What I Wish I Would Have Known Before College

There is no step by step guide to survive school while pursuing a higher education degree. Many people describe college as some of the best years of their lives. However, higher education is a dramatic lifestyle change that can be hard to adapt to for many students. As a recent graduate reflecting on my college years, there are a few things I wish I had realized before I entered college. Here are a few things I wish I would’ve known, including stress, studying and money management.

In high school I was a three sport athlete, a member of the National Honor Society, the secretary for the student council and part of many other committees. I balanced these activities very well and loved every minute of it. However, the set schedule I was used to changed when I came to college. You are in charge of managing your schedule. No one is there to guide you along. This can be a major change of pace for many people. So my tip to you is to set a schedule. Sit down and plan out your week. Designate times to do assignments, tests and to study. Stick to your routine. Your grades will thank you.

If you had poor study habits in high school, it’s time to make a change. Students are often shocked by how much effort they must put into their classes. Even though students are often told how much time and effort they will have to put into their classes, they are typically stunned when they are actually expected to do it. If you’re really struggling, reach out to your advisor for helpful tips on how to manage your course work. They may also have resources available to you to make studying easier or more enjoyable! Don’t take on more than you can handle. Some students can handle four courses at a time while others may only be able to focus on one. Wherever you fall on this spectrum, that’s okay! Progress isn’t linear. Lastly, ask friends and loved ones what worked for them or look up studying tips online. If one method fails, don’t give up! Everyone is different, you just need to find your niche.

In all honesty, college was the most stressful time of my life. When my routine was no longer existent, I found that I had to discover new ways to manage stress and anxiety. It wasn’t until my junior year that I was able to find ways to manage that stress that worked for me. I found that what worked for me didn’t necessarily work for my friends. I had always been an extremely active person, so I naturally gravitated towards fitness to take my mind off of whatever I was stressed about. Going to the gym at the end of the day helped me relax and refocus. Other stress relievers can be painting, reading a book or even just watching a movie or tv for a little while. Find a healthy coping mechanism and make sure to incorporate it into your new routine.

Last but not least, money. Money can be a huge concern while earning your degree, and managing it can be difficult. My advice would be to set a budget or allowance for yourself. You can make it weekly, bi-weekly, or even monthly. Factor in the cost of your loans, along with other expenses such as books and materials. When I made my budget, I also included money for food, extracurriculars along with how much money I would put into savings. I really stress putting money aside for savings. When my senior year rolled around, I was able to pay off my whole first semester with what money I had put aside which saved me the stress of paying more interest on my loan. Every bit counts, save what you can, when you can.

For many students, college is a whole new world and what comes along with it can be stressful and overwhelming. Finding what works for you during this time is extremely important. Sometimes, though, a little guidance can be helpful — take it from people who learned the hard way.

How CLEP Exams Are Used

College Level Examination Program (CLEP) is a set of exams made and conducted by the College Board. The main goal of these exams is to evaluate the knowledge of students in 36 different subjects. If they pass any of the exams, the will earn college credits so that they won’t have to enroll in that particular course in college.

There are several uses for CLEP:

  • The most obvious use is to reduce the time spent in college. The more subjects you pass in this program, the more credits you earn. The more credits you earn, the lesser the number of classes you need to take. You can then spend your time for other classes. Think of it this way, once you pass a CLEP exam, that’s one less load off your back. Of course, the direct result to this is saving several dollars by not having to enroll in a few classes.
  • Dual Credit Accumulation. This is crucial. CLEP credits can be counted in your high school requirements as well as in college.
  • Eliminate basic subjects so that students can focus more on the major subjects of their chosen courses in college. Taking basic classes can be annoying and can be a chore. After you’ve passed that CLEP exam, you won’t need to take it, thus giving you more time to focus on more course oriented classes.
  • Gives you a sense of accomplishment. Passing CLEP exams can give you the right push that you need to be headed into the right direction education wise. These exams can help you build on your basics as you go to college.

