A Slice of American Pie

Student Visa

“This is my first time, since my first time. ”
– Jim, from the movie ‘American Pie 2

In order to acquire an education in the United States, there are several necessary documents one must have.

One needs to acquire a student visa and a certificate of eligibility and to fill up several other forms aside from the applications one is to send out to prospective academic institutions.

Ok – try not to get overwhelmed.

Let’s take this one step at a time.

First a foremost, before one can be issued a student visa, there are several requirements one must obtain, forms one must fill up and submit.

(*taken from UnitedStatesVisas.gov)

1. A certificate of eligibility which you must get from your sponsoring educational institution in the U.S. If you are a regular student (an F visa) you’ll get Form I-20. If you are part of an approved exchange program (a J visa) you’ll get Form DS-1920.

* Further clarification will be made regarding student visas in an upcoming post.

2. Application Form DS-156

3. Form DS-158

4. Current, valid passport or travel document

5. Photograph. Requirements are strict for photograph size, type and quality. Please check with your nearest consulate for specifications before you get your picture taken.

6. Application fees. All applicants must pay the application fee. Some applicants, according to nationality and type of visa, must also pay an issuance fee.

7. Evidence of funds to cover expenses in the United States

8. Evidence of compelling social and economic ties abroad

For men between 16 and 45 years of age, a supplemental visa application Form DS-157 is also required.

Applications for student visas are sent through the US Embassy or Consulate in your country of origin.

An important thing to remember about applying for a student visa is to apply early – that is, one is allowed to apply 90 days in advance of the date of enrollment stated in one’s certificate of eligibility.

Still hungry?

Savor these starters, while I brew up the next post.

November 26, 2017November 27, 2017

Are SAT Prep Courses Worth It?

SAT Prep Courses

SAT importance has changed dramatically over the past few years. Many students strive to score as high as possible, because a high SAT score may translate into acceptance, and in some cases, scholarship money.

The basics of testing can be learnt quite easily; however the focus of this article is whether spending several thousand dollars for a prep course is ideal. At some private schools, more than half the students don’t think twice about spending thousands on a good coaching company.

Do you need a prep course? It depends on how you learn best, and what is your motive for taking up such a course. Most of the techniques in prep courses are already mentioned in prep books that are sold in bookstores for thirty dollars.

Top students seldom gain much from coaching. The effortless insight that marks the best standardized test-takers cannot be taught. On the other hand, a student who lacks motivation may not benefit from a SAT prep course either. For diligent students, the benefits from a prep course will vary. If you are the type who is well-organized and initiative, you’d probably do as well with self-coaching software and books.

If you are enthusiastic about a prep course, by all means, take up one. If you believe that a prep course will raise your score, chances are that it will. Other types of students who may benefit from a prep course include students who learn best with adult direction. They often need help in staying focused, so a prep course will be a good idea. It depends on how you learn.

Before you sign up for a test prep course, be sure you research thoroughly what exactly you will be taught. Meet the instructor firsthand. Don’t pay too much attention to guarantees; they are not reliable indicator of how effective a particular course is. It’s always a good idea to try to take up a prep course BEFORE the first time you take the SAT. That way you’ll avoid a sudden spike in your score – an event likely to raise suspicions in the admissions offices – which is the result of a cram course.

November 26, 2017November 27, 2017

Accelerated Bachelor’s Degrees

Accelerated bachelors degree programs are designed to accommodate busy adults who have not earned their bachelor’s degree. An accelerated bachelor’s degree course may last one to two years. Many colleges and universities are offering this option to working people who are too busy to attend regular classes.

The cost of an accelerated bachelor degree program can range from $15,000 to $25,000. You can browse the Internet for colleges or universities that offer this program in order to find out the specific fees, courses, subjects, duration, etc. You can e-mail or call these institutions for more information, or request a catalog through the mail.

Most programs entail compulsory attendance of classes and study groups periodically, which may be one night for each per week. Since attendance for classes and study groups is not optional, you’ll need to have a prescribed percentage of attendance, somewhere between 60%-70%, to be able to take your final tests.

