Not every college student on campus is coming straight from high school. Individuals of all ages can and do attend higher education classes. For some, personal commitments might have gotten in the way of pursuing a degree when they were younger. Others might simply be returning to academia later in life to go to graduate school. No matter what the reason, adults who have been away from school for a few years may be a bit overwhelmed when they resume their lives as students. Here are a few pieces of advice to help these older learners prepare for the college experience.

• Impress your professors, not your classmates: A student could have years of experience and their own family and still feel the pressure to be accepted by his or her classmates once they are back in school. For these individuals, eHow stresses the importance of being themselves. This includes dressing and acting how one usually would, and not trying to recapture their youth or do what they think their peers would find cool. Some adult students might feel that they will be targets of mockery by their classmates. This might be the case regarding some of the more immature individuals on campus, but is not reflective of all enrollees. However, eHow explains that if an older student shows up to class wearing a sweatshirt or flip-flops in an attempt to blend in, they probably will be targets of mockery. This rule applies off campus as well, so it is best for these individuals to stay true to who they are.
• No one likes a know-it-all: It is a given that an older student will have seen and experienced more than their teenage classmates. However, this does not give older learners a free pass to brag about all they have done and accomplished in their lifetime. After all, if these individuals were so smart, then what are they doing back in school? Though adult learners might be in a classroom full of students their children’s age, this does not give them the right to act like they know better. Instead, these students should strive to be equal to their peers, according to eHow. There are sure to be aspects of the college experience that may confuse older students. If this is the case, one can always turn to their younger and possibly savvier classmates for help.
• Respect your classmates: There will be times when a professor is running late or a student has arrived for class too early. Adult learners may feel the need to pass the time by talking to their classmates, but one should never insert themselves into a conversation out of boredom. Younger students have not lived long enough to gain many of the lessons older individuals might have learned long ago. This does not give adults the right to correct their classmates or try to teach them a thing or two. According to eHow, they will be less than thrilled by this. In some cases, younger students might turn to adult classmates for advice or just a different set of ears. If this is the case, eHow recommends that these individuals learn to listen.
• Make a schedule and get some rest: For many younger college students, attending classes is their whole life. However, older students will most likely have a lot more responsibilities than homework — including a relationship, children, a home or a full-time job. It is very easy for all these factors to weigh someone down and force them to withdraw from school. To avoid this, adult learners would be wise to find a time in their busy day when they can study and know they will not be disturbed, according to About.com. Once this time has been identified, students should make a note of it in their daily planner and commit to it. Though sleep is important for all college students, it is especially crucial for older individuals. About.com states that the human brain requires rest in order to catalog all that it has learned throughout the day. Students will find that a good night’s sleep will go a long way in improving test scores.

When one thinks of the college experience, their mind might drift toward images of fraternity members in togas, raging parties or spirited football games. However, if you put all those images aside, you might just hear music. From college marching bands to on-campus a cappella groups and student-run radio stations — music is as much a part of the college experience as pulling an all-nighter. Many colleges and universities offer music majors for students who have a passion for the art form. For those who choose to pursue a different area of study, but still wish to engage in melodic extracurricular activities, here are a few opportunities for individuals to partake in on campus.

