Category: Your Education (Page 12 of 22)

Best Colleges for B Students

June 29, 2011 / Michelle Burton

One of the biggest myths about college is you have to have straight A’s to get into a good one. True, straight A’s can be come in handy when competing for the most competitive academic scholarships, but many college admission boards understand that some of the best students don’t always perform to their full potential in high school. In fact, they feel that less than perfect grades don’t represent who you are as a person or how well you will do in college. This means, if you’re a B student, don’t worry. All you have to do is create a list of colleges you might be interested in—many are probably on our list of best colleges for b students, and create an excellent application package to get your foot in the door. If you follow the advice below, you will be well on your way to being accepted into one of America’s best colleges for B students.

Getting In: Moving Past the Application Form

Once you have filled in all of the basic information on your application form, its time to begin adding test scores, essays, awards, and other credentials to your application packet. While it is important to include copies of your ACT and SAT scores as well as your high school transcripts, it is even more important to highlight your accomplishments and write an excellent essay. Many of the colleges on our list welcome (and encourage) resumes, which is a great place to organize and convey your biggest accomplishments. On your resume you should include:

-Your full name
-Current address
-Telephone number
-Email address
-All awards and honors you have earned
-All forms of community service
-All part or full-time jobs
-References
-Sports and extracurricular involvement, whether inside or outside of school
-Volunteer service

When it comes to writing essays, the most heartfelt and honest essays usually score big points over essays that “whine” and “place blame.” So here are some common dos and don’t’s to keep in mind when writing your essay and/or attending an entrance interview. You should explain any circumstances that could have affected your academic performance and/or test scores. Admissions staff members do understand that frequent moves, learning disabilities, part-time jobs, test anxiety or health issues, and extenuating personal or family circumstances can distract from learning. It’s best not to complain or whine, or blame teachers, parents, and others for your performance. Avoid being too emotional and try not adopt a “poor me” attitude. Admissions boards are much more receptive to those who take responsibility than those that seem to have one too many excuses.

Once you have all of your application materials in order, proofread the materials at least three times. Grammatical errors and careless mistakes won’t help matters at all. Once you feel that your application packet is in order, make a copy for your records and mail the original. That’s it!

Before we move onto the list of best schools for B students, keep in mind that that the colleges on our list are not looking for slackers. The entry requirements a bit more open-minded than some institutions, but they are not as relaxed as you think they are. These colleges still hold students to the highest standards from the time your application is submitted to graduation day.

Best Colleges for B Students

The following list represents just a small number of some of the best colleges for B students. Visit Petersons.com for a full directory of college and university websites.

Adelphi University, Garden City, NY
Ana Maria College, Paxton, MA
Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ
Augusta State University, Augusta, GA
Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH
Bradley University, Peoria, IL
University of California-Riverside, Riverside, CA
Champlain College, Burlington, VT
University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
Cornell College, Mount Vernon IA
DePaul University, Chicago, IL
Elmira College, Elmira, NY
Fisk University, Nashville, TN
Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
Fort Lewis College, Durango, CO
Grand Canyon University, Phoenix, AZ
Hampton University, Hampton, VA
High Point University, High Point NC
University of Hartford, West Hartford, CT
University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI
University of Houston, Houston, TX
Howard University, Washington, DC
University of Idaho, Moscow, ID
Indiana State University, Terre Haute, IN
University of Louisiana, Lafayette, LA
University of Maine, Orono, ME
University of Memphis, Memphis, TN
Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
Morehouse College, Atlanta, GA
College of Notre Dame, Baltimore MD
Ohio University, Athens, OH
University of New Orleans, New Orleans, LA
University of Portland, Portland OR
University of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
University of Nevada-Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV
Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, IN
University of Vermont, Burlington, VT
Westminster College, New Wilmington, PA
Washington State University, Pullman WA
West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV

Your Education

college

Career Spotlight: Healthcare Practitioners

June 27, 2011 / Michelle Burton

Jobs in the healthcare industry are on the rise thanks to increased interest in preventative care, advances in medicine and technology, and the nation’s rapidly growing elderly population. Despite reports that hospitals and clinics have cut budgets, the healthcare industry is still expected to increase its workforce by 22 percent through 2018. This means, individuals searching for healthcare positions will find roughly 4,000-5,000 new job openings each year. Healthcare jobs are expected to be plentiful in the following industries:

-Utilities
-Federal, State, and Local Government (this includes hospitals)
-Management of Companies and Enterprises
-Chemical Manufacturing
-Insurance Carriers and Related Activities
-Merchant Wholesalers, Durable Goods
-Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
-Social Assistance
-Wholesale Electronic Markets and Agents and Brokers
-Miscellaneous Manufacturing

Healthcare practitioners have a wide range of specific titles. Each title requires special training and most require a college education. “Healthcare practitioners” is a major healthcare group consisting of more than 14 million professionals. These include chiropractors, dentists, physicians, emergency medical technicians, medical assistants, dental service providers, dietitian/nutritionist, nurses and advanced practice nurses, nurses aides and home health aides, podiatric service provider, psychologist (clinical), eye and vision service provider, pharmacy service provider, physician assistants, physical therapists, physical therapists assistants, social workers, speech, language, and hearing service provider, and technologist.

