The benefits of taking two majors in college is simple. You're getting twice as much experience in two topics than one can offer. For instance, think of a combination that will work well together.
Business - Spanish for example. Business and any language also.
Employers are looking especially for workers who can interpret, communicate with Spanish speaking employees. This will help you get the job over someone who can't speak Spanish!
Another benefit is that you'll have twice as much opportunity in two fields than one person would have in one. Since business is now so involved don't you agree that business and computer science would be a very valuable combination of degrees under one's belt who is entering the job market?
Nov 29, 2007
How to Double Major Without Spending as Much Extra Cash
Getting a double major may be something you are both capable of and desire. Having two majors gives you a greater chance than those than with one to enter a job area in which both majors are relevant to the career.
But double majoring can be very expensive depending on where you go. Some schools have fees for students who take more than the set number of credit hours. Most common restrictions are no more than 18 or 21 credit hours. This means you can only take 6 to 7 courses unless you want to pay fees for every credit that goes over. You're probably thinking this is ridiculous, I do too. You're probably thinking there isn't any way around this except to pay extra or stay a few extra years. Well, time and money are two things I don't give up easily and you shouldn't either. So here's how you can get two majors without spending much extra money.
First, consider summer school at a community college that will transfer. Many colleges will let students go to community colleges for summer and have the courses they will be taking pre-setup for transferring. The cost of community college should be far below that of a regular college's fees in going above credit hours and in going to that same school for summer school.
Why does this help you if you want to double major? Because if you can earn 5-6 credits at a community college over the summer you do not need to go above the minimum in order to earn two majors. You can even complete the requirements in one early then go on to the next. This could even help in terms of your success as you will be able to switch focus after the requirements of one is met or being met while you are studying another.
Basically, this will help you spend as little cash as you need to.
But double majoring can be very expensive depending on where you go. Some schools have fees for students who take more than the set number of credit hours. Most common restrictions are no more than 18 or 21 credit hours. This means you can only take 6 to 7 courses unless you want to pay fees for every credit that goes over. You're probably thinking this is ridiculous, I do too. You're probably thinking there isn't any way around this except to pay extra or stay a few extra years. Well, time and money are two things I don't give up easily and you shouldn't either. So here's how you can get two majors without spending much extra money.
First, consider summer school at a community college that will transfer. Many colleges will let students go to community colleges for summer and have the courses they will be taking pre-setup for transferring. The cost of community college should be far below that of a regular college's fees in going above credit hours and in going to that same school for summer school.
Why does this help you if you want to double major? Because if you can earn 5-6 credits at a community college over the summer you do not need to go above the minimum in order to earn two majors. You can even complete the requirements in one early then go on to the next. This could even help in terms of your success as you will be able to switch focus after the requirements of one is met or being met while you are studying another.
Basically, this will help you spend as little cash as you need to.
Don't Take Spanish in College When You Can Take it in High School
Most colleges give you an aptitude test for Spanish, Math, and maybe English. These tests will tell you what level of course you should take. If you should take Spanish 3, then you automatically do not have to take the lower level Spanishes and you will be through with Spanish if you choose so after 3.
But if you do so choose to apply yourself in high school and take as many Spanish courses at the high levels that they offer. You can pass your aptitude test and succeed Spanish 3, thus being through Spanish all together. That's time and money saved.
The very same can be done with Math. Score out of the easy elementry courses and you do not have to take them. Don't fall into the category of students who do not take these tests serious and wind up reviewing high school courses, this only wastes time and money.
But if you do so choose to apply yourself in high school and take as many Spanish courses at the high levels that they offer. You can pass your aptitude test and succeed Spanish 3, thus being through Spanish all together. That's time and money saved.
The very same can be done with Math. Score out of the easy elementry courses and you do not have to take them. Don't fall into the category of students who do not take these tests serious and wind up reviewing high school courses, this only wastes time and money.
How to Pay for College When You Can't
A lot of people don't go to college because they believe they do not have the money for college. If you know you are capable student-wise but believe you are not capable money-wise then consider these things.
1) School part time.
