This is a guest post by Jabe from MindMaple.

As a college student, my lack of organization skills was often an obstacle to my success. I am a creative thinker, but if I let my creativity run wild it can become as much a problem as it is a benefit. When generating ideas for an essay or project in college, I never found myself stumped by a lack of inspiration but rather by an excess of unfocused ideas. After a brainstorming session I would often end up surrounded by more ideas than I knew what to do with, and without any idea of how to integrate my thoughts into a unified argument.

In our electronic age, we have access to an enormous amount of information. However, without effective methods of organizing and connecting this information, we can be easily overwhelmed. In this post I will show how mind mapping software, a creative organization tool used by many professionals to manage projects and information, can also be an extremely valuable tool for students.

Mind mapping allows us to represent information visually. We can organize topics and ideas by categories and subcategories, and it is easy to show the relationships between different ideas. Using mind maps, we can analyze specific ideas in detail while maintaining an awareness of our general goals and concerns. Mind maps can be used for brainstorming, taking and sharing notes, organizing projects and schedules, and many other purposes.

Let’s imagine we have an assignment to write an essay on Shakespeare’s play Macbeth for an English class. Our end goal is to have an essay that makes a clear argument by guiding the reader step-by-step through a complex but organized system of information. The essay must be linear and highly structured: it must have an introduction which leads the reader into a rich body of related ideas that support and develop one another, and eventually it must bring the reader to a sensible conclusion.

When we are initially brainstorming for the essay, however, our thought process will be anything but structured. Different characters, scenes and themes from the play will flash through our mind. Our mind will be making constant transient connections between different elements of the play. The challenge of writing an essay, or creating any kind of presentation, is turning this unstructured intuitive thinking into a structured argument.

To organize our thoughts, we might think to make an outline or list using a word processor. However, the problem with word processing, or even writing an outline by hand, is that outlining is an inherently linear form of organizing ideas—one idea must follow another directly, and it is difficult to represent complex relationships and networks. An outline can be useful for representing the basics of the final essay, but it is hardly an ideal tool for planning in the early stages of the project.

Mind mapping can provide a solution to this challenge. Mind mapping’s ability to represent ideas spatially provides an enormous advantage to us as we consider various thoughts and ideas. When we are children, our brains learn to process complex visual information long before we are able to use language effectively. Organizing thoughts visually is a highly intuitive process, and allows us to think about information in new ways, often revealing ideas and connections we might otherwise miss.

The following images provide an example of the enormous difference between organizing thoughts with mind mapping (using the recently-released mind mapping software MindMaple) and with a commonly used word processor. For this example, I imagined having to brainstorm ideas for the Macbeth essay.

The difference between the two formats speaks for itself. Making a mind map is fun! It encourages us to be creative and follow our intuition. There is always space to add new categories and ideas, and it is simple to illustrate the relationship between different ideas. My mind map is somewhat cluttered, but you can make your mind maps as organized as you like. A simple web search will bring up countless
examples of organized mind maps on a variety of topics. The specific mind mapping software MindMaple is perfect for both beginners and advanced mind mappers. Unlike many other software products, which restrict the placement of new topics, MindMaple allows you to move and rearrange products freely. For beginning users, or for users who might prefer more structured maps, MindMaple also includes numerous formatting features to help you keep your maps organized and clean, as well as tools for integrating documents, pictures, and other features into your maps.MindMaple is available for download at www.mindmaple.com

College success starts with attitude. There is only one thing in life you have full control over: your attitude. Pay attention to your attitude and you will find that studying becomes easier and your grades will improve.

Towards the end of fall, when the weather starts to get darker and colder and college classes have turned into nightmares taught by evil demons it’s easy to let your attitude slip. Dorm room living can make the entire experience seem like you are stuck in some level of Dante’s Inferno. However don’t despair, here are some quick and easy tips you can use to beat the dorm room boarding blues.

