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Textbook Buyback for Online Colleges

January 11th, 2011 by Sarah Ward

Paying $400 per semester on college textbooks is a crime. We hear from students all the time how frustrated they are for having to spend an arm and a leg for their textbooks for college. If your bookstore is unwilling to purchase back the textbooks you paid good money for last semester, here are some handy tips on textbook buyback for online colleges.

  • Textbook Buyback with BigWords.com. Not only can you save a bundle on your college textbooks at Big Words, you can also sell them back, getting on average 80% of your initial purchase price back in your hot little hands. You also have the option to donate your used textbooks to Better World Books.
  • Textbook Buyback with BookScouter.com. Book Scouter helps you get the best buy-back price on your books, scouring 40 different book-buying sites and effectively doing the work for you. Their site is free, no registration is required, and the service provided will save you the time and headache of doing it yourself.
  • Textbook Buyback with BarnesandNoble.com. Even the big boys are getting in on the textbook selling action, allowing the average college student to get cash back on their books fast. It’s easy, you enter in an ISBN number, they provide a quote for how much they’ll give you, and should you accept they’ll send you a label to ship the book back and send you a check once the book is received.
  • Textbook Buyback with eCampus.com. One great thing about eCampus is that you can get paid fast through direct deposit, or can get a credit towards your eCampus account with a 5% bonus for next semester’s textbooks. If you’re concerned that your highlighting and notes in the margin will prevent you from selling your books back, think again!
  • Textbook Buyback with eTextShop.com. The unfortunate fact of the matter is that college bookstores just don’t give full value when buying back textbooks. Get great rates with no out-of-pocket expenses from eTextShop. Their students actually prefer books that are highlighted since it helps them cut to the chase and source out the good stuff.

For students concerned about saving the planet, reselling and buying used textbooks as well as attending online colleges are great ways to go green.

Since it’s the beginning of the semester for many traditional and online colleges, if you want a place to buy discounted textbooks online, all of these websites sell textbooks as well. For more textbook buying resources, check out Where to Find School Textbooks Online.

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Posted in On Campus, Online College, Tools | 2 Comments »

How to Use LinkedIn to Find a Job

January 5th, 2011 by Rachel Call

LinkedIn is an incredible resource and not just for professionals. Most people have heard the phrase “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” For this reason alone, it is almost vital in today’s job market for college students to be on LinkedIn. Stay in touch with the connections you make and you never know who will help you land a job after college.

Here are some tips that will help your make the most of your LinkedIn profile.

  • Connect With Classmates: All your peers are future professionals in the industry you want to work in. Help each other out and stay in touch.
  • Connect With Professors: Professors often have large networks of people in specific industries. By connecting to them you are opening doors of possibility. Your teachers also have the power to give you a recommendation and tell their colleagues about your work.
  • Connect With Industry Professionals: Connect with guest speakers, people you job shadow, and anyone else you come into contact with in your area of interest. These people may not have a job for you, but they know people and can often lead you in the right direction to find a job.
  • Use the Job Search: It’s quite possible that companies place openings only on LinkedIn. So, if you don’t browse the site, you may never know of the opening.
  • Update Your Profile: Make sure your resume is complete and that your education information is updated so potential employers get a full sense of your qualifications.
  • Participate In Discussions: Join groups (in and out of your industry) and actively participate in discussions. Groups are also good places to find more professionals to connect to.
  • Recommend Others: Post recommendations for classmates and colleagues and ask them to do the same for you.
  • Research Companies: Look at company profiles to learn more about what they do and who they hire. Then tailor your resume and cover letter accordingly.
  • Find Places To Apply: Check out the profiles of people with similar backgrounds and education as you to see where they are working: businesses and niche industry areas. This will give you an idea of where you may be most likely to find a job.
  • Connect with Interviewers: Once you apply for a job, look to see if you have any common acquaintances. Ask for a recommendation from that person, or just mention during your interview work you may have done with them. You can also use this to narrow down where you want to apply.

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Posted in Back To College, Career, Online College, Tools | 1 Comment »

Ten Financial Aid Resources for Mothers Wanting To Go Back To College

November 28th, 2010 by michaelm

If you are a mother and you want to go back to college to finish a college degree or to start working toward a new career, there are financial aid programs designed to help you defray the costs associated with higher education. Here are ten resources that can help you go back to college:

1.) Subsidized Federal Student Loans: Subsidized student loans are available for students who attend an accredited college with at least half-time status. These loans are not required to be repaid until after graduation and the government pays the interest while the student is still enrolled.