Entrance requirements for an accelerated bachelor degree program may include proof of high school graduation or a GED (general educational development) certificate, a minimum of 60 college credits with a GPA (grade point average) of 2.0 or higher, and a minimum of two years of practical work experience.

Business administration, technology management and human relations are some of the most common courses offered by programs like this but there are a host of other courses too, including health care, education, social and behavioral science, and e-Commerce. So it’s best to do a little research while keeping in mind your interests, line of work and career before making any decisions.

November 26, 2017November 27, 2017

10 Reasons To Go To College

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.

November 26, 2017November 27, 2017

Difference between Online Education VS. Traditional Education

Online Education VS. Traditional Education

These days, the internet has grown into a veritable wealth of information for college seekers. Everything from applying for financial aid to taking a course can be accomplished online. Now, a student can even obtain online degrees from one of many schools offering online education as a viable alternative to a traditional classroom education. How different are these two methods of teaching, and do either prove better for the student? There’s an abundance of information regarding online education, and distance education is becoming increasingly popular for students everywhere.

First and foremost, there are some obvious benefits in obtaining online instant degrees. For example, juggling a job, school and a home can be very difficult as far as commuting to the classroom every day. With online education, you eliminate the need to attend classes, and instead access your coursework from an internet website. This presents an obvious benefit to the overworked college student because his commute is basically slashed in half. What’s more, many distance education programs allow students to complete the coursework any time during the day, while still adhering to overall deadlines. This allows for flexibility that a traditional classroom setting can ordinarily not provide.

However, is an online education truly comparable to the type of education a student would receive in an actual classroom? Many professionals in the field say yes, and certainly students seeking online degrees can confirm this response. Not only does online learning provide a stimulating environment for students, but it promotes even interaction among every student because everyone has a say in classroom discussions. What’s more, online education programs allow each student to learn with the methods that work best for them. Plus, many employers respect online degrees as much as a traditional college degree, so there’s really no difference in the amount of education or respect a student will receive when attending an online college.

While traditional colleges will never be eliminated, there’s definitely been an increase in the amount of students attending online colleges in recent years. Many people choose to follow the online education route for the diversity of material they can find, or because the teachers are more approachable via the internet than they would be in a classroom setting. Students definitely need discipline and self-motivation to succeed in obtaining online degrees, but there’s still the same level of help and support from teachers and students online that there would be in a classroom. What’s more, internet college students are learning skills that will be beneficial to them in the workforce and beyond because of the way technology is evolving today.

Online degrees are becoming an increasingly popular way to obtain a college education and many students are turning to online education because of the quality of material, convenience and the level of flexibility inherent in distance education programs. Because there’s no distinct differences between an online education and a traditional education, students are assured they are receiving the same kind of education that they would in a brick and mortar setting. There are definite benefits to online degree programs, and students with discipline and motivation can and will succeed greatly in online education programs.

November 26, 2017November 27, 2017

5 Ways to Fund Your Child’s College Education

College Fund

Did you know that the cost of a 4 year degree program is around $24,480 dollars per year. College Funding

The cost of a college education is probably the most expensive item in bringing up children today. When you take into account tuition fees, exam fees, living expenses, accommodation, books and computers it’s not surprising that the average cost of college education is over $24,480 per year and that’s before the social side of college life.

Today we live in a world where only the best educated and most prepared can succeed. The Job market is probably the most crucial and competitive element of our society and having a college education and degree goes a long way towards succeeding in it.

When our children are ready to enter the world of work it will be even more difficult and a college education will be essential to succeed. Here are 5 ways to fund your child’s college education.

1. The usual method of parental funding of college education is out of current income, that is out of your weekly or monthly salary.

Whilst this is the most common method of funding college education it is one that only the very rich or highly paid can afford to do with ease. Even if there are 2 salaries most families find it difficult and will require sacrifices, even more so if you have more than 1 child. At best most parents can only afford to contribute part of the costs of college education out of current income. Additional sources of income will be required.

