Archive for the ‘College Campus’ Category
Tuesday, May 10th, 2011
Looking into a vocational technical school? There’s a lot of them out there, so how do you find the best school for you? My College Guide has tips to help you find the perfect fit!
Vocational Technical School Tips
Class Size – How big are the classes and the classrooms? If large lecture halls aren’t your thing, make sure that the vocational technical school that you pick includes plenty of hands-on class time than book time.
Hands-On – The key to a successful vocational technical school experience is that ever-critical hands-on learning! How does your potential college compare? Check out the kitchen or the garage and see if the field you are interested in is complete. There’s no better way to learn the skills you need than actually getting in there and doing it for yourself!
It’s All in the Details
Retention Rate – Find out the percentage of students that continue on in their education. A high drop-out rate could mean that the program isn’t up to par. Students may be dropping out because the course just didn’t meet their expectations. Do your research and see what you can find. Your potential vocational technical school can supply you with this information.
Accreditation – My College Guide has said it before and we’ll say it again: Make sure your school is accredited! An accredited school can be your key to financial aid. Not only that, but choosing an accredited vocational technical school can mean that your degree will be taken seriously—and that the program is well-developed to help ensure your future success!
Modern and Tidy – As an adult going back to school, you need to make a visit! If you are interested in mechanics, check out the garage. Want to be a chef? Browse the kitchen! Is everything taken care of and in good shape? Does it look up to date and modern? You should expect a little wear and tear if the vocational technical school has a lot of hands-on class time (as it should) but in general, it should feel well-kept, welcoming, and modern! An outdated facility could be a big, giant sign that you may not necessarily receive the education you are paying for.
Image Courtesy of Flickr, ssibara.
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Tags: adult education, adult learners, adults going back to school, career schools, Choosing a College, Choosing a Major, Financial Aid, Technology, trade schools, vocational school
Posted in Career Colleges, Choosing a College, College Campus, College Classes, College Life, College Search, Vocational School | No Comments »
Monday, May 9th, 2011
Breaking into the video game development industry is tough, but by seeking out the best online degrees for gamers, you can give yourself a leg up! So what are the best online degrees for this industry? Well, the answer is: It depends.
What are the best online degrees for gamers?
What aspect of video gaming are you interested in? Developing a video game is a complex process requiring many different skill sets, from programming to scriptwriting. There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all degree!
The Best Online Degrees For Gamers
If you want to work behind the scenes, developing the programming that is at the heart of every video game, you may want to consider degree in computer science.
A computer science degree will require you to learn all the programming languages you’ll need to succeed in video game development, plus give you a solid foundation in a variety of programming-related skills that will help you adapt as the industry changes.
You can, of course, also get a video game development degree. Many of the top schools offer them! Do your research before you decide which avenue to pursue!
The Best Online Degrees For the Creatively Inclined
Would you rather create the characters of the game and the world they inhabit? Then you have several options.
A degree in art design will enable you to get your foot in the door as a 2D artist, designing game environments, backgrounds and characters. But if you want to bring the games to life, rendering them in 3D and animating characters, you may want to consider a degree in animation, or even gaming art.
But don’t forget, every video game needs a plot, a story line, and even a script! If words are your thing, try a screenwriting or film studies degree—although even a BFA in creative writing could give you the skills you need.
Ultimately, there is no one “best online degree” for the video game industry. Make sure the program you choose has a solid foundation in liberal arts, a focus on the technical or creative skills you’ll need to succeed, and, most importantly, a curriculum that feels comfortable to you. That’s the best online degree for you!
Image Courtesy of Flickr, Solo.
Who We Are: Information you can trust. For more than 20 years, My College Guide has provided information to help students find the best college degree and career for them. Get information on the best online degree programs to get you on the road to the right career for you!
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Tags: best online degree, choosing a college major, computer science, degree in computer science, degrees for gamers, film studies degree, games, gaming degree, liberal arts, liberal arts colleges, most employable majors, online college, online college course program, online college courses, online degree programs
Posted in Career Colleges, Choosing a College, Choosing a Major, College Campus, College Classes, College Life, College Search, Distance Learning, Online Colleges, Online Degrees, Online Education, Vocational School | 2 Comments »
Friday, May 6th, 2011
Many adults returning back to school (and even students fresh out of college) are turning to an associate of arts degree. Online or on-campus, this degree can help get you working towards a bachelor degree in less time and with less money!
Thinking of obtaining an associate of arts degree? There's no better time than now!
