Articles by Ben Welch on ArticleSnatch.com

Financial Aid: Beware of Scholarship Scams

Tue, 09 Oct 2007 00:00:00 -0500

With fall approaching and many students (and their parents) worrying about college tuition, it's time for the annual public service announcement on scholarship scams. In short, beware. A recent article on MSNBC.com detailed the woes of several college hopefuls who had fallen victim to one particular scholarship scam. This scam involved a company - College Money Matters - which promised to help students obtain money for college in exchange for a large fee - about $1,000. But promises weren't kept, and students who tried to obtain refunds were often met with resistance and even harassment. College Money Matters is just one example of scholarship-service scams out there. In fact, scholarship-service scams have become so egregious as to attract the attention of the Better Business Bureau. To help consumers avoid potential pitfalls and make educated decisions about financial aid, the Better Business Bureau issued a statement in 2003 entitled "Scholarship Services: Are They All Scams?" in which they warned students to be suspicious if a scholarship service makes one or more of the following claims: "The scholarship is guaranteed or your money back.** End Summary**

About the Author:
Benjamin Welch enjoys helping students find information on financial aid and scholarships .

College: How to Survive The First Year

Tue, 09 Oct 2007 00:00:00 -0500

For many potential college students, starting school can be intimidating. Some have anxieties about leaving home. Others fret about the cost. Most worry they won't do well in school. Below are ten tips that will not only help you survive your first year - or any year - but thrive. 1. Go to all orientations. Yes, that's right - it really is necessary to attend all the school orientations. The more familiar you are with the school as well as its rules and expectations, the better you'll do. Armed with a thorough understanding of all aspects of campus life - or, at least, those aspects you can glean from orientation - you will feel more at ease when issues arise, as they always do. 2. Get organized. In high school, teachers tend to shepherd students through homework and due dates. In college, by contrast, professors post the assignments and expect you to be prepared. They don't have much patience for excuses like "I didn't know when it was due." So do what you have to do - buy an electronic organizer, a planner, or a big wall calendar - but get organized. 3. Study regularly.** End Summary**

About the Author:
Ben Welch writes articles about online education and online degrees .

Job Interviews: 10 Commonly-Asked Questions (And How to Answer)

Tue, 31 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0500

Being prepared for a job interview isn't just about dressing appropriately, it's also about knowing how to respond thoughtfully to the interviewer's questions. Interviewers like questions that are personal and revealing, which can be intimidating. But the truth is that interviewers tend to ask the same questions - or variations thereof. So, if you know what these questions are, you can prepare accordingly. Here are ten of the most commonly-asked job interview questions. Don't be surprised if they come up in your next interview. 1. "Tell me about yourself." This is the ice breaker. First of all, it is important that your answer doesn't sound rehearsed. Your answer should be genuine and honest as well as short and sweet. Don't talk endlessly about every detail of your life - that's not what potential employers want to know. Focus on your education, work history, recent career experience and any hobbies or accomplishments that reflect a strong character. Even though it's an ice-breaker question, it should still be selling you as a candidate. 2. "Why did you leave your last job?" With this question, it is crucial to be brief, honest, and, most importantly, positive.** End Summary**

About the Author:
Benjamin Welch has been a college instructor in writing and composition for nearly six years. When he's not teaching or playing golf, he offers advice for students seeking information about online education and online degrees .

Financial Aid for College: Several Promising Signs

Tue, 31 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0500

Benjamin Franklin once quipped that there are two certainties in life - death and taxes. But as every college student knows, life also has a third certainty - rising tuition. At most schools, tuition increases at a rate of about 3-5% per year. On average, the cost of one-year's worth of school, including tuition, housing, transportation, and other fees, amounts to about $12,000 per year at a public school and $32,000 per year at a private school. That means that the cost of a bachelor's degree is anywhere from $50,000 to a staggering $125,000. Still, even with the rising cost of education, there are several promising signs for college students (and their parents). Perhaps the most widely televised indicator is the bill recently passed in Congress that will allocate more money for Pell grants. Currently, recipients of federally-funded Pell grants get $4,310 each year. The bill, which passed 78-18, would raise that amount to $5,400. The bill would also provide loan forgiveness to students who take jobs in public service following graduation and make payments for ten years.** End Summary**

About the Author:
Benjamin Welch has been a college instructor for nearly six years. When he's not teaching or playing golf, he offers advice about financial aid and financial federal aid .