2) Community college
3) Online school/degree
4) If you can live in a lesser state that you are currently in. (to cut costs to cover college)
5) Can family help?
6) What assets do you have that can pay for college? (Are you willing to give them up for an education?)
If you're unsure of whether you should take the leap in going to college and sacrificing the money to pay for it then consider this.
1) Is it worth the money to be making more money later.
2) Is it worth it to be better off with a degree then without one.
3) Would I get a better job?
4) Would I get a job I actually liked? A career?
1) School part time.
2) Community college
3) Online school/degree
4) If you can live in a lesser state that you are currently in. (to cut costs to cover college)
5) Can family help?
6) What assets do you have that can pay for college? (Are you willing to give them up for an education?)
If you're unsure of whether you should take the leap in going to college and sacrificing the money to pay for it then consider this.
1) Is it worth the money to be making more money later.
2) Is it worth it to be better off with a degree then without one.
3) Would I get a better job?
4) Would I get a job I actually liked? A career?
How to Win Scholarships Fast and Easy Method
First, most scholarships require some sort of community service reference. Most high schools require students to engage in a minimum amount of hours in community service. So don't be turned off to scholarships which requires a student to be active in his/her community because if you think hard enough there is something you have done to help out your community. Ask yourself if you've ever been in any charities, fund raisers etc. These count.
Second, most scholarships require essays. This is why most people never do scholarships. There is a very small percentage of people who do scholarships which require essays. If you do enough of these scholarship essays then eventually by process of elimination you have a great chance of receiving the scholarship or a 2nd, 3rd place scholarship.
Third, you'll need to know how to write these scholarships. Have a copy of what the essay of the scholarship is supposed to answer. More often or not they are looking for essays that offer the most substance, quality over quantity. But do meet page requirements if there are any. Think about the topic and answer insightfully. Use correct organization of a paper. Intro w/ Thesis followed by bodies and conclusions. Searching online is an easy method of finding correct structure of an essay and to help get you thinking about the topic.
Fourth, something to keep in mind is that some scholarship essays and/or requirements are very general and you may be able to modify your past scholarship essays etc to match another's requirements. This is the most fast and easy method to win scholarships.
Fifth, grants are one of the best ways to get money. I suggest you sign up with several sites. (Take a look at them and see if you can find out if they are worthwhile.) Try to find out what grants are available and what is required.
How else can I win scholarships?
If you are in your junior, senior year of high school it is not too late to participate in athletics. If you already participate then do not stop, scholarships in athletics are very valuable and full rides are offered to top players in all sports.
Achievements in high school. Your state may award based on SAT/ACT score and/or high school GPA.
Enrollment in various clubs may offer scholarships.
Basically, if you are applied in both high school and extra-curricular activities involved with education then you should be qualified for scholarships.
Second, most scholarships require essays. This is why most people never do scholarships. There is a very small percentage of people who do scholarships which require essays. If you do enough of these scholarship essays then eventually by process of elimination you have a great chance of receiving the scholarship or a 2nd, 3rd place scholarship.
Third, you'll need to know how to write these scholarships. Have a copy of what the essay of the scholarship is supposed to answer. More often or not they are looking for essays that offer the most substance, quality over quantity. But do meet page requirements if there are any. Think about the topic and answer insightfully. Use correct organization of a paper. Intro w/ Thesis followed by bodies and conclusions. Searching online is an easy method of finding correct structure of an essay and to help get you thinking about the topic.
Fourth, something to keep in mind is that some scholarship essays and/or requirements are very general and you may be able to modify your past scholarship essays etc to match another's requirements. This is the most fast and easy method to win scholarships.
Fifth, grants are one of the best ways to get money. I suggest you sign up with several sites. (Take a look at them and see if you can find out if they are worthwhile.) Try to find out what grants are available and what is required.
How else can I win scholarships?
If you are in your junior, senior year of high school it is not too late to participate in athletics. If you already participate then do not stop, scholarships in athletics are very valuable and full rides are offered to top players in all sports.
Achievements in high school. Your state may award based on SAT/ACT score and/or high school GPA.