Depending on the job title, healthcare practitioners will have to enroll in a postsecondary vocational training program, associate degree program, bachelor’s degree, or advanced degree program. The educational attainment for professionals in this field is as follows:

-Master’s Degree: 23.8 percent
-Bachelor’s Degree: 33.8 percent
-Certificate: 15 percent

Although a certificate or a bachelor’s degree are acceptable for entry into many positions in this field, positions such as physician and psychologist require a doctoral or first professional degree. In addition to a variety of education levels, healthcare practitioners and technical workers will find themselves in a number of different salary ranges. Entry level workers with less than a bachelor’s degree will likely start at $21,720 annually, while 25^th percentile workers will average $27,040 annually. Median wages are $37,200 annually, and mean wages are $45,090. Positions that require a master’s degree or higher, experience, and/or more responsibility typically average $56,890-$81,910 per year. If a position as a healthcare practitioner sounds like it’s for you, training always begins with education.

When you’re ready to begin your search for a degree program in a health science or related area, visit the Princeton Review website. Here, you will find listings for the nation’s top schools, enrollment figures, tuition costs, and even reviews.

Tip: The alternative healthcare industry is growing fast. If you prefer to work with non-traditional prevention and treatment methods, there are several growing fields that may appeal to you such as acupuncture, athletic training, homeopathic, naturopath, orthotic/prosthetic fitting, perfusionist, and psychiatric technician. Once you have located a college that interests you, inquire within.

Your Career, Your Compensation, Your Education, Your Workplace

healthcare jobs

Early Childhood Education Career Guide

June 22, 2011 / Michelle Burton

Teaching is one of the most well respected careers in the world. It’s also one of most stable—even in a recession. The education industry has grown between three and six percent during past recession years and America’s latest recession seems to have had little impact on employment growth as well. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of kindergarten, elementary, middle, and secondary school teachers is expected to grow by 13 to 16 percent between 2008 and 2018, depending on the specialization. Salary growth is promising as well. In 2004, the average yearly salary for teachers ranged from $41,400 to $45,920. By 2008, this range increased to $47,100 to $51,180. Educators may make more or less depending on the specialization.

Career Specializations in Early Childhood Education

Career specializations in early include childcare workers, preschool teachers, kindergarten and elementary school teachers, education administrators, and postsecondary teachers.

Childcare Workers
According to the latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, childcare workers held around 1.4 million jobs in 2006. Childcare workers help children learn basic concepts through play. Jobs are usually full or part-time and unlike teachers who typically have summers off, childcare workers will work year around as most childcare centers are open throughout the year. Although requirements vary from state to state, in general, childcare workers must have at least a high school diploma or its equivalent.

Preschool Teachers
Preschool teachers must have an associate’s degree at the minimum in order to secure a position. If advancement is a priority, a bachelor’s degree will help you to advance much faster than an associate’s degree alone. Preschool teachers introduce basic skills and concepts through play. Preschool teachers typically work ten months out of the year with two months off in the summer.

Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers
Kindergarten teachers and elementary school teachers must have a bachelor’s degree and a state teacher’s license. Teaching assistants may secure a position with an associate’s degree. Kindergarten and elementary school teachers teach language, math, science, and social studies through a wide variety of instructional methods. Teaching assistants may secure a position with an associate’s degree.

Education Administrators
Education Administrators typically have an advanced degree – a master’s or PhD. They are responsible for the day-to-day operations of child care centers, preschools, and schools. Education administrators manage budgets, oversee staff and curriculum, and they also make sure that the school meets state standards. Staff members in these positions typically work year around (sometimes in the evenings as well), without summer breaks. This is one of the most high profile positions in the early childhood education sector as the position requires appearances at fundraisers and other similar events.

Salaries for Early Childhood Education Careers

Childcare Workers
According to the latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, childcare workers average $17,630-$20,770 per year.

Preschool Teachers
Preschool teachers earn an average annual salary of around $22,680 per year.

Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers
Kindergarten, elementary, middle, and secondary school teachers average around $43,580-$48,690 per year with the lowest 10 percent earning $28,590-$33,070 and the top 10 percent earning $67,490-$76,100.

Education Administrators
Median annual earnings for education administrators range from $67,735-$87,866.

Early Childhood Education License and Certification

To teach in the public school system, you must earn a bachelor’s degree from a teacher education training program. Although the program does not have to be accredited, an accredited program will make fulfilling licensure requirements easier. Many teacher training programs are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and the Teacher Education Accreditation Council.