Top 10 Ways to Be Happy at Work

Tue, 31 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0500

Sometimes it's hard to find happiness at work. Maybe your work isn't fulfilling. Maybe it's because of your co-workers. Then again, maybe it's your own negative attitude. The truth is that finding happiness - or at least contentment - shouldn't be that difficult. Here are ten suggestions of how to start. 1. Try to be optimistic. Optimism means having a positive outlook in even the worst situations. And despite what others may say, optimism can be learned. With regards to your job, optimism means deciding that you will at least try to enjoy your job. When in doubt, fake it. Sometimes faking optimism actually helps you develop optimism. 2. Change your attitude. Many people who are dissatisfied with work tend to have a 9-to-5 relationship with their job. They punch their cards and then go home. One way to combat this mentality is to see yourself as part of the company. Think about it: even though you don't own the company, it is still yours. With this in mind, it's easier to develop a sense of pride and fulfillment in the work you do. 3. Be grateful for your job.** End Summary**

College Degrees: What's Their Real Value?

Tue, 17 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0500

What is the value of a college degree? For most people, the answer to this question seems self-evident. Aside from its intrinsic value, numerous reports have confirmed that an individual's job opportunities and earning potential increase significantly with a college degree. And yet, there seems to be a small but vociferous faction that claims otherwise. Take this article, for instance - "Wise Up! Skip College. Buy a Franchise" - by Franchisepick. The author writes: Recent H.S. Graduates, you are at a crossroads. One path leads to the instant gratification of 4-5 years of partying and debauchery at Mediocre U., then a meaningless diploma, a mountain of debt, and an eventual minimum wage position cleaning the grease traps at the local Bun 'N Run. The other path? Skip college, invest the same amount of money in a Bun 'N Run franchise opportunity, and, in four years, be partying in high style aboard your yacht while MBA candidates clean your grease traps and deposit your daily haul. While written tongue-in-cheek, this article does reveal a genuine suspicion among many people that a college degree just isn't all it's cracked up to be.** End Summary**

Top 10 Worst Jobs

Tue, 17 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0500

Think your job is bad? Tired of arbitrary deadlines, endless meetings, and pointless performance reviews? Well, before you consider quitting your job, you may want to consider other undesirable occupations. You might discover that your job isn't so bad after all. 1. Roadkill Collector. Pretty self-explanatory. Roadkill collectors not only have the job of peeling the remains of dead creatures in various states of decay off the road, they also get to do it while braving oncoming traffic. 2. Manure Inspector. Animal manure is an important natural fertilizer, but first it has to be checked for contaminants like E.coli and salmonella. That's where manure inspectors come in: not only do they get to search for bacteria that causes bloody diarrhea if ingested, they also get to wade through animal waste. Quite a 1-2 punch. 3. Portable Toilet Cleaner. You had to know this one was coming. First of all, I have serious reservations about using portable toilets, much less cleaning one. Portable toilet cleaners pick up leftover toilet paper, spray on a de-greasing solution, hose the entire unit down with scalding water, scrub, squeegee, dry, and then finish it off with a deodorizing spray.** End Summary**

Scholarships: The Top 10 Strangest Ways to Pay for College

Fri, 13 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0500

Scholarships are a great way to pay for college education. The problem is that scholarships are typically merit-based, which means they are usually reserved for students with 4.0 GPAs or star athletes. Thankfully, there are scholarships that rely on other kinds of distinction. Some of these scholarships might be called "non-traditional"; others are downright strange. Here's a list of ten of the more unusual ones out there. 1. The Patrick Kerr Skateboarding Scholarship. You remember when your mother told you that skateboarding was a waste of time? Well, not anymore. Any high school senior-skateboarder with a 2.5 GPA and serious plans on attending college can apply for one of four scholarships, ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 dollars each. 2. Carnegie Mellon University Bagpipe Scholarship. This scholarship is truly one-of-a-kind - literally. Carnegie Mellon University awards exactly one applicant every year a $7,000 scholarship to study bagpipe. William Wallace would be proud. 3. Chick & Sophie Major Memorial Duck Calling Scholarship. This scholarship needs no explanation. If you know how to call ducks, get yourself down to Stuttgart, Arkansas, to compete for a $1,500 prize for college. 4. The Klingon Language Institute's Kor Memorial Scholarship.** End Summary**

About the Author:
Benjamin Welch has been a college instructor in writing and composition for nearly six years. When he's not teaching or playing golf, he offers financial aid and scholarships advice.

