My College Guide

Useful Degrees Series: BFA in Animation and Digital Arts at Florida State University

admin — Sat, 05 May 2012 13:38:02 +0000

Photo Courtesy: film.fsu.edu

Do you like the idea of working in the film industry? Many people are quick to answer “yes,” but might not know exactly how to go about doing so. It is important to remember that film is a multi-billion dollar industry and, as a result, that means there are many, many different aspects to the industry as a whole. Whether it is producing, directing or a range of behind the scenes jobs the film industry has opportunities especially for those with the right skills.

There are many different programs that cater to helping students acquire a deeper understanding of the film industry. Programs that can be particularly useful are ones like the BFA in Animation and Digital Arts at Florida State University. While this program is clearly not for everyone, those with an interest in animation and the digital end of media will find this degree program worth looking into and exploring.

The BFA in Animation and Digital Arts focuses on helping students acquire the skill sets necessary to produce their own films and even their own animations. Of particular interest is the fact that the program at Florida State University boasts a low student to faculty ratio. In fact, the program’s core is built around workshops led by accomplished professionals. Much of the instruction takes place on a more personalized one-to-one level.

Those interested in a hands-on approach will certainly find this point worthy of note. Further, this type of highly interactive instruction leads to an educational experience that is far different than what most undergraduate college students experience.

In terms of “hands-on” experience, like many college programs in film and animation, students in the BFA in Animation and Digital Arts at Florida State University produce their own shorts, which are then potentially screened at film festivals. Another aspect of this hands on approach includes learning to operate a variety of different kinds of equipment and serve in a variety of different creative positions.

One plus side to completing such a program is that students will have concrete examples of their work and the skills that they have acquired during their degree program. In this regard, the BFA in Animation and Digital Arts is different than many other programs.

Tuition as of 2012 is roughly $6,000 for Florida residents and about $21,000 for out-of-state residents. Thus, those living outside of Florida who are thinking about this interesting and hands-on program will of course want to check for local, similar types of programs.

Is such a degree right for you? For those who already have proven artistic ability in this area or a strong interest, such a program could prove to be highly rewarding. One great byproduct of a degree of this kind is the opportunity to meet and network with industry professionals before even completing a degree program, and this can, of course, lead to future opportunities across the spectrum.

Useful Degrees Series: Astronomy Degree Program at the University of Texas at Austin

admin — Thu, 03 May 2012 16:30:41 +0000

Photo Courtesy: www.as.utexas.edu

Have you always been fascinated by space travel, the stars or astronomy? There are college programs designed specifically for just such interests. Take, for example, the Undergraduate program in Astronomy at The University of Texas at Austin. This program is one of the top astronomy programs in the United States and selects only a relatively small number of students for the program. The University of Texas at Austin offers both a Bachelor of Arts in Astronomy as well as a Bachelor of Science in Astronomy.

What does this kind of degree program involve? The undergraduate degree program in Astronomy at The University of Texas at Austin introduces students to the field in a variety of forms ranging from conducting research to attending lectures from some of the world’s top astronomers. Is the program tough? No doubt this one is demanding, as there is an ample helping of physics with everything from cosmology and thermodynamics to astrophysics and quantum mechanics being covered. So if “math” isn’t your “thing,” this one isn’t for you. But if you want a challenge and want to be part of the cutting edge of science, then the Astronomy program at The University of Texas at Austin could be a great fit.

Those interested in this unique program can also work towards double majors such as a major in astronomy and physics. Having a double major of this type could prove invaluable for those looking to continue their education.

Do you like the idea of a low student-to-teacher ratio? It should be noted that the faculty-to-student ratio for this program is nothing short of excellent. As of 2011, there were 22 faculty members and 17 research scientists for 45 graduate students and 60 undergraduate students. In short, you can fully expect to get to know your professors and receive a very hands on and detailed education in the field.

What career opportunities should you expect once you’ve completed your degree? Many who receive an undergraduate degree in astronomy continue their studies at the graduate level while others take positions in government, industry, education and even journalism. After all, someone has to report on all of that exciting space related news. This means that the world needs science writers, and a degree in astronomy could open up all kinds of science writing opportunities.

It should be noted that as more advanced space based telescopes like the Hubble Space Telescope are deployed the importance of astronomers is likely to only increase. In the coming years, our picture of the universe will become far more complete. Many top researchers believe that with the vast amounts of new information coming our way, it is only a matter of time before life on other planets will be discovered. It is quite likely that the coming decades will be, by far, the most exciting time in the history of astronomy, as mankind may learn that we are not alone. With a degree in astronomy, you could have a great seat for what might just be the greatest show in history!

