Top 10 Guidance Counselor Posts - July 2010
ShareThisIs Online Education Right for You?
Online education is more credible and mainstream than ever, so it fits that we receive dozens of questions each month about online programs. One of the most basic is whether you should consider an online degree at all, especially if you work.
In the post titled Should I Go Online to Get my College Degree?, our guidance counselor emphasizes that continuing your education can boost your potential at your current job while making you more marketable in your next one. The flexibility and autonomy of an online program is ideal for full-time workers. In the end, however, it's your ability to manage your time that determines your success.
While online schools are great for busy professionals, they complement a variety of other goals. In Can I Take Online Courses as Pre-Requisites?, our expert notes that some pre-requisite or general education coursework can be completed online before enrolling in a brick-and-mortar campus, so long as your college accepts the transfer units. Talk with guidance counselors or admissions representatives at both schools to determine transfer eligibility.
How to Succeed in an Online Degree Program
The best way to improve your chances of success in an online degree program is finding one that suits your goals and lifestyle. Online programs are available for all types of degrees--from associate's to doctoral--and in virtually any subject. Some are completely online while others require some field training or in-person lab work. Contact the appropriate admissions representatives to discuss whether their program is a good fit
When considering your motives for enrolling in an online program, ease should not be among them. "A credentialed and high-quality online program can be every bit as demanding as a respectable campus-based college," our guidance counselor writes in Are Online Programs Easier than Campus Colleges?. Expect to work just as hard, even if you can do it in your pajamas.
How you can succeed in an online program? To manage the demands of distance learning, online students must:
- Be organized
- Have excellent time management skills
- Work well independently
- Know how and when to get help
Need a New Career? How to Get Started
Deciding to launch a new career is a life-changing move, but the real work comes when deciding what you want to do.
Consulting a guidance counselor is an excellent first step toward finding your dream career. Consider disciplines that appeal to you, not just those promising big paychecks. A guidance counselor can help make career plans with a mind for your academic background.
Career aptitude tests are another great resource for job-seekers and students. In the post What Are Career Tests?, our expert explains how career assessment tests can help you identify your career preferences or aptitudes to make better career decisions. Looking to tools like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and the Strong Interest Inventory can help you get started. While you can often find these types of assessments online, a qualified career counselor can ensure they are administered properly.
Help for Current and Future High School Students
While our experts frequently advise college students and job-seekers, they also receive a number of questions each month from readers considering alternative ways to complete high school or who hope to jump-start their college educations before earning their diplomas.
If you're looking for cost effective ways to complete high school, you aren't alone. Borrowing GED study aids from your local library and taking the exam at a local site is the most affordable way to earn a high school diploma equivalent. If you'd prefer to earn a high school diploma, an online high school is a great alternative. Some public high schools offer online programs at no charge. Private online high schools carry a cost, but offer may financial aid. Contact the school directly to learn more.
Some readers are current high school students looking to get ahead. High school students can contact colleges to see if they permit dual enrollment, or special programs that allow current high school students to earn college credit. She suggests researching online schools, requesting more information from the, and speaking with their admissions counselors about specifics.
