Presentation Tips MBA Students Can Learn from the late Steve Jobs

Steve Jobs is undoubtedly unparalleled with his contributions, insights and influence in the world of business. As someone who was able to go back and forth between the territories of marketing and design, Jobs was definitely a role model to people who are planning to start their own companies or for those who are studying in school.

Students studying MBA in particular can learn a lot from the Apple founder in terms of presenting a product to the public, which Jobs is known for. Here are some lessons from the great Steve:

Know your product from the inside out

Since you are selling a product, it only follows that you must know everything about it to be able to sell it to a customer. In Steve's case, since he was greatly involved in the design and the production of everything inside the Apple camp, it was expected of him to know all about his product.

Creativity sells

Creativity matters even in business. It's not all about knowing how to deal with suppliers and clients, nor it isn't just about having the skills in balancing finances and costs. It also pays to have a little bit of creativity. After all, creativity is tied up with business, be it through packaging, website design, or even the interior design of your office. Bottom line is, art is everywhere and you should integrate it in your business.

Learn how to impute

The third strategy that Mike Markkula, one of Apple's first investors before it became a household name, was awkwardly called "impute." Markkula said that people do judge a book by its cover. It means that the way to unveil your product to the public should be done in a manner that will make a good lasting impression for your brand and your product. This is the reason why the Apple site only features one product at a time in its homepage. Since Jobs is a big fan of simplicity and integration, the site only shows one product that epitomizes such, which in turn imputes the impression to the person viewing.

Stage a grand event and invite the right people

There are many reasons why events are important. You gain media attention and earn free media values just by inviting media to your product launch. Invite journalists and bloggers for media mileage. It is also your chance to show off your great product so people will talk about it and best of all, purchase it. Make sure to invite movers and shakers in the industry as well as big names to add buzz to your event. Come up with a theme for your launch so that the guests will be wowed even before you reveal your product.

These are just some of the many concepts Steve Jobs applied during his reign at Apple. Apart from what you have learned by experience and all the lessons in business school, his keen sense of detail, passion and persistence are easily some of his best traits that business students and just about anyone who wants to succeed in business should have.

Justin Epley is an independent researcher and freelance writer. He extensively researches online education programs, such as Executive MBA programs. His articles mainly appear on higher education blogs.

Categories: College Life   Tags: MBA students

5 Reasons to Study Abroad in the UK

It is all too easy to stay in your comfort zone when it comes to choosing where to study. Whilst there are obviously a lot of benefits to staying in your home country to study (whether that’s the US or elsewhere), college can offer a unique chance to move abroad for a short time.

When else will you get the chance to experience life in another country where you’re given as much help settling in as you are at college? From the moment you decide to study abroad, you will have people from the country your moving to helping you arrange accommodation, travel and even a part-time job.

You obviously have a huge range of options when choosing a country to study in. However, personally, I think there is no better choice for US students than the UK. And here are five reasons why:

1) World Class Universities

Let me throw some stats at you. According to a recent world university rankings table, three of the top ten, and 31 of the top 200 universities in the world are in the UK. Such quality and depth of institutions is second only to the US and way ahead of any other country.

With globally known universities such as the Oxford, Cambridge and Imperial College, as well as dozens of other world-class institutions, you can guarantee you’ll get a good education at a British university.

2) You’ll be in Good Company

The UK is one of the most popular destinations in the world for international students. There are an amazing 330,000 students from abroad studying in Britain- making up over 15% of the total student population.  

Whilst this may not immediately seem like an obvious benefit, it really is. Universities that already have thousands of overseas students enrolled, will be well equipped to deal with any of the little problems you may face during your time abroad. They’ll also have far more experience in helping advise new students on everything from visas to accommodation.  

3) Experiencing London

The majority of international students in the UK decide to study in London. Chances are you’ll never get a better opportunity to live in one of the greatest cities in the world. The city is a melting pot of cultures, races, nationalities and traditions, so as an international student you’ll feel right at home. If you find yourself pining for the food from home, no problem, simply find an authentic US diner.