• Join a marching band: From televised parades to football games, college marching bands seem to get around. For many, seeing these young musicians move and play their instruments in unison is a highlight of going to a university sporting event. Baldwin Wallace College's marching band is known as the Marching Yellow Jackets. On the Ohio-based school’s official website, the institution lists several reasons why students should join this ensemble. Members of the Marching Yellow Jackets have the opportunity to enhance their campus identity by joining this visible college entity, according to Baldwin Wallace’s website. In addition, this group nurtures students’ understanding and enjoyment of music. Individuals can assume roles as interns, band officers and section leaders while balancing their academic commitments. Many of these bands have gained a reputation beyond their campus, nationwide. For instance, Purdue University’s All American Marching Band uses the world’s largest bass drum, according to BleacherReport.com. Meanwhile, the University of Massachusetts Minutemen Marching Band is known for only playing one main show each year.
• Sing a cappella: Individuals who have a great voice but have never played an instrument in their life may want to look into joining collegiate a cappella ensembles. These singing groups are run and directed by students and rely on nothing other than their vocal chops. Most colleges and universities feature one or more a cappella groups. For instance, Brown University is home to The Brown Derbies, The Chatterstocks and ARRR!!! The Derbies is an all-male a cappella group that was founded in 1982 and sings in a variety of styles, from barbershop to rock, according to the ensemble’s official website. At 59 years of age, The Chatterstocks are Brown University’s oldest all female a cappella ensemble, states the group’s official website. The singing troupe’s name was a riff on the school’s all-male Jabberwocks. For those who prefer something a little different, ARRR!!! is Brown’s only a capirate musical ensemble. Founded in 1999, this group can be seen performing dressed as pirates and remain “an eternal force of mayhem and good will,” according to the troupe’s official website.
• Become a DJ: If a student cannot sing or play an instrument, but still have a love for music, then they might want to head over to their college’s radio station where they can have their own program. For many music lovers, campus-based radio stations are famous for playing bands that have not yet become household names. The tunes played by these groups are what has come to be known as college rock or alternative rock. However, hosting a college radio show is more involved then simply signing up for airtime. As these broadcasts can be heard off campus as well, students may have to attend meetings, pass tests and meet other requirements before they get to spin their favorite records, according to eHow.

These are just a few musical options. Students can visit their college’s official website for an up-to-date listing of melodic opportunities.

The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools
of Business (AACSB) recently released a report entitled The Globalization of Management Education: Changing International Structures, Adaptive Strategies, and the Impact on Institutions. In this report, the AACSB’s Globalization of Management Education Task Force stressed the importance of business school graduates to have the global skills and knowledge that the industry expects them to have. "We are at a critical inflection point, and now is the time for all business schools to respond," said Bob Bruner, dean at the University of Virginia’s Darden Graduate School of Business. "Schools must develop approaches that will positively impact globalization within the business community and broader society." To prepare for global changes in the business industry, many students may wish to enroll in degree programs that have an international focus. Here are a few institutions that were recently recognized by BusinessWeek as being the best undergraduate business schools.

• University of Notre Dame: The university’s Mendoza College of Business received BusinessWeek’s top ranking for the second year in a row. Half of the undergraduate students who are enrolled at Notre Dame spend at least one semester or summer studying abroad, according to the International Business Times. The news source adds that students are encouraged to expose themselves to different languages and cultures. In addition, undergraduates have the opportunity to participate in university-sponsored and facilitated academic programs in 20 countries, such as Egypt and Haiti, across six continents. "We see the students broadening themselves in unfamiliar environments," Carolyn Woo, dean of the Mendoza College of Business, told BusinessWeek. "They seek out challenges that come when they are in a different culture."
• University of Pennsylvania: This institution’s Wharton School offers several international opportunities for students who are looking to gain global experience. For instance, students can choose from more than 20 programs that allow them to study at business schools in countries such as Australia, Argentina and India, states the International Business Times. Another option, the Wharton International Program (WIP), is a 10-day course and trip to business and cultural locations in foreign countries. According to the school’s official website, the purpose of this learning opportunity is to prepare students for careers in a global economy. WIP students attend educational lectures at partner schools abroad and have the opportunity to engage foreign business managers. Available WIP courses for 2011 focus on Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands, London, Milan, Botswana, South Africa. All undergraduates have the ability to apply to the program.
• University of Virginia: Students at the university’s McIntire School of Commerce can take advantage of the school’s partnerships with institutions in a number of countries, including China, England, New Zealand and Singapore, according to the International Business Times. In addition, the news source states that 18 percent of business students choose to add an international component in their junior year. Undergraduates can also partake in short-term courses that send individuals abroad for several weeks during the January and May terms.
• Emory University: Approximately 35 percent of bachelor of business administration students at this university’s Goizueta Business School spend at least one semester learning abroad, according to the International Business Times. Following their first semester, students can spend time at renowned institutions around the world, including England’s Cass Business School and Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, through the partnerships Emory has developed over the years. Students can also gain international business experience while they are pursuing their degree through the Linz Internship Program. Those who take advantage of this opportunity spend six weeks working at the Austrian automotive company Voest Alpine Stahl.