Useful Degrees Series: Degree in Viticulture & Enology at Cornell University

admin — Tue, 01 May 2012 14:23:05 +0000

Photo Courtesy of Cornell.EDU

Who Doesn’t Love a Little Wine?

Are you looking for a truly interesting and unusual college degree program? Do you want a program that will make you the envy of your friends? There are plenty of programs that can help you stand out in the crowd and one of them is certainly undergraduate degree program in viticulture and enology at Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. If you are wondering what viticulture and enology are, don’t worry, as you are certainly not alone! Viticulture and enology involve the millennia-old process of growing great grapes and making great wine! Now we have your attention, right?

A Rapidly Growing Field with Job Openings

The program in viticulture and enology teaches students what they need to know to work in the wine business in a variety of different capacities. Few people realize that the wine business is a growing one. In fact, it is growing quite rapidly and there are not enough people for the jobs! While most would think that there would be ample people studying grape growing and wine making, the bottom line is that this just isn’t what is currently happening.

Is this program right for you? If you don’t drink wine, then the answer is of course, probably not. However, if you like wine and are open to a truly unusual, but growing profession, then a degree in viticulture and enology could be perfect for you.

A Diverse Program

The program isn’t one dimensional either, as students are expected and encouraged to combine their study of viticulture and enology with other courses to help make them more employable and well rounded. Students in the program are thus encouraged to take business classes as part of their electives.

Picking a Specialization

Once in the program you will need to specialize either in viticulture or in enology. The topics covered are surprisingly diverse and include everything from pest control to organic grape and wine production to wine microbiology and even beer!

Lots of Interesting Internship Positions Available

Another excellent aspect to this program is that there is a good deal of hands on work, just as one would hope in wine making. Students in the program will have access to a comprehensive internship program that provides real, hands on experience. There are roughly 1,400 vineyards and wineries in New York, and Cornell has relationships with many of these vineyards and wineries. All of this means that those who complete the program will know what it takes to work at a vineyard and/or winery on Day One after graduation.

Get Your Hands Dirty, All Over the World

If the idea of spending all of your time behind of desk scares you a bit and you love wine, then you might just have a perfect match. A degree in viticulture and enology means that you can get out of the office and “get your hands dirty.” The fact is that students with a degree in viticulture and enology can find employment opportunities anywhere that wine is produced, and that means opportunities across the entire globe!

Creative Ways to Pay for College

admin — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 14:19:09 +0000

The cost of college tuition is rising at a rate that is alarming to most experts. The end result of this process is that millions of students have been saddled with far larger student debt and student loans than past generations of college goers. Many older people don’t readily realize this fact. However you, as a younger person in college or headed there soon, need to face that at least for you and your generation, there is a different economic reality where paying for college is concerned. The purpose of this article is to get you thinking about how you can keep the high cost of college under control and at the same time give you some pointers to help get the ball rolling.

Consider Community College

Community college has a great deal to offer students. Community colleges stand as one of the few remaining excellent deals in education. If you want to save a great deal of money on your college education, start at a community college, pull excellent grades, take the classes very seriously, get great letters of recommendation and then transfer to a four-year institution to finish off your degree.

Research All of Your State Schools Very Thoroughly

You might be able to save a bundle just by opting for a state school; however, you might even be able to save a whole lot more by selecting the right school. This may mean attending a school that wasn’t your first choice, but that isn’t exactly the end of the world if you are saving a “king’s ransom!” The difference between one state school and another in your state could make a difference over the course of your degree.

Skip Student Housing

If you are willing to “rough it” a bit, you may very well be able to save a considerable amount of money every month by forgoing student housing and campus life and living off campus. In fact, you might need to live way, way off campus and commute if possible. Finding cheap rent and sharing that apartment or house with roommates is something that students all around the world do everyday, and you might need to do it as well. Those willing to live in the “middle of nowhere” will be rewarded with cheap rent.

Hi Mom, Hi Dad

Then there is the “Mom and Dad Option.” While you may be ready to leave the nest, your future bank account might really appreciate it if you were to stay at home just a little bit longer. If your situation is such that you can live at home and go to college, then this could be another way that you save a bundle.

The Little Things Add Up

“Small” purchases, such as books, are not really that small after all. When you factor out how much books can cost over the course of a 4 year degree, the fact is books cost you dearly. Instead of buying your books at your campus bookstore, look for other, less pricy options such as buying online, finding used books or going the ebook option when possible.

