It’s nothing to be ashamed of. The college admissions process can be overwhelming, and because it’s constantly evolving (and each school uses different criteria for evaluating admissions!), it would be difficult for anyone to master the process.

To take some of the guesswork out of admissions, we decided to get the latest on the process from those in the know. Kerry Rosen, Director of Admissions for Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College of Florida Atlantic University, and Susan Hertz, Associate Director, Marketing of American University, shared advice and information for high schoolers preparing to apply to college.

What is the most common mistake you see applicants make to hurt their chances of getting accepted into a college or university?

ROSEN: They submit late or incomplete applications, or don’t check to see what is required, such as how many letters, an essay vs. a graded writing sample, etc.

HERTZ: Or they don’t check to make sure that all the required parts of the application have actually arrived.

What is the approximate weight given to grades, test scores, extracurricular and community activities, essays and recommendations? What other factors do you like to consider?

ROSEN: We place a lot of emphasis on the academic record because we offer a very challenging program and we want to be sure that the applicants have what it takes to be successful here. We look at test scores, the strength of the classes taken, grades, and also require a graded writing sample so that we can see the how well the applicant is able to communicate in written form. In addition to academics, we are interested in what the applicant does outside the classroom – school and community involvement, employment experience, honors and awards. Letters from teachers, counselors and people in the community tell us a lot about the student’s character, motivation and level of compassion.

HERTZ: This information is found in most guidebooks. At AU, we look at grades in conjunction with the difficulty of the courses selected and test scores; essays and recommendations; and then activities.

Can you give us an example of a few applicants whose grades or test scores were below the average for your admitted students but who were admitted for other reasons?

ROSEN: We sometimes take a chance on a student with a less than stellar academic record if they have demonstrated an extraordinary level of character or persistence in the face of economic, social or cultural obstacles. Some examples might be a recent immigrant or a student dealing with a very difficult family situation.

HERTZ: We look for students who show evidence of leadership. Essays also often explain the circumstances that have caused low grades or test scores.

What can/should high school sophomores be focusing on regarding college?

ROSEN: Tenth graders should be focusing on learning more about themselves, academically and personally – about their interests, about their strengths and weaknesses. They should begin to compile a list of the kinds of things they would like to find in a college. From that list they can come up with a list of colleges that meet the criteria they have set. It seems to me that that way they’d be able to find a better fit between themselves and the school.

HERTZ: They should take a challenging course of study and find an activity that he or she can be passionately engaged in.

Regarding extracurricular activities in high school, is it better to try a little bit of everything or to excel in one thing? Does it matter what the activity is or is it mainly that they devote meaningful time to it?

ROSEN: We prefer to see a couple of activities that the student has really gotten involved with. This is much more impressive than a long list of clubs that someone has joined mostly to be able to list them on college applications and resumes. It is especially impressive when a student has either had a leadership role in a school or community organization or they have demonstrated initiative by actually starting a new club or activity.

HERTZ: Excel in one thing. The activity doesn’t matter.

To what extent is it better to take honors or AP courses even if the grades are lower? For example, what looks better: an A in regular English or a B in AP or honors English?

ROSEN: Taking challenging courses is a real benefit. They are great preparation for college work and taking them is worth possibly getting a lower grade.

HERTZ: For a competitive university such as AU, better to take AP or honors, definitely.

How important is balance—i.e. sports, academics, volunteer work—in your admissions criteria?

ROSEN: We like to see applicants who are involved in things other than academics. But it is not a good thing to be so involved that the academic record suffers for it. We sometimes see this happening when a student’s job becomes too demanding and does not leave enough time for studying. Students need to be very careful to achieve the right balance.

HERTZ: Balance is nice but not a deal breaker, so to speak. We believe that a wide range of “types” creates a dynamic academic experience. Most of our athletes are also scholars; some academically outstanding students do no sports and minimal volunteering.

What are your policies on Early Admissions and Early Action? What trends are you seeing with these? Do students have a better chance of being admitted under these plans?

