9 Essential Factors to Consider When Choosing a University

University education is the most significant investment people will make in their lifetime and the most important decision they’ll ever make. The wrong choice can lead to years of wasted time and money, while the right choice can set you on the path to a successful and fulfilling career. While many people choose a university based on its reputation or graduation rate, you should consider several other factors when making your decision:

1. Location

The location of a university can have a big impact on your experience. If you want to be in a big city, there are plenty of options. If you’re looking for a more rural setting, you’ll need to narrow your search. Consider whether you want to stay close to home or venture out into the world. There are pros and cons to both choices. Staying close to home can be more affordable and provide support from family and friends, but going away to university can also be an excellent opportunity to meet new people and experience new things.

2. Rankings

Rankings can give you an idea of the quality of an institution and how it compares to other universities. They can also help you to narrow down your choices. There are different ranking systems, such as the QS World Report rankings and the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. These rankings account for student satisfaction, graduation rates, and research output. However, university rankings from some platforms may not accurately reflect the institution’s quality. In some cases, they may be biased or based on outdated information. Additionally, rankings can change yearly, so it’s important to look at multiple years’ worth of data to get a more accurate picture of a school’s quality.

3. Courses Offered

The courses offered by a university should be your primary concern when making your decision. You will spend the next few years studying for a degree, so ensure the subjects you are interested in are available. Many universities offer a similar range of courses, but it is still worth doing your research to find out exactly what is on offer. Schools like American International College offer a wide range of academic programs, from engineering and computing to art and science. You are sure to find one that fits your needs. You may also consider whether the university offers any specialized courses that appeal to you. For instance, if you are interested in studying law, check whether the university has a law school. Once you have a list of potential universities, take the time to look at their individual course catalogs and find out what is on offer. 

4. Entrance Prerequisites

Every university has different entrance requirements. It’s important to ensure you meet the criteria for the school you’re interested in. For example, some schools require applicants to have a certain GPA or score on an entrance exam. Others may have specific course requirements that must be met. Be sure to check with the university to determine their entrance requirements. 

Remember meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Many schools receive more applications than they can accept. There’s no guarantee you’ll be admitted even if you meet the requirements, which is why it’s crucial to have a backup plan in case your first choice doesn’t work out.

5. Globalization

With the expansive growth of the internet, globalization has become more common than ever. Businesses are now international, people are more mobile, and knowledge sharing has never been easier. When choosing a university, it is crucial to consider the globalization of the institution. Does the university have students from all over the world? Are there opportunities to study abroad? Is the faculty internationally diverse? A university with a strong global focus can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in today’s economy. Global education will also prepare you to live and work in an increasingly diverse world

6. School Size

The size of a university can have a big impact on your experience. For example, large universities often have more resources and facilities than small schools. They also tend to have a more diverse student body. Additionally, large schools usually have a greater selection of courses and programs. However, large universities can also be overwhelming and impersonal. Smaller schools often have a more intimate and close-knit community feel. And because there are fewer students, you’ll likely get to know your classmates and professors better. 

7. Cost of Education

Universities can be very expensive, and you’ll need to ensure you can afford the tuition and fees. Additionally, remember that other costs are associated with attending university, such as housing, food, books, and transportation. Be sure to factor all of these costs into your decision. There are a few ways to offset the cost of university. You can apply for scholarships and financial aid. Many universities also offer payment plans so you can spread out the cost of tuition over time. Some employers will reimburse employees for their education expenses. If you’re already employed, check with your employer to see if they offer tuition assistance.

8. Accreditation

Accreditation is a process by which a school or program is evaluated against established standards to ensure quality. In the United States, accreditation is voluntary, but choosing a school accredited by a recognized accrediting body is important. Accreditation can guarantee that a university has met high standards for its curriculum, faculty, and facilities. It can also make it easier to transfer credits if you decide to change schools. 

9. Extracurricular Activities

One thing that makes the university so great is the opportunity to get involved in extracurricular activities. These activities can range from sports teams, to student organizations, to on-campus jobs. There are hundreds of different ways to get involved on campus, and it’s a great way to have fun. Additionally, extracurricular activities can help you build important skills that will benefit your future career. For example, joining the campus marketing club would be a great way to gain experience and build your resume if you’re interested in marketing. 

