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Building A Plan

As a new college student one of the biggest decisions you can make is what courses you should take. Obviously this decision impacts the future of your college career and even your job prospects. Because of this it is vital that college students take the time to understand which courses they need, which courses come first and which courses to skip.

Course selection often begins with declaring a major. Obviously this will greatly impact which courses to take and the order in which you take them. Students who declared a major can consult with a guidance counselor or college guidelines to determine which classes to take. Students who declared majors have it easiest. Their course selection is laid out for them.

It’s the students who are undetermined in their future that must spend the most time considering which classes they would like to take. Many spend their freshmen and sophomore year taking what are affectionately known as weeder classes. These are basic courses in subjects such as English, history, math and science. These are also the classes which typically take place in large auditoriums or lecture halls. As many as 200 students can take a weeder class at one time.

For students looking for a major or a possible career field one option of course selection is auditing classes. This is a typically free method of taking classes and can help students determine where there interests lie. The problem with auditing classes is that students typically do receive full college credit for them.

Students also have to carefully consider how many courses they can reasonably expect to handle each semester. This can help them determine an overall path for their college career.

Course selection is one of the most important decisions a college student can make and it as one that students should carefully consider at the beginning of their college career.

Filed Under: Education Tagged With: ,

There Is No Reason Not To

It wasn’t too long ago that students had only two options for continuing their education. The first was a traditional university education. This route was often very expensive and only available to the wealthiest of students. The second option was distance learning. This option was flawed as well, giving students access to a limited number of classes and not addressing the need for a degree at all. Today’s students have access to a much greater range of learning resources than ever before.

Students who are interested in a college education now have a wide variety of options available to them. The first is, of course, a traditional college education. Students with the grades, finances and interest can leave high school and enter into a four year university to continue their education. Students concerned about finances have an additional option of attending a community college first. This learning resource is a great way to start your college education without the worry of expensive tuition or rooming fees.

Students who opted not to attend college after high school used to be in a bind. Completing a college education while working full time was often a 10 year process. Today’s students have access to a unique learning resource, online classes. Online classes are the perfect solution for those looking for flexibility during higher education.

For those looking for that added flexibility but who still wish to attend traditional classes, many colleges offer an additional learning resource –weekend classes. This allows students to attend classes, often for a full day, on Saturday or in the evenings during the week. It’s a great solution to this problem.

The number and variety of learning resources available to students interested in a college education means there’s simply no reason not complete a degree. Simply decide which course method works best for you and your schedule.

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It’s Just a Story

Many students don’t like history. They find the subject matter boring, despise the apparent amount of memorization and fail to understand how learning about history can impact their lives. The truth is almost everyone is required to take at least one history class. Many degrees require more. Understanding the importance of history in our world and learning to look at it as a series of stories can make taking the classes more palatable.

When reviewing the courses available to students interested in taking history it is important to realize a few facts. The first is that most college degrees require at least one generalized history class. These are classes such as world history, American history or European history. These classes cover thousands of years of history during a semester. They are designed to presents a general overview of history to the student and focus primarily on major events such as wars, revolutions and technological advances. These overview classes are the simplest type of history course.

Students interested in pursuing a degree in history, philosophy, politics or any number of other higher degrees may be required to take more advanced history courses. These history courses focus on a specific period of history such as the American Revolution or the Russian Revolution, a specific group of people or even an ideology such as communism or socialism. Students spend the course of a semester learning intricate details of the specific events or ideas. These courses are obviously more difficult than the generalized classes.

History may be easier to take if a student can consider that history is nothing more than a series of stories. These are the stories that have defined who we are, our place in the world and even where we’re headed. Instead of considering history as a series of dates and names to be memorized students are encouraged to focus on the story.

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College Coping

There’s no way around it, college is stressful. This is especially true for students in their first year or those taking advanced courses. Stress comes for a variety of sources including class work, finances, work and even fun. As hard as it may be to understand, every part of college, even the fun parts, can wreak havoc on even the most dedicated of students. Understanding what causes college stress and learning some helpful techniques can help students ensure a successful college career.