ROSEN: We have a non-binding Early Action deadline of December 15. We do not believe that binding plans are in the best interest of the student. Having an applicant make an irrevocable decision that early in the senior year does not strike me as fair and equitable. Students at age 17 or 18 are still learning too much about themselves and what and where they want to study to make a good choice that early.

HERTZ: We do Early Decision only. Typically students have about the same chance of being admitted although this can vary tremendously. Some years they have had a better chance.

How has the admissions process changed over the last few years?

ROSEN: It has gotten to be a more stressful experience for all concerned. Colleges treat admissions more as a marketing venture. Students and their families are increasing focused on gaining admission to a prestigious and well-known school, sometimes for the wrong reasons. They need to look more closely at finding the best fit for their particular needs. And sometimes this means going to a little-known institution that may serve them better.

HERTZ: More applications by more students who are more conscious of financial aid/scholarship considerations.

My College Guide is a print and web-based guide to help college-bound students with admissions, college search, and college survival. For more information or to get your own free copy of My College Guide, please visit http://www.mycollegeguide.org.

If you are pretty talented at art you might not even consider going to Art College. Why should you, anyway? You can draw like the masters: Boticelli, Michaelangeo, Da Vinci. There wasn’t a landscape scene your brushes didn’t like, and there wasn’t any portrait you couldn’t draw. You can sketch anything that exists!

But as with any talent, you must have realized that this is one big world we live in. There is always room for improvement, and although your work might speak for itself, a degree behind you may be just what employers are looking for. Therefore, you muster all your reserves; you pack your easel, your brushes, and your palette and head north to the nearest art college.

1. Good choice?

Art school will definitely benefit you as an artist. Your innate talent will benefit from the proven concepts and techniques you can learn here. It may be that you already know the basics and the techniques of your art. Rest assured that there are always things the art school can teach you that you won’t already know.

Art school also develops in its students a love and appreciation for the different forms of art. It opens to the student new vistas of learning and expressing. Even if only for that reason, Art school would be worth every penny.

2. Who Is Art School Suited For?

Artists are a rare kind. They seem to be able to create masterpieces without complicated theories and computations. It’s as if they are moved by instinct to draw, paint, and create visually pleasing artworks. Some artists, when asked about their artwork, would simply shrug and say they didn’t know what motivated them, and they just felt like painting it. Art school should not aim to correct this freewheeling style of artistry. It should, however, provide the basic techniques and theories on art and creativity. Instead of suppressing natural skill, it should develop and enlighten it by explaining the concepts behind art. Unlike what most people think, there truly is a science behind art.

Artists sometimes just create art. But after Art College, they come to a realization of theories behind what they have done by instinct. Fundamental theories can only improve and supplement the talent students have.

3. What to Learn?

When choosing an Arts College, look into the nature of its programs.

- Is it solely a graphic design school or does it offer courses in other specific areas? - Is this school well-known for its emphasis on its programs? - Is the school recognized internationally? - Is the class size large or small? - How many years will the program be in total? - Does the school provide any statistics or downloadable documents outlining the percentage of its graduates that are now working in their chosen field?

4. Specialize!

Remember that the subject of art is not just a big blob with the label art. It is composed of numerous subcategories and specializations. You need to choose a specialization because if you don’t, your skills will be diffused trying to learn the many branches of art. Try to improve the most at the area of your interest. It could be painting, sculpture, digital arts or others.

5. Be The Best

Also, look into whether the school participates in any graphical arts competitions or has accomplished anything of renown in the industry. This is a sure sign of their commitment to the arts and the education of its students. One of the best things one can get out of Art College is exposure to competition and industry standards. Such competition pushes one from being complacent. If you are to be a better artist, you should never be satisfied with what you already know. You should grab the opportunity to learn new and exciting things.

6. Conclusion

Your education might be the most important investment you make in your life. Without proper training, your chances at success are greatly diminished. A proper Art college will certainly train you and equip you with the tools needed to make it big in your profession.

For more great art education related articles and resources check out http://www.artschoolstop.com

Do you need assistance writing scholarship essays or do you prefer to put your reader to sleep?

It is not easy to create a lasting impression on someone who reads fifty or more essays a day. Can you persuade the scholarship officer that you are an individual with a real life and an interesting personality worthy of a free money award?