There are many factors to consider when choosing a university, but if you take the time to do your research and ask the right questions, you’ll be able to find the school that’s right for you.

IISTE News

, , , , ,

How to Help Your Child Prepare for the SATs

The SAT exam is one of the most important exams a student will take in preparation for college. With a solid SAT score and a robust academic and extracurricular background, your child could have the opportunity to attend almost any university they want.

Much of the responsibility is going to fall on your child. They’re the ones who will have to attend the exam, read the questions, and perform under pressure. But there’s a lot you can do as a parent to support your child in getting higher SAT scores – and help them prepare more effectively.

Get a Baseline Score

Before you do anything else, get a baseline score. You can take a practice test or an iteration of the SAT itself (though a practice test is recommended) to see how your child performs. This is important for several reasons.

First, you’ll get exposure to what the test is like and you’ll learn some of the strengths and weaknesses your child has; are they very familiar with math, while struggling with English? Do they feel confident about the level of knowledge they have, while struggling with performance under pressure?

Second, you’ll have a number you can focus on improving. If your child scores a 1000 on the first SAT exam they take, you can set 1200 or 1300 as a reasonable goal. From then on, you can continue taking practice exams to see how the score improves.

Enroll Your Child in a Prep Course (or Create One of Your Own)

Exam prep courses are excellent tools for teaching students all the knowledge they need to perform better on standardized tests. Consider enrolling your child in one of these preparation courses, so they have accessible materials and individuals to teach them all the fundamentals. If you don’t want to enroll your child in a formal prep course, you can create a preparation course of your own, pulling online studying materials and getting involved in both education and practice.

Help to Manage Timelines

The SAT is available seven times per year in the United States, which means you’ll have plenty of opportunities to sign up for the exam and plenty of time to study. However, most teenagers aren’t especially good at time management. It’s your responsibility as a parent to help your child manage timelines, making sure they study consistently in the weeks and months leading up to their target exam date.

Set Mini Goals and Milestones

As a parent, you can also help your child by setting smaller goals and milestones. Studying for the SAT can be daunting, especially if you’ve never taken a standardized test before. It’s much easier and much less stressful if you have smaller goals to focus on along the way.

For example:

  •       Reading and studying objectives. Instead of only striving for a specific score on the exam, focus on achieving reading and studying objectives. For example, can you challenge your child to study for one hour each day for a week?
  •       Practice exams. Set dates for practice exams and follow through on them. Can you set an attainable score goal for each of them?
  •       New areas of competency. You can also set goals and milestones for new areas of competency. For example, you can set the goal to learn a new skill or master a certain type of question.

Avoid Adding Too Much Pressure

As a parent who cares about your child’s future, it’s only natural to add some pressure to the situation. But it’s important not to go overboard. Adding too much pressure will add significant stress to your child’s life in an already stressful time.

Here’s how you can better support your child:

  •       Don’t focus too much on objective scores. The average total SAT score for the class of 2021 was 1088, with a 541 in ERW and a 538 in Math. A score of 1350 puts a student into the top 10 percent of test takers. A 1600 is a very rare perfect score. It’s totally fine to understand these scores and strive for a specific score, but it’s often more effective to focus only on improvement.
  •       Watch your child’s emotions and reactions. Pay attention to how your child is feeling and how they react to things. Watch for signs of stress and back off if they’re starting to feel overwhelmed.
  •       Take breaks. Take days off and spend some time doing things other than studying.
  •       Celebrate wins. When your child achieves a breakthrough, take the time to celebrate!

There’s no guarantee that your child is going to get a perfect score on the SAT exam just because you had an effective studying plan. But suffice it to say, students with supportive parents and consistent studying patterns tend to perform better than their counterparts.

IISTE News

, , , ,

A Must-Have Guide to Finance Tips for College Students

Whether a brand-new college student or about to be an alumni, finances are difficult, and they continue to haunt college students everywhere. From living on a ramen noodle diet to counting pennies to determine if you can afford to go to the movies, it happens to the best of us. 

While finances are often a burden and sometimes hard to understand or deal with, these finance tips can help you get off on the right foot while you are in college. 

Check them out!

