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<title>Latest Articles by mfleischner</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/</link>
<description>Articles at Populate.NET</description>
<language>en-us</language>
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<title>Search Engine Optimization for New Websites: Improve Your Rankings</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Internet_Marketing/Search_Engine_Optimization/search-engine-optimization-for-new-websites-improve-your-rankings.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Internet_Marketing/Search_Engine_Optimization/search-engine-optimization-for-new-websites-improve-your-rankings.html</guid>
<pubDate>Sun, 19 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Are you launching a new website? There is no better time to think about search engine optimization than prior to launching a new site. By giving consideration to your on-page optimization factors, you can increase your chances of achieving top organic search results.

To prepare your site for easy indexing, be sure to follow these basis guidelines:

1. Design your site in html or similar format that minimizes the use of java script and flash. The more complex you make your code, the more difficult it becomes for the search engine spiders to read your content and prescribe the appropriate Google PR to your web page.

2. Make sure that your meta tags are coded properly and include the Robots.txt tag. Many individuals downplay the importance of meta tags. Although meta tags themselves will not drastically change the organic ranking of your site, they do create the display text users will see when your site appears in search results. If your meta tags are search engine optimized and compelling, you increase the changes of improving click-throughs.

3. Apply the proper tags to your page. H1, H2, and H3 tags are a great wall to call attention to your content and promote your keywords and keyword phrases. Try to use each tag at least once, but don't force the issues. You want your text to flow and appear normal.

In addition to ensuring that you've made your page easy to access and presented text that is optimized, you also want to consider other factors that can help long-term with your SEO efforts. So often, web designers get caught up with on page factors, that they overlook the requirements for establishing a foundation that supports long-term initiatives.

In particular, consider adding pages that you can add to over time that support link building and accessibility for search engine spiders. Be sure to include:

1. An html sitemap and an xml sitemap. Including a sitemap on you site makes it easy for search engines to access all of your website pages and index your site accordingly. Your sitemap should be in both html as well as xml. Although users would not access the xml sitemap, search engine spiders use this version to crawl websites. Additionally, key search engine submission resources like Google's Webmasters Tools require xml site map versions.

2. Include a partners page. Previously referred to as a links page, the partners page is essential for reciprocal linking. This strategy is not as powerful as developing one-way links, but until your site has been assigned a Google PR, one-way links can be difficult to acquire. So begin your link exchange program with a partners page that allows you add or remove link quickly and easily.

3. Submission pages that encourage new content. One of the most powerful seo techniques is the addition of new content. Make it easy for your users to add or submit content to your website. When search engines see new content, they rejoice. Do not underestimate how important it is to make it simple for your browsers to add or submit content.

When focusing on search engine optimization, especially with a new website, follow the basic ideas outlined above. There are a number of other factors to consider as well. However, you should always start with a strong foundation - a site design that meets basic SEO standards but one that also supports your long range search engine optimization goals. ]]></description>
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<title>Life After Business College - Your MBA Cover Letter</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Culture_and_Society/Education/College-and-University/life-after-business-college-your-mba-cover-letter.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Culture_and_Society/Education/College-and-University/life-after-business-college-your-mba-cover-letter.html</guid>
<pubDate>Sat, 08 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ An MBA carries with it a great deal of power. Perhaps that's one of the reasons that you chose an MBA program to begin with. The skills that you've developed in your studies are a highly marketable tool once you graduate. Now, persuading a prospective employer to hire you is not unlike trying to impress the admissions board at your college. The business world is extremely competitive. It's time for you to distinguish yourself from your fellow graduates and land that dream job. And, like preparing a good MBA essay is to impressing a college admissions board, so is writing a stellar cover letter to accompany your resume.

Think back, if you can, to that MBA essay. What was it about what you said that persuaded the college admissions board that you deserved a seat in their program? That's likely what will also persuade a prospective employer to hire you. That's what you need to express in your cover letter.