• Add a few funny customized ring tones to your cell phone. Many free and inexpensive ring tones are available and there is no better way to meet new people and brighten up even the dreariest day. An added bonus is that most smart phones will let you assign different ring tones for everything from notifications to calls from special people.
• Buy a bag of mini marshmallows. Marshmallows actually have a medicinal past and they can be good for your health! Even if you don’t like hot chocolate or marshmallows it’s a sure bet some of the people on your dorm room floor will. It’s amazing how fighting over melting lumps of gelatin can instantly turn enemies into friends and brighten everyone’s mood.
• Clean up your dorm room and get organized. No matter how many classes you have, take some time to make your dorm room clean and inviting. This is where you come to rest and recharge. If your space is horrible it will most certainly affect the quality of your rest, your attitude and your studies.
• Along the same lines, get a warm, comfortable dorm room bedding set. All mammals make a nest when they sleep. If you are cold or uncomfortable in your dorm room bed there is no faster way to get the boarding blues.
• Make amends with your horrible roommate or move. By now you and your roommate either like each other or you don’t. Take an honest look at the relationship and decide if it is taking a toll on your attitude. If it is, get over and talk to your resident advisor. If they can’t or won’t do anything for you, talk to the manager of the dorm. In roommate situations the squeaky wheels get to move. Living with a gargoyle who makes it impossible for you to study is absolutely not an option.
• Use music to lighten up your mood and improve your attitude. The power of a new tune is unbeatable. Humming and singing have also been proven to improve circulation and stimulate multiple “feel good” centers in the brain. Music and radio are fantastic because they free up your hands and body to do something else. For students who spend so much time sitting and studying movement is critical for maintaining a healthy body and spirit.

Depression among young adults isn’t funny. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among young adults ages 15-24. Take care of your attitude because this is your most valuable possession. Feeling glum this time of year if you live in dorm is pretty normal. Lets face it the rooms are pretty small and uncomfortable and the food is usually less than divine. However, with a good attitude you can make almost anything fun- or at least funny!

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This is a guest post by the writing team of BusinessInsuance, if you would like to feature a guest post send me an email!

I know. Not everyone prefers listening to music while studying or reading or writing or creating art or whatever. But I think most of us can agree that it’s nice to have music around for activities like these. They can help set a pace for your project, break up the monotony, and (in their greater moments) inspire us. Of course, not all music provides the optimal environment or setting for creating or digesting words and ideas. Some music is too distracting or abrasive while other music might just put you in the wrong mood. This is why it’s important to have an extensive arsenal of a variety of musical styles that fit your every aural need in your quest for knowledge or creation. So without further ado, below is some of the best music to accompany your writing, reading, and studying endeavors.

Sigur Rós

What music is better for working and proving something of yourself than an epic dream-like post-rock band from Iceland that uses a hybrid of Icelandic and English and bowstrings on their guitars? This band has a variety of track lengths, but most of them are well beyond the five minute mark, which lends the music well for writing or any extended focus activity. Most Sigur Rós songs, like “Glósóli” linked above, begin with a very soothing, beautiful opening and just build upon that opening with a rich arrangement of sounds that just get bigger and bigger until you feel like the song is representing the most important moment of your life. In short, Sigur Rós sets the perfect soundtrack for doing activities that are important to your life, and they inspire.

Most of Sigur Rós’ albums are great for any quiet creative or knowledge work, but in particular, Takk…, Agaetis Byrjun, and (). Their most recent album Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust actually has less epic buildups and more contemporary songwriting; both are great albums but not as ideal for writing or studying.

Do Make Say Think

While Do Make Say Think (DMST) falls under the post-rock genre, it sounds quite different than most post-rock bands. DMST employs more of a jazz aesthetic to its sound, using plenty more horns and two drumsets playing simultaneously; the band is mostly instrument although they do use vocals sparingly on rare occasions. DMST does build some epic ten-minute songs, but they are less linear in buildup and tend to have unexpected turns (hence the jazz description). DMST also has a distinctively more rock-band sound, utilizing much more grunge or dirty sounding guitars with less reverb and delay. If you feel like whatever post-rock you’re hearing might be putting you to sleep, try out DMST. The sophisticated musicianship and unexpected songwriting work great in accompanying any creative activity.

DMST has a beefy discography full of great musical moments that are sure to inspire; if you are unsure where to begin, I would advise starting with Winter Hymn Country Hymn Secret Hymn and following that with & Yet & Yet or You, You’re a History in Rust. Their most recent album Other Truths is also riveting but may be a little too heavy or rock-sounding for some people’s attention spans while studying.

