Facebook and Twitter —— Let you see business opportunities in them

In the age of 21st century, If an individual tell you that he or she never heard the social network websites like facebook and twitter, maybe you will be very surprise and have a doubt that maybe he or she is living on the Mars. Now, Internet has become a very common existence in our daily life, people use the internet to search materials which help them for study and work. In addition, the occurrence of social network website like facebook and twitter make people tend to do some socializing online. Therefore, social network website like facebook and twitter do enlarge people’s communication circle and help people to maintain their old friendships. If there were no such network website, many old friends would never get in touch with each other after they were apart. I will take myself as an example; I have been graduated from junior high for many years. But I still get in touch with some of my former classmates now and then. However, I get in touch with them in different way. For a few intimate friends, I always give them phone calls and short messages, In the holidays, we tend to go out and to meet each other in the coffee bar or KTV houses to have some fun. Whist for some people who could just called acquaintances; we usually connect each other online. We will pay attention to each other’s activities and words and sometimes I will express my own feelings about what they say and they will let me know what they think about my words as well. In this way, there is some kind of connection between us. If sometimes we need some help and except our intimate friends, our acquaintances like this could also provide some help to us in their own way.

  In addition to maintain the old friendships, the existence of social network website could also help people build up new friendships which could enlarge your communication circles. Mostly importantly, in my opinion, social network website like facebook and twitter could help you develop your own career. Using the method like buy facebook fans and buy twitter followers, you could give yourself a chance to make your career better.

  In the year 2011, I decided to establish my own career. In order to lower the risks, I started at a very tiny scale. I order several ladies’ dress and sell them on a website Amazon. Even if I designed some interesting activities, the effect of these activities for the improvement of the sell volume is not that obvious. One of my friends told me that buy followers on twitter could be a effective way to increase people who come to my online shop and make my shop more active. I adopted her suggestion and decided to buy targeted twitter followers, which means the followers must have related background on sales.

  After buying the real facebook and twitter fans, I designed some more activities and my online shop developed very fast.

How to Get Free Microsoft Points

Xbox Live is the popular gaming console that has sold million devices all over the world. It allows both online games and DVD based games. When you buy it, you get usually a two month free trial card that contains the basic Xbox Live codes that allow you to play the games of the console free for two months. Once this trial period ends though, you need to buy the codes or find them somewhere else.

Right now there tend to be a lot of Xbox live lovers playing right now which would certainly want to be able to acquire their own membership which is free of charge. This is not a big surprise considering the popularity of the xbox live gaming community. Especially the hard core gamers who spend most of their time playing online games However several individuals have a significant issue with having to spend the fairly large prices which are required in order to play the actual online game. Especially with the current economic state. Most gamers will struggle to afford a game not to mention the membership. Which is the reason why there tend to be so many consumers searching for free gold Xbox Live membership.

If you're a Microsoft subscriber, you have an extra chance of getting free microsoft points. Microsoft does give away freebies such as free gaming for a certain number of hours. However, don't hold your breath. These occasions aren't common and only occur when sponsored by some other company.

Finally, the only way to get a consistent influx of free microsoft points is to work for it. Although that sentence might be considered a bit of a paradox, there are websites out there that reward you with gaming codes when you complete whatever it is they ask you to do. These tasks may range from surveys to referrals to anything else that benefits the website.

how to get free microsoft points?

To read more about this subject visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NnDxqF9h3Oo

Injury claim

If you have been involved in an accident, and through no fault of your own have suffered an injury as a result, then chances are you will be able to claim compensation. No matter how minor your injury appears to be at this stage or who the person or company at fault was, making an injury claim is your right and should be exercised to bring justice to a difficult situation.

What types of injuries can be claimed for?

One of the most frequent types of injury claim submitted relate to accidents on the road. Whether you were a driver or passenger of a car, or were travelling on public transport or a bike at the time of the accident, if you were hurt and another driver was at fault, you can claim. Common injuries include back and neck injuries, including whiplash, and injuries to the head or hands as a result of the collision.

Less common, but still a source of regular claims, relate to slips and trips when out and about. Building owners, local councils and workmen have a responsibility to ensure public rights of way and the public areas within buildings are kept safe, clean and free from hazards that could cause a trip. Slipping on wet floors, broken paving slabs or tripping over trailing cables can all result in a range of injuries, from twisted ankles to broken wrists, all of which are regularly seen by professionals handling injury claim cases.

Sometimes even the workplace is not as safe as it should be, and workers sometimes become injured as a result of faulty machinery, poor training or bad health and safety practice. In cases like this an injury claim will often result in remedial action by the employer, meaning other employees will be safer at work in the future, so it is especially important to make a claim if this has happened to you.

When should you claim?

As a general rule of thumb, the sooner the better applies to any type of injury claim. The sooner you can start the claims process, the easier it will be for your solicitor to contact any witnesses and get hold of any other evidence required. Also your injury will be fresh, so if you need to see an independent doctor they will be able to see first hand the extent of your injuries.

Personal injury law understands that making an injury claim is not necessarily the first thing on someone’s mind after they have been involved in an accident. That is why claims can still be started up to three years after the accident happened. In the case of industrial disease and other issues that take years to reveal themselves, there is still a chance to claim beyond the three year cap.

How much does it cost?

These days, the majority of solicitors who deal with injury claim cases will work on a no win no fee basis. This means you will not have to pay them anything if your claim is not successful, and there will be nothing to pay up front. 

Cassia Beauty College Information

Cassia Beauty College is located in the sprawling city of New Orleans at 6960 Martin Dr Ste 120, New Orleans, Louisiana. The institution is famous for its programs in beauty and cosmetology.
Students: Each batch has only limited students, which ensures personal attention and perfect hands on training. The college also has a popular job placement service for successful candidates.
Enrollment: It has a total student population of 18 undergraduate students
* Undergraduate Degrees Offered:
* Less-than-1-year certificate program in Personal and Culinary Services, which imparts training in massage and treatments of face, scalp and neck using chemical and make- up preparations. This course helps students in securing jobs as licensed facial specialists in expert and full service salons.
* Less-than-2-year certificate in personal and Culinary Services, which makes the students experts in cutting and styling hair, facial and body hair, pedicures, manicures, head massage etc.
* Less than 1 year Degrees offered by this school
o Nail Technician + Specialist and Manicurist: This less-than-1-year certificate program trains students in shaping the finger and toe nails, removing dead skin an blemishes and applying nail polish. They can function as licensed manicurists or nail technicians/specialists.
o Facial Treatment Specialist + Facialist: It imparts training to students on massage and treatments of face, neck, and scalp with chemical and cosmetic preparations. Successful students can function as licensed facial specialists in specialized and full service salons.
o Cosmetology, Barber + Styling, and Nail Instructor: It is a program that molds cosmetologists, nail technicians, barbers and other grooming specialists. They can function as instructors in their specialized subject in licensed and accredited schools of cosmetology.
o Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Arts, Other: It comprises of instructional programs in cosmetology and personal grooming services that are not included in the general category of this subject.
* Certificates/Less-than-2-year certificate
o Cosmetology + Cosmetologist, General: It is a study program that trains students to cut and style scalp, facial, and body hair; apply cosmetic preparations; manicures and pedicures; massage etc
It offers distance education program also.
* Tuition: The average tuition for undergraduates is approximately $6,899 and it is exclusive of books, fees and supplies. The fees might vary; however the average costs of books is around $800 Room & Board $9,600.
* Admissions: It has an open admission policy for undergraduates. An application fee of 10$ is required.
* Special features: Cassia Beauty College is a private for profit school and it extends Pell Grants and other federal aid to entitled students as it enjoys a Program Participation Agreement with the US Department of Education. It has a library facility and on campus day care. Career placement for successful candidates. Student Services It is a 6 day college that offers Career Placement for successful students on completion of the program, On-Campus Day Care and Library Facility. The mission of Cassia Beauty College is to prepare the students into successful career in Cosmetology, and to lead them to the mainstream of American society as successful citizens.