Enrollment in various clubs may offer scholarships.
Basically, if you are applied in both high school and extra-curricular activities involved with education then you should be qualified for scholarships.
Nov 18, 2007
Tips and Advice for a Soon to be College Student
If you're in your later two years of high school then my advice for you is start preparing for your college career.
Here's a tip you can prepare for your college career by starting out with a piece of paper and pen. This can be done in class, while you're playing video games, etc. On that piece of paper list your dreams, passions and interests (try to be somewhat realistic). Ask yourself what they all have in common (Nature/Computers/Electronics/Engineering/Leadership/etc, etc. If you already know of some careers you're interested in put them on the list.
Right now while you're in high school you can be out job shadowing and even interning. Many high school senior projects are based on careers and require interning/job shadowing. Check out your high school counselor and politely ask what opportunities / contacts are available.
Also find out if your school offers a dual credit program with a career center. Career centers can be a great way to actually earn a small degree in the field that you are likely to pursue. It looks great to have experiences in your high school career to add to your college experiences on a resume.
If none of these options are available you can still research all of the topics you have written on your piece of paper and start searching schools that offer programs in your interests. Start reading about what the field's job types range from.
Basically, the advice is, while high schools flying by, take the time to invest and research into your own future and possibly get a jump start in return.
Here's a tip you can prepare for your college career by starting out with a piece of paper and pen. This can be done in class, while you're playing video games, etc. On that piece of paper list your dreams, passions and interests (try to be somewhat realistic). Ask yourself what they all have in common (Nature/Computers/Electronics/Engineering/Leadership/etc, etc. If you already know of some careers you're interested in put them on the list.
Right now while you're in high school you can be out job shadowing and even interning. Many high school senior projects are based on careers and require interning/job shadowing. Check out your high school counselor and politely ask what opportunities / contacts are available.
Also find out if your school offers a dual credit program with a career center. Career centers can be a great way to actually earn a small degree in the field that you are likely to pursue. It looks great to have experiences in your high school career to add to your college experiences on a resume.
If none of these options are available you can still research all of the topics you have written on your piece of paper and start searching schools that offer programs in your interests. Start reading about what the field's job types range from.
Basically, the advice is, while high schools flying by, take the time to invest and research into your own future and possibly get a jump start in return.
Nov 13, 2007
How to Be a Better College Student Fast and Easy
Attend class. If you want to be a better student when it comes to taking tests and how the professor sees you at the end of the course (depending on school) attend class more. It's very easy, a couple of my professors once told the class that if someone had perfect attendance that when it comes to final grade time the professor would bump that students grade up if it was close to the next letter grade. And you aren't missing anything by being there.
Take notes that are legible, understandable, and follow some sort of pattern. Make sure there is form to your notes. Understand what the main idea of today's lecture is and start sub-topicing. Pay attention to definitions. Pay especial attention to when your professor gives hints or says "this will be on your test / this is very important" etc.
Hit the notes! You don't have to hit the books to study. Look back over your notes. If you take the time, say about 15 minutes to cover what you have just learned then your brain has a better chance of retaining that information and solidifying it for when it comes to test time.
If your teacher lists what essay questions will / might be on the test then learn the responses. Your teacher probably gave you this list because he/she is looking for specific points to each of them. Learn what they are and be prepared.
Test yourself before the exam. Studying also involves checking that you know what you should know. Cover up the paper with another sheet and go down your notes. What don't you know? Start over from the top.
Use the time you do nothing for something! Bring your notes along and cover them when you know you'll be in a class with free time or when you have in between time.
Take notes that are legible, understandable, and follow some sort of pattern. Make sure there is form to your notes. Understand what the main idea of today's lecture is and start sub-topicing. Pay attention to definitions. Pay especial attention to when your professor gives hints or says "this will be on your test / this is very important" etc.
Hit the notes! You don't have to hit the books to study. Look back over your notes. If you take the time, say about 15 minutes to cover what you have just learned then your brain has a better chance of retaining that information and solidifying it for when it comes to test time.
