Roger Williams University Review

Information about Roger Williams University, career training programs, and sample multiple-choice tests. Browse a practical guide to online classes, MOOCs, admissions info, and financial aid. Depending on the schools you're applying to, the admissions process can range from a simple formula that weighs grades and test scores, to a subjective review of your whole application. If a high school student is passionate about going to a particular college, but doesn't have the grades, he or she may try to apply for a degree major that is less popular, or harder for the school to fill. Job offers aren't tied to a particular major, so work on getting good grades from a solid school instead. The overall time-span for higher education is lengthening, because attending college as an undergraduate is increasingly likely to lead to graduate school. It's optimal to attempt the hardest courses that your high school offers, and the worst thing you can do is to drop a hard course just because you're receiving a low grade.

The US News & World Report college ranking methodology has changed many times, and is not made available to public scrutiny. About half of colleges use a waiting list, particularly those which are more selective. One survey suggests that 30% of wait-listed students are eventually accepted, so applicants who are wait-listed should contact the admissions office of their top choice by phone, to declare that they will attend if accepted. Many community colleges have agreements with four-year schools, particularly flagship state universities, so that the transfer of credits is handled smoothly.

Test Prep, Sample Practice Tests

Most colleges accept either the SAT or ACT, and have formulas for converting scores into admissions' criteria. Colleges use these standardized tests because there are substantial differences in curricula, grading, and difficulty among US high schools. One benefit of the ACT test is that it allows the test-taker to select scores to send to specific colleges. ACT test questions are geared towards higher levels of high school mathematics, while the SAT test is a better choice for students with an excellent vocabulary. Counselors suggest that students practice taking the test under actual testing conditions, and using a large watch with a sweeping second hand, rather than a digital display which may distract you.

On average, over half of juniors retaking the SAT as a senior saw improvements in their scores. These tests are designed to measure your accumulated knowledge over years of study. Further, Advanced Placement exams are offered in a variety of physical sciences, offering you college credit for honors-level classes that you have taken while still in high school. Test yourself with practice exams online, before visiting the College Board website to register to take your actual AP Tests. If you earn a score of 3 or higher on an AP Exam, you may be able to receive course credits or advanced placement, when you start college.

The College Admissions Essay

Admissions essays are becoming more important as a way to judge a student's potential, and essays largely have replaced personal interviews in the digital age. It's a good idea to rewrite your college application essay as many times as you feel is needed, and have several other people that you trust read it over. Essays must demonstrate intellectual curiosity, maturity, social conscience, and concern for the community. Applicants should show that they've been actively involved on campus and not just studying all the time.

The admissions essay topic should be something the applicant cares about, and which shows leadership in the sense of asserting yourself in the service of others. The best essay topics are a slice-of-life story, with poignant details, in which the writer shows what has been accomplished, and does not brag. There should be no spelling, grammar or punctuation errors in your college essay. Moreover, even if an application says that the essay is optional, you still should treat it as a mandatory requirement.

Financial Aid Information

Academic scholarships are highly competitive, and are usually awarded either by the admissions office, or individual academic departments. The earliest that the FAFSA form can be filled out is January of a student's senior year. In contrast, the CSS Profile can be filled out during the preceding fall. Loan programs generally issue loans based on the credit history of the applicant and any applicable cosigner. This is in contrast to federal loan programs that deal primarily with need-based criteria, as defined by the FAFSA form.

Federal Direct Student Loans, also known as Direct Loans, are funded by the US Treasury. Private student loans, however, are not guaranteed, and are offered directly to students by a commercial bank, employee credit union, or finance company. Student loans should be seen as 'the measure of last resort,' as this entails graduating with substantial debt. Student credit cards may seem like a good short-term solution, but the interest rates are high, and credit cards often carry an annual fee. If you do end up using credit cards to meet some expenses, pay off the outstanding balance in full every month. You can get a credit report online by submitting a student credit card application, whether you are approved or not.

Scholarship Search, Government Grants

The College Board Scholarship Search service advertises several thousand sources for possible scholarship funds. Local chapters of professional societies may offer academic scholarships to enable the studies of gifted students in their region or state. Some scholarships have a bond requirement. Recipients may be required to work for a specified period of time or to work in rural or remote areas. Average students often ask whether there are any scholarships available to students who don't have a 4.0 GPA. In fact, there are many scholarships for average students, such as athletic scholarships, music scholarships, and need-based scholarships.