Information Technology Education

Information technology has infiltrated even the smallest of businesses, organizations, and schools. The skills needed to maintain, develop, and manage today's technologically based computer software can be obtained by learning how to obtain an accredited information technology education. Students that are interested in this field need to seek out information and complete accredited college programs.
The technological resources associated with a business need to be constantly maintained. This includes creating accessibility, developing security, maintaining operation, and updating technology. Students can learn to perform these main functions inside higher educational training opportunities. Several areas of training are available and students can choose programs that best suit their career goal needs. An accredited education can be obtained when students complete a few necessary steps.
Training begins by researching what available degree programs can be completed. Students may have a high interest in information technology but specialization areas could make their career goals even more accessible. Students can enter training programs in areas that include:

• Computer Information Science
• Computer Information Systems
• Information Security
• Information Systems

Each of these areas falls under the category of information technology. Educational programs in information technology train students to understand the procedures performed to troubleshoot problem areas and evaluate the technological needs of a business. Computer information science programs give students the skills needed to correctly maintain computer networks and their databases. Computer information science focuses on the ability to develop networks and maintain a smoothly running environment for computer applications. Information security centers on teaching students to operate systems and perform any needed procedures to fix security breaches. Inside information systems training students are exposed to the skills needed to work with databases, network systems, and applications in order to keep them properly working.

Education Career Information About Physical Therapist

Education career information about physical therapist: who's a physical therapist and where can you information on becoming one?
It's said knowledge is power. Therefore, if you desire to become a physical therapist, it is imperative that you obtain the necessary information about the education required to pursue this career. Education career information about physical therapist opportunities can be found in various ways, here are two.
1. A quick online search using the words 'education career information about physical therapist' revealed over 2 million results! You can start with an exact phrase search meaning "put the words in quotes to decrease the number of results.
2. Contact your local Physical Therapy office at nearby high schools or colleges and talk with a guidance counselor.
Youngsters wanting to work in this field should make Science the major part of their high school and college education. Career information about physical therapist skills can also be obtained by volunteering in a physical therapy center. Before that, let us first define the profession.
Who exactly is a physical therapist?
One of the fastest growing jobs in the healthcare industry, physical therapists (PT's) assist patients with injuries as well as permanent disabilities restore bodily function and improve mobility. They also train patients in pain management through physical movement. In addition, physical therapists help teach and promote overall health and well being through physical fitness.
Researching 'education career information about physical therapist' uncovered that a person who wants to become a physical therapist must have a Masters or Doctorate degree from an accredited college or university. Although this is a highly paid profession, and therefore has no shortage of people who want to be in this field, individuals wishing to be physical therapists should fist of all be caring and compassionate. They need to also possess exceptional people skills in order to reach out to patients as well as their family members about treatments.
Physical Therapists work normal hours and in most instances in a hospital or clinical environment. Physical therapists are sometimes called upon to work with teachers, parents and other healthcare professionals to ensure proper classroom and home surroundings for children with physical disabilities.
People aspiring to become a licensed physical therapist can gain invaluable experience and knowledge by working as a physical therapist's assistant. A physical therapist's assistant is responsible for overseeing much of the actual therapy that is prescribed by the physical therapist. Some duties are massages, electrical stimulation and traction.

Online College Degree Education Program Right for Me

If you have been unable to obtain the college degree you wanted because of other obligations such as family or work, then an online college degree program was created with you in mind. If you have wanted to earn a specific degree, but that degree is not offered close to your home, then an online college degree program was created with you in mind. Flexibility and lack of geographical boundaries are two of the most important qualities of online education programs.
If you are self-directed, self-motivated and have the discipline to stay on task, then you are certainly capable to complete a bachelors, masters or PhD degree online. You will have all the support systems that a land-based college offers, such as counselors, instructors, classmates that you can communicate with, and technological support, to help you complete your college degree.
If you have a computer with Internet, then you have all the equipment that you need to be able to participate in an online college degree education program. Basic level keyboarding and computer skills, and the ability to send and receive e-mail, are all you need to be able to enter an online program.
Online sites that provide instant information and applications for various schools and programs can get you started in the right direction. Simply and easily enter the type of program or school you are interested in, and instantly you will be provided with information about the many choices you have. From there you will get all the more detailed information about classes, requirements, financial cost and scheduling that you will need to pick the program that is perfect for you.

Top Three Reasons For an Online College Education

Are you looking to go to college but are unable to go to a school and take classes? With the advances in technology you are now able to take your college level classes online. Here is some basic info on getting your online college education.
Here are some reasons why you should consider getting your online college education:
1. Do you have a busy schedule? If you have a full-time job or children that you must worry about going to school is not really an option. Most colleges provide you with the course material so that you can download it and learn the material on your own time. This is perfect for those of you who do not want to work their schedule around college but rather work college around their schedule.
2. Are you interested in getting your college degree but do not live near a traditional college? Getting your college education online is the best choice for you. Going to college online eliminates the need for you to have to travel to an actual college but rather just forces you to walk to a computer.
3. Many people that are out of their 20's feel embarrassed going to college with students that are younger than 24. It is a common reaction for many people to not want to have to spend time learning with younger people around and online classes are the perfect thing for you.
So, if any of the above three things fit you or if you just want to get your college education online here is some basic information you must know.
1. Online courses are not easier than a traditional college. Online courses, for certain people, can actually be harder because you do not have a professor you gives you hints for the tests and helps you learn when you are having trouble. You are able to email a professor but you do not get to develop a relationship with them which can hurt your learning in a way.
2. For you to take tests you have two options, either go to a testing center or get a proctor. A proctor is someone, none family, who watches over you while you take the test. The testing centers may not be close to you so you may have trouble getting to one so a proctor is probably your best option.
3. Although you are able to get an undergraduate degree, you will have some trouble finding a program for you online. If you are looking to get an advanced degree you should have no trouble at all.

Free College Education

Interested to find out about studying in a tuition free college? Education for some has been an impossible dream largely due to the expenses to be incurred when getting a degree. But now, there are tuition free colleges where you can earn your degree from.
Locating resources about tuition free colleges is not that hard. You will find below tips that will help you earn your degree from a free tuition college.
1. Information on any tuition free college is very much available online. Thanks to technological advancements, it easy to get information on almost any subject you want to learn about.
Just key in the topic you want to research and with a click of the mouse you will have in front of you a volume of information on what you have searched for. You will just need to point and click on what you want to know about.
2. Go over the different free tuition colleges one by one and get to know each one of them. See the different courses they offer. Find out what degree you would want to earn from any one of them.
Familiarize yourself with their admission requirements and procedures. Make a checklist of what you have and don't have. This will help you know what you need to secure to earn your degree.
3. Verify the credibility of the tuition free college. Even if you do not spend for the tuition, all your hard work and time invested will be wasted when you find out that the college you had enrolled in is not authorized by the accrediting bodies.