What’s more London is ideal for student life with its endless range of pubs, bars and clubs to spend your evenings in and a huge list of free art galleries and museums to fill your days.  

4) The Language

It may be blindingly obvious, but the fact that there is no language barrier is a big plus for many people. Moving to a new country on your own is a daunting prospect and not knowing the language can make it ten times harder. The fact that any US student can move to the UK to study without having to first learn a new language just makes everything much easier.   

5) Looks Good on Your Resume

Employers are always looking for that extra little something on your CV. Being able to boast that you have studied abroad is perfect for this. It shows that you have experienced another culture and that you were willing to take that step into the unknown. You never know, it may just be that little thing that puts you ahead of the other candidates and gets you the job of your dreams after you graduate.

Hopefully this has slightly aroused your interest in the UK as an option for study. You may ultimately decide to stay in America, or maybe even choose another country, but the important thing is to at least consider all your options. 

ForeignStudents.com is the number one site for international students in the UK. Whether you’re just starting to think about studying abroad, or you’ve already arrived in Britain they can help. With useful guides, jobs & accommodation listings, student discounts and an informative blog, they’ve got everything a student needs.  

Categories: College Life   Tags: reasons to study abroad

The 10 Weirdest College Courses Ever

You are in college and living on your own for the very first time. You are dealing with the stress of moving into student housing, adjusting to roommates (and adjusting your roommates to you), maybe trying to get a job to help pay for your student apartment, and finally experiencing your first true taste of freedom. All of that can become overwhelming, particularly if you are an over achiever that said to yourself, “8:00 a.m. Honors History, physics, organic chemistry, and advanced literature this semester? No problem!” If you are overwhelmed by the college experience, don’t you wish your school offered classes that would amp you up for that 8:00 a.m. slot? If organic chemistry doesn’t do it for you, try finding something that does.

Here’s our pick of some of the most bizarre college courses we could find that are legitimately offered on American College campuses. We’re pretty sure your college has a few too.

1. The History of the Compact Fluorescent Light, UC Davis. 

Ok, so this class may not be ideal if you are looking for something to keep you awake in those intensely boring lecture hall classes. Honestly, if you are on a first date, you may not want to delve too deeply into this subject matter. If you are into “useless knowledge” trivia and seeking an elective, go for it!

2. Human Beings and the Machines of Sunshine, Rice. 

This course is on the list mostly for its remarkable title. As far as content, it studies the relationship between humans and machines, and how it may be taking a turn for the worse. As society becomes more and more digitized, a course examining the effects of machines could be really useful. As far as the name – wouldn't you listen to a band called Human Beings and the Machines of Sunshine? I can see the bumper sticker on the back of the car now.

3. STI Prevention, Johns Hopkins University.

We get that preventing sexually transmitted diseases is important. What is confusing is how someone makes it all the way to college without knowing how to prevent STI's. Apparently, it is enough of a problem that you can take a whole class on it. Somebody missed out on those awkward high school sex ed classes. 

4. Horse Behavior and Welfare, Michigan State.

This course is just sort of random. Unless you are majoring in some form of veterinary science, or really dig horses, it’s hard to see this course being a stepping stone for your career.

5. Invented Languages: Klingon and Beyond, UofT, Austin.

If you've seen The Big Bang Theory, you know there's a possibility that one day, you will meet a partner who is perfect in every way except wanting your wedding invitations in Klingon. Fortunately (or unfortunately), this class does not teach you Klingon, but it does teach you the rules and social constructions of invented languages.

6. Those Sexy Victorians, Ole Miss.

Again, this makes the list mostly because of its glib title. This course explores sexuality in an era where modesty was of paramount import.  

7. Age of Piracy, Arizona State.

Alternative lifestyles are pretty widely accepted now. However, lifestyles of a pirate? Argh! This course teaches you how pirates actually lived back in the day, not the glamourized Hollywood version we see now.

