Deciding Which School is Right For You
Discovering your path is no easy task. Here are five key steps to help you successfully enroll in the right school.
Step 1: Determine What Type Student You Are
To
start, it's best to know which type of student you are; first-time
student , transfer student, returning student or career changer. Based
on this information and your personal goals you can now begin to define
which DegreeTiger is right for you.
Step 2: Choose Your Degree Type
What
type of degree will allow you to achieve your dream career? An
Associate's degree typically takes two years to complete whereas a
Bachelor's degree traditionally takes four years. Those who are looking
to further their education beyond these degree types will want to
consider a Master's and/or Doctorate degree.
Step 3: Decide Your Learning Style - Online vs. Campus
Degrees
can be completed in various learning formats; online, on campus and
sometimes a mixture of the two. Deciding which learning environment
suits you best is easier once you have determined two things, 1) what
you want to get out of your college experience and 2) your learning
preferences and what you need to succeed.
Step 4: Compare Your School Options - Talk to Advisors
After
you have decided on a degree level and learning format, it is time to
compare schools. Each institution is unique, and there are thousands
from which to choose. Speaking with admissions counselors is helpful, as
these professionals are trained to assist prospective students.
Step 5: Apply to Schools
Once
you have narrowed your search to the schools that meet your personal
needs, it's time to apply! Each school will have their own application
requirements, so be sure to read carefully and note all specified
deadlines.
Getting the Most Out of Your College Experience
When
students venture off to college to get a degree, they're setting off on
an adventure of a newfound independence and self-discovery. They'll get
to meet hundreds of new people, learn a wealth of exciting knowledge
and overcome a few obstacles along the way.
To get the most out
of this time in a student's life, it is important to keep in mind why
you're going to college in the first place. While the social scene and
living by your own rules can be exhilarating at first, the ultimate
purpose is to discover passions that will fuel your future career and
develop positive relationships with classmates, roommates and professors
that will continue well after graduation.
When you first arrive
at school, don't forget that dozens, if not hundreds, of individuals are
specifically hired by the school to help you become a successful
college graduate. Students should exercise the use of all of the
resources available to them. A college career center is a valuable
service that can help young adults find the right major that aligns with
their values, skills and interests, rather than listening to others'
opinions on what they think they should pursue.
As the world
becomes increasingly connected, academic advisers, resident advisers,
professors and even upperclassmen are all valuable connections to foster
throughout your years enrolled in school. After graduation, you may
find yourself connected to individuals from around the world simply
because you reached out and made relationships with a unique selection
of the student body.
Ultimately, reaching out in college and
getting to know your surroundings as much as possible is one of the best
ways to fully enjoy your university experience.
A College Degree Can Bring Health, Happiness and Financial Security to Students
According
to new research, students who get a degree have a better chance of
leading happier, healthier and more fulfilling lives. In the U.S.
government's 35th annual comprehensive health report from the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health
Statistics (NCHS), data from nearly 60 sources from 1975 through 2010
showcased an array of positive effects following the completion of a
college education.
The study revealed that children were less
likely to be obese if the head of their household possessed at least a
bachelor's degree. Additionally, women age 25 and over who graduated
from a four-year college were 25 percent less likely to be obese and, in
general, those with higher education under their belts live about nine
years longer than those who don't graduate from high school.
"Highly
educated persons are more likely to be employed and well-paid than the
less educated," lead author Amy Bernstein states in the report. "They
have a higher sense of control over their health and lives and more
social support. In addition, the well educated are more likely to engage
in healthy behaviors and avoid unhealthy ones."
These links
between wealth, higher education levels and good health have been
recognized for years and continue to be strong areas of study by the
nation's top researchers. Essentially, CDC's release of these findings
can help young students become motivated to apply to school and find the
right college match. After students have successfully answered the
question, "What college should I go to," they can begin to delve into
the array of fields that the school offers and find a major they are
passionate about, whether it's nursing, engineering or philosophy.
On
the reverse side, students can learn the possible negative effects of
not going to college and halting their academic path. Poverty and
disease tend to go hand in hand, and typically linked with the two is
the lack of a college or even a high school degree.
"They are
things you don't necessarily think about, but these differences have
persisted in the last decade and it's a problem," Bernstein said.
While
the stress of applying for college and the cost of tuition can loom
over some students' heads, the ultimate benefits - years of happiness,
healthier lives and greater financial security - are worth the
investment.