Before you take your CLEP exams though, make sure to consult the college you plan to attend to. Make sure that they accept CLEP credits. Otherwise, all your hard work will be for nothing.

Effective Strategies For Passing A Credit By Exam Test

A credit by exam test awards a student transferable college units which are useful in shortening the time consumed in earning a college degree. Many students take credit by exam tests to help them reduce the cost in their college education. However, a student must successfully pass the exam to gain the needed college credits. These type of test are usually difficult to pass. It’s ideal that a student implement strategies to ensure a passing grade in these type of exams.

Here’s a list of effective strategies that a student can adapt to help them prepare for the exam and acquire a passing grade in the test:

Exposure In Subjects, Principles, And Facts
Acquired knowledge in specific subjects that are included in credit by exam tests is not simple. Some of the subjects and lesson included are not tackled in high school classes. However it doesn’t mean a student wont be able to acquire those lesson somewhere else. Students can acquire related knowledge thru their work. Exposure in subjects included in credit by exam tests are often acquired in the work force. Applying as an on the job trainee in a particular industry will grant students advanced knowledge in related subjects. These can be a good preparation for a credit by exam test.

The Power of Review Centers
Enrolling in review classes that aim to prepare students for a credit by exam test is very effective. There are institutions that offer these kinds of review classes for students. Review centers have the right resources that can help students acquire a passing score in the test. Most of the time, review centers have pre-test and review materials that are very useful in preparing the capability of students to pass the credit by test. Review classes are powerful tools that students should take before taking a credit by exam test.

Eight Important Things To Know About Distance Education

An alternative means for acquiring academic qualification is thru Distance Education. This method of education is different from the traditional classroom base education. A distance education program grants student’s opportunity to be educated without being physically present in regular classrooms. A lot of Universities and Colleges offer this kind of program to meet the needs of students who cannot attend regular campus classes. This kind of program allows students to be educated in a particular institution even if they are living miles away. Students in a distance education program don’t have to travel in a different location to acquire the education that they need.

A Distance education program is very beneficial to students who are currently employed in the workforce. This kind of program is also advantageous to hands-on parents who are busy attending to their kids. Although, the popularity of distance education rose in the recent years, many people are still unaware that such an educational program exists. The distance education program is an ideal option to consider during a student’s decision. The public should know about the existence of distance education program. Not only does it give educational opportunity to more people, but it also brings high quality education to households all over the  world. Distance education programs give chance to students who don’t have the time and resources to get a formal education in traditional campus setting.

Below are eight facts about distance education programs:

  1. Distance Education Has Been Existing For Quite A long Time.
  2. The Internet Allowed Distance Education To Be More Efficient.
  3. It Is Cheaper Compared To Traditional Method Of Education.
  4. It Provides The Best Opportunity For Students With Busy Schedules.
  5. Anyone Can Enroll In A Distance Education.
  6. Location Is Not Important.
  7. The Quality OF Education Is Equal To Regular Or Traditional Method Of Education.
  8. The Degree Earned Is Valid And Accepted.

Why Choose Distance Learning System

Choosing the right educational institution is not easy. Students find it difficult to find the best institution that can provide the best online education they need. One renowned educational institution for providing good quality online learning program is Distance learning System. Their service include Online Learning Programs, Blended Learning Program and a variation of Supplemental Courses. Distance Learning System was established in 1999 and is considered to be America’s number one educational publishing company providing test preparation services and products. They also pioneered in offering customized educational solutions to distance learning programs for students with busy schedules.

High Quality Education
As experts in offering educational services to students, DLSI has been a venue for high quality online education programs. Students will acquire the right learning and knowledge that they need in their career. Distance learning system offers a list of highly qualified tutors and instructors that can help a student prepare for a board exam.