8. The Good, the Bad, and the Revolting, Alfred U.

Oh yes, this course teaches you literally what it means to be shameful and disgusting. If you are interested in exploring these kinds of feelings.

9. The Lucifer Effect: Understanding How Good People Turn Evil, MIT.

It would be safe to call this class dark philosophy. In this classroom, you will explore why good people do bad things (and vice versa). Maybe it will offer a few insights into your ex or your roomie’s.

10. Alien Sex, University of Rochester.

This tops the list of bizarre subject matter with little practical application (as far as we know). In this class, you can study the various depraved sex acts performed between humans and also between monsters (in case you were interested in monster kink).

Studentrenter.com helps college students find off campus housing without wasting a lot of time scouring the internet. Their blog offers entertainment and insight on College Life and they also provide ways for students to save cash on everything including clothes, textbooks, travel, food and entertainment.

Categories: College Life   Tags: weirdest college courses, college course

6 Tips For Nailing a Job Interview

If you have a big job interview coming up, there are certain things you should never neglect to have ready. Here are six easy things you can do to have a successful job interview and ensure that the employer will be calling you back for more.

1. Make Sure Your Resume is in Tip-Top Shape

Print out several copies (not one!) at least an entire day before the interview. Keep them in a binder to avoid wrinkling. Is there any kind of portfolio you need to prepare? Do you need to bring samples of your work? These documents should all be neatly organized well before your interview to avoid last minute alterations. 

2. Do Your Research on the Company to Which You’re Applying 

If you want your interviewer to take you seriously, you need to know the company inside and out. This includes things like their:

A) core values

B) mission statement

C) top executives

D) competitors

It’s humiliating being asked a question about the company you’re trying to obtain a job with and not knowing the answer—especially if it was provided right on their website. Be prepared!

3. If You’re Not Early, You’re Late

Start your interview off on the right foot by arriving around 15 minutes earlier. It shows respect when you’re not racing through their doors at the last minute. This obviously means that you need to leave the house early, but it’s all for a good reason. You need to allow yourself extra time in case you forgot to fill up you gas tank, there’s traffic, or you get lost. (If you want to be even safer, give yourself an extra half hour.)

4. Know the Most Common Interview Questions, and Have Answers Ready

This is something that you can easily research online.  One of the most common questions is, “Why are you qualified for this position?” Do you have an impressive answer ready? Be ready to tell them about your amazing education, that killer internship you held one summer, your college extracurricular activities, and how dedicated and hardworking of an employee you are. Have reliable references as well.

5. Show Respect for the Employer by Having a Polished Appearance

Remember: It’s always better to be overdressed than underdressed. Have your outfit prepared days in advance and keep it in a clean, dry place, preferably covered. If you don’t own a nice outfit, it’s more than worth it to invest in one nice “interview outfit” that’ll last. When you land your dream job, you’ll make that money back in no time.  

6. Body Language Matters!

When you’re interviewing, you want to exude confidence, determination, and motivation. Start with a strong handshake.  Sit up straight, tall, and, proud. Offer a promising smile and maintain eye contact. A wavering gaze only gives an employer the impression that you’re unsure of yourself. And remember to speak slowly, clearly, and with strength!

It takes time, energy, and sometimes a little money to get ready for a great interview, but it’s worth every bit of it. Good luck!

Wendy Hacker writes for education blogs where you can learn more about the mba program rankings.

Categories: College Life   Tags: nailing a job interview

5 Ways to Come Out of College Debt Free

If you are one of the many prospective college students who are thinking about higher education, but are incredibly intimidated by the prospect of a towering mountain of student debt greeting you at graduation, then you are not alone, and more importantly, there are several things you can do to ensure that you will graduate from college completely debt free.