2. Your child can work his or her way through college.

Many students have to work whilst studying but many find the experience of juggling a job, lectures and a social life very difficult. Often the result is that students drop out of college education, fail their exams or don’t do as well as they could.

3. Your child may have the opportunity to take out student loans to fund their college education.

Today the vast majority of students are forced to take out student loans to fund all or part of their college education. Usually to subsidize parental contributions, student loans are the most common way of students funding their own college education. Many students however, leave college with substantial debt and even with interest rates at historically low levels today’s students can expect to have to pay substantial monthly repayments for many years.

4. Your child may obtain a scholarship or be entitled to grants from either federal or local funds towards the cost of their college education.

There are many sources of student scholarships or grants and with a bit of research most students today can find some grant funding. These sources however cannot be guaranteed for the future. Whilst scholarships and grants do not have to be repaid and as such are preferable to loans they are not guaranteed or predictable and therefore relying on them for our children is a risk.

5. Take out an education savings plan to fund college education.

An education savings plan is a regular saving plan into which you and your children can contribute. The plans are administered by colleges or state authorities and can be taken out for any child including a newborn babies. Because of the effects of long term compound interest the earlier you take out your plan the easier it will be and the lower your contributions will be. Because the funds are built up prior to going to college students do not have to rely on scholarships, grants or loans and they can concentrate on their studies.

There are a number of options to fund your child’s college education but the only way funds can be guaranteed is by you taking out an education savings plan. With the education savings plan you decide what you can invest and your child can also contribute to his or her college education. With luck scholarships and grants will still be available as will loans to top up if necessary. If your child does not go to college the fund can be cashed in.

Taking out an education savings plan early will give your child the real opportunity of a college education and the best prospects for a job when they leave college.

November 26, 2017November 27, 2017

20 Secrets To Surviving In Your First Semester At University or College

College Freshman

Arriving at university or college will be daunting for everyone. For many it may mean living away from the parental home for the first time, which on it’s own may be daunting enough. You will most likely have a hundred questions and a hundred fears; what will it be like? Can I cope with the workload? Will I be able to fit in? It may help to know that everyone will be feeling similar, though some may hide it better than others.

Invariably the vast majority of freshers will be pleasantly surprised. The University or College will be populated by a broad variety of people, from many walks of life with a diverse range of outlooks and opinions. Look beyond the initial confines of your college, house or dorm, the establishment will have many more people who will share similar interests to yourself. Some of the tips we have received from other students:

1. Meet as many people as you can, introduce yourself, smile and be confident. Everyone is in the same boat whether he or she appears to be or not.

2. Be yourself. Real friends will want to know you for who you are, warts and all!

3. Keep your opinions about others to yourself until you know whom you can trust

4. Take your washing to the laundry. Don’t save it all up to take back home to mum at the hols. She really won’t want five minging black bags to see to.

5. Have a good time

6. Join a few societies at first week fairs. If you’re not sure it’s for you but are interested take note of an e-mail/ contact address to get more details later. Its sometimes hard to find the right contacts later, it’s a big place.

7. Phone home and let your family know you’re all right, (even if you don’t exactly feel it). They’re probably more worried than you are.

8. Everyone feels at least a little homesick at first, and worried or just on a down. Talk to new friends you feel you can trust, and maybe write/call friends at home.

9. You’re at Uni for a few years, make the most of it, it’s over before you know it. Then you’ll miss the freedom and long holidays.

10. Keep in touch with family and friends at home, e-mail is easiest.

11. Don’t hang round with one little group ignoring everyone else. You’ll miss out on the chance of making other good friends as well.

12. Seriously don’t be careless with your money – it is the little extras here and there that have a way of quickly draining your bank account!

13. Don’t let peer pressure turn you into a beer-monster; you don’t have to drink all the time. If friends have a problem with you ordering soft drinks when you want, they’re probably not the friends you need. Drinking soft drinks is easier on the pocket, not to mention healthier.

14. Beer sessions.. It’s a good idea to leave the beer until the weekend when you haven’t got to worry as much about getting it together the next day.