  1. Make Yourself a Budget 

Okay, let’s just put it out there. Having a budget in mind and having a budget on paper are two DIFFERENT things. You definitely want to take some time and sit down to make a budget. As you do this, think about each dollar that comes in and each dollar that goes out. This will allow you to gain better control of your money and you will not find yourself short every month. Uncontrolled spending can quickly land you in a debt hole. 

  1. Avoid Plastic Cards 

Credit card offers can be quite tempting, especially as a college student but you want to avoid those plastic cards as much as you can. Credit cards do not mean that you get free money that is being stored somewhere for you and you will end up paying for them PLUS interest. Therefore, if you spend $500 on a credit card, add interest and you may be paying $630 for that $500 purchase. 

If you are trying to build your credit and want a credit card, choose one with a low interest rate, pay off your bill each month, and only use the card when you know you can pay it off when the statement drops. 

  1. Automatic Payments Can Mean Overdraft Fees 

If you are already on a tight budget, you may not want to sign up for automatic payment and instead utilize apps or reminders to help you pay your bills. While automatic payments are nice, they do come directly out of your account, so if you do not have enough funds in there, you will incur an overdraft charge and those charges are not cheap. 

  1. Consider Buying Your Own Food 

While the meal plan at school may seem like the right choice for you, it can be quite the expense, especially if you do not eat a lot of food. Sometimes, purchasing your own food is the better way to go, especially if you have a microwave or fridge in your dorm. 

Meal plans are ideal for some students, so you will need to look into the plan, the cost, and consider how much you will eat.

  1. Only Borrow What You Need

Seeing that loan offer come in and cause you to jump for join but remember, you must pay it back at some point. This means that you want to limit how much you actually borrow to receive your degree. The lower the degree costs, the less you will pay back. 

If you do need to borrow money to receive your degree, do not fear. Many students do. You should make sure to read over the loan terms, know the interest rates, and understand all aspects of the loan itself. 

  1. Get A Job 

While it does not sound like something you want to do, getting a job while in school such as a waiter, working a local storage unit facility or even participating in a work study program at your school can help you not only pay for school but also afford to live while you earn your degree. It is something to think about. 

College is expensive. Living away from home is expensive. Consider the tips above to help you gain better control of your finances while you are away at college.

IISTE News

, , , ,

Forrest Walker Conner: Choosing the Right College Major

Everyone finds their purpose in different ways and at different times in their lives. Some instinctively know what they are called to do at a young age and plan their whole academic career around that. Others test out various things to discover their passion and talents.

Picking your college major is a big decision, and, frankly, some heading to college aren’t certain of which direction to go. Nashville rising businessman Forrest Walker Conner said it was a trip in the summer after his eighth-grade year at Montgomery Bell Academy that set him on his path. 

A Program That Changed His Life

That was the summer Forrest Walker Conner studied Lithuania and the Baltic countries during World War II. The fortitude of these smaller countries to remain free impressed Forrest Walker Conner and prompted him to participate in any exchange program available. 

His family hosted German and Lithuanian students, and Walker traveled to Australia to study in between his junior and senior years in high school. After high school, Forrest Walker’s travels and experiences led him to enroll in University of the South, Sewanee.

Picking a Major in College

A rising junior, Forrest Conner is majoring in economics and minoring in business. Forrest Walker is also a paid intern in Washington, D.C., while participating in an economic and public policy program called the Fund for American Studies.

He said the toughest decision of his college career was picking a major. 

“I know it doesn’t sound like that crucial of a choice,” Forrest Walker Conner said, “however, understanding that it will affect my life further down the road definitely adds more pressure to the decision.”

Learning from Experiences

Forrest Walker said he enjoys new places, people, and experiences, which led to many opportunities. He pays attention to relationships and listens to mentors. He said he tries to learn from every experience. All of that has helped him come to decisions about his major. 

Those who are having trouble deciding which major is the right one can do some of the things Forrest Conner did to help you decide. 

Forrest Walker Conner participated in extracurricular study programs, like the one in the Baltic States, which piqued his interest in foreign countries, the economy, and freedom.

He also started seeking out foreign exchange programs to learn more about the world, which ultimately led him to the nation’s capital. Learning about different topics can put you in a direction that you wouldn’t have expected. 