Your writing has to rivet the eyes of the reader to the page. It must be clear, concise and effective so that he does not resist reading all of it. More importantly your writing must get him to remember and act on what he has read.

Dr. Joe Vitale a writer of world renown and master of persuasion describes the process of writing into seven steps outlined below:

State your intention

A one line statement describing the result you want from your writing.

Brainstorm, get the facts and select a topic

With your intention in mind, brainstorming, gathering the facts and selecting a topic is easier.

Write a first draft

Write non stop, if you can’t remember a fact or date or name leave a blank but keep writing.

Take a break

Walk away from the draft for a few minutes but don’t edit.

Extend the draft you just wrote or write a completely new draft

Again write non-stop and don’t edit.

Take a longer break

Take three days to three weeks. Put your drafts aside and do something else. You are more objective when you come back to them.

Rewrite and edit your drafts

Take all your drafts and create a tight, final draft. This is the only step where you do any rewriting and editing.

You may have noticed that rewriting and editing is not advised until the final stages. That’s because you don’t want anything to stop your creative juices from flowing.

You can get free editing services for you scholarship essay by contacting at least six friends and asking them to review your essay. Another way of getting help is to use the paid services of a company that specializes in editing admission and school related essays.

Kenneth Harrison is the author of the report Find Scholarships Fast. Drop by http://www.learnaboutscholarships.com/report.htm for your free copy whilst it is still available.

Speed Reading methods began with Evelyn Wood who invented it, while she was fishing, or rather feeding bait to the fish via hook. She was bored when they weren’t biting the hook, and she read. And accidentally she discovered that when put down the fishing rod, and held her hand a certain way, she could read faster. Evelyn was a teacher, and developed several speedreading methods. She coined the term speed reading.

As time went on, organizations called Evelyn Wood Reading Dynamics were springing up all over the US, and throughout many of the English-speaking countries. Major corporations sent their executives to learn this new dynamic speed reading method which provided a valuable educational tool. President John F. Kennedy, and President Jimmy Carter had all White House staff members trained with the Evelyn Wood method. For about 25 hours students would study speedreading and practice the pacing, and scanning techniques of speed reading until proficient.

Then, after the death of John Kennedy and the death of Evelyn Wood, the organization slowly disappeared and students searched everywhere for classes to learn speed reading. From 1965 to 1981 speed reading courses had reached a lull with few teachers and no PR or advertising.

In 1979, after completing three months of travel in Latin America, Jay Polmar returned to Southern Texas and began his graduate degree ending in 1981 in Philosophy of Psychology, using a specialization in Education, and Hypnotherapy. Writing a paper on the Fine Tuning of the Human Instrument (the Human Body) and techniques of educational success, he developed courses to accelerate the learning process. This included methods of programming the brain and mind for success.

Dr Jay Polmar completed his studies for his doctorate and began teaching classes in accelerated learning, speed reading, and did private therapy in the reduction of psychologically developed disease using methods of therapies with several hundred patients in Texas and New Mexico. In 1980 his first class of Dynamic Speed Reading was given to series of volunteers in Texas and New Mexico. This course was abbreviated from the Evelyn Wood 25 hour version, down to a 7 hour intensive. He was asked to teach these methods in New Mexico, in Colleges, and New Mexico’s State Universities and in a New Mexico prison.

In 1985, the Dr Polmar was invited to teach these metods in Nevada and Hawaii, time and time again. Dr Polmar maintained a functional schedule of teaching through 1993. Although injured in 1991, he returned to teach only in 1992-1993. In 1994 he had multiple surgeries, although he requested the alternative of acupuncture for the injury, the State of Florida, which then forced treatment methods on injured people, pressured Jay to have surgeries. After catching Staph infections in septic hospitals, and requiring more than two dozens surgeries, many which were not successful, Dr. Polmar would never be able to teach classes.

Then he put his abilities of teaching online, addressing students worldwide of his easy to learn speed reading methods and speedreading courses that have bettered education for thousands.

