Simple Guide For College Students

By Tom Tessin

College is one of the best actions that people can take in order improve the quality of their lives. By going to college people not only increase their earning potential and employment opportunities; they also learn how to become more productive members of our society. The process for turning college students into high quality citizens begins in school. Here is a simple guide for students so that they can get the most out of their experience.

Go to Your Classes

Students pay money to attend a university and this means that they should go to their classes. The college experience is ultimately about the education process over anything else. It’s through this education process that a student is being prepared for the profession that they want to be involved in. So the best thing that any student can do is to show up for their class, be on time, and make sure they absolutely learn something.

Pay your Tuition

You can’t go to school without paying your tuition, well if we don’t take scholarships and grants into consideration. Students who have to work to attend school should make it a point to pay for their expenses while attending. Again, this is because the education for your profession is the most important reason why you’re there.

Have a Social Life

Being social in college is okay as long as it doesn’t interfere with your education. Many people get sidetracked in college because they allow the other aspects of the college life to get in the way of their main purpose for being there. Have a social life in college because it’s a part of the process for you becoming a productive member of our society but don’t allow this social life to get out of control.

Stay out of Debt

Many college students have charge cards and loans that they blow on things they more than likely didn’t need. Spending extra tuition money on foolish pleasures or things is not the best thing to do. Don’t get it wrong, it’s okay to spend some of the money on getting some of the things you want, but remember that you’re going to have to pay that money back one day. Also, charge cards are a college student’s enemy. The laws are
changing because credit card debt is out of control in this country and one part of these changes has to do with college students and credit. The bottom line is students under the age of 21 won’t be able to get a credit card unless they can prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that they can pay it off or if they have parents who can.

There are plenty more areas that can be covered for this simple college guide for students but the main thing to remember is that college is about your education and that education is what you will need in order to help you make a better life for your family and yourself.

About the author:
Find great student articles like this, and more of Tom’s work all on his student blog.

Filed under: Bay Area, California Colleges, Campus Lifestyle, Career Path, Classes, College Debt, College Planning, High School, Junior College, Public Service, Social Networking, Students, athletics , academic quality, Career Path, Classes, college expenses, college planning tips, college students, Freshman, self help, self improvement, Social Networks, Students

College Planning Specialists TV Interview with Dan Evertsz

Dan Evertsz owner of BayCollegePlanners.com has the answers to the difficult questions parents and students face when considering the choices and expenses of a college education: “How do we find the money for college?” The following is an introduction to Dan and his Bay Area College Specialists consulting business in the form of a television interview on the Northern California Comcast show “Reference Point” with host Dave Korcharhook.

If you are having trouble qualifying for student aid, finding funding for an education, or if you are in need of consultation about these expenses please consider Dan Evertsz your go-to source for action:

Filed under: AP Courses, Admissions, Applications, Bay Area, California Colleges, Campus Lifestyle, Career Search, Classes, College Financing, College Planning, College Workshops, Consultants, Graduate School, Graduation, Hiring, Internships, Junior College, Major, Out of State Tuition, Parental Guidance, Public Service, Recruitment, Scholarship, Students, Tuition, Universities , Admissions, Choosing Universities, College, College Applications, college expenses, College Financing, college funding, College Planning, college students, economic forecast, financial aid, money, parents, Scholarships, student financial aid, Students, Television Interviews, Tuition, Universities

Free San Francisco Bay Area College Planning Workshops

Bay Area College Planning Workshops will help you to learn about the many issues College financial aid funding can typically present to a family. We will present useful information which can assist in safeguarding your families future. Our San Francisco Bay Area College Planning  Workshops will teach your family about:

CLICK HERE FOR FREE COLLEGE PLANNING WORKSHOPS

•  Tax Scholarships: What are they?

•  Ways to get Thousands of Free dollars from the Colleges of your choice.

•  How to keep on top of college admissions, FAFSA and scholarships.

