I KNOW I CAN Program Overview

Established in 1998, the I KNOW I CAN organizations seeks to ensure that every qualified Columbus Public School student who wants to go to college has the opportunity to do so. Part of the mission is to encourage children to find out what resources are available to them in order to overcome student and parent fears about financial and informational decisions relating to a college education.

The I KNOW I CAN plan has four missions. The first is to motivate students to stay in school and pursue college. The second is to advise students and parents how to apply for college and access financial aid. The third mission is to fund students with the Last Dollar Grant and find additional sources of financial aid for needy students. Finally, the organization promises ongoing support for students in college to help ensure that they complete their degrees.

Early Awareness Programs

The Columbus Schools offers children a long term program for attending college. Beginning in second grade, all Columbus Public School children receive a free I KNOW I CAN motivational children’s book in order to show children that college is possible and affordable for people from all walks of life.

At the middle and high school level, the Summer Scholars Program helps academically talented students attend summer enrichment programs at college campuses across the nation. Columbus Public School students receive financial and application help to attend these programs and gain the necessary exposure to what life is like on a college campus.

High School Workshops

Academic and financial advising for all high school students, with a particular focus on high school seniors, is another way in which the I KNOW I CAN organization helps Columbus Public School students prepare for college. Volunteer advisors help Columbus Public School students by arranging college awareness fairs and a variety of activities that bring students to college campuses and help them understand the various strategies that they can use to gain admission, including exam preparation as well as enrolling in college preparation courses while still in high school.

Every February, the I KNOW I CAN hosts Financial Aid workshops in conjunction with the Columbus Public Schools. These workshops help parents and students complete all the necessary forms for applying for federal and state financial aid. These workshops pair volunteers with parents and students to ensure the one – on – one attention for each Columbus Public School student interested in applying for college financial aid.

Last Dollar Grants

After ensuring that every Columbus Public School student has received all the financial help possible from federal and state sources, the I KNOW I CAN organization helps to arrange additional funding, up to $1,200 per academic year for those students who need extra money to fill the gaps in their financial aid package. The organization guarantees financial aid assistance to every qualified graduate in the Columbus City School District. The grants are available for up to five years and must be re – applied for every year that the student attends university.

By: Stacy Andell

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As homeschoolers, we work, think, plan, organize and reorganize our homes, curricula, and even our daily schedules to pour into our children the tools we think they will need. It’s a daunting calling, one that takes much time and focus, but one that is rich with rewards. Typically, homeschoolers would not trade what they do for any other job. They are passionate and caring, focused and intentional. That is in all areas except one, as a rule. Homeschoolers tend to drop the ball a bit in career planning, at least in one regard.

Most homeschoolers fall into one of two categories when it comes to college. Either they believe that their child will earn a full scholarship due to some particular skill they have in sports or the fine arts, for instance, or they believe that they’ll figure that out when they get a little closer based on which colleges are “homeschool friendly” at that time. These are both generalities, obviously, and there are shades of belief within them, but what is missing from both ends is the idea of careers.

In reality, college students change their majors frequently. It is not unusual on college campuses for advisors to report that students are on their third or fourth major. What that means to homeschoolers, and to college preparation in general, is that one of the critical strategies of preparing your student for college is to understand that they will need to be well-rounded. To “put all of your eggs into one basket” so to speak, whether the skill-based scholarship camp or the homeschool-friendly college camp could leave your student lacking important options.

Remember that one of the reasons that you decided to homeschool was probably some level of control that you wanted to retain. You wanted to control the influences so that your homeschooled child could take the greatest advantage of the personal attention and increase their effectiveness as adults. One of the ways to do that is to give more options to your homeschool children.

This means that your homeschool program should be rich in content, not just the arts or sports. Your curricula should be full of in-depth critical thinking and writing components so that your child can communicate well in college. Careers are based, initially, on what a child majors in in college and to best plan for that, we need to ensure that our children have more options when we get them into college.

As homeschoolers, be careful of making any assumptions about the likelihood that your child will earn that football or theater scholarship. They may, but they may not. And also don’t think that you can figure it out when you get there if you haven’t given them the solid academic foundation that they need to succeed in college. Make the best use of your child’s homeschool program, by keeping in mind the fact that many students honestly don’t know what they intend to major in when they are in high school. They may not even know the first couple of years in college. For their future careers, no matter the field, they will best be served by planning for depth and broad skill sets – those are the best tools for career planning.