Your resume is something like your business school primary application. It is the place to list all of your educational, work, and volunteer experiences. Your resume needs to be a concise list, and there isn't much room to expand on your qualifications. If you did, many prospective employers wouldn't take the time to read it anyway. After all, dozens or even hundreds of resumes may land on the desks of company executives monthly. This is where the cover letter becomes important. While your resume is somewhat generic, the cover letter will target the specific company from which you are seeking employment.

The contents of your cover letter should include these basic elements:

* Customized greeting. Avoid using "To Whom it May Concern" when addressing a prospective employer, if possible. If you are responding to an ad for a particular position, address it to the name of the executive who placed it or is doing the hiring. If there isn't a name on the ad, do some sleuthing to find out who in a particular company is in charge of receiving resumes and short-listing candidates.

* Know the company you are applying to. Do not send a resume to a company simply because you are desperate for work and you happen to see an ad for employment. Research the company. Get to know exactly what it does and what its philosophy is. Find out what its annual earnings are. Much of this information can be found by Googling the company's name. Check out the company's own website, as well as any other information on the web about it. Read its annual earnings report. If it's a public company, find out what its stocks are currently trading at. This information will help you write a cover letter that is tailored to that company. It shows that you have initiative, and it will give you a chance to share why your skills will benefit that particular company.

* Choose words that are concise but powerful. A good rule of thumb is to limit your cover letter to no more than two pages. More than that, a busy executive may decide he or she simply doesn't have the time to read it. That means choosing your words carefully. Use as few words as you can and still get your point across. Choose language which is descriptive and packs a punch. Say what you need to say, no more and no less.

* Observe the rules of grammar. By now you should have a good grasp of grammar, even if it wasn't your strongest subject in college. Few things come off as unprofessional as poor spelling or sentence structure.

* Follow any requests as set out by the employment advertisement. For example, some companies request a hand-written cover letter. If that's what they want, don't second guess them.

Remember, your resume is like your college application; your cover letter is like your essay. Your resume, like your application, is a list of your experiences. Your cover letter, like your essay, gives a prospective employer insight into who you are as a person and why you'd make the best employee. ]]></description>
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<title>The Trials of College Admission</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Culture_and_Society/Education/K-12/the-trials-of-college-admission.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Culture_and_Society/Education/K-12/the-trials-of-college-admission.html</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 06 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Entrance requirements at colleges vary widely. While some schools are stricter than others, even colleges with open admissions policies will check out a student's record. Here are some tips to consider when your child is applying for college.

Of course, the first place any college will start is a student's high school record. Most important is the overall classroom performance. Honors classes and college-prep courses will be looked upon more favorably than electives. Colleges require all of the main subjects to be covered, and they will deny students if their classes are imbalanced. Your GPA is important, but your class work must be challenging. Also, students taking easy classes tend to score lower on admissions exams.

Most schools look for four years of English, three years of mathematics, three years each natural sciences and three years of social sciences. Some colleges also require other subjects such as foreign language and fine arts. Check for information on requirements with the schools your son or daughter is considering.

Standardized test scores are another measure of academic ability. Test scores on the SAT or ACT are analyzed. These are combined with general academic achievement to help colleges choose which students to accept. Also, certain sections of these tests will aid in course placement. For example, English majors will want to have stellar verbal and written scores. If these scores are lacking, a different major will probably have to be chosen.

Admissions interviews and essays are another factor in the admissions process. When writing an admissions essay, don't let your son or daughter overuse their thesaurus. It makes the essay sound contrived. Be interesting, and keep the attention of the reader. Also, use concrete images. For example, don't say that you "learned something." Write a specific example of what was learned. Don't write a mess of words just to use up space. Be concise and direct. Avoid slang. And, most importantly, make sure that the question is answered. There's nothing worse than a whole lot of text rambling without saying anything.