The Field

Let’s take a quick break from post-rock, and look at something entirely different but just as inspiring. The Field is made up of one electronic musician from Stockholm, Sweden named Axel Willner. As far as genre can be discerned, Wikipedia calls it microhouse and ambient techno. I also hear trance elements as well and wouldn’t be surprised if someone described it as intelligent dance music (IDM). The Field usually creates lengthy tracks mostly over five minutes (and some just a bit longer than ten). Sometimes voices are sampled, but they are used distinctively as instruments and wouldn’t distract someone reading how a lyric-heavy band or singer would.

To best describe The Field’s sound, imagine a simple beat on a loop that gradually morphs textures every few seconds until a living, breathing, and moving song emerges. The beat will drive your mind and focus as you work while the subtle variations will keep your mind from becoming restless and wanting to change the music to something else. Since they have a limited discography of only two full albums, I recommend checking out both the critically acclaimed debut From Here We Go Sublime and the more recent Yesterday and Today.

Yo La Tengo

Some of you may be thinking, “Yo La Tengo has lyrics. I can’t read or write while someone is singing in my ear.” Well I’ve got news for you: Yo La Tengo has a good number of instrumental albums. A lot of the instrumental tracks come in the form of soundtrack work, but I think even the soundtrack material has a distinctive Yo La Tengo sound. For those unfamiliar, Yo La Tengo is an indie rock band with a wide variety of sound that fits mostly in a mellow arena of dream-rock. Sill, despite many songs with a lulling go-to-sleep tone, Yo La Tengo also sports a good amount of (almost jarring) noise, distortion, and extraordinarily creative guitar solos in its music. Also, even on albums that do have plenty of lyrics, Yo La Tengo’s lead singer has a very modest voice that I’m sure many won’t find distracting at all while studying.

If you’re looking for Yo La Tengo’s instrumental work, check out the albums The Sounds of the Sounds of Science and They Shoot, We Score (scores for four separate films). For those that can’t work while listening to lyrics, there are also a few instrumental tracks on their regular discography that could enhance your drive; these include “Tired Hippo,” “Pass the Hatchet” (excellent guitar solo!), “Daphnia,” “The Story of Yo La Tengo,” and “The Fireside.”

Flying Lotus

Flying Lotus is the product of an incredibly talented experimental music producer who’s actual name is Steven Ellison. While his music tends to run along a BPM much slower than most electronic music, it is stocked full of innovation, surprises, and rich textures that you won’t even notice the slow tempos. His music style takes on a wide range of jazz, downtempo, dubstep, and just plain experimental (wonky also comes to mind). His beats tend to jitter in perfect precision, thriving on a chaotic feel to keep your mind interested while having just enough order to keep you bobbing your head. There is simply nothing that comes even close to imitating Flying Lotus. Perfect for studying; perfect for dancing at a party.

For those looking for a good entrance to this artist, I would start with Los Angeles or Cosmogramma. Cosmogramma has a bit of a rounder, smoother sound with may render itself better for studying, but Los Angeles is far from disruptive. His debut 1983 is also extremely interesting and innovative, but doesn’t have that flow and finesse of the later two albums.

Battles

For anyone unfamiliar with this band, allow me to warn you fully before first listen: This music may induce seizures. However, it may also induce extremely vibrant thought or drive you threw even the most monotonous workflow. Battles is a heavy-hitting math-rock group that loves utilizing loop and distortion pedals. Their music usually builds on a repetitive beat or musical idea but often takes unexpected turns, sometimes resulting in the perfect combination of layer adding and beat turnarounds. While Battles is not for everyone, I strongly recommend giving it a shot. I’m sure it’s not the most ideal study music for everyone, but when it works, it works extremely well.

Battles has a fairly limited discography. I recommend both its full length albums although I personally believe Mirrored is by far the band’s best work. Gloss Drop is still plenty engaging, and be sure to check out the various confusingly titled EPs (IP C, B EP, and EPC if you can find them

.