An associate’s degree is an undergraduate degree like any other except—this one only takes two years to complete! Best of all, earning this degree cuts two years from earning a bachelor’s degree!
You can find an associate of arts degree from the usual higher education institutions, like community colleges, junior colleges, technical and vocational schools, and colleges with bachelor’s degree programs.
The Purpose of an Associate of Arts Degree
An associate of arts degree (AA) helps you complete your general requirements before continuing on and snagging a bachelor’s degree. Of course, your credits may transfer differently, but as general rule, an associate degree will reduce your time spent studying for a bachelor’s degree by two years and help you prepare for the workload involved in earning a four year degree.
You’ll need to compare programs and check out the sister college for the four year university you plan on transferring to. Some four year colleges offer an associate of arts degree so you won’t need to transfer colleges and will know that your credits will qualify toward completion of your bachelor’s degree.
What To Expect
An associate of art degree can help bulk up your resume!
As with any degree, associates, bachelor, or beyond, you will have specific courses that you will need to complete in order to graduate college. You won’t just get to “do art” all day.
You may be required to complete courses in math, English (like English Composition or Literature), and the humanities (like sociology or psychology) as well as other subjects. Whether you complete these courses on-campus or online, you will have certain art-related courses to complete in order to graduate. Your art classes can also vary depending on the school you are attending and what they have to offer!
What’s Next?
Your associate of arts degree can help you work toward a bachelor’s degree in quite the range of subjects! These majors include business administration, languages, social sciences, law, accounting, and the arts, of course. Your academic background will then form the basis for jobs in the same fields—and beyond!
Image #1 Courtesy of Flickr, geishaboy500 / THOR.
Image #2 Courtesy of Flickr, DailyPic / Joan M. Mas.
Who We Are: Information you can trust. For more than 20 years, My College Guide has provided information to help students discover the best college degree and career for them. Get information for associate of arts degree programs and find the right career for you!
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Tags: adult learners, adults going back to school, associate of art degree, associate's degree, business administration, Choosing a College, Choosing a Major, college major, college majors, College Transfer, distance education, Distance Learning, online college, online degree programs, online distance learning, transfer
Posted in Choosing a College, Choosing a Major, College Campus, College Classes, College Life, College Search, Distance Learning, Online Colleges, Online Degrees, Online Education | No Comments »
Thursday, May 5th, 2011
Bring on your desire to begin your online distance learning – but you’ll need more than motivation to finish your online degree program! Check out My College Guide’s list of online distance learning tools of the trade. Figure out what you already have and what you need to know before you officially enroll and before that first day of class!
Your online distance learning checklist!
Online Distance Learning: Personal Checklist
Textbooks – For some online distance learning programs, your textbooks will be available completely online. For others, you will have to go to an outside source or your school’s online bookstore. You can cut costs if you consider purchasing new or used college textbooks! Make sure you plan ahead in case you need to buy or rent your college textbooks!
Time – You are a busy working adult. Are you ready for the challenges of balancing work and leaving time to study for school? Every online distance learning institution is different. Find out how many hours on average you will be expected to set aside for schoolwork and see how you can fit that into your schedule.
Tools of The Trade
Computer – A busted computer is not going to make your online distance learning experience an easy one! If you have a computer that is prone to crashes and lags, that won’t make your college experience very enjoyable. You’ll need something that will let you take quizzes and tests without getting you locked out! Some financial aid options will go towards the expense of a new computer or laptop. Fill out the FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, and see what how you qualify.
Reliable Internet – Do you have internet access? While the thought of heading to the library or stealing from your neighbor may sound appealing, not having access to the internet won’t work as an excuse for when you can’t turn in your research paper! You may want to consider getting your own internet service. Free up your time and make life a little bit easier on you (Psst! Even your browser can help with your online distance learning experience).
The Joys of Technology
Tech Support – Things happen. If there’s a glitch in the site or you can’t access a needed page on your college’s website, you’ll need the assistance of tech support! See if there’s an email address or working phone number that you can hang on to “just in case.” It’s reassuring to know good to that there’s somewhere to go for help!
Image Courtesy of Flickr, Theen … / Theen Moy.
Who We Are: Information you can trust. For more than 20 years, My College Guide has provided information to help students find the best college degree and career for them. Get information on online distance learning and find the right career for you!