Information Technology Career

When looking to obtain a higher education in information technology there are many options available. You can pursue a career that meets you individual goals by choosing from a variety of specialized areas of study. Training can be completed at different levels to allow you to receive the educational career preparation that is right for you. Enrollment in an accredited school or college will help you to obtain the higher education that is necessary for you to pursue a career in information technology. With numerous opportunities available, you can start by learning more information technology career preparation training options.
Professionals in this field are trained to carry out a number of tasks based on the career that they have chosen. You can learn to work with various computer systems for a number of reasons. Training will allow you to pursue the degree and career that meets your individual needs and goals. You can look into:

• Associate
• Bachelor
• Master
• Doctoral

...degree training programs in information technology. Studies can last anywhere from two to eight years depending on the level of education needed to enter into the career you desire. Accredited career preparation can give you the skills and knowledge to enter into a variety of careers.There are numerous professions available in information technology. You can select the level of education that allows you to enter the career of your dreams. You can specialize in areas such as:

• Computer Information Science
• Information Security
• Computer Information Systems
• Information Systems

...and more. Accredited higher education training in these areas will cover a variety of topics to help you gain the skills you need to enter into a successful career. The area of specialty will decide the courses that must be studied.Coursework will be different for each level of degree and the area of study that is selected. You can obtain the accredited education that will help you succeed by completing training in web development, databases, systems analysis, hardware components, and computer software. You can also complete computer security training, as well as telecommunications, user interface design, application testing, and many other subjects related to the career and specialized area you wish to enter. There are a variety of professions that can be pursued once an accredited higher education is obtained in information technology. Possible career opportunities can include working as a:

• Software Developer
• Support Specialist
• Systems Analyst
• LAN Administrator
• Computer Programmer
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

...and other related professions. Obtain the accredited educational training you need to pursue the career of your dreams by enrolling in an information technology school or college today.Full accredited programs offer you the best quality education available. You can ensure this by making sure the program you choose carries full accreditation from an agency like the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology

Masters in Information Technology Degree

Why pursue an information technology master's degree? Because higher education expands the skill set of the degree holder. Companies and executives are looking to rely on people with an expansive foundation and skill set to entrust day to day operations with. Become at an online student to help boost our value without having to sacrifice the job you already have.
Students are welcome to enroll online and take course when their schedule permit. The flexibility of our master's program is what makes it successful for adult level students. No on campus lectures are required, and the student will have full interactive support for each course.
Admissions
Students must have a degree on the Bachelor's level to apply to the online program. The college or university must itself be regionally accredited. We suggest students also be prepared to produce the following:
* Recent Resume
* 3 Letters of Recommendation
* Statement of Purpose
* Transcripts
* Grade Point Average of 3.0
International students are encouraged to apply to our programs. English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) results are requested if you speak a native language other than American English. Every applicant will be assessed according to their strengths. There are exceptions made for extenuating circumstances. Please see an admissions counselor for more information.
Career Change and Higher Education
If you're considering switching careers, then an information technology masters may be the extra resource you need to make the transition. Careers like IT Managers, Database Managers, and IT Project Managers all require an advanced scholastic background to be successful in. Students can map out requirements for the career path of their choice and compare and contrast information like required daily tasks and salaries. Always consider the actual potential for professional growth in the field before deciding. Higher education opens up opportunities to take positions that are rewarding and challenging.
IT Security Option
Choose from three concentration options in the Masters in Information Technology category. These distinct paths are important to governments, local agencies and the students who are pursing the degree themselves. The Department of Homeland Security depends on IT Security concentration majors to interpret risks, threats and more.
The courses for this major helps to prepare the candidate for CISSP certification. Students will be able to take what they are learning in the interactive environment and apply the theories and concepts in their current work setting. Earning a master's degree opens up doors in the IT industry is an extra value in the eyes of professional staffing agents. You can secure yourself a better financial standing by investing your education.
Log on now to determine which masters you'd like to pursue. Go over the details listed in the category. All student who learn in our virtual environment will have the support of knowledgeable teachers that are well experienced in the IT field. They will offer their skill and expertise to help student succeed. Students will have a chance to interact with peers and instructors on an unlimited basis. Course materials, texts and other necessities will be made available online.

Online Niches That Offer College Education

There are many universities and colleges that offer online education facility at affordable price rates. People can take any of the degree courses online and study without taking any physical effort. Utmost care and attention should be given while choosing from many college options and courses. There are many fake colleges and universities that might cheat you.
It is good to go for the advices of educational experts. They can help you in selecting the most authentic university or college and the most job oriented course online. In early days, people wandered around the city or inquired among friends and relatives to get references of universities that offer job oriented degree courses. But arrival of internet has turned things to a new path. Now people can search for universities and colleges via online. People can learn their desired subjects or courses without losing the comfort of their room.
The sites that offer educational information helps people a lot to select the most reliable university or college. Some sites will provide certain tips and suggestions that help people while selecting schools or universities. Being the best place to search for, online offers well researched and elaborated information on education. Through reading these sites, you will be able to get up-to-date knowledge on recent courses and degrees available in educational field. Since there are many online educational sites to choose from, people will find it very difficult to select the most reliable and reasonable site from the bunch.
This site helps people to select the most reliable university or school that offer courses of your choice. Some of the university information featured in online college options includes DeVry University Online, Boston University Online, Bowling Green State University, Business Information Systems Degree, Ashford University and much more. Then what are you waiting for? If you wish to get more details about the site, log on to the site.

College Degree Costs

Affordable college education is still possible in both online format and traditional campus based education. Tuition at an online degree education program is often similar to that of a traditional campus based college or university. The average cost of tuition, fees, books and supplies at a public four-year college or university is $20,000. At a private school these cost can increase to $80,000.
Tuition for the same education through a four-year online program will be similar. However, at a traditional campus based college or university the additional cost of room and board, and transportation can push the costs of a four-year education at a public school to $50,000 and at a private school to $110,000!
It is easy to see the financial advantage of attending an online program vs a traditional campus based program. But are you getting what you are paying for?
According to the Sloan Consortium, which monitors online education, 62% of academic advisors believe an online degree to be as good as, or better than a traditional education. This percentage continues to rise each year, as more and more students take advantage of an online college education program. Approximately 3.2 million students are currently earning their degree through online degree programs.
Since most online students, currently are older with job and family obligations, it is clear that reducing cost for obtaining an education are of utmost importance. An online degree program is a clear winner.
As high school students are increasingly exposed to online courses the future for online degree programs continues to look bright. Many will simply slide into an online college degree program.

Online College Degree Information

In this present day and age, anyone that has gained an online college degree in information security is assured that they will be very successful in finding a job. Information security refers to the protection of all information on electronic devices, but especially computers.
Computers are now existent in many businesses and homes and they contain confidential information that needs to be protected. The following is just a brief outline of the sections of an online college degree in information security. Each online college should be able to give a further breakdown and information.
1 - Know how to protect a system so that information is only visible to authorized personal. In a big organization, visible information is different according to the level of service and position of employees. Safety methods are put in place as an effective part of due diligence.
2 - How hackers work and methods to prevent them. Unfortunately every computer is at risk of being hacked. They normally enter via the backdoor of systems and information security will refer to methods used to block them.
3 - Analyzing a computer's history to check earlier users' history. This section refers mainly to establishing evidence for any crimes committed using a computer such as hacking of government data base system and child pornography.
4 - Self analysis. A company that deals mainly on the internet is vulnerable to attack from its competitors. This section of the course refers to analyzing the system and putting in place safeguards. The aim is to be pro-active and prevent attacks, not reactive and implementing safeguards after an attack has taken place.
5 - The world of computers and the internet has evolved into a lot of legal laws. It is essential that anyone working in this field knows what is legal and what is not so they can protect themselves as a worker.
6 - Constant monitoring techniques. The world of the internet is evolving everyday and safety methods in place one week can easily become useless the following week. Monitoring of systems is important to catch any new threats that were previously unrecognized. Quite often we have heard stories of major virus making their way into business and home computers across the world. Constant monitoring of traffic and the system will help to find any new threats and end them immediately.