1. Financial Aid

Perhaps one of the most effective ways to come out of college debt free is to perform well in high school and on your college entrance exams so that you will be rewarded ample scholarship money and other merit based financial aid. This is obviously much easier said than done, but it should also factor in when you are deciding which school to attend. If you have been accepted into two very similar schools, but one has offered you a significant merit based financial aid reward, then that school is probably the smarter choice because attending there will make it much easier for you to graduate completely debt free. Attending a school that provides you with a strong financial aid package is incredibly important if you are very concerned about the level of student debt that you will accrue.

2. Work During College

Another great way to minimize your debt during your college years is to get a job outside of school so that you can earn money while you are not in class or doing homework. Although college is a lot of work, there will be plenty of time for you to do outside work at a part time job. This will help you keep costs low and will hopefully allow you to graduate with minimal, if any, student debt.

3. Continue Applying for Scholarships

There are also plenty of scholarships and student cash prize contests available year round. These types of programs often require you to write an essay or a paper as part of your application materials, but if you put together a strong enough application package then you could be rewarded with nice sums of money that can alleviate some of the financial burden. These outside contests are a great way to earn extra money to help you finance your higher education.

4. Take a Year to Work Full Time

A fourth method to make sure that you graduate from college without any student debt is to take some time off between high school and college to work full time. If you can find a decent paying job after you graduate high school then you should try to save as much money as possible to finance your college tuition and living expenses. This approach takes time and patience, but it will be very worth it in the long run if you work hard enough and save enough money to guarantee that you will graduate with zero student debt.

5. Part Time Student with a Full Time Job

A final way to graduate from college without any student debt is to go to school as a part time student, while working a full time job. If you do this right and are in a strong enough position, then you can even make money while you are attending college, rather than leaving school with an insurmountable amount of debt like many of your classmates. The only downside to this approach is that it will take you longer than most full time students to get your degree. This loss in time is a small price to pay though if you can graduate with a great degree and no debt.

Student debt is a serious problem for many recent graduates, but if you use the advice detailed above and work hard, then you will have a great chance at leaving school completely debt free. Even if you go the part time route and graduate a year or two later than your peers, you will undoubtedly be very happy with your decision if it leaves you with none of their crippling student debt.

Arnold Cox is a writer that produces articles in the field of education. This article was written to explain the possibility of leaving college debt free and to encourage higher education, such as a Masters in Higher Education Online

Categories: College Life   Tags: college debt, college debt free

Can Where You Study Impact Your Education?

Typically, a traditional degree is the normal path chosen by students to complete their studies. This doesn't necessarily mean it is the best option; it is the most traditional, and the one both students and employers are the most familiar with. Even so, there are several good reasons why one of the new online degrees may be the best option to complete your degree.

Acceptance

Acceptance of online degree completion is becoming much more common with employers. This is also dependent on the type of degree you get and the university you've graduated from. If an online school is well known, then employers are more likely to accept it and in some cases, even embrace it. On the other hand, if the online institution is unknown, then an employer may worry about the legitimacy of the degree.

Of course, the level of acceptance also depends on the type of major taken in the online field. These seem to be more acceptable if related to information technology, tech fields, Internet/New Media design and marketing methods or even traditional marketing and accounting; but online degrees in areas such as law and medicine are not looked on with favor.

The Educational Benefits

A reputable online college can have significant value when studying a web-related career, in many cases, more so than the same degree offered by a traditional university. The reason is because an online university has more in-depth knowledge in the field, can offer real case scenario studies, practices and labs, whereas a conventional school often can't.

New Web-based technologies, advanced instructional methodology and online collaborative efforts are making a difference in education, offering more comprehensive and understandable learning material for better cognitive results in students. This means most of the learning you acquire in an online environment is more easily retained and usable once you enter the professional arena.

The Cultural and Personal Education Benefits

Online degrees from reputable universities are often a great option for people already working to some degree in the field, and want to improve their skills. However, this environment also works for people who wish to expand their cultural knowledge and experiences while they study. We live in a multi-tasking environment, so this concept has spilled over to the educational fields. The students of today want to do many different things, while continuing with their education. As such, you may have dual goals, wanting to spend time abroad, learning of different cultures and even working in different environments, while at the same time completing your education in any of the available online education fields. This is a perfectly acceptable and feasible option for this type of student.