2.) Unsubsidized Federal Student Loans: These student loans are available to all students who receive subsidized loans. The difference is that students will be required to pay interest only while they are enrolled. Larger payments will be required upon graduation

3.) Federal Perkins Loans: This is another type of student loan offered by the Federal government. It does not need to be repaid until after graduation and the interest rate is low. These loans require that students meet income requirements which indicate financial need.

4.) Federal Student Grants: The Federal government makes grant money available for students each year. The student must show financial need to qualify. This form of financial aid does not need to be repaid.

5.) State Grant Programs: Much like Federal grants, individual states offer grants to students who qualify financially for assistance with their educational costs.

6.) Scholarships: There are many programs and organizations which offer scholarships to mothers who are returning to college. They can help the student reduce their educational costs and help with living expenses while in school.

7.) Other Grant Programs: Depending on a mother’s financial situation there are grants available to help cover things like child care and transportation. Mothers who receive public assistance should ask about these programs.

8.) College-Based Grant Programs: Individual colleges and universities often have private grant funding available to help cut educational costs based on the student’s demonstrated financial need.

9.) Nursing Loans: Mothers who want to return to college to study the field of Nursing may be eligible for loans specially developed for Nursing students. Many times, once the student completes a work requirement the loan will be considered paid in full.

10.) Employer funded programs: Many employers have programs to help their employees complete higher education programs.

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Tips on E-mailing Online Instructors and Teaching Assistants

November 28th, 2010 by michaelm

E-mailing your online instructor or teaching assistant is a common part of taking an online class. There are a few things you should keep in mind when you are composing an e-mail about the coursework.

Always Identify Yourself in the Subject Line

There is a good chance that your instructor or teaching assistant is handling several students from several classes each semester. Make sure that the subject line of your e-mail includes the name of the course as well as the call number. It is more important to have the course title in the subject than it is to include the actual subject topic of your e-mail. Most online instructors receive quite a few e-mails from students, so it is helpful if they can sort the e-mails into classes without having to actually open each e-mail first. Identifying the course title and number in the subject line will help make sure you receive a timely response.

Use Short, Concise Sentences

No matter what the topic of your e-mail is, you want to be sure that your point is understood by the instructor. Avoid flowery language and long run-on sentences. An e-mail should be straight to the point. Think of a school-related e-mail the way you would think of a business related e-mail. It does not need to be overly formal, but it does need to be short and clear. Whenever possible, use page numbers, author names, or web addresses to support the things you mention in your e-mail. These give the instructor a better frame of reference when he or she is composing a response.

Avoid Emoticons or Abbreviations

Since e-mail is a sort of short cut communication mode for most people, it can be tempting to include smiley faces or other emoticons to emphasize the emotions behind the sentences. Remember that not all online professors are fluent in the normal abbreviations that are used for text messages or social networking. Use correct grammar and spelling at all times when you e-mail your instructor. The e-mail should follow all of the rules that you would use if you were composing a short essay.

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How to Use an Online Degree to Enhance Your Current Career

November 27th, 2010 by michaelm

Are you looking for a way to advance yourself professionally? An online degree may be a great way to equip yourself with new skills that can move you ahead in your field. Here are ten tips on how to use an online degree to enhance your current career rather than change it.

1. Learn the latest teachings
When you learn the most up to date information in your field, your value as an employee will automatically increase greatly.

2. Take courses that are a twist on your field
Find courses that have a different way of looking at your career field. Take these classes to gain a powerful, alternate perspective.

3. Show employers your dedication to the industry
Take advantage of the impression you’ll leave on employers by looking for a way to advance in your current career or to seek a promotion.

4. Gain an additional degree
Additional credentials or a separate degree are a great way to enhance your worth in your current career.

5. Study a new skill
Learning a new skill is the best way to enhance your current career and job position.

6. Network with your fellow classmates or instructors
By networking with fellow classmates, you’ll gain a powerful community of resources that can help your career.

7. Seek a degree that will make you eligible for a promotion or new position
Study your company’s job requirements, and determine what degree you’ll need for the position you want before attending school.

8. Study with some of the most respected instructors
Online classes may give you the opportunity to connect with some of the top professionals in your career field, so that you can learn practical, tangible lessons to apply to your career.

9. Use your learning in a way that is applicable to your company
Take some of your lessons to work with you, and find an improvement that you could make in the office. Take action right away.

10. Create additional opportunities for yourself
Your online degree may offer you a way to build additional income or opportunities, a great way to advance professionally.