What Do Scholarship Committees Look For?

Thu, 21 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0500

One of the best ways to subsidize your college education is by obtaining a scholarship. As such, you should keep in mind the criteria that selection committees use in awarding scholarships. There are two types of scholarships available - need-based and merit-based. Need-based scholarships are awarded based on financial need. Merit-based scholarships, by contrast, are awarded to students who have distinguished themselves in one or more of the following areas. Academics Almost every scholarship involves some degree of academic achievement. Scholarship committees want to make sure applicants can cope with the rigors of college. As such, they will look at a combination of indicators (usually GPAs and test scores) and eliminate applicants that fall beneath a certain cutoff point. That being said, while a high GPA is important, most committees will also take into account your class schedule and reward you for taking challenging courses. Leadership Leadership means that an individual has the motivation, independence, and ability to complete projects and lead others. And while leadership can be shown in a variety of ways, scholarship committees typically focus on extracurricular activities or work experience.** End Summary**

Is Wikipedia a Viable Source for College Papers?

Tue, 19 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0500

As a college writing instructor, I can vouch that there are certain questions that come up again and again during the course of every writing class. Questions include: When do I use "then" and when do I use "than"? How do I write a good thesis statement? Where do I put the page numbers? Then there are more general questions, such as: Do you always have to start class on time and end class on time? Is there anyone else who teaches this course? You're married. Really? You? (Often followed by a "That poor woman" muttered under their breath.) But perhaps the most common question I get is whether Wikipedia, the ubiquitous online encyclopedia, can be used as a viable source for research papers. In response to this question, I try to explain how academic discourse works - I talk about accuracy, credibility, objectivity, peer-reviewing, and the like. Most of the time, students just stare at me blankly and say, "So... ah... is that a no?** End Summary**

Graduation, A Peculiar Ceremony

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0500

Graduation is supposed to be a celebration of learning. But how do we celebrate? Answer: through an esoteric ceremony of symbolic processions, recessions, and costumes that seem more reminiscent of Halloween than higher education. By this I don't mean to demean the accomplishments of graduates; rather I only wish to point out the irony of celebration that is supposed to commemorate higher learning but which most of the attendees - including the graduates - don't understand. Nowhere is this gap more apparent than in graduation apparel itself. Honestly, does anyone really know why graduates wear long robes, hoods, mortarboard caps, and tassels? Sure, they're "traditional," but what does that mean? In fact, the origins of the cap and gown date back nearly eight hundred years to the twelfth and thirteenth century when most scholars were members of the clergy. At that time, the typical garb for a clergyman was a clerical robe and cap and its primary function was to help the clergyman stay warm in unheated buildings - usually churches. In 1321, the practice of wearing robes was expanded to include scholars who were not members of the clergy.** End Summary**

What's in a Name? Do Employers Really Care Where You Went to School?

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0500

Many job applicants worry that employers will judge them solely on where they went to college. The truth is that while the prestige of a college or university does matter, employers know that the name on the certificate doesn't tell the whole story. For instance, while some employers will choose applicants who attended a more prestigious college over those who attended a local community college, this is only the case if the student at the more prestigious school actually did well at that school. On the other hand, if the student at the community college graduated at the top of their class and the student from a more prestigious college graduated with a low grade average, employers may be inclined to give the job to the applicant who attended the community college. Deciding whether the name on the certificate will matter or not is also dependent on the nature of the profession. It is true that some extremely competitive industries - such as law or academia - put more emphasis on where applicants went to school as a means of reducing a large pool of candidates.** End Summary**

Choosing Where to Attend College? What You Should Know About Accreditation

Thu, 14 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0500

Trying to decide where to go to school? If so, make sure you consider whether or not the school is properly accredited. Accreditation helps to ensure that schools are of high quality and that their degrees will be accepted by potential employers. Listed below are some frequently asked questions pertaining to accreditation and accreditation agencies. What is accreditation? Accreditation is a process whereby an independent agency evaluates an institution or academic program in terms of its faculty, curriculum, administration, and student services. Institutions or programs that meet the agency's standards are "accredited." There are two types of accreditation: institutional and programmatic. Institutional accreditation is carried out by regional and national accrediting agencies and applies to entire institutions, two-year and four-year schools as well as public and private. Programmatic accreditation focuses on specific programs and is directed by professional accrediting bodies, which ensure that students receive an education that will grant them entry into their respective fields or disciplines. How does a school become accredited? Accreditation is an intensive process that involves faculty, staff, and even students at a given institution. Typically, the process includes an extensive self-study as to how well an institution meets the agency's standards;** End Summary**

About the Author:
Benjamin Welch has been a college instructor in writing and composition for nearly six years. When he's not teaching or playing golf, he offers advice for students seeking to attend accredited colleges and universities and seeking to earn accredited online degrees .