First you have to realize it’s all about planning. Part of the student’s responsibility at the college level is adequately planning for class preparation, homework, projects and exams. Learning to develop a schedule that is flexible enough to include all aspects of course work as well as personal time is a skill every student must develop. It is also a hard skill. Some students find a day planner works well while others rely on technology such as a BlackBerry or computer scheduling program. Regardless, don’t forget to plan fun time as well.

Finance can also play a big role in college stress levels. Students can adequately combat this by planning their finances in advance. This may mean applying for student loans, getting a part time job or developing a budget. Only by planning financial issues in advance can a student hope to avoid stress caused by finances.

Many college students also find course work itself stressful. With homework that often includes hundreds of pages of reading material, lab work and preparing for tests and exams it’s no wonder that students find their courses stressful. Students should remember that college is difficult and that there is help available for those who need to ask for it.

The truth is you can’t avoid stress that college what you can do is managing it.

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Getting Up With The Roosters

We often hear of students having trouble in college. In some cases the students are simply not prepared for the work. In others the students simply party too much making success an impossibility. What you don’t often think of is how many students fail simply because they do not attend class. It is a sad fact that many college students, especially freshmen, do not have the coping skills, responsibility or simple drive to get up every day and go to class.

It isn’t like high school where the teacher takes attendance each day and calls mommy or daddy when you don’t show up. Instead college students are expected to be responsible enough to monitor their own attendance. The truth is every college student has the ability to go to class every day but often they choose not to. The question becomes why attendance so difficult?

But think about the average college freshman. It is their first time away from home. Their first taste of true freedom. Their first educational experience that isn’t guided by a parent. In today’s society where most children feel entitled to everything it should come as no surprise that many do not have the ability to manage their college attendance on their own.

It is for this reason that college students should carefully consider their schedule for their freshmen year. By remembering the novelty of being away from home, the excitement of college parties in the extraordinary amount of time kids can spend sleeping it’s easy to understand why seven AM classes are not a great option. Instead students are encouraged to build a schedule that is challenging and reasonable while not forcing them to start their day when the rooster crows.

It is your responsibility to attend every class, lab and required session. No more excuses –it’s time for class!

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What’s The Matter? You Scared To Ask For Help?

We all know how popular online classes are. Many students, even those who live on campus, take at least one online class during their college career. What many students do not realize is that the computer and the Internet is one of the greatest resources they have to ensure their college success. Understanding what help is available online in general and at your college in particular will give you access to more help than you could imagine.

More and more colleges are expanding their online resources in order to more adequately serve their students. It is important to take some time during orientation to review the resources available to you online. Many colleges offer mentoring or tutoring online particularly for students taking English classes. Other subjects are covered as well. Some colleges have textbooks or library resources online for help as well. Carefully review online help resources your college offers.

Some students opt to look outside of their college or university for online learning help. Websites are available to assist students with many of their college courses including English, history, math and science. These often come in the form of forums in which students can ask an answer questions. There are also formal online tutoring resources available.

Many professors also offer their lectures or lecture notes online. Students have the ability to access these notes for further review and to ensure that they have adequately grasped the lecture. Some professors utilize online learning resources for other purposes as well. They may upload slide shows or other graphics for student review.

The point is there’s tons of help available online if a student simply knows where to look. It’s one of those newfangled responsibilities college students have. Knowing when to ask for help, as well as where to ask for help, is the mark of a truly responsible student.

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It’s Anything But Minor

Every college student declares a major. It is this course of study that will become their focus. Their classes and curriculum will revolve around that major. While it is true that not every college major offers a minor in the same field, many students opt to declare a minor as well. There are literally hundreds of minors available for students to choose from.  It is not uncommon for a student to choose two or more minors to declare. Understanding the reasoning behind minors and how they impact your life after college may help you decide which minor is appropriate for you.

A minor is selected for one of several reasons. The student may select a minor that is a compliment to their major. For example, a student who has select history as their major may select geography as their minor. Students who select their minor as a compliment to their major typically do so to make their overall college degree more marketable to prospective employers.

Another option for minors is students hoping to add a skill or talent to their resume. Learning a foreign language, minoring in computer science or learning some other valuable skill can help a student find an attractive job after graduation.

Other students select minors that represent their interests. A student with a love of music may understand that they cannot hope to make a living in the music industry but still wish to have music in their life. A minor in music is often the best solution for people in this situation.