When the first crop of online courses began to appear on the education scene, many were understandably skeptical. After all, classes were taught in brick and mortar institutions, not over the Internet. However, as time passed and technology developed, more colleges and universities embraced web-based learning options. Many schools even combined traditional face-to-face education with the online option to create what is known as hybrid learning. In addition to online institutions such as the University of Phoenix and Kaplan University, renowned schools including Harvard University now offer courses via distance education. For any remaining skeptics, here are a few benefits of online and hybrid learning.

• Convenience: In an increasingly complicated world, free time has become a luxury. This is especially true of older individuals who wish to earn their first college degree, or continue their studies at the graduate level. However, professional and personal responsibilities often get in the way of attending on-campus classes. For adult learners, online courses can provide a flexible alternative to traditional education methods. Rather than arranging one’s life around their schooling, web-based classes often allow students to complete required material at their own pace and on their own schedule. Whether it is 8 a.m. or the middle of the night, online classes are in session whenever the student decides to turn on his or her computer.
• Time-saving: Online courses take away all the inconveniences that are associated with traditional learning, according to Associated Content from Yahoo! This includes the time it takes to drive to and from school in addition to free hours in between classes. When lessons are accessible with the simple click of a mouse, valuable time that might have been wasted can now be devoted to studying. In addition, Associated Content states that many online offerings provide class notes so that students do not waste their time scribbling in their notepad.
• Cheaper: Students who choose to pursue degrees online are saving on many of the college expenses that are associated with on-campus learning. Taking courses from the comfort of one’s own home does away with the need for a dorm room, a meal plan or the price of gas that an individual who commutes would typically be paying.
• Growing popularity: The Sloan Consortium is an institutional and professional leadership organization that is committed to integrating online learning into the mainstream of higher education. In 2010, the organization released the results of its survey of more than 2,500 colleges and universities, entitled Class Differences: Online Education in the United States, 2010. The Consortium’s findings pointed to several instances of the rising popularity of internet-based learning. For instance, from the fall of 2002 to the fall of 2009, online enrollment at the postsecondary level increased on a yearly basis, from 16,611,710 to 19,036,860. In addition, nearly two-thirds of the surveyed institutions reported that they viewed distance learning as a critical part of their long-term education strategy. Results from this survey also reveal what impact the economic downturn has had on online enrollment at the participating institutions. In 2009, a total of 48.8 percent of these colleges and universities reported an increased interest among students in the schools’ distance learning programs. Based on the survey’s 2010 findings, student interest in online courses has grown to 74.5 percent as a result of the economic downturn. For professionals who found themselves out of work during the economic downturn, online academic options offer a fast and convenient way to update their skill set or pursue a degree in the hopes of making a career transition.

Many people are interested in earning a postsecondary education, but are hesitant to look into online college options. Traditional schools have scrutinized internet-based schools for years, claiming that the quality of education is incomparable. However, a number of people have graduated from online colleges and found success with their degrees. Internet-based courses provide individuals with the opportunity to work at their own pace. This leaves room for flexibility that may otherwise not be available at a traditional school. For working professionals who have families and full-time jobs, an open schedule can help them maintain their daily responsibilities. The cost of attending an online college can also be cheaper than a traditional school.

For people who are still on the fence about enrolling in an online college, there are a number of notable celebrities who have graduated from these schools. Celebrities are known for living busy lives, meaning their success has the potential to inspire other working professionals to reach their goal of earning a degree. These are a few of the many famous college graduates who obtained a postsecondary education online.

