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Use this transfer checklist for a successful transition
April 7, 2011 at 4:31 pm — by enid | No Comments
Category: Blog

Want to go back to college but not sure where to start? Well if you already have some college courses under your belt, you can transfer to a new school or program by following these steps. Stay connected and informed to make sure your transfer is successful!

Make an appointment with a transfer counselor. Discuss your transfer plans with a counselor, who can help you discover your options.

Go to transfer fairs. If your college offers them, take full advantage of college-transfer days, which are excellent chances to get information from four-year colleges. Some colleges may schedule routine visits to your campus throughout the year. Find and become familiar with the fair schedule.

Use technology. Virtual tours, websites and promotional videos can tell you a lot about the programs a college offers, the type of students on campus and the surrounding area. Check out the college’s website for an online application, too.

Find some money. Check out transfer-student scholarship opportunities. Your transfer office will have information regarding how to fund your education.

Write for more info. Write to admissions offices and department chairpersons at four-year colleges for information about degree requirements and application deadlines.

Apply for admission. Follow all admission application procedures. Start by requesting all the appropriate materials. Be aware of all application deadline dates. This is particularly important for high-demand programs.

Go the extra mile. You are creating an application portfolio that tells a college of your capabilities and how you will be an asset to the campus. Request an admissions interview so you can articulate your interest in that particular school. These are all ways to give admissions officers a better sense of who you are beyond your transcript.

Ask your transfer office for help. There’s a bit of paperwork involved, such as transcript requests and credit evaluations, so be sure to ask for help! It’s OK to lean on an expert, you’ll be glad you did.

Send your deposits in by deadline, and review the credit evaluation.

Review your financial-aid package. Learn what each item in your package means, and ask if you can expect the same kind of funding each year, provided your FAFSA data doesn’t drastically change.

Read all materials your transfer school sends you.

Also, to help with the transition, download our Free Adult Education Guide!

Excerpted from an article by Christopher Belle-Isle and Jennifer Mailey, both are past presidents of NYSTAA, the New York State Transfer and Articulation Association. For more on going back to school, check out BackToLearn.com.

Want to keep earning? Keep learning!
March 23, 2011 at 3:31 pm — by enid | No Comments
Category: Blog

Going back to school is just the beginning of a lifelong learning journey. With the rapid advancement of technology, a fluctuating economy and societal and corporate changes, you must adapt a learning mindset if you want to succeed. The key to lifelong earning is lifelong learning. But to become a student for life, start by finding out how you learn best.

There are three ways human beings learn:

• hearing (auditory learning)
• seeing (visual learning)
• doing (kinesthetic learning)

If you are not sure which type your prefer, ask yourself how you like to be given directions. If you are an auditory learner, you prefer to be told how to get somewhere. If you are a visual learner, you prefer to be shown. If you are a kinesthetic learner, you prefer to drive yourself there first.

Another important aspect of learning is whether you are left- or right-brain dominant. 1) “Left-brained” people are good with logic, analysis, math, language, writing and reading. 2) “Right-brained” people are good with imagination, colors, graphics, music and rhythm. Of course, we do have the capability to think both ways. When we are able to tap into both sides of our brains, we use our full brain potential.

Many famous people used their “whole” brain. Strive to use your whole brain when studying, working and interacting with others. Also, be selective with what you feed your brain. As the adage says, “garbage in, garbage out.” The same holds true for the programs your brain uses. Only put in positive, healthy and educational programs. Your thoughts, along with the ability to add, change and discard them, are what define your mind.

Excerpted from an article originally written by Michelle L. Casto, a Whole Life coach and author of Get Smart! About Modern Career Development: A Personal Guide to Creating Your Life’s Work.

Wondering what to study? We can help
March 18, 2011 at 12:55 pm — by enid | No Comments
Category: Blog

If you aren’t sure what major to choose, don’t worry. Picking a major is difficult until you really figure out your interests and strengths.

Not every major is the right fit for a student—a forensic science major and a queasy stomach aren’t a good mix. Here are six majors and the strengths you would need to pursue the degree.

• Biology: Only students who enjoyed their biology in high school should consider majoring in biology. Don’t expect college biology to hold your interest if you snoozed through the basics years ago.

