Tips for College Student Taxes

February 11, 2011 By

If you are a college student or a recent graduate, there are a number of considerations that you are going to want to make when it comes to your taxes. The right tips are going to come in handy when it comes to preparing you for filing your taxes as well as using your tax refund wisely.

The following are some tax tips that are going to come in handy if you happen to be a recent graduate from college or a brand new college student looking to stay afloat. Because you likely only have a college job, you are probably going to fall into a lower tax bracket, and this is going to have an impact on how much money you get back. You are also going to want to pay attention to whether your parents are listing you as a dependent, as you do not file in the same way if someone else is claiming you. Also, filing your taxes as a student is different than filing if you are a full-time employee, especially when you consider education deductions and credits.

Students that are parents, students that have student loans, and students with other types of special considerations are not going to file their taxes in the same manner. As you can see, there are many important factors to consider when you are filling out your taxes for the year. Make sure that you are considering all of these different variables when you decide to file your taxes so that you get the biggest possible refund back. You do not want to end up owing for anything that you should not owe. A little bit of planning and forethought can really go a long way in ensuring that you get the best possible refund for your efforts.

Filed Under: Education, Online Education Tagged With: , , ,

Finding a Major

February 10, 2011 By

Finding a major for a degree choice can be a hard decision to make. For many students they are still in the stage of being unsure about what they want to be when they grow up. For those that have found themselves in this situation, there is no fear, as you are able to declare your major in your junior year of study. For others that are ready to declare here are some tips that you can use when confirming your declaration. First, research your choice. Make sure that you really want to do this profession and that it is something you could see yourself enjoying for the span of your working career. This is an important step as many realize when it is too late that they do not like their career path, and they find themselves returning to school to redo their education. This is a tough road to follow as it can be costly and prove to be something that may not be entirely feasible to do.

The other suggestions would be to investigate the profession by looking at burnout rates, length of average employment, turnover rates, and other such factors that could have a bearing on your decision to remain in that field. The final step would be to investigate the course work that is required for that particular field. You may find that the course work is something that you could spring board off of later, and that it would prove beneficial in other areas, this could lead to graduate work, and potentially open up other career paths. The caution to have when looking at the coursework is that you may find that some of the courses cost more than others, and that the demands may be higher. This is especially true if something requires labs or observations. Ensuring that you have the time to finish these requirements could have some bearing on your choice of major.

Filed Under: Higher Education, Majors Tagged With: , , ,

Choosing A Major

February 8, 2011 By

When choosing a major it is important to seek out the specific details of that major so that you are aware of what you are getting into. Many students get excited about a particular field of study, then realize that once they are in the program, they really do not like it, or are surprised by what is involved with the program. This can be stressful, and expensive as many students have prepared for one program, find that they do not like it, and have to start over in some cases with their pre-requisites. Do not be like so many that simply look at the pictures or brochures and then feel like all their questions have been asked. This is a painfully long step to have to correct for many.

The best thing that can be done when investigating a new field of study is to research. Take the time to see if this is something you would like to do, or have in your life. Then, interview people who are already in that area of study, or find basic entry level employment. This will give you a first hand look on whether or not you could do this job, or be in this particular profession, for years to come. This will also get you a step in the right direction if you do like the field because you will begin to make long lasting and beneficial connections that could prove to be very helpful later on during your career.

The other thing to investigate is looking into other careers that might be of interest. It is good to rule out any other options before settling on one because you will feel more confident with your decision, and have less doubt when you complete your program. There is nothing worse than leaving a four year school and wondering “what if?” Make sure that you look into all of your options, meet with academic counselors, and take the time to figure out what is best for you.

Filed Under: Admissions, Majors Tagged With: , , ,

Show you are Prepared With a GMAT Prep Course

February 3, 2011 By
As we ring in the New Year, many people start thinking of ways to improve themselves.  Sure, finals are over and you enjoyed your break but for many, this is just a passing thought.  A reminder that last year is over.  Regardless, the New Year is a time for self reflection and personal development.
If you are going to school and ending your pre graduate years soon, you may want to focus a little more.  If you have to take a test to get into a school for your post graduate education, a GMAT test, for example, you may want to look into something like a GMAT prep course.  Sure, this may not feel like the right time to get ready for it, but that is also what everyone else is thinking, as well.  If you start looking into the prep courses and start getting ready for your testing at this time of year, you may end up being in a smaller class, which can mean that you get more attention and therefore better results.
Most people don’t like testing, and adding in more studying around the end of the semester may seem like suicide.  But, if you plan well, you can study a little at a time for your test.  Taking the prep course does not need to mean that you will take the test immediately.  Even more than that, looking into what prep classes are available does not mean that you have to take the class right now.  Knowing what is available, and getting ready for it, is always a good idea.  Especially when you are planning to go into a field like business management.  Show that you are prepared by doing your research and finding the perfect GMAT prep course.
Filed Under: Education, Higher Education Tagged With: , ,