Jon Hopkins and Brian Eno

I hate lumping these two extremely talented musicians together, but I only do so that I have enough space for other artists. Also, they’ve become long-term collaborators since teaming up in 2004, and their work together produces amazing tracks like this. For those wanting one word describe the music of these two artists: Ambient. However, both musicians have created material spanning far outside the constraints of that genre (sometimes even dipping into relatives of dubstep). It’s extremely difficult to describe their sound, particularly since Eno’s career extends all the way into the seventies (he has a whole wikipedia page dedicated solely to his lengthy discography. I will say that they both arrange and polish massive soundscapes that can make you feel like you’re the only person around for miles or that there is some lurking figure sneaking around behind you.

Where to start. For Hopkins, I recommend checking out any of his full length albums as his career as a musician is only budding. For Eno, I’d start with Music for Airports, which is great for any quiet, concentration work and then start working your way through his ambient career, just going on intuition. He has so many albums available that just listening through a few seconds on each one will give you a glimpse of which albums you make like more than others.

Nine Inch Nails

Nine Inch Nails has so much material ranging from noisy industrial rock to more eerie acoustic work. It’s only natural that it has some great studying music. Not all of Nine Inch Nails lends itself to great studying music, but there is definitely some great material out there for getting your thoughtful work done. While some of the sound can be a bit grating, even the noisier moments all conform to solid rules of great songwriting. Trent Reznor always seems to deliver.

A great place to start for studying is their double LP work called The Fragile. The album transitioned away from the gritty and distorted industrial sound of The Downward Spiral and headed more towards an ambient direction full of soundscapes, ambient noise, and much more melodies and harmonies. This album does have lyrics, but you can tell there is definitely an instrumental emphasis. Of course another solid choice for studying is Ghosts I-IV which is an entirely instrumental concept album full of soundscapes and soundtrack-like work.

This content was recommended by the writing team at BusinessInsurance.org special thanks!

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This is a guest post by Mark Davies, if you want to do a guest post as well, visit the contact page!

If you thought school was hard the first time round, you learn that it’s harder when you go back after many years away from it. As an adult learner who’s taken on the initiative to complete your education, earn a new degree, or pick up new skills, you’re likely to falter if you’re not really prepared for all that school entails. Learning is actually easier as the years go by, because you have a world of experience to augment the theory that school teaches you. However, you also have much more going on in your life than when you were a child and school was your only responsibility. So if you want to taste success as an adult learner, here are a few study tips that will come in handy:

1. Plan your schedule: Adult learning is all about balancing your work, family life, social life and education without neglecting any of them. So unless you work out a schedule and stick to it, one or more of these aspects of your life is going to suffer. Schedules help you allocate time for all the things you want to do, and they give you a sense of satisfaction when you adhere to them.
2. Don’t take on the impossible: I know there are people who insist that nothing is impossible, but if you aspire too high and take on more than you can handle, you end up in a mess. You may want to complete your degree in the shortest possible time even as you take on more responsibilities at work for a higher salary and juggle family commitments to your spouse and children. However, if you’re running yourself ragged by doing too much at once, you not only make mistakes but also add stress to your life. Stress is a killer in more ways than one, and no amount of money or fame is worth inviting it into your life. So take on only what is practical, and leave the rest for a later time.
3. Be prepared to make a few sacrifices: If you’ve added education to your already-full life, you may have to give up something that is a regular part of your life now. Some people choose to limit social and leisure activities until they’ve completed their education while others ask their employers to cut them some slack at the workplace. It’s up to you to decide whatever works for you based on your circumstances.
4. Set aside time every few days for your lessons: Doing a little every day is much more effective than trying to do it all one fine day on the eve of your exams. So no matter how busy you are, spend at least half an hour with your lessons to ensure that you stay in touch with what’s going on in school. When you’re an online learner, you must assume responsibility for yourself because your teachers are not going to push you to improve or perform well.
5. Stay up to date on your coursework: And finally, stay on top of your lessons and coursework by attending all online discussions and lessons. Be aware of submission dates for assignments and projects, keep track of exam dates, and establish a network of your virtual classmates so you can exchange ideas and confirm dates and schedules.

This guest post is contributed by Mark Davies, he writes on the topic of Masters Degrees Online. He welcomes your comments at his email: markdavies247[at]gmail[dot]com

This is a guest post by Mike, if you want to write a guest post as well, visit the contact page!