Dr. Jay Polmar was an instructor of reading and study skills at colleges and universities in 9 states. He’s a published author and founder of http://www.speedread.org. His word is now available in several languages including English, Spanish, French, German, Dutch and Chinese.

It is not a coincidence that when I look back at my school days and I think about who did what with their life. I quickly realize that those who had few false starts with their education had a member in their family go to college before them.

Some people are lucky if one of their parents, aunt or uncle had trod the path before them and can hand them over the treasure map. Perhaps the treasure map is outdated but it will have enough landmarks for them to find their way through the labyrinth of graduate education that include things like how to carry out a college scholarship search and how to search for your college of choice .

If you are the first in your family to go to college sometimes you have only second hand information to go on. But second hand information can still be good enough.

My defining moment was when I found out from the friend of a friend who incidentally heard from the son of our careers officer that they had been able to find money to go to college. Interestingly he didn’t call it money those are my words. He called it “A Scholarship” I later found out that this was “Free Money”. Yes free money. As in, you don’t have to pay it back.

Here my story begins.

I asked around to make sure that what I had heard wasn’t gossip and yes it was confirmed by some of my teachers. I suppose the moral of the story at this point is that if you don’t ask you don’t get.

I found the office. It was a charitable organization based in the main library of our town. I had been to the library many times before. I had even seen the closed door to the scholarship office before, but because there were no signs on the door I had always assumed it was access to the library store room and guessed it was kept closed for security reasons. Nothing is what is seems, so be diligent. A quick chat about eligibility followed. Application forms were handed over. They were promptly completed and returned to the office and to my amazement within a month I was called for an interview. I can tell you now that my academic record was not responsible for me getting the scholarship. It was just above average with some false starts. Startled by this I hand to find out. So I asked. Their response was.

“You were so enthusiastic about your subject during the interview process despite your false starts that we were confident that you could overcome any problems in the future. We like to support people that can overcome obstacles as you will encounter many in your life. You have shown that you can, with some of your false starts.”

Thanks to this charitable trust I was able to go to college and study Applied Biology on a four year scholarship. I don’t want to blow my own trumpet here because that is not what I am about but bigger and better things followed. That is a full time job with a biotechnology company with a two year grant to study for a master’s degree in molecular pathology in part time mode. I graduated with distinction and this led to an offer of a three year grant to study for a PhD in chemical pathology. All this from the humble beginnings of a visit to a charitable trust in my local town library that I had always thought was a store room. Be diligent and persevere.

Kenneth Harrison is the author of the report Find Scholarships Fast. Drop by http://www.learnaboutscholarships.com/report.htm for your free copy whilst it is still available.

Are you looking to teach an online course for the first time? Or have you already taught online but are looking for some tips to help you become more effective?

The world of online learning is expanding at a rapid pace.

More courses are being offered and more students are enrolling every semester. And while teaching an online course can be done while sitting at your computer in your pajamas, being an effective online instructor requires a good deal of practice and preparation.

Of course, teaching online does take away the face to face involvement with students. Nothing can take the place of seeing a student smile after finally understanding a difficult concept.

But online teaching can be even more rewarding than on-campus teaching, when done well.

What makes an effective online instructor?

While good teaching involves a large number of qualities and techniques, effective online teaching centers on three main points:

1) You must be clear about your expectations!

Since students are not sitting right in front of you, it is extremely important to be very clear. Since you cannot see the students, you cannot see them sitting with a puzzled look while nodding their head in agreement.

How do you know if you are clear enough?

• Ask the students.
• Carefully evaluate the quality of the work, and how close the finished product matches the instructions.
• Have a colleague read your material before the course begins.

If student evaluations are distributed at the end of the semester, you can use the feedback to help you improve your course and teaching techniques – but keep in mind that by then you can no longer help the students learn what you want them to learn!

2) You must communicate frequently…and effectively!

Most students will expect you to be sitting at your computer whenever they send you a question by email. Of course, that is not practical, nor is it reasonable. So it is a good idea to give students a time frame in which you will respond, with 24-48 hours being typical.

And it’s not enough to just communicate frequently. You must also communicate effectively. While some students (especially new online students) will want you to “take them by the hand” through each step, if you already have clearly written instructions, you can direct them to the instructions.