Cost Benefits

The online degree option also affords substantial cost savings as you no longer have long commutes, need to spend money on transportation, housing and other supplementary expenses associated with on-campus classes.

In the End

Whether you are acquiring a four-year undergraduate degree, a mid-career certification or master's degree, an online degree can enhance your skills and capability. It adds value to you as an employee and raises your marketability. In many cases, an online degree option may be the better choice, especially if you plan on entering any of the new high-tech or web industry fields.

Sarah Rawson is an independent researcher and freelance writer. She extensively researches online education programs, such as gis degree and graduate certificate career opportunities. Her articles mainly appear on higher education blogs. 

Categories: College Life   Tags: online degrees

Negative Effects of Social Networking Sites for Students

Ever had the feeling that you were in a car thundering down the highway but in the wrong direction? Well more and more students, a study says that as many as 85% of them, log in several times per day to check their social networking status. And the worst thing about this situation is that, according to their own testimonials, they know that this affects their lives in a negative way but they can’t seem to be able to stop themselves. So here are 4 of the most negative effects of social networking sites for students. 

They have less time for homework as they find themselves pulled away from their desk by an irresistible urge to check their latest updates. And once they have turned on the computer they find that hours speed unnoticed and, by the time they remember to stop, the whole day has passed by and they have not managed to get any work done. And no matter the promises made every day begins and ends very much the same way and their teachers confirm that their students’ grades are slipping ever lower.

The students’ attention span is dramatically lessened of later years according to their teachers who consider this to be the worst side effect of social networking. Getting every mention in haiku form but without the deeper meaning has gotten students accustomed to not being able to focus on any given message for anything less than 30 seconds after which they feel that they need to move on. And when it comes to the classroom the movie generation forced teachers to bring in a tone of visual support in order to keep the student’s focus on the class but now, the social media, has changed the way we perceive information so dramatically that it has become almost impossible for the teachers to adapt.

The ability to communicate eloquently has also been affected in the later generations, according to a study on today’s top employers. From their perspective the worst effect of the social networking sites is that young people have gotten used to delivering their messages in the shortest form possible and many times disregarding any grammatical rules. Even more dangerous is the fact that, in order to get recognition from their friends, they need to come up with the most outrageous, shocking news about themselves making it impossible for them to interact in a face to face communication in a simple, engaging and yet not aggressive manner. 

And the last and most powerful effect of social networking is that what is being said on social networking does not stay on social networking and shocking attitudes and pictures shared today will influence the decision of an employer tomorrow. And it is very difficult for most adults who are seeking attention to keep a clear mind about the possible implications of their attitudes. The problem is even deeper for young people just coming out of teens and who are just now struggling with adulthood. So when they decide to publish something on social media these young people do not take into account the fact that they need to be careful with their privacy settings or that it is very tempting for any employer to penetrate those settings to get to know everything about a person even before conducting the first interview.

This article is contributed by Joye Allen and she is a freelance writer who has been working in Educational sector for two years and has specialization on translate english to russian, she is based in Santa Monica, California.

Categories: College Life   Tags: negative effects of social networking sites

Top 10 MBA Schools and What They Offer

What top 10 MBA schools offer and is it beneficial to join them? Students face these types of question every day. Let us talk about these schools and learn why they are different.

Among hundreds and thousands of MBA schools around the globe, institutions that fit in the list of top schools offer much more than others. Courses, learning method, facilities, and infrastructure of these top business education providers are unique. They not only provide education but also help students to achieve their goal in building a bright career for themselves.

