February 7, 2011

If you are applying to law school, you have probably heard of or already looked at U.S. News and World Report’s rankings for the country’s best programs. At the top of the list are Yale, Harvard and Stanford University, in that order. However, what many prospective law students might not know is exactly how these institutions are ranked, what these numbers say about a program and what these lists do not always reveal. Here are a few inside secrets behind law school rankings.

How They Are Ranked

How exactly does U.S. News and World Report decide what school gets to be number one, and which ones end up at the bottom of the list? According to the source behind the rankings, 188 institutions that have been accredited by the American Bar Association are compared using 12 measures of quality. First is quality assessment, which has a weighted score of .40. U.S. News calls on law school officials, including deans and chairs of faculty appointments, to rate programs on a scale from 1, being marginal, to 5, being outstanding. In addition, legal professionals are asked to apply the same scale to the institutions.

Second is selectivity, with a weighted score of .25. This takes into consideration the median law school admission test scores of all full- and part-time entrants, as well as the median grade point average for all undergraduate students. Acceptance rate also plays a small role in this categories overall score. Third is placement success, weighted by .20. This category is comprised of graduate employment and bar passage rates. Fourth is faculty resources, weighted by .15 and including expenditures per student, student/faculty ratio and library resources. The data is then standardized, weighted, totaled and rescaled so that the top school receives a score of 100.

But Do They Matter?

How much of an impact does attending a top-ranked law school have on one’s career? How important are these lists in the grand scheme of things? It turns out they do matter somewhat, according to About.com. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects keen competition over jobs in the law field over the next seven years. For graduates of law programs, About.com says that a degree from a highly ranked school may provide an edge in the hiring process. What's more, of the schools that appear in U.S. News and World Report’s 2010 rankings, 74 institutions did not report their at-graduation employment numbers, according to the ABA Journal. This shows that a number of institutions may have tried to game the system and achieve a higher rank than they deserved. For all future lists, the news source will change its calculation for schools that do not report their numbers. Robert Morse, U.S. News’ ranking czar, hopes that this will be an incentive for institutions to submit all of their data.

You Matter, Too

It is important to remember that while having a diploma from an esteemed law school might get you in the door at a large firm, that sheet of paper will not do your job for you. Whether a lawyer graduated from a school that is at the top or the bottom of U.S. News and World Report’s list, at the end of the day, his or her success at their firm will be decided by how good of a job they do.

January 20, 2011

After enrolling in a traditional or online college, it is important to take the necessary steps to prepare for coursework. Postsecondary education classes vary in difficulty, but studying has to be a priority in order to achieve good grades. Most professors require students to purchase the textbooks that are necessary for the class. However, these books can add up on top of tuition costs and can be difficult to tote around for studying purposes. For individuals who have recently enrolled in a postsecondary institution, this might be the perfect time to invest in an eReader. Devices, such as the Kindle and Nook, are ideal for leisure reading. However, they can also make the studying process more efficient.

Mobile gadget owners who use devices, such as the Android and iPhone, can to download eReader applications. Through these apps, individuals can download eBooks at a price that may be cheaper than the physical copies. Tablet computers might also come with the same capabilities as smartphones, allowing students to read required text straight from the device. Here are some of the most valuable resources to individuals during the college years.

1. Apple iPad. The iPad was deemed one of the most revolutionary Apple products of the decade by many when it was released in April 2010. Not only did it bring similar gaming from the iPhone and iPod Touch to a new level, but it changed the way individuals thought of tablets. Similar to the iPod Touch and iPhone, owners can download applications from the App Store or reading purposes. The Amazon Kindle app and Barnes and Noble Nook app are both free for the iPad, excluding the price of eBooks. With the tablet, students can read required books and study on-the-go. The iPad sells for $499 on the official Apple store website, but its benefits can outweigh the price in the long run.
2. Apple iPod Touch. For individuals who aren't interested in spending half a grand but would like to indulge in an Apple product, the iPod Touch is a cheaper solution. Similar to the iPad, owners can download eReader applications from the App store to meet their reading requirements outside of the classroom. The Kindle and Nook apps are also available on the device, as well as other eReader programs, such as iBooks and Google Books, for free. The iPod Touch gives users the advantage of having a device with all of the benefits of an iPhone and iPad without the wireless contract.
3. Amazon Kindle. Students who want a simple eReader without the bells and whistles of applications may want to invest in an Amazon Kindle. The device retails for approximately $139 on the Amazon website, which is cheaper than its Apple counterparts. Individuals can pay extra for the option to have free Wi-Fi and 3G connection on the go, giving students the opportunity to keep up with their studies while away from the classroom. Easy accessibility allows users to download eBooks with the connection whenever they need to brush up on their studies. The Kindle can also be used to read daily newspapers and magazines.
4. Barnes and Noble Nook. For $149 on the Barnes and Noble website, students can purchase the Nook if the Kindle does not meet their needs. Its paper-thin design makes it convenient to tote around while on the move. Similar to the Kindle, the Nook has a battery life that can last for days. For individuals who prefer to pull all-nighters to cram in their studies, this device is ideal with its crisp text and back-lit screen. More than 2,000 different eBooks can be downloaded wirelessly from the device in seconds.

