Whether you are in college, law school, medical school, or MBA school, you have probably had to deal with constant stress and pressure from school. When deadlines pile up and there is not enough time in the day to finish your work, you probably wish you could just drop everything and be stress free. In today’s world, including the academic world, stress is always a given; what makes a student successful has to do with the way he or she manages stress. If you want some help in dealing with the tension of your classroom, keep reading.

Common sources of stress

* Not enough time
* Too many requirements
* Money issues
* Unhealthy eating and sleeping habits due to work
* Trouble balancing school, career and family life

Dealing with the stress

One of the best ways to deal with classroom stress is to step back and take a breather. One of the things that you need to de-stress yourself from all the work you put in is to rest. Without rest, you will not be able to work effectively and efficiently. If you feel the need to take a break and rest, then the chances are that it is your body and mind telling you that it needs to recuperate. Schedule adequate time for rest and relaxation in between studying and classroom time.

Another tip is to find a sport, hobby, or activity that interests you. Most of the time, when you are studying, you are either sitting down or laying down. By taking up an activity, exercise routine, or sport, you can keep your body in better shape to deal with the mental and physical demands of school. Having other activities also helps take your mind off of the deadlines and assignments that you have for school.

The most draining part about being stressed is the feeling of inadequacy – the feeling of not being able to cope with the tasks at hand. Have faith in yourself that you can accomplish and succeed in anything thrown your way. The reason you were accepted into college, law school, medical school, or MBA school is precisely because the institution you enrolled in believes that you have what it takes to be successful. Take a cue from them and believe in yourself as well.

Online diploma mills are organizations that issue unapproved and unofficial degrees. While online schooling is a convenient and practical way of earning a degree, you should be wary of diploma mills. Here are some tips on how you can avoid online diploma mills.

Having an awareness

The first tip for avoiding diploma mills is to expand your knowledge and awareness of such organizations and their practices. There are basically two kinds of diploma mills. First are the online diploma mills that offer low-quality education and inferior academic programs. Second are those that offer degrees for a fee. Do some research before you enroll in an online school. Try to look for reviews, comments, news, or articles about your online course or school before finalizing your decision to go there. If you really want to earn your degree online, a good tip is to check out if top-ranked colleges and universities offer online degree courses. These are the ones that you should be applying to.

Checking for authenticity issues

Online diploma mills of all kinds are either unaccredited or they are accredited by a fake accreditation organization. Perhaps the best way of finding out whether or not an organization is a diploma mill is to check for accreditation issues. Find out if the school is accredited and, if so, check whether or not the accreditation organization actually exists. Another way to check for the school’s authenticity is to contact the attorney general’s office, the Council on Higher Education Accreditation, and the Better Business Bureau.

Using one’s better judgment

Finally, when choosing an online schooling program, take some time to think about your decisions. The best decision you can make is to choose a school that is both accredited and recognized by government organizations. While you can easily get a degree from an online diploma mill, you can also easily get caught for having fake credentials. This can lead to embarrassment in your work place and possibly even criminal charges for fraud. It can be hard to spot a diploma mill at first. Once you are aware of these organizations, their objectives, their methods and their characteristics, you can easily avoid online diploma mills.

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After graduating high school, you may be faced with the decision of attending either a college or a vocational school. Colleges and vocational schools generally have different educational objectives.  This article provides some advice on how to make the right choice between going to college or attending vocational school.

In the classrooms

Four-year college courses are often based on a foundation of the sciences and the humanities, including literature, math and logic, philosophy, history, and the arts. Liberal arts education is based on the notion that education should develop and help perfect the human being. This academic training gives students a well-rounded education. The “liberal arts” education offered in colleges has the objective of educating and developing students in a broad spectrum of studies exploring the humanity of man. Four-year courses that focus on the sciences, on the other hand, expose students to different approaches, trends, and investigations in the pure sciences (such as chemistry, biology, and physics) and the applied sciences (such as engineering).

Vocational schools, on the other hand, have the goal of educating and training students on a profession-related specialization. Vocational school graduates will gain the education and training needed to do well in a certain trade or technical area. These trades include cosmetics, tourism, travel, funeral services, cottage industries, and retail.

A restaurant manager who is looking to hire kitchen staff will definite prefer a vocational school graduate who specialized in cooking and becoming a chef to a college graduate. College graduates, though, will have better chances of getting into other fields such as corporate entities. This is because of the type of education one receives in college.