With technology permeating every aspect of our lives in the United States, it is little wonder that our educational system(s) are more and more relying on the internet to facilitate test-taking for classes and certificates. From online MBAs, to online GEDs, taking tests online to obtain diplomas and/or certificates has become the norm in the early 21st Century. For example, if you are considering a computer programming degree online you can complete a computer programming knowledge test to determine your programming skills, based on a variety of general knowledge questions.

However, with this new format of testing comes new tips and strategies for how to pass these examinations, which we will be going over in this article.

When taking a test, you are demonstrating your grasp and comprehension of the knowledge you have assimilated in whichever course or subject the test is on. There are two main types of tests you will encounter online:

• Objective tests, which include multiple choice, true/false, and fill-in-the-blank questions.
• Subjective tests, which include essay, short answer, and sometimes oral questions.

Moreover, these online tests have several variations that can fundamentally change the nature of the examination. One common theme of all of these variations: they all involve technology.

• Open or closed book.
• Timed or not timed.
• Scheduled or not scheduled.
• Must be finished in one sitting, or can be saved for a return completion.
• In a classroom, library, or at home.
• Graded or not graded.

Before taking an online test, preparation is just as important as it would be for an in-classroom test.

• Review similar tests you have taken in the past. These can be tests of comparable subject matter(s) or of similar format(s).
• Give yourself adequate studying time before taking the test. This will vary by subject, but a good rule of thumb is to give yourself ample time to completely review the material at least three times.

When taking an online exam, properly utilizing the technology and avoiding any “hiccups” should be of primary concern:

• Ensure the computer you are using is up-to-spec and can handle the test file, and the internet speed required for taking the test.
• Ensure that you have properly logged in to the test to access it. After all, there is no point in even taking the test if you’ll not receive credit for it!
• Once logged in and on the test’s index page, carefully read all instructions and answer the following questions: 1) Is the test timed? 2) Can I go back and change my answers later? 3) Can I save the test and return to it later? 4) Must I answer the questions in a specific sequence?
• If there is time, and the test’s format allows for it, quickly look through the test for an overview of what you will be encountering. Note key words, phrases, vocabulary, and potential pitfalls to be aware of.
• Answer questions in a strategic order, if the test’s format allows for it.
• Answer easier questions first to build confidence and mentally orient yourself to the test’s subject matter. This may also help you with the tests harder questions, as there are often clues to harder answers within the easier questions.
• Answer difficult questions second. These are not just questions you don’t readily know the answer(s) to, but also questions of high point value and essay questions. By this point in the test you should know exactly how much time you have left (if applicable) and can budget that time accordingly among the harder questions.
• After you have finished answering the questions, check over your test carefully (if you have the ability to) for unanswered questions or wrong answers.

If you follow these suggestions for taking tests online, you will have success in whichever endeavor you choose to pursue!

This article was written by Mike Patterson of OnlineMBA.com, which is a site dedicated to helping people find a information about earning a degree online.

This is a guest post by David. Interested in Guest Posting? Visit the contact page!

In the stressful economic times, people are seeking ways to increase their income, save money, invest and build wealth. Many experts have used self help books to increase their income significantly. These books provide money management advice for individuals. To gain prudent advice on how to manage money, consider perusing several of the publications listed below for ideas and tips.

1. The Intelligent Investor (New: $29.99, Used: See below)

This poignant and influential publication has taught its readers the basics of investing. Warren Buffet has endorsed this book and called it one of the best investment books ever written. Ben Graham addresses both the novice investor and the experienced business investor. Depending upon the needs of the reader, the book addresses the range of investments that investors may enjoy.

• The Intelligent Investor: The Definitive Book on Value Investing. A Book of Practical Counsel (Revised Edition)
• List Price: $22.99
• Price: $12.13
• Read Reviews

2. One Up On Wall Street (New: $16.00, Used: See below)

Peter Lynch is a reputable mutual fund manager that uses his book to impart investment knowledge to the reader. This book will teach every reader how to make money using basic principles that most people would already know.

• One Up On Wall Street : How To Use What You Already Know To Make Money In The Market
• List Price: $16.00
• Price: $3.93
• Read Reviews

3. The Essays of Warren Buffett (New: $32.50, Used: See below)

Professor Lawrence Cunningham selected the best of Warren Buffett and arranges them in his book by topic and relevance. Through the essays we are going to learn about management, investing philosophy, business, the use of stock options, economic and accounting goodwill.