• Shaquille O'Neal. This seven-foot NBA player made the decision to leave college prior to obtaining his degree, but vowed to return to school at some point to finish his postsecondary education. Four NBA championships later, O'Neal is now a renowned all-star and the holder of a bachelor's degree in general studies, which he achieved through online education. O'Neal earned his bachelor's degree in 2000, and eventually obtained a master's degree in business administration in 2005. In the future, the NBA player says he would like to work toward a PhD in psychology.
• Ice Cube. The rapper, also known as O'Shea Jackson, has spent a majority of his career in the music industry since debuting on the scene in the early 1990s. After creating gold and platinum albums, Ice Cube eventually moved onto acting, but education remained a priority despite his busy schedule. Through online classes, the rapper has been working toward a degree in architectural drafting.
• Ashley Judd. The actress is most notable for her work in the films, "Kiss the Girls" and "Double Jeopardy," along with her famous family. Ashley is the daughter of country music singer, Naomi Judd. However, the actress has put in a valiant effort to make earning a postsecondary education a goal while living in the spotlight. Judd is known for enrolling in Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government, but she earned a degree in French through the University of Phoenix, an online education institution.
• Hilary Duff. The young actress made a name for herself through the Lizzie McGuire television show, but eventually moved on to the silver screen. Duff is known for her roles in "Cheaper By The Dozen" and "The Lizzie McGuire Movie," but one of her less known achievements is her postsecondary education. Currently, the busy actress is taking online courses to obtain additional training that could help her in her entrepreneurial endeavors.
• Hunter Tylo. Many people have watched Tylo on shows, such as "All My Children," "Days of Our Lives" and "The Bold and the Beautiful." However, a number of soap fans are unaware of Tylo's efforts to earn a postsecondary education. Currently, the daytime television actress is expanding upon her pre-law background and pursuing a master's degree in business administration through a series of online courses.
• Lisa Leslie. The four-time Olympic gold medalist is known of her work on the court as a dominant basketball player, but she is also the owner of a bachelor's degree in communication. To further her education, Leslie recently opted to take online courses to earn a master's degree in business administration.

The rapid spread of online universities has provided an education invitation for thousands
of Americans who never thought they would have the time and money to earn a degree. From single parents to armed service veterans, the profile of these new students is significantly different from the stereotype of 17-year-olds who are fresh out of high school. Instead, many of the new freshmen are seasoned professionals who have years of experience in the workplace. Pushed by the economic recession or by ambition for a career change, they join the class with a strong motivation for their studies. Despite that academic leadership, they often face a challenge in fitting in to social groups with their younger classmates. Here are some real-world tricks for pulling the two groups together.

• Pick the right plan. Working professionals who return to school for a degree at Keene State College in Keene, New Hampshire often join the campus' Adult Learner Entrance Assistance Program (ALEAP). Realizing that adult students' goals and needs are different from teenagers', the school has dedicated special resources to the challenge, says associate director of admissions Bert Poirier. To help its adult students understand the objectives and requirements of earning a liberal arts or professional degree, the college counsels them to clarify career goals, develop an education plan, interpret academic requirements and evaluate previously earned credits.
• Lead by example. Many professors see their adult students as classroom leaders who can enrich academic discussions by contributing their hard-earned knowledge of the working world. At the University of Wisconsin-Sheboygan, instructors appreciate adult students' willingness to participate in classroom discussion and share insights gained from real-life experiences, says Pam Fitzer, the school's coordinator of services for adult students. That experience can be an edge that may help these individuals win many of the academic honors and scholarships on campus.
• Find safety in numbers. The trend toward older student enrollment means that nontraditional students comprise a significant portion of many campus populations. Adults aged 22 and over make up 35 percent of all students at the University of Wisconsin-Sheboygan. Many of those returning students are employed full-time, and bond as they schedule classwork around extracurricular obligations like jobs and family. The figures are even higher at Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, where the average college student is 27 years old. In 2005, a total of 37 percent of students at the school were 25 or older. It's hard to feel lonely when you're surrounded by your peers.
• Look beyond the course titles. Adult students who return to school need more than the right course – they need it in the right time and place. To balance their academic schedules with work and family demands, returning students should be sure to ask about night, weekend and online courses, according to a list of Back-to-school Tips for Adult Students offered by Ohio State. For those classes that demand attendance, some schools even have satellite locations for commuter students.
• Update your skills. College has come a long way since the days of spiral notebooks and loose-leaf binders. Most professors now incorporate computers into their teaching, whether they are simply posting assignments and grades or hosting online exams. Returning students at Ohio State can get up to speed on new technology by taking a one-day campus computer course. The topics range from a simple Microsoft Windows refresher called "Computers for the Clueless" to lessons on Excel spreadsheets, Access databases, Photoshop graphics, Powerpoint presentations and Dreamweaver website design.

