College education is one of the most important investments a family will make. But between the viewbooks, websites, insider gossip, and magazine rankings, students and their worried parents face a dizzying array of options. What do the rankings really mean? Is it wise to choose the most prestigious school a student can get into? What are the payoffs of higher education, and, by the way, how do we pay for them?

In a unique approach to these conundrums, an economist and award-winning teacher walks readers through the opportunities, risks, and rewards of heading off to college. Warning against the pitfalls of numerical rankings, Malcolm Getz poses questions to guide a student toward not necessarily the best college but the right one. Famous professors suggest quality--but do they teach undergraduates? Are smaller classes always better? When is a state university the best deal around?

In a concise overview of decades of research, Getz reviews findings on the long-term returns of college education in different careers, from law to engineering, from nursing to financial management. Sorting through personal, professional, and institutional variables, he helps families determine when paying $40,000 a year might make sense, and when it merely buys an expensive rear window decal. He breaks down the formidable admissions game into strategies to improve the odds of acceptance, and he offers tips on tax breaks, subsidized loans, federal grants, 529 accounts, merit scholarships, and much more.

Shrewd and sensible, "Investing in College" is an invaluable resource and a beacon of sanity for college-bound students and the families who support them.

Not sure what path to take once you leave school? Worried about choosing the 'right' option? Don't panic! Faced with mounting student debt, and stories of graduates left without a job, it's understandable to ask whether going to uni is REALLY worth it. Other paths into the workplace are now well-established, and graduates report feeling ill equipped for the world of work. So, is going to uni the right choice for you? This practical guide will help you find your answer. Author Michael Tefula helps you consider this decision from several perspectives, and includes the stories and advice of students that have chosen a range of different paths. With practical exercises that will guide you through the decision-making process, Is Going to Uni Worth It? will help you: - Decide what path to take if you don't know what career you're aiming for - Deal with parent and teacher expectations about your future - Consider whether apprenticeships offer a strong enough alternative to a degree - Work out the real price tag of each path - Take into account your learning preference and ideal work environment This book will lead you to a well-thought-out answer to one of the biggest decisions you will ever make.

Landing a job in today's academic job market is no easy feat. Is graduate school the answer? This informed and candid book provides anyone thinking about pursuing an advanced degree--and those who support them--with the inside scoop on what to expect in graduate school.

Amanda I. Seligman helps potential students navigate graduate study--not just how to get in but how to succeed once you are there and what to expect when you leave. She weighs the pros and cons of attending graduate school against achieving a sustainable work-life balance and explains the application process, the culture of graduate school, and employment prospects for academics.

This book guides readers through the ins and outs of graduate school, and no topic is off limits, including

- qualifications and admission guidelines- financial aid and graduate stipends- meeting expectations and residency requirements- coursework, theses, and dissertations- degrees, jobs, and academic careers- tenure, research, and peer review- social life (will you still have one?)

Written in a question-and-answer format, "Is Graduate School Really for You?" eliminates the guesswork. Whether you are considering applying to graduate school, already enrolled, or would simply like to know more about continuing your education, this is the book for you.

Moving to a new school can be a daunting prospect for the child with Asperger syndrome, and parents are often left feeling powerless to help prevent the anxiety and loss of confidence which may ensue. Clare Lawrence's new book provides parents of children with Asperger syndrome with practical advice on how to prepare their child for moving to a new school, and how to help make the transition as smooth as possible. A wide range of material is covered, including useful guidance on choosing the right school, supporting the child during the period prior to the move, and identifying and practising the different social rules and expectations of the new school. The strategies in the book can be adapted for children of all ages and include working out a transition time-line, identifying a named adult and 'safe haven' at the school, and effective communication between parents, teachers and support staff. This clear and accessible book will be an invaluable resource for parents of children with AS who are moving to a new school, and will also be of interest to the teachers and education professionals who work with them.