•  How some families have reduced their out of pocket college expenses by thousands.

•  How some middle and or upper-middle class families send their kids to college for free.

•  How to double or even triple your eligibility for Financial Aid.

•  How to pick colleges that give the best Financial Aid packages. 

•  Unlocking the unknown – How to win at the College funding game.

•  The 5 myths concerning College funding.

•  How to help your student find direction in the College search process.

CLICK HERE FOR FREE COLLEGE PLANNING WORKSHOPS

December 2009 Workshops
 
Alameda Free Library Workshop
1550 Oak Street,
Alameda, CA 94501
Date: Tues Dec 8th
Time: 6:30pm-8pm
 
Redwood Christian High School Workshop
1000 Paseo Grande, 
San Lorenzo, CA 94580
Date: Tues Dec 8th
Time: 7pm-8:15pm
 
Webinar: “Learn the Insider Secrets to Get Free Financial Aid for College!”
Click on the link to register: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/734644299
Date: Wed Dec 9th
Time: 6:30pm-8pm PST
 
Moraga Library Workshop
1500 St. Mary’s Road,
Moraga, CA 94556
Date: Sat Dec 12th
Time: 11am-12pm

Find out about the many more College funding secrets many Colleges hope you will never discover.  

 - Prior registration required for all workshops and teleseminars -

CLICK HERE FOR FREE COLLEGE PLANNING WORKSHOPS

 

Filed under: AP Courses, Admissions, Applications, Banks, Bay Area, California Colleges, Campus Lifestyle, Career Path, Career Search, Classes, College Financing, College Planning, College Workshops, Consultants, Graduate School, Graduation, High School, Home Schooling, Internships, Junior College, Law Schools, Major, Med School, Nursing, Out of State Tuition, Parental Guidance, Public Service, Recruitment, Refinance, Scholarship, Students, Tax Credits, Tuition, Universities, athletics, ncaa, single parent families , Admissions, Choosing Universities, Classes, College, College Applications, college expenses, college funding, College Planning, College Workshops, financial aid, money, parents, planning, Workshops

The Importance of Computer Training

By James Copper

Whether you are at the tender age of 8 or are pushing 90, computer training will make your life easier and definitely can open up a range of learning that you never thought possible.
Taking part in a computer-training course is made available in all elementary schools up to special college courses that entail exceptional programs and a dizzying array of delivery formats.

Children learn computers at an alarming rate, their minds soak up the broad reaches of computers and more importantly their minds are open to the computer technology hardware and software. Some children even show an astonishing propensity for coding and programming at a very early age.

Computer training courses are in general held online, though of course, some can be accomplished through actual classroom study. Regardless of the method used, all computer-training courses start with the basics.

Basics usually begin by introducing hardware. One should learn the physical parts to a computer such as output devices, input devices, the system unit, storage devices, communication devices and finally peripheral devices.

Software is next, and should cover the elementary basics such as the differences between system software and application software. It will be important for you to learn the essential
diversity between shareware, freeware, public domain software and commercial software.

You will also learn how software is introduced into a computer and the various methods that can be used and which to use depending on various situations. Also, you’ll be able to
identify which system software is built into a computer and why.

Operating systems will be covered for you and how they interact with various software. The training will cover the differences between text interfaces and graphic user interfaces and what each accomplishes for the user.

You’ll learn about all the different application software that is out there, and what each does for you. Also you will learn which are considered the best software to use depending on the specific results you desire.

Finally the training course should intensely cover utilities, and what they do for a computer as well as what benefits they give the operator. You will learn all about anti-virus
utilities, and disk management software.

As an adjunct to your basic computer training, good courses go one step further and teach you how to properly maintain and protect your computer so that you will not have to deal with malware, and assorted computer viruses. You also should learn the basics of computer ethics, privacy and security.

Eventually you should progress through the use of computer applications in education, such as educational research, management, as well as learning and instruction.