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Tags: Distance Learning, FAFSA, Financial Aid, financial aid packages, Firefox addons, firefox and college, firefox extensions, online distance learning, online learning, rent textbooks college, study guide, study habits, used textbook websites, used textbooks
Posted in Career Colleges, Choosing a College, College Campus, College Classes, College Life, College Search, Distance Learning, Online Colleges, Online Degrees, Online Education, Online Tools, Preparing for College, Technology, Vocational School | No Comments »
Tuesday, May 3rd, 2011
How is your college of choice planning on getting you excited about becoming a student? If you are going to be a student at Westminster College in Salt Lake City, Utah, the answer lies in the Facebook College Class of 2015 and Griffin. Who is Griffin? Only the feathered mascot that is now seen in the hands of soon-to-be students far and wide! My College Guide got in touch with Dana Simmons, E-Marketing Director & Outreach Director, to hear all about it!
Trippin' with Griffin
What is “Trippin’ with Griffin?”
Trippin’ with Griffin is an exciting way to connect the Class of 2015 to each other and to Westminster’s campus community before students arrive on campus with the help of our mascot, the Griffin. The primary social medium for this is Facebook but advertised through email, twitter, and direct mail marketing.
Why start this program? What do you hope new students get from this?
We want our students to get to know each other before they arrive on campus – and by doing so, they will start to build their friendships early and are more likely to be successful and happy. Almost half of our student population is from outside the state and it is important to Westminster College to help these students acclimate into college life. Trippin’ with Griffin is just one of the steps in that.
What’s the range for “Trippin’ with Griffin?” How far has Griffin traveled?
Griff has traveled all over the United States with sightings everywhere from the east coast in Maine and Pennsylvania to the west coast in Washington, Oregon and California. He’s also downloadable for our international students from countries, such as India, Malaysia, Hong Kong and China. We hope to have a few sightings there soon.
Are there any fan favorites at this point?
We love all the photos that have been submitted. I think each one shows the unique personality of our students – and gives us a fun preview of our Class of 2015!
Trippin' with Griffin
What else would you like My College Guide to know?
Our focus has been to broaden our social media strategy for our students to increase interactivity through online venues, such as Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, YouTube and Tumblr. We feel like Trippin’ with Griffin was an innovative yield campaign that helped maximize our dollars through offline and online channels. Stay tuned for Griff to go on Fall travel–you just might see him at a college fair and follow him on Foursquare.
Images Courtesy of Westminster College.
Who We Are: Information you can trust. For 20 years My College Guide has produced an annual magazine chock full of free college info for high-achieving high school sophomores. Check out our participating colleges.
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Tags: college, college acceptance, college fun, College Life, colleges and facebook, Colleges and Social media, salt lake city utah, social media, trippin with griffin, westminster college, westminster slc
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Monday, May 2nd, 2011
What does the phrase “continuing education” mean to you? Do you picture a room full of senior citizens learning to use the computer? Or a room full of doctors learning about the latest surgery technique?
The many faces of continuing education.
Neither definition would be wrong. In fact, “continuing education” is a fairly generic term meant to encompass every single form of post secondary education.
However, it’s most commonly used to describe the following three types of education.
Continuing Education for Adult Learners
Nontraditional students returning to school are often said to be taking part in continuing education. People in this category could be pursuing a four-year college degree, learning new skills at a vocational school, or even taking post-graduate classes.
If you fall in this category of learners, your goal is to learn a new set of skills that will propel your career in a new direction!
Continuing Education for Dabblers
Some people are simply perpetual students at heart. They probably already have a bachelor’s degree (or three), but never tire of learning. If you usually take classes based on your interests—and not concrete career goals—you’re most likely a dabbler. You can even elect to audit classes—meaning you won’t collect college credit for them (and don’t have to worry about your grades)!
Continuing Education for Professionals
Some industries require practitioners to take a certain number of continuing education credits to stay licensed. For instance, if you work in the health services industry as a doctor, nurse or other medical professional, you will have annual continuing education requirements.
You can also expect to have to take continuing education classes in the fields of law, accounting, engineering, massage therapy—even hair styling!
Continuing Education the Online Way
No matter which category of continuing education aficionado you fall into, chances are you can fulfill your needs online. There are thousands of colleges and technical schools offering online degree programs—and many will allow you to cherry pick classes if you don’t want to pursue a formal degree!
People seeking professional continuing education credits can also find what they’re looking for online. Whether that’s through a series of webcast seminars, or taking an online class, there are plenty of opportunities for distance learning. Just check with your state licensing board to see what the requirements are!
Image Courtesy of Flickr, robynejay.