As one of the most exciting, flexible and diverse degrees on offer, it's unsurprising thatart and design courses continue to be popular and competition for places is tough. Getting into Art & Design Courses takes an honest look at what it really takes to win aplace on an art and design course and take the first steps towards your chosen career.With detailed, practical advice from students, industry professionals and universityadmissions tutors, you'll be prepared for all aspects of the application process, including: Choosing between HND, Foundation degree and degree courses Putting together a portfolio of your work Preparing a brilliant UCAS personal statement Finding funding for your course Information on the career paths open to graduates

There are so many different graduate creative writing programs out there! How do I find the right one for me? Bringing together data from both Master's and doctoral creative writing programs and interviews with program applicants, students, and faculty, this is a complete practical guide to choosing a graduate creative writing program and putting together a successful application. The Insider's Guide to Graduate Degrees in Creative Writing answers frequently asked questions on such topics as: * Application prerequisites * Program sizes and durations * Funding * Acceptance rates * Cost of living * Program curricula and demographics * Workshopping techniques * Student-faculty ratios * Residency options * Postgraduate fellowship placement * Postgraduate job placement * Programs' reputations and histories The book also includes comprehensive and up-to-date hard data on the hundreds of terminal-degree graduate creative writing programs available throughout the US, UK, and internationally, making this an essential read for anyone planning to pursue a low- or full-residency graduate creative writing degree.

Using four pathways to learning (listening, seeing, saying, and writing) enables Spalding students to breeze through decodable readers straight to fine children's literature: first graders gobble up Where the Wild Things Are; second graders enjoy The Velveteen Rabbit; and, third graders race through Charlotte's Web. In today's global post-industrial age, teaching children how to read has never been more essential. "The Writing Road to Reading" guides parents and teachers through The Spalding Method, a research-based, total language arts approach that provides multisensory instruction in spelling, writing, and listening/reading comprehension that helps develop critical thinking skills children need for life. All language is composed of phonemes, fundamental speech segments. In The Spalding Method, children learn a foundational set of these sounds and how they commonly combine in words. Moving forward, they learn how to combine phonemes in spelling, using Spalding's specially constructed list of words compiled by frequency. Their notebooks fill with hundreds of words they can see, say, and spell-a word-recognition reference and a record of their achievements-something most schoolchildren never possess. When thirty phonograms (sound/letter relationships) are learned, reading naturally begins. With "The Writing Road to Reading", every parent and teacher can help children develop essential critical thinking skills and instill a love of learning and reading that will last a lifetime.

"Survive and thrive in graduate school. Designed to unravel some of the mystery around graduate school programs in science and engineering, this one-stop resource reinforces strategies for succeeding. Qualitative interviews offer first-hand stories and tips from women who have found success in academia, industry, and the public sector. Each chapter covers a different aspect of graduate school, from identifying funding sources, to writing the dissertation, to looking for a job. THE WOMAN'S GUIDE TO NAVIGATING THE PH.D. IN ENGINEERING & SCIENCE also focuses on the emotional and social difficulties women may experience, and offers practical suggestions and advice for surviving and thriving in graduate school.
Featured topics include:
* funding, requirements and standards, qualifiers
* making the advising process work
* writing the dissertation and defending
* searching for a job
* learning by critique
* balancing competing needs
THE WOMAN'S GUIDE TO NAVIGATING THE PH.D. IN ENGINEERING & SCIENCE's goal is to help women overcome the stereotypes and hidden barriers they may encounter in graduate school - so that they may emerge ready for careers in the academic, corporate or public sector.
About the Authors
Dr. Barbara B. Lazarus is the associate provost for academic affairs and an adjunct professor of educational anthropology at Carnegie Mellon University. Recent publications include "Journeys of Women in Science and Engineering: No Universal Constants" (Temple University Press, 1997) and "The Equity Equation: Fostering the Advancement of Women in the Sciences, Mathematics and Engineering" (Jossey-Bass, 1996). Dr. Lazarus serves as a member of the Committee on Women's Studies in Asia, on the Advisory Committee of MentorNet, and as a board member of the Women in Engineering Programs and Advocates Network.
Lisa M. Ritter is a communications consultant at Carnegie Mellon University and the editor of the quarterly graduate newsletter on campus. She has also worked as a public relations director and coordinator of professional development seminars for graduate students.
Dr. Susan A. Ambrose is associate provost for educational development, director of the Eberly Center for Teaching Excellence, and a principal lecturer in the Department of History at Carnegie Mellon University. Her research interests include applying cognitive principles to education and understanding how class origin, sex, race and ethnicity, social conceptions of women, and other variables collectively influence women's life decisions and careers in engineering and science. Recent publications include "Journeys of Women in Science and Engineering: No Universal Constants" (Temple University Press, 1997) and "The New Professor's Handbook" (Anker Press, 1994). Dr. Ambrose was recently honored with an American Council on Education fellowship for the 1999-2000 academic year."