Financial Aid Loan Calulators:

College Cost Projector Loan Calculator Compound Interest

Payment Chart Generator Loan Consolidation Calculator Stafford Loan vs. PLUS Loans

Government scholarships and grants, combined with private scholarships, only account for a third of total college aid. Loans, earnings, and savings make up the remaining two thirds. In exchange for a service commitment, the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program provides you with money for college while you're in school. Full ROTC scholarships pay for almost all tuition, fees, and textbook costs for four years of college. Call 1-800-USA-ROTC Army for more information. Borrowers of privately subsidized student loans may face the same restrictions to bankruptcy discharge as in the case of government based loans. Please note that financial aid application deadlines are strictly enforced by the financial aid office. The official FAFSA website is www.fafsa.ed.gov and is free. Copycat websites mimic the FAFSA website, but are deliberately misleading. A wealth of other financial aid forms are now available online.

Reduce Tuition Expenses via Online Courses

Finishing college a year early reduces your overall tuition bill, while taking extra years to complete your degree compounds tuition expenses, and delays entry into the workforce. To accomplish this end, look for online courses that may be applied to your degree requirements. Although the cost of tuition is rising for most 4-year colleges and universities, community colleges and trade schools remain an affordable option for those looking to earn an associates degree. The average community college student graduates with only a few thousand dollars in debt, compared to bachelors degree graduates. Beyond the cost of college tuition, students will face an array of additional expenses. Taking on work-study or starting an online business may help.

Doing business online is a great option to supplement your income while still a student. By registering a domain name, pointing the name servers to your hosting company, then building an active website in HTML or via a WordPress template, you're in the game. Similar to magazine page layout, website design includes the fields of graphic design, copywriting, and search engine optimization (SEO). Success is governed by two factors, visitor traffic and online sales conversions. Technical training programs are a low-cost alternative to attending college, and you might end up earning a lot of money as a highly-skilled, technical consultant.

Business Administration

As certain fields expand, high-paying jobs continue to open up for graduates of technical degree programs in computer programming, health care, and small business administration. Whether an online business or a real world storefront, owning your own business can be a pathway to success. You'll need some starting capital to survive your first year in business, typically relying on savings equal to six months of rent. Write a business plan that lists your objective as well as a total of your anticipated start-up costs. Then, double that estimate, and you'll get an idea of how much money you'd need to have a chance of starting your own business.

Your business plan is a snapshot of your business profile and financial goals. The company description provides information on what you do, what differentiates your business from others, and the markets your business serves. Before launching your business, it is essential for you to research your business industry, market and competitors. If you need funding, providing financial projections to back up your request is critical. Please visit the Small Business Administration website, to find more information about starting a business.

Medical Jobs and Nursing

In the field of medical care, the following occupations are ranked in the fastest-growing job categories by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics care for the sick or injured in emergency medical settings. People’s lives often depend on their quick reaction and competent care. EMTs and paramedics respond to emergency calls, performing medical services and transporting patients to medical facilities.

The following medical jobs provide challenging career paths, as well as competitive starting salaries with excellent advancement prospects. Continuing education will be required to keep abreast of the advancements in your chosen field.Medical records and health information technicians organize and manage health information data by ensuring its quality, accuracy, accessibility, and security in both paper and electronic systems. They use various classification systems to code and categorize patient information for reimbursement purposes, for databases and registries, and to maintain patients’ medical and treatment histories.

If you can pass the rigorous training program, nursing jobs are increasingly available, due to the aging US population, as well as the increased quality of healthcare services. Registered nurses (RN), and licensed vocational nurses (LVN), provide patient care and emotional support to patients. Diagnostic medical sonographers use ultrasound imaging equipment that directs sound waves into a patient’s body, in a procedure commonly known as a sonogram, or echocardiogram, to diagnose medical conditions.

Sports-related Injuries

Orthopedics, the strength of bone:

Substance	Lbs per cubic foot	Tension	Compression	Shear
Steel	490	65,000	60,000	40,000
Granite	170	1,500	15,000	2,000
Oak Tree	46	12,500	7,000	4,000
Compact bone	119	13,200	18,000	11,800

Every student needs to purchase health insurance, and that goes double for student-athletes. In the weight room, don't be fooled by players who are always pumping iron. It takes a lot more than big muscles to succeed in college sports. Players are becoming more agile, and developing superior game skills every year. You need to develop muscle strength as well, it's true, but your primary focus in weight training should be to use the equipment to help you develop strength along a natural range of motion.