Going beyond the lessons

If you feel that you have an inclination for the trade sciences and other technical areas, you should consider taking a course in a vocational school. These vocational schools provide you with the knowledge, training, and experience you need to become successful in the specialization that you choose. On the other hand, if you think that you might want to explore a career path with variety, you should consider going to college. Regardless of where you end up, you will probably have to write a personal statement. Be sure to read some examples of personal statements so you can perfect your own and get into your college or vocational school of choice.

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One of the most significant decisions that you have to make after graduating high school is whether to attend a university or a community college. It is important to take your time when making this decision because it will have a large impact on the next two or more years of your life. Here are some factors to consider when choosing between going to a university or a community college:

Cost

Most community colleges cost considerably less (sometimes even half) than the cost of tuition in universities. However, if you still decide to go to a university even though you may not have the money to pay for tuition, keep in mind that you may be able to get scholarships or other forms of financial aid.

Location and housing

Another important consideration is the location of the campus. If the campus is far from home, you may need to dorm or get an apartment somewhere nearby. Universities often have a number of housing solutions for students. Community colleges, on the other hand, rarely have dorms or housing. Of course, one of the reasons students go to community colleges is their proximity. Most students enrolled in community colleges live near the campus so they don’t need special accommodations.

Transition from high school

Attending a university straight out of high school may be rather hard to deal with and adapt to. Many students decide to go to community college because it helps them deal with this transition period better. Because community colleges are smaller and less populated than universities, students can have an easier time progressing into this next stage of their lives. Some students enrolled in community colleges also have plans of continuing their education in colleges or universities.

Degrees of separation

Universities offer degrees of all levels in numerous fields. In some community colleges, you will only be able to earn an Associate of Arts degree. Many community colleges have educational programs with universities around the area or state. This is a great option for those who still can not make up their minds.

Whether enrolling into a community college or a university, you will probably be asked to submit a personal statement. Check out some examples of personal statements for ideas, topics and themes for your paper. Examples of personal statements will give you an idea of what to do and what not to do. Be sure to use examples of personal statements to help you land a spot in the community college or university of your liking.

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Doing a part-time job while trying to ace your classes can sometimes feel like burning a candle at both ends. In fact, in many examples of personal statements, you will notice that the topic of balancing school work and a job often arises. Many people have to rely on the money they earn from a job to get them through school and pay for their bills. Here is how you can successfully juggle your career life and school life without burning out:

Consider your job before you enroll

Before enrolling in school, try to get an idea of the types of jobs and job hours that you can work. For example, if you are interested in a few job openings with a morning shift, then you can enroll in evening classes. It is important to make sure that your schedules are not overlapping. Also keep in mind the time it will take you to travel to and from home, school, and your office.

Working on getting the right job

Try to get a job that interests you and fits your schedule and lifestyle. You may even want to get a job in the particular field that you are taking up in college or graduate school. Talk to your employer and negotiate your schedule and time tables. Be sure to let them know how serious your are about school, while ensuring them that you can also be successful at work if given the proper schedule. In doing so, you can increase your chances of success in both school and your career. Don’t be afraid to mention that you’re a student too. Most employers would be glad to know that they’re employing college level staff.

Brush up on your time management skills

Troubles often arise when students working jobs lack time management skills. Maximize your time by filling free time with productive activities. For example, if you take the bus to work, you can use the 20-minute ride to read up on the next lesson in class. You can opt not to join social events in school, unless they are a requirement. Also allot a decent amount of time for rest, fun, and time with friends and family. Give your mind and body enough time to recharge so that you’ll be at your best in both your job and school.

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Your eagerness to learn may slack off at some point in your life. Before you start to panic, remember that it is just a normal occurrence. You just have to know how you can manage such a situation. Here are some ways by which you can increase your motivation so that you can reach your goals.

Imagine your accomplishments.

When the time comes that your plans and reasons for finishing school cannot motivate you anymore, picture your future and think about your goals. Imagine yourself receiving your hard-earned diploma while being applauded by your family and friends. Imagine how it feels like to be in your dream workplace. Doing these things can help you be motivated again.

Make use of the things that make you happy.

Determine your “happy food.” If you love chocolates, eat them while studying or doing school work. If you are a music lover, turn on your music player while reviewing your lessons. You can also purchase a portable player so you can bring it to you while your researching in the library. Just make sure that you don’t get too distracted by your happy things. Look forward to going to school by reminding yourself of your goals.

Don’t push yourself to the limits.

Whenever you feel burned out, take the time to close your eyes for a couple of minutes. Remember that overworking can result in stress or mood swings. Find the time to pamper yourself once in a while. Go to a spa or take a dip into a pool. Get yourself a haircut. Relax your mind and body. Don’t make too much thinking as a motivation. It can only lead you to being unproductive.

Exercise, eat healthy foods, and get enough sleep.