Once you have learned those basics, computer-training courses also teach you how to properly “surf” the Internet, making use of the best search engines, and refining those engines in order for you to access the exact information you are seeking every time. The world of the Internet is wide open to everyone who has a computer and a connection, and it’s truly amazing what a computer can do for you!

About the author:
James Copper is a writer for http://www.computer-it-training.co.uk where you can find information on computertraining

Filed under: AP Courses, Bay Area, Campus Lifestyle, Career Path, Classes, College Textbooks, Computer Training, Computers, High School, Home Schooling, Junior College, Major, School supplies, Summer school, single parent families , academic quality, Career Path, Career Search, Classes, college planning tips, college students, Computer Training, jobs, Major, self improvement, Universities

Twelve Tips for Cutting College Costs

By Susie Watts

Who isn’t feeling the economic crunch? “Budget” is a new word in most of our vocabularies. College funds have dwindled, investments have taken a hit, and job layoffs add to feelings of economic instability.

Going to college in a recession has raised concerns for many families.

It has led some parents to discourage their children from applying to schools they don’t feel they can afford, even with financial aid and scholarships.

“The dream of going to college doesn’t need to turn into a nightmare. No one wants a student to be saddled with debt, but there are creative ways to avoid that, even in these tough economic times,” said Susie Watts, founder, College Direction.

Twelve tips Watts has for parents to cut college costs include:

1. Encourage high school students to study hard and make the best grades possible in challenging classes. Students should also try to get the best SAT and ACT scores. Often times merit scholarships are based on these two factors.
2. Start searching for scholarships early in high school. Many are available to students from 9th through 12th grade.
3. Make sure students meet all deadlines for signing up for the SAT and ACT as well as for scholarships. Don’t incur late fees or lose out altogether.
4. Look at schools where your student can graduate in four years. Most students take five or six years. This can add two additional years of tuition and living expenses.
5. Help students find schools that are a good match. Transferring to another school can lead to lost credits and additional expenses.
6. Consider a wide variety of schools, including both public and private. Some families have found private schools to actually cost less than some public universities.
7. Borrow all the federal money you can before turning to bank loans.
8. Help your student find textbooks that are used by looking online. Students sometimes can even share a book with another student.
9. Explain unusual circumstances to the financial aid director in a letter or negotiate a financial aid package.
10. Allow your student to take more responsibility for his or her education by contributing summer earnings or money made from part-time jobs for college
    expenses.
11. Consider a community college. Students can take their core requirements and then transfer to a four year school or add to their college credits by taking courses in the summer. Community college is a real bargain.
12. Teach your college-bound student to budget for weekly, monthly, and yearly
    expenses. This will not only save you money, but it is an important lesson that will last a lifetime.

About the author:
Susie Watts is the founder of College Direction. She has been working with students for more than twenty years preparing them for the SAT and ACT and providing college search, applications and admissions assistance. Our goal is to help students become successful college applicants.

Filed under: Admissions, Applications, Banks, College Financing, College Planning, Junior College, Public Service, Scholarship, Students, Tuition, Universities , Admissions, Choosing Universities, College Applications, College Financing, college funding, College Planning, Community colleges, financial aid, money, planning, Scholarships, student financial aid, student loans, Students, Summer Jobs, Tuition

Best Ways to Get Textbooks for College

By CollegeView

Gathering supplies can be a stressful experience, whether you’re anticipating your first year of college or dreading the pre-term mad dash. Thankfully, the digital age is making it easier to buy, sell, and trade just about anything online—including college textbooks. Check out these Web resources and other helpful tips for alleviating the hassle (and the cost) of getting the books you need.

Buying

When you can avoid it, wait until after the first class session before buying the required books. That way you won’t get stuck with a pricey book in the event that the teacher places little emphasis on it or you decide to drop the class.

Once you’re sure which books you’ll need, find the ISBN (International Standard Book Number) for each, which will help you search quickly for titles in bookstores and online. If you plan to buy locally, remember that off-campus bookstores usually offer lower prices.