After an individual graduates with an online degree, they may be lucky enough to land a job. Stepping foot in a new office and meeting new people can come with excitement and new opportunities. An office is typically full of cubicles that are intended to give employees a designated workspace. However, four gray walls can create a bland, boring atmosphere and take its toll on an individual after eight hours. Despite the excitement that comes with starting a new job, a dreary desk can hinder an individual's motivation. There are a few cubicle hacks that workers can take into consideration to make their personal space productive and inviting.

1. Add a door. Not all office cubicles may come with a door to keep out noise and unwanted distractions during the work day. Installing one may seem antisocial, but productivity should be a priority. Individuals can explain to any co-workers who have inquiries that they are just trying to make their cubicle more personal and motivating as a workspace. Cubicle doors are also easy to install. By pulling the shade-like addition with a little tug, individuals can put up and take down the temporary barricade on a whim.
2. Keep it clean. Bringham Young University researchers recently discovered that a clean work space is an uplifting one. By making sure a cubicle is in tip-top shape, individuals can make the area feel comfortable. Experts say that scents play a large role in the cleanliness effect as well. Some products, such as Windex, seem to put workers in a better mood.
3. Stay organized. Another way individuals can maintain their mental wellness while they sit in a cubicle for eight hours each day is by making organization a priority. Folders scattered around the work area can cause stress and possibly hinder productivity. Workers are encouraged to take a look around their space and reconsider those filing cabinets and drawers. Sorting paper into hanging folders may seem like a tedious process, but it can save professionals time in the long-run and reduce their anxiety.
4. Consider a plant. Flowering plants are not likely to flourish under dim office lighting, but there are other types that can add appeal to a cubicle and still provide a calming effect. Jade and fern plants are commonly found in the workplace because they can survive under fluorescent bulbs. A variety of indoor plants are also no more than three feet in height, making them easy to tuck away in the corner of a cubicle without consuming a large amount of space. Individuals should look for varieties that shed rarely to avoid cleaning up unwanted leaves.
5. Buy a Betta fish. Having a companion can help workers avoid the loneliness that comes with being isolated in a cubicle. Betta fish are ideal because they require little maintenance and space. The pet can be kept in a small bowl on the corner of a desk or side table for entertainment throughout a long day. Bettas only require a feeding every one or two days and a water change approximately twice a week. Like all living creatures, they require attention, but not enough to interfere with productivity.
6. Don't be afraid to decorate. Many people are willing to put a few picture frames on their desk, but a cubicle should be treated as a personal space that is worth enhancing. Individuals are encouraged to look for desk pieces that can add flair and excitement to an environment. Whether it's an unusually-shaped paperweight or a sculpture, having pieces of interest in a cubicle can make it a more inviting space to return to every weekday.

November 18, 2010

For many students — if not every one of them — college is the light at the end of the high school tunnel, a promised land of fun and opportunity that’s waiting as a reward for surviving the teenage years. There’s some truth to this; college is, indeed, the most fun you can have couple with the least amount of responsibility, and you’ll never experience that combination of low expectations and high benefits again. (Sorry.) But college isn’t just a way station, it’s a place to figure out what you really want to do with your life. The goal isn’t just to get good grades, but to educate yourself and develop a passion for a field. The sheer openness of the choices has a way of sending most students into a mild panic, but don’t worry. With a little work, you can start to find the right career for you.