Who We Are: Information you can trust. For more than 20 years, My College Guide has provided information to help students find the best college degree and career for them. Get information on continuing education to get you on the road to the right career for you!
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Tags: adult learners, adults going back to school, career schools, Continuing Education, distance education, higher education, online college, online college course program, trade schools, vocational school
Posted in Career Colleges, Choosing a College, Choosing a Major, College Campus, College Classes, College Life, College Search, Distance Learning, Online Colleges, Online Degrees, Online Education, Vocational School | No Comments »
Saturday, April 30th, 2011
In tough economic times like these, getting a master’s degree online can give you a real competitive edge. But don’t kid yourself—getting a master’s degree is hard work—online or off.
Thinking about getting a master's degree online?
Before you make the commitment to getting your master’s degree online, put some serious thought into it. Do a gut check and make sure an online program is the right choice for you.
The master’s degree online and you.
Online master’s degree programs are a great choice for working professionals. But it’s a different sort of graduate school experience. Before applying, ask yourself:
How self disciplined am I?
Online master’s degree programs offer a level of flexibility that can’t be matched by most traditional schools. Often, you’ll be given a syllabus, access to pre-filmed lectures and an assignment list, and simply be expected to complete the necessary work by the end of the term.
That means you can study whenever it’s convenient for you, whether that’s before your morning Wheaties or after your kids are finally in bed! But, as an adult going back to school, if you can’t commit to a regular study schedule—and stick to it no matter what—getting your master’s degree online might not be the best choice for you.
Do I have the right personality to go to school online?
There can be no doubt about it—the experience of getting a master’s degree online is very different than that of a traditional graduate program. While you’ll probably participate in regular online discussions with your peers and may even chat with a study group over Skype, it can feel rather isolating.
So if you’re the type of person who needs regular, in-person interaction to feel fulfilled, studying online will be challenging for you. If, on the other hand, you just want to learn at your own pace, on your own time, getting a master’s degree online might be just the thing for you!
The #1 question to ask yourself before getting a master’s degree online.
Once you decide that yes, you do think an online master’s degree program is the right choice for you, there’s only one question you need to ask yourself:
Will getting a master’s degree online pay off?
For most professions, the answer is an unqualified yes! For careers ranging from business to education, an advanced degree usually translates into a bigger paycheck. But there are exceptions. So before making the commitment, take a look at your industry and make sure getting a master’s degree online will enhance your job outlook.
And if it won’t? Maybe you should consider using your online master’s degree as a way to transition into a better paying field!
Image Courtesy of Flickr, lauren-janelle.
Who We Are: Information you can trust. For more than 20 years, My College Guide has provided information to help students find the best college degree and career for them. Get information on master’s degrees online that will get you on the road to the right career for you!
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Tags: adult learner, adults going back to school, Choosing a College, distance education, Distance Learning, master's degree, online college, online college courses, study habits
Posted in Choosing a College, College Campus, College Classes, College Life, College Search, Distance Learning, Online Colleges, Online Degrees, Online Education | No Comments »
Friday, April 29th, 2011
If you are a busy working adult and want a career change or to enhance your current skills, you may want to look into online criminal justice degree programs. It can be a great career option for those interested in the law and criminal justice but who just didn’t have the time or money to attend college right out of high school!
Online Criminal Justice Degree Programs
While police and police detective learn many of their skills through extensive training and on the job, many of these people are also encouraged to obtain a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice to supplement this training.
Some agencies even pay all or part of the cost of tuition for employees to pursue higher education with online criminal justice degree programs. If you currently have a job in this field, you may want to see if your employer will help pay your way!
What to Expect in Online Criminal Justice Degree Programs
Like any other college course, whether online or on-campus, you will have a required set of classes to complete in order to earn your degree. Depending on whether or not you have any college credit behind you, the length of time it can take you to finish your degree can vary.
Your course may focus on “police science” as well as enhancing your background in the study of crime and criminal behavior or criminology. Online criminal justice degree programs can also expand to include subjects like administration, policies and procedures of the agencies of criminal justice, as well as law enforcement and correction.
Programs can greatly vary so shop around to see what online criminal justice degree programs fit your goals and future plans. In fact, your life experience can sometimes translate into college credit—speak to your admissions representative to see if that’s a possibility for you!
Related Careers
After completing your online criminal justice degree program and you have your bachelor’s degree in hand—you’ve got options!