Expand Social Circles

Forrest Walker Conner also expanded his circle of relationships. That can be beneficial in multiple ways because, as he stated, it opens up opportunities. More opportunities mean you could find something you really enjoy that you hadn’t pursued before. 

Most of all, he listened to those he respected. Forrest Walker Conner said that included family, friends, teachers, those at church.

Forrest Walker said he knows he still has much to learn and is eager to continue learning both in the classroom and in life. 

Find Your Interests

Those who are having a challenging time deciding what interests them should take an interest inventory test. This is offered through guidance counselors’ offices, and some are even online. 

Answering simple and fun questions can clue you in on parts of personality you haven’t thought about before. After calculating your answers, the inventory test will list several possible jobs that you may have the skills and interest in pursuing. 

It doesn’t hurt to do some part-time or temporary work or even volunteer in different industries to see if you’re a fit for that job. You can earn some money, gain some skills, meet new people who can help you advance your career, and find out if you truly like a job before you pursue it as a career.

That is what Forrest Walker Conner is doing in participating in a paid internship. He said he is learning that public policy and business often work together, and the experience is teaching him how government policies affect the economy and business environments.

Take on Challenges

He advises young people to try as many new things as possible, even if it appears to be challenging.

Forrest Walker said trying new things may seem intimidating, but they can be some of the best experiences of your life.

He said the more you challenge yourself, the less scary things become. Then you can face the next challenge with confidence. 

“Then before you know it, there isn’t much that will intimidate you anymore,” Forrest Walker said.

Picking a college major doesn’t have to happen the moment you hit the college doors.

You can take some basic courses while you think about it. Just don’t put it off. Search different avenues and make the most of every opportunity so you can move ahead when you figure out which major you want to pursue.

IISTE News

, , ,

University Applicants Moving Away From Art and Design Due to Pandemic

Universities throughout the nation are facing a crisis. Hopefully, that crisis begins to fix itself as the pandemic is handled, but things are changing.

The nation is full of young people who want to earn degrees where the jobs are secure, which is leaving some degrees behind like

 Schools that have departments that focus on that are seeing a dramatic drop in enrollments and general interest.

COVID-19 has changed young people’s minds, and college administrators want to help these folks navigate this new direction.

Why is the Art and Design Sector Suffering?

The pandemic has shut down many businesses. People had to isolate themselves from the world and concentrate on the bare necessities and nothing more.

When folks focus on the necessities, people start to see what jobs are truly essential and which ones aren’t. The pandemic made it clear that even grocery store workers and truckers were essential for society.

Regrettably, art and design did not make the cut. No one seems to care about art right now, nor do they care about design. These types of jobs might have looked secure before the pandemic, but now people are seeing that may not be the case.

Students want to feel like they’re investing in careers that’ll last. They want something that’ll support their lifestyles, which is why many are pivoting away from these types of degrees.

Running Towards Security

Students are running towards financial security, and that means medicine, law, and MBAs. Medicine in particular is likely to see a large pool of applicants. The pandemic has helped folks redefine what careers matter. This goes beyond careers that offer financial security.

Folks are also paying attention to the types of jobs that one could look for. Everyone knows doctors and nurses have stepped up during the pandemic. People have fallen in love with these types of careers because they know these folks put their lives on the line.

On top of being able to live a life of dignity, people love to know their job positively contributes to society. This is one reason why the hunger for careers in medicine is going to grow. The problem is it might grow so much that space is going to become limited. This means it’s going to be harder for applicants to get noticed.

Administrators are anticipating the problem by creating roadmaps for applicants that should help them improve their chances. One of the most interesting additions to these road maps is a focus on personal brand.

Yes, administrators think it’s important for applicants to invest in brand identity design to improve their chances. Brand identity has always been a good thing in the business world. Folks would use it to improve their chances of getting noticed by the right employers, but it seems like the same tactic has to be used for university applications.

Careers in law have also seen new interest because they seem like reliable careers to choose from. Applicants are going to have to compete because the list of applicants will likely be pretty big, so they have to pay attention to things like their LSAT score along with their GPA. This is on top of everything else like the personal brand design just mentioned.