If your teacher lists what essay questions will / might be on the test then learn the responses. Your teacher probably gave you this list because he/she is looking for specific points to each of them. Learn what they are and be prepared.
Test yourself before the exam. Studying also involves checking that you know what you should know. Cover up the paper with another sheet and go down your notes. What don't you know? Start over from the top.
Use the time you do nothing for something! Bring your notes along and cover them when you know you'll be in a class with free time or when you have in between time.
How to Make Vital Connections in College
Start off by making connections with your professors. They will help you when it comes time to submit resumes with contacts who cannot be related to you. Contacts basically vouch for what type of person you are and why you should be employed.
Work with your career service center within your college. Aside from helping prepare you for a job interview and writing your resume, they can also help you find employers. Employers often go to schools and ask the school to help with their search for employees, meaning they are wanting to hire from the college's graduates. These opportunities are often the most secure in locking in the job.
Internships is one of the biggest ways to make connections. You are building experience in what you want to do later in life and you are also meeting the people who do it. I suggest you do as many internships as you can. One a semester, every semester (might be a little much). But think about it, you will meet someone that you click with and could help as a reference in getting a job, possibly even underneath that person.
Work with your career service center within your college. Aside from helping prepare you for a job interview and writing your resume, they can also help you find employers. Employers often go to schools and ask the school to help with their search for employees, meaning they are wanting to hire from the college's graduates. These opportunities are often the most secure in locking in the job.
Internships is one of the biggest ways to make connections. You are building experience in what you want to do later in life and you are also meeting the people who do it. I suggest you do as many internships as you can. One a semester, every semester (might be a little much). But think about it, you will meet someone that you click with and could help as a reference in getting a job, possibly even underneath that person.
What to Do if College isn't Right for You or if You Don't Like it
Sometimes college isn't what everyone expected. I did not expect college to be so much like the high school I had gone to in the first 2 years.
Keep in mind that how you feel now may change within the semester or by next semester. You might just be having difficulty adjusting to college life, especially if you're living on campus.
If that's not the case then ask yourself a few questions:
What career do I want and does the college offer a degree in it which would help my chances in getting a job in it?
If the college is offering a degree in the specific career area you want then not sticking with college shouldn't be an option for you. You're going to want/need a degree when you aren't able to make it into the career without one. Ask yourself why you don't enjoy college and come up with some solutions. I didn't enjoy college in my first semester because I was taking 5 courses when I knew I should have taken 7 to get going faster.
Would I enjoy the experience at a different college?
Maybe the college you are going to is in the middle of no wheres and you can't find anyone you relate to. Start thinking about transferring and getting the paperwork set up before next semester. Maybe your friends went to a different college than you. Think about if it would make the difference to have some friends that you knew from high school. Most often teachers, parents, college recruiters will recommend you carve your own path and discourage you to go to the same college as your friends. Don't listen to them. Going into college with some friends can be great and it's not like you won't be making new friends while you're there.
Could I get started with my career in a 2 year degree school or community college?
What career are you going into? Local community and technical schools can launch you in a specific program that are more than often very helpful in getting you experience in that field. Community and tech schools can also get you ready for a 4 year university by offering courses that transfer into a 4 year program. You could even get started in high school with some dual credit programs. Awarding college credits and high school credits.
Do I have connections to get started in the field I want now?
If you already have relatives who are doing what you would like to do then ask yourself if you think they might be able to get the door open for you. More than often you will be starting with a relatively low position unless you have high connections. Consider this and going to school part time. You will be getting experience which would look good on a resume or would look good within the company that you are going to school.
Keep in mind that how you feel now may change within the semester or by next semester. You might just be having difficulty adjusting to college life, especially if you're living on campus.
If that's not the case then ask yourself a few questions:
What career do I want and does the college offer a degree in it which would help my chances in getting a job in it?
If the college is offering a degree in the specific career area you want then not sticking with college shouldn't be an option for you. You're going to want/need a degree when you aren't able to make it into the career without one. Ask yourself why you don't enjoy college and come up with some solutions. I didn't enjoy college in my first semester because I was taking 5 courses when I knew I should have taken 7 to get going faster.