Regardless of the college they pick, returning adult students can succeed on campus if they set their goals, build a realistic schedule, establish family support groups and share their unique gifts with other students.

Adult students have been returning to college in waves lately, prompted by the convenience of online classes and by the pressure to find a job in a rough economy. However, earning a degree in mid-life can spark scheduling conflicts between reserving time for class work and continuing extracurricular commitments, like jobs and family. So many universities are lending a hand by offering flexible scheduling, part-time degrees and — increasingly — day care for students' children. The pressures of raising a family can also force traditional undergraduates to choose between parenting and learning. A growing number of students decide to drop out of college when faced with that choice, according to Brent McBride, a professor of human development at the University of Illinois in Champaign. Here are some schools that are fighting back.

• University of Illinois. Student-parents of all ages face a trio of challenges, including a lack of money, a lack of support and understanding, and the mounting pressure of familial responsibilities. By offering affordable, high-quality campus day care, the University of Illinois can "take one big headache out of the equation," McBride said. "It helps the student-parent, because it's one less ball that they have to juggle," said McBride. "Trying to balance school and parenting is a tough thing to balance, especially if you're a young single parent." Student-parents tend to drop out of college at three times the rate of traditional students, but campus day care pushes back against that pressure by acting as a support network for the students themselves, providing an environment where they can trade childcare tips with sympathetic peers.
• University of Wisconsin. The challenge of childcare is even tougher for parents seeking care for the youngest of children — infants and toddlers. Even a major research institution like the University of Wisconsin in Madison had no options for infant care on campus as recently as 1997, forcing many students, research assistants and professors to abandon their studies after having a baby. Then, the college hired Lynn Edlefson as director of the Office of Child Care and Family Resources, and by 1999, the school had opened its first on-campus infant/toddler center. "I think that my position really helped people focus on childcare needs, and I tried to make sure that people were speaking up within the campus planning meetings," Edlefson says. Planners say it can be difficult to carve out space on a busy campus for a childcare building, with its demands for first-floor rooms and outdoor play space. However, proponents like Edlefson have raised the issue's profile. Today, her office coordinates 10 centers that care for 700 children per week, ranging in age from from six weeks to six years.
• Indiana University. Since 1996, faculty, staff and students at Indiana University Bloomington have trusted their children to the school's Early Childhood Education Services (ECES) office. The main site, called the Campus Children's Center, offers care for children aged six weeks through five years, while other spots, such as Campus View Child Care focuses on younger kids, between six weeks and three years old. The program provides year-round care and education, as well as serving the school's educational mission by acting as a training opportunity. Like many schools, Indiana uses its childcare centers as academic resources, opening them up as laboratories for research and teaching in psychology, communication, nursing, education, and human development and family studies. Universities across the nation have founded child care centers on their campuses in recent years, in an effort to attract and retain the most talented students and teachers, and their families, too.