15. Don’t let everything get bottled up. Talk to somebody, family and friends or a student help line. Being away from home, especially for the first time can make you feel well lonely and lost. Talking about it usually puts everything into perspective.

16. Cooking. The curry house on the corner may do student specials. Take-away burgers may an easy option when you have a stack of work to do. But your money won’t see you through the term. It really will be like throwing it away. Try cooking. Get a few basics in, salt, pepper, gravy mix, (goes with everything). If you’re house sharing, perhaps chip in. Veg stews are pretty easy, gut-filling and cheap, especially if you go to the veg shop. You’ll find a good cookbook worth the investment too. Ask the bookshop for one for the catering students course! It’ll have everything step by step.

17. When you’re going out for the night. Take just as much as you need, or want to spend. It’s very easy to have a few more beers when you’ve already had a few.

18. Clubs and stuff, almost all charge a joining a fee or pay-as-you-go. They are excellent for meeting people, blowing off steam, getting invites, finding something to take your mind off your subjects for an hour or two. But they can have a scary impact on your pocket. Whilst you may want to try climbing, sky diving, hockey and archery, stick to a few you know you’ll like and will be able to keep up with. You won’t have time for all of them anyway.

19. Live your first year as best as you can, you’re only a fresher once.

20. The ”B” word .. When you have a fat student loan in your bank balance, the easiest thing to do is spend it, it’s just sitting there itching to be used. Don’t. (Or starve) There’s this word you’ll know very well by the time you leave University ”Budget”. Plan ahead so you don’t end up with too much debt. Sit down and work out what you’ve got coming in, what has to go out, rent etc. If there’s anything left over divide that by how many weeks until the next cheque clears. Then half that; you will need panic money some way down the line. Remember there’s always stuff you’ll need that you don’t put in the budget, stuff you just overlook – shampoo, photocopying, and toothpaste.

November 26, 2017November 27, 2017

3 Common Types Of College Scholarship Grants

College Scholarship

For there are several college students that need some help in order to continue their studies, there are college scholarship grants given to those who are in need or with special talent on a certain field.

There are 3 common types of scholarships grants awarded to college students and soon-to-be college students: athletic scholarship grant, academic scholarship grant, and departmental awards. Each has its criteria to consider before awarding the grant. Each also has a part…

Academic Scholarship Grant

This type of scholarship grant is awarded to students who achieve a qualified GPA or has achieved an exceptional academic performance before entering college. This grant is usually awarded to students who have received honors. It is sometimes awarded automatically upon entering college or university but most schools require application for academic scholarship grants.

Basically, the primary focus of schools giving academic scholarship is of course the academic aspect; however, some colleges and universities base the grant on either merit or need, or both.

Upon passing an academic scholarship grant, the student is required to maintain a ceiling grade. If not achieved after the end of the term, colleges and universities usually put the student on probationary status until the grades reached the prescribed level. If not achieved however, the academic scholarship grand may be terminated.

Athletic Scholarship Grant

If you are on the competitive edge, you get an athletic scholarship grant. However, this is highly sought after type of scholarship and there are many students applying for this.

An athlete of course wants to go through college for free using this type of scholarship. Some even dream to finish college as an athlete. And this dream is not far from the realizing. With good personal marketing and exceptional skill in any sport, you will be able to apply and be granted with this type of scholarship.

Departmental Awards

This type of scholarship grant aims to provide the student with the option to stay or take up his or her studies on a particular department. Usually, it is offered to exceptional students with desire to take other fields. The departmental awards are given so as not to keep the students in the department. Or, it is given to attract interested students to take study at a particular department.

You can inquire about this type of scholarship directly on the department of the school.

There are other college scholarship grants that are given to students but basically, these three are the ones given by the schools themselves.

October 26, 2017November 27, 2017

All Of Your College Questions Answered Here

College Questions

You will face a lot of issues when you are attending college. You will make choices that will affect your whole life, so choose wisely. Continue reading for some excellent advice that can assist you with this.