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Ten “Brain Foods” for Going Back to College

November 26th, 2010 by michaelm

Going back to college can be a difficult task, even for the most dedicated students. In order to make your work load a bit easier to manage, try eating the following ‘brain foods’ before or during your study time. These foods have been proven to boost your mental functioning, allowing you to do your work more efficiently and at a better quality than ever before.

1. Blueberries

Blueberries are full of phytonutrients such as anthocyanins, which have been clinically proven to strengthen the brain’s neurons.

2. Dark Chocolate

When eaten in small quantities, dark chocolate can actually improve your mental functioning. The antioxidants in cacao beans have been linked to cognitive enrichment.

3. Avocados

The unique cell structure found in the flesh of an avocado has been shown to reduce blood pressure in many people. When blood pressure is reduced, the brain is able to receive an adequate amount of the nutrients that it needs without stressing out your circulatory system.

4. Salmon

Your brain needs an ample amount of omega-3 fatty acids in order to create new brain cells and tissues. Many fish have large quantities of these fats; salmon is reputed to be the best source.

5. Almonds and Pecans

The nutrients found in various nuts (particularly almonds and pecans) have been shown to boost the functioning of your nervous system. This helps you to think clearly and rationally, even when under pressure.

6. Whole Grains

Whole grain bread, brown rice, corn, and more have all been linked to optimal brain functioning. It is believed that the combination of these grain’s fibers and minerals improve cognitive function.

7. Flax Seeds

Ground flax seeds have an enormous amount of ALA fats available to be digested by the body. These fats are crucial in the construction of new, healthy brain cells.

8. Whole Eggs

A nutrient called choline can be found in high quantities in the yolk of a chicken egg. Researches suspect that this nutrient plays a part in the proper functioning of your memory.

9. Grass-Fed Beef

Grass-fed beef possesses higher amounts of omega-6 fatty acids than their commercially raised counterparts. Omega-6 fatty acids contribute to the formation of new brain tissues.

10. Greek Yogurt

The protein found in Greek yogurt has been linked to better comprehensive skills.

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Ten Tips on Keeping the Costs Of An Online College Down

November 23rd, 2010 by michaelm

If you are considering attending an online college or university, you probably realize that even online schools require a substantial expense on the part of students. There are some things that you can do to help keep costs low. Here are ten tips on keeping the costs of an online college down:

1.) Find the right program before enrolling. There are application costs and other fees associated with attending an online college, much like a traditional school. Because online colleges are often set up to work with a very specific area of study, it is best to make sure that you are applying to and attending the right school from the beginning.

2.) Ask about fee waivers. Many online colleges will waive enrollment and application fees for students having financial difficulties in order to assist them with costs.

3.) Complete the FAFSA. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid can help you to find out if you qualify for federal and state based financial aid programs.

4.) Complete any institutional financial aid applications. This will help the school to determine your ability to pay and enable them to offer you financial aid.

5.) Attend an accredited school. This is very important for several reasons. An accredited school/program will qualify you for financial aid programs and it will provide you with a degree or certificate that employers recognize as valuable.

6.) Ask your employer for help. Many companies have tuition reimbursement or remission programs for their employees in order to encourage higher education. Talk to your human resources department to find out what programs are available and if you qualify for assistance.

7.) Purchase books only when necessary. Before you purchase the required textbooks, find out if you will really need the books on your list. If possible, share with a friend or borrow the books from the library.

8.) Consider programs that will offer loan forgiveness. Many health care and public safety students will be eligible for loan forgiveness after graduation if they work at an approved place for a specific period of time after earning their degree.

9.) Find out if you qualify for scholarships. Scholarships are not just available for talented high school students. There are many scholarship programs for adult students as well.

10.) Talk to organizations to which you belong. Many organizations have money in their budgets for helping members complete their education. It never hurts to ask if there might be money available to help you cut your educational costs.

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Ten Things You Should Do As A Student To Get A Job After Graduating With An Online Degree

November 21st, 2010 by michaelm

While you’re working on your online degree, you can be planning the next step in your career. The good news is, potential employers recognize the effort that you’ve put into getting an education and having your degree puts you a giant step ahead of all the applicants who haven’t proven that they can work hard in school and graduate. The bad news is, this is a tough time for anybody to get a job with the slumping global economy so you’re going to have to go the extra mile to land your new gig. Here’s ten great tips to get you started on the path to your new career while you’re still in school.

1.) Network with your professors and ask for a recommendation and reference. Be sure to ask about their areas of expertise and research interests.

2.) Visit your school’s career center (online) and utilize their job search tools to keep your job hunting skills up-to-date.