What does an admissions officer look for in a college application essay?

You. It's that simple. There's no formula, no trick, no strategy, says Harry Bauld, a former Ivy League admissions officer. But with acceptance rates at all-time lows, just being yourself in an essay means understanding your readers and the unique form in which you are writing. In this fully revised and updated edition of the classic guide to writing the best essay of your life, Bauld reveals the big cliches (The Trip, The Jock, Miss America, Pet Death) and helps you discover ways to come alive on the page as a real person instead of applicant number 13,791.

Reception, it's a funny old term, rather like a waiting room, a foyer, or a gathering place before the main event. The main event here being the start of Key Stage One and school life. Reception has in many ways been seen as a 'holding pen', a preparation for 'school readiness' rather than a stage and age in its own right. Neil Farmer draws upon his experience of working with and supporting schools and leaders up and down the country and abroad - in many instances going right back to the basics - and putting forward suggestions and strategies that will assist teachers in gaining an ownership of their classroom and a true understanding of their vital role as a facilitator, mediator and coach. It is not a 'one cap fits all solution', but rather some practical tips that Reception teachers may decide to employ, alter and make their own.

Getting into Veterinary School is packed with detailed advice and up-to-date information on what you need to do to secure a place on the course of your choice and take the first steps towards your dream career. Featuring all new first-hand case studies from current students and advice from practising vets, this guide will lead you through every step of the process, including: Advice on researching and choosing the right course for you Guidance on work experience requirements (including virtual options) Support on how to prepare a winning UCAS application In-depth advice on how to create a personal statement with impact, including brand new examples Information on what to expect at interview and tips on how to shine Summaries of current animal health issues that you might be asked to discuss MPW Guides explain the complex procedures for getting into higher education. Written by acknowledged experts in a clear and concise format, they go beyond the official publications to give would-be students straightforward, practical advice on how to secure a place on a course of their choice.

The IB offers four high quality and challenging educational programmes for a worldwide community of schools, aiming to develop internationally minded people who, recognising their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better, more peaceful world. Schools that have achieved the high standards required for authorisation to offer one or more of the IB programmes are known as IB World Schools. There are more than 5000 of these schools and this number is growing annually. This Yearbook is divided into four sections: 1. General information about the IB and IB programmes 2. Comprehensive information about each individual region and the schools within them 3. Appendices containing information and lists relevant to the IB, including IB associations, university acknowledgement of the Diploma Programme, country representation and a list of IB Diploma Programme subjects offered 4. Index of all schools listed geographically and alphabetically by name.

If you are applying to Oxford or Cambridge Universities, you may be required to take one of the Oxbridge-specific admission tests. This text provides all the essential information you need to understand the format and structure of the tests along with vital practice in the sort of questions you will face. The book covers, in detail, the Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) for both institutions, focusing on critical thinking and problem-solving skills. It includes a practice test with answers and explanations and also guidance on the writing task undertaken by applicants to Oxford. This revised and updated edition includes new material across all parts of the book. It provides enhanced information on interviews and personal statements, coverage of the Sixth Term Examination Paper (STEP), and expanded sections on the other tests for English, history, physics, mathematics and computer sciences. Rosalie Hutton BSc, MSc, MCIPD, is an Occupational Psychologist who has specialised in the field of assessment and testing for 25 years. As CEO of her own company, Rosalie has designed and published a range of psychological assessment measures and is the co-author of a number of assessment books on multiple-choice questions. Glenn Hutton BA, MPhil, FCIPD, is a consultant to organisations concerned with recruitment and selection by way of assessment or examination. Previously a Police Superintendent and Head of the National Police Training Examinations and Assessment Unit, he co-authors books on criminal law and assessment.