An Associates Degree In Counseling Can Pave The Way For A Career Or Further Education

Associate's Degree in Counseling
There are so many different options for earning your degree available to you. Some people may dive right into their bachelor's degree, while other may want to start out by earning their associate's degree. Aspiring counselors can start down the path towards their career by earning an associate's degree, and eventually even earn their master's degree!
Why Earn An Associate's Degree?
Most people end up earning their master's degree in order to become a certified counselor, so why start by earning your associate's degree? There are plenty of reasons. Credits for your associate's degree are less expensive than those for a bachelor's degree for one.
After you've completed your two years of education, you can transfer your credits into a four year school and be halfway done with your bachelor's degree. It's a nice first step for someone who has a busy lifestyle, doesn't want to commit fully to a four year degree, or who wants to take a less expensive route.
Degree Information
Throughout the two years you will be dedicating towards your associate's degree, you will cover various topics relevant to the field of psychology and counseling. Gaining historical awareness about the origins of theories and practices will be incorporated into the curriculum, as well as contemporary insights into human behavior. You will learn how to apply information to real world situations and gain a solid foundation from which to move forward with your education when you are ready.
The requirements for an associate's degree program typically include showing proof of having completed high school or your GED. If you've already earned college credit, you may be asked to show your transcripts. If you contact the colleges you are interested in attending, you can find out more specific information, as each program is unique.
Online Degrees
Earning your associate's degree in counseling online is a wonderful way for someone who has a hectic schedule to complete their degree. Being able to participate in your coursework on your own time will be a convenient way to accommodate an unpredictable schedule. It also makes college accessible to people who don't live near a campus or particular program they are interested in. You may be able to complete your degree completely or partially online, depending on your preferences.
Career Information
Over the next several years we are expected to see an approximately 20% increase in the number of positions available to counselors, making it a great time to earn your degree in this field. People in this career often earn about forty thousand dollars a year. You can find employment in a variety of places, including mental health centers, educational settings, and so on. It will be wise for people pursuing a career in this field to work towards their master's degree, as this is often the standard for certification.

Accreditation for Colleges and Universities

When it comes to getting an education, there are so many choices and options. Sometimes this can be overwhelming. To help you narrow down your school choices, you should make sure that the college or university you wish to attend is accredited. Attending an accredited school ensures that your degree will be recognized by most employers and other institutions.
Accreditation is given to institutions that meet the standards that are set by a peer review board. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) board is compiled of faculty members from other colleges and universities. This board looks at the college's classes, their mission, services that are available to students, the quality of the education as well as the reputation of the faculty and staff, and the schools admission requirements. There are a couple different types of accreditation that this groups awards.
The two types of accreditation are institutional and programmatic. Institutional accreditation is granted after the board reviews the organization or school as a whole. It is granted by national and regional associations: Middle States, New England, North Central, Northwest, Southern, and Western. Each regional association works independent from the other, but recognized the accreditation status given by each association. Each association looks at the school's administration, financial stability, student learning, the effectiveness of the institution, internal and external relations, and admission and student services. If a school possesses all of the proper requirements and at the set standards of the association, they are then given institutional accreditation.
Programmatic accreditation is granted by specialized agencies. Each of these agencies is specialized in a specific topic or subject and grant accreditation to programs in that same subject or topic, or if a school only teaches that one topic, they can grant the school as well. These agencies are backed by the U.S. Secretary of Education or the CHEA, if a program is given accreditation by an agency that isn't backed by either of these, that it is not a real accreditation.
An organization that claims to accredited colleges, universities, or degree programs that isn't backed by the CHEA or the U.S. Secretary of Education, they are considered to be an Accreditation mill. Whenever they approve an institution, it has no legal standing and will not be recognized by other institutions, or employers. It is important not to get a degree from a college or program that received their accreditation through one of these fake agencies, if you do, chances are you will not be able to get a job after graduating, you will not be able to transfer schools with those credits, and if you plan to attend graduate school, your bachelor's degree will not be recognized.
It isn't hard to find a college or degree program that is accredited. CHEA offers public information regarding what schools are accredited. There are also many online colleges and programs that have been approved. Now it is easier than ever to get an education even if you have been out of school for a while. If you decide to go back to school and have a busy lifestyle, you can always get a degree from and accredited online college and earn your degree on your own time.

Fast Track Degrees - Get a Degree in Under 2 Years With a Fast Track Degree Program (No Joke)

A hot topic in the world of colleges and universities is the availability of the fast degree option. The point of a fast track degree is to enable students to get their degrees finished with as soon as possible. Some people worry that this means that your education is inferior, however all of the standards are maintained. The only difference is that you work at a quicker pace in order to enable you to finish the job sooner.
All kinds of different people end up using a fast degree program. It works out well for people from all walks of life. For example, many people with full time jobs turn to this option for career advancement. Meanwhile many stay at home parents utilize this option for its flexibility.
When you want to pursue a goal, waiting four years to see the results is an extremely long period of time. If you are trying to begin a new career or land a higher paying job, four years will seem like an eternity. Therefore, dragging out a degree with a traditional system can prove to be a huge ordeal.
This is why more and more people continue to turn to the fast track degree. With a system like this, they can finish their program in half the time and potentially even less. That means taking two years instead of taking four years if you are starting a new Bachelors degree. That kind of time saved is invaluable, and can make a huge difference in your life. You'll be that much closer to your new and improved career and life with a fast degree program.
There are many different fast track degree programs that exist today. Certainly you don't have to be pursuing a Bachelors degree. There are fast degree programs for both higher and less advanced or complex diplomas as well. Also important is that you will be able to turn to this option whether you are continuing something you began earlier or are starting a new program from scratch.
It's important to take a look at both sides of the equation however and determine if the fast degree option comes with any negatives. Something to keep in mind is that you are able to finish this program so quickly because you take a lot of courses at once and you don't take any extended breaks or vacations.
Of course then while you are pursuing your degree you are going to be fairly busy. Some people honestly cannot handle the amount of work that's expected them, and it will be a challenge when you're already busy. The truth is though that the majority of people find that the advantages far outweigh this one drawback.
It's always important to move ahead with your life and achieve new goals. Whether you want a new career, a higher paying job or you just want to finish a degree you started, a fast track degree program is the quickest way to succeed with your goal and move on to whatever comes next.

Should You Get A College Education

As the cost of receiving a college education continues to rise every year you have to ask yourself whether a college education is necessary and what are the benefits of actually getting it. Here are some of the facts about people who get a college degree.
1. You want to view your college education as an investment. With any investment you want to see a return. It is a fact that a person who does not get a college degree of any kind will earn on average $1.2 million dollars in their lifetime. Getting an associates degree increases that to an average of $1.6 million, an increase of over $400,000 for 2 years of college.
A person who receives a bachelors degree will earn $2.1 million or almost $900,000 more for going to college for 4 years. That is the return you get on investing your time and money in a college education.
2. Getting a college education offers a variety of degrees which determine the amount of time and money you will spend. A technical degree can be obtained in as little as 6 months and for as low as a few thousand dollars. Going to a 4 year state university is going to cost an average of $40,000 or more in total expenses including tuition, books, living expenses, food, etc.
You can certainly control those costs by living at home. In Colorado, for example, living at home and attending Metro State University will save a college student close to $10,000 in total expenses versus attending the University Of Northern Colorado.
No matter how you do it you are going to spend time to get a degree. Many students enroll in college and change their major 1, 2, 3 times or more. This can add additional years in getting the degree for the major you do settle on. Another problem with attending colleges is that they require general education courses for things such as history, or math, for a music major as example. This adds to your cost while offering virtually no relevance to what you will do for a living.
Statistics have proven that the more education you receive the more you will earn. Getting a college education in a field that interests you has shown that people are healthier and happier as well. This leads to a longer career and an improved lifestyle with friends and family. You have to personally weigh the costs associated with a college education, with your own career goals and plans.