Convenience
DLSI is one of the first online educational institutions offering distance education program thru the internet. Students seeking online education can rely on DLSI. Distance learning System allows students with busy schedules to participate in online classes that can be attended from any location. DLSI offers students an opportunity to be educated right in the comfort of their homes.

Best Preparation for Board Exams
Preparing for difficult board exams is tough. Many people failed in these types of exams because they weren’t able to acquire the best and effective preparation for it. DLSI offers the best preparation for difficult board exams. DLSI adapt effective review strategies to ensure a passing grade in these type of exams. The current DLSI national Passing rate is 98%. Many individuals acquired their professional licensed like RN’s and LpNs thru the help of Distance learning System. Now, If you’re searching for the right review center for a board exam, then DLSI is your perfect match.

Five Things You Should Know About College Level Examination Program

Students who want to earn college credits have the option to take the College Level Examination Program. This is a type of exam wherein the student’s knowledge are assessed. Students who pass the college examination program test is awarded college credits which is transferable and accepted to a lot of colleges and universities.

How Many Subjects are Covered in a College Level Examination Program Test?
This type of assessment test covers thirty three exams in five subject areas which can be credited in a college general education course. A student who is able to pass all 36 subjects will be granted college credits that are useful to many college degree courses.

What’s the Passing Score for This Kind of Exam?
The minimum qualifying score for a student to earn a passing grade is typically 75%. The minimum qualifying score accepted by a particular college or university depends on the institution’s own standards.

How Long Does It Take To Finish The Exam?
Normally it would take 90 minutes to finish each test in a College Level Examination Program. The time consumed in taking the test will depend on the number of subjects you want to take.

How Much Is The Cost For Taking The Exam?
A standard payment of $80 per exam is required. The total cost for the entire exam will depend on the number of tests the student will be taking. The more exams a student will be taking, the more cost he or she needs to pay.

Why Should A Student Take A College Level Examination Program Test?
Passing the College Level Examination Program grants a student college credit in a fraction of the cost and time. A student can save time and money for earning required college credits. Earning credits in this type of exam is practical and cost efficient.

Three Effective Strategies to Pass CLEP Exams

CLEP Exams grant a student transferable college credits. Taking a CLEP Exam is an ideal way to earn advance units in college. CLEP exams are advantageous to students. It’s quite easy to apply and take the exam. But, for some, passing the CLEP exam is a little bit difficult. Not all CLEP exam takers will successfully earn the much needed college credits.

The CLEP exam assess a student’s knowledge in thirty six subject areas. It is equivalent to the final exam given in a regular college class. Normally, a student should acquire a score of 50 to 60 out of 80 items. Attaining this score is difficult especially for students with low to average knowledge and capability. It’s best that a student adapts effective techniques that will ensure a passing score in the exam.

Below are three Useful and effective strategies to help students pass the CLEP Test:

Self-Review
A student can prepare for a CLEP exam by undergoing in self-review and studying. Students can acquire useful reading materials about the subject. Students should be able to familiarize terms and principles related to the subject. It’s advisable that a student create a schedule and a lot a time for studying and reviewing.

Tutoring
Another effective strategy to ensure a passing score in the CLEP exam is thru participating in tutorial classes. There are several institutions that offer this kind service to students. Some institutions also offer online tutorial classes for CLEP exams.

Review Materials
Students can also acquire CLEP review materials that are available in bookstores.  CLEP reviewers are similar to the actual test materials in a CLEP exam. Reviewers often help students prepare for the test. It can also increase the chances of students to earn high scores in the actual test result.

Simple Facts You Want to Know About Distance Learning

Distance education or distance learning is a means of acquiring formal education and learning without physically attending regular classes in school campuses. This type of learning is not really new. In fact, the first distance education course started in 1840 by Sir Isaac Pitman.  It eventually evolved as new forms of communications developed. The internet allowed a more efficient means to deliver instruction materials to students taking a distance education program.