Top 10 MBA schools are:

1. Stanford, CA, USA
2. Harvard, Boston, USA
3. Insead, France
4. Cambridge, UK
5. Instituto de Empresa, Madrid, Spain
6. Cranfield, UK
7. SDA Bocconi, Milano, Italy
8. Queen's, Kingston, Ontario
9. HEC-Montreal, Montreal, Quebec
10. University of Virginia, Charlottesville, USA

Courses They Offer

Top MBA schools around the globe offer traditional education program and specialized courses. These education processes help students understand business principles and show them the path towards success.

Here is a list of popular MBA courses.

Mini MBA - This course is designed to train employees of profit or non-profit organizations in the basic principles of business. It enhances capability of employees of maintaining business better than before. Generally, this course takes less than 100 hours to complete, unless there are other courses joined to it. 

Accelerated MBA - Accelerated or fast-track MBA course is laden with frequent examination and classes. Its duration is 2 years and students get to learn everything about modern business through this time period. As there are no recess in this course, therefore, students are less distracted from studies.

Full Time Course - Full time MBA is a 2 year course. However, the time frame can be extended by adding some other specialized courses. This education program teaches students about the values and ethics of business while helping them to understand how to compete in the modern business market.

Course for Working Professionals - This course is for professionals who are already in the business management sector. This course helps them to expand their horizons of knowledge. This education program follows a scientific approach that provides a broad perspective of business to professionals. Generally, it takes 1 year to complete this course. 

Online Courses - Business education through online platform proves to be of great help for students. This course is considered to be the latest fruit of technological advancement. It reduces the need to attend classes in academic institutions. Duration of this course is flexible.

Infrastructure

Rise of business education importance has compelled our society to concentrate on building a unique infrastructure for betterment of students. Therefore, business schools all over the world take great care in offering ultra modern facilities and improvised learning system to students. Every institution has a broad campus for students, which creates proper environment for education. Administrative offices, student development center, hostels, recreation rooms, and exercising rooms are equipped with proper instrument to help students stay motivated and entertained. Let us point out other facilities that these institutions offer:

  • 24-hour library access
  • Auditorium for seminars and theatres
  • Video conferencing privileges
  • Internet access facility
  • Spacious classrooms
  • Sports fields
  • Indoor game room

Objective of These Institutions

These institutes are considered to be best in business education because they offer best education and facilities to students. They have left behind the rigid text book education process and accepted modern learning methodology to keep students motivated and also to create a better breed of leaders in business management sector. Another objective of these institutions is to help students understand the basic principle of business. This training, through MBA courses, helps students satisfy clients and build a healthy client-manager relationship.

Andrew Kurnikove is a business education researcher. He currently resides in Australia. His research show that institutions which come in the list of top 10 MBA schools, offer more facilities to students than any other. Here he is sharing his knowledge with us on different types of facilities and MBA courses offered by these institutions.

Categories: College Life   Tags: top 10 MBA schools, mba courses, mba scoools

What To Consider When Choosing University Accommodation

Whether you’ve just been offered a place at university and are looking for your first year accommodation or are a returning student considering where you want to live in your second or third year; choosing uni accommodation can be a tough decision. We thought we’d put together our top things which any student should consider when they’re in the process of choosing university accommodation to ensure they end up living somewhere that they’ll enjoy.

Consider The Accommodation Options

First things first; you need to decide whether you want to live in university halls, a privately rented house or in private halls. Generally, freshers will opt for university halls as they’ll more often than not be placed with other freshers who can get to know the area and make friends together. For returning students, however, most will opt for a private house rental with a group of friends made in their first year. Private halls can also be a sound option for those who want a little luxury as most come complete with en-suite rooms and you’ll more often than not find that private halls have less rooms sharing kitchen and lounge facilities. What type of accommodation you choose though depends on who your group of friends are and what they want to do and whether or not you’re a fresher.

Location, Location, Location

Once you’ve established what type of accommodation you want to live in, you need to have a careful think about the location. If you’re going to be based at a particular part of the university campus for most of the week, it makes sense to find accommodation located as close to it as possible. That way, you don’t have to be up exceptionally early before a 9am lecture and you’ll often be able to return home in sessions where you have no lectures. Whilst this isn’t always possible, it should always be taken into account how close a perspective house or flat is to your part of campus and if it isn’t possible to be reasonably close, you need to make sure there’s at least strong public transport links to and from university.