College Minors

February 3, 2011 By

College Minors are an aspect of a degree that can be very helpful for students, without tasking too much like a dual major. This mean that a student can choose specific classes that are already part of their Bachelors program, without adding more classes, and be able to obtain a minor in a specific subject. The purpose of a minor is to simply add to the validity of the major, and this lends credibility to your abilities as a degree holder. This also help you to obtain a more diverse employment field as you can claim that you are not only well versed in your major, but that you have a minor in another area as well. For teaching this can equal a dual credential for teaching. For instance, if a student attends college for elementary education, and during the course of his or her education chooses to take history classes as a way of sufficing for liberal arts classes. That student would graduate with a degree in Elementary Education, and a minor in History or Social Science. If the unit amount for the minor is enough, in most states it is 30 units, then that student would qualify for a secondary license in history to teach.

This is a very cost effective and time considerate approach if a student does not have the energy or resources to accomplish a dual major. The main goal of obtaining a minor is that it does not add any units to the degree as it stands, and will allow a student to claim a more rounded eligibility for work. Because there are no more units being added to the degree, there are not additional costs. Like the example above, students are allowed to choose some of their classes, and in doing so they have the possibility of claiming a minor with no additional time added. An academic counselor can assist with the process as well.

Filed Under: Higher Education, Minors Tagged With: , , , , ,

Consolidating Student Loan Debt

February 2, 2011 By

Consolidating debts is an important process for many people to help control the amount of money they have going out each month to pay bills. This is also very true of college students. Student loans can be quite costly every month, especially if they are not consolidated. Student loans are paid out individually each semester or quarter, so it can be easy to have 10, 12, or more student loans by the time a student graduates college. Each of these loans is accruing interest and that can mean thousands of extra dollars that are paid over the life of the loan.

Consolidating those loans will make them one big loan, which means only one loan is accruing interest. This can even lower the overall interest rate on the new loan by locking in during a low time. Today’s interest rates are currently very low, so students have a good opportunity to consolidate and save. This takes the sting out of repaying student loans.

However, when it comes to student loans, they can only be consolidated once in a lifetime. A student will not be able to consolidate more loans into a consolidated bundle. It is wise for students to research their options for this process.

Once loans are consolidated, students still have options for payment, especially during hardships. There are options like forbearance and deferment, both of which are intended to ease the sting of high payments when times get tough. Forbearance allows students to pay at a lower rate for up to three years, and deferment will allow students to forgo payments for up to three years. The two options can be done multiple times, however, once the 36-month mark is reached, there is no longer eligibility for these hardship plans, so it is wise to use them well.

Filed Under: Education, Higher Education Tagged With: ,

Masters Degrees

February 1, 2011 By

Masters degrees are a common higher education goal that many find help aid them in their career advancement. What many people do not realize, however, is that unlike a Bachelors degree, the specification of the degree itself can be very concise. For instance, you are a mechanical engineer, and you have a Bachelors of Science in Engineering, that would cover all aspects of mechanical engineering, the details for planning, and even cost analysis. For those that would like to obtain a Masters of Science in this field they would be looking for a more specific area like Master of Science in Engineering Project Management, or even Consultation. This would be written on a resume as M.S. but when asked, as person would have to include the specificity of the degree.

There are also different requirements for those that are seeking higher level degrees such as a Masters degree. For one, a person must already have a Bachelors degree that is related somehow. For instance, if a person has an education degree, they must take extra classes in order to be eligible for an Engineering Masters degree. The course load is much different than that of a Bachelors degree program as well. The graduate work is much more concise and concentrated as it is expected that most of the foundational work has been completed during the Bachelors degree process. Also, there is a final project due at the end of a Masters program. A Thesis is required at the completion of a Masters program, in order to validate that the individual has successfully mastered the topic at hand, and can therefore be verified as a Masters recipient. The Thesis is usually about 50 pages of research, and is usually completed over the course of a couple of years. The research is completed through the help of mentors, and the final project is evaluated for acceptance by the issuing university.