The advancement of the internet made distance education more popular. More and more students acquire a formal education thru this type of learning. Here are some facts that you want to about distance education programs.

It’s a practical and convenient mode of education
Students enrolling in distance education programs often choose this type learning because it’s practical. It’s also the most convenient way of acquiring a formal education. Students can save time, money, and energy from acquiring formal education, if they attend online classes right in their homes. A student taking the traditional method of education must take daily trips to a school campus to attend scheduled classes. And if the student must miss class for some reason, there is no alternative to reschedule the lecture, unlike online classes where the lectures are often recorded and made available for later viewing.

Credits earned are valid and transferable
Many hesitant students do have this thinking that the credits or the degree earned in online school is not recognized by an education board. However, legitimate online schools do grant a student transferable credits which are transferable in many colleges and universities. A degree earned with an online school is also recognized and accepted by many employers and companies.

Provide an educational opportunity to people who can’t attend traditional classes
Students who are not capable of physically attending regular classes in school campuses will still have an opportunity to finish an educational course.  This is very useful to students who are busy working in the workforce and full time parents.

Three Ways to Minimize the Time in Earning a College Degree

College education can be time consuming. Normally, the maximum time consumed for a bachelor’s degree is four to five years. This can be a lot of time for a person who is in a hurry for a career. A student most of the time choose the traditional path towards earning a degree by attending the four year regular classes in colleges and universities. Yet, there are means to lessen the time consumed by a student. He or she can adapt methods that will reduce the time spent in earning a degree course.

Here are three of the top ways to lessen the time spent in earning a college degree course.

Taking advance placement courses
Many colleges and universities often grant advance placement courses to high school students who earned high scores in exams. Advance placement courses grants a student with college credit that is transferable to many universities. This earned advance credits allows a student to defer from enrolling in the required equivalent college subject. This helps a student to cut down on time from spending one particular subject.

Enroll in advance in other subjects
Another ways to lessen the time you consume in college is thru taking some subject in advance. A student can take college subjects that don’t have a prerequisite. These are usually minor subjects but are still required for the entire course.  A student can enroll to these subjects ahead than suggested if he has still available allowed units available.

Take short term courses
College short term courses usually take lesser time than a normal full term course. A student has the option to choose a short term course in college. It usually take two to three years for a student to finish a short term college course. This reduces the time consumed in college as much as 50 percent.

The Importance of a Respiratory Therapist in Prolonging a Person’s Life

Patients who have critical illnesses needs a respiratory therapist. These type of medical specialists are responsible for managing a patient’s life support. They are very important during a trauma case, major surgeries and cases under intensive care. They are responsible in establishing airway and respiratory management during severe and life threatening ailments.

Respiration is vital to every human being
Part of human biological process is breathing. This where a person gets a very vital element for survival. Oxygen is needed by our bodies to keep or brain and circulatory system working. A patient having trouble with breathing needs a specialist to assist the proper intake of oxygen. A respiratory therapist is a vital specialist in helping a patient manage their respiratory health.

A Major surgical operation will not be successful without a RT in the team
Major surgery involving the use of anesthesia is risky. A respiratory therapist is primarily responsible for monitoring the vital signs of the person. They keep track of the breathing rate, heart beat rate, and many other vital signs. They also manage a person’s breathing during unconscious surgical operations.

Key team member in the ICU and CCU
Patients who are under Intensive care usually have unstable vital signs. Respiratory therapist are responsible for helping a patient acquire a stable and ideal vital sign. RT’s usually make use of breathing machines and apparatus to keep a patient vitals regulated and stable.  A Respiratory therapist is a specialist in cardiology and pulmonology. They have the skills and knowledge in managing a patient with cardio and pulmonary related diseases.

They help patients manage respiratory illness
A very popular type of respiratory illness is Asthma. Patient who have respiratory diseases needs a specialist to help them manage their illnesses. RT’s are the most qualified specialist to provide a professional medical treatment program to respiratory related illnesses.