Many people enroll in online education courses to learn more about sustainability and enter the green collar industry. However, a student does not have to be working toward an environmental degree to reduce their carbon footprint. Small initiatives can make a difference in the long run if everyone does their part. Being green has not only become a popular trend, but worthwhile for the sake of the planet. As global warming remains a concern, students and society in general continue to look for ways to be more environmentally friendly. Whether an individual is attending a traditional or an online college, there are a number of ways students can do their part to save the planet.

Turn off your computer. It is not uncommon for both distance learners and traditional students to rely heavily on computers for a majority of their coursework. However, these machines are known to use a hefty amount of energy to function, especially over extended periods of time. When it is not in use, students are encouraged to put their laptop or computer in hibernation or sleep mode. This can not only reduce energy consumption, but electricity bills as well.

Buy energy-efficient bulbs. College students are known for burning the midnight oil while cramming for exams. To limit the amount of energy used during extended study sessions, individuals can buy florescent bulbs. Energy-efficient lights are designed to use a small amount of what normal bulbs use to illuminate a large space. They are environmentally-friendly and have a longer shelf life as well. This can limit the number of times a student has to get up to change a faulty bulb during crunch time.

Ride a bike or carpool to class. For individuals who have to attend class on a traditional campus from time to time, making an effort to cut down on fuel usage can be cost-efficient and have a positive impact on the environment. Students are encouraged to carpool with classmates when possible or take public transportation to reduce their carbon footprint. If biking is an option, cycling to class is a healthy alternative as well.

Pull down shades during the winter and summer. Extreme temperatures can often provoke individuals to crank the heat or turn up the air conditioner. This can result in high electricity bills and unnecessary energy consumption annually. For students who want a comfortable workspace without paying the price, utilizing shades is an option. During the winter, shades can prevent drafts from flowing throughout a room. In the heat of summer, they can shield areas from intense sunlight and high temperatures. Although this may seem like a tedious chore, it is a worthwhile habit that can save hundreds of dollars in expenses every year.

Reuse paper. Both online and traditional colleges love to mail out flyers to students, which can come in handy when it comes to coursework. Instead of buying a number of notebooks, individuals can reuse stray pieces of paper to take notes during class. When filling binders, students are encouraged to buy recycled paper and to throw it away in the proper receptacle after it has been used. Students who take these small steps can help reduce the number of trees it takes to produce paper around the globe.

Unplug electronics when they are not in use. Computers are not the only device that can drain energy. Everything from cellular phone chargers to lamps can waste energy when they are left plugged in. Before leaving the room, students should make sure that everything is off and unplugged before heading out the door. Hitting the light switch only does so much when everything else is allowed to consume energy.

Heading off to college means saying goodbye to parents, siblings, and friends. But thanks to changing rules at many universities, students don't have to bid farewell to their pets. As more colleges and universities begin to allow pets on campus, students need to remember to pack their puppy’s belongings along with their own. Here are some things to remember if you're an animal-loving student.

Why Bring Them?

Why are certain institutions allowing students to bring their pets along for the college experience? For many freshmen, having a companion helps them adjust to the drastic change to their lifestyle, The New York Times reported. For instance, officials from the pet-friendly Stephens College in Missouri hope that allowing pets will help provide a smoother transition for students who might be anxious about leaving home or adjusting to life on campus. "It’s harder and harder for students to leave home," Dianne Lynch, president of Stephens, told the news source. "Bringing this particular piece of home with them may make that separation easier." In 2010, a total of 30 incoming Stephens freshmen asked if they could bring their pets to college, according to the news outlet. This increase in requests over the previous academic year led the institution to renovate a dormitory, which has been dubbed Pet Central. A makeshift kennel on the first floor sees to it that the living space is fit for its residents, both human and canine.

College or a Zoo?