Consider Facilities and Your Budget

Lastly; you need to consider the facilities you want and the budget you’ve got. University accommodation can vary greatly both in terms of budget and the facilities provided so you need to take a careful look at what’s on offer. You need to establish whether bills are included in the weekly rental price (water, gas, electricity, internet) or whether these will need to be paid on top...if you can, opt for an ‘all-in’ rental price so you’re not met with unexpected bills every month. You then need to take a look at the facilities and whether they’re worth paying extra for. Whilst an en-suite room is nice, is it really a necessity? That plasma TV in the lounge which the landlord has provided may look fantastic but will you really all be sitting around watching it every day or would you prefer to pay a little bit less rent and watch movies and TV on your laptop? You need to have a careful think about the facilities you want and compare these with the rental price charged...perhaps there’s room for negotiation on what’s included in the rent.

Above all; if you’re a fresher, you’re best off opting for university halls, however if you’re a returning student, club together with your friends and have a look at all options together. There’s a fair bit to consider, however if you do it as a group you can all put your opinions in and make sure you end up with somewhere that suits you all.

This guest post comes courtesy of RoomBuddies, a leading online portal for those looking for rooms to rent in Manchester.

Categories: College Life   Tags: university accommodation

5 Things to Look for in Online Schools

Whether you’re applying to college for the first time or returning to school after a lengthy absence, you may be considering attending an online college. While online schools aren’t the right choice for every student, they are the perfect choice for many. If you’ve decided to consider online schools alongside brick-and-mortar universities, there are specific things that you need to look for; here are five of the most important:

1. Accreditation

Accreditation is as important in the online school community as it is in the real world. Accreditation means that a school has met, and is continuing to maintain, a rigid set of criteria set forth by a governing body or commission. By attending an accredited school, you can be certain that you will receive a top-notch education. In addition, if you decide to transfer schools later, most, if not all, of your credits will transfer with you.

2. Scheduling

When you are researching online schools, take a close look at their class schedule. Most online schools allow you to choose a class and “attend” when it is convenient for you. Your class may consist of recorded lectures, discussion forums, chats, assignments and exams. Alternatively, some schools will have a class or two that requires you to meet in person occasionally or take an exam on campus. This can be very important to note, particularly if you are looking at an online school that is based out of state.

3. Curriculum

The school you choose should have curriculum that is relevant to your desired major or educational goals. For instance, if you want to pursue a degree in criminology, make sure that the school offers that program of study. While there are some online colleges that offer a wide range of curricula, there are others that are very narrow in their focus. While you can attend one college for your general education classes, and transfer to another for your final two years, it may not make sense to do so when you can attend the same college for all four years.

4. Student Services

One of the benefits of a traditional college is the large amount of on-campus student services. It’s not impossible to find the same services in an online school, but you may have to look harder for them. When looking at online schools, look for those that offer advisement, tutoring and career counseling services. You may also want to look for a school that offers job placement assistance for its graduates.

5. Financial Aid

Many people are under the mistaken impression that online schools are cheaper. While this may be true in some cases, it isn’t true in all cases. If you will need to utilize financial aid to help pay your tuition, make sure that the online schools you are looking at accept financial aid. If they don’t, you will either have to pay your tuition out-of-pocket, take out a private student loan or look for other sources of funding. 

Online schools are great options when it comes to higher education, but you’ve got to make sure that you’re choosing the right school. If you’re looking at online schools, make sure that you find those that fit all of the above listed criteria. In doing so, you’ll be sure that you’ve chosen the best school for your educational needs.

Will Henderson is a full-time writer for higher ed blogs. Several schools offer online courses, including University of Cincinnati and Western New England University. 

Categories: College Life   Tags: online schools