Keep in mind that most students are not asking you questions to bother you – usually, they just want to make sure they are doing what you want them to do. So be understanding, even when you get questions that make you shake your head.

If you get the same questions frequently, it is a good idea to save the questions – and your responses – to create a “frequently asked questions” section.

3) You must let your personality shine through!

If students just wanted to read a book, they wouldn’t need you to read it for them. So, when teaching online, avoid taking the “easy way out” by simply posting a few readings and having students answer the questions:

• Add a little of your personality to your assignments and communications (but be careful when using humor, as it is difficult to convey online).
• Give real life examples that you have learned from being the subject matter “expert”.
• Create interesting and interactive assignments to help students really learn the material.

Good teaching, like being good at anything, takes practice.

If you are clear - if you stay in close contact with your students - and if you create an interesting learning experience, you will be the online instructor that students want to learn from!

Kris Bickell is the director of distance learning at a small private University in Connecticut, and an experienced online instructor. He is also the owner of Hi-Speed-Internet.com, which offers tips to help you improve your computer speed.

Life is full of options and choices. The choices we make shape our future. As we stand at the cross roads after high school we must have the right vision to make the decision to go to college.

1. A college education secures our future. The number of employment opportunities is greater and statistics reveal that most leaders are college grads.

2. If you have a college education you will make more money which in turn will enable you to have a better lifestyle. If a high school graduate earns US$ 34,303 annually, a college graduate will earn US$ 56,334, and a person with a professional qualification will net at least US$ 99,411.

3. It is not just earnings. A college education makes you a rounded person. It shapes your communication skills, expands your knowledge base, makes you methodical and organized, and exposes you to a whole new world of learning.

4. People with a college education have better value systems and are healthier. They are able to guide their family positively.

5. College can help you qualify in fields you are interested in. So if you are an innovator, inventor, or healer, or artist you can train in the specific field and qualify.

6. According to experts, college graduates are self confident, have greater knowledge of governance, are less likely to become criminals, are emotionally and financially secure, make better partners and parents, and have a deeper understanding of human nature.

7. College instills a deep sense of right and wrong and is they very essence of a democratic world.

8. Education opens the doors to many things like multiple jobs, career choices, the chance to further education at any point in life, and the option of teaching others what you have learnt. Be it a child, family member, or a poor person you meet.

9. College education is an investment in you that yields much more than Wall Street investments.

10. College educated citizens will ensure the continuing success of the “American Dream.” The ability to see the right path and work for peace and prosperity.

Students according to Jose Marti a patriot are the very ramparts of a nation and the strongest advocates of freedom. Education creates a conscience and as a result a better human being. College education eventually becomes a legacy for future generations. Most succeeding generations of college educated people go to college themselves. The value of a good education becomes ingrained in their genes. Huge stones can be moved with muscle power but it is brain power that tells you how to move it and what can be done with it.

Paul Wilson is a freelance writer for http://www.1888Onlinecolleges.com/, the premier website to find top ranking colleges online directory including topics on public colleges, private colleges, online college, college course online, information on college costs, financial aid, degrees awarded, enrollments and more. He also freelances for premier Discussion Site http://www.1888Discuss.com

Recently, colleges are reviewing too many applications where student are addicted to getting good grades, but sacrificing the time to figure out what makes them “tick” becoming somewhat robotic in an increasing competitive atmosphere. Although the academic criteria remains the driving force of college admissions, the problem lies with what to do when you have too many applicants have the GPA between 3.80-4.0. Many of us have heard the stories of the students with the 4.0 not getting in, while students with less academic numbers are. Sure, colleges want students who will do well academically at their campus, but also they want their students to come in with ideas and energy towards developing innovation, contributing creativity, and eventually receiving recognition. With this in mind, colleges need students who can go beyond the expectation, who has a love in life whether its sports, volunteer work, a talent, traveling, the list goes on. Most importantly, students need to articulate this “difference” in a 4-8 page application.