• Essays of Warren Buffett
• List Price:
• Price: $15.27
• Read Reviews

4. Common Stocks and Uncommon Profits and Other Writings (New: $14.93, Used: See below)

Philip Fisher outlines the characteristics of a sound business. Historically, he is an important financial thinker. He teaches his readers to pair his advice with others, such as Graham’s ‘value’ method.

• Common Stocks and Uncommon Profits and Other Writings (Wiley Investment Classics)
• List Price: $21.95
• Price: $11.88
• Read Reviews

5. Security Analysis (New: $60.00)

Professor Benjamin Graham wrote the original Security Analysis in 1934. This book has gone through five editions. Over one million copies have also been sold. This lengthy book is teaching its readers about the value of particular investments and how to analyze the investments. This book is recommended for serious investors who are interested in building their net worth. The book is over 700 pages. Therefore, readers must have time to commit to reading the publication that is full of sound investing advice.

• Security Analysis: The Classic 1934 Edition
• List Price: $60.00
• Price: $29.99
• Read Reviews

6. How to be a Billionaire (New: $24.95, Used: See below)

This publication examines the strategies of several America’s billionaires. This book examines historical and modern day billionaires. Some of these individuals include Getty, Rockefeller and Bill Gates. The book is easy to read for most audiences. The author approaches the book from an informative approach.

• How to be a Billionaire: Proven Strategies from the Titans of Wealth
• List Price: $24.95
• Price: $12.71
• Read Reviews

7. The Interpretation of Financial Statements (New: $30.00, Used: see below)

The author of this book introduces its readers to the basics of reading financial statements. This book was produced earlier; therefore, some of the accounting information and rules are somewhat out of date. However, much of the information is timeless and will still be helpful in twenty years. The book actually provides examples of ratios and formulas for readers to become more familiar. This particular book is geared towards an audience that already has a working knowledge of stocks.

• The Interpretation of Financial Statements
• List Price: $30.00
• Price: $13.63
• Read Reviews

8. The 9 Steps to Financial Freedom (New: $14.95, Used: See below)

Suze Orman provides a no nonsense approach to achieving financial independence. She will teach investors how to manage their money from a practical perspective. She will inform readers of their retirement and life insurance options. Many readers enjoy Suze Orman’s approach to fiscal responsibility.

• The 9 Steps to Financial Freedom: Practical and Spiritual Steps So You Can Stop Worrying
• List Price: $15.99
• Price: $5.87
• Read Reviews

9. Financial Shenanigans: How to Detect Accounting Gimmicks & Fraud in Financial Reports (New: $34.95, Used: see below)

After much fraudulent activity on Wall Street, many individuals are concerned with how to detect financial fraud. The fraudulent activity may be detected on financial statements, reports and SEC filings. The book provides several examples from film to technology companies. This book is recommended for serious investments.

• Financial Shenanigans: How to Detect Accounting Gimmicks & Fraud in Financial Reports, Third Edition
• List Price: $34.95
• Price: $17.33
• Read Reviews

10. The Total Money Makeover (New: $14.95)

Dave Ramsey is the author of Total Money Makeover. In addition to writing the book, he also was a radio talk show host, author and all-around financial guru. He experienced a bankruptcy before giving himself a “Total Money Makeover” and soon after he wrote the book. His strategy involves simple techniques known as the Dave Ramsey Baby Steps including paying off debts smallest to largest plus creating an emergency fund. Saving for education, budgeting and retirement funds are also included in his strategy.

• The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness
• List Price: $24.99
• Price: $11.69
• Read Reviews

11. Rich Dad Poor Dad (New: $7.99)

Rich Dad, Poor Dad has been a best seller on the list for the past eight years. The book is currently is ranked in the Top 20 books on the market. Kiyosaki is considered a controversial author that provides sound financial advice. His perspective differs from traditional approaches. In this book, he distinguishes what is an asset and what is not. For instance, he does not consider a house an asset, though financial institutions and insurance companies consider them assets.