You can choose from an array of careers where your degree will give you the confidence and background you need to go far! You will be able to decide between the following careers and then some:
Law enforcement
Probation Officer
Parole Officer
Private Security Personnel
Advocate agency for victim or witness
Legal Offices
Court Personnel
If you want to enhance your current skills or get into a whole new career, there are online criminal justice degree programs to fit your needs! Shop around, get information, and get started. Don’t put your future on hold any longer—start your online degree and advance your career!
Image #1 Courtesy of Flickr, Phanatic.
Who We Are: Information you can trust. For more than 20 years, My College Guide has provided information to help students discover the best college degree and career for them. Get information for online criminal justice degree programs and find the right career for you!
Tags: adults going back to school, bachelor's degree, Choosing a College, criminal justice field, criminology, distance education, Distance Learning, online criminal justice degree programs, online degree programs, online education
Posted in Choosing a College, Choosing a Major, College Campus, College Classes, College Life, College Search, Distance Learning, Online Colleges, Online Degrees, Online Education | No Comments »
Thursday, April 28th, 2011
My College Guide has told you time and time again that when it comes to choosing a college, it’s about the right fit for you. How will your college of choice prepare you for your future career and life in the real world? No matter what your career aspirations may be, you can find a school that will complement.
Check out this unusual college class from RISD, the Rhode Island School of Design. Students didn’t just attend a course sponsored by gaming giant Hasbro, they also created their own game! This is interdisciplinary college coursework at its finest. Not only did these RISD students get a chance to try something different and think outside the box, dabbling in different branches of design, but they have something to add to their resume – and a heap of real world experience thrown in!
Visit the college campus at schools you are interested in. Ask your questions and see how your dream college will prepare you for life! Watch RISD and Hasbro Explore Game Play on YouTube or below.
Who We Are: Information you can trust. For 20 years My College Guide has produced an annual magazine chock full of free college info for high-achieving high school sophomores. Check out our participating colleges.
Subscribe to our blog via RSS or email and stay on top of everything college!
Tags: Choosing a College, college class, college classes, college courses, Colleges and Social media, colleges and youtube, hasbro, interdisciplinary course, rhode island school of design, RISD, unusual college classes, youtube
Posted in Choosing a Major, College Campus, College Classes, College Life, College Search | No Comments »
Tuesday, April 26th, 2011
So you’ve finally narrowed it down and are ready to turn in your online college application. While you may feel overwhelmed and more than a little nervous at this point, My College Guide is here for you! We’ve got 5 handy tips to help you turn in a winning application!
Tips to remember before turning in your online college application!
Online College Application Tips
Polish That Essay – If you should spend a lot of time on any one portion of your online college application, make sure this is it! Ask your spouse, friend, parent or other trusted individual to give your college essay a quick read for errors and to make sure everything makes sense. You have one chance to make a first impression – make sure it’s a good one!
Connect – Many online colleges and universities assign someone to you as a prospective student to answer your questions. It can help to make a lasting impression! If you receive an email from your admissions representative, be sure to send back a simple thank-you. After all, your admissions representative can pass on much needed information, like scholarships for women your way or even waive your application fee.
The Fine Print
Busy Bees – Adults going back to school lead busy lives. Sometimes, just sometimes, we don’t pay as much attention to detail as we probably should. Don’t make that mistake! Make sure to completely read each statement before filling it out and sending it off. While it may look like the others you’ve already filled out, don’t skim it, read it!
Follow Directions – Don’t press the back arrow on your browser if the online college application says to use the arrows on the page. Don’t neglect deadlines or fail to get your high school transcript sent over. If you want to go back to school, complete the online college application the right way. Stay on top of your due dates and get everything turned in before the deadlines.
Speak Up
Ask – Online college application fees can really add up—especially if you plan on applying to more than one college to see where you financial aid dollars will stretch the farthest! Speak with an admissions representative to see if there is some way for you to get out of paying the fee. At some colleges, you can complete your application while on the phone with them and they will completely waive your fee (you will submit your essay later). At others, there is never a fee for college applications submitted online!
Image Courtesy of Flickr, Éktor.
Who We Are: Information you can trust. For more than 20 years, My College Guide has provided information to help students find the best college degree and career for them. Get information on subjects like online college application tips and find the right career for you!
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Tags: college, college admission process, college application, college application deadline, college application fees, course program, distance education, Distance Learning, distance learning colleges, online college, online college application
Posted in Career Colleges, Choosing a College, College Admissions, College Applications, College Campus, College Search, Distance Learning, Online Colleges, Online Degrees, Online Education, Vocational School | No Comments »