In an admissions interview, other factors come into play. Promptness is one of the first steps toward a successful interview. Also, be sure that your student dresses to impress. Formal clothes are overkill, but jeans and a t-shirt are inappropriate. Interviewers demand respect, so make sure that your son or daughter greets them by name and title. If a tour of the college is given, the student should greet every faculty member with courtesy and a smile.

When in a room, a student shouldn't take a seat until it is requested. An admissions interview is like a job interview. It's a chance for the prospect to sell themselves by stressing achievements and asking insightful questions. Body language and posture are important, as is focus. Drifting off during the interview is surefire way to ruin it, as is a general lack of respect. When the interview is over, it's important to continue the respect with a handshake and polite thanks.

College admission is a quest. Throughout all the tests and interviews, encourage your teenager to keep focused on the positive. Colleges are looking for the brightest and have only your student's best interests in mind. ]]></description>
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<title>The College Admissions Process - Everything You Need to Know</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Culture_and_Society/Education/College-and-University/the-college-admissions-process-everything-you-need-to-know.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Culture_and_Society/Education/College-and-University/the-college-admissions-process-everything-you-need-to-know.html</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 06 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Do you have a son or daughter that's getting ready to think about life after high school? They probably think the rest of their life hinges on their upcoming quest to find a college, and in a way, it does. But, it doesn't have to be overwhelming. Here is what you need to know to help them make the right decisions along the way.

First things first, you need to get your son or daughter signed up to take the SATs, ACTs, or possibly both. Look at the required testing for admission consideration for each school. Remember, it is better to over-test than under-test. If their chosen schools want to see either the ACT or the SAT, it may be a good idea to take both tests.

In fact, your son or daughter may want to take the tests more than once, since schools accept your highest scores. If your son or daughter scores higher on the math section and lower on the writing section, they can take the test again and use the highest score on each section to calculate their cumulative score. Since the tests are offered multiple times each year, it's best to start early and test often to get the best test scores you can. SAT and ACT prep classes are also available, and many helpful hints can be found online.

Your son or daughter should also start considering what their high school transcripts are going to do for their odds of acceptance during the admissions process. Adding an honors or advanced placement class, just so long as it won't damage their overall GPA if the class is too difficult for them, is a great idea. Encourage your child to get involved in student government or other extracurricular activities. Admissions departments love well-rounded applicants. Community service, hobbies and jobs can also count in your child's favor when it comes to extracurricular activities. However, make sure their grades stay top-notch while they are diversifying their interests.

The last variable in the college admissions process is in the admissions essay. This is the part of your son or daughter's application that lets admissions officers get to know them better as a person. It is critical that the essay has no grammar or punctuation mistakes. A great essay lets you hear the writer's voice clearly. It is best to have the essay proofread by a few different people, if possible. An English teacher and a guidance counselor would be ideal as proofreaders.

It is also important to remember one last vital element to the college admissions process: your emotional support as a parent. High school students have a lot of social pressure on their shoulders to begin with, and the college admissions process is a huge step in their lives. Make sure your son or daughter knows that they can turn to you for support, regardless of whether they're going to an Ivy League school or a community college. Your support will help them make the most out of their potential. ]]></description>
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<title>Getting In the Door: Finding the College of Your Choice</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Culture_and_Society/Education/College-and-University/getting-in-the-door-finding-the-college-of-your-choice.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Culture_and_Society/Education/College-and-University/getting-in-the-door-finding-the-college-of-your-choice.html</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 06 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Applying for college is an intimidating task for any student. Unlike high school, where classes and curriculum are relatively simple and straightforward, college attendance is a drastic and often frightening change for both parents and students. The first step is to start discussions with high school counselors and teachers. Is there a particular field of interest? Those already in the academic world will likely have beneficial advice and recommendations that make this process easier.

It's always a good idea for any potential student to visit their campus of choice prior to applying. Not only will you see the student body as it will be when you attend, you will meet advisers, faculty, and develop a better idea of the facility's layout. Ask many questions and find the answers to your questions. This saves you from applying to a facility that might not be what you assume.