For information about any additional state specific education and licensing requirements, visit the U.S. Department of Education website at www.ed.gov.

Your Career, Your Education

Can’t Find a Job? Consulting Might Be Your Calling

June 16, 2011 / Michelle Burton

The nation’s economy has sent seasoned workers back to school, stay-at-home moms back to work, and those with an entrepreneurial spirit into their own businesses. In fact, independent contractors and freelance workers seem to be enjoying unlimited amounts of work now, while others are waiting in line with hundreds of applicants for a single, halfway decent job. Why? Independent contractors and freelance employees are an attractive option for employers today because they cost company’s less and they are usually more flexible to employer’s needs. Freelance workers and independent contractors handle their own health insurance, taxes, retirement, and other benefits, so employers don’t have to. As more and more companies downsize, limit or eliminate hiring altogether, and hire one person to do the work of three, they will call on independent contractors and freelance workers more and more to fill the gaps.

So, what does this have to do with consulting? Plenty. While consulting firms are not immune to the effects of the economy, they still rake in billions of dollars each year. Not only this, but many ambitious consultants have found that they can take home a bigger piece of the billion if they branch out on their own. What this means is, freelance consultants and independent contractors will have plenty of opportunities to compete for thousands of jobs in an industry that’s expected to expand by 82.8 percent by 2018.

Before you take the plunge, take inventory. There are certain skills, experience, and education that you’ll need in order to be successful in the consulting industry. Let’s start with education. Whether you’re looking for short-term projects or a long-term position with a consulting firm, you will have to provide some impressive credentials to and the account or get the job. Most companies prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree or higher in business management consulting, marketing, accounting, engineering, economics, computer and information sciences, or business.

According to Bureau of Labor Statistics, some companies hire MBA (Master of Business Administration) students right out of college and place them in a rigorous on-site training program. The same goes for students with a master’s in a related field. For individuals interested in working freelance, as an independent contractor, or starting their own consulting business, spending a few years in the industry with a top firm is probably a good idea. This way, when its time to marketing yourself, you will have the education and experience needed to impress your potential clients.

Besides education and experience, you will need certain skills that you cannot acquire in school and others you can. For starters, advanced computer skills are a must, so during your graduate and undergraduate career, take as many computer course as you can. Next, you have to have a certain type of personality to be a successful consultant. You must be a people person, friendly and outgoing as well as service-oriented and idea-driven. Most employers look for these qualities. They have to be able to work with you and depend on you to come up with ideas that will benefit their company or organization. Now that you have an idea of what it takes to become a consultant, take a look at the following list to find out which careers are ripe for consultants.

-Accounting
-Advertising
-Auditing
-Business
-Business Writing
-Career Counseling
-Communications
-Computer Consulting
-Editorial Services
-Executive Search/Headhunter Firms
-Gardening
-Granstmanship
-Human Resources
-Insurance
-Marketing
-Payroll Management
-Public Relations
-Publishing
-Taxes
-Writing Services

For more information about consulting careers, visit the Association of Professional Consultants at Consultapc.org.

Your Business, Your Career, Your Education, Your Network

New Rules are out for for-profit colleges

June 2, 2011 / Staff

We’ve been highlighting some of the troubling news stories about for-profit college scams, and we’ve welcomed the notion of new rules governing the industry.

The new rules from the Obama administration are out, but they’ve been scaled back a bit from the initial proposed rules.

The Obama administration on Thursday issued a series of highly anticipated regulations aimed at cracking down on for-profit colleges and other career training programs that leave students saddled with unmanageable debts and contribute to an unequal share of federal student loan defaults.
The final rules issued by the Department of Education, however, are significantly less stringent than a draft version released last year, giving college programs an additional three years to come in line before possibly losing access to lucrative federal student aid dollars. The changes come after an unprecedented lobbying and campaign finance offensive over the past year by the for-profit college industry, which derives a vast majority of revenues from federal student loan and grant programs and has sought to protect that income by gaining influence in Washington.
Education Secretary Arne Duncan said the changes came after discussion with “lots and lots of different folks,” not just the industry, and he pointed out that the colleges were not unanimous in their suggestions for changes.
“What we really wanted to do was give people a chance to reform … this was not about ‘gotcha,'” Duncan said. “We tried to be very thoughtful, very reasonable and give people every opportunity to succeed, but be very clear where we wouldn’t permit ongoing failure.”

The intense lobbying campaign helped the industry, as the rules are weaker. You can check the article for the details. Lobbyist hacks like Lanny Davis did their job.

That said, this is a decent first step. It’s appropriate that the schools have a time frame to remedy problems, and this should help weed out the worst abuses.

Meanwhile, 10 states have opened a joint probe to look into the marketing practices of for-profit colleges, so we might yet see some interesting developments in this area.

The key here is you have to do your research before enrolling in one of these schools and taking on a mound of student debt.