Start with the basics: what do you love to do? Don’t think in terms of jobs yet (“I love to work for investment firms”) or perks (“I would love to make some serious cash”). Think in terms of what actually makes you happy. Do you like to write? Teach others? Work with numbers? Help people? What do you naturally love to do? What’s something you’d love to do if time and money were no object? What’s something you’d love to do even though you’ve never heard of anyone else doing it for a living? The key at this step is not to limit yourself. This isn’t about boxing yourself in, but thinking outside that box to discover what works for you.

Pay attention to your classes, too. What’s exciting? What’s boring? What are you naturally drawn to? Talk with professors or professionals in the field that’s sparking your interest to get a feel for what it’s like to work in the area, and what kind of educational and vocational paths you can take to get there. Be careful, though: there’s a temptation to rush through this stage in a fog of excitement and throw all your chips in with a career that you don’t love but that you think will earn you respect, prestige, or a fat paycheck. However, it takes patience to figure out what you like to do and what you’re good at doing. This is your career we’re talking about. This is not a decision to make in a rushed afternoon so you can get to the cafeteria before the good sandwiches are gone. Go slow.

Your advisor is also a great resource. He or she can talk with you about job options and even administer personality tests that can help you determine what your strengths are. The results of such tests aren’t set in stone, but they can be a helpful guide. Above all, remember that this is your life and career, and life’s too short to waste it doing something that makes you unhappy. Good luck!

July 28, 2010

A few years ago, if you were watching the news, we witnessed the downturn of the economy.  It did not occur in one fell swoop, like Black Friday which ushered in the Great Depression.  Instead, the economy fooled us all by attacking the large corporations first, engraining the idea that all of us “little people” would be saved by our relative importance within the economy.  We were obviously wrong.  The economy impacted many aspects of our lives, the largest of which is the national unemployment rate.  Even a new presidency couldn’t fix that.  As a result, many of us opted to go back to school, but there was still the problem of the rising tuition rates (another side effect of the economic crash that had occurred).  Enter online education.

Bachelor’s degrees online have become the newest trend within the education industry – cost efficient, work efficient, and family-oriented, online colleges appear  to be the saving grace for many US citizens who have been laid off, need higher degrees, or simply have nothing better to do than go back to school.  While it is true that online education has contributed to some of the poor footing of the economy by producing more graduates with student loans, the news has avoided many of the positive stories that have come out of online colleges.  Bachelor’s degrees online have helped educate a majority of our population that otherwise would have gone uneducated and have additionally opened many doors for these individuals.  In this type of economy, while many of us are eager to get regular 9-5 jobs instead of go back to school, online education has offered us a new alternative to getting a job that will only pay for the most minimal bills.

The mentality of online education appeals to many of us who do not want to suffer the monetary consequences of a costly move to go back to college or some of us who want to hold onto our current job.  Earning a bachelor’s degree online affords many of us the ability to work while going to school – online education affords students the opportunity to create their own schedule.  While classes are still demanding and require a high level of interaction through email and online forums, there is no set time for class discussions or class lectures, allowing students the flexibility to adjust their schedules as they need to.  This has been extremely appealing to a generation who has had to experience one of the worst economic downturns of the past few decades.  

For many of us, earning an extra degree seems to be the best alternative to entering the job industry.  As long as we’re going through the internet all day looking for jobs, we might as well be taking classes online at the same time!
 

April 22, 2010

Online education has popped up in every realm, from iTunes University to Academic Earth, offering bachelors degrees online at minimal costs to the students.  However, textbooks have remained at their same price regardless of whether your course is in a classroom or through the internet.  New improvements in technology like the Kindle and the iPad have changed this notion entirely and have since allowed for the creation of digital textbooks: a creation set to revolutionize the college industry in general.

While this is only in its beginning stages (Kindle only offers limited textbooks through Amazon.com), the site Flat World Knowledge has offered open course textbooks, free of charge, for students of similar classes.  This company offers only web-only versions, although students can opt to buy a $29 black and white version of the text or can purchase the book on PDF form by chapter, at $1.99 per chapter.  Our world has become increasingly intertwined with social media, and these types of innovations make it easier for both students and individuals to connect on a new level, one which affords them thousands of dollars in savings.