Is A College Fair Worth Your Time?

admin — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 13:15:11 +0000

There are plenty of college fairs to choose from, but the real question is whether or not you should bother attending. There are a few pros and cons involved in attending a college fair that we will explore in this article.

You’ve taken SAT practice tests online; you’ve done your test prep tutoring sessions and maybe even investigated at length how to find scholarships and private loans for college. If you haven’t yet even thought about going to a college fair, now is definitely the time to do so!

College fairs present a few advantages. One advantage is that college fairs allow you to meet representatives from a range of institutions. It is important that you keep in mind that colleges are big business, and there is more than a little competition. As a result, you should expect that college and university representatives are most definitely putting their best foot forward.

Since you are able to meet with people from different universities and colleges, you have an opportunity to learn much. A good deal of the information that these college and university representatives will give you will come in the form of what they choose to emphasize. For example, are you hearing a good deal about how well respected the institution is? Or are you hearing about how much fun and what great facilities they have built?

A college fair is a unique opportunity to ask questions and at the top of your list should be, “How do you help your graduates get jobs after they graduate?” and “What is your success rate for placing students who come to you seeking help?” The odds are excellent that you won’t get a lot of detail in the answers. Instead you might get an earful about how great the new workout center or stadium is!

While the answers may vary, these are the kind of factors that you will want to keep in mind. After all, you want to know that a given university or college will support you once you have given them tens of thousands of dollars as student. Support should be seen as a key part of a university or college’s commitment to its students. Failure to show this support or to have their representatives well prepped on the question will tell you a great deal.

College fairs in a variety of ways allow you to get some insight into what a college or university will be like. What representatives choose to emphasize gives you insight into the “soul” of a given institution. Further, if your questions seem to stump representatives that is also a quite insightful. After all, shouldn’t a university or college want to impress you? Shouldn’t they want their representatives to be knowledgeable and informed?

So much information regarding colleges is available online and in books. Thus the real, tangible value of attending a college fair is to gain insight into the culture of the institution itself. What kind of representatives did they send out? Did they send out knowledgeable representatives ready to answer your questions or “cute” and “attractive” eye-candy ready to give you a speech on how fun, fun, fun a university or college is to attend?

If a institution isn’t focused on showing you how your considerable investment will help you with your career and future, move on. Keep in mind that virtually every university and college has a “party scene” if that is what you are looking for from the college experience.

Does It Make Sense to Go to an Art College?

admin — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 14:07:23 +0000

More than likely, you’ve heard at least one or two people state that going to an art college has many downsides when it comes to entering the job market. This leaves many students wondering whether or not they should attend an art college at all. Currently, this question has more weight and importance than in past years, and here is why. The cost of education is soaring at a pace that is far out of step with virtually every other industry and is greatly outstripping the rate of inflation. Of course, this means that student debt is higher than ever. As many people are discovering, the promise of a college education serving as a “ticket” to a good job and at least a middle class income and existence isn’t necessarily a fact anymore.

So what does this mean for you, the high-school student considering pursuing an art degree? Does it mean that you should forget your ambitions regarding your art and begin studying international finance? Not exactly, but it only seems logical that based on the shifting reality of economic realities you need to consider how to handle your art school ambitions a little more carefully than past generations.

Can you still go to art school and then transition into a decent paying job in the corporate world relatively easily? It depends upon factors ranging from what you studied in art school to how talented you really are (and not just how good you think you are!) Harsh? Not really, keep in mind that harsh is not being able to find a real and substantial job in a highly competitive job market.

If your passion is to attend art school, and you will be using direct federal student loans or private loans to make it happen, then it is necessary to create a resume that helps ensure your prospects of employment. Is it smart to “marry” your art school degree with some sort of business degree or other degree that might give you the ability to apply for a wider range of jobs? It would certainly seem that such a step makes sense from an economic perspective. The other option could be working jobs that don’t necessarily reflect your education and waiting for the economic outlook for recent graduates to improve.

The key may very well be to think of ways that you can combine another degree with your art degree so that you are more employable. This may not be what you want out of your college experience or your life, but neither is working a minimum or near minimum wage job with little or no hope for advancement. If you take this route will you ultimately sell out your art ambitions? That is, of course, up to you and how hard you work to find a way of creating a blend of skill sets that allow you to at least have your foot in the door of the creative world.