Folks who are looking to get into law value it because the law has been pretty important during the pandemic, too. It’s lawyers who are going to help protect workers from some of the issues they’re facing. It’s lawyers who have been helping to fight systemic issues that were only highlighted during the pandemic.

Some students are seeking an MBA right now, and they’re doing so by making sure their GPA and GMAT scores are great. While businesses may be closing right now, the pandemic has also given rise to new businesses.

Students who care about business and can spot opportunities are hungry to get started. When the pandemic is finally handled, a lot of people are going to want to go back out and start spending money. Business-minded people know this and want to capitalize on it. The best way to do that is to get their degrees now so that they’re prepared once the opportunity finally presents itself.

Things have been turned upside down because of the pandemic including education. Some of the trends like the ones mentioned here are easy enough to see, but there are bound to be others that might take some time to take hold. Hopefully, some of this helps students think about the future and what they want to do with their lives.

IISTE News

, , , , ,

Top 10 Colleges for Foreign Language Learning

While most people will think about King’s College in London or Harvard for learning a foreign language, it is not always the best choice because some other colleges and universities are better adapted in terms of educational tools. It means that various foreign language learning practices are adjusted to any person wishing to master a foreign language without being overly complex or demanding. 

Top 10 Colleges for Foreign Language Learning Courses

  1. Princeton University. It combines the social aspects of learning a foreign language with innovative technologies and digital solutions. Starting from Generation Y’s teaching approach to the preparation of technical writers, everything is based on care and attention to detail. It has a great community and team projects that are quite helpful for those who prefer learning through social interaction. 
  2. Columbia University. It is not only an excellent place to learn a foreign language but also an opportunity to secure your future employment. Start by checking various language curriculum offers and then read about top translation companies to determine what will fit your professional plans. Columbia University offers anything from African Studies to such languages as Catalan, Serbian, Welsh, and Icelandic. 
  3. Yale University. It needs no introduction and remains a prestigious institution to focus on the research aspect of learning a foreign language. They offer Directed Independent Language Study, which aims to provide languages that are not traditionally taught at colleges. Letting students direct their curriculum, it’s one of the most flexible foreign language learning methods. 
  4. Duke University. If you seek additional flexibility and want to try various ways of learning a foreign language, it is your safest bet. It would be helpful if you would like to get employment as a freelance translator by polishing your existing skills. You can check language translation services at TheWordPoint to see what certifications are most helpful and proceed from there. This university has a high acceptance rate. 
  5. Dartmouth College. If you want to combine great outdoor activities, online learning, and great academics by learning a language, Dartmouth College has it all. It offers multimedia learning programs and community projects. Their student support is top-notch! 
  6. Indiana University Bloomington. As one of America’s leading research facilities, it offers outstanding language certifications as you graduate. It also offers great employment options for such specialists. You can check professional document translation services to see how your salary will differ with a certificate. It also focuses on rare languages and dialects. 
  7. The University of Notre Dame. It has caring lecturers and an individual approach to every student. If you are still hesitant about learning a foreign language, try them. They have great emotional help service for students who cannot overcome linguistic barriers or start with one’s college studies. 
  8. Wellesley College. An elite college that offers assistance for female students that want to achieve academic success. Their language learning courses focus on Nursing, Political Science, and Journalism. They have an extensive internship network, which is something to consider. 
  9. Rice University Houston. The best choice for technical translators. If you want to combine your major with learning a foreign language, look no further. They offer improved language learning curriculums that focus on your original employment field. 
  10. Tufts University (Somerville). A great choice for students with a Christian background. Their Linguistic Department offers social sciences and cultural aspects. Even if you study Architecture and Biology, they will help you to learn specific terms related to every field. 

What if I Have No Skills?

It only depends on how you learn because there are no people who would be totally unable to learn a foreign language! All college entries in my list are aimed at innovative and flexible teaching methods that are unlike basic school language learning. The best way is to combine your major and future employment with specific language terms. Your initial subject confidence will help you to achieve success. 

BIO 

Henry is a true linguistic aficionado who seeks practical solutions when learning a foreign language. His posts offer innovative ideas that are worth trying as you want to start or continue your education. Follow Henry to learn something new and get inspired! 

IISTE News

, , , ,