Ok, now how to do this. It is important that students do two things at all times while maintaining a good academic record: 1) Have the personal time to breathe and relax, and 2) Commit to something that they love (or at least like). Students who are committed to one activity for 2-4 years show a much stronger commitment and level of motivation compared to the student with 20 for short periods of time. And still, students involved with more two or more activities for 2-4 years shows even potential.

When I was an admission counselor for a University of California campus, I questioned the college application that listed a slew of activities, which seemed to have no connection or correlation to one another. The applicant would squeeze activities on the sides of the pages “1 month volunteering at the hospital, 2 times going to the homeless shelter, 2 months interning at the pet adoption center, 6 months taking piano lessons, etc.” Although the page was “full,” my first assumption was full of questionable motivation and lack of commitment. I questioned if the student only participated in these things for the sole purpose of filling out this page, and hoped to have an explanation in the student’s essay. Many times I don’t get the explanation and my assumption continues on.

Always keep in mind that colleges want student who can think critically and pursue an idea, not student who can follow rules and meet expected criteria – it’s about thinking outside the box. For help in learning more about getting into college turn to http://www.collegeconfidence.com for tips and suggestions.

Sonja Montiel, M.A., is founder of College Confidence, a Westlake Village-based college counseling firm. Montiel serves on the executive board of the Western Association of College Admissions Counseling, is active with the National Association of College Admission Counseling and serves on the planning committee for Ventura County’s National College Fair. She is also a member of the Higher Educational Consultants Association. For information, call 407-7023 or visit http://www.collegeconfidence.com.

A successful future in the new media industry (and specifically, graphic design) depends on choosing the right school. As a graduate student in this field myself, I will be able to provide you with the absolute best advice one can get in regards to this topic.

1. Area of Focus

The first thing that you need to know about schools of this nature is that they are designed with everyone in mind, and that means people going into the program may have absolutely no experience. In my case, they asked for a portfolio of work as part of the admission process. So, if you are self-taught and eager to solidify your already existing knowledge, or a total beginner, this is a good choice for you. If, however, you have already completed a similar program, you may wish to take a new program merely to upgrade your skills (because the field of new media is always changing). If you can, it really, really, really helps if you take a freehand drawing course prior to learning how to draw using a computer.

2. Recognition

- Does the school participate in any graphical arts competitions?

- Have students accomplished anything of reknown in the industry?

3. Teachers

Trust me, this doesn’t go without saying. The quality of your education will be directly related to the instructors. I have never encountered an instructor that wasn’t immensely knowledgeable about the subject area. Of course, there is a big difference between knowing the subject area and being able to teach (that is, to convey that information, and manage students, answer questions, etc).

4. Job Placement

100% make sure that you get into a program that incorporates on-the-job experience. Or at least a practicum. This usually is 100 hours of real on-the-job experience and it is absolutely invaluable to your career.

5. Curriculum And Tools

You must assess whether the curriculum is relevant to you field of study. You may want to compare the curricula of different schools to see which offers the best form of education. As it so happens in my case, the administration did something they have never done before: changed the curriculum halfway through the program. The reasoning behind this was that the software we were scheduled to be instructed in would soon be discontinued on the Mac. It really pays off if you can see the facilities beforehand so you know what tools they are using. Don’t just oogle at the computers, snoop around and see the programs directory and make note of what programs are installed, and if they are the latest versions.

6. Student to Teacher Ratio

Graphic design is kind of an industry that more or less demands personal contributions on every project. For this reason, you can’t just be known as the photoshop guy, it is your responsibility to be well versed in a lot of different programs and techniques for creating stunning graphics and illustrations. And that means you will definately need one-on-one instruction, or at least the ability to stop the class in case you get lost. These programs are very fast-paced and if you don’t make sure you fully understand concepts in the first semester you will get hopelessly lost - fast.

7. Accreditation

Accreditation means the school has passed a certain standards of educational quality. If you can, ask for literally one minute of the head departments time and find out a listing of companies that students have been hired into.

