The final date for application changes from year to year and is generally somewhere near the beginning of summer. Earlier is much better than later as far too many students wait until closer to deadline in order to fill out their forms and if you have any questions you are likely to find yourself standing in or calling into longer lines for your answers.
There are a few things you need to know about the FAFSA. Most schools require this form to have been filled out before they will award any financial aid, not just federal financial aid. In other words you should check with your school but you may need to fill out this form even if you are only applying for departmental scholarships and not federal financial aid. It is a good idea to begin at the financial aid office of the institution you plan to attend at any rate to make sure they do not have additional forms that they require you fill out in order to apply with financial aid through the university or college as well as the federal government.
Another thing you need to be well aware of is that you will need to fill out one of these forms for each year that you hope to receive financial aid of any kind. This is not something that is automatically renewed or guaranteed. There are many changes that could affect the amount of money you are eligible to receive as well as whether or not you are eligible to receive federal funds at all on any given academic year. For this reason you must apply for aid for each year that you attend.
Another thing that you must remember is that while a subsidized student loan doesn't been to accrue interest until you graduate or cease to be enrolled for the required hours, an unsubsidized student loan begin accruing interest from day one. This means that you will owe a substantial amount of money in interest upon graduation if you take out an unsubsidized student loan in order to pay for educational expenses.
Student loans make college educations possible for many people who would not otherwise have the opportunity to attend college. At the same time there are many people, who neglect to use these loans responsibly, which is the beginning of irresponsible spending habits that can plague people for the remainder of their lives. Take great caution that you use your student loans for their intended purpose and use them wisely.
The FAFSA also enables you to apply for Federal Pell Grants and Federal Work Study programs in addition to student loans. Of the three mentioned above, student loans should be a last resort rather than a first. The amount of money available can prove to be quite tempting so be very careful and read all the terms before signing up for any and all financial aid. Your high school, college financial aid office, and the Internet are all excellent sources for information on scholarships, grants, loans, and work study programs for which you may qualify.
Community colleges have an undeserved reputation for inferiority when this could not be further from the truth. A good many of the nations nurses are products of community college educations. In many states, the associates degree nursing programs are quite rigorous and provide more clinical experience than most bachelor's degree nursing programs. This means that students graduating nursing school with an associates degree in nursing are often better prepared to deal with patient care than those who have the 'superior degree'. This by no means is meant to disparage B. S. Nursing students at all. In fact, most hospitals will not even consider you a candidate for an administrative nursing position unless you have the Bachelor's degree. This is only meant to point out that associates degree programs can be quite competitive and inclusive despite common misconceptions.
Of course there are other benefits to learning on the community college level, at least for the first two years of your education. One of those benefits that speaks volumes to me is the fact that teachers in community colleges are dedicated to teaching. They are not working on their own research or books. They are there for the purpose of helping you achieve your goals, which means you aren't an interruption in their pursuit of their own goals.
Community colleges also offer an excellent buffer for students who may not have been on top of their game academically in high school or those who are returning to college after a long absence from academia. You won't find the large auditorium classes on the community college level that major universities are famous for offering. You also won't find that teachers do not have time for their students. There is a lower teacher to student ratio in community colleges so that professors will have time to address the needs of students.
Another benefit is that even if you do not go on to get your four year degree after completing your community college education you will find that your earning potential is significantly improved over those who do not have at least a two-year college education. Research also indicates that students who complete a two-year degree program at a community college are more likely to finish and get a four-year degree than those students who begin their educational experience at a four-year university.
There are a few problems that can be associated with a community college education and you should take note of these so that they do not become a problem for you. First of all, some universities do not accept many of the courses that are offered on the community college level as transfer credits. Make sure that you know what courses are required for the university that you are planning to transfer to in order to avoid this. You also may find that you are limited on the courses you can take and the times in which they will be available. Make sure that you have all the limited courses well ahead of time so that you aren't taking another year of classes in order to graduate.
All in all, a community college education can be just as enlightening as a university education if you enter into the process with an open mind and a willingness to learn. I hope you take advantage of this much less expensive option before moving on to university courses if possible.