Love yourself by doing things that will improve your over-all well-being. Exercise regularly to boost your physical health. Try stretching routines every morning to perk you up. Indulge yourself in healthy food. Avoid drinking too much liquor. Never burn the midnight oil for useless activities. Remember that getting adequate sleep can ensure that you will have the energy to face your responsibilities for the next day.

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Students like you will always be  in need of textbooks. If buying these requirements is taking a toll on your finances, consider the following tips.

Buy on the Internet.

There are a lot of websites that offer books at discounted prices. Try visiting popular auction sites such as Ebay. Online shopping stores such as Amazon also offer big discounts. Search the Internet for used books too. You might find someone who is selling his or her old textbooks through the Internet.

Buy pre-owned books.

Some secondhand books are generally offered at almost half the price of new ones. Buying this kind of resource materials will definitely give you a chance to save. Browse for books at secondhand book shops. You can also ask around for pre-owned books. It is very likely that your friend or your friend’s friend is selling a book that you need.

Borrow.

Borrowing books from the library or your friends is a good money saving tip. Once you receive your reading list, head to the library immediately. Remember that libraries often have limited book copies. So doing this tip will ensure that you can get the books you need for your classes.

Start a book exchange.

You and your friends can pool your old textbooks for sharing. This tip is a good idea for people who are taking up the same course. You can also pool your current books with your classmates so you won’t have to buy books anymore.

Share the expenses.

Do you have friends who also need the same book as you? Then why not share the book. You two can contribute to buy a single book. Just make sure that you and your friend do not have the same class schedule.

Sell your old books.

Check your bookshelf. You might be keeping old books that you will no longer need. Sell them to friends or bring them to a secondhand book shop. If you have several books, why not start a book rental business? Aside from getting rid of clutter, this kind of business can also be a way of earning money.

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Saving money on textbooks will ease your budget as a student. As grants respond to your tuition needs, there are also ways of decreasing textbook expenses.

Book exchange

You can start a book exchange with friends and classmates. In a book exchange, you will pool together your current textbooks. This will work well for students who share most courses. Members can get textbooks they need for the particular day, and return them after use. The problem with this is that you will be sharing textbooks. So, you may not have enough time for each of your texts.

Borrow

If you want to borrow your textbooks from the library, make sure that you get your reading list early. Head to the library as soon as you get the list to borrow your needed texts. You have to move quickly because libraries may have limited copies.

Buy online

Buying via the Internet may sound high-tech, but you can actually save if you know where to look. Visit sites, such as Ebay, for discounts. Even major online stores, such as Amazon, offer discounted books. You can also download electronic textbooks for free from reputable sites. Just make sure that you only download materials that are not copyright protected.

Buy used

Used books are always cheaper. So browse through stores that sell used books; you may just find your needed texts. It may not work if professors insist on you having the latest editions. However, for instances when you are using an old edition, you can even buy from someone who is at least a year ahead of you in school.

Rent

You can also rent textbooks. Textbook rentals will let you use their textbooks for a long period of time, perhaps even for the whole term. Prices are usually less than half of the textbook’s retail price, maybe even lower at 80% off.

Share

If you have a friend or neighbor using the same textbook, you may each pay half for the same textbook. You have to make sure though that you do not share the same class hours. You do have to adjust to the fact that like in the book exchange, you will not have as much time with the textbook as when you are the sole owner.

Time is up…

If you do decide to buy your textbooks, used or brand-new, you can sell them after the term is over. This way, a portion of your money comes back to you.

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You’ll find tons of self-help articles for students who are having a difficult time just trying to get by every single day in school. So instead of giving you tips on how to breeze through college and graduate school, what we’ll give you is an idea on what makes a student inefficient and how not to fall into the trap of becoming one. If you find yourself falling under any of the categories below, it’s time to re-evaluate your current studying habits and turn them into more productive ones.

* Unsuccessful students revel in mediocrity.

This is a common tendency among students especially when school work starts piling up. The aim is no longer to ace an exam or paper, but merely to get a passing grade. Because you’ve already turned down a night out with your friends to write a paper, might as well maximize the time by writing it the best way you can. If you get an A for a well-written report, at least you can say that the Friday night spent all by your lonesome was time well spent. In the academe, you will be surprised to find out that mediocrity is the norm, but it doesn’t mean that you have to be a mediocre student. There are plenty of opportunities for you to shine, so you might as well grab these opportunities – whether they be in your homework, your essays, and your extracurricular activities.

* Unsuccessful students act on impulse.