Accreditation for Colleges and Universities

When it comes to getting an education, there are so many choices and options. Sometimes this can be overwhelming. To help you narrow down your school choices, you should make sure that the college or university you wish to attend is accredited. Attending an accredited school ensures that your degree will be recognized by most employers and other institutions.
Accreditation is given to institutions that meet the standards that are set by a peer review board. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) board is compiled of faculty members from other colleges and universities. This board looks at the college's classes, their mission, services that are available to students, the quality of the education as well as the reputation of the faculty and staff, and the schools admission requirements. There are a couple different types of accreditation that this groups awards.
The two types of accreditation are institutional and programmatic. Institutional accreditation is granted after the board reviews the organization or school as a whole. It is granted by national and regional associations: Middle States, New England, North Central, Northwest, Southern, and Western. Each regional association works independent from the other, but recognized the accreditation status given by each association. Each association looks at the school's administration, financial stability, student learning, the effectiveness of the institution, internal and external relations, and admission and student services. If a school possesses all of the proper requirements and at the set standards of the association, they are then given institutional accreditation.
Programmatic accreditation is granted by specialized agencies. Each of these agencies is specialized in a specific topic or subject and grant accreditation to programs in that same subject or topic, or if a school only teaches that one topic, they can grant the school as well. These agencies are backed by the U.S. Secretary of Education or the CHEA, if a program is given accreditation by an agency that isn't backed by either of these, that it is not a real accreditation.
An organization that claims to accredited colleges, universities, or degree programs that isn't backed by the CHEA or the U.S. Secretary of Education, they are considered to be an Accreditation mill. Whenever they approve an institution, it has no legal standing and will not be recognized by other institutions, or employers. It is important not to get a degree from a college or program that received their accreditation through one of these fake agencies, if you do, chances are you will not be able to get a job after graduating, you will not be able to transfer schools with those credits, and if you plan to attend graduate school, your bachelor's degree will not be recognized.
It isn't hard to find a college or degree program that is accredited. CHEA offers public information regarding what schools are accredited. There are also many online colleges and programs that have been approved. Now it is easier than ever to get an education even if you have been out of school for a while. If you decide to go back to school and have a busy lifestyle, you can always get a degree from and accredited online college and earn your degree on your own time.

10 Reasons to Go to College

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.

FAFSA Mistakes to Avoid

As you begin getting ready for college, the financial aid process truly begins after the application and admissions process is finished. Most colleges will not even consider a financial aid offer without having a student and their family fill out the basic financial aid forms.
One of the most important forms that all colleges request is the FAFSA or Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This is also one of the most dreaded forms by most students, parents and families in general. There are many books, articles and websites that are dedicated to the sole purpose of helping you fill out the FAFSA. There are also plenty of local companies that will charge you a fee of $250 to $750 to help you fill out these forms and file them with your selected colleges.
But if you are reasonably intelligent (as I believe you are) and patient enough to read the directions, these forms are not only manageable, but can be filled out within a couple of hours time. First get all your information gathered as outlined on the FAFSA website, then sit down at your computer and get started.
Mistakes to Avoid:
First, make sure you actually file the form. Some families feel that they will not qualify, so they don't even file the form. Many colleges will not even consider you for private aid if you do bot file the FAFSA.
Next, especially for your student's freshman year, file early. Get your taxes done early or use the previous years return. Financial aid for freshman is based to a great extent on the information from the FAFSA. Many colleges follow a first come first served basis when they are handing out financial aid, private endowments and scholarships. So getting the first year in early can save you money.
Never let you child fill out the FAFSA form by themselves. Most of the information is foreign to them so they will either be asking lots of questions, guessing or ignoring information. You want the college to have current and accurate information to use for calculating your financial award.
Never leave an answer blank. If the answer is zero, use a 0, if it is not applicable, write n/a. Always place an answer to each question on the form so there can be no reason for your application to be delayed, flagged or returned as incomplete.
And the final mistake that many families make is to forget to sign their FAFSA. Either with pen and paper or electronically for both the student and parents. If you do not sign the form it will be returned as incomplete.
There are many other tips for reducing your adjusted gross income, reducing FAFSA included assets along with your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and making sure that you do not include assets that you legally do not need to disclose on the form.

Single Mother University Scholarship Federal Grant Information

Scholarship and federal grant money are readily available for a single mother desiring to attend university. The uncertainty of being able to afford the tuition fee is one of the main concerns many single parents fear when considering higher education.
The information a needed to determine if she qualifies for a university scholarship or grant to offset these costs can be found by searching online, visiting a library or inquiring at federal agencies. Finding grant money is easy.
However here are a few guidelines to keep in mind.

• Narrow your search by focusing on the single mother university scholarship federal grant that best suits you. For instance, if you plan to study at a local university, do not include out of state university scholarship programs.
• Do not assume that because the information about the scholarship does not spell out that it is a single mother university scholarship federal grant that you cannot apply. Apply for grants liberally.
• Ask questions about any scholarship orl grant that seems to meet your other criteria. For example, if it's for a nursing degree or engineering degree, these should be specified.
• Checkout grants for individuals under the nontraditional, reentry, or adult students program. Because of the many diverse circumstances in our society these grant programs are becoming more available at major universities.
• One of the most overlooked areas for advancing education is through online university degree programs. These may also be eligible for single mother university scholarship federal grants under newer programs.

You will also need to know how to apply for university scholarship federal grants. The way you write your application and the type of information you provide can make the difference between getting the financial aid you need and being denied. The most important advice here is to never omit pertinent information. Answer all the questions to the best of your ability. And don't be afraid to do research for inspiration. This little extra effort will give you the edge over other single moms and general scholarship applicants.
Many universities offer scholarship federal grant program. Both mature and young mothers can access some of the single mother federal grants, however many are specifically for older, more mature students in special circumstances. Don't allow this caveat to sway you. As a single mother you're probably qualified.
Begin with making a list of the universities you are interested in attending. You can gather significant amounts of scholarship information just by visiting websites all over the internet. If you cannot understand all the information on the website or you need clarification, pick up the phone and call the financial aid office. I have found this to be the greatest and quickest way to learn the language of university scholarship federal grant terms and get those in between questions answered. Even if the university itself does not offer single mother university scholarship federal grants they may well know where you can get help.

Online Pharmacy Degree - The Right Formula for Your Future

Getting an online pharmacy degree can put you in the ninth best job, according to Money and Salary Magazine. An expected 25% growth and demand for pharmacists is expected in the next 10 years. There are several distance learning, or online, pharmacy education programs available that you can take advantage of, regardless of your geographical location, or previous obligations.
A PharmD (Doctor of Pharmacy) degree is a 4-year professional degree. Prior to acceptance into a PharmD school, you are usually required to complete two years of pre-pharmacy classes. There are also transition programs that allow a pharmacist with an older BS in pharmacy to advance to a PharmD level.
The American Council on Pharmaceutical Education does the accreditation of colleges and universities that offer online pharmacy degree education programs. Make sure that the school you select carries this seal of approval.
The job market for a pharmacist is wide open. You can work in a clinical setting, pharmacy management, pharmaceutical sales, in a hospital or retail pharmacy, mail-in pharmacy or participate in research.
With a potential annual salary of $88,000, a career in pharmacy is definitely an area you should explore if you like science. You will need to complete your degree and internship, and then pass the state exam (NAPLEX) in order to obtain your license to practice as a pharmacist.
Family obligations or work related obligations do not need to prevent you from entering into this robust job market. Online college degree programs allow you to complete your course work at your own schedule in your own home. Internships can be arranged in your geographical location. There is no need to move across the country to obtain your degree.
An online college degree education website will provide you with the information you need to decide what school to attend. You can apply to the schools of your choice right at the online website. You can even find out about financial aid, and talk to a counselor if you need