What do you need to bring to college? It’s better for you to be prepared prior to going to school instead of needing to give your parents a call to get help all the time. If the classes you’re attending are far away from your home, then this is definitely true.

Learn what you can about the career you want before you select your college. This will help you set the foundation for your college choice in the future. Check with the college’s admissions director in order to verify they have the courses that you need to take.

Along with your required course load, make sure you add some extracurricular activities. This will look good on your resume, and employers like to see a candidate with a variety of interests. The key is to take on only what you can handle without sacrificing your academic performance.

It’s important that you learn all you can about your professors whenever classes begin. Find their offices and get contact information. You must develop good relationships with your professors so that you will feel comfortable talking with them if you need help or an exception on a due date.

Ride the bus to campus. It might not take longer using the bus. You also save time from not having to search for somewhere on campus to park. You also won’t have to pay for gas or parking passes. It is also a way for you to “go green.”

You should keep an eye on carbs and sugar intake so you do not gain the dreaded freshman fifteen. Stay away from meals heavy on processed food and sugary snacks. Pick food that is made with whole grains and add plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables for the energy you need to stay active and healthy. Eschew high protein diets, because they do not provide sufficient balance and may prompt health issues to arise.

Make sure you choose your classes wisely and do not just pick easy subjects. Putting yourself to the test can be fulfilling indeed. You learn more from harder classes and you make more ambitious friends.

Your high school accomplishments won’t count much in college. College is nothing like high school. Even if you were a great athlete or a kid that got great grades, you probably won’t be around people who used to know you anyways. Make that effort to the extra mile that you didn’t have to travel in high school, because the expectations in college are a whole level above what you have previously experienced.

Hopefully, this article has helped you feel more confident in making your decisions. The more sound choices you make, the better the outcome will be. Use the tips you learned here and get on the right track towards graduating.

October 26, 2017November 27, 2017

College Can Be Easy With Our Help

College

College necessarily involves a lot of individual decisions. What you decide on will affect your college life, your career, and your future. This article should assist you in those choices.

Make a long list of all the needed or desired tools and supplies before preparing for any upcoming college course. Part of being college ready is the ability to handle your own problems, instead of expecting your parents to bail you out all the time. This is really true if home is far away.

Secure college funding sources, such as scholarships, loans and grants, ahead of time. When you work as hard on getting funding as you do your classes, you’ll end up borrowing less in the end. Make sure that all documentation and fees are submitted in the proper time frame.

Know as much as you can about the career you’d like to get into before even applying for college. You’ll be able to choose the right college for your end goal that way. Check with the college’s admissions director in order to verify they have the courses that you need to take.

Regardless of whether you are a male or a female, go to the gym as often as possible on campus. You can work out during the day, and meet other active students. You can broaden your social circle and find workout buddies.

Make sure you get adequate rest in college. Sleep is essential; even though, all night studying and partying may beckon you. All-nighters will eventually catch up to you and affect your ability to concentrate.

Pick classes that you like instead of ones that just seem easy. It is beneficial to challenge yourself. Difficult classes can challenge you and give you confidence when you discover that you can excel in them.

You should devote a set amount of time for studying every day. There are many distractions when you are in college, but your focus needs to be on learning. Regardless of how much homework you have, dedicate at least an hour a day to studying. Even if it’s not necessary on one day, stay with it. Starting a habit is the best way to maintain focus.

Always be aware of the phone number or extension needed to quickly contact campus security. You can call campus security if you need a ride home, if someone is bothering you or if you are hurt. You may never need to use this number, but it is important to know it just in case.

If you need employment as a student, talk to your college career office. Not only do career centers help place graduates, but they also help fill part-time jobs around campus and nearby areas.

Make sure you allow yourself breaks when studying. While you really have to study hard to do well in college, it’s also important to give yourself a break. Take a ten minute or longer break during each hour that you study. Create a schedule that you can stay with.

With the right knowledge and planning, your future is right on track. Life is all about making decisions, and the decisions you make towards getting an education can be among the most important. Use what you’ve read here to make great decisions down the road.

College Can Be Easy With Our Help