Don’t completely depend on guidance counselors for advice in this regard, but reach out to successful creative people and ask them for their opinions. You will be surprised how many successful, creative people are willing to help a young artist that is confused about the next step. Above all else, plan and demonstrate your creativity firsthand by how you build your own resume so that you are employable after art school!

The 5 Best “Secret” Ways to Study While in High School or College

admin — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 19:03:13 +0000

Whether you are in high school or have already made the leap to college, one thing is for sure; you need time to study… and lots of it! There is no doubt that some majors require more study time than others, but no matter what major you select in college or what classes you take, you will need to study.

Unfortunately, finding the time to study isn’t always as easy as it sounds. There are many different factors that can work to effectively suck up your time and leave you scrambling to find the time to focus. This is a stressful feeling and one that you should avoid if you are planning on getting good grades in college of high school. After all, you can’t focus on SAT practice test online, or figure out how to find scholarships, if you don’t have any free time.

So what are the best “secret” ways to make sure that you get the time you need? It is important to identify what is keeping you from studying. Quite often it is having an active social life and hanging out with your friends. There may come a time that you are left with no choice but to make some sort of excuse so that you can have the study time you need. Don’t be afraid to state, “I can’t go out this weekend, because…” While it is hard to let your friends go out without you, failing to do so could mean that you end up without enough time to study. The bottom line is that you may need to take steps to ensure that you keep good grades.

Secret Ways to Study While in College or High School

Tell your friends can’t go out because (insert excuse)…
If necessary, take a short trip to the library do nothing but study! This one really works if you let it.
Bribery! Bribe yourself that if you study for a certain amount of time, you will treat yourself to something that you want.
If possible, study with a tablet computer such as an iPad or similar device. Some studies indicate that tablet computers like the iPad may add in boosting learning comprehension.
Replace the television with studying. Pinpoint your unproductive habits, like watching TV, and study instead. You can always catch up with your favorite shows during the summertime on DVD or Bluray.

Don’t be afraid to look for different ways to squeeze in more study time. Learning new habits might be difficult at first. But, in time, those new habits will become old tricks, and you will see your test scores soar!

How Can You Save Money on Rent While in College?

admin — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 15:58:28 +0000

Living on campus isn’t for everyone. The sooner you make the decision whether you want to live on campus or live elsewhere, the better off you will likely be and the more you will enjoy your overall college experience. Why would you opt for living off campus instead of living in the dorms and experiencing dorm life firsthand?

There Are Pros and Cons to College Dorm Life

Dorm life has a good deal to offer, but there are some drawbacks as well. If you value your privacy, you may have issues living in a dorm setting. If, however, you are the type that loves to gossip, then you will feel as though you have died and gone to heaven! Population density is quite high in the dorms and that is a fairly universal situation.

There are a variety of personal reasons that dorm life might not be for you, as living in the dorms isn’t necessarily for everyone. However, there are other reasons to consider living off campus as well. One of those reasons is that not all campus living is equal. Let’s face facts; some college campuses are just plain better than others! There is no reason to live in a horrible dorm just to say that you lived in a dorm while in college! Yet, keep in mind that many schools require dorm living at least during freshmen year.

Location and Roommate Factors

Living off campus can get pricy, but that doesn’t necessarily have to be the case. Many variables depend on what city and area your college campus is located. The more urban the campus, the more options that you will have for rent. With these options can come the opportunity to save money! You might want to consider working with real estate agents to see if they can’t help you find a great fit. Oftentimes rental companies handle renting apartments and working with one of these companies could save you a tremendous amount of hassle and time.

Having roommates is potentially a good idea for keeping your rent bills down while in college, but having a bad roommate can be more disruptive to your life and your study habits than any potentially bad dorm situation. This means you want to invest the time to make sure you are making the right decision when it comes to having a roommate.

The Small and Very Small Apartment Options

For those that don’t plan on spending much time at home, there are the two great college student options of the small or very small apartment. Sure you might not have much more room than you did in your bedroom at home, but the tradeoff could be low rent. Those willing to live in a tiny apartment often have the option to live in a very central location. If you are not claustrophobic, this option might work extremely well for you!

College dorm life isn’t for everyone, and every college campus is different. These are all reasons that you might want to consider off campus options. Yet, it is important to remember that for many people, the college dorm life experience is a great deal of fun and provides lasting memories.