Would I enjoy the experience at a different college?
Maybe the college you are going to is in the middle of no wheres and you can't find anyone you relate to. Start thinking about transferring and getting the paperwork set up before next semester. Maybe your friends went to a different college than you. Think about if it would make the difference to have some friends that you knew from high school. Most often teachers, parents, college recruiters will recommend you carve your own path and discourage you to go to the same college as your friends. Don't listen to them. Going into college with some friends can be great and it's not like you won't be making new friends while you're there.
Could I get started with my career in a 2 year degree school or community college?
What career are you going into? Local community and technical schools can launch you in a specific program that are more than often very helpful in getting you experience in that field. Community and tech schools can also get you ready for a 4 year university by offering courses that transfer into a 4 year program. You could even get started in high school with some dual credit programs. Awarding college credits and high school credits.
Do I have connections to get started in the field I want now?
If you already have relatives who are doing what you would like to do then ask yourself if you think they might be able to get the door open for you. More than often you will be starting with a relatively low position unless you have high connections. Consider this and going to school part time. You will be getting experience which would look good on a resume or would look good within the company that you are going to school.
Nov 11, 2007
What Not to Do in College
Do not fall into one group of friends. Meet new people and make new friends, don't get stuck with the first people you meet and not branch out.
Don't lose your mind on how you failed a test. Put your mind to use and do the extra credit and study time for the next test to bring that D up to a C.
Don't fret on social problems. Remember you can just pick up and meet some new people.
Don't argue with your professors in a non-academic way.
Don't loan money out to people you just met. And if you did, consider that loan a gift.
Don't let your parents know everything and don't not tell them anything.
Don't skip class, you won't know what happened, especially if you haven't made friends in that class.
Don't rely on yourself to learn the material, go to class.
Don't not study.
Don't let people convince you on what to do.
Don't lose your mind on how you failed a test. Put your mind to use and do the extra credit and study time for the next test to bring that D up to a C.
Don't fret on social problems. Remember you can just pick up and meet some new people.
Don't argue with your professors in a non-academic way.
Don't loan money out to people you just met. And if you did, consider that loan a gift.
Don't let your parents know everything and don't not tell them anything.
Don't skip class, you won't know what happened, especially if you haven't made friends in that class.
Don't rely on yourself to learn the material, go to class.
Don't not study.
Don't let people convince you on what to do.
How to Get to Know Your Professor Fast
One of the easiest ways to get to know your professor is to take notice of his or her interests that he/she may express during a lecture that could be related to whatever courses he/she is teaching. After class, before class, or even during class, let them know you're interested in whatever they're talking about. Make sure you're questions are relative to the course and try to come up with deep questions about the topics.
A professor will often reward a student for his/her interests with good favor. The main reason to get to know your professor is that when it comes time to find those 5 references which is a minimum on some resumes you can have the backing of a professor who really likes and remembers how he enjoyed your input.
Remember references may be called. It may also be required your reference submit a letter on your behalf to the institution you are applying to. It helps to have someone who remembers you and the good qualities you have.
A professor will often reward a student for his/her interests with good favor. The main reason to get to know your professor is that when it comes time to find those 5 references which is a minimum on some resumes you can have the backing of a professor who really likes and remembers how he enjoyed your input.
Remember references may be called. It may also be required your reference submit a letter on your behalf to the institution you are applying to. It helps to have someone who remembers you and the good qualities you have.
Why Where You Went Doesn't Always Matter
Where you go doesn't matter to all employers. For instance, on your resume. What does/will it contain? If you're smart, you will maintain a strong GPA. You will be a member of Groups/Clubs that are relative to your major and career objectives.
What are your achievements in school and in your community?
Basically, don't concern yourself with the prestige one college may hold over another. Remember that what you are doing and how well you are doing is more important than where you are going.
What are your achievements in school and in your community?
Basically, don't concern yourself with the prestige one college may hold over another. Remember that what you are doing and how well you are doing is more important than where you are going.
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