3.) Use your online school’s career services for a resume review, mock phone interviews and mentoring programs.

4.) Research how to write a cover letter and ask the online career center to review your cover letters.

5.) Read scholarly research in your career area while you are still a student, be sure to note the names of industry-specific journals and conferences.

6.) Join a professional association in your career area, they often offer a less expensive student rate while you are in school.

7.) Get an unpaid internship and add some experience to your resume in your field (and while you are there do a great job and try to turn it into a paying gig).

8.) Get involved with non-profit and volunteer organizations, apply when they have openings, add the experience to your resume to show that you are well rounded and network with everyone that you meet there.

9.) Attend conferences and offer to present your work to a professional audience. Schools offer scholarships to pay for the travel expenses.

10.) Submit your research papers to professional or student journals to get published and increase your credibility with future employers.

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Ten Important Features of a Study Space for Online Colleges

November 21st, 2010 by michaelm

When you’re going to school online, it may be easy to neglect the area you’re studying in. However, the atmosphere you work in can often play a huge role in your success. Here are ten important features of a study space for online college.

1. Spacious work area
Your study space for your online college should include a spacious work area, so that you’re able to spread your materials out without being cramped. You should have room for your textbook, computer, several papers, and other materials or resources without the desk looking cluttered.

2. Focused and free of distractions
It’s important that your study space is in a place that is free from distractions. You should be able to focus on your task at hand without interruptions.

3. Wi-fi connection
Additionally, your study space should have a wi-fi connection or other easy internet access. Avoid places with undependable internet connections.

4. Comfortable chair
You’ll be spending a lot of time sitting in your study space, so invest in a comfortable chair! Your body will thank you for it when the semester is over.

5. Consistent place
Your study space should be in a consistent spot. Working in the same spot every time will help you to focus and understand that it’s time for work.

6. Room with a door
It’s helpful if your study space has a door on it, in order to keep distractions out when you’re working on something really important.

7. Decorative elements
People are able to work better in an aesthetically appealing environment, so consider adding a few decorative touches that you find relaxing or inspiring.

8. A clock
Though it may seem like an obvious addition to your study space, many people forget the importance of having a clock. You’ll be able to keep track of time and focus your assignments.

9. Storage and organizational system
Create an organizational system that works for you, and have storage space to keep things together.

10. Easy to access
Your study space should also be easy to access so that you can work whenever you have the time.

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10 Different Forms of Financial Aid For Students Attending An Online College

November 20th, 2010 by michaelm

If you are interested in attending an online college, you probably have heard the television and radio ads that promise financial assistance for those who qualify. If you’re unfamiliar with financial aid, then you should definitely read about these five forms of financial aid for online college students. Each of the five types has different requirements that a student must meet to be eligible.

1.) Federal Student Loans: Federal student loans are available to any student who attends an accredited, or approved, program of study. This extends to students who attend online colleges and have at least half time status. There are several different federal student loans programs. Students who are not in default on previous federal loans will qualify to borrow a specific amount of money for each eligible term of study. There are both subsidized and unsubsidized student loan programs Subsidized loans mean that the government pays the interest while the student is attending school and there is a six month grace period after graduation before the student is required to repay the loan in monthly installments.

2.) Private Student Loans: Private student loans are available to students who qualify through banks and credit unions. These loans generally require that the student or their parent(s) has a good credit history to be eligible. Online colleges may not qualify for all private loan programs so it is important to investigate the options available.

3.) Institutional Student Loans: Often backed by the federal government, there are institutional student loans offered by some online schools to help students defray the cost of education.

4.) Federal Education Grants: Depending on a student’s financial situation and the online college that they choose to attend, there may be federal grant money available. Grant amounts will vary depending on the student and the school.

5.) State Education Grants: Again, depending on the school and the student’s financial situation there may be state grant money available to help offset the costs of education.

6.) Scholarships: Scholarships are a broad category of financial aid that does not require re-payment. They are issued to students who meet specific criteria that is defined by a scholarship committee.

7.) Loan/Scholarship Programs: This type of financial aid generally applies to students studying at health care specific online schools. The aid is given in the form of a loan that is forgiven after graduation so long as the student maintains employment in their field at a qualified healthcare facility.

8.) GI Bill: This financial assistance is for eligible veterans and it can be used to assist with tuition at an online college.

9.) Payment Plans: Most online colleges will allow students to pay on a monthly basis using a payment plan that is administered either by the college or a third party.

10.) Tuition Reimbursement: Many employers offer financial aid for students who attend online colleges as an incentive to further their education.

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