How To Build a Dynamite Resume

Thu, 14 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0500

Resumes are to getting jobs what good looks are to getting dates. Admittedly, this analogy is bit reductive, but the fact is that hiring decisions are often made on first impressions. As such, you want to make sure your resume not only explains who you are and what you have to offer, but also does so in a way that is attractive to potential employers. The purpose of this article is outline how you can create, beautify, and even airbrush your resume in order to make a lasting impression. Getting Started Begin your resume by constructing a framework that includes your name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address. Make sure the information is current and accurate. Most good resumes locate this information at the top (so that it's easy for employers to read) but keep it relatively small and low-key. You don't want to distract from the real meat of your resume. Objectives & Statement of Purpose Once you've completed the heading, you may want to write a simple "objective statement" or "statement of purpose" that clearly indicates the work you want to do.** End Summary**

About the Author:
Benjamin Welch has been a college instructor in writing and composition for nearly six years. When he's not teaching or playing golf, he offers career and online education advice to students and professionals. Find useful career and education tools at Classesandcareers.com.

The 5 Worst Home-Based Business Scams

Thu, 14 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0500

In a forum devoted to education and careers, a blog devoted to this topic was inevitable - home-based business scams. Anyone who has an email account has gotten an email - if not a thousand - like this: Earn an Extra $5K+ per month! Make your financial dreams happen! Free information and training package! Usually, the email includes a testimonial or two from people "just like you." Before I started this business, I used to [insert bad career here]. But I started working [insert home-based business opportunity here] and made $2500 my first month! By my sixth month, I was making $11,000. This business is a dream come true! Some of these emails can be fairly persuasive, especially if it's been a tight month. I mean, who wouldn't want to earn a little extra money? Then I think of the old adage, "if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is," and I realize I'm probably dealing with a home-based business scam. At that point, the email becomes ridiculous. But the truth is that thousands - if not tens of thousands - of people fall for these scams every day.** End Summary**

About the Author:
Benjamin Welch has been a college instructor in writing and composition for nearly six years. When he's not teaching or playing golf, he offers advice to students and professionals seeking information about distance learning and adult education . Find a real job with our job finder and job opportunities listings.

The 10 Strangest College Mascots

Thu, 14 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0500

Sure, you have bulldogs, panthers, knights, and hawks. But not every school chooses a conventional mascot. In fact, some schools select rather unconventional ones and often for rather strange and unorthodox reasons. Here are ten of the strangest, in no particular order - except for the last one. Boll Weevils. At six millimeters longs, not many schools boast a mascot smaller than that of the University of Arkansas at Monticello. Still, despite its diminutive size, the boll weevil is a formidable opponent - after all, it is the most destructive cotton pest in the United States. With that in mind, it is curious why men's athletics at Monticello are represented by the Boll Weevils whereas the women are known as the "Lady Blossoms." Anteaters. Is it any wonder that the 1960s, a decade famous for political unrest and protest, would also see the rise of University of California-Irvine Anteaters? Inspired by Johnny Hart's comic strip, "B.C.," Zot the Anteater was introduced at the school's first athletic event, a water-polo game, in which cheerleaders led the crowd in the now-infamous chant, "Give 'em tongue!" Banana Slugs.** End Summary**

About the Author:
Benjamin Welch offers advice to students seeking information about colleges and universities. Find colleges and universities by state , and also find online and on campus colleges and universities , at Classesandcareers.com.