On the Web, larger online booksellers such as eBay and Amazon can sometimes offer better shipping rates than their smaller counterparts, but you might have more luck finding what you need through vendors who deal exclusively in college textbooks, such as these for example:

* www.bookbyte.com – Founded near Salem, Oregon, in 1999.

*www.bigwords.com – Compares the prices of “all the best textbook stores” to help students find the cheapest deals.

*www.valorebooks.com – Started by a group of college students in 2002.

Here are some additional tips for finding the textbooks you need for college without breaking the bank:

* Search campus-wide message boards or your school’s MySpace or Facebook section for students who want to buy/sell their books.

* Check the campus library for loaner copies.

* Share a book with a friend or classmate, photocopying important sections prior to exams.

Selling

Selling books back at the end of the semester can sometimes be disappointing, since textbooks completely lose their value if they are not selected by the university for reuse. Here are some options for maximizing the return value of your saleable used books:

* Sell to friends and classmates.

* Sell back to on- and off-campus bookstores.

* Compare shipping rates and consider selling your books to an online textbook retailer.

If you find that there is no cash-back value on your books, but you don’t want to simply throw them away, consider donating your old books to schools, libraries, and correctional facilities. Inquire about book donation programs with your university or visit www.albany.edu/~dlafonde/Global/bookdonation.htm for a list of opportunities.

Trading

Many colleges and universities help to facilitate textbook swapping both as a money-saving solution for students and an environmentally-friendly alternative to printing new books. Visit Web sites such as www.textswap.com, www.monstertrade.com,
and www.studentbooktrade.com, where you can search by state or school for other students in your area who are interested in swapping books. As with any transaction that originates online, you should exercise good judgment and caution when making book trade arrangements independently.

About the author:
Hannah Roberts is a writer for Collegeview, a great resource to help students and their parents as they begin their college search. The website provides information about free scholarships, financial aid, career information and more. Collegeview offers profiles of thousands of universities that can be searched by area of study, name, and location.

Filed under: Books, Booksellers, California Colleges, Campus Lifestyle, Classes, College Financing, College Planning, College Textbooks, Graduate School, High School, Junior College, Law Schools, Med School, School supplies, Students, Universities, single parent families , academic quality, Book stores, Classes, colle, College, College Book Deals, college expenses, college planning tips, college students, money, planning, School supplies, Students, Textbooks, Universities

Going Back To College After A Break

By Justin Sloan

Are you one of many Americans that dreams of returning to college but fears that option ended for your many years ago? If this is you, then you are in luck. There is no time like the present to go back and pursue your educational dreams. In fact, there has been no better time throughout history than today for those who wish to return to school but cannot give up their careers in order to do so.

Educational opportunities abound today in America and only show evidence of increasing and improving with time and technological advances. There are many options available for the returning students of today that would have been summarily designed to those hoping to further their educational goals in the past. If you are hoping to go back to school consider the options below
very carefully before deciding which will be best for you.

The All or Nothing Approach

This endeavor is a giant leap of faith. It involves quitting your job, packing up your life and going back to college with every hope for a better future hinging on your performance. This is a high-risk endeavor for many professionals who have families and careers to consider. However, the rewards will be much
quicker with this approach than most of the other available options. You should consider carefully whether this is an appropriate plan of action for your specific needs or if the risk would be too high for your family to endure.

Night School

Most community colleges and universities offer a wide assortment of night classes to those students who have daytime careers but are hoping to further their educations. You will find that despite common preconceived notions there is a wide mixture of students in night classes. There are first time college students who simply prefer night classes to early morning classes,
retirees hoping to learn something new, and professionals hoping to grab a few more credit hours towards their degree. You never know whom you will find in your night classes but chances are you will find that there is a special sense of community among night school students that you won’t find in traditional day classes.