Should you take an online college course? In the past decade, distance learning has taken the Internet and college campuses by storm, as more and more students opt to take courses or complete degrees online. It's a new way of thinking about higher education. "Lectures," assignments, discussions, exams, multimedia presentations, and often even the readings are available online, and there is little to no face-to-face interaction with the instructor.
E-learning works great for some students, but no so great for others. Would you do well in an online learning environment? Here are some advantages and disadvantages for you to consider.
Advantages of online college courses:
1. Time flexibility. If you are in need of a flexible schedule, online courses can be ideal. There are few or no set times that you have to be on your computer, so you can work the class around your schedule, instead of having to work your schedule around the class. This is great for people in the working world who want to fit college into their lives, and great for traditionally aged college who work long hours to pay their way through school. It's also helpful for parents, especially those with small children. Also, if you're someone who has trouble getting up for morning classes, the time flexibility may be a big help.
2. Geographic flexibility. Now you no longer have to be in any particular location to take a class. Online courses do not require a commute, which can save time and gas money. If you live in a more remote area, or simply don't live near a school that offers a course or degree you want, this is a great opportunity.
3. Students don't have to take notes. Is your attention span weak? Is it difficult for you to take notes during lecture? With an online course, the "lecture" is written out. If you zone out for a few minutes, you can page back.
4. Classes are technologically advanced. The instructor can easily program multimedia learning aids into the courses, including links to relevant websites.
5. No dress code. Come to class in your pajamas, or hey, come to class naked (assuming the class doesn't include a Web Cam).
6. Shy students may feel more comfortable. Some students hate to participate in live class discussions. For many students, the online environment can be less intimidating.
7. An expansion of course options. If you're a student at a college that doesn't offer something you want to take, now you just have to do some Internet research to find a suitable course. Also, if you want register for a traditional class that is hard to get into, an online course might be a good alternative.
Disadvantages of online college courses:
1. Discipline and time management skills are mandatory. With few time constraints other than deadlines, online course students are fully responsible for sticking to their own schedule. If you are someone who procrastinates too much and has trouble managing your time, an online course may be a disaster for you.
2. Lack of direct interaction with the instructor. Some students prefer this, or don't find it to be a problem. But many students thrive from face-to-face interaction and attention from professors and may not do well without that interaction.
3. Isolation from fellow students. Some students love to sit in their jammies and chat with their classmates online and don't miss the classroom setting at all. Others find this environment to be very lonely. Ideally, classroom settings can become welcoming communities, and it's harder (although not impossible) to replicate that online. If you've been a member of online communities and enjoy this type of interaction, an online course might be for you. If this sounds unpleasant, though, you might be better off in a traditional classroom.
4. Credits may be difficult to transfer. If you are planning to transfer your online course into an existing or future program of study, be very careful. Before taking the class, contact your school and get a definite answer about whether this class will transfer. Research online courses and degrees carefully! Make sure the course is from an accredited institution.
5. Access to and knowledge of technology is required. You don't have to have a computer science background to take these classes, but you do need to be computer literate and comfortable with technology. You also need reliable access to a decent computer system and probably a high speed connection. (Contact the instructor ahead of time to find out exactly what you need.) If computers aren't your thing, maybe the traditional classroom would suit you better.
Origional source http://collegeuniversity.suite101 dot com/article.cfm/online_college_courses
The first thing to keep in mind is that you need to choose an accredited school. If you get your degree or take classes from a diploma mill, or unaccredited college, then you are wasting your time and your money. So always make sure that the colleges you are looking at are legitimate.
When you first start looking at online college courses, you will generally find two types those that lead to a degree and those that do not. If your ultimate goal is to get a degree, then spend the time to develop a degree plan that will get you there as quickly as possible. However, if you dont know what degree you want to get or if you are just interested in taking classes for your personal knowledge and satisfaction, then take whatever you would like.