Should You Try to Become an Entrepreneur While in College?

admin — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 12:54:14 +0000

You’ve probably heard more than a little about college entrepreneurs. Icons such as Zuckerberg started companies like Facebook while in college, and the media never wants to let you forget this fact. It puts just a little bit of pressure on a college student, don’t you think? It is important to realize that being an entrepreneur in college doesn’t mean that you need to start the next Facebook. There are many potential benefits to being an entrepreneur other than building a reality changing entity worth billions of dollars. College is a great time to explore a variety of possibilities, and this includes your substantial entrepreneurial options.

Build An Impressive Resume While Still in College

So much attention is spent on the money-making aspects of being an entrepreneur that some of other key aspects are simply ignored. For example, even if your entrepreneurial ventures fail, this doesn’t mean that you’ve gained nothing. Being an entrepreneur and starting a company can be a tremendous resume booster, especially if you start up the right kind of company. For example, if you start up a company that has something to do with your major and your chosen career path, you have something interesting to offer your future employers even if you don’t hit it big!

Being an entrepreneur shows initiative and gives you the opportunity to learn a great deal. Additionally, there are entrepreneurial endeavors that you can start with little or no start up capital. If you are having trouble finding the right entrepreneurial path, then consider talking to experts in the field. Family friends or relatives with business experience are one place to begin your search. Another excellent source is the non-profit organization SCORE. SCORE is made up of retired business executives that have a wide variety of impressive experience. Chatting with a SCORE mentor would likely be worth your time and effort.

Experimenting in College

One of the main reasons that people love college is that it is full of new experiences. You can become an entrepreneur at any point in your life, but there is no doubt that there are advantages to exploring your entrepreneurial options while you are still in college. After all, later in life you will likely have a job and a variety of bills that must be paid, such as your college loans, unless you scored the right kind of financial aid and grants. This means that college might just be the right time to experiment with your entrepreneurial endeavors.

What Kind of Business Should You Start?

Whatever kind of business you start, it should have as its focus helping people. The more people you figure out how to help, the better off you will be. If you are benefiting other people, you will organically attract customers. Those customers will acknowledge your company’s merits and likely tell others, allowing your business to grow. If you start up a business that is designed to help others and is also in line with your career path, the end result is a worthwhile endeavor regardless of whether or not your face ends up on a magazine cover or not.

How to Make the Most Out of Your College Experience

admin — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 13:09:51 +0000

You’ve no doubt heard people state that, “life is short,” and there is, of course, great truth in this statement. But what does this mean for you as a college student or a high school student that will soon be venturing to college? Clearly, you want to make the most out of your college experience. After all, no one is going to state, “I hope that I waste my time in college.” Yet, this is exactly what many people do. If you are not careful, you can definitely waste away your college years.

You’ve put a great deal of effort into the college process including steps such as taking SAT practice exams and SAT practice tests online and studying the different ways to handle financial aid for college tuition. Getting into college is, of course, one step and it’s a big one, but it is far from being the end of the road. Once you are in college, then what?

It would be easy to only focus on grades, grades and grades, and there is a degree of wisdom in doing so. However, it is vital that you do keep a bigger picture in mind as well. Most people are obsessed with grades for their ability to (at least in theory) translate into a “good paying job.”

Let’s just stay on the topic of the job for a moment. Landing a great job, especially in a competitive field, can often come down to more than your grades. Being able to show that you are a good candidate for a job is just as important. If you lack social skills and don’t know how to present yourself, then you better have a skill or degree that is very much in demand. A good deal of attention is given to good grades and their relationship to landing a great job while in college, but little attention is given to the importance of understanding how to interview for jobs.

The interview process isn’t just about knowing what to say or what not to say. Often when employers make hiring decisions, they choose someone that they will have to spend a good time with. As a result, if you don’t know how to present yourself and how to “interview well,” you could be in trouble.

Most certainly there are many jerks standing as gatekeepers between you and the job you want; however, you shouldn’t assume that if someone doesn’t give you the job that it is because they were deficient or a horrible person. It might be true, but there could be other variables as well, such as a more qualified candidate or the fact that you need to improve your interviewing skills.

Grades are extremely important, but developing the skills you need to interview well is also essential. You might not be a people person or have a magnetic personality, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t work around these factors in your interview process. Showing on your resume that you have accomplished something beyond going to school helps to distinguish you from the rest of the pack. It shows planning and initiative on your part, and many employers will be excited to see this!

So much of making the most out of your college experience is to look beyond grades and to your life after college as well. Building up your resume in ways that will set you apart from your competition should be seen as part of what college is all about. Fail to do this and you might just struggle to find the right job even if you have the “right degree.”