The first details to discuss are standard considerations. Do you already have a specific institution in mind? It is recommended that any applicant have several colleges in mind. Is there a location that most interests you? Do you want to commute to a local institution or are you looking for a major facility with full dormitories?

Many colleges have detailed web sites that even tell the ratio of students to faculty as well as the average size of classes. If a student wants a college with a smaller number of students per class, they should investigate their facilities of choice prior to applying.

What about the student body? Is there a diverse array of students and backgrounds? Will this enrich your experience in college? Naturally, study the curriculum offered and ensure the classes will interest your particular student.

Admission counselors expect a number of things from a student. Is there a particular field of interest? Are there letters of recommendation? These are letters from previous teachers and there are some things to know before requesting such materials from teachers. First, select only teachers with whom you've had positive experiences. Ensure the letter is well-written; as a poorly created letter of recommendation reflects negatively on the student.

It is always impressive to choose a teacher in the field that interests you. For example, if you intend on pursuing a degree in journalism, one of your letters of recommendation should come from an English or literature instructor.

After you've chosen who will write the best quality letters, give the teacher plenty of advanced notice. Supply documentation on the college, applicable deadlines, and provide a self-addressed, stamped envelope for each letter.

Extracurricular activities make a legitimate and lasting impression upon admission officers. They show commitment, responsibility, and initiative. It is imperative to understand that advisers are not looking for quantity, but rather quality. If you belonged to ten clubs or organizations and were not active, it doesn't count for much. Active participation in one or two activities, however, makes a much better impression.

When listing such activities, highlight any leadership experience and a list the most important events in which the student participated. Were you in school plays? Were you involved in special projects or fund raising activities for a local charity? Did you participate in band or drama classes? What about community services such as your local "meals-on-wheels," or humane shelter?

Cost is a major factor in attending college, but it shouldn't dictate where you apply. Even if the tuition and costs make a college seem prohibitive, there are always financial resources available to help. Some colleges offer sponsorship programs, state or Federal grants, and a host of other resources are available for students in need.

If possible, take both the SAT and ACT tests prior to applying for college. Universities differ widely in their preferences. Some facilities want the results from one and others prefer results from both.

Applying for college is often a daunting task, but it isn't impossible. The process is difficult for the majority of students, but rewards you with a bright and promising future. ]]></description>
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<title>College Planning - Completing Your Law School Personal Statement</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Culture_and_Society/Education/College-and-University/college-planning-completing-your-law-school-personal-statement.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Culture_and_Society/Education/College-and-University/college-planning-completing-your-law-school-personal-statement.html</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 06 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Writing your law school application personal statement can be as nerve-wracking as preparing for the LSAT exam. You probably feel as though much of your future hinges on getting accepted into the college of your choice. Even the smartest of undergraduates struggle to find the right words to say. Before the panic attacks start, try this advice first.

Consider the purpose of a law school personal statement, which is two-fold. First, you must try to convince an admissions committee that your accomplishments are worthy of consideration. Second, you need to prove that you are not only lawyer material, but you are also a perfect addition to the student body at that particular institution. These are the two main questions that you need to answer.

Like a good courtroom argument, you need to focus your efforts on offering evidence. Emotional pleas may move a jury to tears, but only evidence will convict. The admissions committee is your jury, and they need to see the proof that backs up your arguments. 'I work hard' is not an evidentiary statement. How do you work hard? How have you demonstrated your work ethic throughout your lifetime, particularly in your undergraduate studies and employment? Your college grades at your undergraduate school will provide some evidence as to how hard a worker you are. Sharing your experiences in the workplace will too. Talking about your volunteer work and community service is another powerful piece of evidence. Faced with this type of evidence, your 'jury' will be convinced you are a hard worker.