• Rich Dad Poor Dad: What The Rich Teach Their Kids About Money - That The Poor And Middle Class Do Not!
• List Price: $16.95
• Price: $6.73
• Read Reviews

David is a writer at one of Australia’s leading websites offering a thorough comparison of credit cards. To read more of David’s writing, click here to read his blog posts about money management.

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Stefan here again, this post is about money! I don’t have a lot of posts about money on StudySuccessful, what do you think about this? Do you want to see more posts about how students can save money or not? Let me know what you think!

Next?	Stefan Recommends
View the StudySuccessful homepage.	9 ways to get motivated for college – The ebook by Stefan Knapen (free)
More on the author.	Learn More, Study Less – Relearn learning
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This is a guest post by Ryan, would you like to send in a guest post also? Visit the contact page!

The cost of attending college seems to be increasing every year, with private school tuition now ranging from $15,000 to $40,000 per year. These high prices mean that most students end up leaving college with heavy debts. This is why it is important to make the most of your university and ensure your commitment to debt is worthwhile. Paying for college is a lot like buying a house. Once you have bought your house you want use every room for your benefit. However, a large amount of students who invest in college just stay in the dining room and fail to take advantage of everything they have paid for. A quick look at your student bill can give a good impression of what you’re missing out on yet still paying for.

University campus gyms are often overlooked by students despite the fact that they’re paying for them. Gyms aren’t all mirrors and metal, a lot of them have open spaces to play sports, and easy to use cardiovascular machines that offer an easy way to lose weight and build fitness. If you haven’t bothered going to the gym before then college is a great place to start. Staying fit and healthy is great both physically and mentally. Researchers at Cambridge University have even found that exercise can increases brain size and brain power. Using your college gym will help you to get the most out of your classes and your money.

Professors are employed by universities in order to teach students and help them as much as possible. This fact is easily forgotten by students who are convinced their professors dislike or have no interest in them. What must be remembered is that the student’s money is paying for the professors services. If you are having even the slightest problem in a class you have every right to ask your professor as many questions as you see fit. It is unlikely that you will ever be in a situation where you have so much expertise at your disposal. Using it can be the difference between failing a class and passing it with good grades.

Every college offers scholarships to students who excel or work hard in certain areas. One of the best ways to make the most of your college is to apply for all scholarships that fit your criteria. Some scholarships are based simply on what high school you went to or where you live. These are easy to find and often require very little apart from a fairly strong GPA. A vast majority of college scholarships are given out through departments rather than the whole school. For example, journalism departments will offer scholarships to students who are involved with the school newspaper or television channel. The best way to become eligible for these scholarships is to work hard and get to know your department professors. Professors are usually asked to nominate students for scholarships and are more likely to select students they know well.

Get the most out of your college just as you would with any other product you spend money on.

Ryan Child is a content writer for Online Schools and where you can learn various online education ideas and how to live a healthy lifestyle. Ryan enjoys playing sport and traveling.

This is a guest post by Alexis, would you like to guest post also? Visit the contact page!

College can be a great time to explore your intellectual interests and to learn about yourself. Without direction, however, students can easily lose track of their original career aspirations. Sure, that major in 17th century French poetry might speak to the essence of your soul, but have you considered what jobs await you upon graduation? If a clear, realistic answer doesn’t immediately spring to mind, soul-searching of another nature might be in order.

Changing majors = changing your career outlook
When most students begin college, they have at least some idea of what profession they want to enter when they graduate. By the time they reach their junior year, many of these same students will have changed their major multiple times, often increasing the overall time they spend earning their undergraduate degrees. The average college student changes majors three times before graduation. Some change their major as many as eight or nine times.

A college degree doesn’t guarantee a degree related job
Unfortunately, many of these changes don’t translate into degree-related careers after college. All too often, students make these choices based entirely upon their level of interest in the subject, and not on their interest in the jobs relating to that particular field of study. A graduating English major, for example, has to plan for the distinct possibility that they won’t be working as a novelist or other writing professional immediately after graduation. Instead, they might end up competing with other liberal arts majors for customer service jobs, managerial positions, etc. If a love of writing was the only thing motivating their decision to pursue an English degree, better choices could have been made.