Textbooks are not cheap, but are in fact a necessity of any form of college life, whether it be online or traditional.  Kindle has tried to offer competitive rates on its textbooks, but it is not the same as having a book in your lap that you can highlight and take notes on.  This web-based form allows students the opportunity to either read online, or print out and highlight onto.  If I had this opportunity in college or graduate school, I would have undoubtedly saved several thousand dollars easily.  Textbooks are only rising in cost, and these types of opportunities are especially appealing in an economy that has seen the cost of tuition skyrocket despite the downward turn of the economy. 

More than just offering a cost-efficient substitute for students, the digital books offered through Flat World Knowledge, and eventually through other similar companies, have afforded professors the opportunity to edit the text at the sentence level.  This is only the beginning of this amazing step in combining the worlds of both online and traditional education, as students from all over will be able to rejoice in their savings.  Textbooks are a key element of earning a bachelors degree and any way to save on this cost is helpful, whether you are an online student or traditional student. 

January 11, 2010

Studies from the Department of Education revealed in August 2009 that for many students, ranging from the age group of children to adults, online education was more beneficial than ordinary schooling.  The studies came to this conclusion after students of every age were tested on their retention levels as well as their ability to independently function on their studies.  In every instance, online education was the leading contender.

The small statistical difference which the studies have indicated is monumental in its conclusions because this revealed that students learning through unconventional methods could achieve a higher ranges of test scores.  While there is only a slight difference between online education and traditional education test scores, many professionals have theorized that online education will expand sharply over the next few years but will not completely take over traditional classroom settings.  Recent years have additionally expanded the online education industry as newer technology has allowed online classes to teach lessons better than they were previously able to.  Earning a bachelor’s degree online has additionally become more prominent as online colleges have become more widely accepted throughout the career world. 

Online education has additionally expanded through the use of the internet and social networking programs which have brought students together in ways that earlier courses were not able to do.  Bachelors degrees require years of study, but the ability to earn a bachelors degree online, from home, is a monumental change in schooling.  Teaching students the importance of individuality within their studies is an important part of education in general, and online education stresses this belief even more since most online students are forced to learn ideas and lessons on their own, rather than relying on other students’ ideas. 

Since technology has evolved to the point where we are able to completely accept online education as comparable to classroom teachings, we can only speculate how much online classes will affect our future notions of education.  Earning a bachelors degree online is becoming more and more prominent within the older student community and is even becoming a viable option for recent high school grads who must continue working after graduation.  The easy accessibility of online classes has made it easy for students to work at the same time as they enroll in classes and has therefore jumped in prominence in recent years.  Bachelor’s degrees have increased in recent years solely as a result of the easy accessibility of online classes and will continue to increase as we strive for a better-educated population. 

December 9, 2009

Kaplan University presented a new take on the traditional classroom setting on its first commercials in 2009, depicting new variations on the value of an online education.  Attempting to demonstrate the shift from the traditional classroom setting to the technologically-sound online classroom, the commercials depict students from all demographics earning online degrees for a multitude of different reasons.  This ad campaign has helped solidify the fact that online bachelors degrees are here to stay. 

From the humble roots of online education in the 90s, to the 4 million students who are now enrolled in classes across the country, online bachelors degrees have revolutionized the manner in which students can receive degrees.  No longer do we have to trek across the country to move into a tiny dorm; rather, we can now work from the comfort of our own home and remain in any city we wish to live in.  This type of opportunity was unprecedented only a decade ago. 

Ads like the kind Kaplan University has put out have helped inform many citizens of the need for online education in our growing economy.  Traditional education does not work for everyone, the ads contend, and online classes offer stay-at-home moms, full time workers, and late bloomers to enroll in classes and earn an online bachelors degree where they otherwise would not have been able to.  These ads have helped influence a wide array of people to enroll in online classes and have furthermore instilled a new drive in many potential students who were unaware of the opportunities an online bachelors degree can deliver. 