By: Camille Rodriquez

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Getting into the college of your choice means scoring high
on the college admissions test. In some countries, college
admissions exams are administered by the college or
university itself. In the US, there are many different tests
depending on the Institution. College entrance exams serve a
specific purpose. They are used to gauge whether the student
can live by the standards of the college and is ready to
tackle the academic workload. College entrance test
preparation requires both time and diligent study.

To make the preparation for the test easier, we have
prepared some tips and guidelines for the day before the
test and during the test.

General Tips:

Think positive and psyche yourself. Thinking positive and
psyching yourself will literally pave the way for more
effective study. Motivating your mind will open it up to
what lies ahead. It will also help you gather up the energy
and the desire that can sustain your long preparation for
the exam. Remember that your future is in your hands.

Research the college of your choice. Make a list of at least
the top three colleges or universities where you would like
to study and rank them. Find out their required grade on the
entrance exam. Once you your target, you know what grade you
must reach for.

Make a list of why you want to master the test. This list
may come in handy in the future. Like in a couple of weeks
when your spirits have shot down and you are feeling lazy.
The things you have listed will remind you of why you
decided to prepare for this test in the first place.

Gather your study materials. Compile your notes, textbooks
and study guides. It is important for you to consult a
diverse range of study materials. Study guides that are
available online or in the bookstores will provide you with
practice tests. Practice tests will give you invaluable
practice as well as the general ‘feel’ of the exam. Time
yourself when taking the practice tests to familiarize
yourself with the time pressure of the real exam.

Assess yourself. Take diagnostic or practice tests. Analyze
the result. Mark the areas you could consider your weak
areas. Concentrate on these areas when you begin studying.

Draft a study plan. The study plan must include the time
frame you will follow along with the topics you need to
cover. This will help you systematize your study habits.

Guidelines for the Test Day:

Eat a healthy meal the night before the exam. Having a
healthy meal will effectively nourish your faculties. You
need to be at your best when you take the test, which
includes being properly nourished and hydrated.

Get plenty of sleep. Make sure to have at least 7 to 8 hours
of sleep the night before the test. You need to be well
rested and relaxed. You don’t want to be drowsy and confused
when you take the test, right?

Get up early. By early we mean giving yourself enough time
to be fully awake when you take the test. The time here is
quite relative. Some people are fully awake a few minutes
after waking up, while some could use an hour or so.

Eat a healthy breakfast. Have a nutritious breakfast. Make
sure you don’t eat too much. You have to be energized
enough, but not too full when you take the exam.

Wear comfortable clothes and dress in layers. You don’t want
to be too hot or too cold. You cannot afford to be
distracted by anything while taking the test.

College entrance exams need thorough preparation. It may be
helpful to know your goals and which college you would like
to study in. These simple tips can go a long way when you
take your test. Remember, you will not be able to get into
the college you want to without pushing yourself

By: Brian Stocker

About the Author:

Your final year of college needs to be taken seriously. You need to make sure that you graduate, and you need to make sure that you have a plan for after you leave school. Here are five mandatory items on the preparation checklist for your final college year.

1. Fulfill all college credit requirements

Meet with an academic advisor. Make sure there are no anomalies on your transcript. Address any credit concerns. Did a general education requirement slip through the cracks? Have you taken all of the necessary upper division courses to complete your major? Did you forget any lower division requirements? Figure out if you need to adjust your remaining class schedule, and do so as soon as possible.

2. Start a serious job hunt

You need an exit strategy if you are going to be able to overcome the post-college blues. After you graduate, you are going to be in new territory. You will have to leave the comfort of campus and classrooms and enter the working world. When you graduate, you need to have a career plan (even a temporary one). Look for jobs while you’re still in school. Apply everywhere and go on tons of interviews. If you’re going to relocate, you still need to figure out how your going to earn a living once college has run its course.

3. Assess your future living situation

Are you going to stick around after college? Do you enjoy the place you live so much, that you couldn’t possibly imagine moving away, or have you been counting down the days until you can go back home. Whatever your situation is, you need to look ahead. If you plan on moving, make arrangements early. If you plan on sticking around, make sure all there’s no surprises when it comes to finding accommodations.

4. Fill out applications for graduate school

If you intended to immediately continue your education after college, then you need to be on the ball about getting your grad school applications in on time. Make sure you meet any admission requirements before applying. Don’t forget about financial aid and scholarship opportunities.