Distance Doesn't Mean a Stop to Learning With Online Colleges

Not everyone who sets out on a path toward an online degree sticks with the program. About one in every two Americans who begin college distance learning or traditional college never finish it, according to the Lumina Foundation of Education. Now, some states are working to improve college graduation rates.
Through an alliance known as Complete College America, representatives from 17 states plan to work with colleges and universities to improve graduation rates, according to a March 2010 Associate Press report. As part of a separate initiative intended to boost college completion rates, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire and New Mexico plan to next year allow high school students to take college entry exams in the 10th grade. Students who pass the exams have the option to earn their diplomas immediately and move on to community college, while others would have a better idea early on of what's expected at the college level and be able to retest in their junior and senior years, The New York Times reported.
Maintaining alternative high school credentials or a full-time job, delaying college entry, having dependents and attending college part-time have been among the risk factors associated with not completing college, according to U.S. Department of Education info cited from the Pew Research Center. A student's single parent and financially independent status can also make a difference, the information suggests. African-American and Hispanic undergraduates at the time maintained more of these risk factors than white undergraduates did, the research center reported.
The percentage of minority college students, and Hispanic students particularly, has been increasing, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. A recent American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy report confirmed that fewer Hispanic students complete college than those of other racial and ethnic groups. Only 51 percent of Hispanics at the average college or university complete a bachelor's degree in six years as compared with 59 percent of white students at those same schools, the "Rising to the Challenge" report noted.
Likewise, enrollments in online college classes, which the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning says tend to appeal particularly to adults, also are rising. Online college enrollment for fall 2008 had increased by 17 percent over the previous year, with 4.6 million students - or one-quarter of all college students - taking at least one online college class, according to a Sloan Consortium study. One study dating back to 2000 found that online college drop out rates can extend beyond 40 percent at some institutions, according to a report from the United States Distance Learning Association. Students who choose the flexibility of online learning because they're too busy to enroll in classroom courses might find that it's difficult to keep up even with their studies, 2000 and 2010 reports respectively in the Chronicle of Higher Education and USA Today noted.
Rising to the Challenge recommends that colleges and universities focus on and commit to high levels of retention and completion; that they provide Hispanic students with better consumer information, including information about schools within their academic and financial reach and schools with successful Hispanic student track records; that schools improve financial aid counseling and that students are encouraged to attend more selective schools if they qualify. Rising to the Challenge also suggested tying university aid to school performance standards, including student graduation and labor-market success, rather than on enrollment.
It's becoming increasingly unusual for students, particularly working adults, to enroll at one institution and remain there for their entire college education, the American Council on Education has reported. Some 60 percent of bachelor's degree recipients attend more than one institution - in some instances taking classes at two different institutions simultaneously or moving among multiple institutions, with non-enrollment intervals in between, the council noted. Studies related to online college programs have shown a strong relationship between student self-motivation and academic persistence, according to the Distance Learning Association report. Studies and reports have also suggested that successful distance learning programs include those where instructors maintain some form of personal contact with students, let them know what's required of coursework, respond quickly to their questions and concerns, offer interaction through message boards and similar technology and provide flexible course formats that better enable them to schedule studies between work and family responsibilities.
Colleges, universities and non-profit organizations such as the Lumina Foundation and the National Association of System Heads have, like states, been making strides to improve college graduation rates. One university in Texas has long offered an online bachelor's degree program that it touts as a degree completion program and that reportedly provides as many as 59 hours of college credit for technical and experiential credit. A community college and a university in Arizona have more recently begun working together to point students toward coursework that's required for certain degrees, to guarantee these students university admission and to make them eligible for limits on annual tuition increases, according to a March report in the Sierra Vista Herald. A California college is working to add a personal touch to online classes by employing a program that allows professors to deliver lessons and messages to students with Webcam video recordings and to use the service, Skype, for live, video conversations with students, the USA Today article reported.

How a Distance Education College Can Change Your Life

One of the best things you can do if you want to study further and you have been out of school for a while is to register with a distance education college. This will give you the opportunity to complete the degree that you have always dreamed of, but that you have never been able to for various reasons.
You may or may not know this, but distance education has many faces, meaning that there are many form of distance education. There are also Distance Colleges that operate solely online, which means that you can enroll no matter where you live. You will also find that the college just around the corner from you will offer a distance learning program too. If you join a distance learning program, it means that you do not need to go in to any of the lectures if you do not want. This means that you have more time to do the other important things in your life.
With online colleges you can have all the resources and information online and study via the internet. Instead of receiving your books and notes in the mail, you will be able to download them or get them sent to you via an online file system. With the course materials you can get you will be able to study a lot of different things.
Distance education means that you will study from a distance. You do not need to come into classes or lecture which is the main benefit. You can study whenever you like and you can study as often as you like. If you already have a job somewhere, this kind of degree is perfect because you can study on weekends or at night, or whenever you like. You can even just study one hour a day if you want. Once you have your degree you can easily leave your current job for a better one using your new qualification.
One of the other great things about doing it all online is that you do not pay the normal monthly fees - it is all a lot cheaper to study away from the campus - if the school has one.
Distance learning was made so that people could further their careers and better their lives while they still attended to the important parts of their lives, which is looking after the family and making sure there is money to live from.
It is never too late to start, so you should think about joining a distance education college program if you want to get your degree and make your life better.

Online Education Tuition Fees Vs Traditional Education Tuition Fees

While online education is quite common these days, the fees are something you do not hear or find much of information about. In comparison, many people have a pretty good idea about how much a traditional college education costs. A number of factors may determine the tuition for traditional colleges. Some of these factors are whether the school is private or public, and the reputation and prestige of the school. The program and area of study and how much in demand it is are also aspects that may be indicators of tuition. Even if people do not have a general idea about the costs of obtaining an education through a traditional educational institution, there are plenty of resources available, so it is not really difficult to acquire information about tuition fees for traditional education. This is not the case for internet tuition fees, where there is plenty of general information about online programs, but information about online tuition is not quite as abundant.
The truth is, just as with the tuition fees of traditional educational programs, online tuition fees can vary. Generally, public schools cost much less than private schools, however, with when it comes to online education tuition fees, some public schools increase their tuition fees because of the convenience associated with obtaining an online education. Internet education tuition of programs that are in demand and popular may be higher than average. Online tuition varies by program and institution. However, there are other costs associated with education that one should consider. Online education does not require relocation to campus or even transportation costs associated with commuting, so one would save on accommodation costs and the costs of travelling back home. Another benefit of online education is that it allows you to work or hold a job while completing studies, as online education allows for more time flexibility. This is beneficial as even though online education tuition fees for a program might be close to the tuition for an equivalent program that is offered through traditional means, the income through the job can greatly ease the financial burden. When considering any type of education and the costs associated with it, it is important to note down all the costs besides the tuition fees, in order to get a good idea of the overall cost of the education. For some individuals an online education might be the better option, while for others, attending a traditional program might be the better option.

PharmD - Online Pharmacy Degree Educational Programs

If you are a pharmacist who has a bachelors in pharmacy degree and you want to advance your education and profession, an online PharmD program can help you accomplish your goal. Online programs are excellent choices for practicing pharmacists who need to complete the PharmD degree in order to stay competitive in your profession. You will be able to complete course work around your work obligations.
If you are not currently a pharmacist but are interested in becoming a pharmacist then an online PharmD program can help you accomplish the last 4 years of education you need to earn this degree. You will need to have two years of college classes in a pre-pharmacy track, before being accepted into a PharmD program.
An accredited (American Council on Pharmaceutical Education) online pharmacy program will provide you with the courses you need to complete the degree, to complete your internship and be ready to take the board exam (NAPLEX). Then you can obtain your license and start practicing.
The average annual salary for a PharmD prepared pharmacist is more than $78,000. the need for pharmacist is expected to be larger than the supply, so job opportunities are expected to be good. Pharmacists can work in hospitals, pharmacies or drug stores, pharmaceutical companies, the home health industry or for the government.
Course work for your degree can be completed online at your convenience, and internships can be arranged locally for you. You will have access to professor, classmates, library resources, and technology support. Take the time to visit an online college degree website and request information about the specific program you are interested in.

How to Prepare to Get A College Degree Online

If you are working and are planning to obtain a college diploma, it is best that you consider enrolling for an online college program. The benefit of getting your college education far outweighs the disadvantages. Imagine being able to study at the comfort of your home or job site. Aside from that you are able to study whenever you want to and wherever you want to. All the lessons as well as the study materials are provided online in the world wide web so there is no need for you to carry around heavy textbooks. However, online college schooling may sound pretty simple and easy but there are needed preparations that need to be taken care of if you want to be successful in your online studies. It is necessary for one to have time management skills along with self discipline to be able to accomplish a given task for a certain amount of time. People who have no self discipline, lack of willingness to study and those who would rather party all night or spend their free time doing other things rather than study would likely not succeed in online study programs.
Once you've decided to get into an online college program it is necessary that you know what course you want to pursue. There are so many students who end up switching to another course after spending 2 years in college simple because they are not anymore interested with the course they are presently taking up. Many online college courses do not honor credit transfer that is why being serious and being sure about the course you will be enrolling in is very much important. Once you have enrolled in a certain college degree program it is necessary that you see to it that are willing and interested to finish what you have started so as not to waste money and time.
The preparation for getting a college degree online is not just focused on effective time management but it also pertains to one's finances. Some online degrees may be a lot cheaper than taken in a conventional way. However, there are also certain college degrees online that are too expensive than taken in a traditional classroom-setting that is why you have to be emotionally, physically and financially ready to face the challenges ahead in taking online college degrees.
Another important thing that you need to do is to check the accreditation of the educational institution that you are planning to enroll in. Before you pay for your tuition fee be sure that the school you are enrolling in is actually accredited. Not only that but you also have to do your research in checking out the quality of education being offered by the institution.