Additionally, these ads strive to break free of the gloom the economy has pushed on all of us, and instead presents a more hopeful outlook for the future.  Online universities present the student with options for the future, perhaps even options they never knew they had.  Additionally, with our educational standards falling drastically behind that of the rest of the world, the fact that we have an alternative method of reaching out to students who could not enroll in traditional classes will only boost our economy and foster a growth of a higher education population.  Regardless of which ad you watch or which school you attend, the fact that online bachelors degrees are now readily offered is enough to cause many in the educational community to breathe a sigh of relief that every student will not have a better opportunity to succeed in school. 

October 20, 2009

Online degree programs and online schools in general have grown exponentially in popularity over the past years, which is no surprise that their online courses have grown more extensive as a result.  Only a few years ago, students were not presented with very many choices in the online college community, but this has since changed.  Now, there are hundreds of different schools available for college credit and hundreds of degrees within every school.  Whether you are looking for a degree in the health field, science, business, art, even law, schools now offer online college courses and degrees in every field. 

Online college courses in education are offered at many of the accredited online schools, including University of Phoenix, Liberty University, and Ashford University.  More than simply gaining your education degree in a specified age level, these schools additionally allow students the opportunity to decide if they want to become more specialized within the education field.  Online college courses are offered to help students with curriculum assistance as well as educational technology.  These courses are helpful for many students because they allow them to get hands-on experience without having to develop these skills on their first day of teaching.  Additionally, the new field of distance learning has now becomes so widespread, even among a younger student base, that many online courses now deal specifically with this technological feat. 

Online college courses in the health field are a bit more complicated to grasp for those not involved with the distance learning concept.  Many people around the country are of the mindset that many fields such as health and law, are two industries that cannot be taught through a computer, requiring a more hands-on approach.  However, healthcare has now become so intertwined with technology, that online courses are the perfect medium in which to develop these skills.  Students of online courses are obviously well-equipped with skills necessary to manipulate the internet and other aspects that are now necessary within the medical field.  Many courses focus on medical billing and coding which has recently undergone a technical revolution.  Doctors now have updated their client records to be more easily accessible by using both the internet and other software devices.  Learning this type of technology through online courses allows students to go into the health field into positions that are in desperate need of fresh minds who understand how to manipulate software to their best advantage.

Furthermore, liberal arts degrees in the humanities are some of the most accessible online college courses for students to enroll in.  Degrees in the arts are offered by many accredited online schools which additionally allows students to pick and choose as to which program is better suited for their particular needs.  These degrees may require more outside work, but offer a wide range of online courses and degree, ranging from those in fashion design to photography.  The possibilities have become endless with online courses.  Even attaining a simple degree for a better understanding of interior design techniques has now become much easier than ever before.  Online college courses have opened up a wide range of opportunities for students around the world and offer better insight into many different fields.  

August 26, 2009

If you’re a college student, you surely know already that school is expensive. You may even be privy to some of the perks that are given to college students. But you probably don’t know all of the great freebies that come along with being a student in college. Check out our guide to find free stuff and discounts to get you through the college years.

Tuition discounts exist. You may be surprised to find out that some colleges will offer students a discount on sticker-price tuition. You may be eligible due to a family or employment association, or the school wants to give you a special incentive to attend their college. Talk to your school to find out if you are eligible to receive a discount on your tuition bill.

Retail establishments often have an unmentioned student discount. Stores like J. Crew, Pier 1, and Top Shop offer up to 15% off every day, just for showing your student ID. You may also find that your school has deals with companies such as Apple or cell phone providers that can give you a special rate.

Entertainment also comes a little bit cheaper for students. Several national movie chains have a special student price, and even fine art institutions like the ballet, museums and Broadway extend a discount to those with a student ID. You may also be able to find student rush tickets to certain shows. Finally, some sports teams have special student days and discounts for those with ID.

Almost every school has partnerships with software providers. Talk to your school to find out what exists, and you can get student software at a fraction of the price. Adobe, for example, has student editions of their Creative Suite for up to 80% off of regular rates.

If you’d like to spend a summer abroad, you may find that it’s a bit cheaper to do while you’re still in school. You can find discount airfare, hotel stays, and activities for students all around the world. You may also be able to take advantage of student tours, so you’ll experience travel with people your age and get to take advantage of group discounts as well.

College can be expensive, so that means you should take advantage of discounts whenever you can. Keep an eye out for opportunities to get the best price, and you’ll find life as a college student just a bit easier.