8. Cost

A full education in graphic design can cost anywhere from 13,000 to 16,000 dollars for an intensive one-year program (120 credits). The goal here is to find a university, college, or technical institute that is recognized internationally for excellence. Let’s face it, Harvard University will look a lot better on your resume than Texas Community College. Three great recognized schools in are BCIT located in Vancouver Canada (Vancouver is the equivalent of Hollywood for graphic designers, web designers, and all new media experts), the Art Institute (with locations worldwide), and the Vancouver Film School (VFS) that has graphic design programs that are very specialized.

9. Scholarships

You might want to consider whether the design school you are looking at offers any scholarships. You also might want to know the terms to them too. Some schools offer scholarships based on academic performance. Some offer them based on art competitions they hold regularly. You should qualify for a national student loan either way, and repayment is extremely affordable.

For more great graphic design schools related articles and resources check out http://www.design-school-review.com

The world of education has been revolutionized. E-learning is a world where by using simple computing skills and having an Internet connection one can earn a bachelors, masters, or doctorate degree. Nothing is impossible.

Young or old, whether you live in a rural environment or urban, online learning is for all. A person can further their education, train to enhance their skills, continue professional education, or take a course for the love of it.

A large number of reputed universities offer online courses which can be completed from home, a library, or workplace. The courses are multi-disciplinary and interactive with discussion boards, chat rooms, personal tutors, as well as course study guides.

Self-paced, a student decides when to learn, how to learn, when to be assessed. A wealth of resources offered by the World Wide Web makes learning easy. From the PC one can access books, journals, and thesis, new as well as old in the many online libraries. These are open 24/7 and students can complete their reference work at leisure. Being electronic these libraries offer facilities like automatic generation of bibliography and so on.

Find out more about the wonderful world of online colleges by using the World Wide Web. Thousands of articles as well as sites offer advice as well as information on programs and links to colleges.

Examples are:

• WorldWideLearn at http://www.worldwidelearn.com/ is a directory with information, articles on online learning, different search engines to facilitate search by subject, location, school identity and so on. It offers information in 408 subject areas offered by schools and colleges both online and at 516 locations in the United States and Canada.

• Online Education.Info at http://www.online-education.info/ lists various degree and certificate programs, popular institutions, as well as colleges by state.

• OnlineCareers.com at http://www.onlinecareers.com/ is devoted to career change, development, and skill enhancement.

• eLearners.com at http://www.elearners.com/, features 84 accredited online colleges and universities.

• 2005 Colleges, College Scholarships, and Financial Aid Page at http://www.college-scholarships.com/ssac.htm contains information presented by the American Educational Guidance Center. It gives information on and links to accredited online degree colleges as well as universities. Contains valuable information on preparation for qualifying exams as well as financial aid and scholarships.

• Search for Colleges Network at http://www.searchforcolleges.net/ is a directory of post-secondary educational resources, schools, colleges, and universities that offer undergraduate online degrees.

• The Education Department at http://www.educationdepartment.org/ is an US Education Department Website featuring several learning options, an occupations guide,

Online courses need:

• User comfort with a text based environment. A large fraction of study material is visual.

• A basic knowledge of computers, Internet, and e-mail.

• Synchronization of interaction between student and teacher or mentor. A deep understanding between the two fosters higher learning curves.

• A thirst for learning and the discipline that comes with it. It needs to be a quest for excellence.

• Commitment as far as time and effort are concerned. At the minimum a student needs three hours of study for every three hours spent in class. A three-unit course needs 12 hours of study per week. The benefit is that these hours can be fulfilled at the convenience of the student.

To be successful a student must:

• Set goals.

• Establish and maintain a regular study/learning schedule.

• Share the experience with others. Have a study partner or group or have a mentor.

• Optimize personal learning style. Learn hands on.

• Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

• Set rewards for even small achievements.

Check accreditation as well as credibility. Even online education has a downside. Protect yourself from being duped. Realize your dreams educate yourself without constrains.

Paul Wilson is a freelance writer for http://www.1888Onlinecolleges.com/, the premier website to find top ranking colleges online directory including topics on public colleges, private colleges, online college, college course online, information on college costs, financial aid, degrees awarded, enrolments and more. His article profile can be found at the premier College News Article Submission site http://www.1888Articles.com/college-university-articles-66_7.html