Sixth Form Colleges - Information on Sixth Form Colleges in England, Wales and Scotland

Sixth form colleges were introduced in the 1960s, and run by each local education authority, in order to improve the standard of education post-16 in England. State sixth form colleges are now monitored by the Learning and Skills Council. A sixth form college is an education establishment for children generally aged 16-19 in the UK (school years 12-13 in England). The colleges prepare students for various qualifications, most commonly GCSEs and A Levels.
The colleges takes students after students finish their compulsory school attendance at year 11. Therefore attendance at a college sixth form is entirely non-compulsory. Students face three choices if they wish to continue studying after year 11 and GCSEs: either stay at their school if it has an attached sixth form college, transfer to a local sixth form college, or attend vocational education centres.
The vast majority of private schools will have a sixth form within the school, although this may be closed to entrants at year 12 except for a limited number of places. There are a number of specialist private sixth form colleges which fill the need for students to find top colleges in order to get good A Level exam grades and achieve a place at a top university. Year 12 is the first of two years of study. Students sit AS examinations in year 12, and A Level (A2) exams at the end of year 13 to complete their A Levels.
After final A Level results at the end of year 13, students can go on to university if they have been offered a place based on their A Level results, or look for other paths. The best sixth form colleges, particularly the top private colleges, produce strong to outstanding examination results in the A Level league tables. However, it has been argued that the excessive focus on examination results, as prompted by the excessive publishing of examination league tables, does not produce the correct behaviour and teaching principles at schools.
The education system operates slightly differently in Wales and Scotland compared to England. There are generally no sixth form colleges in Scotland. Instead, most students simply stay at school right through until the end of Advanced Higher examinations at the age of 18. Students then go on to do four year degrees in Scotland as standard, whereas degrees in England are generally three years.
In Wales, education is monitored by the Welsh Assembly. Rather than preparing students for A Levels like in England, sixth form colleges generally prepare students for the Welsh Baccalaureate and Key Skills qualifications.

Endowments and the Top Ten Most Funded Private Colleges in the US

In the course of choosing which college to attend, it is significant that students look closely at the diverse selection of both public and private colleges throughout the country. Various factors may be considered, whether it be a college's location, popularity, prominence or the kind of courses it offers. Financial considerations also play a big part in selecting a college. Attending either a public or private college will entail costs, usually higher than what most students can afford firsthand.
In this respect, looking into how colleges are operated from a financial standpoint and knowing which institutions are provided the most funding may help identify which college may be able to grant the most financial assistance or offer partial to full scholarships to those that will qualify. Larger amounts of funding usually translate to better facilities, building maintenance, research grants, personnel, and faculty - all intended as investments in achieving better quality education.
Funding for colleges come in the form of endowments such as financial grants, donations, tuition fees, and government subsidies. Both public and private colleges receive endowments. The following is a list of the top ten private colleges according to endowment market value and assets as reported by the National Association of College and University Business Officers (2009):
1. Harvard University - established in 1636 and situated in Cambridge, Harvard has the highest recorded amount of endowments, set at USD 36.5 billion. Its schools in business, law, medicine, education, and engineering are among the most highly regarded in the academe. To date, Harvard's student body has grown to 20,000 while over 2,000 comprise its faculty.
2. Yale University - with endowments of USD 22.9 billion, Yale is located in New Haven, Connecticut and is home to professional schools in public health, environmental studies, management, music, architecture, drama, management, law, and medicine. Its Graduate School of Arts and Sciences offers courses in arts, philosophy, engineering, and science.
3. Stanford University - founded in 1891, the student body at Stanford in California has grown to over 14,000 in 2008. Endowments of up to USD 17.2 billion provide for its graduate school of business, schools of education, engineering, earth sciences, humanities, law, and medicine. Continuing studies also form an integral part of Stanford's set of academic programs and caters to about 9,000 students to date.
4. Princeton University - claiming university status in 1896, Princeton dubs itself as a research university, with endowments pegged at USD 16.3 billion. Located in Princeton, New Jersey, the Princeton School of Engineering and Applied Science offers both undergraduate and graduate studies in the fields of chemical, mechanical and aerospace, civil and environmental, and financial engineering. Interdisciplinary programs also offer degrees in many fields including anthropology, comparative literature, philosophy, languages, and finance.
5. Massachusetts Institute of Technology - perhaps the most prominent technical college in the US, the MIT in Cambridge is associated with earning degrees in science and engineering, although the list of programs also include pursuits in anthropology, literature, media arts, history, linguistics, as well as music and theater arts. MIT endowments have reached USD 10 billion.

Some Helpful Information To Keep In Mind When Pursuing Scholarship Options

Congratulations! You just received notification that you have won a scholarship to help you pay for your education. More than likely you had to do a lot of research and fill out a lot of papers. Along with your notification of having won whatever amount of money they will be awarding you, the first thing you must be aware of is how your scholarship will be used and applied to your tuition.
Now besides an academic education, you will get a crash course in the school's policy and basic accounting. This does not mean that scholarships are not a blessing! However, schools want to make sure that the funds are used for your tuition.
There is a downside to receiving scholarships, depending upon the amount and/or if you will be receiving other financial aid which will cover your tuition completely. Whatever the case may be, the amount of money that you will receive will be considered as part of your assets, which of course will reduce your need for financial aid. In such an instance, the school will re-evaluate your financial picture and your aid package may suffer!
In order to clear up your confusion, you should talk with the financial aid officer on campus or if you have enrolled into an online program, contact student services via e-mail. Hopefully, you applied to scholarships that disperse funds regularly during the course of your degree plan. Don't forget you do not have to repay scholarships!
If at all possible, you should stay away from student loans since new and stricter consequences have been put into place for non repayment. The best thing to do is gather as much information about scholarships, grants and student loans as possible, and then come up with a good financial plan including future budget allowances.
For the returning student that has an established family, the need to find on-campus housing will not be an issue. This is a big reason that returning to school online is a great idea! However, for the student fresh out of high school, the experience of dorm living is a rite of passage and will need to be considered in the overall cost of getting a higher education.
It might seem that your scholarship has a lot of strings attached to it but don't forget there are other students out there needing and wanting funds for their education also. That is why both campus-based schools as well as online institutions of higher education require that you follow all of their policies; this includes maintaining your GPA at a certain level.

College Education

Online college education is an important mode of education offered through the Internet. Today, a large number of online colleges offer various online degrees in a wide range of disciplines. Internet is the greatest means of this education.
Online colleges are an ideal solution for those who are desirous of attaining higher learning without going to a traditional college. There are provisions for earning associates, bachelors, masters, or even doctoral degrees through online colleges. There are specialized courses too, which prepare you for a particular job. Any individual interested in joining a particular online program can easily enroll into any of the numerous online colleges. The registration is generally simple and can be done through the websites of the respective online college.
Online college education provides practical as well as career-oriented courses in a homely online environment. These courses are mostly utilized by working individuals and those in various professions. University of Phoenix is the largest accredited university in the United States. Some of the other topmost online universities and colleges are the Devry University, Virgina College, California National University and Kaplan University.
You have to choose an online college to suit your needs from among thousands of online colleges. Make a thorough study of the terms and conditions of the online college before making a final decision. There are many fraudulent websites and bogus colleges and universities, so it is better to check whether the university or college you selected has proper accreditation. The online college education, an outcome of the modern technological development, can take you to further heights and achieve your career goals.