• Business: You should enjoy subjects like accounting, marketing and entrepreneurship. Also consider your past interests and whether they were business related.

• Economics: An economics major needs to have a knack for numbers.

• English: Students who want to major in English should love to read and write. Not the right choice if you cruised through high school on Cliffs Notes.

• Nursing: Nurses must have math skills, good memories and the ability to pay attention to detail. Nurses also must follow doctor’s orders, contribute to decisions and have good people skills. Foreign language skills are also helpful. An ability to teach others is important.

• Psychology: Be prepared for graduate school and beyond. “A bachelor’s doesn’t buy you much in the field of psychology,” Peg Hendershot says. Students who want to major in psychology should also be comfortable with the competitiveness of finding a job in the field.

Excerpted from an article by By Emilie Le Beau. For more information on going to college, visit BackToLearn.com.

Be a strong transfer candidate
February 11, 2011 at 1:46 pm — by enid | No Comments
Category: Blog

There are some things you can do to make sure you are an attractive transfer student for a four-year college.

Thinking of transferring to a four-year college? Here are 5 ways to be an attractive transfer candidate.

1. Take a set of solid courses at your community college

A roster of solid classes will help your transfer school recognize that you are a student who is willing to be challenged academically. High-quality, demanding courses taken from an institution’s approved list will show you haven’t avoided challenging work.

2. You should look for any articulation agreements available through the community college and the four-year university you plan to attend.

3. Earn a strong GPA

Show that not only are you willing to take a demanding course load, but that you have the ability to be successful while doing so. Minimum transfer GPA requirements exist; your goal should be to achieve much higher than the minimum.

4. Discuss why you are transferring—and why you’re a good match

If an essay is required, this can be a great topic to write about. If an essay isn’t required, submit a brief personal statement with your thoughts, feelings, etc. about transferring.

5. Arrange a transfer interview

Many institutions recommend, but do not require, an interview as part of the transfer admission process. Often an “interview” may actually be more of a “discussion” with a transfer admissions counselor. If you do participate in an interview, it will give you the opportunity to show off your personality to interviewers and make your case for why they should admit you.

Excerpted from an article by Andrew H. Hendrix. For more information about going back to school, go to BackToLearn.com.

Here’s how to ace that interview
January 12, 2011 at 5:04 pm — by enid | No Comments
Category: Blog

Before college, you’re destined to have at least one interview for a job, scholarship or college. Here’s how to ace it!

Whether in a job, internship or college interview, the most popular opening line is: “So, tell me about yourself…” That question can cause an interesting combination of excitement 
and terror! 

When that question comes, you can be prepared with a concise, creative and comprehensive answer that reflects your personality and your best self.

Step 1: Get started. Interviewers are interested in your academic achievements, but they also want to know about your leadership experience. So take advantage of leadership opportunities that interest you and that have a positive impact on others in your school, your town, your state and beyond.

Step 2: Get known. Anyone can have a long list of clubs and teams on a résumé or college application. It’s better to join fewer clubs and get involved at a level that requires more than just showing up for meetings. Be in charge of a project, create a newsletter, write an article for the paper, plan an event or find ways to welcome new members. Plus, you can also find ways at your job to be known as someone who goes the extra mile for co-workers and customers.

Step 3: Get it together. The lessons you have learned through your leadership, team and work experiences give you great information to share in interviews. The trick is to package your experience in a way that captures the attention of your interviewer, gives an authentic description of what you’ve done.

Step 4: Get going! Although any interviewing situation is by nature competitive, the only person you are really competing with is you. Prepare and practice, write your ideas and responses down, and get help from your friends and family. Good luck, and be your best self!

Originally excerpted from an article by Jeff Edgarton and Kristin Skarie.

For more articles on career-planning and going back to school, go to BackToLearn.com

Dress to impress
January 11, 2011 at 10:35 am — by enid | No Comments
Category: Blog

Wondering what to wear for that college interview or campus visit? Or maybe you’re looking for work and don’t know what’s appropriate?