There is a wide variety of online educational institutions that offer everything from certificate programs to doctorate degrees and everything in between. So no matter what your current level of education is, you can find a certificate or degree program that is made just for you. Even if you dont know what major you are interested in or what you will eventually do with your degree, there is no doubting the fact that having a degree is a valuable and permanent financial investment in your future and the security of your family
frome : http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/How-To-Choose-The-Right-Online-College-Courses/1685182#.UnFS2FMaudY
The common learning environments for college level studies are the following: community colleges, universities, and online or distance learning opportunities. Community colleges tend to offer smaller classrooms with more discussion-oriented styles of learning and discourse. Universities tend to be more lecture oriented while distance and online learning opportunities are quite often self-directed learning opportunities that require a great deal of discipline in order to be successful.
When trying to identify the college that will work best for you, you should keep in mind your personal learning style. Beyond that you should also consider the type of environment you expect from your college education and the amount of time you wish to devote to the pursuit of your education and degree. Some people find that university life is far too distracting while others find that the solitude of online and distance learning is a distraction in and of itself.
You will find all kinds of cultural opportunities at a university that you will not find through home studies or on the community college level. For some students, these opportunities are icing on the cake and an important part of the learning experience as you delve into other cultures, art, music, and history. Others find these opportunities to be far too plentiful and far too distracting for their study needs. Whichever student you tend to be will make a huge difference in the best situation for your learning needs.
Another important consideration is housing. Most universities have ample on campus housing for their students while a few campuses experience on campus housing shortages and rely on housing that is located in and around the college area in order to fill in the gaps. Some universities will even offer limiting housing opportunities to students who have spouses and children. While housing on community college is seen, particularly in rural areas where there is limited housing available in and around the schools, these are more often the exception rather than the rule. Most community colleges are largely commuter campuses with very limited if any housing opportunities. Online and distance learning programs offer no housing to students.
Another concern that most also be considered carefully is the distance between classes and any special needs you may have. Universities tend to be large and spread out. It is quite possible to need to get from one end of campus to another (a mile or more in some cases) with a 10-minute window in which to get it done. For students with special needs or physical disabilities this can be quite problematic, especially on days of inclimate weather. Community colleges tend to have smaller campuses, which mean less real estate to cover in between classes. Online and distance learning classes go with you wherever you have access to a computer. This means that they are as portable as you need them to be if you have your own laptop and wireless Internet access.
You must consider all these things and so much more when narrowing down your college choices. Do you really want to take the personal responsibility required in order to succeed in online and distant learning courses? Do you want to be limited by the meager offerings of coursework available at the community college level? Is it worth it to you to pay the high price involved in a university education? These are all questions that you need to consider carefully before making the decision as to which college environment is the most desirable for you.
1. How will you pay for your online school?
The good news is that most online colleges will accept cash, check, or credit card. Okay so that is a bit of a joke, but the things you should know is that the online world of education is not much different than going to a traditional college when it comes to financial aid. You will still fill out a FAFSA form and find out if you are eligible for the pell grant and for student loans. They also accept any scholarships you have been awarded as well.
2. How will you actually take your classes?
Since you will not be sitting in a classroom with the accelerated online college courses you are probably wondering how it will all work. The online world is very flexible and you will typically have to log on 5 times a week for at least a few minutes for attendance. This will usually involve a discussion board that you will post on. You will also have to complete assignment by a deadline, but there is not set class time for accelerated online college courses.
3. When can you start?
The last thing that must be discussed is when you are able to start your schooling. This is very important and you need to understand that you can probably start within the next 6 weeks. When you do an accelerated program online you are going to be taking 2 classes every 6 weeks and that means if you apply now you can start when the next 6 week period starts. That is another benefit because if you decide you need a little time off it is just a 6 week break and not a 3 month break.
The bottom line when it comes to an online education is that you get started and you get your degree so that you can go ahead and start working towards a better life. You also need to understand the benefits of getting an online degree. The accelerated online college courses you will take will get you closer to what you are after in life. You can provide yourself and your family with a better life and future than you really have right now.
The sooner you get started the better and the sooner you get started the sooner you will be making much more money than you are now. You can make nearly double each year if all you have done is finished high school. This is just an average amount compared to what a graduate from college would make. This could really change your life and make your financial situation much better for you and your family.