Software As a Service (SaaS) in Higher Education: Achieving Operational and Financial Benefits

While higher education has made monumental strides in the way that programs are delivered and student data is managed, many colleges continue to be plagued by challenges when it comes to hardware and software.Challenges include expensive up-front costs, ongoing maintenance costs, IT complexity, minimal ability to adapt to changing opportunities, and little to no integration across the organization.
Plus, colleges have invested in hardware and software that might either go unused due to smaller than anticipated loads or be used only sporadically. On the other hand, they are not set up to support unexpected larger than anticipated loads, putting colleges between a rock and a hard place.
The solution to these aches and pains: Cloud Computing, and specifically, Software as a Service. Cloud Computing uses shared hardware resources, software, and data storage that provide information to devices on demand. The "Cloud" has created a virtual infrastructure that enables business applications as a service. Also known as Software as a Service (SaaS), these applications present tremendous upside potential for higher education.
What is SaaS?
SaaS is a software distribution model in which applications are hosted by a vendor or service provider and made available to customers over the Internet or in the "Cloud." These applications are licensed to customers for use in the "Cloud" as a service on demand, and customers pay only for what they use.
There is a significant difference between the hosting of traditional applications and true SaaS applications. The hosting of traditional software applications simply changes who manages the IT behind the delivery of the application. Hosting providers typically support more hardware and software versions and are not able to quickly increase capacity as user demand grows.
To take advantage of new data center technologies, the application must be truly architected for SaaS delivery. Hosting does not address the fundamental limitations of traditional enterprise applications or the old economic and high-cost model that is inherent.
Because SaaS delivers a single version of the software, vendors can quickly develop and roll out new functionality without worrying about supporting multiple "flavors" of their product. Vendors can produce and support their software at lower costs, which are then passed on to customers, creating greater value than traditional models.
What Does SaaS Mean for Colleges?
With SaaS,colleges don't incur the expense and hassle of purchasing, installing and storing their own hardware and software. Because the application is delivered to the enterprise as a service securely over the Internet, schools also don't have to maintain the application. Better yet, colleges are always automatically on the latest version, which reduces costly and disruptive upgrade projects. Higher education institutions also can realize staffing efficiencies because they can move the focus away from software maintenance and upkeep to instead focusing on strategic decisions to improve the overall college student experience.
The primary benefits of a SaaS model come in the form of both technology cost savings and greater efficiencies in the areas of hardware, software, maintenance and staffing. But it doesn't end there - SaaS drives numerous other operational and financial benefits as well.
SaaS can improve a college's institutional effectiveness and its student support because it delivers high availability, and enables a school to better manage growth and address new markets quickly and easily. Additionally, SaaS combined with open APIs presents an opportunity for colleges to integrate broadly with other important education and business applications, as well as easily integrate their own internally developed applications.
Adopting a comprehensive SaaS solution can not only save time, but colleges can also expect to see greater financial benefits. SaaS allows colleges to reduce their IT spend, redirect savings toward business improvements, and strengthen their financial viability. A SaaS solution often results in a quicker launch and simplifies on-going support, delivering faster time-to-value and increasing ROI. These lower costs and immediate impact ultimately drive bottom line improvements within the school.
Is Your College Ready for SaaS?
Because SaaS allows schools to support more students without adding staff or infrastructure, a number of colleges are choosing to go this route. As colleges weigh their options in transitioning to a SaaS model, they should think about the following questions:

• Do we have representation from all key departments across campus in the decision making process?
• What information are we currently storing on our servers that can be managed in a SaaS environment?
• When evaluating a SaaS vendor, how scalable is their model?
• What kind of uptime does the SaaS vendor deliver from a reliability standpoint?
• What is our implementation time line, and is all information backed up so that we can stay competitive during the transition process?

Adopting a SaaS model as the architectural standard across a college or university can not only help the school overcome hardware and software challenges, it can put them on the path to achieving greater operational and financial results.

The Adventure of a College Education

If you're heading off to college for the first time, or if you're considering going back, you may have some preconceived notions about college. How do you think of it? Does college sound like it will be drudgery, with exam after exam and research paper after research paper pushing you to the brink? Or do you think of college as one big party, time spent with friends partying until the wee hours of the morning followed by a hangover the next morning? If done right, college should really be neither of these two extremes. In fact, college should challenge you, and there should also be time to let your hair down. But the reality is that college done right is really meant to be a time of personal growth, intellectual challenge, and exciting social interactions.
The number one reason most people go to college is to be intellectually challenged. At least, that is what most college faculty are striving to do to help their students. The stereotypical late night coffee fueled study sessions are only one part of the equation. A good college professor will do more than teach you information. They'll teach you how to think. You should have opportunities to examine your view of the world and other ways to think about things. The best classes are the ones that challenged you in ways you'd never considered, like a psychology professor that teaches critical thinking or a math professor that teachers philosophy. The intellectual challenges you'll encounter during your college years will be like nothing you've faced to that point.
Personal growth is another one of the biggest advantage to going to college. While everyone had different expectations growing up, just think of the experiences you may be facing for the first time. Many students find themselves balancing a checkbook for the first time. Most are living with a non-family members for the first time. Then there are the responsibilities of day to day living that you may take for granted until you are responsible for all of them--doing laundry, taking care of meals, deciding how late to stay up and how early to get up. For many students, romantic relationships start becoming more serious. All of these new experiences add up to a tremendous amount of opportunities for personal growth.
One of the overlooked components of going to college is the opportunity for new social experiences. Despite the fact that we live in the so called "melting pot" in America, there are millions of us who grow up in a fairly insulated culture. You may or may not interact with those that are of a different race, religion, or socioeconomic background from your own. In college, this is very unlikely to continue. Most universities go out of their way to bring in students with different backgrounds in order to ensure diversity. Even if you attend a small college, you'll be surprised how a smaller school still attracts students from all walks of life, from all over the world. Your interactions with students different from yourself will be an enriching experience as you learn to see the world from the perspective of others.

A College Education Does Not Have To Cost An Arm And A Leg

Wouldn't it be great if we could all go out and get a college education for free? If there were no tuition fees or living expenses, a college education would be available to so many that would be appreciative of it and make a great contribution to society. Although we may have an influx of applicants for available jobs, at least there would be a fair competition.
It has been said that there is a job for everyone, but that doesn't mean that anyone should settle into a position because he or she feels like he or she cannot obtain the education necessary to go after the career he or she really wants. Perhaps people are unaware of the different resources available that can help them get the money they need for school, and that is why they do not enroll.
If college courses were one-hundred percent free, and you could walk into any college and sit down in a classroom, what would you choose? Perhaps you would follow your aspirations to become an artist since nobody can tell you that it is a waste of money. Careers would be passed out like postcards if there were no further requirements for college courses other than showing up.
Although I think everyone can agree that it would be wonderful if every college course was one-hundred percent free to everyone, there are alternatives that can come close. Some universities are instituting free courses by allowing you to watch webcams that stream live during lectures. This allows students to get a feel for how the courses will flow and give a 'try before you buy' approach so to speak.
If you were able to secure enough scholarships, your college education would be free. Although it would take a lot of time to research and apply for small scholarships to cover the cost, you can always get a full ride scholarship for academics or athletics. The benefit to these programs is that they usually provide an incentive to continue keeping your grade point average high.
There are many corporations that are offering tuition reimbursement to their employees. Programs like these will allow people to get a portion or the total of their tuition reimbursed through their companies as long as they make great grades. There can be a sliding scale for reimbursement based on final grades. Working for a company like this could greatly improve your chances of completing a higher education degree if you have the incentive of free courses.
Although student loans are not free, they do help you get the money you need for school. You should borrow money with caution, and keep in mind that all of the money you borrow will need to be repaid with interest after graduation. Some students allow themselves to think of loans as 'free money' and do not realize that their debt is adding up while they are in school.