For the first part of your law school personal statement, supply proof that you are law-school material. Refer to your GPA, especially if it was high (your transcript will back this up). Expand on the courses that you took in college and how they inspired and prepared you for this venture. Share how your job experiences have prepared you for a career in jurisprudence.

The second part of your essay needs to persuade your 'jury' that you are a fit for that school. What is it about the institution that attracted you in the first place? For example, if the law school you are making application to has a strong commitment to encouraging pro bono work, describe why this appeals to you. Follow that by sharing related volunteer work that you've done.

It isn't wrong to use emotional arguments. Sharing your emotions lets your 'jury' know that you are a real person with an intense passion for the law. It expresses your desire to be a part of that particular college. But don't rely solely on emotional arguments. Whenever you make an emotional statement, back it up with evidence. In other words, you might state 'I am drawn to working with at-risk youth.' Then, refer to the two years that you spent volunteering as a mentor at a homeless shelter for teenagers. This proves that you're more than just a lot of talk. When faced with your body of evidence, your 'jury' will have a hard time refuting your desire to pursue a law career. ]]></description>
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<title>Your College Application Essay: Is It All About You?</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Culture_and_Society/Education/K-12/your-college-application-essay-is-it-all-about-you.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Culture_and_Society/Education/K-12/your-college-application-essay-is-it-all-about-you.html</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 05 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The personal college essay is often difficult. What can you say about yourself that will take up 500 or 1,000 words? Does the idea of such writing make you anxious? Fear not, the personal essay process may not be as arduous as you think!

An admissions advisor or committee will pay careful attention to your personal essay. This will give them a good idea of you as a person. It will indicate what your personality is like, what your goals are, and any interests you currently have.

You should check on the essay requirements even before you plan to write. Some schools may require 500 words while others may want a different length. Some facilities may want a double-spaced essay with 1-inch margins while others may not be as concerned with detail.

When you've found what is required, it's time to start writing. Don't feel pressured as most essays, like all other forms of writing, will be completed in drafts. This allows you the optimum flexibility and opportunity to change any detail or sentence you don't like.

The best method of authoring your essay will be on a computer. This invention has done more to help with writing, general or professional, than any other. Be sure your computer has some form of Word Processing software. This may be Microsoft's Word or Works; it might be the Sun publishing suite, or any other.

The personal essay doesn't differ from other high school writing in that there are still three steps for the easiest result. First, pre-write. This is where you get your words flowing. You are free to skip, jump paragraphs, and just write whatever you want. You shouldn't be concerned with anything during this phase of the essay process.

The first stage is all about brainstorming and experimenting. This is the best place to really discover yourself and your life. What have been your greatest achievements? Have you experienced disappointments or hardships that made you a stronger person?

Have you traveled extensively? Are you actively participating in community outreach or fundraising organizations and efforts? By keeping focus on events rather than characteristics, you are giving the admissions personnel key insights into you, as a person. You can always interview others for ideas on what your strengths are. It's also good during this phase to outline these strengths and offer some accomplishments.

When you've finished the pre-write, you can start organizing your material. Do you notice any patterns or connecting subjects through the piece?

The second stage is drafting. This is where you hone and refine your work. You take all the "pieces," from your prewriting and reformat your essay. It works just like a puzzle. You move your sentences and paragraphs around to find more suitable and logical placement.

After the process of drafting, you will have written the essay. It should be solid, straightforward, and should have a sense of "flow." Your paragraphs should be organized and shouldn't "jump," to other sections of the essay without reason.

Lastly, you will edit your essay. This is where you will need to watch your grammar and structure. Every sentence is a support for the paragraph. Every paragraph should support your overall essay.

Avoid the general mistakes in grammar such as run-on sentences and attempting to combine passive and active voice in a single sentence. Spelling is an imperative area to watch. Many "spell check" functions will catch the wrong spelling, but not the wrong word. For example, "eye like two dense," is spelled correctly according to a word processor, even though you might be attempting to say, "I like to dance."

