It: Broncos Beat Chargers 39-38
5. Britney Back At The Dance Studio!!
   Last but not least, once again making headlines, and giving us something to talk about at the office is our girl Britney Spears. With an upcoming album release scheduled for December this year, Brit has been spotted at the International Dance Academy in Hollywood today. I personally think she looks great, and anxiously look forward to a positive album release to get a healthy, and radiant, Britney back on the scene just like the old days. Check out the pics and comments at X17online.com.

That’s a wrap for this weeks post on Blogosphere Enlightenment: Web 2.0 Update. Check back each week for new updates, or subscribe in a reader to have our weekly update delivered directly to your favorite reader each week.

Technorati Tags: blogging, blogs, social-media, web 2.0 update, blogosphere enlightenment, social media, flickr, jennifer lopez, britney spears, denver broncos

College: Going Greek versus Non-Greek

Creating a college social life can be quite the experience, whether you choose to go Greek or independent “GDI’s”.  Fraternities and sororities use the acronym GDI, standing for God Damn Independents.  The social atmosphere at colleges and universities can vary amongst the campus sizes and locations.  Greek social life can be more prevalent in some higher learning institutions, while being uncommon in others.  Fraternities like the Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) are one of the groups known to be on the upper hierarchy of most campuses. The two social circles Greek and Independents are encompassed, by individuals who share similar interests in activities, studies, and friends.

Provided by: Universal Studios Home Videos Inc

The Greek social life can be a characteristic pedigree from involvement in high school activities with continuation through college years.  The common traits of a “Going Greek” are an entanglement of community services, intramural sports, and social functions.  With an emphasis on the social functions!

Fraternities and sororities will routinely adjoin for thematic soirees on a weekly underpinning.  These enthusiastically themed parties range from community services, date nights, homecoming gatherings, Halloween parties, to athletic celebrations.  This often makes you feel like a lion in the jungle.  At least, from my own personal perspective on social fraternity congregations within colleges and universities.  Is the Greek life for you?  The only way to truly find out is to become a Greek member!

College Social Life Greek vs. Non-Greek: Facts or Myths?

1.) Greek life is made up of social cliques of the “cool” kids.

2.) Fraternities and sororities pay for their friends.

3.) Going Greek depends on the school campus you’re at.

4.) Fraternities and sororities make life long friends and connections.

5.) Greeks are comprised of drunken idiots who only care about parties and sex.

Technorati Tags: University, Fraternity, Sorority, College

How to Get Into Graduate School: The Basics

Congratulations, you’ve made it through the first part of your higher education by completing your undergraduate degree! The time has come for you to decide what the next step in your life will be. Will you choose to begin a career, take a little time off, or return to school in pursuit of an advanced graduate degree? If the answer is the latter, it’s time to get into graduate school.

Most undergraduate students prepare for graduate school while still attending undergrad, just as many high school seniors prepare for college well before graduating. There are some important things to consider in preparation for a smooth transition from undergrad student to graduate school. Make sure you handle your schoolwork, and earn good marks in classes building up to any admission process. Transcripts will provide a snapshot of your academic accomplishments. Clearly, earning high grades in advanced placement classes versus high or average grades in easy classes will translate into an advantage on paper for the candidate who has chosen to pursue the more difficult subject matter.

Prepare Your Graduate School Material

First and foremost, preparation: prepare early and often, you can never be too prepared. It may seem like a small and automatic thing, but this step can be the difference between getting into the graduate school you want to be in, and missing the cut or deadline for admission. Preparation includes research, and knowing what undergraduate programs you will need to complete to gain acceptance into a particular graduate school. This also includes finding out admission deadlines, what standardized test you will need to take, when your test scores must be submitted, preparing requests to teachers/employers for a letter of recommendation, and finally your personal statement or admission essay.

Provide Professional Information: Don’t Be Lazy

In a sense you are applying for a job. Earning a place as a student in a grad school program is a lot like entering a new company. They expect you to be professional, intelligent, and committed to performing your end of the work. Colleges & Universities are proud to deliver high quality graduates into the work force, leaders of tomorrow, and successful personalities. It’s important that you present all of your material in a professional manner when applying for admission. This means vigorously checking everything you send in, and typing your documents with proper grammar and spelling. Have someone else check it with you, be certain that you have no mistakes. Professional presentation also translates to personal appearance if you plan on meeting with admission advisors, or the interview process that many graduate schools require for potential student enrollment.

OK, so we have covered the basics of transitioning from undergraduate to graduate school admission. Because there is a greater scope of detail for individual aspects of this process, we will provide follow up information for each of the steps. Today, we have presented the basics to give you an idea of what you will need to prepare for. Stay tuned for updates on this series for more information on popular graduate school details including: Standardized Testing (GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT), Letter of Recommendation, Graduate School Interviewing Tips, and Writing an Effective Admissions Essay.

You may subscribe to our Blog in a reader, or subscribe via RSS to have our content delivered directly to you. Don’t miss updates as we help you get into graduate school. To recap the steps provided above:

• Earn Good Grades: Challenge yourself with harder classes if you are comfortable at that level. Don’t take classes that are above your skill level, but don’t select an easier class simply because you don’t want to work harder for a good grade.
• Gather Materials: Find out if you can apply on-line, or get the required documents for submission. Make a checklist of documents you will need to submit from start-to-finish, and complete all check marks.
• Standardized Tests: Know what test is required for the grad school program you want to pursue. Practice and study for the test, and make sure that you are prepared to produce maximum performance when you take it.
• Letters of Recommendation: This step allows you to separate yourself from the rest of the candidates. To this point you are being viewed as text on paper, with some grades attached. Good personal recommendations can elevate you as a person, and provide admissions with a sense of who you are.
• Admission Essay/Personal Statement: This is your method of telling the school why you want to enroll and graduate with them, and a chance for you to personally tell them who you are. Tell them why you should be accepted, and what it means to you.
• Interview: The final step in most cases will be an interview between you and the University. We phrase it this way because this is your chance to ask questions of the school as well. A collaborative interview allows student and school to make sure there is a match, and hopefully high potential to produce a successful graduate.

If you have any questions about specifics, don’t hesitate to ask our community or us by posting your thoughts and comments. If you have already complete graduate school, take a moment to share your success stories by leaving a comment below.

Technorati Tags: graduate-school, graduate student, higher education, graduate students
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