Top 10 Excuses For Getting Out of Work

Thu, 14 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0500

We've all been there: it's a beautiful day and you can't bear the thought of going into work. So you call in with the lame-old excuse about feeling ill even though you know your boss doesn't buy it. Besides, "feeling ill" is at best only a short-term solution that won't win you any fans at the office. That's why if you're going to play hooky, you need an excuse that will help you save face as well as your sanity. Here are some ideas. 1. (For women) "I have really bad cramps." Now before you dismiss this one, think about it: Who can argue? It's such an embarrassing topic that nobody will ever challenge you. It's one of those things that men honestly have no clue about and women can sympathize with. 2. (For men) "I have horrible diarrhea." Again, before you dismiss this one, remember that it's such an embarrassing topic - especially for a man - nobody will doubt your sincerity. Plus, it's simple. You don't need an elaborate back story because no one wants to hear the details. If anything, your boss and co-workers will admire you for your honesty. 3.** End Summary**

The Best Money-Saving Tips for College Students

Thu, 14 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0500

With the cost of tuition on the rise, college students are seeking new ways to save a buck while going to school. "Scholarships Around the US" has compiled a number of such ways - 118 to be precise - that can help offset the cost of higher education. While the entire list ought to be required reading for any co-ed, I've excerpted the ten that I thought were most effective and most striking, and then I added the one that they forgot: getting a Costco Membership. 1. Borrow textbooks. If you can't borrow, buy used. If you can't buy used and have to buy new, check for an "international" edition. International editions are nearly identical, except for maybe some Chinese characters on the front, and it will be exponentially cheaper. 2. Brew your own coffee. Your daily latte, cappuccino, or mocha from a coffee house will run you between $2.50 and $3.50. Seven days of that routine costs you $17.50 per week, $70 per month, and around $280 per semester. Making your own coffee or drinking less could save you $500 over the course of a year. 3. Kick the bottled water habit.** End Summary**

About the Author:
Benjamin Welch offers advice for students seeking information about college, financial aid , work-study, student loans , grants and scholarships at Classesandcareers.com.

Top 5 Reasons Why Employees Hate Their Bosses (And What Bosses Can Do About It)

Wed, 13 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0500

Every boss can't be loved by every employee. But that doesn't mean that every boss needs to be Michael Scott from NBC's The Office. Thus, in order to minimize resentment, a good boss should understand some of more common reasons why employers hate their bosses so they can respond swiftly and effectively. 1. Employees need respect. One of greatest complaints that nearly every employee has about their boss is a perceived lack of respect. Most employees feel their bosses don't respect their privacy, their ability, and their personal lives (yes, employees have a life outside of work). As such, employers should go out of their way to show respect to each employee in the organization. Remember that respect tends to be reciprocated; as such, showing respect to employees is one of the most effective ways to win their respect and loyalty. 2. Employees dislike micromanagers and under-managers. A bad boss is like an overbearing parent. A good boss, by contrast, treats employers like adults - that means giving employees plenty of space and freedom to accomplish their work. Bosses should never spy and should strive to maintain privacy. In short: if your employees are good workers, don't micromanage.** End Summary**

About the Author:
Benjamin Welch has been a college instructor in writing and composition for nearly six years. When he's not teaching or playing golf, he offers career and education tools to help students explore career and online education options.

How To Choose the Right Degree For You

Wed, 13 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0500

The number and nature of college degrees are as diverse as the people who get them. They come in different sizes - associate, bachelors, masters, and doctoral - and in scores of different subjects. So how do you choose the right degree for you? Here are a few questions you may want to ask yourself. Which degree best suits me? One of the most effective ways to select a degree is to find one that fits your personality and tastes. Make a list of strengths, weaknesses, passions, and any experiences that have motivated you. Get suggestions from family and friends - try to see yourself through another's eyes. Then, once you've created a profile of yourself, browse through a list of college degrees and majors and see which ones suit you. Remember that you will spend a couple of years focused on one particular area, so you want to find a degree that will hold your interest. What career do I want? Another way to choose a degree is to start with the career you want and work backwards.** End Summary**

Online or Traditional Education: Which Is Right For You?

Tue, 12 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0500

For most people, the decision to get a college education is, if you'll pardon the expression, a "no-brainer." A not-so-obvious decision is to whether to get your education in a traditional, on-campus setting or - as is becoming more common - to get it online. The purpose of this article is to examine the differences between traditional and online education in terms of cost, class schedule, classroom environment, social life, and job opportunities. Cost The primary financial advantage of online education is that it is typically less-expensive to obtain. Tuition is cheaper for online classes than it is for traditional classes, and by studying online you also save money on housing, transportation, and other fees. The primary advantage of traditional education is that despite its relative cost you are more likely to get a high-paying job than a graduate from an online university. Thus, online education is less-expensive to obtain but traditional education may provide a bigger pay-out at the end. Please note that these are general differences and may vary greatly depending on the school and area of study. Class Schedules and Classroom Environment One of the great appeals of online education is its convenience.** End Summary**

About the Author:
Benjamin Welch has been a college instructor in writing and composition for nearly six years. When he's not teaching or playing golf, he offers advice for students seeking to earn either an online education or an on campus education .