Hasty decisions almost always lead to complications and bring an even bigger hassle than what you were originally dealing with. This is not to say that you should forego spontaneity in all cases. Rather, learn to distinguish between decisions that need to be thought through and those which you can make on the go. For example, submitting a thesis topic proposal about something you just thought of two minutes ago can have problematic repercussions. Take the time to consult your teachers, counselors, and parents or guardians in your decisions. Their inputs on your academic plans will be invaluable in the long term.

* Unsuccessful students procrastinate to no end.

Yes, there are students who work best under pressure. But there are also those who use this excuse just to slack off and procrastinate. If you’re having an “off” day and cerebral activities are the last thing on your mind, there are still tons of productive things you can do that require minimum brain exercise. Remember those handouts you were looking for last week? Chances are, they’re somewhere in that pile of files and handouts you’ve left on the floor of your room. Rearranging your files, and making them accessible, is a non-cerebral, productive activity which will help maximize your studying time. Do you have a very important paper due next month, why not head to the library and take a few minutes just browsing through resources that you can consult when you make your draft. You may not read through them, but at least you already have a short list of your references.

* Unsuccessful students dwell on failures and negativity.

If you easily get discouraged and dwell on your self-perceived incompetence, this may translate to even lower grades in the future. This is because negativity gives rise to feelings of resignation in doing your school work, which will consequently result in poor academic performance. What you should do is use your failures as a jumping off point for improvement. Take them as lessons and vow to avoid committing the same mistakes in the future. For example, if you turned in a hastily done essay last semester and your teacher called your attention on your carelesness, spend a few minutes re-reading your future essays, correcting simple grammatical lapses, and refining your output.

* They employ short-term thinking and don’t see the bigger picture.

A clear example of this would be not studying for an exam, thinking that one failed exam couldn’t possibly drag down your entire GPA. Another example would be seeing one’s studies as an end in itself. Especially for those in graduate and medical school, some students think that getting good grades doesn’t matter as long as they graduate. If you’re in high school, bear in mind that getting good grades, not just passing ones, are your ticket to getting into the best colleges. This is true for college students who plan to go to graduate, medical, MBA, or law schools. When you apply for college, you will be submitting your academic records, which reflect how you did in high school.

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The ambition to become a medical doctor is a goal that must be steadfastly followed. Medical school itself, with its demands on one’s physical and mental abilities, may already be too stressful for many. The end of it, however, is still not the end of the road for some.

If you want to be part of the medical community, you still have to apply to medical school. Medical schools will be looking at your GPA and your personality when you apply. Even if your grades are not as high as most top medical schools in the country require, give yourself points by completing requirements that are needed. These requirements include credits in the natural sciences and the social sciences. You will also need to submit a personal statement. If you have observed examples of personal statements written for medical schools, they give accounts of community involvement or other instances that support your medical school bid. These examples of personal statements will also shed light to characteristics needed in order to become a fully-fledged doctor.

Being in medical school

When already in medical school, be prepared for long hours of studying. The first two years are mostly spent inside the classrooms, listening to lectures, and being exposed to the basic disciplines of medicine such as human anatomy and physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, pathology, and medical ethics.

Many students, especially those who did not major in the sciences in college, have difficulties in subjects like biochemistry and pathology, so having a rich background in the sciences is essential.  It is also much difficult to cram in medical school, so you do have to keep up for every lesson.  Second year may already find some students experiencing burn-outs while third year becomes a temporary reprieve because it is more clinical than theoretical. Many medical students in their first and second year pull all-nighters to study for an exam. These years are also the time when being sociable becomes a plus factor because many medical students join study groups so that they can perform in their exams better.

At this stage of their medical training, medical students begin making supervised rounds in hospital wards. However, your responsibilities also increase when you reach fourth year because you will be have surgical rotations.

The difficulties of becoming a full-fledged doctor

The road to become a full-fledged doctor is very long and stressful. You need to have a bachelor’s degree, which usually takes 4 years, to enroll into medical school. Then, after four intensive years in medical school, you have to take three more years of residency (at the very least) to earn a specialization. Residency is much more difficult than the already stressful medical school because you will put your knowledge to practical use while earning several hours of sleep debt every night you are on-call. The number of years of residency will depend on the specialization, which can range from 3 to 7 years. If you still want to get a higher rank or receive more specialized training, you have to go through a fellowship after your residency, which can last for two to three years.

Rewards and challenges

The challenges are not over after you become a full-fledged doctor. You still have to go through regular stressful situations and may get sued for malpractice. However, if you love your job and do well in your specialization, the financial reward may be as high as more than a million dollars annually. Of course, there are also specializations that can only reward you around $100,000 annually. To earn more, you need to choose more complicated specializations such as neurosurgery.

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