Of all the institutions that allow pets on campus, Florida’s Eckerd College might be run by the biggest animal lovers in academia. The school even has one of the oldest pets-in-residence programs in the country, according to its official website. Domestic animals are permitted in dorms as long as they are secured in a cage with a lid, according to the college’s pet policy. However, individuals who have a fear of snakes may want to consider other education options before applying to Eckerd. The reptiles are allowed in dorms as long as they measure less than six feet and are nonvenomous.

Life in the Pet House

Pet owners who enroll at Washington and Jefferson College in Pennsylvania call Monroe Hall, or the Pet House, home. In this residence, humans live alongside permitted guests from the animal kingdom, which include dogs, cats, small birds, hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, turtles or fish, according to the school’s manual. Outside of the Pet House, the only nonhuman creatures allowed are fish. Just make sure their tank does not exceed 20 gallons.

Make Sure to Pack Your Horse

If a student enrolls in Sweet Briar College in Virginia, they might just get to take their horse to school. In order to keep these rather large companions in the on-campus stables, individuals must be a part of the institution’s riding program, according to the college’s official website.

Feline-friendly

Though not every college is comfortable having animals in its dormitories, a number are willing to make an exception for cats. For instance, both the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) allow students to bring along their feline friends. Undergraduate cat owners who are enrolled at MIT must receive consent from all of their floor-mates, according to the school’s housing cat policy. In addition, pets are only allowed in what have been deemed cat-friendly areas on campus. Students would be wise to review Caltech’s housing cat policy before packing their feline friend’s belongings. According to the institute’s official website, all cats must be sterilized, wear an up-to-date collar with the proper identification and be on a long-term flea preventative program.

When you decide to enroll in a traditional or online college, the next step is filling out an application. Although it can be exciting to begin the college entry process, the application is arguably the most crucial part. Schools ask for a variety of information, ranging from date of birth to standardized testing scores. Individuals who are interested in enrolling at an educational institution can request a hard copy of an application, but many schools allow potential students to download and print out their own documents. Before filling out the application, candidates are encouraged to gather additional information to make the process easier. Any loan documents, Social Security cards and parental data can help while filling out the application. Here are a few more things to keep in mind while signing forms.

• Consider obtaining a recommendation. Whether you are a new high school graduate who has a connection to an experienced instructor or an adult with ties to a respected employer, submitting a recommendation with your application is a good idea. Not only does a recommendation back up any relevant experience listed on the submission, but a former colleague can highlight the strengths of the individual who is planning to enroll in a degree program.
• Make the most of the opportunity to list experience and expertise. The college application process can be treated like resume building in which individuals use the chance to hone in on their past experiences. Although the applicant is not submitting information for a job, the same criteria that would be viewed by employers will be judged by college administrators. There is typically a section of an application that allows individuals to list their accomplishments and any awards they may have received in their past experiences. Highlighting these achievements can give an applicant an edge against the competition. Colleges receive hundreds of applications annually, and individuals are encouraged to take any advantages they can get.
• Be prepared to submit basic information. The first few pages of a typical college application ask for information ranging from an individual's Social Security number to their mother's maiden name. To avoid any complications and prolong the process, applicants are encouraged to have any important documents on hand to fill out their forms. An individual who has submitted a college application in the past might also be worth having nearby. They can answer any questions that an applicant might have along the way.
• Take advantage of the essay section. Most colleges require individuals to write an essay to accompany the information on the application. The topic is typically provided, but on occasion, applicants are given the opportunity to choose their own theme. In any case, the essay section provides individuals with the optimal chance to plead their case to college administrators. Applicants are encouraged to create a thesis and expand upon their stance to highlight their expertise. The essay portion is also a great way to help readers understand how an applicant could contribute to their institution.
• Utilize high test scores. Depending on the school to which an individual is applying, the college may require applicants to provide standardized testing scores. The most commonly accepted scores are from the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) and the American College Testing (ACT) exams. These tests were created to develop a uniform way of assessing applicants' knowledge prior to college admission. For a small fee, individuals can take these exams to receive scores for the application process. Although they may not be required, a high score can help an individual enhance the appeal of their application to administrators.