Adolescent substance use is a serious-and potentially deadly-problem with many repercussions for the adolescent, the family, and society at large. It is also an issue that too few education professionals feel prepared to address even as they see it playing out in their schools and classrooms. Struggling with Substance Use: Supporting Students' Social Emotional Learning presents evidence on the magnitude of the problem and the many underlying factors and commonly co-occurring disorders associated with student substance use. It covers the risk factors for adolescent substance use (e.g., trauma, ADHD, peer pressure, and family dysfunction) and contrasts each with specific protective factors that education professionals need to consider when designing schoolwide programs and classroom initiatives. Each chapter concludes with an example of an evidence-based program that has made a difference for students and families. Armed with knowledge, understanding, and examples of proven programs, school professionals can incorporate the necessary protective factors to provide hope and help for struggling students and their families.

The groundbreaking guide to the 40 best colleges you've never heard of--colleges that willchange your life

Choosing the right college has never been more important--or more difficult. For the latest edition of this classic college guide, Hilary Masell Oswald conducted her own tours of top schools and in-depth interviews, building on Loren Pope's original to create a totally updated, more expansive work. Organized by geographic region, every profile includes a wealth of vital information, including admissions standards, distinguishing facts about the curriculum, extracurricular activities, and what faculty say about their jobs. Masell Oswald also offers a new chapter on how students with learning disabilities can find schools that fit their needs. For every prospective college student searching for more than football and frat parties, "Colleges That Change Lives" will prove indispensable.
Fully revised and updated by education journalist Hilary Oswald, "Colleges That Change Lives" remains the definite guide for high school students (and their parents) who are looking for more in their college education than football, frat parties, and giant lectures. Building on the foundation of landmark author Loren Pope, Oswald spent more than a year visiting 40 colleges, speaking with students, faculty, and alumni to create these vivid and concise portraits.
Featuring a new introduction, a new Required Reading section, and a new chapter on learning disabilities, the book is organized into five geographic regions (Northeast, South, Midwest, Southwest, Northwest) to make for easy browsing, and urban, suburban, and rural campuses are all featured. There's also an alphabetical index of colleges. Each profile includes admissions standards as well as relevant statistics to make your decision easier, including where the school ranks in post-graduate grants and fellowships, what percentage of students go on to graduate school or further education, distinguishing facts about the curriculum, percentage of professors who have terminal degrees in their field, even what activities are available to students and what they're likely to do on weekends.

Interested in an exciting STEM career but not sure what type of jobs are available and how to get started on your career journey? You've come to the right place. This friendly guide will help you decide whether a STEM-related career might be right for you and, if so, how to explore the options and put yourself in the best possible position to secure your dream job. Complete with unique insider inside from STEM professionals and inspiring stories about STEM pioneers, inside you will find: A wealth of job ideas, from the well-known to the less well-known Details of possible entry routes and required qualifications - both academic and vocational, from GCSEs to degrees and BTECs to apprenticeships A listing of the major employers and their recruitment practices Practical advice on how to find work experience, apply for jobs, build STEM skills and find further information A dedicated chapter covering women in STEM and the ever-improving job prospects Written in step-by-step chapters, and giving you everything you need to know to plan for success in a STEM career, this is your must-read guide.

Schaum's Easy Outline Series

When you are looking for a quick nuts-and-bolts overview, there's no series that does it better. "Schaum's Easy Outline of Electronic Devices and Circuits" is a pared-down, simplified, and tightly focused version of its predecessor.

First-year university is challenging, but counsellor Janet Miller promises that it doesn't need to be overwhelming. Whether you're transitioning straight from high school or have taken a gap year, this guided tour through first year demystifies the process - from registering for classes and making the most of orientation to prepping for exams. With wit and wisdom, Miller shares what she's learned from thousands of students who have walked the campus hallways before you. This book doesn't tell you what you should do. It tells you what you need to know so you can follow in their footsteps, hit your own stride, and thrive.