The Graduate School option
Another major consideration for students choosing a college path is the potential to attend graduate school. If you would love to be a professor and you perform well in classes relating to your major, graduate school might be a viable option. Start working with your academic advisor and professors early on so that your graduate school applications are as competitive as possible. Realize that, in certain fields, earning a PhD doesn’t necessarily translate into a higher salary in the corporate sector. In other words, doctorate degrees should only be pursued for the right reasons, not as a way to avoid entering the workforce at 22.

Choose your career, not a degree.
Your future interests are best served when you choose a major based upon what job you’d enjoy, not which courses appeal to you at the moment. That doesn’t mean you should completely ignore these preferences when choosing a degree, only that it shouldn’t be the only consideration. The current generation of college students can expect to retire at around 70 years of age. Choosing a career instead of a major will go a long way toward ensuring that the years you spend working are fulfilling.

Alexis Bonari is a freelance writer and blog junkie. She is currently a resident blogger at College Scholarships.org. In her spare time, she enjoys square-foot gardening, swimming, and avoiding her laptop.

This is a guest post by Alexis Montgomery. Do you also want to send in a guest post? See the contact page

How many of you had your parents tell you that you could grow up to be whatever you wanted? At the age of three, I apparently wanted to dress in a chicken costume for a living, which for some reason my parents encouraged (were they hoping I’d have an exciting career as a sports mascot, or a lucrative position selling wings for KFC?). Hopefully, you set your sights a bit higher. While it was nice of mom and dad to offer encouragement, they couldn’t possibly have seen what the state of the world (or more importantly, the economy) would be like when you approached graduation. Many of you probably dreamed of becoming a teacher, a veterinarian, or a firefighter. But now that you’re facing the cold, hard reality of an economic recession, your dreams may seem a little unrealistic. Luckily, there are several fields that are set to grow over the next few years, and a degree in one of them may ensure a bright future.

A career in medicine might be your best bet. If your childhood fantasies included helping others, you may have found a winner. Earning a degree as a nurse, a medical assistant, or even a doctor could afford you the opportunity to enter your profession immediately after graduation, as jobs in these areas look to be on the rise in the next decade (thanks to health care reform and its offer of insurance to more Americans). And with several options for schooling and degree programs, almost everyone can find a niche they’re comfortable in.

Engineering is another area that is always in need of qualified individuals (note, there may be a lot of schooling involved). The options are almost limitless when it comes to specialization (a few broad areas of engineering are mechanical, aerospace, computer, and civil) so almost anyone can find an area of interest. These jobs also tend to be highly specialized, which means better-than-decent salaries. If you’re technically savvy and have an eye for the bigger picture, you should consider an occupation in this field. A good example is venture capitalist Rick Bolander, who started with an Electrical engineering degree.

While formerly in-demand positions for web/graphic designers are now facing a flood of applicants, not all careers in computing are on the decline. Internet marketing is one field that is wide open for those who have the drive to run their own business. With a background in marketing, a basic understanding of SEO, and the desire to continue to learn in a quickly-changing internet landscape, you could be on your way to a fun and exciting occupation that can earn you a lot of money…if you’re willing to put in the time and effort.

Another field of computing that continues to be fruitful is Information Technology (IT). All companies, large and small, will at one time or another need help running a myriad of computer systems, servers, and back-up facilities. Having professionals on-site and on-call is often a necessity in the fast-paced world of corporate business (although a freelance position may be more lucrative and flexible over time if you can hold out to build up a good clientele). Additional training in creative pursuits (like computer graphics or web design) can also be a big help as a recent trend has emerged in which companies under the gun to cut costs are laying off designers and passing their duties on to the IT department.

Finance is also an area that looks to enjoy future growth. The internet offers many opportunities in the area of ecommerce and many companies are looking to hire individuals who have a focus on either international finance or financial analysis. So a head for numbers and good communication skills could guarantee gainful employment.

None of us grew up with visions of medical billing dancing through our heads, but all of us dreamed of a house, a car, and whether or not we knew it at the time, financial stability. Even if you don’t end up reaching solvency by the path you chose as a child, it’s better to go for the gold than to end up looking at the field of your dreams from afar.

Alexis Montgomery is a content writer for Online Colleges, where you can browse through various online degree programs to find a college that suits your needs.