Students who opt to declare a minor can expect to devote about half as much time as their major. Most minor requirements are about ½ the credits of a major. Minors do have specific classes that must be taken but can be a great way to round out your education.

Filed Under: Education, Minors Tagged With: ,

This Is Major

Sometimes deciding what to major in is a hard decision. It can be more difficult than deciding where to go to school. It can be more trying than deciding whether to room in a dorm or stay at home. Today, colleges and universities offer so many different options for student to choose from that it isn’t uncommon to find students changing majors once a semester. It is always a better idea to have a plan, a road map, so picking a major and sticking to it early in your college career is critical.

Many students are finding that be taking a look at the top ten hottest college majors, they can easily select a major that interest them and that will assist them with achieving their life goals.

  1. Business Administration and Business Management
  2. Psychology
  3. Nursing
  4. Biological Sciences and Biology
  5. Education
  6. English Language and English Literature
  7. Economic
  8. Speech Communication, Communication Studies, Rhetoric
  9. Government and Political Science
  10. Information  and Computer Sciences

When selecting a major studies should carefully consider a few critical areas. First, it is important to pick a major that the student can be passionate about. Remember that your life will be based in large part on your college major. Second, students should consider the goals they have for their life. If making money is what is important to the student, they may want to consider the biological sciences major. Students who would prefer to help others without the focus on money generation may choose education instead.

Choosing a college major is a big decision and one that should not be taken lightly. If you are having a difficult time deciding which major to declare, it is a good idea to meet with a school counselor. Aptitude testing may assist you with selecting the major that is right for you.

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Please No More School

After four long years of high school, a lot of graduates have next to no desire to sign up for four more years. College often comes down to a single question:  what sort of future do you want? There are several really good reasons to go to college, so if you think you can handle four more years, you just might want to sign up.

College does more that provide a student with valuable skill and information. What it does do is expand your ability to think and develop your problem solving skills. Advanced English classes teach students to write clearly and to improve their speech. College fosters a greater understand of the global community.

All that sounds great, but what does college really do for a student, other than the obvious education benefits? College expands a student’s opportunities. Whether we like it or not, job applicants who have a four year degree are more likely to be selected for a position. Even more important, individuals with four year degrees on average earn more money that those who opted out of college. This difference can be as much as $20,000.00 per year different. So yes, a college education can impact your life.

Students are encouraged to remember that college is a possibility for everyone. Those who have decided to attend college but cannot immediately afford it should consider their options. Starting at a two year community college is an excellent way to save money. Most two and four year institutions have financial add councilors who can assist you with determining eligibility for grants and scholarships. College is possible – even if it takes a little bit longer to get it done.

Attending college after high school is one of the best investments you can make in your future. Don’t be afraid to give it a try – you can do it!

Filed Under: Education Tagged With: ,

The Online Education: Confidence Achieved

You are brilliant — but no one ever seems to know. You are inventive — but no one ever seems to care. Knowledge is obtained easily by you, understood for all of its facets and rules. There is never a way to prove this, however. Because you can’t find the courage to offer insights. Conversation eludes you; confidence does not exist. You’re crippled by a low esteem and a too grand fear of failure. Classrooms become terrors therefore, with you hiding in the corner and praying you won’t be noticed. You can’t offer the necessary facts. You can’t even make a sound.

It is wise therefore to consider pursuing your education in an environment that you better understand — your home.

Traditional campuses are not for everyone. Some students simply cannot flourish among the crowds, are overwhelmed by strangers rather than assignments. They become intimidated by even the most basic of chats, and expressing opinions in class is an impossible task for them.

It wouldn’t be, however, if those opinions could be given virtually.

Online learning is an alternative way to earn an education. For most it is thought to be used to bridge distances, to allow those too faraway from a campus to still indulge in lectures. But it has another purpose and one that could prove invaluable for individuals lacking in certainty. By choosing to continue schooling online, these students will not feel the typical pressures of a classroom. They will instead be settled at home, comforted by their surroundings. And offering their thoughts will demand only a keyboard.

This is vital — allowing even the most shy students to finally find their voices, simply because they don’t have to actually speak. The distinction will inspire interaction; and emails and message boards will host the many revelations.

Online learning is a new way to offer knowledge. And those seeking to prove themselves will be content with what they can find on a screen.

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