Filed Under: Education, Higher Education Tagged With: , , , , ,

Inside Criminal Justice

January 31, 2011 By

The expanding field of criminal justice contains a variety of areas offering varied choices within its circle. Those who decide to study this field find many options open to delve into. From opportunities in local law enforcement to private security, criminal justice is a profession on the rise.

The desire to uphold the law and protect others is one of the main reasons why most people are attracted to a career in this industry. Graduates of a Bachelor of Science program can garner an annual salary of up to $70,000. Future police officers gain the necessary foundation for a successful law enforcement career. Other areas for job opportunities include Homeland Security, Forensic Investigation, Immigration and Naturalization Services, and various employment in the Court System.

Students embarking into obtaining a criminal justice degree gain proper knowledge on the workings of law enforcement, the justice system, crime theory, juvenile justice and more. The goal of any criminal justice program is to provide each graduate with the tools to understand and work within public policy. Students are driven by a desire to do what is right by society and their community.

If protecting others and a need for doing the right thing drives you, this degree choice could give you what you are looking for in a career. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a positive ongoing growth in this field. The popularity of this burgeoning degree program as a major of choice for new students is on the incline, even amidst a challenging economy. Increasing interest in the criminal justice field is evident by the fact that a variety of online programs are available. So no matter how a potential student’s daily schedule may appear, there is a program out there to fit their needs and earn a criminal justice degree online. Your desire to protect the innocent and uphold what is right is not only noble, but within your reach.

Filed Under: Requirements Tagged With: , ,

You Just Might Learn Something

January 30, 2011 By

One of the most interesting part of a student’s college career are the electives they can choose to take.  Many people believe that college electives are little more that a waste of time and money. For students who opt to carefully choose their electives, a few hours and class each week literally change their lives.  Electives are no longer about bowling and home economics. Instead, students have access to a wide range of classes that can change them by providing them with useful information and skills.

Unfortunately, these same ‘good’ electives can mean spending a bit more time than most students believe the standard elective class should take. Still, there are some electives that are worth a little bit of extra time and effort.

  1. Public Speaking:  very few people are born with a natural ability to speak in public.  Like anything it is a skill that must be learned. This class is the perfect place to start.
  2. Business writing:  You would be surprised just how much writing goes into running a business. This elective will prepare you to write everything from your first resume to the business plan that will get your new business off the ground.
  3. English Grammar:  It is actually stunning how many college students have bad grammar skills.  I might not be the most exciting class you can take, but it certainly one that will provide you with much needed skills.
  4. Art:  It is a shame how many students think art is a waste of time. The truth is, art class can help a student better understand everything from history to literature.
  5. Foreign Language:  The world isn’t’ getting any bigger – it’s getting smaller and a foreign language is one skill that everyone can use.

You see? Electives can be very useful

Filed Under: Education Tagged With: , , ,

Do You Have The Drive

January 29, 2011 By

As a high school student you may be wondering if higher education is truly important. It probably seems like higher education is simply a lot of time and money spent getting a degree that may or may not be useful. Many people believe that simply jumping into the job market is the way to go. While in some cases it may be true that experience is what gives an employee the edge the job market in most cases a higher education degree is critical for success.

In most cases jobs that do not require a degree from college or more manual in nature. This is not to say that people without college degrees cannot be successful. In fact some manual labor jobs can net the employee a high salary and even good job security.

For those uninterested in manual labor or those interested in a career path as opposed to a job they simply must invest in higher education. The time and money spent obtaining a bachelor’s degree or even an associate’s degree is well worth it. In fact, on average those who invest in college education and received a bachelor’s degree begin their careers making an average of $20,000 more per year than those who didn’t spend the time getting a degree.

So yeah, higher education is necessary. People who are struggling with time for financial issues are encouraged to find unique solutions that will allow them to begin working on a degree. Today’s students have access to classes online, weekend classes and evening classes. By beginning to learn a higher education degree in a community college it is possible to save a great deal of money.

It comes down to drive and ambition. Those that haven’t understand how or higher education can be. Those that don’t may very well be satisfied with just a job.

Filed Under: Education Tagged With:
«Older Posts
Newer Posts»