5. Enjoy your limited time in college

Your window for experiencing college is closing. Make the most of what little time you have left. Get all of your stuff done, but don’t forget to relish the experience. Have fun. Go out with your friends. Try new things. You can still be serious about your final year, while also taking the chance to truly savor your accomplishments.

If you’ve worked hard, and if you’ve budgeted your time accordingly, then you’ll have nothing to worry about your final year of college. Just remember to look ahead. Have an exit strategy. Get all your requirements completed on time. Start looking for work and new housing. Apply to grad school if that’s the plan, but either way, enjoy what you have left. College is a once in a lifetime experience. Squeeze all the good times out while you still can.

By: Chris Stout

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The SAT essay makes most students nervous. How can you impress the graders through your essay? How to write an essay that can maximize your SAT score? Does our SAT test preparation program include insights into the SAT essay section? You can write FREE SAT practice tests to analyze your level. Here are some strategies to tackle the SAT essay.

Reading the Prompt Carefully

Unless you understand what has to be written, you will essentially be easting your time. A good way to understand the prompt is to circle key words and phrases, before actually starting to write.

Deciding on the Thesis

The SAT essay allows you to agree or disagree with the topic in a given prompt. Remember, you can write the essay either way. It has nothing to do with what is ‘true’. However, your essay should contain references, and statements that support your view. Absolute statements should not ne stated unless you have examples to prove their relevance with the essay. The SAT Essay does not judge you on the basis of your general knowledge; its tests your skills to substantiate what you choose, and to write in a coherent style.

Substantiating you thesis

You should only start writing an essay after you have worked out the examples in your mind, to support your thesis. You cannot afford to change out thesis in the middle of an essay. The best technique to tackle this issue is to brainstorm your examples proper to writing the essay.

Summarizing the thesis in the introduction

You are given 25 minutes to write an essay. It is therefore important to make the best use of those twenty five minutes. You should try to write a few sentences that can talk about your thesis briefly. You do not have to shout to make your point; a subtle style would be more productive.

Essay Length

This is a debatable topic. Some teachers believe writing a short essay is better. Others support the idea of writing long essays. Research on the SAT easy grading suggests that long essays are preferred over short essays. This is applicable only when both have meaning to them. In other words, you should try writing a meaningful essay with 3-4 body paragraphs. For each paragraph start with a statement, provide information to support your point, derive logical inferences to prove our idea, and finally, restate the point.

Language

It is important to demonstrate your command over English while wiring an essay. Idioms should be used wherever necessary. For example, writing ‘A still tongue keeps a wise head’ is better than using the words ‘Wise people don’t talk much’. You should, however, refrain from using flowery language just to fill in space.

Conclusion

A SAT essay would fail to impress the grader if it does not have a solid conclusion that reiterates your thesis, and summarizes your points.

By: Shashank S

About the Author:

The GRE verbal section can be quite tricky, but with the right practice and preparation you can improve your score. The verbal section is highly reliant on vocabulary and reading comprehension, so make sure you spend a lot of time focusing on both of these skills. This article will help you devise a strategy to best attack this difficult exam — and have fun at the same time.

First, you need to have a obtain a high level of reading comprehension going into the GRE exam. The best way to practice this is to read, a lot. It seems like an obvious suggestion, but it is the key to the reading comprehension section. The more you read material that you will likely encounter on the exam, the better you will do. The reading sections can be somewhat complicated, so be sure to invest in an official study guide so you can prep and practice for the specific types of passages that will appear on the GRE verbal exam.

Next, you need to beef up your GRE vocabulary skills. The aforementioned reading will help, but there is another tactic you can try. And thankfully it does not involve spending countless hours staring at a huge dictionary memorizing obscure words. A great tactic to practice for the GRE verbal section is to use vocabulary rhymes. By making the learning process fun and entertaining you are much more likely to spend more time studying and less time worrying. There are some great vocabulary rhyme books on the market today in both the ebook and paperback form.

By: Reginald Wellington

About the Author:

For most, the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) will be an important part of the business school application process. The GMAT is a standardized test B-Schools use to evaluate applicants. Naturally, preparing for the exam will be the most time consuming aspect, however, there are many factors surrounding the exam that warrant careful consideration as well.