7 Benefits of Online Education

Tue, 12 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0500

For centuries, a college education meant "going away to school". It meant ivy-encrusted campuses, dorms and fraternities, and all-nighters at the library cramming for a chemistry test. But recently, prospective students are facing a new kind of college experience - online education. The purpose of this article is to inform students about some of the potential benefits of this new kind of college education in which students take classes and work toward their degrees over the internet. 1. Accessibility Traditionally, if a student wanted a college education they had to relocate or commute to campus, reduce hours at work, or even postpone careers entirely. But not anymore. Online education offers the same quality education, the same courses, and the same degrees as traditional education but in a more convenient setting. With online education, you can get a college education on your schedule. All you need is a computer and an internet connection and you can go to college in the comfort of your own home. 2. Flexibility In addition to being more accessible, online education is also more flexible than traditional education, especially for students who work.** End Summary**

About the Author:
Benjamin Welch has been a college instructor in writing and composition for nearly six years. When he's not teaching or playing golf, he writes articles about online education and careers. Find more of Ben's work in the online education blog .

Degrees, Diplomas, and Certificates: What's The Difference?

Tue, 12 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0500

One of the first and most important decisions in getting an education is choosing the right program. There are a variety of options available, including degree, diploma, and certificate programs. The purpose of this article is to identify the basic differences among these programs and to examine their respective strengths and weaknesses. A degree is the traditional measure of a college education. A college degree signifies that its recipient has fulfilled both "core requirements" and "major requirements". Core requirements are intended to provide students with a basic knowledge of arts and sciences. Typically, these "core classes" include math, history, natural sciences, composition, and even physical fitness. And while students may have some discretion in choosing individual classes within these broader subject areas, all students must complete a set number of "core requirements". Additionally, students must satisfy the "major requirements", which are based on the student's chosen area of emphasis. There are several different degrees, including associate, bachelors, masters, and doctorate. Degrees vary based on the time needed to complete their respective "major requirements". Typically, a full-time student can complete an associate degree in two years and a bachelors in four.** End Summary**

Applying For College As An Adult: What, Me Worry?

Sat, 09 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0500

Going back to school can be intimidating, especially if you've been away for a while or, most especially, if you never went. Don't worry - a little anxiety is perfectly normal. You might be concerned about being in a new environment or about the intellectual challenges school will bring. Maybe you worry about having enough time. Whatever your concerns, there is one thing you should not worry about - namely, the application process. This essay discusses three parts of the application process and explains why applications should not interfere with your academic goals. SAT and ACT Scores For many high school students, one of the most intimidating aspects of applying for college admission is taking the SAT or ACT. For millions of these college-hopefuls, these exams determine their fate - where they get in and what, if any, financial aid they will receive. The question is: if high school students get worked-up over these exams after being in an academic environment for most of their lives, then how should you - an adult student - feel about the prospect of taking these tests after being away from school for years? The answer: you should not be concerned in the least.** End Summary**

About the Author:
Benjamin Welch has been a college instructor in writing and composition for nearly six years. When he's not teaching or playing golf, he writes articles about online degrees, adult education and careers. Find more of Ben's work, as well as information on colleges and universities by visiting Classesandcareers.com.

Why Do People Stay in Dead-End Jobs?

Thu, 07 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0500

So you've been working at the same job for awhile. You haven't been promoted or transferred. You're doing the same thing you did when you started. You haven't gotten a raise despite several favorable reviews. Worst of all, you can tell work is getting to you. You're more anxious somehow. Maybe you're even developing a bit of a temper. Basically, you're in a dead-end job. The problem is this: you know you're in a dead-end job and yet you feel powerless to do anything about it. But why? Why not quit? Why not find something more meaningful? The purpose of this article is to examine some of the possible answers to these questions and to investigate how people like you can escape the mire of a dead-end job. Ignorance One of the most common reasons that people stick with dead-end jobs is precisely that they don't recognize them as such. Maybe they think a promotion or a raise is just around the corner. Maybe they're convinced that if they endure just a little longer, it will all be worth it.** End Summary**