An Article by Johnathan David Published at: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=472188&ca=Education
Money. The first obvious advantage of a university education would be in future earning potential. A four-year degree trumps a two-year degree almost every time. There would have to be exceptional circumstances for someone with a two-year degree to earn more over the course of a lifetime than someone with a four-year degree in the same exact field. While a degree does not guarantee employability, it does improve the odds as well as the income potential that is associated with the field you are entering into. If you have a two-year degree the decision to continue your educational pursuits can be a tough one but it is well worth the effort in the end.
Housing. This is another distinct advantage that universities offer over community colleges. In fact, many universities are now offering housing opportunities to students with families in addition to those students who have no families. Colleges and universities are offering all kinds of value when it comes to housing and meal plans. A great deal of the college experience is missed when you do not live on campus. For this particular reason students wishing to enjoy the experience that dorm life provides often consider universities over community colleges.
Diversity. This is another key component that is often missing at the community college level. International students find no real price breaks between universities and community colleges so they tend to opt for the housing and cultural atmosphere that universities present rather than going with the limiting educational, residential, and cultural experience offered by many community colleges. You will find students of different races, religions, cultures, and nations on the university level-far more than will typically be seen in a community college unless you are attending community college in a very culturally diverse city such as New York.
Culture. This is something that is often lacking on the community college level, as they are largely commuter campuses. You will not see quite the opportunity to experience art, music, the theater, and other wonderful experiences that universities pride themselves in offering to their students. There is nothing quite like the cultural offerings of most large universities and if you get the opportunity I hope you will take the time to stop and experience some of the wonderful things that being in a university community present you with an opportunity to experience.
Research opportunities. On a university level you will have the opportunity to participate in research projects with certain professors if your prove yourself worthy and express an interest. This is something that isn't as likely on the community college level as most professors in a community college are dedicated to teaching rather than research. You will find that the experience of working on a large-scale research project is unlike anything you are likely to experience again if you ever get the chance.
Confidence. There is nothing quite like a college degree from a university to help you become a more confident person both personally and professionally. This is something that really can't be achieved on the community college level but can only be experienced by getting a degree from a university. If you lack confidence when dealing with others or in your career, I hope that you will find that your university education is just the thing to help you feel more confidence on all levels of your life.
These are just a small sampling of the many benefits of attending a university over a community college education. I hope you will carefully consider these when making your decision about which is best for your personal education needs.
Many people are still a bit skeptic about the credibility and quality of knowledge and skills online learning offers. They still think the traditional method is best.
Some believe that interaction with other classmates and teachers is a vital component of an efficient learning process. While this might be true, the fact that most skeptics overlook is that online learning hasn't omitted these factors and has incorporated them quite well.
Online learning platforms allow you to learn, and keep in touch with your teachers and your "virtual" classmates.
If you ever have a problem understanding a certain concept from your courses you can just chat with your instructor and the matter is explained. This works a bit better than with regular learning, since you can address the issue in an instant, via the click of a button, as opposed to waiting until the next time you see a professor and need to clarify your issue.
Another thing that's being implemented in an effort to cement the acquired skills, relevant knowledge and experience is the requirement of work place training as part of the curriculum.
Online education is a better way of learning nowadays since it brings the advantages of internet interaction to your fingertips and the possibility to further your research on the subjects you are studying.
Interaction is not excluded, but encouraged using several tools like chat or discussion boards.
This new learning experience brings out more people, who are familiar with newer communication technologies. This set of skills is very well perceived nowadays in job interviews by employers.
Enrolling in an online college will cut the costs associated with travel and commuting, along with allowing you to learn at your own pace. You can have your very own study plan and not feel pressured by the schedule imposed by the school.
If you're currently employed this is the best opportunity to advance in your field of work. You can juggle both work and study, since you don't have to attend any classes during working hours and you can learn whenever you feel like it. Just remember to set some time for learning during the week, and you should be prepared when exams roll your way.
The other benefit is the lowered cost of an online education. You don't have to travel to your classes, you don't have to get a rent near a physical school and you don't have to pay for books or any writing materials. Everything you need is provided to you via the online learning platform.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)