Your first step should be to set an exam date, and if possible, register for the exam. This can be done over the internet. It is essential to make sure your exam date meets the deadline demands of your school choices. If you are unsure of where you stand as far as the test material, it may be worthwhile to take advantage of the free tests available on MBA.com, or at least review the subjects on the GMAT. This way, you will be better able to set a test date that allows enough time for proper preparation.

Now, it’s time to study. At the outset of your GMAT preparation it’s important to develop a study plan to keep you on track for your exam date. To begin, find your strengths and weaknesses. There are plenty of GMAT study guides to assist you with this. Furthermore, depending on your time frame and budget, there are GMAT preparation classes available. Whatever resources you choose, make sure you get The Official Guide which is made by the creators of the GMAT and contains actual past test questions. You should quickly be able to identify your weaknesses in regards to the material and develop your study plan accordingly.

If you have the time, it could be very beneficial to browse the many available GMAT forums and learn about other people’s test experiences. You will find many great tips on a variety of topics, such as how to deal with test day jitters and good to know facts about the test facilities. For instance, many people have trouble adjusting to the scratch materials handed out at the facilities. While this may seem inconsequential, the time constraints make every second count.

Whatever your skill level may be, good GMAT preparation requires organization and dedication. These tips can be beneficial to anyone, regardless of ability and familiarity with the GMAT. The MBA admissions process can be stressful, but staying on track with your GMAT studies can go a long way toward minimizing this stress. And you never know, you may even enjoy it!

By: Mason Brentwood

About the Author:

Colleges want students that are prepared for higher education coursework. The closest match for most high school students are the Advanced Placement courses, commonly called AP classes.
AP courses have earned their reputation as challenging, time-intensive classes. These classes add another challenge to an already difficult schedule of high school and college preparation. There are, however, several reasons why AP classes are worth the effort.

1. Drive. AP courses are usually equivalent to college freshman-level classes. College admissions counselors love to see AP courses on your transcript because they demonstrate your desire to succeed at the college level. Even if you don’t ace the tests colleges will still admire the effort – and guts – these tough classes take.

2. Depth. These classes are focused on specialized subjects. There are no general info classes here. These courses allow you the opportunity to examine your interest in a specific field of study. If you enjoy the work then perhaps you’ve found a major. Or you may learn you aren’t as interested in a subject.

3. Credit. Success during the AP exam could save you time and money in college. Each AP class is accompanied by an exam in May. The tests are graded on a five point scale, and scoring three or better is good for credit at most schools. This can mean big time college credit. In some instances, a single AP biology class could take the place of two semesters of entry level biology, lab included. AP classes can help you by-pass first year classes and get into the meat of your major sooner. Saving a semester or two of college could save you thousands of dollars, too. But don’t count your chickens before they hatch: Check with a potential college on their AP acceptance levels.

4. Grades. Some high schools offer incentives to encourage more students to take AP classes. Some schools weight AP grades on a 5-point scale instead of the traditional 4-point scale. For example, in these AP classes an A would be 5 and a B would be 4. So even if you made a B in the class you could still keep your perfect 4.0 GPA. If you do better, you could raise your GPA above 4.0. You can literally score off the chart!

Of course, there are a few catches to AP classes. Not every high school offers AP classes. Some offer dual-enrollment courses, which allow students to earn credit both in high school and at a local college. Look into this option if AP classes are not available.

Some AP classes may carry extra fees for in-class or test materials. If money is a problem speak with a subject teacher or school counselor. They may be able to waive fees.

If the classes are available, and you’re up to the challenge, AP classes can give you a head-start on what promises to be a bright college career. They might even make your college search easier!

By: Phillip Walters

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M.B.A. INSTITUTES IN PUNE CITY:

Pune city is known as the oxford of the east. It has enormous educational importance in India. Many students rush to the city to have a good education which is recognized all over the world. So, the city is feeding knowledge quenchers.

Pune-India is a favorite educational pilgrimage of foreigners. The city provides them with excellent educational facilities with advanced technologies and wide exposure. Globalization rate is high in the city. So, it has worldwide connectivity. That proves beneficial in recruitment of fresh M.B.A. pass -outs.

There are the best colleges for top graded courses like medical, engineering, foreign languages, travel and tourism, M.B.A. colleges etc. every year many students rush to the city to get their desired career.M.B.A is a career which has highest demand because it is business oriented and there is large scope for these professionals.