Techno Wizards for Internet Courses

Believe it or not you do not need to have spectacular technical skills in order to take the average online or Internet course. The truth of the matter is that the most technical skill most of these classes require is the ability to visit websites, open email, and download an occasional file. Internet classes offer
extreme flexibility for those with busy family and work schedules. This is the option of choice for many returning schools. The good news is that more and more universities and community colleges are offering these sorts of classes in many different fields and majors. The more demand grows for these classes the more classes will be offered.

The fact is that as consumers we have the right to ask for what we want or need. College students are consumers who are paying a hefty price for the product they hope to receive-a solid educational experience. Do not be afraid to request that the university you are attending offer more options for working
students if you find that you are in need of a class that isn’t offered in a flexible manner. Chances are if you need the course, there are others like you who will as well. If there is enough demand, most universities will oblige the demands of their students.

About the author:
To read about how to teach writing and teach spelling, visit the Teaching Quotes site.

Filed under: Campus Lifestyle, Classes, College Planning, Graduate School, Graduation, Junior College, Students , academic quality, Classes, College, College Planning, college students, Students, Universities

The Cost Of A Two Year Education

By Justin Sloan

When it comes to college, you are considering an expensive proposition any way you look at it. There are however, ways in which you can greatly reduce your overall expenses when it comes to getting your college degree. The first method, which in many cases is the most preferred, is by attending a community college for the first two years of your college educational experience. Believe it or not you can literally save thousands of dollars over the course of spending two years on the community college level. 

You will hear all kinds of arguments on why it is better to attend all four years at a university. The universities almost always make these arguments. Unfortunately, their opinions are a little bit biased in these matters. Most universities offer equivalent courses with community colleges meaning that the first two years of study should transfer with no problems or snags along the rocky road to your degree. 

The universities make money each semester you begin class as a student. It is in their best interest financially to have you from the beginning rather than as a transfer. In fact, many universities offer lower level classes as auditorium classes. They pack more students into classes and have fewer professors or graduate students teaching the courses and maximize their money off the first and second year students rather than those in upper level courses. Yet another reason to consider a community college for the first two years of you education. 

Getting back to the expenses of a community college, most community colleges are largely commuter campuses. This means you won’t face the high housing costs that are associated with universities, particularly if you are attending college close to home. Community colleges also offer far less distractions that cost additional money than most major universities. This doesn’t mean that there aren’t ample social opportunities; it simply means that there are fewer of them. This also leaves fewer distractions than universities present when it comes to studying. 

Community colleges simply cost less all around. While it would be nice if you could receive a full four year education at this level, they are able, for the most part, to keep expenses down by not requiring the level of qualification that universities require of their professors for upper level courses. You will have excellent, if not superior quality of education at lower levels than you would have on the university level, but you will also eventually need to move on to the university level in order to complete your education. 

For this reason, you would do well to save half of your savings over university costs for each of the two years you are attending community college and apply it to your university education. This will ease the burden of the additional costs of the university and feel as though you are paying the same amount for tuition throughout your education regardless of the fact that you are literally saving thousands of dollars on your educational expenses. 

Some states have educational savings plans that allow parents to save for tuition at current costs by enrolling. These plans cover two years of community college education and two years of university education. By locking in today’s prices you are eliminating the inflation. When you consider the fact that college tuition is increasing at an alarming rate this is by far an excellent way to go. You should check with your state and see if they offer a similar plan to parents of younger children and what the requirements are in order to enroll your child today. 

If you are looking for a real value in education whether or not you only go for your two year degree of move on to a university in order to finish your four-year degree you should find that a community college education offers a significant value for the money. Most people find that every penny they spent in a community college was a penny well spent. 

About the author:
Read about ng_study_skills.html”>teaching study skills at the Teaching Quotes
website.

Filed under: Admissions, Applications, Campus Lifestyle, Career Path, Classes, College Financing, College Planning, Junior College, Scholarship, Students, Tuition, Universities , academic quality, Choosing Universities, College, College Financing, college students, Universities