If you prepare yourself for the process and don't push, you can have the greatest essay possible. All you need to do is to realize the commitment involved, be ready for it, and give full attention to all details. You can complete your personal college essay without anxiety. ]]></description>
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<title>College Bound? Beware The Senior Slump!</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Culture_and_Society/Education/K-12/college-bound-beware-the-senior-slump.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Culture_and_Society/Education/K-12/college-bound-beware-the-senior-slump.html</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 05 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Today's job market requires higher education, plain and simple. Students have to be ready for college, and colleges are watching their educational progress. In this age of instant information, colleges can accept or decline prospective students on a whim. So keep your high school student on the road to academic success by encouraging them to keep up their studies all the way to the end.

A pitfall to avoid is the "senior slump." Seniors tend to take it easy their senior year, especially when they've already been accepted to a college. An old tradition was to waste away that last semester in physical education and other electives, but those days are gone. Now, colleges want students who work hard all the way to graduation.

One of the main reasons for the senior slump is that GPA's were traditionally frozen in place after the first semester senior year. Today, that's not the case. Schools watch fluctuations in grades until the final days of high school.

A college watches a prospective student's achievement closely during their senior year, and they can withdraw an admission offer if grades fall too low. They also watch to make sure that college prep classes aren't being dropped. If these standards aren't met, a college can place conditions on admission, such as a minimum grade point average the first year.

Sharp academic skills are a must in today's universities. By taking it easy at the end of senior year, students are losing a valuable edge. The core skills developed during the previous years must be maintained; otherwise a student will be at a big disadvantage during their first year of college. Many college freshman drop out if they had been in their final months of high school.

Even worse, students who slack off in senior year have been shown to perform poorly in placement exams. Studies have shown that up to sixty percent fall behind during their freshman year of college. Remedial work is often required to hone their skills, leading to wasted time and an extra financial burden.

Even if a student doesn't lose an admission offer for a senior slump, colleges look down on this practice. In an overcrowded educational world, this may be the basis for a school to keep an unnecessarily watchful eye on a student's academic progress.

Colleges today notice these senior slump inclinations and are on the watch for decreased performance. They can easily examine student's records and rescind their offer for admission. There is no excuse or reason for a student to destroy their academic career with a semester or two of taking it easy.

When students are getting ready for the transition from high school to collegiate life, they are under tremendous pressure. Students have no idea what's in store for them, and they are often more focused on the future than the present. Finishing high school strong is a key step towards ensuring their future success at college, so parents and students should make every effort possible to avoid the senior slump. ]]></description>
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<title>The Perfect College For You</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Culture_and_Society/Education/College-and-University/the-perfect-college-for-you.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Culture_and_Society/Education/College-and-University/the-perfect-college-for-you.html</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 05 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Is your teenager having trouble narrowing down their list of potential colleges? Are they having trouble finding the perfect school? Consider the advantages and disadvantages of each college. Sit down with them, and make a list about the positive and negative features of each school.

For example, are you looking for a school near home or somewhere distant? Unless you live far from any major cities, there is probably a college within thirty miles. Some of the highest ranked schools are in smaller cities.

What is your student's major, and is it offered at the college? This is of primary concern, as some schools will not offer a major in your son or daughter's field. Also, check to see that the school is accredited. Accreditation will ensure the credibility of your son or daughter's degree.

When researching the academic credentials of a college, find out what the faculty-student ratio is. The more time a teacher is able to dedicate to your student, the better. Find out the average class size. Is a large school what your teenager wants? They offer more social opportunities, but small schools usually have better job placement programs.

Campus size and housing accommodations are key points in choosing a college. A large campus with gorgeous scenery may be a plus for some, but for others it means long walks and tardiness. Check out the housing opportunities. Does the prospective college offer dorm living, or are students expected to live off campus? Dorm life has its charm, but less distractions are a good thing for certain children. Then again, a cramped dorm room might be the key to your teenager's social development.