The scope will grow up with the time as the world is chasing new business strategies and norms day by day. Not a single field is left out from the reach of business. Or we can say that business drives all the affairs of modern age. So, a master in business administration is all time hit in career seekers.

What is M.B.A.?

Masters in business administration -the degree was introduced in the early 1900′s. Since then, the field has generated wide compass which is long-lasting. Managerial skills are prerequisite for each and every field, these professionals get good scope to pursue best career after they finish M.B.A. course.

As this is a master’s degree, there are prerequisite qualifications for the degree. Those eligibility criterions are graduation from any field with good marks, experience of working in the field, marks /ranks of entrance exam. This entrance exam is known as

C.E.T. It has two sections – written, Group Discussion, personal Interview. Written test is based on general awareness, mathematics, English, reasoning aptitude etc. when candidate passes written test with good numbers he is eligible for next round that is G.D.-P.A. group discussion and personal interview checks the communication skills of candidate, thinking procedure, etiquettes, and overall presentation.

University of Pune declares timetable of M.B.A. C.E.T. timetable on its website and in crucial newspapers also. There are approximately 130 colleges in Pune city which are affiliated to university of Pune. After candidates pass the C.E.T, P.U.M.B.A. allots colleges according to merit list to these candidates. Pune city also has some well-known colleges like Bharati Vidyapeeth, Symbiosis College, Indira international college of management etc. which are deemed universities. So, they hold separate entrance test.

While preferring an M.B.A. college, campus interview, library facility, job assistance, internship programs, infrastructure, and hostel facilities are some issues to be considered. Fee structure and installments also makes you to decide about right M.B.A. College.

Preparation for C.E.T. consists study of written exam, practicing mock interviews and group discussions, application for educational loan (if applicable) etc. the options like part time M.B.A., correspondent M.B.A., Online M.B.A. and external M.B.A. are also available for those who want to “earn and learn”.

So, select your perfect career option to win the race.

By: Jyotika Joe

About the Author:

College is a great part in a young adult’s life. This transition from the dependent setting of a high school to the independent setting of college life signifies the transition into adulthood and more. Preparing for college should be of the utmost importance for a college freshman, and making sure that the proper necessities are brought along to the dorm can be the difference between a good or bad experience in the first year.

It is very important for a new student to bring all of the regular school products, such as pens, pencils, notebooks, and a calculator. It may also be a good idea to bring along colored pencils and highlighters. Colored pencils will not be used as much as they were used in high school, but there are some class projects that require colorful work. Highlighters will be used more that a new student would think. Professors are bound to give out packets of reading materials and documents with tons of information. Highlighters can help to decipher what is important from what is not for studying purposes.

Along with school supplies, items that will be needed in the dorm room are also essentials. Bring along plenty of clothes. It is always safer to bring more clothes than you need. Taking warm clothes is also key because although the weather may be nice in the morning, it can change fast. Also, the long walks from the dorm or apartment to class can be a rather chilly one. Many pairs of undergarments and socks should also be brought along.

Bathroom products and toiletries are easily forgotten and very important amenities. It is important to keep clean in college because dorm rooms and residence halls can cause diseases and viruses to spread rapidly. Flip flops or sandals should be brought to wear in the shower to stop the spread of things like warts and other foot dwelling viruses.

Most dorm rooms come with their own lofts, beds, and desks, so none of those items will be needed. Depending on where the schooling is taking place, there may already be furniture, such as a futon or chairs, in the room. If this is not the case, then these things should be provided. A futon is a very important piece of furniture because students typically spend much more time in their room than they intend on spending there. Having a comfortable place to sit can be the difference between comfortable studying and lying on the floor trying to study.

Electronic equipment and entertainment is a very much needed asset to a college dorm room. A television set should be brought from home, along with any gaming consoles that a student would like to play with while there. Online gaming is very big on college campuses and can provide relief from countless hours of studying. Food storage devices, such as refrigerator and freezers, should also be brought. A student cannot always count on a store or a restaurant to be open. Having these things in the room can provide a tasty treat during midnight study sessions.

By far the most important thing that a college student can bring to school is their very own laptop computer. These little devices come in very handy in all situations. They can provide entertainment during down times from studies and are essential for writing papers and researching topics for classes. Although it is not a good behavior to start, they can also be used for internet surfing during the most boring lectures.

By: Giovanna V

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