The good part is that it’s pretty simple to make sure you’re dressed appropriately for any occasion. Try some of our pointers:

Job interview

Don’t go too overboard with dressy attire. A simple blouse and skirt will do; just keep in mind that what you wear to any interview does make an impression—and you want that impression to be a good one. Go in looking neat and well-prepared, and you’ll be fine.

College interview

It’s sometimes difficult to find something that’s not too dressy but that’s professional looking and comfortable at the same time. You will probably be taking a tour of the campus as well as having an interview, so it is important that what you wear is comfortable. Try a cotton shirt and khakis, and wear comfy shoes.

First day at a new job

This depends on where you’re working, of course. When you interview for the job, make a mental note of the type of attire that most of the employees are wearing. Sometimes you’ll be told what kind of clothing is acceptable—or you may even get a uniform. Unsure? It’s always OK to ask.

For more about going back to school or career advice, go to www.BackToLearn.com.

Excerpted from an article by Jenni Miltoee.

Should you go public, private or for-profit?
December 29, 2010 at 11:22 am — by enid | No Comments
Category: Blog

Now that you’ve decided to take the plunge and go back to school, you have to figure out what school is right for you.

The truth is, “private” doesn’t necessarily mean “better” when it comes to your education. And maybe non-profit is a good option for your online needs. This is a choice that comes down to preference and lifestyle. Here are some things to consider:

Who gets priority?

Though public and private schools can equally offer a quality education, there are some general differences between the two.

Private schools cater to students from all over the country, while public schools primarily serve students from their own states. This often means higher tuition for out-of-state students at public schools, as well as the tendency to favor in-state applicants during admissions.

Class sizes

Private schools tend to have smaller class sizes. On the other hand, smaller private schools may be unable to offer a wide variety of courses, while public schools and for-profit institutions, which tend to be larger in general, can give students more academic variety and offer courses on-line.

Paying for it

And then there’s the cost of attendance. According to a recent report by the College Board, average tuition for the 2009-10 academic year range from $2,544 at two-year public schools to $5,930 at four-year public schools and $32,349 at private universities. For profit institutions were at $14,174.

Most public colleges offer tuition deals for in-state students. But don’t rule out a private school for fear of sticker shock. After all, private schools tend to give more financial aid.

Decide for yourself

Ultimately, most experts warn against characterizing either college before seeing them in person and talking to a college representative.

You will know what the right choice is after you compare all of your options. It’s an important decision, so do your homework!

Excerpted from an article by Ursula Furi-Perry. For more information about the college search, check out BackToLearn.com!

Good grades aren’t everything
December 22, 2010 at 5:29 pm — by enid | No Comments
Category: Blog

We are conditioned from an early age to believe that if we make good grades, we’re guaranteed a spot in the workforce. In fact, most of you have heard that if you don’t make good grades, you will never get into college. Then once you go to college, you begin to hear that without good grades, you will never get a job.

I believe that grades can certainly open doors for you. However, it takes more than just a good GPA to have success in the world of work. Here are a few things you can do to position yourself for success after you leave school or if you are struggling as a student:

1. Stay a student. Find people who are where you want to be. Study what they do each day. Check your ego when it comes to thinking you have all the answers. This will give you a big advantage over others.

2. Learn how to communicate. Most people assume they know how to effectively communicate with others. The reality is that they don’t. Conflict and conflicting roles, goals and expectations will be something you will encounter almost every day.

3. Understand what you really want. People spend their entire lives searching for happiness. Ask yourself what the word “success” means to you. If you are unhappy in your job, and more importantly in your life, you will never find fulfillment. That fulfillment is what drives your success.

4. Know about your credit and finances. Most people take vitamin C after they get sick. The same mentality applies to credit. A lot of people will wait until they have bad credit, or until they are broke, before they figure out why keeping on top of your personal finances is important. Prevention is the key.

What does all of this mean? People don’t care how good your grades are when you can’t get along with your peers. I have a friend with two master’s degrees, but no job. He is a great guy who knows how to excel in school, but not in the points above.

Remember, people who know how to do things will always have a job. People who know why will always be the boss.

Excerpted from an article by Brian Parsley, author of inspHIREd, president of TrainOne, Inc. and COO of Charlotte-based BuyGitomer, Inc.

For more articles about going going back to school, go to BackToLearn.com