Both dorms and off campus housing have separate expenses. These costs, combined with tuition fees, books, and application costs make up the budgetary considerations. Don't forget the added cost of meals. Financial aid is available if you know the deadlines and have the proper forms. Many colleges offer part-time employment to help offset the costs.

Also consider the availability of extracurricular activities. What kind of clubs will interest your teenager? If he's a star athlete, this will factor into the decision. Especially if scholarships are involved, a college athletic career is a highly rewarding experience. Maybe your child is interested in joining a fraternity or sorority and bonding in this special way. College clubs are the best way to meet like-minded individuals who can be lifelong friends.

There are also religious affiliations to think about. If your son or daughter is dedicated to a certain religion, they probably want to attend a college with similar standards. On the other hand, if your daughter is not interested in religion at all, she probably won't want to attend a strict Baptist school. Of course, you don't have to be involved with a specific religion to enjoy the benefits of a religious school. For example, many non-Catholics attend Notre Dame.

A long list of colleges can be whittled down with a good question and answer session. Keep in mind all the factors that are important to your child and, when in doubt, take a tour of the college and see for yourself. ]]></description>
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<title>Completing the Graduate School Essay</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Culture_and_Society/Education/College-and-University/completing-the-graduate-school-essay.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Culture_and_Society/Education/College-and-University/completing-the-graduate-school-essay.html</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 05 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ When you are working on your application for graduate school, you will inevitably reach this area: the Graduate School Personal Essay. This summary is an influential and powerful statement that may hold more influence than test scores or previous education.

A concise and eloquent statement tells the admissions staff many things about you. This is your opportunity to highlight all your positive qualities. Are you attempting to further your career to help others? To open opportunities for communities or other areas that are currently in need? Are you determined? Ambitious? Would your drive match the demands of graduate school?

When you have developed your strongest points, briefly elaborate on them using real-life examples. Be certain to include any information on experience as it relates to this goal. The essay can also be used to explain difficulties found in your transcripts.

You should approach this essay in drafts. Pre-write and brain storm on creative ways to set yourself apart through the essay. There are several standard areas you should discuss in your paper. Why does the school fit you? What does their program offer that no other programs do? Where do you want your career to go? What is your previous experience in the field? Do you have any research or dedicated experience?

What is your history of career related experience? Have you taken coursework already related to the field? What was it?

Ideally, you want a well-written and clear essay. You want to prove your aptitude and ability to communicate with the faculty and your peers. Don't fill up the pages with half-negatives (i.e. might, possibly, would like to, have thought of, etc). Be determined and deliberate on your goals. This does not set your future in stone so you shouldn't tell the faculty you may want to do this today, and possibly change to that tomorrow. Indecision does not appear professional on paper.

The accepted essay lengths vary by institution, but you should expect a length between one and two pages. This will give you ample room to make your statement and elaborate, without going overboard. A length restriction ensures that your work will be concise and poignant without being wordy and long-winded.

One good element to really elaborate is how you first gained an interest in the field you are pursuing. Your essay will be autobiographical and you should expect to promote yourself. Give an insight into what inspires you and what you believe are the rewards of your efforts.

When you complete your essay, you will need to edit and polish. You may consult with any standard grammar guide for assistance. Watch your punctuation and usage throughout the essay. Can you shorten a phrase? Would the sentence appear with more action instead of adverbs? Are your modifiers limited or are they scattered through your work? There are also reference books devoted solely to the process of writing the Graduate School Essay. They can provide much greater aide and offer insight you may not find online.

Your graduate school essay will be a challenge to write. You will have a predetermined length, your essay will require focus, and your material must show both your ability as well as your determination. If you utilize the advice of others, study relevant articles and books, and learn when you should give yourself a break, the chore of authoring this essay doesn't have to be grueling. Pace yourself and your graduate essay will far simpler than you expect. ]]></description>
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